SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Finals: EVENING GOWN Recap + the AY DIOS MIO/Oh My God! Moment

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Finals: EVENING GOWN Recap + the AY DIOS MIO/Oh My God! Moment

Miss Universe 2015 Finals Evening Gowns and Mis-Crowning--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

So...you might have heard about what happened last night:

Ummm, Ladies, get closer because...

Ayyy Dios Mio: Miss Colombia, I gotta take your crown and put it on...

The real winner, Miss Philippines--The outgoing Miss Universe, Colombia's Paulina Vega, crowns Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

During the crowning of Miss Universe 2015, the show's host Steve Harvey announced the winner as Miss Colombia....but then, after exiting, he was approached by the stage manager and was huddled in a grouping at the back of the stage. Meanwhile, Miss Colombia, the supposed new Miss Universe, was waving, crying and thanking the rest of the contestants behind her (as well as the audience).

The Final Card--Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!

Steve Harvey then returned and announced he had made a "mistake"--and the Announcement That Was Heard Around The World occurred: He had announced THE WRONG WINNER! The gorgeous Sofia Vergara doppelganger Miss Colombia Universe Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo was not the winner but instead, it was Miss Philippines Universe, the equally beautiful Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Miss Universe 2015 "Miss Philippines" Pia Wurtzbach

My better half David Paul and I were actually AT THE PAGEANT! yes, kids, we attended the Miss Universe 2015 Finals at The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort& Casino in Las Vegas. Knowing how much of a pageant fan I am, David got me an early Christmas present and bought tickets to attend Miss Universe. We are both still--24 hours later--speechless over what we witnessed. Check out my Instagram HERE--I even uploaded a video of the Colombian fans' reaction the moment Steve Harvey made his announcement OOPSIE. If you think it was cringe worthy watching it on TV, I can only tell you to trust me when I say, that it was TRIPLE the "OH MY GAAAWDDDD!" feeling when you are there live.



This is the same face and hand-over-mouth look that EVERY SINGLE person in the sold-out theater had:

What The ???!!!!! Yeah, if the lovely Pia felt this way, we were there with you huney!--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the 26-year old 5' 8" half German half-Filipino model/actress/host/TV personality, born in Stuttgart Germany was crowned Miss Universe 2015. It may not have been the most ideal vision she--or the entire nation of the Philippines--had in mind, but she was crowned nonetheless.

Gown Gals: Top Ten and Top Five Miss Universe 2015 contestants--in their Evening Gowns--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

And now, time for the really important stuff: THE GOWNS! Here's my Review of the Top Ten Gowns, with my Scores...



I'll start with the eventual winner...

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: Pia wore a different gown for the Preliminaries (which I wasn't a 100% fan of, it was a bit dated and not so SUPER-fab). Well, thank goodness, she changed. For the Finals she wore a royal blue silk gazar gown designed by Filipino designer Albert Andrada. His inspiration for Pia’s evening gown was "The Pearl of the Orient". The mermaid gown has a very simple front and the back revealing opulent details of sun rays made of beads, sequins and crystals, which represent the sun rising in the middle of a serene blue sea, according to Andrada. He said this of the gown: "Tiny sapphire colored crystals are mixed with the bead work and cascade towards the front of the gown, representing beautiful sands of our beaches...the gown has a hem of draped multiple folds at the back, which are like fins of the different beautiful fishes found in Philippine waters. The color blue represents the tranquility of the deep blue Philippine seas as well  as a tribute to Pia’s queenly beauty. Blue was also her choice of color to wear to Miss Universe." It was a gorgeous and impacting gown. 

Score: 9.5

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo: I absolutely LOVED this gown! It was one of my favorites from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and it was probably THE BEST one of the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. It was exquisitely made, fit UBER perfect, the crystals looked INCREDIBLE on stage; it reminded me of a $100,000 Atelier Versace-like gown. This strapless column design was both Pageant Perfect as well as Red Carpet Fabulous (Take note Miss Venezuela Organization!). Every national pageant in the world should take note of what a pageant girl should wear. Oh, and notice, there is no HOOCHIE too-high slit, and we can't see the platform heels. What a novel evening gown idea! Score: 9.9

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Olivia looked absolutely beautiful onstage and was definitely one of the stronger contestants at this year's Miss Universe. In terms of her gown, I have a couple of thoughts: First, it was nice to see Olivia not wear a big ol' ball gown (she seemed to have a penchant for big "Southern Belle"-type gowns). But for the finals, she wore this white lace and sequined fitted gown with a dramatic chiffon and lace applique-trimmed cape. I wasn't a fan. She looked very "Boudoir Southern Belle". I got the concept of the gown and cape--it's very post-Tom Ford Gwyneth Paltrow-at-the-Oscars but....this look seemed too Prom-and-Pageant; the lace applique trim on the cape edge took it to a cheap level in a hot minute. And then, the not-necessary plunging torso/neckline display of her "sistahs" took it to a slightly questionable taste level. Score: 8.9 

Miss France Flora Coquerel: Flora looked stunning onstage at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. When she walked out in this red strapless gown, she literally took my breath away. Especially with the clean styling and chic swept-back hair. The gown fit her beautifully and looked architectually perfect on her. I also LOVED that she chose NOT to wear those tacky ubiquitous Stripper Platform Heels. Merci Flora. She knew better and instead, opted for modern strappy heels. I feel this gown and styling clinched her spot in the Top 5. Score: 9.5

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika wore the same gold sequined gown with super-high center front slit that she wore at the preliminaries. I liked the overall design and impact of the gown but I had a problem with two things: that SUPER HIGH front slit/opening (it was WAAAY too close to her you-know-what) and then, she ruined the entire look with those platform heels. Score: 8.5

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Wow. I loved this gown when she wore it for the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and I still loved it at the Finals. This ivory satin and silver crystal embellished gown was EVERYTHING. This, by the way (note to Miss USA Olivia Jordan) is how you "do" a cape! If there was any critique, it's the shoes she wore; not a fan. Strappy heels Aniporn: You're almost six feet tall! There's no need for those platform heels. Score: 9.7

Miss Dominican Republic Clarissa Molina: I thought Clarissa looked beautiful in this white gown at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. The fit was great and the stage impact was grand and sweet at the same time. The gown didn't scream Elie Saab Haute Couture-level ball gown Fabulousness, but it was great nonetheless. Score: 9.4

Miss Japan Ariana Miyamoto: I love Ariana and the fact that as a hafu (half Japanese/half African American), she won the Miss Universe Japan contest and quietly gave a middle finger to all the bigoted/racist/ignorant people who gave her such pain as she grew up in Japan. But this "Star Trek"-like mess of a gown did not help her status during the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. I just do not understand the gold faux leather with the black piping and what is with the black and white printed chiffon back cape detail? It looks like a design from a first semester Fashion design student.  

Score: 7.5

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: As a designer who grew up in Venezuela, I cannot lie and say that I wasn't rooting for Mariana. But she failed me with this choice of a gown for the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. This was disappointing. I do not know what is going on with the Miss Venezuela Organization and their choice of designers but...this was not Miss Universe fab. The white dress with silver crystals was designed by Venezuelan designer Raenrra--who did a wonderful job of her "National Costume"--but this look was not exciting and the only thing it did was age her. It was also very off-the-rack looking. I just don't understand what happened between the Angel Sanchez/Gionni Straccia days...and now. Many people think the Evening Gown portion is not important. Well kids, I feel that Mariana DID NOT get to go on to the Top 5, solely based on this gown. Talk amongst yourselves...Score: 7.99

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: Kanisha was a big surprise, in terms of making it to the Top Ten. I was not surprised but it has been a long time since her island has made it this far (almost twenty years!). Her red sequined lace and feathered gown was nice but a bit dated and late 90's in its styling. On a good note, it fit perfectly and she did look regal. But, as a pageant gal, you have to be very careful wearing a Sweetheart neckline gown AND doing a pouf bouffant hairdo; it's two seconds from looking "Pageant Betty". Score: 8.5

Congratulations to the new Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach "Miss Philippines"!! Gorgeous woman, beautiful gown. You deserve the WIN!!!

Check out the "Uh Oh" Miss Universe 2015 Crowning Moment:

SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Ten LEAST FAVORITE Gowns, Gown Disappointments of Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries + a "Special Gown" Mention

SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Ten LEAST FAVORITE Gowns, Gown Disappointments of Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries + a "Special Gown" Mention

The Sale Rack: Some of Least Favorite Gowns seen at the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries

In my last post HERE, I discussed the Top 15 Best Gowns (in my humble opinion) from this past Thursday's Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition. I have to say that for the most part, there were a lot of Good gowns--out of the 80 on display, worn by the beauties from all over the world, there weren't too many cray-cray ones. But...there were some. So, I've compiled a list of my TEN LEAST FAVORITE gowns from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries. Either for the lack of "gown funds" in each national pageant's organization, or lack of taste level, or just lacking anything resembling what a top Hollywood actress and/or model would wear to an important red carpet event, these were among some of the reasons why these ended up here... 

At the end, I also included a couple gowns which disappointed me, especially because the candidates wearing them are A) considered favorites and B) I expected more; plus a "Special Gown Mention"...



The Oh Dear! Gowns:

Miss Guatemala Jeimmy Aburto: Cha-cha Queen Meets Quinciniera. If the rather garish fuchsia-pink sequins weren't enough, somehow the designer decided that it needed more as in clown-like bias hemmed ruffles at the bottom plus nude netting and then let's just do silver diamantes to fill in the space....This would be fun if it was a Gay pride Float for Drag Queen Mermaids. But it isn't.

Score: 5.00

Miss Japan Ariana Miyamoto: Star Trek Meets a Trashy AVN Awards. I just don't know why such a pretty girl would do this to herself; or make such a lack of taste level judgement. I just do not get it, the real point of the Evening Gown Competition--besides having the judge see their "poise" and "elegance", it is also to see if they have a level of taste. After all, if you are the new Miss Universe, you'll be walking many Red Carpets, and you don't want to end up on the WORST List. Here, with this gold high side-slit pleather concoction with black and white printed chiffon back details, Miss Universe Japan failed. I am soooo confused.

Score: 6.00

Miss Bulgaria Radostina Todorova: Ah, as they say in the South: "Bless Her Heart". Which really translates to "GURL! You are a Mess!". This is sweet and cute, if she was 18 and it was a New Year's Eve Dance in Missouri. But it ain't, it's THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT! The dress looks off-the-rack, cheap, it's too short...well, I'll just stop there. I, at least, give her points for wearing strappy heels and not those clunky platform heels.

Score: 6.00

Miss Montenegro Maja Cukic: I'll give Miss Universe Montenegro the benefit of the doubt and say that she was going for a more "Artsy" look--or at least the designer was. Here's a suggestion: DON'T. The top looks as if a nasty cat got to it while she was away and the skirt is "meh" and then she wore RED SHOES with this? Oh Dear!

Score: 6.00

Miss Albania Megi Luka: Megi looks very pretty. She's got an angelic, gorgeous face so part of me understands her choosing such a "sweet" gown but at the same time, I would have loved to have seen her in something more red carpet sexy fab. This velvet dress is more appropriate as a costume for Rome & Juliet.

Score: 6.25

Miss Hungary Nikoletta Nagy: I love canary yellow but the combination of the bright satin, with the gold lace and then gold sequins and the (yeah, there's more!), crystal straps in the front torso...it's all a bit cheap-looking and Tacky-licious. It's also very Quincieniera "Ayyy Mija!".

Score: 6.00

Miss Norway Martine Rodseth: This silver sequined and red crepe halter gown is not bad, it's just dated and not exciting. This is a gown one could find at an "After Five" section of a local department store and perfect for a Mother-of-the-Bride, or guest at the wedding. But not Fashion Fab or Couture enough for the Miss Universe pageant.

Score: 6.00

Miss Slovak Republic Denisa Vysnovska: Interestingly enough, this blue strapless ball gown was also her "national costume" (photo above from the Miss Universe 2015 National Costume Presentation); she just added some extra trim and a flowered headdress. This gown looks sweet but sweet is not enough. It also looks very polyester-y and that lace trim is better for grandma's tablecloth.

Score: 6.25

Miss Serbia Dasa Radosavljevic: This gold sequin dress is fine if you are a background dancer at a Cruise Ship's Dinner Theater show, but it looks cheap and tacky for Miss Universe. I could find this fabric for $2.99/yard in Downtown LA. That's not a good thing.

Score: 5.00

Miss Bolivia Romina Rocamonje: On a good note, this red satin with sequin side applique looks expensive and well made. But it's just Too-Mucheey for Romina. The back pouf overskirt was distracting as she walked onstage and frankly unnecessary in terms of design.. And then, there are those UBER platform pumps!!! Those SCARE me and bring memories of Naomi Campbell falling down on the Vivienne Westwood runway show back in 1993.

Score: 6.75

Could Have Been Better Gowns---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've selected the following two ladies--and their gowns--because these two--Miss Italy and Miss Venezuela--are two favorites for the Miss Universe 2015 crown (according to beauty pageant followers/fans) and I was just a bit surprised that their choice of gowns weren't impacting or couture-strong enough. I just expected more "Wow!".

Miss Italy Giada Pezzaioli: This wasn't a bad gown, it was just a bit too busy and confusing and instead of highlighting Giada and how stunning and model-like she is, she got lost in the gown and it almost aged her as well. I also just didn't understand the back olive-and-black "capes" and how that went with the black and nude sequin applique gown; it didn't make sense and also looked like an afterthought and an addition that shouldn't have been added.

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: I loved the color of this gown and the gorgeous ombre-like sequined degrade. The gown also fit well and was the perfect length. But...I just expected more "Wow!". This gown just didn't get my "Couture Heart" beating as some of the usual Miss Venezuela gowns do. I also wasn't a fan of her styling--the hair looked a little too "Pageant Pretty" and slightly late 90's dated.



Special Gown Mention for Originality-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Sweden Paulina Brodd: Now, I know what you may be thinking: "Has Nick lost his gown mind??" No, I haven't. I kinda like this gown, I admit, mainly for the fact that the sequin applique/print/colors were very striking and it was one of the most original gown styles from the Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Preliminary Competition. I get that this could be considered a tad Cray-Cray but it's Good Cray-cray, at least in my eyes!

SASHES AND TIARAS: My Top 15 List of Best Gowns from Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition

SASHES AND TIARAS: My Top 15 List of Best Gowns from Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition

Very Good: Gowns from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition, THE AXIS Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

Thursday night was the ever-important Preliminary Competition of the 2015 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. This is the event that decides who the 15 Semi-Finalists are--and will be named--on Sunday night's Finals of the 64th Annual Miss Universe. During the Preliminaries, the 80 contestants from all over the world competed in both Swimsuit and Evening Gown. This post is all about the latter, since that's what I'm interested in, of course. So...without further ado, here are MY Top 15 of Best Gowns--I only judged on my Favorite Evening Gowns--from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition. See if your fave made my list:

No. 1 Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: This was my favorite gown of the night. Aniporn looked striking and like a Miss Universe in this white satin gown featuring silver sequined torso detail and back white satin cape/fall. Her styling was also superb: her slicked-back hairstyle was modern and model fab. The lack of accessories were also directional and fresh. She was a clean, modern, Fashion Goddess.

Score: 9.9

No. 2: Miss Brazil Marthina Brandt: Marthina looked every bit a Supermodel on a red carpet in this silver-and-gold sequined gown. The gown had sequins over a nude tulle illusion base. It also had shoulder draped crystals. This photo does not do the gown justice; it looked incredible. And so did she.

Score: 9.94

No. 3: Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez: Boy, this young lady is on a path to getting that Miss Universe crown. I'm only saying because of this fabulous, perfect gown. From head to toe, she screams "Give me the darn crown because...seriously...LOOK AT ME!". This gown featured crystal sequins over a beige/creme base. The strapless dress fit her perfectly and was length-perfect as well (no heels in sight!). Many people on the internet are commenting about her resemblance to Sofia Vergara. Maybe that should be a sign: that's a really good thing--she looks like a top Hollywood actress/International Star. And don't you think that's what the goal is of finding the next Miss Universe? So far, if she does not mess up on the interview on the Final Night (if she is picked as a Semi-Finalist/Finalist), she is very close to getting the crown.

Score: 9.94

No. 3 Miss Poland Weronika Szmajdzinkska: I loved this gown in the Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits and I still love it now. Copper/gold sequined fab. And...I LOVE that she DID NOT wear those TACKY Stripper Platform Pumps. She gets a BONUS for that. Classy. With a capital "C".

Score: 9.90

No. 4 Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: There were A LOT (as you can see from the gals here!) of contestants who wore these nude/illusion tulle base-under-sequin applique gowns. So, if was a bit difficult to discern the "Oh Dear!" form the "Muy Bien!:. And Miss Panama was in my Top list. I liked the silver sequin scroll-like detail and all her appropriate areas were covered. I also give her points for great hair and lack of Too-Mucheey accessorizing.

Score: 9.80

No. 5 Miss Paraguay Myriam Arevalos: Myriam wore one of my favorite gown for the Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits on the MissUniverse.com website. I was surprised she even changed. But this was a nice change. This red gown featured an interesting applique detail over the nude illusion base. It also had a side front slit (it was a little too Hoochie-high) and an over skirt in matching red chiffon. The one shoulder gown was impacting and made quite an entrance. Her clean hairstyle and not too Pageant Betty makeup were also just right. I wished she would have worn sexy red strappy heels (no platform!) but even with that, I still give her a high score.

Score: 9.70

No. 6 Miss Vietnam Pham Hu'o'ng: I loved Pham's white "Swan" inspired mermaid silhouette gown. This style and design was very original and Couture-like in it's detail, creation and inspiration. This was something one would see at an Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week runway show or a Marchesa NY Fashion Show presentation. Design Kudos to whoever designed this; it is a Miss Universe Evening Gown showstopper and afterward, should be in a Museum Gallery! I just wished her hair and makeup looked a tad more "runway diva" as opposed to "Pageant Contestant".

Score: 9.50

No. 7 Miss Tanzania Lorraine Marriot: Lorraine was the best of the contestants hailing from the continent of Africa. I liked this gold sequined gown that she wore. It was modern, clean-lined and fit her perfectly.

Score: 9.30

No. 8 Miss Indonesia Anindya Putri: Anindya wore this nude stretch tulle gown with ivory and gunmetal/silver applique. For all these types of gowns, I liked the simplicity of the design and lack of too-much sequin applique. Her bun and makeup looked just right for this look. Overall, I give her a nice high Gown Score.

Score: 9. 20 

No. 9 Miss Chile Maria Belen Jerez: I will include Miss Universe Chile here and her gown because it was very nice, it fit well and she looked great, overall. The gown she wore featured silver sequins embellishment over a silver base--at the skirt section--while at the top area, the sequins were over nude illusion. Her hair was just right, as well as earrings. And once again, kudos for proper gown length and no tacky platform heels showing. Gracias.

Score: 9.00

No. 10 Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Olivia loves a gown. Especially a Ball Gown. The one she wore when she worn Miss USA was a bit of a controversy (I did not like it!). But never mind us or those pesky internet folks; she still went ahead for the Miss Universe Preliminaries and wore...a...ball...gown. And this was a good one! Much better than the Miss USA choice. At least, here, she didn't look like a Disney Princess but closer to a Hollywood Red Carpet actress. Thank You. This was much improved. It was dramatic, impacting and fit well. If there was any critique, I wished it was strapless and didn't have those teeny tiny sequined straps; those looked like an afterthought...an afterthought bought at the Las Vegas Jo-Ann's Fabric Store.

Score: 8.90

No. 12 Miss Georgia Janet Kerdikoshvili: Janet wore a royal blue/violet gown which featured a sequined applique over nude illusion column dress with an attached satin overskirt. It was A LOT of gown but it worked and it served the purpose of being "Miss Universe" Evening Gown impacting--at least in my eyes. But I have to point out a negative: those darn shoes. Those are a big NO!

Score: 8.80

No. 13 Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: There was some drama regarding Pia and her gown. Supposedly, her original one didn't fit right so a Beverly Hills-based Filipino designer was contacted, while he was in Aspen skiing on vacation (must be nice!).  He then had his staff send her some gowns. And this was one of them. I liked this red sequin applique and satin gown but I have to admit, it was not modern or chic or very directional. It was a beautiful gown that we could have seen at a Miss Universe pageant in 2005. Nevertheless...Pia WORKED IT overtime! And for that, she is in my Top 15 Best Gowns List.

Score: 8.80

No. 14 Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika wore this gold sequined number for the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries. It was a showstopper for sure. I would have give this a much higher score...if it wasn't for the fact that the center front slit/opening was WAAAAY too close to her BIZZZNESSSS! It was 60% Glam Fab and 40% Hoochie Tacky.

Score: 8.79



Finally, in my Top 15 Evening Gown Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition List...

No. 15 Miss India Urvashi Rautela: I liked the design of this silver and gold gown enough to put it in my Top 15; it looked expensive, and fit very nicely. But, I have to say that while I could see this on a model at a Versace Atelier runway show and I would scream "Go On Girl!", I could not do this with Urvashi; Urvashi's styling looks a bit dated, and "Madame". Those over-sized earrings,  hair and too-much makeup remind me of a Miss Universe winner who won many years ago and is trying to come back to look fab. I would suggest, get rid of the Pageant Betty styling and bring on 2015 Model Fab. ASAP! But even with that, this gown still makes my Top 15 Faves:

Score: 8.75



**UP NEXT: The "Could Have Been Better" and "OH Dear!" of Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition