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!

Center of Attention Dressing: Jill Kelley and her Fashion

Center of Attention Dressing: Jill Kelley and her Fashion

Dressing for the Spotlight 101

Exhibit A: Jill Kelley

 Real Housewives of Tampa: Jill Kelley in a fab canary yellow twisted-knot neck sheath dress

If you've been keeping up with something else besides who got voted off "Dancing With The Stars", you might be all on the "up-and-up" regarding the Patreaus Escandalo.  In the middle of it all is this "Tampa Socialite" by the name of Jill Kelley. USA Today says: "Jill Kelley is, by all accounts, a charming and generous hostess for
Tampa's social and military elite. She and her husband, Scott, a cancer
surgeon, have held elegant soirees at their bayfront mansion for
generals from nearby MacDill Air Force Base and foreign diplomats. And yes, now it's come out that Mrs. Kelley has some financial woes to worry about (or has for a while). But that's not not what I want to discuss here. It's all about FASHION. Jill Kelley's fashion. The woman knows how to dress when the spotlight of the World is on her. Nothing HOOCHIE, nothing inappropriate, nothing too-young for a woman of her age...just the right VERY COLORFUL attire, fit for a photo in HOLA Magazine. She get's my "Nick "At-a-Girl" Fashion Points. Let's Review:

The Canary Yellow/Mustard Dress: During her first "outing" outside her Tampa home, after the scandal (and her involvement in it) came out, she donned a mustard yellow sheath dress with a twisted knot yoke detail with a slight keyhole. This was the PERFECT dress to wear when you know the entire WORLD is looking at you...

 Press Camp outside Jill Kelley's home in Tampa Florida

It's very Queen Rania of Jordan/Princess Letizia of Spain proper (the sheath silhouette and at-the-knee length) but with a hint of "I have style" (the twist knot) and the "Who Me??" color (bright neon-like mustard/canary yellow).

She gets 10 out of 10 points in my "I'm photographed by the World's Press" Meter.



Next: Bubblegum Pink colored Sheath

On her next "appearance" outside her home, she decided to don a bubblegum pink-colored sheath dress--again--right at the knee and with three-quarter sleeves, a high neckline (not too Mata Hari sexy, of course!).

The dress had "exposed dart" detail and fit her to a "T" (almost too tight!). But still, this dress had all the elements of the perfect "World Media is Photographing Me" garment: bright color, appropriate length, not showing too much...just right.

Score: 9.5



While the World's media can't wait for the next Petraeus Scandal DISH, I on the other hand... cannot wait to see more of Jill Kelley and her stylish "BodyCon" dresses--as long as she does not wear things like this:

Too Short Jill: This too-short "baby doll" style is way too "young" for her--Thank goodness someone told her to stay with the at-the-knee sheath dresses. 

Royal Fashion Minute: Weekly Round-up--Princesses Eugenie, Beatrice, Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, Princess Letizia of Spain, and More!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Weekly Round-up--Princesses Eugenie, Beatrice, Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, Princess Letizia of Spain, and More!!!

MAJAH Royal Fashionistas...

First we go to the UK: Sarah Ferguson, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice at the 13th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation in association with Chopard. Sarah wore a black beaded and embellished Escada Gown with lovely delicate tulle accent. Eugenie wore a fiery red Vivienne Westwood corseted gown from the Couture Collection and Beatrice looked amazing in a blush colored, beaded Elie Saab Gown. All three looked absolutely STUNNING! (Loving the evening clutches too!!) Good job ladies!!! Show those other royals that even after all you've been through, you've still got some (Fashion) Class!

Now, we are off to Spain and the ever-so-chic Princess Letizia of Spain attends the Principe de Girona Foundation meeting in this flower printed silk high-neck shift tunic/dress.

She accessorized with blush-colored peep-toe pumps (Letizia LOVES her high heels darling!), a belt to cinch the tunic dress and a very "Boho-Chic" chocolate brown leather purse with chain and pink flowers.

And now, onto The Netherlands: Argentine-born Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands arrives at the Royal Concert Building to attend a concert in Amsterdam in a very un-Royal "Egyptian blue"-colored JUMPSUIT with a rather "kooky" patchwork knotted shrug. It's all about a mess to be honest!!! I know she was going for "young, hip, cool" but instead she looks like she runs a Tarot Card Reading establishment in the "Red Light District" of Amsterdam. Stick to Haute Couture and Valentino Maxima. They do Daytime ensembles too!!! They cost $30,000 but they still do Daytime my dear!

And now, we are off to NY with the Belgium Royals: Prince Philippe And Princess Mathilde Of Belgium visit Central Park in New York City. Both look dashing and très elegant. If you are a royal and you're "touring", this is the way to do it! I didn't expect Princess Mathilde to be in tacky white capris and Croqs!!! (and thank Goodness she didn't go there!). The hint of orange color in the belt and shoes is FAB!

Back in London England, here we have Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan attending the Gala Screening of "Countdown to Zero", a documentary film that traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs. But let's get to American-born Queen Noor: She is one of the most elegant women in the world and always has been. The white pantsuit is both chic and effortless. This woman knows how to dress.

Finally, staying in England, we go to the Reception at 10 Downing Street to Celebrate The Duke of Edinburgh's 90th Birthday. Now, I know that Samantha Cameron, wife of the UK Prime Minister David Cameron, is not a Royal, but in the photo above, she's next to one (LOL!). Anyhow, Mrs. Cameron did a Re-Do. In terms of fashion. In the photo above with Her Majesty Elizabeth II, she is wearing the same Jonathan Saunders dress she wore with....

Michelle Obama to serve the military at a BBQ at 10 Downing Street last month when Mrs. Obama and President Obama made their official visit to the UK. I think it might be too soon to do a "Re-Do" but maybe she forgot. Maybe next time, her press office should put Polaroids/photos of when and where she wore her dresses so she is reminded. On a good note: Samantha is quite a Recycle-ista!!!

SASHES AND TIARAS....Best of 2015 List: Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2015! **UPDATE: Just added Miss Universe 2014-2015 Gowns!

SASHES AND TIARAS....Best of 2015 List: Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2015! **UPDATE: Just added Miss Universe 2014-2015 Gowns!

Best Pageant Gowns of 2015--(Clockwise L to R), Miss Philippines Universe; Miss Colombia Universe 2015/2016; Miss Lebanon at Miss World 2015; Miss Vietnam at Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries; Miss Colombia Universe; Miss Thailand Universe

Well Pageant Fans, it's that time again: My End of the Year Best and "Uh Oh!" Lists. As usual, in 2015 I covered lots of international and national pageants--in relation to one of my favorite subjects: the Evening Gowns--giving my insight and analysis on the Good, Oh Dear! and Pageant Betty of Beauty Pageant Gowns throughout various competitions during the year so...in following with tradition here on my blog, it's time for my Best of 2015 Beauty Pageant Gown List.

And don't you worry, following this will be the "Oh Dear!/Ayyy Mija!" List of 2015.

But for now, here were some of my FAVORITE Pageant Gowns of 2015. I've divided them by pageant, staring with...



Miss Universe 2015---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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! 

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 next time. This lovely woman is almost six
feet tall and there's no need for those platform heels. 

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 architecturally 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 T-strap heels. I feel
this gown and styling clinched her spot in the Top 5. For sure. Elegant, sexy, impacting. And yes, Classy.

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". 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.

---------------------------------------------------------
**UPDATE: Thanks to a keen Blogger reader here, I forgot to include the Very Good Gowns from the Miss Universe 2014 Pageant that actually DID OCCUR in 2015--January 2015 to be exact so...Thank You for reminding me Dear Blog Reader! 



Here are some Gowns from the Miss Universe 2014-2015 Pageant which made the Best of 2015 List:

Miss Colombia (and eventual Miss Universe 2014) Paulina Vega: One word: WOW! When Paulina walked onstage
in this shimmery silver sequined column gown, I gasped! Paulina looked magnificent--like the perfect winner! The
gown fit PERFECTLY. It was modern, red carpet fab, had stage presence,
and her styling was fresh, modern and on-point. This gown certainly is worth placing it here on my Best of 2015 List.



Paulina was Two-for-Two because not only was her "Finals" gown Fab enough for inclusion on my Best of 2015 List but so was her "Evening Gown Portrait" Gown:

This gown above was also superb. The
golden\nude sequined bias-cut dress is perfect for an A-List Hollywood
actress at any top awards show. Paulina looks every bit a STAR in this
style which features a plunging neckline and delicate shoulder-grazing
crystal straps. This was a classic, beautiful well-done gown. Bravo on both Paulina (and her Miss Colombia Organization style/glam squad!).

Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha: I just about dropped my dinner and glass of red wine...when I saw Miss Universe Ukraine wear one of my favorite gowns from the Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2014 collection.
Yes, kids, it's COUTURE! And would cost in the high regions of
$100,000+ if you were to order it! The strapless silk organza gown
features all hand-sewn crystals (the gown is also HAND SEWN!), an
asymmetrical front silhouette with exaggerated cascade drapes. I also
loved that she did an elegant center-front parted high bun to give it an added extra "I'm a DIVA who is wearing a
FABULOUS $100,000 gown!" exclamation mark. One of the Best of 2015 Beauty Pageants!

Miss Russia Yulia Alipova: Miss Universe Ukraine wasn't the only
contestant wearing actual Paris Haute Couture...Miss Russia was not
about to be overshadowed darlings! Yulia wore another of my favorite
gowns of 2015 in this crimson red silk satin ball gown from Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2013.
This gown is absolute perfection: it's Grace Kelly Hollywood Glamour
classic, elegant and features all the details of a true Couture dress.
It is all hand made, has hand sewn crystal applique and the folded skirt
drapes add exuberant sweeping drama. Ball Gown Perfection!



Miss Russia was also Two-for-Two during the Miss Universe 2014 pageant which aired in January of this year (2015)--She also wore another $100,000+ costing Haute Couture gown and this was just for the "Evening Gown Portraits":

Miss Russia Yulia Alipova wore this Elie Saab Haute Couture from his Fall 2014 collection for the Miss Universe 2014 Website's Evening Gown Portraits. This gown is truly a work of Couture art! And probably cost about
$175,000. Not sure if she actually ordered it and bought it, or she may
have a very, very rich Russian Arms Dealer boyfriend who did! Or she
pulled lots of strings to borrow it from the Elie Saab Press
Office...whatever she did, I'm glad! The dramatic ball gown shape, the
incredible print, the hand-placed strawberry-colored flower sequin
appliques on the bodice and torso area...this gown is one of those
dresses that can SHUT IT DOWN once she steps on stage. Bravo for Yulia and her two gowns making it in my Best of 2015 List.

Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell: I loved this red gown worn by
Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell. She was one of the favorites to win the
crown and I can see why; she exuded major confidence, she's beautiful,
and has THE sexiest/sassiest runway walk! This red sequined
applique gown could have gone a bit tacky-licious but the mini cap
sleeve, high neck, lack of HOOCHIE slit, and her slicked pixie
hairstyle...among other things...brought it all into chic, red carpet
fab! Very good!

Miss Spain Desiree Cordero: Desiree wore one of my favorite gowns of the pageant. It was a
strapless silver/ivory fitted Siren-like gown that featured exquisitely placed
sequins and jewels. The fit was fabulous and she stunned onstage. Loved it!

Miss Venezuela Migbelis Castellanos: I loved this Gionni Straccia-designed
off-the-shoulder ivory sequined gown on Migbelis. I have to BOW down to
the Gionni Straccia Atelier in Caracas (or wherever he has these gowns
made) because that sequin and jewel work is OUT OF THIS WORLD! I think Migbelis did herself a disservice by putting her hair in the front; she looked
like she had NO NECK. She should have pushed her hair back. But taking her hair out of the equation, this gown was Pageant Perfection.

Miss World 2015------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Lebanon Valerie Abou Chacra: GORGEOUS. Yes. Definitely. Miss
Lebanon was one of the favorites to win the Miss World crown and I can see why.
This gown was STUNNING. It was a design from Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection.
The gown featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, nude silk tulle
with hand-sewn ivory beads and crystals and a full gathered overskirt
sewn onto a column gown. This gown probably retails for about $100,000 if you were to place an order (and you were the wife of a Chinese Billionaire!). I
am sure she didn't pay that and it was borrowed. Needless to say, it always nice to see an actual Haute Couture gown in a beauty pageant. Thank you Zuhair Murad and Thank you Miss Lebanon Organization.



Some of my other Best of 2015 from the Miss World 2015 Beauty Pageant included:

Miss Cote d'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: Love this gown on the
beautiful Miss Cote d'Ivoire. The black and white sequined style was
chic and sexy. I also loved the gold earrings styled with it.

Miss Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Stunning. This red column gown with
gold "necklace"-like neck trim was sublime. I wish I had a photo of her
back because it was FABULOUS!

Miss Gabon Reine Ngotala and Miss Georgia Nino Karalashvili: Both
of these gowns were great! Love them both. Miss Gabon was Mermaid Fab
ad Miss Georgia's metallic column was ready for the red carpet.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: I loved this strapless red lace
and organza gown. It was very "Met Ball" dramatic and unique. She really
was "Done" from head to toe! Muy Bien Puerto Rico.

Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Hillarie's gown for the Miss World Top Model/Designer of the World Competition was gorgeous and very feminine. The pink fit-to-flare style designed by Mak Tumang featured silver
sequined applique leaf-like scrolls as well as straight-line crystals on
the diagonal throughout the body of the dress. So beautiful, delicate, and Pageant Perfect!



Miss International 2015----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Venezuela (and eventual Miss International 2015) Edymar Martinez wore an ivory tulle gown designed by Venezuelan pageant gown designer Hugo Espina. The gown featured an open neckline covered in
nude mesh, "bell" sleeves, a satin waist tie, straight silhouette with
long dramatic train. I thought it was gorgeous. It was very impacting on
Edymar and showcased her Hollywood Red Carpet-looking image. If I had
any complaint, it would be those bell-shaped sleeves; not sure if it was
necessary to add those. But other than this, I thought this was a very
intricate and almost Couture-worthy gown.

3rd Runner-up Miss Vietnam Pham Hong Thuy Van: LOVED this
strapless ball gown on Miss Vietnam. It was so Paris Haute Couture
Fashion Week. Not sure who designed and who is running the Miss Vietnam
International Organization but in terms of her Styling Team, continue
what you are doing! She looks like an actress on the Cannes Film
Festival Red Carpet: Beautiful.



Miss Colombia Universe 2015/2016--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Choco (and eventual Miss Colombia 2015/2016) Andrea Tovar: One word--WOW! Andrea wore a golden
colored tulle and sequined lace gown with a column shape and fuller back
overskirt silhouette. The front featured a plunging neckline covered in
skin colored illusion, as well as long sleeves. Her makeup and chic
chignon, perfectly finished this look. She looked regal, and perfect! A
definite TEN! One of the Best of 2015.



Miss Venezuela 2015--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Trujillo Jessica Duarte: The favorite to win this year's Miss Venezuela, Jessica Duarte wore this creation by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina.
The look was BEYOND impacting. She began with the purple taffeta coat
which then she took off to reveal the blush colored pearl/caviar beaded
gown with side nude illusion insets. Trust me, the impact of her taking
off the coat was EVERYTHING! I liked the gown and all that pearl/caviar
beading but I wasn't such a fan of the deep side "nude"/illusion
insets; it didn't have to go so deep on the hip. But, to me, it was
one of the best overall evening gown looks of the pageant and of 2015.

Miss Cojedes Arriany Barrios: Arriany wore this very elegant and red carpet-ready gown from designer Valentina Cedeño. The one shoulder gown featured a nude-colored gazar section and black and silver sequined detail. One of my favorites!

Miss Falcon Herliz Ruiz: I really liked Miss Falcon's light blue
gown. The design featured interesting silver paillette sequin detail and
it fit her very well. I also liked that she looked "modern" and didn't
have the big ol' Pageant Betty hair: Gracias!

Miss Yaracuy Gessica Fiume: Jessica wore this one shoulder ivory with silver sequins creation from Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina.
The gown was very impacting. But, I argue, it should have been on a
different contestant--in another year--maybe a darker skinned girl with a
chignon hairstyle. This gown was not for this contestant.But, it was
still one of my Top Favorites.

Miss Zulia Yennifer Gonzalez: I liked this dusty pink mermaid-shaped silk zibeline gown designed by Venezuelan designer Douglas Tapia. The silhouette worked for her very statuesque
figure, and the jeweled sequin work was exquisite and properly placed up
top. This was one of the Top of 2015 Pageant Gown styles. I'm sure it will be knocked off by Pageant Gown "designers" ASAP, if it hasn't already.



**Of Note: ANY of these gowns above would have been better than what this year's Miss Venezuela at Miss Universe Mariana Jimenez wore to the Preliminary and Finals. Not sure why she didn't. But she should have!

Miss USA 2015--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Candice Bennatt Miss Louisiana USA: I really liked Candice's
gown--it was a strapless ivory gown with silver-to-gold sequin-like
applique. It was very nice. I'm not a fan of the nude/illusion panel in
the front neckline bodice but I will let it go this time since it was one of the best from this year's Miss USA pageant.

Mame Adjei Miss Maryland USA: Mame was one of my TOP FAVORITE
contestants at this year's Miss USA 2015. She was so exotic, so
beautiful--and almost won America's Next Top Model Cycle 22 as well! She wore this black applique and see-though gown for the
Miss USA 2015 Finals. I thought she looked very impacting in this style and was one of the better sheer/applique gowns from 2015. If there was a no-no, it was that the
too-sheer section went a bit too high and verged on Hoochie. But, her
gorgeous beauty made me overlook that.

Anea Garcia Miss Rhode Island USA 2015: Anea wore this ivory silk
crepe column gown with illusion and silver Swarovski crystal studded
center front panel. I thought this gown looked familiar when I first saw
it, and of course, I realized why: this gown was worn at the Miss Venezuela 2014 Pageant  by Scarliz Coa "Miss Apure". The gown was designed by Valentina
Cedeño. I have a very good feeling that this is the exact same gown,
since Miss Apure has a very similar body type; therefore this is a
borrowed sample. I really liked this gown and thought it was statuesque
and very "Miss Universo". Unfortunately, Anea "Miss Rhode Island USA"
had trouble walking in it (not sure why since the gown had that big ol' back
godet/train! It might have been about an inch too long). But it was one of the Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2015 and therefore this year overall (even though it was originally from last year--LOL!).



Miss Lebanon 2015---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Miss Lebanon Organization keeps on surpassing all others as a Gown Gorgeous Beauty Pageant--featuring gown designs from Lebanese-born Haute Couturier (and J Lo and Sofia Vergara favorite) Zuhair Murad. He is a Judge and I assume "Creative Director" for Miss Lebanon and therefore provides very, very, VERY expensive gowns for the Miss Lebanon contestants. They may not all be runway model size zero or 5' 11" but they sure as heck will fit into them! And I'm glad they do...the gowns from this year's pageant were some of the Best of 2015, including the Top Three gals:

Top Three Zuhair Murad Gals--(L to R) Valerie Abou Chacra
(winner), Jocelyne Mosleh, and Cynthia Samuel--Miss Lebanon 2015 Finals

Gowns worn by the First and Second Runner-Up--Zuhair Murad Resort 2016

Valerie Abou Chacra, the eventual Miss Lebanon 2015, wore this sheer white
sequined one shoulder gown with a side front overlap/slit and double
wrapped belt from Zuhair Murad Resort 2016

Cheers to a Fab 2015 Pageant Year and to all the Ladies who wore Fabulous gowns!

UP NEXT is my Worst of 2015 "Oh Dear/Ayyy Mija!" Beauty Pageant Gowns Blog...