SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.



*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012 Finals, The Winner, Evening Gowns and the Contestant who SHOVED (VIDEO!)

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012 Finals, The Winner, Evening Gowns and the Contestant who SHOVED (VIDEO!)

And The New Miss World Is...

 The Prettiest Woman in the World: Miss World 2012, Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia

This past weekend--on Saturday April 18th--the finals of the 62nd annual Miss World pageant took place. They were held in Ordos Inner Mongolia China. 116 contestants from all over the world competed and the final winner was crowned: Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia (or Wen Xia Yu), who hails from Liaoning. She's 23 years old, stands 1.78 m tall (approximately 5' 10") and according to her bio, is an aspiring music teacher.

Incidentally, Yu Wenxia (above) also won the Miss World Talent Award--beating out the favorite Miss Philippines Queenierich Rehman who did beatboxing(!) as her talent. The new Miss World will now spend her year working for charitable causes, fulfilling her duties traveling around the Globe racking up her frequent flyer miles, and yes, looking GORGEOUS.

Crowning Moment: Miss World 2011 Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos, crowns the new Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China, while First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), look on, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Arena Ordos Inner Mongolia China

As always, there's been a great Web-o-sphere debate, discussing whether or not she had a "home field" advantage and if she was the "best" or prettiest one of the bunch . Early favorites were Miss Mexico, Miss India and Miss South Sudan--who eventually took the Miss World Top Model 2012 consolation prize (more on that, further in this post).

Miss World 2012 stage with contestants in evening gowns, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Area, Ordos Inner Mongolia China

A lot of pageant followers (Missosologists as they are called), say that it was "fixed"--the pageant was in China, and the Ordos Inner Mongolia China organizers spent A TON (billions of dollars at some estimates) to have the international pageant in their city--so the rumor is that basically this was a "gift" to the country, the government and the Ordos city organizers. Next year, the Miss World will take place in Bali Indonesia by the way. And we still do not know where this year's Miss Universe will be.    

Miss World 2012 Opening Number--tribute to Inner Mongolian culture

The Production: Speaking of Miss Universe, the Miss World pageant--in terms of the two-hour final telecast on Saturday which was televised in the US on E! Entertainment at 8 a.m.(!) on Saturday--was a little boring for me. It lacked the excitement, "spark" and nail-biting "I-Can't-Wait-To-See-Who-Will-Win" finale. They really need some updating in terms of production and well, getting into the 21st Century in terms of putting on a show like this. The Miss Universe Org. has them beat on this one.

Confetti Queen: Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China (Center) waves as First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner
Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), pose perfectly

Now, back to the Winner: I think Yu Wenxia, Miss China P.R. was beautiful and deserved to win. She immediately caught my attention after she modeled in the 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show for the Top Model Competition last week.

The future Miss World 2012, Yu Wenxia in 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show, Top Model Miss World 2012 Competition

She looked breathtakingly gorgeous in a halter color-blocked maxi dress with her side-slicked hair style and clean model makeup. I remember thinking to myself "there's your winner!"



My "Surprise" Omissions, Continental Queens of Beauties, and the Evening Gowns:

Left to right: Miss Ukraine Karina Zhyronkina and Miss Equatorial Guinea Jennifer Riveiro Ilende

Some surprise omissions from the Top 15 Semifinalists
for me were Miss Ukraine, Miss Equatorial Guinea, Miss Colombia and Miss
Venezuela. Ukraine and Equatorial Guinea (above) had two of the most BEAUTIFUL faces among the 116 contestants and...

Left to right: Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay and Miss Venezuela Gabriella Ferrari

Colombia and Venezuela were "Pageant Perfect" according to many pageant followers and some even thought Miss Colombia was a strong favorite to actually win. I loved Colombia's royal purple-colored strapless fitted-to-mermaid shaped satin gown with crystal underbust detail designed by Sergio Perez (top left). It fit her PERFECTLY and looked expensive and very well made.

I also liked Venezuela's ivory with gold gown. It featured a completely sequined torso that then "exploded" into a feathered mermaid bottom. It was designed by Miss Venezuela Pageant Designer King, Gionni Straccia. As always, Venezuela ALWAYS brings on the Pageant Gown COUTURE when it comes to their international beauty ambassadors.

Continental Queens--(Left to right) AFRICA: Miss South Sudan Atong Demach; EUROPE: Miss Wales Sophie Moulds; Miss World 2012; CARIBBEAN: Miss Jamaica Deanna Robbins; AMERICAS: Miss Brazil Mariana Notarangelo

The Good Gowns:

Ivian Sarcos Miss World 2011 from Venezuela wore a UBER fitted (she could barely walk, bless her heart!) mermaid sequined lace applique embroidered ivory gown designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. She looked SUPERHUMAN and taller than anyone within 100 feet of her! Incredible. Gown Score: 9.9

Miss China P.R.: The eventual Miss World wore a Cobalt Blue beaded fit-and-flare gown with a satin bow at the waist and shoulder covering detail. It was a very "Pageant Safe" gown--there was no HOOCHIE slit (thank goodness!) , no crazy "She Looks Like Big Bird from Sesame Street" silhouette, nor did she choose a gown that looked too costume-y. Score: 8.9

India and Mexico: Semifinalists Miss India Vanya Mishra and Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen wore two of the most outstanding evening gowns in Saturday night's pageant.  

Miss India's was a gold with black concoction that was fitted at the torso then merged with a blush-colored flowy long skirt. Score: 8.9

Miss Mexico's gown was Sofia Vergara Va-Va Boom WOW! She really looked perfect from head to toe and almost competed with last year's Miss World (in that mermaid-shaped white gown) in the "Who Stands Out More On Stage" top prize. I think it's a tie! Score for Miss Mexico's Gown: 10

Wales and Australia

Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) was the First Runner Up (and yes, in case nude photos of Miss China P.R. are discovered...she will be the new Miss World). Sophie wore a baby blue gown that was (again) fitted at the torso and past the hips and then exploded into a multi-tiered ruffled bottom half. There was a cute bow at the center front bust topping it all off. It was sweet, appropriate but lacked drama and the "Wow" factor shown by Mexico's gown, for example. It was fives steps from being too "Prom". Score: 8.4

Miss Australia Jennifer Kahawaty's (R) gown was great! Loved the deep purple color, it looked great against her olive skin, dark hair and exotic looks...

The gown was created by Melbourne Australia fashion house Belluccio. They're known for outfitting top pageant girls Down Under and are famous for their applique-filled, Swarovski-encrusted gowns. Jennifer's had intricate embroidery woven into the bust and high-hips, gathered cinched waist and gathered chiffon full skirt with a "hidden" slit. Score: 9.5

Miss South Sudan Atong Demach won the Top Model Award and was a favorite to win. Unfortunately, at the Finals on Saturday Night, she wore a not-so-high fashion canary yellow taffeta high-low gown that looked too "1986 Pageant Betty". It looked like a dress one finds in any Prom/Pageant boutique from here to Poughkeepsie:

I would have preferred to have seen her a FIERCE gown that had references to a Givenchy/McQueen runway knockoff. Something like what Miss Naomi Campbell wore at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. A boy can only wish...



Speaking of Not The Best of Gowns...

Miss Hungary and Miss Netherlands: Miss Hungary Tamara Cserhati's (L) gown--so sweet and perfect for my 14 year old niece. And Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker's (R) gown-- a complete WASTE of white tulle; a Tutu NOT!

Miss Portugal and Miss Thailand: Mother of the Bride (Miss Portugal Melanie Vicente--L) meet the Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca (Miss Thailand Vanessa Herrmann--R)

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Helene-Valerie Djouka (far left): the National Parade of Nations called and they want their costume back; Miss Finland Sabrina Sarkka (in pink) is Barbie on a Budget; and Miss Guadeloupe Brigitte Golabkan (in blue) is just a Can-Can Hot Mess. What do these girls think? Where are their Gay Best Friends? Do they not read Vogue? Or see the Awards Red Carpet shows or watch me on the after-the-awards red carpet shows? It frustrates me to no end...

And before I forget--The PUSHY Beauty Queen:

Bi*** MOVE!!!! Miss Malawi shoves Miss New Zealand out of the way

There was a "Mini Pageant ESCANDALO" in the beginning of Saturday's Miss World Finals (it wouldn't be a beauty pageant without a little bit of a scandal)--As the 116 contestants from all over the world were being introduced--one by one--a pesky and PUSHY Miss Malawi Susan Mtegha (above right) SHOVED poor Miss New Zealand Collette Lochore out of the way so she could get her "2 seconds of camera-time fame" (it seems Miss New Zealand was on the wrong mark or was taking a second too long holding her pose). In case you missed it, someone captured it on YouTube for our enjoyment (and discomfort):



Miss New Zealand Gets Pushed by Miss Malawi at Miss World 2012 Finals--Watch the Video Below:

Congrats to the new Miss World and I hope you never get to stand next to Miss Malawi during your one year reign!!!

 

Crowning of Miss World 2012 and Top Three Announcement--VIDEO:

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!