Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Slit Queens, Cha-Cha/"Dancing With The Stars" Couture!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Slit Queens, Cha-Cha/"Dancing With The Stars" Couture!

Slit Queens and Cha-Cha Love:

I Hope The Judges Don't See My...Miss Universe India Shilpa Singh and the gown she wore for the "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Official Portrait" 

Photo Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

I've discussed my Favorites of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits HERE, as well as the "Pageant Bettys" and "Too-Short Gown" girls HERE...so now, it's time to get SERIOUS. SLIT-and-Cha Cha serious. This year--as has been the case recently, there are A LOT of SLIT HAPPY Gowns in the Miss Universe Pageant Evening Gown Official Website Portraits, as well as what I call the "Cha-Cha/Dancing With The Stars" Queens. Now, again, these are just the website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits" and therefore they may not be the actual gowns the ladies will wear in the very important Preliminaries--or the Final telecast for that matter. Lots of the girls like to save the BEST for then. Irregardless...

Let's begin with the SLIT QUEENS:

Miss Albania Adrola Dushi: Do I see TWO slits? I think I do. The other one is just being hidden by an overlay of chiffon. It's a good gown and she certainly is giving a "Do you want a piece of this?" look. How do you say that in Albanian?

Miss Guam Alyssa Cruz Aguero: Alyssa wears a purple-blue one shoulder gown with silver sequin detail and a slit--a very high slit, in which she wants to show you as much leg as possible. I would have rather liked it if she wasn't pulling her gown and dropped it so there might have been a hint of a slit. I have a feeling she's pulling and lifting it because the gown maybe too long on her.

Miss Czech Republic Tereza Chlebovska: I just want to say the name "Tereza Chlebovska" a HUNDRED TIMES!! Love that name. She sounds like a Prima Ballerina! But I digress, let's discuss the gown and that slit: it's a pretty gown and I just didn't think she needed so high a slit. She already looks like she's "Sex on Wheels" so why push it?

Miss Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft: Sabrina could be under my "Pageant Betty" AND "Slit Queen" categories with this dress and entire look. It's very "Pageant 101"...from 1996; it's got the one shoulder, it's got the applique, it's got the chiffon overlay, the slit. It's all there. Like "Check, Check, and Triple Check!" I happen to think...or hope...that Pageant Gowns can evolve.

Miss Georgia Tamar Shedania: The Lady in Red gives you Drama and a Slit! It's not a bad gown, I actually have issues with the dangling "ribbons" more than the slit. This gown looked very familiar for some reason and then it hit me:

 It's a very close cousin--in red--of the beautiful gown that Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela (above), wore to win her "Miss Universe 2008" crown. But notice there are no dangling straps/ribbons.

Miss Estonia Natalie Korneitsik: The pretty Natalie ends up in a "Slit Queen" gown here for the "Miss Universe Evening Gown Official Portraits". I'm bothered by two things. First, the hip draping is distracting and draws my eye to that section. Second, I think she may need a lining under those double layers of chiffon. In the photo, I can see her legs and I'm scared to guess what the judges on stage might also see.

Miss India Shilpa Singh: Shilpa's fuchsia pink gown is very "My Super Sweet Sixteen"...the "I Want To Be Sexy" version. I think there's too much happening here: the embroidered applique in the upper torso bustier, which then is somewhat continued (inexplicably) onto the rest of the gown; then, there's a keyhole near her tummy, a full tulle skirt, and then, the slit. This gown can be helped with editing (take out this and take out that..). Also, why can I see nude-colored bust pads on the bustier? It's distracting to say the least. And a big NO-NO in fashion.

Miss Jamaica Chantal Zaky: This gown isn't so bad. I do love the royal blue color and the back drape/fall, although I think it is attached to her bracelet/cuff!?! The slit isn't so HOOCHIE in that it doesn't seem so high--just right (unless her hand is covering how high that slit really goes!). Chantal is here because yes, kids there was still a SLIT in her gown.

Miss Ukraine Anastasia Chernova: How sweet does this lovely young lady look! I want to take her home to meet the parents! She does continue the sweet demeanor with this strapless modified ball gown. It's a sweet color, it's got sweet details. But wouldn't you know, these pageant girls cannot live without their slits! They are SLIT ADDICTED! (Note to self: Trademark that!)

Miss Colombia Daniella Alvarez Vasquez: First off, I do love a bright color! Highlighter Yellow is FAB! This gown is interesting for it's no-hold's-barred color but also for the neckline detail and the way the shirring/gathering cascades into the bottom skirted section. But, at the same time, it might be considered in some circles a Hot Mess. Not sure about the nude illusion center front bustline panel (you can barely see it in this photo but it looks like it's there). And yes, there is that slit. Say "Hola" to that slit.

Miss Vietnam Luu Thi Diem Huong: Another "Highlighter Yellow" gown. It is strapless and yes, has a big ol' slit. What's most interesante is what is happening around the bustline. What. Is. That? Is there a black edge trim to this gown? If so, it doesn't make sense. Or--worse still--is that the poor girl's black strapless bra sticking out from the dress? If so, the photographer should've Photoshopped that, or the beautiful Miss Vietnam shouldn't have worn it. Either way, it doesn't make sense.



Now, the Cha-Cha Love and Dancing With The Stars Ladies of "Miss Universe 2012":

Miss Spain Andrea Huisgen: Andrea is another one of my favorite contestants and hopefully she will go far; she's got the height, the "spunky" Miss Universe personality, the "I Will Be Famous" and be in "Hola Magazine"-dating-a-Spanish-Footballer look. With this gown, she gets right into my "Cha-Cha" category easily. It's a strapless mermaid-style gown in a gold lame-like fabrication with shredded organza. I actually LOVE this gown but I know some fellow pageant-watchers I've spoken to, well, were not as complimentary. But we agreed, it's FULL-ON Cha Cha!

Miss Malaysia Kimberley Leggett: The lovely Kimberley--another favorite to be in the Semi-Finals (and I can see why), wore this salmon pink colored sequin/feather and illusion gown. It's VERY "Dancing With The Stars"-meets-Figure Skating Costume. And you know I love me some Figure Skating! It's also very "Cha-Cha". Therefore, she lands here.

Miss Greece Vasiliki Tsirogianni: For her gown choice in the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits, Vasiliki wore this nude illusion tulle fitted gown with ivory flower applique. It also has Figure Skating Costume elements as well as a "Dancing With The Stars" costume vibe.The lace over illusion is a big trend in Pageants right now and it can often work well (as seen on Olivia Culpo), but on Vasiliki...not so much. This is why my koukla ("doll" in Greek) ended up in this category.

Miss Peru Nicole Faveron: Nicole wore a column nude tulle/illusion gown with gold jeweled and flecked details. It's a good  gown--in my eyes but yes, some others may think she's a little too "Dancing With The Stars"/Cha-Cha. I can see why. The way this can be taken to a more Red Carpet Couture level is make it more fit-and-flare, add a slight dramatic train and make it not be so see-through. Then, it might look slightly "McQueen"-like.

Miss Costa Rica Nazareth Cascante: Oh Chica, the temperature just got a bit more Caliente. This aqua/turquoise blue and silver beaded gown  has "Carnival Cruise to San Juan Puerto Rico" written all over it! She is a major Cha-Cha Queen in this. Nothing else to say.

Miss Dominican Republic Dulcita Lynn Lieggi: I'm a little "on the fence" with this gown. I like the seafoam green color and the detail of it looks expensive. I also appreciate the lack of a HOOCHIE slit (or at least from how she's posing). I just think it's a little too "Cha-Cha" and with that too-stiff hairstyle, earrings, overall look, she seems "dated"--like very 1998 Pageant. She is GORGEOUS though. I just think she would have looked more up-to-date in a different dress, different hairstyle, etc.

Miss Mauritius Ameeksha Devi Dilshand: Silver gown with silver illusion sides. How could she NOT end up in this "Cha-Cha/Dancing With The Stars" Category. And add "Figure Skating Queen" to that as well.



Finally, The "Monica Belucci Sex Goddess Cha-Cha Miss Universe 2012 Award" Goes To...

Miss Kosovo Diana Avdiu: One word: WOW. This gown has all the elements of A) Cha-Cha Queen and B) "Dancing With The Stars"-like Couture, plus she she GIVING YOU Cleavage darlings. Serving it. And that look. She's almost saying "It's OK if if you don't place me in the Semi-Finals but...if you do, I could make you very, very happy..." Amen Sister!



***Next: The "Oh Dear's!" of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits...Just You Wait!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

The Pageant Bettys and the Too-Shorts:

Emerald Queen: Miss Universe South Africa Melinda Bam--Why is she in my "Pageant Betty" group? Read on kiddies... 

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Continuing with my Recap of the "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits", in my last post HERE, I talked about my "Good" list--or favorites--and now, it's time to discuss the "Pageant Bettys" of the bunch plus what I call the "Too Shorts". For some explanation, "Pageant Bettys" are the ladies who well, look like a Pageant Betty--meaning the typical Pageant Girl, "done" from head to toe. They are usually wearing mermaid or full-style gowns, in pastel. Sometimes, there is some applique--usually a little "cheap" looking. And a lot of times, they may remind people of grown-up versions of the little girls from TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras" . The "Too Shorts" are gowns that are, well, TOO SHORT, on the girls. This is a big NO NO in my book. It looks so "off-the-rack" and for a big moment such as the Miss Universe, it's time to get something Custom Made, or at least, get a seamstress to try and fix the situation.  

Now, as I stated in my last post, I realize that:

A) a lot of these girls might have just been handed these dresses and they may--or may not--have had a choice, and...

B) these may not be their actual Evening Gowns that they will wear to the all-important Preliminaries (I hope not, for some!). With all that said...here we go:

Miss Canada Adwoa Yamoah: Here are two fun facts about Adwoa: she's originally from Ghana but moved to Canada at a very young age. And second of all, she was not the actual winner of "Miss Universe Canada" but she was the First Runner Up. The actual winner hurt her foot only days before having to leave for the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant so, as they always say "if for some reason the winner cannot complete her duties..." And so it's Adwoa's time. Now, the gown. It's SO Pageant Betty! She's the QUEEN of Pageant Bettys in this peach-colored Mermaid gown with silver lace applique. There's really nothing wrong with this, except in my eyes, it's way too sweet and typical for such a gorgeous girl. She needs sexy, red carpet FASHIOOON! Please give this gown back to Miss America Alabama. ASAP!

Miss Honduras Jennifer Denise Andrade: Jennifer looks like she is starring in an episode of MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen"! She seriously looks like the daughter of a multimillionaire Honduran business man and she's having her Quinceañera. It's not a bad gown by any means. I think the "Barbie Pink" color may be too "cutesy" for her (if it was black or blush it might have helped). And the Prom-like hairstyle makes things worse. Also, it's waaay too long on the petite 5'2" Jennifer. For a girl that little, she does not need such an overwhelming dress.

Miss Angola Marcelina Vehekeni: Huneeeyyyyy!!!! Now here's another perfect example of a "Pageant betty" gown--and entire look--for that matter. Let's begin with the oversized bun hairstyle. Then, the oversized earrings, the strapless gown in a powder blue TAFFETA...with unexplainable creme applique, a cascade down the side front slit and then...is that an illusion panel trying to cover up the too-plunging décolletage area? I want to see this beautiful woman in a more modern style gown.

 

Miss Sweden Hanni Beronius: Another perfect example of a "Pageant Betty" look--but more updated to now. I would deem this "Pageant Betty" Lite. This strapless mermaid shaped gown is actually very nice. The shirred top section looks well made and I like the asymmetrically-cascading bottom-half ruffles. I think it's the pastel-y pink color with the choker of pearls (why??!!) and the dreaded side-swept ponytail hairstyle, that took her into Pageant Betty zone. This gown, in red, with no pearls and a more updated 2012 red carpet hairstyle: Done and done!

Miss Guatemala Laura Godoy: Here's another example of an actually great gown but not-so great styling--in terms of the hair.This silk duchesse (or is it ziberline?) gown looks well made and expensive. The fit is great (except for the too high pleated neckline). It could also double as a beautiful wedding gown--a "Two-for-One-Dress"! What takes to a "Pageant Betty" moment is the hair style (too "Sweet Sixteen") and the vanilla color of the gown. This gown in black with a modern hairstyle:  Más Bueno!

Miss Philippines Janine Marie Tugonon: This gown is very pretty--delicately pretty in fact. It reminds me of a modified Sari. I think the bright canary yellow color plus the scroll-y applique with lace overlay is what puts her in the Pageant Betty category. This is a gown that would work for the "Miss World" pageant where they like their girls sweeter. But for "Miss Universe", I'd rather see Janine Marie is something more red carpet fab with a little bit of sex appeal!

Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: What most puts Holly in this "Pageant Betty" category is her side swept hairstyle--plus the cascading iridescent POLY organza ruffles on the bottom half of this dress. First, make her hair straight, polished and modern. Next, I'd like to remove those poly organza ruffles and just take the top golden sequin portion to the floor. No need for the mermaid shape, no need for poly iridescent organza cascading ruffles. A simple column shaped gown in the silver/golden sequin equals a gown winner!

Miss Singapore Lynn Tan: The positive is that I like the color--it's like muted coral. The sequin detail is nice as well. But it's the organza (or is it tulle?) overlay in the back plus the darkened gunmetal sequin waist detail, and finally her "Pageant Betty" hairstyle that landed the very pretty Lynn here in this category.

Miss China Diana Xu Jidan: Diana is one of my favorites of all the 89 contestants this year. She has the height (almost 6 feet tall!), the perfect figure, the model-like look Miss Universe Organization likes; all of this combined can take her to the end. I was disappointed, however, when I saw her in this gown. It's not a bad gown, it's just a little "Pageant Betty" predictable. It's a little"Mother-of-the-Bride" to be honest. After all, this is what she is supposed to be wearing as her National Costume:

Guo Pei Haute "1002th Arabian Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture collection---In other words, I'm expecting COUTURE darling! I hope she wears something else for the Preliminaries. Here's a suggestion of a gown from the same designer:

 Actress Li Bingbing in Guo Pei at the 2010 Venice Film Festival

Miss El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel: Why are there poly organza faux flowers on this dress? I just want to know. And how, in the Pageant God's name is this supposed to be "Miss Universe" crown material? The very pretty Ana ends up here in the "Pageant Betty" category, first for the color of this gown--this bright canary yellow is very impacting but can veer into "Pageant Betty" in a split second. But it's more the flower detail and side chiffon layers which really put the nail in the coffin.

Miss Poland Marcelina Zawadzka: Marcelina is so beautiful--she looks like a tall (she's almost six feet!) version of one the Olsen twins! I'm sure she--and her pageant directors--wanted to highlight her super long legs in one form or another--but not with the usual HOOCHIE slit gown (that's on a later posting!). So she wore this sea-foam blue-green gown with an iridescent over-skirt. It's the IRIDESCENT OVER-SKIRT that gets me. She looks sweet and great from the waist up. Then it goes into Pageant Betty.

Miss South Africa Melinda Bam: Even though Melinda is short (by recent "Miss Universe" winners standards where the average height in the last nine years has been around 5'10"). Melinda is 5'7" according to this), she's still being considered as THE FAVORITE to win the crown on December 19th. She is stunning, impacting and has that "I'm both Sweet...and SEXY" Miss Universe quality. Now, let's discuss the gown. And it is A GOWN! I was a bit torn by this one. I almost put it in my "best" but then, the iridescent emerald organza over the satin and diagonal sequin detail plus the "Cathedral"-like train...all those things took it to a "Pageant Betty" Diva level. The pose, is A+. I give her that. She's stealing someone's boyfriend...and girlfriend, with that look!

Miss Norway Sara Nicole Andersen: First of all, Sara Nicole is gorgeous. Love her olive skin color as well as her hair. She's so Latina. And yet, she's from NORWAY! The gown is Pageant Betty on Testosterone; it's a strapless sequin bodice gown with a high-low shredded organza attached skirt that ends in a train. In peach. And are those sequins strewn throughout the gown skirt? Seriously. How could this gown NOT end up under "Pageant Betty" !? It's the store-bought version of...

The gown designed by Venezuelan pageant go-to fashion designer Gionni Straccia, worn by Ivian Sarcos when she won the "Miss World 2011" title (above).

The Too-Short Gown Girls:

Miss Lebanon Rina Chibany: Rina, Rina, Rina...why darling? Not only is this black jersey dress too short on you, then you go ahead and wear some 7" platform heels with it...to emphasize the fact that the dress is too short. Gowns should NEVER show the shoes, they should always hit 1/2" above the floor if not TO THE FLOOR. It's a cute dress--to go to a club in Miami, but not to use as your "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portrait".

Miss Denmark Josephine Hewitt: Josephine is one of the most beautiful girls in the pageant. She's got very classic, very "Hollywood" face structure and looks. Once again--like Miss Universe Lebanon--this is a gown that works for a pool party at the Delano in Miami--but not the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant. It is about FIVE inches too short on one side and about a FOOT too short on the other. And then she wears these stacked platform silver heels on top of it; accentuating the very obvious fact that the dress is too short. If she would have worn strappy heels with NO platform, she would have been fine!

Miss St. Lucia Tara Carla Edward: Tara Carla is simply beautiful--and tall (5'11"). This is why this store-bought gown ended up being too short on her. And this is why, she should have gotten a custom-made gown that was made for her height! Here's a lesson in store-bought floor-length gowns: manufacturers make gowns long enough for a 5' 7" woman. It's a "rule" in the fashion industry. So...if you are shorter than that, the gown will be too long, if you are around that, perfect. If you are above that...you get a "High Water/Flood" gown. And this is what happened. Ladies: PAY for a CUSTOM GOWN. The Cheap comes out EXPENSIVE, as Judge Marlyn Milian says: "Lo Barato sale CARO!".



***Next Up: The "Slit Queens" and "Cha-Cha Love" Evening Gown Recap of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Evening Gown Portraits--The Good! My Top 15...Gowns!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Evening Gown Portraits--The Good! My Top 15...Gowns!

Evening Gown Fab:

 The Best Gown? Scroll down Pageant Lovers...

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

OK, Pageant Kids, it's "Miss Universe 2012" Evening Gown Portrait Time...and that means one thing: my "Nick Pageant Gown Reviews"! As you know, Miss Universe 2012 Finals are happening on December 19th at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and will be televised on NBC.

Eighty-nine of the most beautiful women in the UNIVERSE are in Las Vegas, spending the next two weeks getting ready for the Finals. Yesterday, the "Evening Gown Portraits" were published for all of us pageant lovers to see. Naturally, I have to have my "Nick Two Cents". There were some GOOD, lots of Pageant Betty's, Slit Queens, and Cha-Cha Goddesses, and yes, several that I can only categorize as Oh Dear's! Now, lots of these gowns were borrowed from the Sherri Hill "Gown Closet" the Miss Universe Organization and it's Wardrobe Costume Director had. Some of these ladies wore a gown that might--just might--be their actual gowns in the very important Preliminaries where judges pick the top Semi Finalists. But some, save their "Best Gown" for the Final Telecast--in other words these you see here might not even end up being their "actual" evening gown. So, with that being said, it's time for my "Nick V. Miss Universe Evening Gown Portrait" Recap.

First up, The Good--My Top 15 Favorites:

Miss Croatia Elizabeta Burg: Probably my favorite evening gown and evening gown portrait. This girl looks like a Victoria's Secret model who's worth many millions of dollars, has an A-List Hollywood boyfriend and only flies First Class. This gown is gorgeous and red carpet-worthy. The nude lining with emerald green sequin applique could have gone tacky-licious, but here, it works and looks luxe. The back is my favorite part...it reminds me of one of my NIKOLAKI evening gowns:

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2012 silk chiffon printed evening gown

Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler Peña: Love, love, love this gown. Another nude-lined gown. This time, it was a strapless, fit-and-flare dress with horizontal stripes that are heavy at the waist/midriff and the knee and translucent everywhere else. This is a WOW of a gown! If she has something better than this saved for the Finals, I can't even imagine what that one could be...because this one is FLAWLESS.

Miss France Marie Payet: Marie chose a strapless chiffon gown with oversized silver paillette details. I think this is a very nice gown. It could work at an awards show red carpet and be quite on-trend appropriate for getting the Miss Universe crown; there's no HOOCHIE up-to-the-you-know-where SLIT, it's elegant, classic yet expensive-looking. Her side-swept hair style says "Rita Hayworth"...the French version.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo: Oh, what a surprise: another nude-lined gown! I think it is sexy, does not scream "Pageant Betty" and (Thank God) is not HOOCHIE (no overt cleavage and too-high slit). It looks modern and very Marchesa-ish. Also, this gown reminds me of the gown I designed for Ali Landry in 1996---yes, that was SIXTEEN YEARS AGO:

 Miss USA 1996 Ali Landry in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Custom Evening Gown--Miss USA 1997 Pageant--this gown caused a "escandalo" back then when the Costume Designer of the pageant DID NOT feel it was appropriate for Ali to wear this. She didn't listen to him, needless to say.

Miss Venezuela Irene Esser: Irene Esser--who happens to be LAST YEAR'S Miss Venezuela--decided to wear a simple deep violet-colored strapless fit-and-flare crepe gown for this year's "Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Portrait". I think this is very beautiful and well-made. The silver sequined/be-jeweled detail is exquisite and the gown fits her perfectly. Not sure of the deep red lipstick...but I think because she looks very much like "Miss USA" Olivia Culpo, her pageant directors want to make her "different from her" in some way. In terms of her evening gown, I am guessing that if she makes it to the Semi-Finals on December 19th and the final NBC live telecast, she'll be "busting out" with something different. I'd bet some money on it!

Miss Ethiopia Helen Getachew: I think that Helen is so exotically beautiful! She needs to be in Paris or Milan modeling. Like TOMORROW! I liker this choice of a copper-colored jersey gown with crystal accents and back straps for her Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Portrait. Helen looks like a model and NOT like a beauty pageant contestant; chic and very editorial.

Miss Tanzania Winfrida Dominic: First of all, just look at that doll-like gorgeous face! And I love the short, cropped hairstyle which really highlights THAT face. Now, the gown is FABULOUS! I think she looks "Las Vegas HOT" in this gold oversized paillettes over nude lining dress. It's very impacting and gets my attention as an "armchair judge", and in a good way. By the way, this same gown style was worn by the beautiful Miss New York USA Johanna Sambucini at this year's Miss USA 2012 pageant:

And back then, I deemed it one of my FAVORITES of the Miss USA 2012 Evening Gowns.

Miss Australia Renae Ayris: I like this gown for it's subtle elegance and shimmering simplicity. It is cut well, there's no too-high slit, it's a good length and the blush color looks fantastic against her skin and hair color. A very nice choice darling!

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus: At first glance, I was like "Ooooh GURL!", but then, after studying this gown, it was giving me a very "Elie Saab Haute Couture" vibe. In other words, I liked it and that is why she is in my "Best" category. This is an impacting gown that I can see Gabriela wearing on the Live Telecast Finals when she gets chosen as one of the Top girls.

Miss Chile Ana Luisa König: The first thing that I like about this gown is it's color--that peach/coral color in this crepe-back satin gown is striking. I also like the subtle gold trim detail at the midriff. This is very "Grecian Goddess" Lite.

 Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez: I love the color, I love the cut, the delicately cascading bugle beads. It's a very nice gown. Nothing Earth-shaking in terms of design but it looks great on her. My only critique: lose the necklace. These girls and their over accessorizing! Ayyy Dios Mio!

Miss Haiti Christela Jacques: This is a very elegant column gown and looks fabulous on Christela. The beading looks intricate and expensive, the v-neckline is appropriate and not too plunging to distract the judges' eyes, and the fit is perfect. The only negative is that brooch/pin at the center front waist; it isn't necessary.

Miss Israel Lina Makhuli: I think this is a simply gorgeous gown. It's very Monique Lhuillier-like. It's got both "red carpet" drama but can double as a beautiful wedding gown as well! The godets throughout the gown add sweep to an otherwise fitted shape and the delicate shoulder details gives a bit of pretty interest to the "three-quarter" shot. A very pretty gown indeed.

Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: I think this is a very interesting gown and a good choice for Nathalie. The silver sequin detail and cut-outs is very on-trend and takes this gown to a higher level. It also looks very "Miss Venezuela" expensive--as if one of those designers had created it. If I had any critiques, they would be two: the copper/nude coloring in the cut-out's does not match her skin and I just wonder if it's supposed to. If not, then it should have been a deeper stronger contrast to her actual skin color. Also, her "big hair" is one hair spray away from looking like a cast member from "Real Housewives of Orange County". Other than that, as a gown alone, it's a very impacting one.



Finally...

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Avionne Mark: Avionne wore a gold and ivory strapless column gown with asymmetrically-radiating panel details. This gown gets my attention and ends up on my "Good" list because the cut is nice, the silhouette is great and it's both elegant and red carpet ready. Very smart of her to choose a gown that shows off those amazingly toned arms and shoulders of hers. I would just get rid of the big ol' hoop earrings. So not necessary darling; the gold and ivory shimmery gown is enough of a statement. Keep the accessories to a minimum.




***Next Up: The PAGEANT BETTY'S of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits!!