Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--My Recap from Vegas!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--My Recap from Vegas!

Pageant Sin City: Beauty Queens, Shopping, Chocolates, and a Sleeping Carnation Polar Bear....

Well Dressed Boys: Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI, at Miss Universe 2012 Pageant--Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater Las Vegas

Last Tuesday, my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion crimes, David Paul and I flew to "Sin City" Las Vegas to attend the 61st Annual Miss Universe Pageant. If I am not mistaken, I think this made it my FOURTH time attending a Miss Universe competition. I went to the one in Los Angeles at the old Shubert Theater in Century City when Norway's Mona Grudt was crowned Miss Universe 1990 (TWENTY TWO years ago-- Yes, I was FIVE! LOL!). I also attended the Miss Universe 1996 Pageant six years later in Las Vegas at the old Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts, when Venezuela's Alicia Machado was crowned Miss Universe and then...

Nancy O'Dell (in NIKOLAKI Custom) and Carlos Ponce--hosts of Miss Universe 2006

I went to the Miss Universe 2006 Pageant which was held at the Shrine Auditorium in LA. Puerto Rico's Zuleika Rivera was crowned Miss Universe that year and the co-host Nancy O'Dell wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns. So...it has been six years since I have attended a Miss Universe pageant, as you can see.

   Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

David and I arrived in Las Vegas and stayed at the Aria Resort and Casino. It was very nice; let's just say it was  a more "civilized" way to stay in Las Vegas. When I hosted an event not too long ago at Crystals City Center in Las Vegas, I stayed at the Vdara. It was exquisite and yet, I found myself sneaking over to the Aria while I was there. So...this time, I wanted to try Aria and it was fab!

Yummy-licious: The delicious offerings at Jean Philippe Patisserie, Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

While in Las Vegas, we did some hotel-hopping and shopping naturally. We're not gamblers except for the fact that David does love the "Wheel of Fortune" slot machines:

So...we ventured to the Bellagio, Caesars Forum Shops, did some retail damage at the World's Largest H&M there, checked out the Crystals at CityCenter and event trekked it--by foot--all the way to the Fashion Show Mall--where we made a "Style Beeline" to TopShop and TopMan of course. Here are some photos:

Tree Couture: The Christmas Tree at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 2012 Winter Holiday Display

 Rockin' Horse: a scene from the Bellagio Las Vegas 2012 Winter Holiday Display, Bellagio Las Vegas Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Bear Fab: a "Sleeping Polar Bear", made of carnations--Bellagio Las Vegas Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 2012 Winter Holiday Display

 GG Window: Gucci at Crystals City Center

David and David: David Paul of NIKOLAKI  (and one of our several H&M shopping bags!) in front of a "David by Michelangelo" replica at Caesars Las Vegas

 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino--site of Miss Universe 2012 Pageant

But soon, it was time to get ready to go to Planet Hollywood and attend Miss Universe 2012. The pageant began at 5pm and our tickets stipulated that we had to be in our seats by 4:30pm. It was being taped LIVE to show at 8pm in the East Coast and yes, all around the world. There was a major flurry of activity outside the theater--lots of pageant fans, beauty queens with their crowns and sashes, fabulous drag queens--in crowns and sashes, supporters of all the different international contestants vying for the Miss Universe 2012 crown. It almost seemed like the better SHOW might be OUTSIDE the theater than inside. The biggest--and most visible--contingencies of fans came from the Philippines, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, USA...all the biggies when it comes to Pageant-Lovin' nations/territories.

One of my favorites where the one that were there to support Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen (above, in her National Costume). There were about 25 people carrying huge "Miss Spain" banners and flags, all dressed in Flamenco-like ensembles, with toreador/bolero jackets, black hats, red roses, screaming "España!"...it was a sight to behold! I wish I had taken a photo of them but I was all frazzled trying to get in line to get into the theater to get to my seat in time!

We finally took our seats and right as the show was about to begin, I spotted my "Project Style" co-spokesperson, Style Network DIVA--and friend--the one and only Jeannie Mai, running up the aisle to get to her "Miss Universe 2012 Reporting/Correspondent" post. I think I must have tripped over seven people in my row so I could get a quick kiss and wish her (and that great cleavage of hers!) "Good Luck". She looked fabulous--as always!

The show was a lot of fun (Spoiler Alert: Miss USA Olivia Culpo won! LOL!) and I was super happy that I got to see it--especially with David. David kept laughing because sooooo many people kept stopping me--and recognizing me, wanting to take photos, hugs, etc. I loved that most everyone of them also added "We LOVE your Blog!". That really made my night. I felt like a Miss Universe myself. Here are some fun pics I got from the night:

Fans of Janine Tugonon "Miss Philippines" share the love with me--Miss Universe 2012 Planet Hollywood Theater Las Vegas

Honorary Asiana: Nick Verreos with Lisa Chang (left) and Monica Mapa (right)--Monica is Actor/Comedian/Diva Alec Mapa's sister, by the way!

Work That Walk: Nick Verreos with Miss Universe Runway Coach, the ever-so-FABULOUS Lu Celania Sierra--God I LOVE her!!! She puts the "F" in FIERCE. Seriously.

Viva Mexico: Nick Verreos with the beautiful Karin Ontiveros, Miss Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2010--Karin was the "Miss Mexico" in Miss Universe 2011--Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

 Sancocho Gorgeous: Nick Verreos and Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2012 Bodine Koehler --she was one of the favorites to win the title this year but unfortunately--and inexplicably--she did not even place--she was one of my Miss Universe 2012 Best Gowns Girls and had one of the most amazing figures of all the 89 ladies.

Nick Verreos with Miss Trinidad and Tobago Avionne Mark--loved her jersey purple dress, and yes, she was EsssSTUNNING! ---Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Finally, I was soooo happy to get a photo with...

Miss Universe Bahamas--Celeste Marshall's-- family! That's her Grandma--very elegant in a black gown (second from left) and her mommie (in the pink (fourth from left).

 Celeste Marshall, Miss Universe Bahamas 2012 and modeling one of our NIKOLAKI gowns, Islands of The World Fashion Week

As you may know, Celeste modeled for me when she was all but 16 years old when David and I showed our collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008 in The Bahamas and she was one of our favorite models. I ran into her family after the show and well, before you know  it, I almost took them home--back to LA--with me! They were so sweet, so generous and a Class Act. Typical Bahamian! And it was a great way to end my night in Las Vegas attending the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant.

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--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!!