SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2015 Finals: Winner Miss Paraguay Stephania Vazquez Stegman and Evening Gown Recap!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2015 Finals: Winner Miss Paraguay Stephania Vazquez Stegman and Evening Gown Recap!

Supranational Bella: Miss Supranational 2015 "Miss Paraguay" Stephania Stegman (center)--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

Photos courtesy of GlobalBeauties.com and Miss Supranational Facebook

This past Friday night was the Miss Supranational 2015 Finals Beauty Pageant. The pageant--considered one of the top "Grand Slam" international beauty pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth--was held in Poland.

Crowned: Miss Supranational 2015 Stephania Stegman "Miss Paraguay"--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

This was the 7th edition of the international beauty pageant and over 80 contestants from all over the world competed for the title. The winner was the representative from the South American nation of Paraguay, Stephania Vazquez Stegman.

Stephania is a model and former Miss Paraguay International 2011. She is of Spanish-German descent and stands 1.77 m (5' 9 1/2"). At the Miss International 2011 Beauty Pageant, she did not place but this past Friday, she won the Miss Supranational 2015 pageant. This is the first win for Paraguay in a "Grand Slam" International Beauty Pageant. Muy bien!

 The Set: Miss Supranational 2015 Finals Warsaw Poland

 Best National Costume went to...

Miss Indonesia Gresya Amanda Maaliwuga--Pretty fabulous and well-deserved!

The Evening Gowns: Finalists-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Gown Gals:--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

As always, in my blog here, I love to discuss the EVENING GOWNS...let's begin with the eventual Winner...

Miss Paraguay Stephania Stegman: Gorgeous gown on a gorgeous woman. Love this nude tulle with Art Deco-like gold sequin detail. It was a clean column gown that wasn't too fussy. I also loved her modern (not too "Pageant Betty") hairstyle; it definitely complimented the clean simple lines of the gown. And KUDOS for covering the heels.

Canada Siera Bearchell: Siera was gorgeous and this gown was OK. Nothing spectacular. She sure did "work it" during the finals. But in terms of design or having an extra "couture" appeal...nothing. Very "Pageant Safe"; she looked like the winner of a Miss (fill in the blank) USA state pageant. I expect a little bit more on the international stage.

Colombia Monica Castano Agudelo: I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of this gown. I loved the bubblegum pink color but the gown itself looked cheap. I think the fact that it looked polyester-y and that it was too short (I don't want to see those heels!), made me feel this way. This was a little too "Ballroom Dancing Competition" and not Haute enough for an international beauty pageant stage.

Iceland Tanja Yr Astporsdottir: Tanja is beautiful. But this gown wasn't so much. It was very prom-a-licious. At least it was tasteful prom. If you are going to do a ball gown, I'd refer to what fashion designers Elie Saab or Zuhair Muard are doing; at least copy them...or even copy one of my ball gowns! But this one is a little on the store-bought side.

Mexico Karina Stephania Martin Jimenez: Another case of a very pretty woman wearing a not so cute gown. The dress is very prom and once again, too short. It also seemed very "Dancing with the Stars". If I can see this dress in Downtown L.A. at a Pageant-and-Prom shop (and I can with this one!), then I don't want to see it in one of the International "Grand Slam" Beauty Pageants. Just saying.

Australia Christiana Fischer: Christiana wore this nude and lilac colored applique gown at the Miss Supranational 2015 Finals. I liked this gown. It was a tad "Figure Skating" costume but it fit nicely and it was the correct length.

India Aafreen Rachael Vaz: I also liked this golden sequined and leaf-like applique gown with side front slit. The only thing I I dd not like were those CLUNKY gold 70's Disco pumps; soooo tacky!

Malaysia Tanisha Demour Kaur: Tanisha made a big Evening Gown impact in this royal blue/violet gown. The design featured a nude tulle and sequined applique column gown and satin over-skirt. It was impacting and she knew how to work it. This was definitely one of the most "wow" gowns of the entire pageant.

Panama Angie Keith: Simple column pearl sequined gown. This was nice. I liked the fit and the fact that it was length-right. It didn't excite me in terms of design but it was OK.



Top Gowns--Miss Supranational 2015:

Myanmar L Bawk Nu: Miss Myanmar won for Best Gown and I can see why. This gold and silver sequin gown recalls a gorgeous Haute Couture Fish Diva. Absolutely stunning. It reminds me of something I would see from a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture runway show.

Luxembourg Elie Ondoa: Stunning mint sequined strapless gown. One of my favorites!

Dominican Republic Ingrid Franco: Gold sequined flapper fun.

Philippines Rogelie Catacutan: Directional, sexy and very forward-pageant! It's also very "Tribal Couture". Love.

Spain Raquel Bonilla: Love the asymmetry of the top section and contrast of the golden crepe fabrication and sequin top/sleeve.

Egypt Perihan Fateen: I thought this red one shoulder gown with sequined top section and asymmetrical peplum detail was quite nice. Elegant and very Red Carpet-meets-Runway

The Uh Oh/Oh Dear! Miss Supranational 2015 Evening Gowns-----------------------------------------

Bolivia Sharon Valverde: Oh No. 1993 Broadway Chorus Line/Pageant Gal. And what is with that side sheer panel???? And that 1987 hair style?? Ayyyy Dios Mio!!

Scotland Nasrene Harrison: Oh No Wedding/Prom Queen. There's way too much polyester lace and applique in this. She needs a veil and a "Big Fat Gypsy" fiance.

Italy Deborah Agnone: This black one shoulder dress would be nice...for a cocktail party. But not for "Miss Supranational"!

Ireland Karen Montague: Oh Dear! Someone got confused with the "Carnival Cruises" Captain's Night Gala! This is a Choncheee Tackylicious Mess.

Venezuela Hyser Betancourt: I just can't with this gown. This looks like a dress a Quinceañera girl would reject. It's way too tacky. This is certainly not up to the "Miss Venezuela" gown standards. Who approved this???

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Felicitaciones and Congratulations to "Miss Paraguay Supranational" Steaphania Stegman for winning the "Miss Supranational 2015 Beauty Pageant...and for wearing a very nice gown! 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016 Andrea Tovar: EVENING GOWN RECAP of Señorita Colombia 2015-2016!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016 Andrea Tovar: EVENING GOWN RECAP of Señorita Colombia 2015-2016!

Gown Gorgeous: "Miss Choco" Andrea Tovar wins the Miss Colombia Universe title

Last night was the 81st (!) annual Señorita Colombia--or Miss Colombia Universe Beauty Pageant, held in Catagena Colombia. There were 23 total entrants and the winner was "Miss Choco", the stunning Andrea Tovar... 

            La Mas Bella: Andrea Tovar "Miss Choco" is Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016

21-year old Andrea Tovar is a model, a student of Industrial Design and Photo Imaging Production at the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. She stands a statuesque 5' 11" (1.80 m) and will now represent her country at the "Miss Universe 2016-2017" pageant.

Model Linda: Andrea Tovar "Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016"

Señoritas Colombia: The new Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016 (right) getting her "Miss Colombia Ring" placed on her by her predecessor Ariadna Gutierrez (left) who will travel to Las Vegas next month to compete in the upcoming "Miss Universe 2015-2016" pageant. Her predecessor, Paulina Vega is the current Miss Universe. Seeing how stunning both of these "Miss Colombia" winners are....I wouldn't be surprised if for the next two Miss Universe pageants, they might have Colombian winners! On beauty alone, I think they've got that all taken care of.

Los Trajes de Gala: OK, now that we got that out of the way,
it's time to discuss the EVENING GOWNS! I was very happy to see the very
beautiful gowns--for the most part--on some of the top ladies of the "Miss
Colombia Universe" pageant. Especially, the winner's fabulous golden lace
creation. Everyone thinks of Venezuela as the "Gown leader" when it
comes to their Beauty Pageant dresses but I have to admit, Colombia is very close
to taking that title away. 



Here are some of my FAVORITE ones and some Not-So-Much...

Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016 EVENING GOWNS Highlights (and Low)--Let's begin with the Winner "Miss Choco":

Miss Choco 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!

First Runner-up Miss Colombia International--Miss Cesar Daniela Herrera Avendano: Daniela wore this silver sequined column gown. I liked this; it was impacting, not too frou-frou-ish and still had enough Beauty Pageant Gown "bang".

2nd Runner-up Miss Antioquia Alejandra Ochoa Lopez: The lace applique placed in "strategic" areas on top of tulle illusion is a popular trend in pageant gowns and this is an example of it (there's more below!). It's a little too "Figure Skating Costume" for me (and you know how much I LOVE Figure Skating Costumes!). This works for a national pageant but for an international one--Miss Universe/Miss World, etc. this might get just a 7.8 (out of 10)

3rd Runner-up Miss Atlantico Maria Camila Soleibe Alarcon: Lace applique over nude tulle illusion: Check; Back full overskirt: Check. Iridescent fabrication: Oh Dear! The lace applique, the iridescent organza...it was a bit too "Sexy Quinciniera" for my taste. I'm also not a fan of the covering-up-the-boobies thing...it only makes me focus too much on them!

4th Runner-up Miss Buenaventura D.E. Carmen Ibeth Alomia Prado: Well look at Miss Buenaventura! She is all va-va-voom in this white lace and sequins mermaid style gown. I'm sure she was very impacting on stage but frankly, this looks slightly cheap. It's too short in the front (I don't want to see the pumps!) and the way the front sequin applique detail points and stops near her you-know-what...scares me.

Miss Santander Esthefania Dignora Prieto Quiroga (L): I actually love this red strapless gown on Esthefania. The fit is nice and the side cascade adds great interest to that area and the very high side-front slit. One of my favorite gowns of the pageant.

Miss Bogota D.C. Paola Milena Clavijo (R): I also loved this aquamarine sequined column gown. This looked expensive and very well-made. It reminded me of a $50,000 Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad Haute Couture gown.  And I loved that it was the PERFECT length (notice, no pumps showing!).

Miss Guajira Veronica Pimienta Pereira (L): I liked the bright canary yellow color of this gown on Veronica. The shape and top section reminded me of the Gionni Straccia gown worn by "Miss Venezuela 2009" Marelisa Gibson . Whether it was one or a "knock-off", it looked very nice--and fit well. I also loved the hair and makeup styling. Good job.

Miss Sucre Paola Andrea Correa Ochoa (R): I liked this lilac sequined gown. The shoulder strap detail was interesting and it fit her well. She didn't need those big ol' diamante earrings though; keep it simple, especially when you've got all them sequins in the gown.

Miss San Andres y Providencia Josseidy Mileidy Escalona Bent (L): I liked the different colored shading on this strapless gown; it definitely worked for Josseidy. I also liked her hair and makeup. In addition, here the big earrings work.

Miss Tolima Dahian Lorena Munos Quinones (R): I liked this sequined light blue gown on Dahian. The shape was great--the light A-line silhouette was wonderful! I also loved that the length was correct/. And her modern lose hair and clean makeup complemented the gown. One of my favorites of the night.

Miss Cartagena Medelein Lopez Camelo (L): This is Lace Applique Pageant Betty. I know that it's all about wearing white or ivory for pageants (somehow the girls think it makes look more "Virgin"-like!!??) but then there's all this sequin applique and overall, I think it's way too much.. On a good note: perfect length. Gracias.

Miss Quindio Valentina Agudelo Hernandez (R): Another applique-over-nude-tulle gown. This is one of the cheapest-looking ones of the pageant. There's nothing original, or chic about this. And the cutting of the applique (notice those edges) looks amateur-hour.

Miss Meta Ana Maria Landaeta (L): Oh, look at what we have here--MORE sequined applique-over-nude-illusion. WHAT. IS. GOING. ON!!??? Several things: I am NOT a fan of the sequin lace flower pieces over her breasts (NO!) and the pink color is a bit too "Disney Pageant Princess".

Miss Narino Leydi Carolina Carvajal (R): Another example of sequined applique over the breasts (what is that about!!??). At least the rest of the gown was bearable. I liked everything about this...from the waist down.

Miss Bolivar Franselys Santoya Ariza (L): I kind of liked this silver/ivory gown worn by "Miss Bolivar". It fit her well and I am sure she "worked it" overtime. I just wasn't a fan of those back pieces/shawl. This dress style needed editing, for sure; I would have cut those things off! I also would have liked her hair to look a bit less Pageant and more model or modern.

Miss Norte de Santander Carolina Gene Bedoya (R): Nice gown, good hair. Nothing too extraordinary. Just Pageant Safe. But still, well done.

Miss Risaralda Daniela Castillo Villada (L): Oh no. Too short and too Hoochie. And again: what is with the pointed front sequin panel that goes right to her you-know-what??!!

Miss Valle Dayana Julieth Guerrero Mora (R): Nothing really to say about this peach/gold sequined gown on "Miss Valle". She looks quite nice in it but it doesn't get my heart pumping. Once again, she looked "Pageant Safe".

Miss Huila Betty del Mar Aldana Vanegas (L): This is not a bad gown; in fact it's quite good. The sequin detail looks expensive and the shape is nice. I just don't like that side-swept hair and her "sistahs" are too smooshed.

Miss Magdalena Valentina Castro Lopez (R): This is one of the worst of the pageant. I don't know who Valentina pissed off that she ended up wearing this dress. This is something a actress at the Las Vegas AVN (do they still even have those??) would wear.

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Felicitaciones and Congratulations to the GORGEOUS Andrea Tovar "Miss Colombia Universe 2015-2016" and Buena Suerte at Miss Universe...one year from now! She has a lot of time to prepare. But one suggestion: Wear the same gown above! Por Favor!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao + Evening Gown Recap From Good to "Oh Dear!"

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao + Evening Gown Recap From Good to "Oh Dear!"

 Beautiful Winner: Hillarie Danielle Parungao "Miss World Philippines 2015"

Two nights ago was the Finals of the fifth edition of "Miss World Philippines". The pageant was held at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City, Philippines. There were 26 contestants and the winner was Filipino TV Host and model Hillarie Danielle Parungao:

Crowned: Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Parungao

Gown and Swimsuit Queen: Contestant #19 (and eventual Miss World Philippines 2015) Hillarie Parungao

The new Miss World Philippines 2015 is 23 years old and stands 5' 6" (1.68 m). By winning this pageant she will now represent Philippines at the upcoming Miss World 2015 Finals happening on December 19th in the resort city of Sanya, China.

Model Fab: Hillarie Parungao "Miss World Philippines 2015"

Besides being a host and model, Parungao has had some previous experience with being a Pageant Queen...

Hillarie Parungao was "Miss Asia Pacific Philippines 2014" (photos above)

Now that we got all the basics out of the way, it's time for my EVENING GOWN REVIEW. The theme for the Evening Gowns was "Old Hollywood Glamour". There was a group of black gowns, followed by red and then nude/ivory/beige/blush.



First, let's begin with the winner:

Best in Gown: Contestnat #19 Hillarie Danielle Parungao--I thought she looked like a winner. The gown featured  a leaf-like applique sewn over a layer of iridescent organza. There were sequin crystals strewn throughout the gown just to add a bit of sparkle. The mermaid-shaped gown fit her well and honestly, when she came out after 18 other contestants, it was a little too obvious that A) she was the "chosen" winner and B) she got one of the best gowns. In fact, she won "Best in Long Gown"; oh what a shocker! The gown was slightly referential to what...

Megan Young (above) the former "Miss World" and "Miss World Philippines" wore to win her Miss World crown 2 years ago.

And now, my Good and "Oh Dear!" of the "Miss World Philippines 2015" Evening Gowns. Besides what the winner wore (Very good!), let's stay on the "Good":

Photos courtesy of Rappler.com

#14 Marita Cassandra Naidas: It's no surprise that Marita (above) was First Runner-up or "1st Princess" at Miss World Philippines 2015, at least from her gown. She wore this strapless red satin princess-seamed dress with an over-layer of tulle and sequined crystal bust detail. It was very "Pageant Perfect". While there was nothing too "high fashion" or red carpet earth-shaking about it, it was still impacting. I also liked her modern center-parted hair styling.

#11 Alexie Marie Ibabao: I liked this red sequined column gown on Alexie Marie. It was a basic shape but what else would you do when you have this wonderful red circle paillette fabrication. Very nice Alexie!

#2 Jannie Loudette Alipo-on: Jannie wore this black sequined racer-front halter gown with center front slit. I thought it was a "safe" gown but still packed enough of a stage punch. It fir her quite nicely and she looked red carpet elegant.

#25 Casey Anne Austria: I really liked Casey's white chiffon mermaid shaped gown with white caviar beading detail. The bottom half featured several godets which filled out the sweep of the gown. I liked the styling; the slicked chignon and one sequined wrist cuff. She got very high "Nick Evening Gown Points" in my book. But...and it's a big "but": I was just so shocked to see her "#25" SAFETY PINNED so overtly on her gown. This was just SOOOOO tacky and low-rent; I cannot even get beyond this.

#18 Leitz Camyll Ang: I was a big fan of this nude colored sequined gown worn by Leitz. I liked the gradation of colors in the paillettes and it was nice how they stopped at just the right moment down her legs.

(L to R) #9 Mona Mahmoud Hammad and #12 Emma Marie Tiglao: Both of these red gowns were some of the better seen on the "Miss World Philippines 2015" pageant. I would give them both high Evening Gown marks. I liked the front scroll-like detail/print (L) and the fit was also very nice and for #12 Emma, the red and silver sequined gown was perfect for her. She's such a beauty and the gown complemented her.

#16 Erica Rose Bayani: This may be a controversial choice but I thought that Erica's red "caftan"-like gown was very chic and high fashion. It featured a front gathered fall that reminded me of of my NV Nick Verreos EVINE Live Shopping Network dresses from my Spring 2015 collection:

Front Fall Cute: NV Nick Verreos EVINE Live Spring 2015 chiffon and knit dress

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The "Oh Dear!" Gowns:

(L to R) #1 Maria Vanessa Wright and #4 Sheila Mae Torino: These two gowns made my "Oh Dear!" for two different reasons. The one on the left was soooo boring and so "Prom 101"; there's literally NO DESIGN element whatsoever. It's a basic bustier and basic full skirt from Fashion School Freshman Year. The tacky pearl necklace made her look old as well. Speaking of old, #4 on the right was a dowdy mess. She looked like a 58 year old woman hosting her recently deceased husband's "funeral party"; yes, "Oh Dear!" for sure.

#5 Cristelle Anjali Abello: This gown shape was nice but once again, the design was quite "Design School 101" bland and non-creative. But the real problem I had was the pointy bust neckline; they were BEYOND wonky and un-Couture. It's as if a recently-accepted-student-of-design-school had made this gown. #Amateur Hour.

#17 Jessica Rose McEwen: Bless her heart. This red sequin-and-satin gown was all things bad. It looked cheap (what is with that janky hem?) and just not cute. This might have been cute in 2008 but now, it''s tacky.

#15 Erika Marie de Castro: Oh Erika! I just want to ask: Where are you going with this? The sequined halter neck and VERY mini dress is way too short, the iridescent organza overskirt looks like it came from a $1.99/yard fabric store. Erika Marie is very cute but this cheap tasteless dress did her no favors in my book.

#26 Grapes Pacara: I LOVE a girl named GRAPES. But what I do not love is this blush/nude chiffon gown with gold applique gown. This looks like something one would find in an attic; an attic that hasn't been looked at since 1956! It looks old, cheap and not well done. And who in their right mind would chose to style this with a choker of gold colored pearls and earrings. She looks like a three-time divorced hostess of a not-so-happy Holiday Party.

Hope you enjoyed my "Miss World Philippines 2015" Evening Gown Recap...

Congratulations to the new "Miss World Philippines 2015" Hillarie Danielle Parungao and I wish her the Best of Luck at the "Miss World 2015" Finals in December!