Here are the 10 things we'll *all* be wearing in 2019

Here are the 10 things we'll *all* be wearing in 2019

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and rediscovering the art of layering, the close of 2018 has got some of us thinking about our 2019 wardrobe.

And - despite a growing number of designers experimenting with the calendar by producing 'see-now-buy-now' collections (to keep up with the impatient demand to own things IMMEDIATELY) - thankfully the majority of the fashion industry still shows its pieces a season in advance, giving the impatient amongst us a sneak peek at upcoming sartorial highlights.

And next year looks set to be a scorcher...

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We may have another few months to wait before we can *truly* indulge, but before these pieces land and the trends inevitably take hold of the high street (hey, did we or did we not predict the animal print renaissance back in Feb...?) we can have a lot of fun conjuring up visions of our next season aesthetic.

Kate Middleton Skipped the All-Black Dress Code at the BAFTAs, and Some People Are Upset

Kate Middleton Skipped the All-Black Dress Code at the BAFTAs, and Some People Are Upset

All eyes were on Kate Middleton as she marked her arrival at the 2018 BAFTA Awards on the red carpet. The pregnant royal managed to find a solution to her most recent fashion conundrum: To wear black to this year's event, or not. 

Both choices carried consequences, which made her decision even more meaningful. If she wore black, the royal would show her support for the Time's Up movement, along with actresses, like Margot Robbie and Octavia Spencer. However, the color choice would break royal rules, as it can often be seen as a political statement. Slipping on a bold shade would be risky, too.

After much speculation of what she would do, Middleton followed protocol, and opted for a forest green Jenny Packham gown. The dress's dark hue was a happy medium between the two principles: It was deep enough that it didn't feel out of place in a sea of black, and it respected the monarchy's long-standing policy. 

Gigi Hadid shares her thoughts on Victoria's Secret after missing out on 2017 show

Gigi Hadid shares her thoughts on Victoria's Secret after missing out on 2017 show

Gigi Hadid has shared her thoughts on this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, from the comfort of her own home of course, after the model was forced to bow out of this year’s runway.

Hadid confirmed on November 16 she would not be walking, with rumours being it was due to backlash over a video of the model poking fun at a Buddha cookie, which offended fans.  

“I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year. Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!! Can't wait to tune in with everyone to see the beautiful show I know it will be, and already can't wait for next year! :) x,” she wrote.

Now, Hadid has shared her thoughts on the show, having viewed it as it aired in the US yesterday. Taking to Instagram Stories, Hadid expressed her excitement for younger sister Bella as she took to the runway and also congratulated the Victoria’s Secret team.

“Excited to watch my gorg lil sis (so proud @bellahadid) and all my angelic friends tonight #vsfs. HUGE LOVE to all the girls and the whole VS team!!”

The model added: “A year of prep and hard work deserves major celebration!!!! (Even though u never stop and you'll already be planning '18 tomorrow morning if not already @ed_razek).”

Gigi had originally confirmed in August she would be joining the model line-up in Shanghai but continued to receive comments on social media telling her she was not welcome in China due to the video in question. It was not known if it was a visa issue or a decision by the model herself.

Today's Everyday Fashion: #GivingTuesday

Today's Everyday Fashion: #GivingTuesday

I love blogging about fashion, but it's definitely not my life's purpose. A career path, certainly. But things with deeper meaning like giving to and helping others, are things I think about more often, and are far more exciting than clothes! That's why I love the idea of #GivingTuesday, the day that falls after Cyber Monday and Black Friday. (I only wish that it came before Thanksgiving - giving first, THEN the shopping!) Today is a time to reflect, and strategize how we can give back.

TIME - Let's start with the one thing that absolutely anyone can contribute no matter your age or station in life: your time. Many nonprofits and charities could not function without a large amount of manpower. Take the Feeding Children Everywhere initiative we recently participated in - they sent 4.4 millions meals to Puerto Rico, which required the help of 54,000 volunteers! Does it feel like your schedule is too packed and there's no way you can help? Please hear me when I say that I understand that feeling. During our busiest season we work 120+ hours a week, and barely have time for self-care or socializing let alone volunteering. But Joshua and I recently spent a Saturday afternoon cooking for and serving a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless during an absolutely INSANE week, and it was magical. Volunteering is funny like that - when you are stressed to the MAX and have zero time is often the best time to do it!

SKILL - There's using your two hands and feet to volunteer (TIME) and then there's using your qualifications or (SKILL) to help others! Whatever your abilities may be, there are tons of exciting ways you can make a difference. A great resource for getting started is Taproot, a website that allows you to enter your skills, browse available projects, and apply to help pro bono. For me and Joshua, this is definitely one of our favorite ways to give back. It means sitting on the board of a nonprofit, donating consulting and/or social media services, or doing pro bono blog posts or photography sessions. We don't always share publicly, but a couple examples you've seen here on the blog include going to Haiti to establish best practices for a nonprofit/fair trade brand, and utilizing one of the unique perks of my job (free clothes!) by donating or doing closet sales for a cause.

These Will Be the Biggest Fashion Trends in 2018 — Are You Ready?

These Will Be the Biggest Fashion Trends in 2018 — Are You Ready?

We're always looking a season ahead to find the next It item or trend. It's part of our DNA as fashion-lovers. If you're like us, you've been paying close attention to what's been popular on the streets and runways this past Fashion Month — that's what gives us a good indication of what to expect in 2018.

While we definitely know glittery boots are "in" right now and so is wearing red, we took things one step further and predicted the next big need-to-know trends. That way, you can adequately prepare your shopping list. Read on to see the 10 major styles we think every fashion girl should know for next year.

Jin Goo Reveals Why He Changed His Fashion Style After (Descendants Of The Sun)

Jin Goo Reveals Why He Changed His Fashion Style After (Descendants Of The Sun)

On November 25, “Untouchable” actors Jin Goo and Go Jun Hee made a rare variety show appearance on the JTBC show “Ask Us Anything.”

On the show, Jin Goo bonded with Seo Jang Hoon over his love of basketball and revealed how his life changed after the popularity of “Descendants of the Sun.” He shared that a fan had once told him he needed to wear uniforms in dramas from now for those shows to do well and said, “In ‘Untouchable,’ I play a detective and I don’t really wear a particular uniform so some of my fans were concerned.”

He added later, “I really liked wearing military-style clothes in my personal style, but after filming “Descendants of the Sun,” I got a little embarrassed [to wear that]. In case people thought I was trying too hard [to get recognized].”

These Are the Accessories Brands Net-a-Porter Is Getting Behind in 2018

These Are the Accessories Brands Net-a-Porter Is Getting Behind in 2018

We love Net-a-Porter for its up-to-the-second trends and interest in new brands. The e-commerce giant is never one to shy away from up-and-coming designers (they were one of the first to pick up brands, like Staud), and are always first to showcase fresh talent. This season, we got some insider info on the new accessories brands Net-a-Porter is eyeing up for next year. Scroll below for seven new companies that are sure to sell out once they hit the website.

 LEIGH MILLER

Leigh Miller is the eponymous Los Angeles-based jewelry line by Leigh Miller Newman, a former designer for J.Crew and Calvin Klein. Miller’s handcrafted collections are all inspired by nature and art. Better yet? Nearly every piece is under $500.

Grecian Goddesses

Grecian Goddesses

Part of the infamous Victoria Secret Fashion was inspired by Greek and Roman Goddesses.

Looking more like a Las Vegas Review, the Angels came out in a glamorous costume display of golden wings and sheer togas.

Kendall Jenner Just Beat This Brazilian Bombshell to Become the World’s Highest Paid Model

Kendall Jenner Just Beat This Brazilian Bombshell to Become the World’s Highest Paid Model

As much as being a supermodel is about working with the right designers and building an impressive portfolio, it’s also about turning a profit. When it comes to the biggest stars, the business of being beautiful can be incredibly lucrative, especially for household names like Gisele Bündchen and Kendall Jenner, who lead the pack on Forbes’s newly announced ranking of 2017’s top-earning models. Though the list itself yielded few surprises—Victoria’s Secret Angels, Insta girls, and other headline-making stars all feature—Jenner unseating Bündchen for the top spot was unexpected. Bündchen has held the title every year since the list began in 2002, but Jenner’s reported $22 million figure from the last 12 months—thanks to the combined earnings from her reality show, cosmetics contracts, and endorsements—helped to push her over the edge.

As jaw-dropping as the numbers seem, Jenner and Bündchen’s actual salaries may not match the estimates. While there is no doubt that all the superstars featured on Forbes’s list make millions, the accuracy of the math involved has been the subject of debate. In the past, Bündchen has criticized the publication for inflating her income and subsequently drawing the attention of the IRS. Getting audited shortly after being named highest-earning model in the world, Bündchen told Brazilian blog MdeMulher at the time that her reported income was inaccurate and the attention she received as a result was largely negative. “It’s sad because the people who write these things don’t have my bank account details,” shared Bündchen. “I do okay, I earn plenty, but not as much as they say. I’ve already been audited by the IRS because of this list, and, truthfully, whether I’m on this list or not doesn’t interest me.”

As amusing as it is to chart the upward progression of celebrity incomes, the speculation has its downside. Getting audited isn’t exactly glamorous and according to Bündchen, the focus on the financials doesn’t take into consideration all she is beyond her bank account. “I’ve got the same interests, the same day-to-day life, as any woman. I want to raise my children well, be a good wife, and work. This is what I value: Are my children educated, is my husband happy, are people feeling positive energy from me?” said Bündchen, who wishes the media would talk about less tangible qualities like relevance, intelligence, and personality. “There should be a magazine to quantify knowledge, understanding, and love for people: That is power.” Whether or not Jenner went home with $22 million in the bank or not, it’s clear she’s done well for herself. Being the highest-paid model is nice, but the real accomplishment comes from what you do with all the attention.

ICE STYLE.....2017 Internationaux de France Grand Prix of France COSTUMES: LADIES

ICE STYLE.....2017 Internationaux de France Grand Prix of France COSTUMES: LADIES

Maria Sotskova Debuts her new Short Program Costume--2017 Internationaux de France Grand Prix of France--Grenoble France

The 2017 Internationaux de France was held this past weekend in Grenoble France. Previously known as Grand Prix International de Paris (1987-1993) , Trophee de France (1994-1995, 2016), Trophee Lalique (1996-2003) and Trophee Eric Bompard (2004-2015) (take your pick of a sponsor!), this was the fifth of six I.S.U. Grand Prix of Figure Skating Competitions in advance of the Grand Prix Finals. As you may know, I have covered all the previous Grand Prix events of the season here--on my ICE STYLE BLOG so just click on "Ice Style" in the header for ALL the reviews.  Now, it's time to discuss this Grand Prix of France Costumes and I'll begin with the LADIES COSTUMES that I have not discussed in the past Grand Prix events/competitions.

Polina Edmunds of USA: This violet colored sequined jumpsuit costume is what Edmunds wore for her Short Program to Palladio by Karl Jenkins performed by Escala. I had never seen this costume before and so, naturally, when she stepped on the ice, I was like "OOOHHH...OK...Polina is giving a ONE PIECE JUMPSUIT!" Polina is a tall skater (compared to other ladies--She's 5'6" and Ashley Wagner for comparison is 5"3") and the jumpsuit can make her look even longer and leaner. This costume featured beautiful rhinestones jutting out like sun-rays--or crowns, take your pick--in a solid/"nude" panel design. This is definitely a "different" look for Polina and...

I liked the color and sequin work. The "open" nude illusion back was quite seductive  as well.

Elizabet Tursynbayeva of Kazakhstan: Elizabet skated her Free Skate to The Prayer performed by Celine Dion, Andrea Boccelli in this lilac costume. I liked the costume; the ombre-dyed look featured a gathered upper torso with exquisite silver sequin embellishment. The costume looked EXPENSIVE for sure. If there was any critique, I just felt the ruching in the front torso looked heavy--especially for her TEENY TINY frame. I am sure they were trying to give the illusion of a bust when there isn't one (she's 17 and 4'10"!) but maybe they should take away some of that gathering and make it...flatter...but still with a little ruching?! The sequins, however were GORGEOUS!

Maria Sotskova of Russia: Maria wore this pink costume for her 2017-2018 Short Program to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski, and IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! I loved this elegant costume featuring a pink chiffon base with 19th Century-like design details reminding me of a Romanov Russian Princess. The rhinestone-studded necklace, bracelets and bodice embellishment were superb! I also loved that back. I was thrilled to see that this was a NEW COSTUME for her.  At the last Grand Prix she competed at--2017 Skate Canada International--she wore this:

And I remembered that she had worn THIS SAME COSTUME for last season's Free Skate to different music (not "Swan Lake"). I also said something to the effect of "either her team is being cheap or I.S.U. isn't giving the Russian skating federation enough funds. In addition, I also wished that she would have worn A NEW COSTUME. As it turns out, I guess her new costume just wasn't ready. 



Time for another Costume Redux...kind of:

Mae Berenice Meite of France: I have discussed Mae Berenice and her costumes for this season before at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia--click HERE--so when I saw this look at the Grand Prix of France for her Free Skate to Les Nocturnes de Chopin and Happy by C2C, I was like "WAIT! There is something different!". I remember her lady-like Peter Pan collar and rather basic white and black costume (at least for her!) but those rhinestones were NOT THERE! I swear!...

I was right! On the left is the costume at 2017 Rostelecom Cup and on the right is what she wore this weekend in France. Rhinestones on the once-basic Peter Pan collar--as well as on her cummerbund, front button placket and wrist bands. Back when I saw the costume at the Rostelecom Cup I thought it just needed something. I guess someone must have read my blog (wink! wink!).

**UP NEXT: THE MEN'S COSTUMES of the 2017 Internationaux de France Grand Prix of France!



And don't forget about my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book"! Where you can create your very own Evening Gown Competition with 25 of my hand-drawn Pageant Queen illustrations. Click HERE to purchase NOW on amazon.com:

SASHES & TIARAS.....MISS WORLD 2017 Finals! Winner + Top 15 Semifinalist's GOWNS RECAP!

SASHES & TIARAS.....MISS WORLD 2017 Finals! Winner + Top 15 Semifinalist's GOWNS RECAP!

World Queen: Miss World India Manushi Chhillar is the new Miss World--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

Most Photos Courtesy of Miss World Official Facebook Page

Saturday night were the Grand Coronation Finals of the 67th edition of Miss World, held in Sanya People's Republic of China. 118 contestants from all over the world (the most of any international beauty pageant this year!), competed for the coveted title of Miss World. The beautiful Manushi Chhillar, who represented India was crowned at the end of the competition as Miss World 2017.

Crowned: The outgoing Miss World 2016--Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle crowning Miss World India Manushi Chhillar as Miss World 2017--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

You Won! Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico congratulates Miss World India Manushi Chhillar on winning Miss World 2017--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

World Costumes: Miss World 2017 contestants during the "Dances of the World" segment--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

World Dancing: Miss World India (center) --and eventual Miss World 2017--during the Miss World 2017 Dances of the World segment--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

Incredible India: Manushi stands 1.75 m (5' 9"), is 20 years old and until now, held the Femina Miss India 2017 title. Both of her parents are doctors and she was pursuing (at least until she dove 110% into being the Most Beautiful Woman in India--and now the World!) a medical degree at a Women's Medical College in India. I have a feeling she might be putting that on a temporary (if not permanent) hold.

Six Beauties--Miss World winners from India: (Clockwise, left to right) Reita Faria (Miss World 1966), Aiswarya Rai (Miss World 1994), Diana Hayden (Miss World 1997), Manushi Chhillar (Miss World 2017), Priyanka Chopra (Miss World 2000), and Yukta Mookhey (Miss World 1999). 

She also becomes the sixth Indian woman to be crowned Miss World. It had been since 2000 (when Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World) that an Indian woman had bagged the title. And if that is any indication--looking back at past winners who have become A-list Hollywood and Bollywood actresses like Priyanka and Aishwarya Rai--then Manushi is probably destined for World stardom.

Time to discuss...THE EVENING GOWNS!!! First, I HAVE to BOW DOWN to the outgoing Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico and HER GORGEOUS "Goodbye" Evening Gown:

Turquoise Queen: Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle (right) with Miss World 2013 Megan Young (R), co-host of the Miss World 2017 Beauty Pageant--Miss World 2017 Finals Sanya, China

When Stephanie came out in this glorious blue gown, I just about fell off my couch: INCREDIBLE! This gown was EVERYTHING!!! The design featured a light blue-over-nude sequined slightly fit-and-flare gown with azure chiffon back capes and thousands upon thousands of the MOST EXQUISITE crystals in deep blue, turquoise, and silver. The off-the-shoulder style gown fit her to perfection and was OUTSTANDING at any angle! It was THE DEFINITION of a fabulous 360 degree gown...

Side Gown Diva: Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle, crowing the finalists at the Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

The gown was the INCREDIBLE work of...

Puerto Rican designer Carlos Alberto: From the looks of it, it was inspired by that iconic Miss World crown and the colors in it. He used thousands of Swarovski crystals to create the very impacting jeweled details and embellishments that really made this gown ONE OF THE BEST IN A LONG TIME when it comes to pageant gowns. I really, really hope someone paid him A LOT of money for this, because YOU KNOW this will be knocked off by less expensive pageant gown manufacturers and he will not make a dime out of that--and we also know that just making a gown for free for a Miss World or Miss Universe isn't going to get 10,000 orders! Soooooo, let's just hope he was compensated VERY HANDSOMELY for this gorgeous one-of-a-kind gown! He's worth every dollar. Stephanie looked like like an Azure Caribbean Queen in this. One of the BEST handing-over-the-crown gowns IN A LONG TIME!

The Top 15 Semifinalists--Miss World 2017 Finals, Sanya China

Now, it is time to talk about the Miss World 2017 Top 15 Semifinalist's Gowns--starting with the eventual WINNER...

Miss World India Manushi Chhillar: Manushi wore this powder pink sequined gown from Indian-based designers/brand Falguni and Shane Peacock. The gown fit Manushi perfectly and was "Miss World Appropriate" with its delicate pink color, no "Hoochie" super high slit and nothing too exposed. While it might not have been extraordinary or "take-my-breath-away" Couture Fab, there was really nothing wrong with it; it was, as I suggested, Miss World Perfect.

Score: 9.10

Here are the rest of the Top 15--from Best Gown to OK--of the Miss World 2017 Top 15 Gowns (well, Top 14, not including Miss World India who I already discussed above):

1. Miss World Indonesia Achintya Nilsen: Achintya Milsen won the top award for her gown at the "Miss World--World Designer Competition & Fashion Show" with THIS gorgeous gown...so it was no surprise that she would also land as my Top Fave in Evening Gown at the Miss World 2017 Finals. The white mermaid-shaped gown she wore here was from Indonesian designer Priyo Oktaviano and was fit to perfection! The shimmery stiffened fabrication made the gown an architectural stand-out and featured side "cut outs" and a slimming torso silhouette. The subtle gold sequins down the front made for a nice touch.

Score: 9.50

2. Miss World Kenya Magline Jeruto: Kenya's representative--for me--had to be THE PRETTIEST WOMAN in the pageant! So I was happy when she made the Top 15. And happier when I saw her choice of gown; she looked chic and made her even prettier! I loved this pink sequined organza gown which featured a column dress with full overskirt. The pink color was just right against her GORGEOUS skin color and I loved the pointed sequin details especially on the upper torso and sleeves that really brought wonderful attention to that 3/4 shot. If there was any critique, it would be those black (Black??!! Really??!!) platform heels...with THIS color of a gown??? Oh huney. No. But I will overlook this detail only because she was so Lupita Nyong'o BEAUTIFUL!

Score: 9.30



3. Miss World India Manushi Chhullar: See my critique above.

4. Miss World France Aurore Kichenin: Aurore went the "Pageant princess" route with this very pretty white gown. The dress featured a full dress shape, gold paillettes, and a nice sweetheart neckline shape. Her styling was on-point with the gown (the up-do bouffant was just right) and her makeup as well as earrings were good. This contestant knew EXACTLY which pageant she was attending (not the va-va-voom Miss Universe huney!) and so she went with Elegant, Sweet, Virginal and Pretty. Good choice.

Score: 9.00

5. Miss World Mexico Andrea Meza: Andrea became the 1st Runner-up of Miss World 2017. She wore this white column gown which featured a sequined base with delicate silver and gold crystals. The strapless gown fit her well and was a good choice for her skin coloring and figure. Nothing extraordinary or Gown Fab...just safe...but I guess, that's not the name of the game when it comes to what these contestants wear for the Miss World. Obviously. Unless, you're giving up the crown like Stephanie Del Valle!

Score: 8.99

6. Miss World El Salvador Fatima Cuellar: This was the farthest a contestant from El Salvador has ever made it in Miss World so...Felicitaciones to her! Her pink colored column gown was pretty. Once again, she wasn't going to win the Supermodel of the Gown Fashion World with this. But yet, it was still a good choice. The dress had beautiful silver sequins enveloping her upper torso laid over iridescent pink fabrication. The length was right, the fit was good and she looked muy linda.

Score: 8.95

7. Miss World Russia Polina Popova: Polina wore this same red strapless gown with a paillette-covered overskirt for the "Miss World/World Designer Fashion  Show & Competition". I liked it then and obviously, still do now. The bold red is a nice color against her porcelain skin and blond hair. While it might look a teeny bit Christmas-y" to some people, I still get the nice gown impact. I just wish she had added a bit more volume to her hair. It was flat and lackluster.

Score: 8.90

8. Miss World South Africa Ade van Heerden: Take a guess what I am going to say? Yep: Pretty. The South African representative wore this baby blue sequined off-the-shoulder gown featuring plumage at the bottom. This was Pageant Nice. Nothing super chic, or extraordinary just "Pretty Pageant Gown 101". Been there-done that. But, it works for "Miss World" and the feather plumage was a nice touch at the hem.

Score: 8.50

9. Miss World South Korea Ha-eun Kim: OK, part of me is intrigued by this gown--the shape...the silver sequin detail. But...Ha-eun just keeps HOLDING the darn gown and all I want to do is SCREAM and say "DROP IT so I can SEE IT!!!" The blush color is nice and the fit looks great. It looks like an expensive NOT off-the-rack gown and I give her points for that. And yes, I still do love that silver sequined applique! But yeah: DROP IT and Own it like a Pageant Diva!

Score: 8.45

10. Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue: Ugochi won the Miss World Top Model title, which is understandable since she is like EIGHT FEET TALL (OK, just six feet+) and has the ideal size 2 model figure and...she's gorgeous! For the Miss World 2017 Finals, she wore this blue gown featuring rhinestone trim and sequined details and (GASP!) sexy side cut-outs! While I think she looks HOT, I think she might have missed the Memo that this wasn't Miss Universe but instead, Miss World. This was just TOO MUCHEY SEXY for the Miss World Organization. A) It wasn't pink. And B) There was too much skin exposed. My suggestion is that she save this for when she is reassigned to compete in a future Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. But, I still give her points for "bringing" the sexy to Miss World. Thank you darling.

Score: 8. 40

11. Miss World England Stephanie Hill: 2nd runner-up Stephanie Hill wore this baby blue colored gown featuring a column dress with a demure high neckline, flowing overskirt and sequined appliques around the midriff. It was pretty, had nice stage impact. Her side swept hair was also pretty (take note Miss World Russia!).

Score: 8.30

12. Miss World Jamaica Solange Sinclair: Solange also chose a blue color for her evening gown, but her blue was more vibrant, more "royal". The lace sequined dress featured a nude background, sweetheart scalloped neckline and upper neck/drop shoulder detail. The gown fit nice and the vibrant color was perfect for her. I just wasn't a fan of the lace front torso panel pointing to "that area" and the nude right underneath it. I would have liked it better if the sequined lace slowly went from heavy to light as it made it's way down to the hem.

Score: 8.15

13: Miss World Macau China: Congratulations for Miss World Macau China in being the first representative from that Chinese territory (formally a Portuguese colony) for making it into the Top 15 at Miss World. She wore this lilac-hued tulle and sequined gown. While I liked the ice-looking encrusted paillettes in the gown, the style looked a bit "clunky" on her, and she looked more like an Ice Dance Figure Skating competitor--as opposed to a Miss World contestant. And speaking of clunky...WHAT ARE THOSE TACKY WHITE PUMPS!!!??? #OhNo

Score: 8.00

14. Miss World Japan Haruka Yamashita: Sorry Miss World Japan but this was a Gown Fail. She's pretty and I get the whole "Miss World Demure" look but this dress looked like something one can find in one of those Santee Alley stores in Downtown L.A. It was soooo $199 Basic Prom. She also succumbed to the the Accessorized Virus (get rid of that necklace, those earrings...). And once and for all: LADIES!!! DROP THE DARN DRESS!!! On the good note, the bold color was nice.

Score: 7.50

15: Miss World Mongolia Enkhjin Tseveendash: Now, I'm a sucker for a big dramatic ballgown. If it is done well. This was just TOO MUCH and TOO BIG. The gown and all that fabric literally swallowed her up. She was just too covered up! It lacked the refinement or exclusivity of say, one of those UBER EXTRAVAGANT creations from Michael Cinco, for example. And the sequined appliques of butterflies (and are those branches?) looked a little like an afterthought. I get this as a wedding dress for a Mongolian Bride but not as Miss world evening gown.

Score: 7.45

EXTRAS: I wanted to end my Miss World Gown Recap on a more positive note, highlighting some Gowns that I thought were QUITE FABULOUS but from contestants that didn't make the Top 15. These three ladies made the Top 40 but afterwards, just stood in the background. All I wanted to do was pull them to the front and replace some of my not-so-favorite Top 15 Semifinalist's Gowns with THESE ladies! So....for that, they get a SPECIAL GOWN MENTION here:

Miss World Philippines Laura Lehmann: This was by far one of the BEST GOWNS worn by a Miss World 2017 contestant at this year's Finals! The style, the silhouette, the gorgeous DRAPING, the GLORIOUS color! This fabulous strapless ballgown was designed by Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner  and featured a coral colored silk satin organza ballgown shape with exquisite side fold draping and an open side front slit. This reminded me of those Good Ol' Days of Angel Sanchez/Guy Melliet Miss Venezuelas: Beautiful!....and the shoes!! TO DIE FOR!

Score: 9.90

Miss World Venezuela Ana Carolina Ugarte: Speaking of Miss Venezuelas, I LOVED this pink sequined gown worn by Miss World Venezuela Ana Ugarte. When I was watching the Miss World 2017 Beauty Pageant, and all the contestants were onstage in their gowns, I just couldn't take my eyes off of her! And this dress! I thought this was a Haute Couture Pageant Fab version of that "perfect Miss World dress"; Princess-like, Pink, Elegant, nothing vulgar or too sexy with a touch of drama...just right! I LOVED the sequined column gown but the star was the beautiful taffeta ballgown overskirt and the gathered midriff draped panels. Bellisima!

Score: 9.85

Miss World Vietnam My Linh Do: This is another one of those gowns that got my attention as I "surveyed" all the 118 Miss World 2017 contestants onstage. Now, you may ask, what got my attention? HELLO THE GOLD SPARKLY SEQUINS!!! At first I thought this was VERY "Showgirl" Too-Mucheey but...after seeing the other BORING and too-prissy Miss World gowns, I was like "Yep! LOVE THIS!!" She wore this gold sequined "nude" gown featuring a halter neckline, side front slit and golden feathers sweeping the train/hem. With her hair up, the nude pumps and cross earrings, I thought she looked pretty fab!

Score: 9.4



Now, after doing a little bit of web research I realized that those feathers were a "late" edition to the gown. How do I know? Exhibit A:

Miss World Vietnam 2017: Same Gown, pre-feathers.

Lastly...

Miss World Ukraine Polina Tkach: Polina wore this UBER grand ballgown for the Miss World 2017 Finals--as well as the Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show and Top Model Competition".  I thought this strapless blush-colored gown was impacting and definitely could be noticed from the "nose-bleed" section! The sequined netting-like fabric seemed luxe and overall, this had elements of a fab Haute Couture-style gown. If there was any critique, I thought the inner crinoline petticoat was too short. Look at the photo and see where it stops...like almost TWO FEET from the bottom of the outer gown! it doesn't make any sense. that inner petticoat should be almost to the floor so...the gown is completely sitting on it as opposed to partially. But other than that: Fab gown Miss World Ukraine!

Score: 9.3

CONGRATULATIONS Manushi Chhillar on being crowned Miss World 2017 and being the SIXTH representative from India who has won the coveted crown!...

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