SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

 Gown Medals: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani (Bronze medal), Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas (Gold medal), Miss earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez (Silver medal) and Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco (Silver medal)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

All photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook 

Well kids, it is indeed the start of the "International Pageant Season"! Last week, I discussed my TOP 15 FAVORITES for the Miss Grand International 2017 which is happening in Vietnam (Read HERE!)...and at the same time in another Asian country--this time the Philippines--the Miss Earth 2017 beauty pageant is happening. The 17th edition of the Miss Earth contest is occurring with 87 contestants from all over the world competing for the coveted crown with the Final Crowning Night taking place on November 4th at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila Philippines.

Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria (bronze), Miss Earth Peru (Gold), Miss Earth Costa Rita and Miss Earth Philippines (Silver) flanked by the reining Miss Earth 2016 from Ecuador Katherine Espin (second from left)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

In advance of the final night, lots of pre-final pageant event competitions are occurring including the Swimsuit, Resorts  Wear, Talent and the one that I am most interested in (naturally!) here in my "Sashes & Tiaras" BLOG: The EVENING GOWN COMPETITION. The "Long Gown Competition" as it is called (as opposed to "Short Gown"??) is happening in separate sections with 3 different contestant groups competing...

Satins and Sequins: Contestants from Group 2 of Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition--Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila Philippines

In each of these contests, the top contestants get medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) which will give them points helping them gain better spots in the Finals (similar to Miss "World" I am guessing).

The first "Long Gown Competition" occurred on Tuesday night with "Group 2" consisting of 29 ladies. The winner (or Best in Long Gown)--according to the judges--was Miss Earth Peru, with the Silver going to Miss Earth Costa Rica and Miss Earth Philippines and the Bronze going to Miss Earth Nigeria.

Good Gowns or Not-so-Muchee? Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Contestants

There's no way of beating around the bush: I do not know who the judges were but...I did not agree so much with the Top Four (well, only just one!)...so, as it has become a tradition here in my BLOG, below are MY TOP Favorites of the Group (Top 10) and five that were just A MESS. Before I show you my list, I have to say that these were not a group of UBER FAB Couture Gals. I know this isn't Miss Universe or Miss World and therefore these contestants might not have the caliber of design and money backing them so I did give a little "slack" for that but still...as a fashion designer/pageant fan/red carpet commentator, I had to "judge" adequately.



Here's my Top 10 Best from Number One to Ten: 

1. Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani: OK, first of all,, is it A LOT? Yes. But, is it still really kind of fabulous? DOUBLE YES! I like this for many reasons: It looks AMAZING and impacting. She looks like a PERFECT beauty queen. It fits well. The length is also PERFECTION and to-the-floor! The silver is on-point and just right for her skin color. I love it. I would have given her THE GOLD!

Score: 9.15

2. Miss Earth Angola: Ermelinda Demantos: Loved this look from head to (almost) toe. The blush/golden colored shimmering gown was red carpet perfect, looked refined and well-made and not so "fire friendly" (some of the other gowns were MAJOR polyester-get-near-a-match-and-they'll light up messes!). I really liked her slicked back hair but...those UBER-stacked heels (is that what I see peaking from the center front slit?) are really not making me happy! PLEASE Ermelinda, dump those things and go for non-platform strappy heels (and just have a seamstress hem-up your gown. ASAP.

Score: 9.00

3. Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco: I liked the blue color, the one shoulder-like silhouette and nude illusion insets. Was this a but "Figure Skating Costume"? TOTALLY. But, listen, compared to a lot of the other gowns I saw here, this was VERY NICE. TRUST ME! It fit well, wasn't so tacky, wasn't HOOCHIE, had stage presence, the length was correct and her hair was modern and not so "Pageant Betty".

Score: 8.98

 4. Miss Earth Spain Ainara de Santamaria: I liked this gown and it was one of my favorites of this group for its simplicity, non "cray-cray" detail and pure and elegant fit. I also liked the emerald and light green sequined detail. Oh, and yes, the length was JUST RIGHT! It was simple, beautiful and impacting.

Score: 8.97

5. Miss Earth England Charlotte Brooke: Miss Earth England wore this golden-hued gown with silver crystals featuring a fitted column gown over a full overskirt. The style was elegant, impacting and almost Paris Haute Couture-like (almost). Her styling, however, was the unfortunately aspect which didn't elevate this gown to a position of fabulousness and grandeur; her hair was droopy, her make-up was inelegant...she looked too simple and "basic" yet her gown was "Red Carpet Cannes Film Festival". I gave her points more for the gown than her personal styling. It was still better than most of the others...even the ones who got some of the Long Gown medals.

Score: 8.70 

6. Miss Earth Chile Sofia Manzur: Since I had to pick my Top Ten here in this group, some of these choices were "giving them too much credit". But wait until you see some of my "Uh Oh" choices and you'll understand how this might have been "GREAT!". I liked the red color and the fit was fine. Sofia looked like a Spanish Senorita in a Sevillana Gala. I also loved her slicked back chignon. I wasn't a fan of those CRAZY gold sequined pumps (Ayyy Dios Mio!) and that "Cha-Cha Peek-a-Boo-Danger Zone" super high slit. But, if I just half-closed my eyes and avoided those two things...

Score: 8.20

7. Miss Earth Cameroon Verucha Cossinda: I liked the "mermaid Lite" silhouette of this gown and the color was lovely. I'm also happy about the fit and correct length (no tacky platform pumps showing!). Overall, this was a pretty choice for Miss Earth Cameroon.

Score: 8.10

8. Miss Earth Lebanon Elsa Antoun: Nice gown for Elsa, Miss Earth Lebanon. This black and white "Mermaid" shaped gown featured white appliques and black tulle godets at the bottom. It was nothing extraordinary but at least it fit well, was the right length and there weren't any HOOCHIE too-high slits or breast-a-licious cleavage.

Score: 8.05

9. Miss Earth Pakistan Ramina Ashfaque: Yes darlings, you read right--Miss Earth PAKISTAN! Karachi-born Ramina is competing in the Miss Earth 2017 contest and for the Long Gown Competition, she wore this canary yellow gown. Listen, under any other circumstances (or this was "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" I would have deemed this a "Sherri hill off-the-rack Pageant Betty" you-know-what. However, I think she looked radiant and lovely in this. It fit her well and she made an impact on stage. Was it A LOT of polyester? YES. And would I rather not seen those nude platform pumps? Totally. But, in this group, she was still one of my Top Ten.

Score: 8.00

10: Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas: Believe it or not (I couldn't!), Karen won the "Gold medal" for this gown in the Miss earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2. I placed her as my TENTH favorite. This was OK but certainly--at least in my eyes--not the BEST. I did like the gold flower appliques over the terracotta-colored illusion netting...and it was A LOOK but...it was verging on tacky-licious. But I had to add a tenth favorite and I decided Miss Earth Peru and her gown would be the one.

Score: 7.99



Now, on to the "Oh-No-She-Didn't: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Edition": Her are my "Top Five" Uh Oh's...

Miss Earth Belarus Polli Cannabis: Oh Polli. Bless your heart. While I kind of liked the top part, the bottom half was just a true GOWN MESS; it looked like black and pink toilet paper got stuck in a tornado and created a gown-skirt. I just wish designers would NEVER do that to dresses. Please. It isn't pretty. On a nice note: The length is right and she is pretty.

Score: 6.25

Miss Earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez: Fernanda somehow nabbed the SILVER medal for this gown. I am at a loss. This is a teal polyester lace/nude/applique mess. The whole too-see-through inner gown is just stripper tacky and the style is so Downtown Los Angeles Santee Alley. I know I sound like a Gown Snob but seriously. On a good note, she looked fresh and young and pretty--from the neck up.

Score: 6.20

Miss Earth France Melissa Strugen: Melissa wore this violet colored gown featuring golden scroll applique and chiffon overskirt. The gown (inexplicably) featured a mini dress lining underneath showing through. The entire look was not cute. And her hair styling and makeup did not help. I kind of get what she was going for--perhaps a "Near Eastern Goddess" but she ended up looking like a "Prom Scheherazade".

Score: 6.20 

Miss Earth Hungary Victoria Viczian: It's the "Miss Earth 2017" Beauty Pageant...and while I can understand that sponsorship may be light and you have to buy your own dress possibly from the sale rack in Budapest, this off white Duchesse Satin style was just...TOO BASIC! I am happy that it was the correct length but seriously, Victoria wasn't even trying. This is a Bridesmaid Dress for a wedding. NOT, the gown you wear for THE MISS EARTH 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION!

Score: 6.00



Last but not least...

Miss Earth Slovenia Sara Gavranic: Oh Slovenia. Oh Sara. Just look at this: Gold Stretch. Lycra. Draped and hi-lo. Oh wait..is that lace in the back??? How do you say "tacky-licious" in Slovenian? On a nice note, I liked her hair and red lipstick.

Score: 5.50 



**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more HERE!



Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2017: The "Hits" & "Misses" Gown Recap!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2017: The "Hits" & "Misses" Gown Recap!

Three Queens: (L to R) Miss World 2017 from Puerto Rico Stephanie Del Valle, Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann and Miss World Philippines 2016 (and Miss World 2016 Top 5) Catriona Gray--Miss World Philippines 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Pasay Philippines

Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

You're The Winner: Contestant No. 15 Laura Lehmann, at finding out she is Miss World Philippines 2017 (with Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray next to her in lower photo)--Miss World Philippines 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay Philippines

Photos courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

The 7th edition of the much anticipated Miss World Philippines contest was held this past Sunday, September 3rd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Philippines. The winner, 23 year-old Laura Victoria Lehmann bested 34 other contestants for the coveted Filipina Beauty Crown.

 Crowned Beauty: Contestant No. 15 Laura Lehmann being crowned by her predecessor Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray (with Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle looking on)--Miss World Philippines 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Pasay Philippines

Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

The 5' 8"  (1.73 M) beauty is a TV Host, model and no stranger to beauty pageants--she was First Runner Up at the Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Universe Philippines) 2014 Beauty Pageant. Lehmann was also a member of the Philippines women's national softball team, attended Los Angeles' Occidental College and was a UAAP (Ateneo de Manila University) courtside reporter...

From Courtside Reporter to Swimsuit Beauty Queen: Laura Lehmann, the newly cornwed Miss World Philippines 2017 

The gorgeous Laura will now represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss World 2017 beauty pageant, with the Finals happening on November 17th in Sanya, China. Now that we got that out of the way...time to discuss my BEST and "Not-so-Mucheeey" Gowns from the pageant...

Gown Finalists: (L to R): 1st princess Glyssa Perez, Miss ECO Philippines 2017 Cynthia Thomalla, Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann, Miss World Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria, Reina Hispanoamericas Filipinas 2017 Teresita Ssen Marquez, Miss Multinational Philippines 2017 Sophia Senoron and 2nd Princess Zara Carbonell--Miss World Philippines 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Pasay Philippines 

Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

Let's begin with MY FAVORITE GOWN--worn by (Surprise! Surprise!): The winner, Contestant No. 15 Laura Lehmann:

 Laura Lehmann wore a scarlet red gown for the the Crowning Night Finals of the Miss World Philippines 2017 beauty pageant

Photos courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

Lady In Red: The strapless satin organza gown was designed by Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner and featured asymmetrical draping/pleating at the bustier and gorgeous triple folds/volants that formed an overskirt at the dress/skirt portion. It was beautifully made, looked very "Italia Alta Moda" and fit her perfectly. It was almost as if whoever "assigned" her this gown, already knew that she would win; not only was it the BEST GOWN of the night, it was fit for the winning crown.

Score: 9.85

All the following photos courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook

#5 Kaycie Lyn Fajardo: Kaycie wore one of my top favorite gowns of the night. This light lavender gown featured a fitted princess seamed torso that then flared into a dramatic mermaid shape. It also had an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline, framing the upper part of her body. It was clean, elegant, had drama and wasn't packed with too much nonsense.

Score: 9.5

#6 Jona Ili Sweett: Jona wore this peach colored organza gown featuring flower applique, a high side slit and side cascade volants. The  design was very much in the vain of a "Zuhair Murad/Elie Saab" style in its shape and design. I think it worked quite well with Jona.

Score: 9.40

#23 Princess Laureano: Princess (yes, that is her name!) wore this ivory colored off the shoulder sequined fit-and-flare gown designed by Filipino designer Roy Aquino. the beading was very nicely done and wasn't too "pageant over-the-top" and the dramatic sleeve "capes" added for a nice catwalk stage moment.

Score: 9.25

#33 Noelle Uy-Tuazon: First off, I loved the highlighter yellow color of this fitted gown, worn by contestant 33 Noelle Uy-Tuazon. The gown was designed by Joel Onin Pagsisinan and featured simple beading at the upper torso as well as chic bust flanges. Very pretty.

Score: 9.20

#34 Andrea Poliquit: Another chartreuse colored gown I liked was this design worn by contestant #34 Andrea Poliquit. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Adini Lara and featured crystals displayed in a "fishscale"-like pattern. I especially loved the bust section and stiff satin detail.

Score: 9.10

#9 Teresita Ssen Marquez: One of the "simplest" gowns of the night was also one of my favorites. Teresita wore this emerald colored sequined sheath gown style. It was clean, red carpet-ready and didn't need any overskirt/sleeve capes or tackylicious flower appliques; sometimes a simple sequined column gown is enough!

Score: 9.00

#20 Trizha Ocampo: Trizha wore this white fit-and-flare gown, designed by Michael Leyva, featuring a see-through netting base with sequined criss-cross and scroll-like applique. The style was impacting and fit her very nicely.

Score: 9.00

#14 Cristina Marie Coloma: At first glance, I though this might be one of those "Too Mucheey" pageant gowns where a designer doesn't know when to stop putting everything and the "kitchen sink" on the gown. But, as Cristina did her catwalk during the Miss World Philippines 2017 Evening Gown Competition, she made it work! The gown, designed by Dennis Lustico, was DRAMATIC and definitely had stage impact. The bow on the shoulder did take it to a "Too Mucheey" level but at the same time, I kinda loved it!

Score: 8.75

#25 Karren Dela: I was slightly (OK, VERY!) torn whether or not to put this Michael Leyva-designed gown in my "Misses" as opposed to "Hits". The not-so-good: the iridescent organza back cape (don't get a flame near those!), the violet colored sequined dress with added sequined applique...AND (yes, there's more!)...nude illusion top section...well, it verged on "Oh Dear!". But I give Karren lots of points for working it like the "rent is due" while it was her time to do so during the Evening Gown Competition. And for that, she ended up in my "Best".

Score: 8.00

#32 Cynthia Thomalla: Last but not least, I added this contestant--and gown (designed by Marichu Tan)--because she won the "Best in Long Gown" title during the Miss World Philippines 2017 Crowning Night Finals. I admit that it wasn't one of my favorites (what is with the weird beige-colored undergarments--bra and panties--that I can see through the gown??) but it did win the judges "Gown Hearts".



The Misses:

#2 Veronia Villones: Well, well, well, where do I start? On a good note, it's VERY Old School "Miss Venezuela". On a "Uh Oh" note, it's just TOO MUCHEEY: The the feathered and sequined "Bird of Paradise" applique, the nude iridescent netting, the baby blue iridescent ruffled overskirt...It's A LOT. I think this would have been kind of fabulous in 1988 but now, it just seems made for National Costume for Miss Aruba" as opposed to Haute Couture Evening Gown.

Score: 7.20

#21 Netania Deveza: This pink satin gown was cute, but for a Prom or Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party. The gown--which featured a full skirt, nude illusion top section and silver applique--just wasn't "High End" looking enough, especially when you put it next to what the elegant and very chic red gown the eventual winner won.

Score: 7.10

#30 Kathleen Gomez: Kathleen's gown is very much in the same vein as the one before hers (the pink one". This dress--designed by Franco Barbosa Lapina--was at least a bit sexier than the pink one but the silhouette and style plus the fact that I can see her bust pads (A BIG NO NO!!), all adds up to a Gown "miss" for me.

Score: 7.00

#7 Jane Darren Genobisa: Oh huney! All I want to know is when is the next "Havana Tropical" Las Vegas Show? I give Jane "Attagirl/Gay Man" Points for the sheer "Oh No She Didn't" chutzpah for wearing this but yeah, it's a Las Vegas Showgirl Costume. I wonder if that skirt is detachable and she can then do high kicks and twirls in the beaded one shoulder bodysuit?? (I hope the answer is "YES!!".

Score: 6.90

#17 Jellie Alliana Escodon: Three words: Bless Her Heart. This is a lot of Tackyliciousness for sure. the bright blue sequined dress, the iridescent overlay...the PLUMAGE and feathers!! This is something I could see a very fun--and BOOZY--Mother-of-the-Bride wear to a Gay Wedding (or do a Drag Show!) but...to the Miss World Philippines Evening Gown Competition?? Not so Mucheey.

Score: 6.75

#31 Jennyfer Ozbot: Lastly, I wanted to add this nude gown worn by contestant #31 Jennyfer Ozbot. Just look at this: The nude...the Mother-of-Pearl like appliques, the feathers (what is up with all the feathers!!??) and if that wasn't enough, let's just plunge the neckline so open that her cha-cha's are all out on display. Ayyyy Mija!!!

Score: 6.15

Congratulations to the new Miss World Philippines 2017 and her court! Good luck Laura at the upcoming Miss World 2017 Finals in Sanya China! And let's hope you continue your Good Gown Style!

Photos courtesy of Miss World Philippines Facebook