SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

Worldly Gowns: Miss World 2017 contestants modeling designs of designers from their own nations at the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show/Miss World Top Model Competition", People's Republic of China

Some Photos Courtesy of Miss World Official Facebook Page

The 2017 Miss World Beauty Pageant is taking place in the People's Republic of China with the Grand Finals happening next week on November 18th in Sanya China. Lots of pre-Finals competitions and events have been happening in advance of the final crowning night and earlier this week was one of MY FAVORITES: The Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show and Miss World Top Model" Competition.

Miss World 2017 contestants in their "Word Designer" gowns--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

The Miss World Beauty Pageant has a fabulous fashion show showcasing the contestants modeling gowns created by designers from their home countries and this year they continued the tradition with all the 118 contestants doing just that. The designs were judged and a special award is given to the "World Designer" whose design was judged the best. On the same night, 30 contestants were chosen to compete in the Miss World Top Model competition with the winner being fast-tracked to be in the Top 40. The Miss World 2017 Top Model was the 6 foot+ tall Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue. She was so tall that the gown she wore from a featured Chinese designer was VERY SHORT (see photo below!).

Miss World Supermodel: The winner of the "2017 Miss World Top Model Competition", Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue (2nd from left), with her Runners-up (L to R) Miss World Croatia Tea Nlinaric, Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapat, and Miss World China PR Guan Siyu--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

OK, now to more important matters: MY TOP 15 BEST Gowns worn by the "Miss World 2017" contestants for the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show". I watched the video of the fashion show (watch at the end of this post)--showing all the 118 contestants in her home-designers gowns--and so I have to say that my criteria was based A LOT on how they modeled the designs and basically how they "worked it!"...

Too Typical and Boring...for Miss World Designer--(L to R) Miss World Rwanda Elsa Iradukunda, Miss World Ecuador Romina Zeballos and Miss World Uruguay Melina Carballo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

I also think of this "Miss World "World Designer" Competition/Fashion Show as a way to not just showcase the hometown designers but show some creativity that might be "unique", but still chic and stylish with an Haute taste level. Several contestants wore gowns that, while pretty and OK--looked like they came from a "Pageant and Prom" Shop (like the ones above). And then, there were some that were TACKY-LICIOUS, like the ones below:

Oh Dear!--Miss World 2017 contestants wearing designs that would end up in the "Uh Oh" List (L to R) Miss World Egypt Farah Shaaban, Miss World Scotland Romy McCahill, and Miss World Equatorial Guinea Catalina Mange Ondo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

So...yeah, I wasn't interested in those but more with ones that had a unique creativity and at the same time, looked RUNWAY FAB.



I will start with the actual winner--Miss World Indonesia:

1. Miss World Indonesia Achintya Holte Nilsen: Achintya wore this beautiful creme colored gown from Indonesian brand and designer, Provocate by Melta Tan. And yes, she--or her dress--was judged to be the BEST design from the Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show. The gown was gorgeous and very Haute Couture in its style, design and perfect fit. The dress featured that very popular "nude dress" look with a see-through ivory colored crinoline base with gold sequin applique/embroidery, topped off with a stiffened overskirt that had a sweeping train and the same gold applique that was featured in the main dress. It was pretty much THE PERFECT Miss World gown.

Score: 9.95

2. Miss World Cote D'Ivoire Mandjalia Gbane: Mandjalia wore this SUPER FAB gown above. Her runway presentation was EVERYTHING! She was not only beautiful but supermodel fab. The brick-red colored gown itself also was fab, featuring lots of drama with that outstanding cape and gold details. The fit was IMPECCABLE. Take a look at the length and where all the seams hit: Just right! Mandjalia served them Cote D'Ivoire Couture HUNEY!!

Score: 9.85

3. Miss World Mexico Andrea Meza: OK, I have to say that for Andrea it was A LOT about her FIERCE runway presentation as I watched the video. She blew me away with how she worked this gown overtime and I was excited by the bold neon hue of her highlighter yellow gown. When I finally simmered down my excitement and took a closer look at the entire look including the gown and those UBER KRAY-KRAY strappy platform shoes, it was all a little TOO MUCHEEY but...here's the thing: I LOVED IT! I expect this Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show" to be almost like a Runway/Fashionable version of the "National Costumes Competition" so...for me, Andrea's gown and entire look/presentation was one the BEST!

Score: 9.75

4. Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapak: I LOVED this elegant and classic gown design worn by Miss World Thailand. The golden silk design featured a simple sheath/column gown style with a dramatic "Queen of Siam"-like cape and gold sequined embellishment on the neck and back of the cape at the hem. This was one of those perfect examples of a unique gown that had "hints" of its Thai origins but still did not look like a costume and remained Runway Fab!

Score: 9.60 

5. Miss World Liberia Wokie Dolo: I LOVED this gown worn by Miss World Liberia. This was unique, colorful and entrance-making impacting! The neon yellow/green color looked AMAZING against the contestant's luxurious skin color and I also enjoyed the Haute Couture-like oversized leaf embellishments. This reminded of an old-school Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture gown-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier. If I had any critique, it would be the nude platform heels. Those looked like an afterthought and were the wrong styling choice. But I will just pretend those shoes are not there...for now.

Score: 9.50

6. Miss World India Manushi Chhillar: First off--Miss world India is GORGEOUS! OK, now, onto her gown: Also GORGEOUS! The heavily beaded dress was from Indian designers Falgune and Shane Peacock and featured that popular 'nude gown" look of nude illusion with geometrically placed rhinestones, all ending with a small flourish of pink colored ostrich feathers at the hem. She looked like a Hollywood A-List star on the red carpet of Cannes.

Score: 9.40

7. Miss World China PR Guan Siyu: The "Host Candidate" from the People's Republic of China had the pressure of making her nation's fashion designers proud with her gown choice for the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition...and I think she did quite well! There were elements of Parisian Haute Couture--the fit, silhouette, expensive fabrication, Marie Antoinette mini panier--as well as hints of Chinese Traditional Dress with the neckline/collar, cap sleeves, embroidery. This was a strong World Designer Statement for the beautiful contestant from China. If there was any wish, it would have been stronger more "Runway Diva" hair.

Score: 9.30

8. Miss World Honduras Celia Monterrosa: Three words came to mind when I saw Miss World Honduras SAUNTER down the runway and they were YOU GO GIRL! I mean, seriously, look at her in this photo! Bravo Mija! I thought this royal blue/purple jersey gown was SEXY as all heck, and dramatic (that fabulous cape!) and fit perfectly. It definitely was impacting and she could stop traffic ANYWHERE (and for good reasons!) wearing this.

Score: 9.25

9. Miss World France Aurore Kichenin: Miss World France's gown made my Top 15 List here at No. 9. I thought this was an elegant design that looked refined and very Haute Couture in its intricate and exuberant gold sequined/metallic embroidery. The design featured a column gown with an attached overskirt. It was dramatic but without going over-the-top and reminded me of something from the Lebanese Couturiers who show in Paris, like Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad. I also have the same wish for her as I had for Miss World China: More Diva-like hair; her hairstyle looked way too sporty for such a red carpet-like gown.

Score: 9.10

10. Miss World Vietnam Do My Linh: This gown worn by Miss World Vietnam was stunning, elegant and very entrance-making. While it didn't really have any hints of traditional Vietnamese dress elements (I would have LOVED a Chic Couture Ao Dai perhaps!), it still made a strong classic impact, especially with the beautiful star-studded sequins and flowing overskirt silk chiffon drape.

Score: 9.05

11. Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram: I was impressed with this strapless sequined overskirt-style gown worn by Miss World Guyana. The dress fit very well, was the PERFECT length and the color and fabrication looked rich! I also loved her slicked-back hair and minimal accessories of earrings and a statement ring.

Score: 9.00 

12. Miss World Hungary Virag Koroknyai: OK, I'll be honest, at first I thought "Ummm, that's A LOT of flowers!" but I actually loved this entire look! The fit-and-flare shaped gown itself featured a sheer white iridescent organza-like fabrication with hand-sewn raw-edged flowers and a satin waistband. I loved the raw-edged organza/tulle flourish at the shoulders and yes, I even liked how it was all topped off with a matching hair accessory. It was unique (and in a good way) and made a strong runway impact.

Score: 8.99

13. Miss World Nepal Nikita Chandak: LOVE LOVE LOVE this mermaid-shaped gown worn by Miss World Nepal. It meshed elements of a tradition "pageant gown"(with the silhouette, sweetheart neckline and pouf bottom) as well as East Asian/Nepalese influences with the very rich and striking gold sequin work. She looked like the Queen of Nepal!

Score: 8.95

14. Miss World Canada Cynthia Menard: Cynthia wore this white fit-and-flare gown with a dramatic chiffon cape at the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show and I thought it was a strong enough gown statement that I wanted to include it in my Top 15. She looked like a Runway Snow Angel in this look which was appropriate being that she was from Canada! The silver sequined lace scalloped hem trim reminded me of snowflakes and icicles and I also loved how she presented the design on the runway.

Score: 8.92

15. Miss World Russia Polina Popova: Last but certainly, not least, I also liked this red ballgown worn by the beautiful Polina Popova Miss World Russia. The red was so rich and vibrant, it definitely made everyone stop and gasp a "Wow!" and the gown itself looked expensive and fabulous with the dramatic tiered overskirt covered with hundreds upon hundreds of shimmering paillettes. There was a hint of a Supermodel Russian Doll in the overall look.

Score: 8.90



EXTRA:

Miss World Cook Islands Alanna Smith: I wanted to add Alanna's gown here because it was "different', made a DEFINITE IMPACT as she came down the runway and for its quite glorious way of celebrating her South Pacific islands' flora and fauna. This could have been a perfect costume for her but...it also made for a very glorious gown choice. I absolutely loved the feathered and flowered details at the shoulders/neck/bust and her crown...and the pretty ombre dyed chiffon. This to me, was like the Cook Island version of a very elegant and Haute Indian sari. And for that, I wanted to give Alanna (and whoever designed this) props!

Click below to watch Miss World 2017 "World Designer Fashion Show":





And don't forget to go to AMAZON.COM to Purchase my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book". There are over 25 hand-drawn Pageant Gown Sketches for you to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Click HERE to purchase:

Virgin Australia Fashion Festival (VAMFF) 2017

Virgin Australia Fashion Festival (VAMFF) 2017

Wednesday 16th March

Front row on the runway, we're loving all the shoes! Everything nice feels like plastic to me. Btw how do you clean flurry shoes? Set on the Next Runway was the UK Show (hence the unusual diversity in skin colour), in the great outdoors! It's five degrees warmer than outside in the hall and so we were glad to be outside. A warm but gloomy day - my kinda day! There's been a heat wave lately.

My favorite item? A navy blazer with white lines. Something practical. I've never bought anything I've seen on runway, I've been inspired by a couple headpieces though. Wedding runway is what I really love.

We came upon the UK Show on tickettek and were delighted to discover it was free! We rarely buy tickets for runway, preferring the performing arts, also I don't get as much value out if it as others. There were also other runways that you could get tickets for if you know someone.

The cheapest runway tickets are $65 though with Optus $45, and there would be other clubs offering discounts too. Only the premium shows have showbags, even at $40 I didn't find it worth it as I wouldn't use most of the products. But if you love runway and the products $30-40 is my ideal price.

The UK show was interesting, while I've never been to the UK I was under the impression that they had asians and Muslims too and not just people who are either black or white? Though we all know runway/media represents the ideal and not the average. After all if you were happy with the way you are, we can't sell you things that will make you "runway ready".

Front row on the runway, first and second row received different showbags, the second smaller and I'm not sure what's inside. We loved that there was two different bags, one for her and one for him! He rarely ever gets anything in the bags :P As they're always for girls.

My perception of Next? Another H&M.

What an awesome idea to spice up a denim jacket! Pins, sequins, pompoms and cheap beads. It's amazing how something so easy can we so awesome.

Fairy floss! In a few shades of purple, I do love purple!

Those three girls spent the entire evening taking pictures of themselves and each other. Though the event was designed to indulge camwhores. I'm surrounded by girls kissed the air and a sea of cameras. I've yet to take many pic as I'm not a selfie person and was deeply offended yesterday when the camera guy at Ted's asked if I mainly took selfies, as my primary use for the camera. 

Trending - Monochrome 

Something strange, new and wonderful I discovered is that I don't experience outfit envy at mainstream events. Sure I love your dress, but on you and not me. I'm more of a ballgown kinda person.

While we had a glimpse of the next big thing, 360 camera for now they're settling on gifs/animations, though I still prefer polaroids. I feel so lost, I was born in the wrong century and have nothing in common with anyone around me...

Plenty of photo ops with swings, a mirror room, tinsel background. A beer bar, the professor's second favorite. We didn't get into the VIP one this year, but I'm working on it! I mightn't like fashion nor approve though we love being invited places!

The official coffee sponsor, powering the event.

Priceline's four shipping container pop up has transformed into a building! Inside you could get your hair or makeup done, and a new photo area with prints! The latest trends is a roving camera but before that gifs, I prefer Polaroids. Unlike last year there were no showbags, only premium runway ones. So if you're in it for the freebies it's probably not worth going. 

Outside there's $2/$5 cash only vending machines. Being 8pm when we got there a lot of things were sold out. There was mainly nude by nature products and two french ones. There was Neutrogeana sunscreen too! At $5 everything was of good value.

The main venue, though there were shows outside and in the car park too.

There were two food trucks, the majority of which are more expensive than in-stores, convenience fee. Burgers and Vietnamese tonight. Skipping dinner for now we went straight to dessert with a $22 platter from Burch and purchase.

Two tubes (smaller than normal) a cake pop and wheel. Loved the ginger and passionfruit tube! A classic and best seller. The cake pop was a pop of salted caramel encased in a ball of white chocolate. Though the highlight and event exclusive was the B&P x Lavazza Coffee Wheel: coffee marshmallow and hazelnut cream sandwiched between chocolate cookies, dipped in Lavazza Prontissimo crunchy milk chocolate.

In this picture there is a screen, live from the show inside.

The gardens of fake grass was a very nice touch and upgrade from last year (just concrete blocks), simple but cheap deco - milk crates with plastic the tops lit inside with battery operated twinkle lights! Damn overhead street style lighting meant stupid yellow glow. This is why you go early and make full use of natural lighting.

What's new? Seating. Live screening on facebook. Priceline's vending machine.
What's gone? Free showbags from Priceline. More interactive activities.
When's the next show? September MSFW at City Square.

Did you go to fashion week? What were your highlights?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 National Costumes Highlights from Dances of the World Auditions

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 National Costumes Highlights from Dances of the World Auditions

Costume Couture: National Costumes from the 2015 Miss World "Dances of the World" auditions (Clockwise, top to bottom) Miss Bahamas, Miss Myanmar, Miss Venezuela, Miss Turkey

All Photos here and below courtesy of MissWorld.com

The 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant kicked off last week in Sanya Hainan Island, People's Republic of China. The finals of the 2015 Miss World will be on December 19th. Coincidentally, the other International beauty pageant "biggie", the Miss Universe 2015 pageant finals will occur the following day, December 20th--in Las Vegas Nevada USA. So, in terms of beauty pageants and beauty pageant followers, that will be a big weekend! For this year's Miss World, over 100 contestants from all over the world are vying for the coveted title (minus Miss Canada World who was not allowed to enter China).

Costumed Auditions: Events leading up to the Miss World 2015 Finals on December 19th began last week with one of the first ones being the Auditions for the "Dances of the World" where many of the contestants donned their National Costumes---it's become a fun version of the traditional National Parade of Nations. Some of the contestants might change their costumes for the Final night but here is a sneak peak at their national costumes via these "Dances of the World" auditions...



South America, Central America:

Miss Brazil World Catharina Choi: Festive, very Rio Carnival-like costume with bright Igor Stravinsky "The Firebird"-like styling. She said it is inspired by the birds in her country. Of course it is. I could definitely see Catharina in a Carnival float in this costume.

Colombia Maria Alejandra Lopez: I love this bright, fun costume worn by Miss Colombia World. It was designed by Edgar Perez and represents a "fantasy" creation of the Queens of the Barranquilla Carnival. It shows images of different representations of the Colombian people, the bright carnival-like colors and the shape of the oversized skirt hints at the iconic Colombian Sombrero Vueltiao (Vueltiao Hat). Very impressive.

Ecuador Camila Maranon: Camila's costume is very traditional in terms of its folkloric styling, featuring the yellow, blue and red of her country's flag.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela's costume--also folkloric in its design--was inspired by Teresa Carreño, Venezuelan pianist, singer, composer who was a very influential figure in her country. The gown is very intricate with hundreds of sequins, pearls and layers upon layers of gathered trim--in fact 500 meters of "bobbin lace" (encajes de bolillo). The costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Nidal Nouaihed.

El Salvador Marcela Santamaria: Marcela looks quite chic and serene in her national costume featuring an emerald green tiered skirt, lace edge trim, a lace mantilla headpiece, golden midriff, ivory lace top section and lovely depictions of native women in the bottom tier of her skirt. I especially love her very model pose.

Chile Fernanda Sobarzo: Fernanda wears a Chilean costume worn at traditional Cueca dances. The dress has a full skirt with petticoat underneath; a wire satin ruffle hem; waist sash and bow plus her handkerchief as the finishing accessory. Oh, and lots of flower details. Somehow, I am not sure if those suede platform pumps are normally utilized in this dance, but I give her a pass: she's a beauty queen. She needs heels!

Panama Diana Jaen: Miss Panama World's costume represents the popular Pre-Columbian style seen in lots of Latin American beauty queens national costumes. This particular one has to do with a story of a local woman who would kill any of the Spaniards who came to her native land looking for gold, the tale is entitled "El Salto de la niña de Puerto Pilón". Diana says that the costume weighs A LOT (understandably); the headdress alone weighs a supposed eight pounds. 

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: This Pre-Columbian Nicaragua National Costume was designed by Jeff Manzanares,  The mask on her hand represents the Güegüense which was declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2005. With this outfit, Stefania presented the dance of the 'inditas', representing the mixture of Spanish culture and native Nicaraguan culture. Also represented on the outfit is El Toro Huaco which is a dance and a legend from the province of Carazo, Nicaragua.

Guatemala Maria Jose Larrana: Maria Jose also wears a Pre-Columbian type costume with feathers, sequins and a very impressive headdress. I especially like her accompanying makeup and not too distracting gold heels.

Belize Jasmin Jael Rhamdas: Miss Belize World's costume features the colors of her country's flag as well as a sequined half-moon and depictions of ocean "flora and fauna" and corals from her country. I like it for the most part; if only she would have not worn black hot pants...and instead a blue sparkle pair of shorts that matched the rest of the costume. I also think the gold heels were a little distracting. I suggest that she should have done silver, to match the half-moon.



Europe-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belgium Leylah Alliet: The colors of the Belgium flag are incorporated into this mermaid-shaped design with sequins and feathers for Miss Belgium World 2015.

Slovakia Luzja Strakova: Luzja's traditional Slovak costume represents the celebration and pride of the Slovakian people. The main focus of her outfit is that hat, which is a playful interpretation of a traditional Slovakian wedding hat. She says that her costume took over 1 year to make and every detail was handmade!

Czech Republic Andrea Kalousova: Andrea also dons a traditional costume with the flowered headpiece.

England Natasha Hemmings: Natasha's costume has color hints of the England flag but at the same time, gives nods to English Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Gibraltar Hannah Bado: Very traditional. Very Gibraltar.

Italy Greta Galassi: Greta's national costume looks a bit more "Sound of Music" Austria, Swiss Alps as opposed to Italy but she might be vibing the Northern part of Italy, I guess. She's more schnitzel and less pizza.

Hungary Daniella Kiss: Daniella's costume is very representative of the Hungarian national dress with the national colors. She says that she performs a typical Hungarian gypsy dance in this.

Ireland Sacha Livingstone: Sacha's costume is iconic Irish Celtic dance-inspired. I think its quite cute, down to the correct lace-up "Ghillie" slippers.

Caribbean------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bahamas Chantel O'Brien: Chantel is dressed as the straw doll. Together with straw, her outfit is also made with flowers, which can be found all over the Bahamas. There are details such as shells and a burlap finish which gives it a very wavy look. 

Curacao Alexandra Krijger: Miss Curacao World's costume blends colors of her island's flag as well as historical reference to the Dutch ships and the Curacao fruit of laraha

Haiti Seydina Allen: The colors of Haiti are exemplified in this costume of Miss Haiti World. The design features a knot-tied top and multicolored godet skirt and lace sleeves.

Jamaica Sanneta Myrie: Jamaica, Usain Bolt and his iconic "pose" are well represented in this costume worn by Miss Jamaica World Sanneta Myrie.

Africa------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gabon Reine Ngotala: Reine's costume is like a high-fashion version of a traditional Gabon national ensemble. Great colors, lovely leaf prints and I love the asymmetry of the top section--as well as headdress and fan. I just wished she wouldn't have worn those black heels; they distracted from her costume.



Asia and Oceania----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turkey Ecem Cirpan: Ecem is six feet tall, and if that isn't enough, she wore this gorgeous costume showing the artistic tile work. This "costume" is EVERYTHING!

Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Miss Vietnam World's costume is a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai traditional ensemble of long tunic with side slits and accompanying wide-leg palazzo-like pants.

Thailand Thunchanok Moonnilta: Thunchanok's national costume is inspired by the Northern region of Thailand. All of the materials to make the dress as well as the elaborate headpiece were crafted by the people of Northern Thailand, and represents the fusion of Lanna and Thai cultures. 

India Aditi Arya: Aditi's costume is an Indian costume with crop top and pleated skirt. She definitely looks like a Bollywood actress...during a dance number.

Kazakhstan Regina Vandysheva: Regina went a bit traditional with her a-line shaped costume and coat.

Korea Jun Eun-ju: Miss Korea World's dress is a combination of the old traditional Korean Hanbok but the addition of cutouts on the sleeve represents the modern Korea. On the skirt, there is a quilt, which represents the Joseon Dynasty. 

Myanmar Khin Thein Myint: One of my favorite "Miss World 2015" costumes; the colors, the design; the mixing of traditional and fantasy. Super Fabulous.

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' look is the same costume worn by last year's "Miss Australia World" Courtney Thorpe. The outfit was designed by Julie Sulfi of Belluccio and was inspired by the Women's Land Army, paying homage to the women who worked in agriculture during World War II.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: Aria's straw skirt, flower head crown and shell accessories pays tribute to the Chamorro Dance of Guam. I think this is both fun and very traditional. She's very pretty by the way!

Finally...

Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Brittany's costume represents Fiji’s diversity and elegance and the traditional values of Fijian people, according to her. The patterns featured in her costume represent the people of Fiji and their unique rituals, as well as the diversity of the population.



Can't wait to see the "Dances of the World" segment during the "Miss World 2015" Live Finals on December 19th. The show will be aired in the US on E! the morning of December 20th--the same day as "Miss Universe 2015".