SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao + Evening Gown Recap From Good to "Oh Dear!"

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao + Evening Gown Recap From Good to "Oh Dear!"

 Beautiful Winner: Hillarie Danielle Parungao "Miss World Philippines 2015"

Two nights ago was the Finals of the fifth edition of "Miss World Philippines". The pageant was held at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City, Philippines. There were 26 contestants and the winner was Filipino TV Host and model Hillarie Danielle Parungao:

Crowned: Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Parungao

Gown and Swimsuit Queen: Contestant #19 (and eventual Miss World Philippines 2015) Hillarie Parungao

The new Miss World Philippines 2015 is 23 years old and stands 5' 6" (1.68 m). By winning this pageant she will now represent Philippines at the upcoming Miss World 2015 Finals happening on December 19th in the resort city of Sanya, China.

Model Fab: Hillarie Parungao "Miss World Philippines 2015"

Besides being a host and model, Parungao has had some previous experience with being a Pageant Queen...

Hillarie Parungao was "Miss Asia Pacific Philippines 2014" (photos above)

Now that we got all the basics out of the way, it's time for my EVENING GOWN REVIEW. The theme for the Evening Gowns was "Old Hollywood Glamour". There was a group of black gowns, followed by red and then nude/ivory/beige/blush.



First, let's begin with the winner:

Best in Gown: Contestnat #19 Hillarie Danielle Parungao--I thought she looked like a winner. The gown featured  a leaf-like applique sewn over a layer of iridescent organza. There were sequin crystals strewn throughout the gown just to add a bit of sparkle. The mermaid-shaped gown fit her well and honestly, when she came out after 18 other contestants, it was a little too obvious that A) she was the "chosen" winner and B) she got one of the best gowns. In fact, she won "Best in Long Gown"; oh what a shocker! The gown was slightly referential to what...

Megan Young (above) the former "Miss World" and "Miss World Philippines" wore to win her Miss World crown 2 years ago.

And now, my Good and "Oh Dear!" of the "Miss World Philippines 2015" Evening Gowns. Besides what the winner wore (Very good!), let's stay on the "Good":

Photos courtesy of Rappler.com

#14 Marita Cassandra Naidas: It's no surprise that Marita (above) was First Runner-up or "1st Princess" at Miss World Philippines 2015, at least from her gown. She wore this strapless red satin princess-seamed dress with an over-layer of tulle and sequined crystal bust detail. It was very "Pageant Perfect". While there was nothing too "high fashion" or red carpet earth-shaking about it, it was still impacting. I also liked her modern center-parted hair styling.

#11 Alexie Marie Ibabao: I liked this red sequined column gown on Alexie Marie. It was a basic shape but what else would you do when you have this wonderful red circle paillette fabrication. Very nice Alexie!

#2 Jannie Loudette Alipo-on: Jannie wore this black sequined racer-front halter gown with center front slit. I thought it was a "safe" gown but still packed enough of a stage punch. It fir her quite nicely and she looked red carpet elegant.

#25 Casey Anne Austria: I really liked Casey's white chiffon mermaid shaped gown with white caviar beading detail. The bottom half featured several godets which filled out the sweep of the gown. I liked the styling; the slicked chignon and one sequined wrist cuff. She got very high "Nick Evening Gown Points" in my book. But...and it's a big "but": I was just so shocked to see her "#25" SAFETY PINNED so overtly on her gown. This was just SOOOOO tacky and low-rent; I cannot even get beyond this.

#18 Leitz Camyll Ang: I was a big fan of this nude colored sequined gown worn by Leitz. I liked the gradation of colors in the paillettes and it was nice how they stopped at just the right moment down her legs.

(L to R) #9 Mona Mahmoud Hammad and #12 Emma Marie Tiglao: Both of these red gowns were some of the better seen on the "Miss World Philippines 2015" pageant. I would give them both high Evening Gown marks. I liked the front scroll-like detail/print (L) and the fit was also very nice and for #12 Emma, the red and silver sequined gown was perfect for her. She's such a beauty and the gown complemented her.

#16 Erica Rose Bayani: This may be a controversial choice but I thought that Erica's red "caftan"-like gown was very chic and high fashion. It featured a front gathered fall that reminded me of of my NV Nick Verreos EVINE Live Shopping Network dresses from my Spring 2015 collection:

Front Fall Cute: NV Nick Verreos EVINE Live Spring 2015 chiffon and knit dress

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The "Oh Dear!" Gowns:

(L to R) #1 Maria Vanessa Wright and #4 Sheila Mae Torino: These two gowns made my "Oh Dear!" for two different reasons. The one on the left was soooo boring and so "Prom 101"; there's literally NO DESIGN element whatsoever. It's a basic bustier and basic full skirt from Fashion School Freshman Year. The tacky pearl necklace made her look old as well. Speaking of old, #4 on the right was a dowdy mess. She looked like a 58 year old woman hosting her recently deceased husband's "funeral party"; yes, "Oh Dear!" for sure.

#5 Cristelle Anjali Abello: This gown shape was nice but once again, the design was quite "Design School 101" bland and non-creative. But the real problem I had was the pointy bust neckline; they were BEYOND wonky and un-Couture. It's as if a recently-accepted-student-of-design-school had made this gown. #Amateur Hour.

#17 Jessica Rose McEwen: Bless her heart. This red sequin-and-satin gown was all things bad. It looked cheap (what is with that janky hem?) and just not cute. This might have been cute in 2008 but now, it''s tacky.

#15 Erika Marie de Castro: Oh Erika! I just want to ask: Where are you going with this? The sequined halter neck and VERY mini dress is way too short, the iridescent organza overskirt looks like it came from a $1.99/yard fabric store. Erika Marie is very cute but this cheap tasteless dress did her no favors in my book.

#26 Grapes Pacara: I LOVE a girl named GRAPES. But what I do not love is this blush/nude chiffon gown with gold applique gown. This looks like something one would find in an attic; an attic that hasn't been looked at since 1956! It looks old, cheap and not well done. And who in their right mind would chose to style this with a choker of gold colored pearls and earrings. She looks like a three-time divorced hostess of a not-so-happy Holiday Party.

Hope you enjoyed my "Miss World Philippines 2015" Evening Gown Recap...

Congratulations to the new "Miss World Philippines 2015" Hillarie Danielle Parungao and I wish her the Best of Luck at the "Miss World 2015" Finals in December! 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

Can You Guess Which The Good and Which are The Cray-Cray?--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event--Miss World 2015 Sanya China

All photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

In my last post HERE, I discussed the announcement of the Top Ten (according to the Miss World Organization) Designer Dresses in the Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I was skeptical and slightly questionable of the choices so...I decided--after looking at all the designs--to give MY Top Choices that should have been there. Because it is the "Miss World" pageant and this is the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event, there's always a bit of Cray-Cray and Oh Dear! creations. So, in addition to my choices for good, I've also added some of the Cray-Cray. Let's get started:



The Good:

Honduras Gabriela Salazar: I thought this was one of the best gowns from the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition. I loved the fit and the length was just right (no sight of platform heels! Yeayyy!). I also liked the sequined red criss-cross details layered over the black colored gown base. The design was impacting and gave a slight nod to the red color in China being such an important color in that nation--which is hosting this year's Miss World.

China PR Yuan Lu: Speaking of China, the host nation's representative, Yuan Lu, wore this wonderful navy blue with green sequin detail strapless mermaid style gown. I loved the draped petal-like flourish in the front and the dress was dramatic in a great red carpet way.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela wore this violet blue knit gown featuring long sleeves, a raised mock-neck and thousands of glittering sequins. The design was simple and arguably, not so directional or Haute Couture-like exciting but I loved the heavy-to-light effect of the sequins, reminding me of a midnight sky with falling stars. I also liked her slicked back hairstyling.

Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Hillarie's gown choice (just like Venezuela's) may not have been so "exciting' in terms of design but I thought it was beautiful. The pink fit-to-flare style featured silver sequined applique leaf-like scrolls as well as straight-line crystals on the diagonal throughout the body of the dress. Feminine, delicate, and very, very pretty.

South Sudan Ajaa Monchol: Ajaa looked like an actress on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in this black chiffon with sequin applique gown. The style was elegant, had enough interest with the detail and made the over six foot tall beauty look almost regal.

Malta Katrina Pavia: I loved Katrina's one shoulder gown. How this didn't make the actual Miss World Organization's/Judge's Top ten is beyond me. It reminded me of a glorious Indian sari as well as an updated version of something we would have seen Elizabeth Taylor wear to a gala or awards show in the 60's or early 70's. The sequined embroidery looked well done.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: One word--WOW! One normally wouldn't expect a representative from Guam (sorry Guam!) to 'bring it" in terms of a quality gown, but they did this year! The sequined emerald dress was definitely an entrance-maker. The jeweled bead work in the front torso was very impacting as well. If I had any complaint, it would be in the over-the-top styling: the Pageant Bouffant, the Too-Mucheeey accessories/jewelry...all that was so unnecessary, especially when the gown is so "Jeweled" already. Loosen the hair, ditch the earrings...and you are good to go!

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' gown was definitely a stand-out amongst the 100+ contestants. It was one of the only true "ball gowns" and I thought it was both fun and glorious. The fit was great, it didn't look like a top of a wedding cake and I liked how her hair was relaxed, modern and young. She looked like a young aristocrat at the Paris Crillon Debutante Ball.



Honorable Mentions for Good:

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: I liked this "different" style worn by Miss World Nicaragua. The blue coloration was impacting and elegant but what really got my attention was the fabulous guipure lace hi-lo "cape/coat".

Zambia Michelo Malambo: I was impressed by this gown worn by Miss World Zambia. The regal purple color looked amazing against her skin color and the design--albeit a tad "Pageant Betty" was still well done--I liked the folded front peplum with lace overlay as well as jeweled front torso details.



Fab Hat Gal:

Lesotho Relebohile Kobile: Three words--Go On Girl! I loved this entire look. She literally is giving "Lesotho Flag Couture"! Love it.

Panama Diana Jaen: I gotta give Miss World Panama points for Design Chutzpah! She decided to go all out Asiana Queen with what she wore for the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition, paying homage to China, the nation where Miss World 2015 is being held. Normally, I might have put this under the "Cray-Cray" but A) wait until you really see THE CRAY-CRAY (below) and B) this was well-done and styled from head to toe; she looked like the Queen of a Macau Casino. And I loved that!

The Cray-Cray------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Croatia Maja Spahija: Where do I begin with the design cray-cray. Maybe the pointed front bustier/torso "rabbit ears" might be a good start. I can only imagine this design in front of the "Project Runway" judges and we know Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum would have a FIELD DAY! And if the kooky pointed front wasn't enough, look closely, there's a candy colored tulled underskirt. Cray-cray for sure. On a good note, I do appreciate all the pattern and technical work that probably went into creating all those torso paneled sections.



Lace 90's Cray-Cray:

Aruba Nicole Van Tellingen: Will someone please tell Nicole--and whoever designed this--that it's not 1994 but 2015. The gold lace mini dress with the acid orange/red tulle overskirt reminds me of a cheap knock-off of a late 80's/early 90's Christian Lacroix creation. Maybe she was trying to be "Designer Retro"...who knows.

Netherlands Margot Hanekamp: On a good note--Margot looks like she would be fun at a cocktail party! On a not-so-good note--this dress is a big ol' tacky mess. The gold lace, the "Dynasty"-like shoulder, the too short front, her hair style, THAT one TOO-BIG earring...Who told her this was a stylish look? Poor thang.



Polyester Madness:

British Virgin Islands Sasha Wintz: Looking at this gown hurts my eyes. There's so much polyester here in the cheap satin and cheap lace that I am afraid if someone with a lighter gets too close to her, she might catch on fire! On the design front, the horizontal ruching and lace-and-diamante top and the diamante trim on the dress...PLUS...the mermaid shape...this is just beyond tacky-licious.

Germany Albijona Muharremaj: When I look at this dress, all I can think of is an episode from "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". There are so many things wrong with this: the cheap $2.99 a yard red stretch sequin fabric, the nude illusion with red sequin detail at the torso and then the poly chiffon back panels. She looks like the hostess in a very off-the-strip Vegas strip club.

Bridal Sale:

Namibia Steffi Van Wyk: This looks like a wedding dress one would find at a 70% end-of-the-year sale at David's Bridal. What was Steffi thinking? And that necklace??? Ayyyy Dios Mio!

Slovakia Lujza Strakova: Another bridal-like design that somehow was forced upon a very pretty contestant. On a good note, I can almost see something like this in a Chanel Haute Couture runway show but then again, it would be made of very expensive, very luxe, very beautiful fabrications and would look and fit impeccably. But this doesn't. It's A LOT, and A LOT of mess. And somehow, she thought that wearing this wasn't enough of a "look" so she had to wear THOSE feathered earrings. Please don't.



Sheer Hoochie:

Cyprus Rafaela Charalampous: Oh Rafaela. What were you (and your designer) thinking? OK, let's get this out of the way: it's a black netting dress black hot shorts underneath. And this considered stylish? Where? I don't even think the tackiest of the Kardashian sisters would have worn this, even before they were multi gazillionaires. If this is an example of Cyprus Fashion, I may have to question their taste level.



Do Not Focus on THAT Part of the Body:

Mexico Yamelin Ramirez: While I do like the top section with its interesting laser-cut lace, it's that twisted rosette detail that is quite HUGE and placed right in front of her you-know-what, that makes me put this design under the "Cray-Cray" section. I can't believe nobody looked at the placement of that skirt drape and thought it might look a bit awkward! This is a mess of a design.

Queen of Cray-Cray:

Sweden Natalia Fogelund: Just when you thought you'd seen a lot of Cray-Cray, in walked Miss World Sweden. Just take a look at this torn tulle black and white mess. It's like she went through a hurricane or tornado...or maybe a paper shredder. Wow. And for that, she gets my Top Cray-Cray prize for World Fashion Designer Dress award.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Finals: EVENING GOWN Recap + the AY DIOS MIO/Oh My God! Moment

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Finals: EVENING GOWN Recap + the AY DIOS MIO/Oh My God! Moment

Miss Universe 2015 Finals Evening Gowns and Mis-Crowning--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

So...you might have heard about what happened last night:

Ummm, Ladies, get closer because...

Ayyy Dios Mio: Miss Colombia, I gotta take your crown and put it on...

The real winner, Miss Philippines--The outgoing Miss Universe, Colombia's Paulina Vega, crowns Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

During the crowning of Miss Universe 2015, the show's host Steve Harvey announced the winner as Miss Colombia....but then, after exiting, he was approached by the stage manager and was huddled in a grouping at the back of the stage. Meanwhile, Miss Colombia, the supposed new Miss Universe, was waving, crying and thanking the rest of the contestants behind her (as well as the audience).

The Final Card--Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!

Steve Harvey then returned and announced he had made a "mistake"--and the Announcement That Was Heard Around The World occurred: He had announced THE WRONG WINNER! The gorgeous Sofia Vergara doppelganger Miss Colombia Universe Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo was not the winner but instead, it was Miss Philippines Universe, the equally beautiful Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Miss Universe 2015 "Miss Philippines" Pia Wurtzbach

My better half David Paul and I were actually AT THE PAGEANT! yes, kids, we attended the Miss Universe 2015 Finals at The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort& Casino in Las Vegas. Knowing how much of a pageant fan I am, David got me an early Christmas present and bought tickets to attend Miss Universe. We are both still--24 hours later--speechless over what we witnessed. Check out my Instagram HERE--I even uploaded a video of the Colombian fans' reaction the moment Steve Harvey made his announcement OOPSIE. If you think it was cringe worthy watching it on TV, I can only tell you to trust me when I say, that it was TRIPLE the "OH MY GAAAWDDDD!" feeling when you are there live.



This is the same face and hand-over-mouth look that EVERY SINGLE person in the sold-out theater had:

What The ???!!!!! Yeah, if the lovely Pia felt this way, we were there with you huney!--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the 26-year old 5' 8" half German half-Filipino model/actress/host/TV personality, born in Stuttgart Germany was crowned Miss Universe 2015. It may not have been the most ideal vision she--or the entire nation of the Philippines--had in mind, but she was crowned nonetheless.

Gown Gals: Top Ten and Top Five Miss Universe 2015 contestants--in their Evening Gowns--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

And now, time for the really important stuff: THE GOWNS! Here's my Review of the Top Ten Gowns, with my Scores...



I'll start with the eventual winner...

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: Pia wore a different gown for the Preliminaries (which I wasn't a 100% fan of, it was a bit dated and not so SUPER-fab). Well, thank goodness, she changed. For the Finals she wore a royal blue silk gazar gown designed by Filipino designer Albert Andrada. His inspiration for Pia’s evening gown was "The Pearl of the Orient". The mermaid gown has a very simple front and the back revealing opulent details of sun rays made of beads, sequins and crystals, which represent the sun rising in the middle of a serene blue sea, according to Andrada. He said this of the gown: "Tiny sapphire colored crystals are mixed with the bead work and cascade towards the front of the gown, representing beautiful sands of our beaches...the gown has a hem of draped multiple folds at the back, which are like fins of the different beautiful fishes found in Philippine waters. The color blue represents the tranquility of the deep blue Philippine seas as well  as a tribute to Pia’s queenly beauty. Blue was also her choice of color to wear to Miss Universe." It was a gorgeous and impacting gown. 

Score: 9.5

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo: I absolutely LOVED this gown! It was one of my favorites from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and it was probably THE BEST one of the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. It was exquisitely made, fit UBER perfect, the crystals looked INCREDIBLE on stage; it reminded me of a $100,000 Atelier Versace-like gown. This strapless column design was both Pageant Perfect as well as Red Carpet Fabulous (Take note Miss Venezuela Organization!). Every national pageant in the world should take note of what a pageant girl should wear. Oh, and notice, there is no HOOCHIE too-high slit, and we can't see the platform heels. What a novel evening gown idea! Score: 9.9

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Olivia looked absolutely beautiful onstage and was definitely one of the stronger contestants at this year's Miss Universe. In terms of her gown, I have a couple of thoughts: First, it was nice to see Olivia not wear a big ol' ball gown (she seemed to have a penchant for big "Southern Belle"-type gowns). But for the finals, she wore this white lace and sequined fitted gown with a dramatic chiffon and lace applique-trimmed cape. I wasn't a fan. She looked very "Boudoir Southern Belle". I got the concept of the gown and cape--it's very post-Tom Ford Gwyneth Paltrow-at-the-Oscars but....this look seemed too Prom-and-Pageant; the lace applique trim on the cape edge took it to a cheap level in a hot minute. And then, the not-necessary plunging torso/neckline display of her "sistahs" took it to a slightly questionable taste level. Score: 8.9 

Miss France Flora Coquerel: Flora looked stunning onstage at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. When she walked out in this red strapless gown, she literally took my breath away. Especially with the clean styling and chic swept-back hair. The gown fit her beautifully and looked architectually perfect on her. I also LOVED that she chose NOT to wear those tacky ubiquitous Stripper Platform Heels. Merci Flora. She knew better and instead, opted for modern strappy heels. I feel this gown and styling clinched her spot in the Top 5. Score: 9.5

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika wore the same gold sequined gown with super-high center front slit that she wore at the preliminaries. I liked the overall design and impact of the gown but I had a problem with two things: that SUPER HIGH front slit/opening (it was WAAAY too close to her you-know-what) and then, she ruined the entire look with those platform heels. Score: 8.5

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Wow. I loved this gown when she wore it for the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and I still loved it at the Finals. This ivory satin and silver crystal embellished gown was EVERYTHING. This, by the way (note to Miss USA Olivia Jordan) is how you "do" a cape! If there was any critique, it's the shoes she wore; not a fan. Strappy heels Aniporn: You're almost six feet tall! There's no need for those platform heels. Score: 9.7

Miss Dominican Republic Clarissa Molina: I thought Clarissa looked beautiful in this white gown at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. The fit was great and the stage impact was grand and sweet at the same time. The gown didn't scream Elie Saab Haute Couture-level ball gown Fabulousness, but it was great nonetheless. Score: 9.4

Miss Japan Ariana Miyamoto: I love Ariana and the fact that as a hafu (half Japanese/half African American), she won the Miss Universe Japan contest and quietly gave a middle finger to all the bigoted/racist/ignorant people who gave her such pain as she grew up in Japan. But this "Star Trek"-like mess of a gown did not help her status during the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. I just do not understand the gold faux leather with the black piping and what is with the black and white printed chiffon back cape detail? It looks like a design from a first semester Fashion design student.  

Score: 7.5

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: As a designer who grew up in Venezuela, I cannot lie and say that I wasn't rooting for Mariana. But she failed me with this choice of a gown for the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. This was disappointing. I do not know what is going on with the Miss Venezuela Organization and their choice of designers but...this was not Miss Universe fab. The white dress with silver crystals was designed by Venezuelan designer Raenrra--who did a wonderful job of her "National Costume"--but this look was not exciting and the only thing it did was age her. It was also very off-the-rack looking. I just don't understand what happened between the Angel Sanchez/Gionni Straccia days...and now. Many people think the Evening Gown portion is not important. Well kids, I feel that Mariana DID NOT get to go on to the Top 5, solely based on this gown. Talk amongst yourselves...Score: 7.99

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: Kanisha was a big surprise, in terms of making it to the Top Ten. I was not surprised but it has been a long time since her island has made it this far (almost twenty years!). Her red sequined lace and feathered gown was nice but a bit dated and late 90's in its styling. On a good note, it fit perfectly and she did look regal. But, as a pageant gal, you have to be very careful wearing a Sweetheart neckline gown AND doing a pouf bouffant hairdo; it's two seconds from looking "Pageant Betty". Score: 8.5

Congratulations to the new Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach "Miss Philippines"!! Gorgeous woman, beautiful gown. You deserve the WIN!!!

Check out the "Uh Oh" Miss Universe 2015 Crowning Moment: