SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part Two: The Pageant Betty's, Oh Dear Too Mucheey & "Go-On Girl" Award

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part Two: The Pageant Betty's, Oh Dear Too Mucheey & "Go-On Girl" Award

Too Mucheey Hoochie & Chonchee and Too Mucheey Everything: Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits

Photos courtesy of MissUniverse.com

In my last post HERE, I discussed my FAVORITES from the Miss Universe 2015 "Official Website Evening Gown Portraits" (as well as which designs disappointed me), so naturally, now it's time to talk about the Pageant Betty's and "Ayyy Mija!" designs--and one last special "Go-On Girl" Gown recognition...

Let's get to it--Let's begin with "Pageant Betty's"-----------------------------------------------------------

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach: I know, I know, I am sure everyone from here to the Philippines will hate me but I just thought that gorgeous Pia looked too old-school Pageant Betty in this design. Pia could look like a fabulous fashion model DIVA and instead, in this gown she looked like it was 1998 and she was a candidate in that year's Miss Philippines pageant. The gown is very "been there/done that". Not to mention those earrings...GIRL! And for some reason, all I could look at is how BIG her "sistahs" look; there too much focus on her big ol' breasts--with this strapless dress. On a good note: her face and hair style are flawless.

Miss Guatemala Jeimmy Aburto: Pink stretch lace--and silver crystals--plus the mermaid "lite" shape...well, they all add up to "Pageant Betty". She is very pretty and that pose is indeed, impacting. But, the gown, oh the gown: it's Too-Mucheey  and Tacky.

Miss Haiti Lisa Drouillard: Oh Lisa, that is A LOT of Gown. I do appreciate the dynamic bubblegum pink color and silver sequin detail but...it's Too Mucheey, and it does give me "Pageant Betty" for it's heavy-handed style. At least she didn't do an up-do bouffant. I give her a couple of points for that.

Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: According to the Miss Universe website, Gladys is only 24 years old. But here she looks 34. I do like the unusual sequin and striped detail in the gown--as well as the color--but my main problem deals with the too-much peek-a-boo keyhole (Hola! That is my cleavage!) and the semi pouffed-up hair is a bit early 2000's Pageant. It's time for an update mija.

Miss South Africa Refilwe Mthiwunye: First off, I was a bit taken aback that she allowed the Miss Universe.com peeps to put in her bio that she won the "Miss Gangster" award during the Miss South Africa pageant. Not sure if I would of put that as a PLUS in my bio. But oh well. In terms of her choice of gown, it was very Pageant Betty. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful gown and it fits her nicely, but...this is not what you would see a Miss Universe wear to win, and definitely not what you would see on a top actress on a red carpet at a top awards show like Cannes or the Oscars.

Miss Denmark Cecilie Wellemberg: Cecilie is quite beautiful. I don't have that much of a problem with this gown--I do like the royal blue color and scroll-like sequin applique. But...the combination of all of that + the mermaid shape + her pouffy hair and big ol' earrings scream "Pageant Betty".

Miss Mexico Wendy Esparza: Did someone say 1997? What is with all the polyester charmeuse? And that matching lace? Ayyy mija! Oh, and of course, there's a side-front slit. And SILVER covered pumps? Someone please help her! At least she looks absolutely bella from the neck up--the hair and makeup are perfect!

Oh Dear!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss British Virgin Islands Adorya Baly: Let me begin on a good note--I love the canary yellow color. And I do like the flower-like sequin appliques. Where it all goes a bit tacky is the sheer netting, the center front plunging neckline showing her too-mucheey cleavage. I also think she could have added more makeup (what a novel idea for a pageant gal!?); she looks like she got up, just had her first coffee and well, had to do a photoshoot.

Miss Hungary Nikoletta Nagy: Nikoletta is quite pretty but she isn't going to be on anyone's Top Faves List with this dress. I like the emerald color but the side cowl draped detail looks more like curtains than Grecian Goddess. I'll be blunt: the dress looks polyester-cheap. And speaking of cheap: I DON'T WANT TO SEE THOSE STRIPPER PUMPS! And trust me: Neither do the judges. How many times do I have to say this?! If you need to wear them, by all means do. But hide them. Showing them makes you look cheap...and only highlights that you're short and therefore you need to wear these. 

Miss Ghana Hilda Frimpong: Oh Hilda, it looks like you are leaving the pageant world and walking straight on to the set of the next Real Housewife of (fill in the blank). I usually discuss the "Slit Happy" Pageant Gals but seriously, Miss Universe Ghana and this dress took the Slit thang to another level; there are two slits and depending on how she walks, you could probably almost see her CHA-CHA. There's nothing cute about this. It's very "Oh Dear!" Chonchee.

Miss Malaysia Vanessa Kumares: Oh Vanessa, I give her points for looking all "Heyyyy Girl!" fab in this photo! She looks like a fun girl I want to have Dirty Martinis with. But then, there's that gown. It's a Pageant Oh Dear Too Mucheey Mess. She looks like the wife of a Millionaire Malaysian businessman at a New Year's Eve Party, as opposed to the next Miss Universe. It's also very 2004 dated in it's style; been there/done that huney.

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika is very popular with the Missosologists (i.e., Pageant Fans), she's one of the top faves for the Miss Universe 2015 crown. But then she wears this lace and chiffon gown. It's very off-the-rack and dated. We've seen this style and it was several years ago at past "Miss Universe" and "Miss USA" pageants. I expect something like this on an Eastern European pageant contestant in the Miss World Contest...But not at Miss Universe?? On a good note: her nude strappy heels are PERFECT, and so is her hair and makeup. Now, go change into a better gown darling.

Finally, I have to give a Special "Go-On Girl!" Evening Gown Portraits Award to Miss Universe Tanzania...

Miss Tanzania Lorraine Marriot: I was a bit on the fence on where to include this fabulous woman--Miss Universe Tanzania. I loved this photo. But...should be it be "Oh Dear!" or "Fab!". In terms of the "Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits" on the website, there was no other like it--for good or not-so-good. For me, it was more good: She gave you DIVA! I liked this gown and the draped gold and emerald sequin beading on the torso which reminded me of Swahili-like East African jewelry. The entire look said "Fierce". Now, I am wondering how she could even walk in this gown--which looks like it's way too long for her. But for this photo, it deserved my "Go ON Girl!" Evening Gown Portrait "Nick Award". 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part One: The Best Gowns & Could Be Better

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part One: The Best Gowns & Could Be Better

The Best Gowns: Collage of some of my favorite gowns from the Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits

Photos courtesy of MissUniverse.com

The Finals of the Miss Universe 2015 beauty pageant are not until this upcoming Sunday December 20th in Las Vegas Nevada, but this past weekend, the "Official Evening Gown Portraits" were released on the MissUniverse.com site. Any pageant fan--and pageant gown aficionado (and critic)--yours truly included--always looks forward to the Miss Universe Evening Gown Portraits. It's a chance to see the taste level of the contestants and see the variety of gowns--some Good and some "Oh Dear!".

A lot of these gown may not be necessarily what the contestant will end up wearing during the all-important Preliminaries or the Finals night--especially if she is chosen as a Semi Finalist. Some of these gowns are just provided and borrowed from the "Sherri Hill rack" the show's Wardrobe/Costume Department will have in case the contestants would like to wear something other than what they have brought. BUT... some of the gowns are indeed the ones the contestants brought themselves. Now that we have that out of the way, it's time for me to discuss my Top Faves of the Gowns as well as ones that Disappointed me...or "Could Have Been Better".



Let's start with the Muy Bien (Very Good):

Miss Argentina Claudia Barrionuevo: I thought this was a wonderful choice of a gown for Claudia. The style is very Zuhair Murad/Elie Saab but it  obviously isn't (those go for $80,000-$100,000 and to borrow them, you'd have to really be in the "In" crowd with their PR departments!). I love the style, color and red carpet grandness of it . I also think it was style-smart of her to keep her accessories at a minimum; very modern, especially with such a big gown.

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez: Ariadna is one of the favorites to win the crown (it might be a consecutive Miss Universe win for Colombia) and she is surely looking like a winner in this emerald green duchesse satin strapless gown. The fit is amazing and I also like the bust folds/drapes. Thank goodness it's not too pointy in the front. This is an entrance-making gown for sure. One of the best of the Portraits. I also LOVE her Rita Hayworth-like side-swept hairstyle. Ariadna is smoldering in this  entire look!

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Aniporn is also a top favorite and she also is racking up positive Miss Universe Pageant Points with this gown choice. It's clean, elegant, fits perfectly. Her styling is on-point as well. Pretty flawless head to toe.

Miss Indonesia Anyndia Kasuma: I love this gown on Anyndia. The unusual sequin fabrication as well as fishnet/cage-like pearl details add a bit of  "Sexy Medieval" inspiration to this gown; she's like a Couture Guinevere! And once again--like the two previous gals--great modern model-like hair. Simple, as it should be when wearing this heavily-sequined style.

Miss Paraguay Myriam Arevalos: I'm a sucker for canary yellow and simple crepe column silhouette. It's chic, sleek and oh-so-sexy. Notice Ladies: you don't have to show all that cleavage or leg to have the same effect. The gold belt is very Gucci circa the Tom Ford days. And her swept-back hair is PERFECTO. She's a Supermodel not a Pageant Gal for sure. Pay attention IMG/WME.

Miss Brazil Marthina Brandt: Marthina is another heavy favorite for the Miss Universe 2015 crown and she did very good in wearing this blush-and-black tulle and sequined gown for her Official Evening Gown Portrait. This gown intrigues me and in a good way; it's ethereal, seductive and looks fabulous on Marthina. Notice how the black diagonal beads all lead to the waist, cinching it in giving the look of the teeniest of waists (which in fact, she already has!).

Miss Poland Weronika Szmajdzinska: I loved this golden sequined-over-black netting gown on Miss Universe Poland. The circular and geometric gold sequin detail is great and really makes this simple silhouette of a gown a stand-out! I also liked that the neckline wasn't too revealing. I'm also happy to see proper lengths on a lot of these gowns. No tacky "stripper platforms" in sight! (Thank You!) But if I had one little critique it would be the nude peek-a-boo/panel right at her belly button. I'd get some extra gold sequin trim and cover that up. ASAP.

Miss Canada Paola Nunez: Dominican-born Paola chose this silver halter-neck gown featuring silver jeweled applique detail and silver sequin skirt fabrication. It's quite effective in creating an impact, looking sexy but not Hoochie or tacky. I also like the metallic belt. I'd rather not see those too-high Stripper Platform heels poking out from the hem but other than that, she looks Very Good, Tres Bien & Muy Bien.

Miss Jamaica Sharlene Radlein: Wow. Sharlene knows how to pose and how to pose in this fabulous gown. the silhouette is perfection, and looks amazing on her. I appreciate that the cleavage is not too-revealing (tacky!) and that the front torso is instead, covered in this rich-looking silver heavy lace sequin applique. I love how she has this look of "Who Me? You think I look cute?" Yes, huney, WURK it Miss Sharlene!

Miss Russia Vladislava Evtushenko: Did someone say "Billionaire's Much-Younger Wife at a Gala"? Nineteen-year old Vladislava is an Ice Princess in this glittering ivory/silver sequined gown with a sweetheart neckline. It looks elegant on her and fits her nicely. I also like her center-parted chignon hairstyle. And can we talk about THAT gorgeous face of hers???

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: I actually love this turquoise blue duchesse satin gown on Kanisha. It looks very expensive and very luxe, especially with all the interesting folds and drapes; it's a modern ball gown style. If there was any critique, I think the rest of her styling is a bit on the "too sweet" side. I would have rather seen sleek straight runway model hair on her as opposed to this "Miss Teen USA" style.

Miss Cayman Islands Tonie Chisholm: Finally, I wanted to include Miss Universe Cayman Islands' gown in my "Good" bunch. I love the royal blue color, the almost Ming Vase-like applique work and the silhouette works for her. It's definitely an impacting gown. She could have done without those earrings but other than that, very good.

The Could Be Better------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This following group are gowns that I think could have been better--or at least--I wished the contestants would have chosen other gowns. While, they looked OK in these, they just didn't make my (style) heart skip a beat. These gals are some of the favorites with pageant followers to get the Miss Universe 2015 crown and well, these gown choices were not "Bow Down to Me B*tches!" choices. Just sayin'...

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: OK, several things--Olivia is absolutely stunning and she's a pro when it comes to this whole beauty pageant thang (she was the US representative at the Miss World 2013 Beauty Pageant after all). So, one would think she would have worn a fabulous, chic, modern, very red carpet-like design. Instead she went with this. It's not bad, but it's not "I'm going to the Oscars". I'm sure that on a stage or runway, this gown looks amazing, but it just doesn't strike me as High Fashion enough. There are ball gowns--and then there are ball gowns darlings.

Miss Italy Giada Pezzaioli: Oh Giada, what happened? Dimmi quelo che successo? Giada is a strong candidate at this year's Miss Universe and I would have thought, especially as a model, she would have "brought it" in terms of a fierce and fabulous gown. And yet, all we got was this; disappointing. This is not worthy of winning Miss Universe but instead of a bridesmaid at a wedding; and not a very expensive one.

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: We all expect the Venezuelan contestant to bring her "A" game in terms of evening gowns. But this was not that. While I like the cowl back jersey design (and that back detail under the cowl is quite interesting), this was just "meh". I am sure she is waiting for the Preliminaries and/or Finals to bust out the $20,000-worthy Venezuelan Couture gown from one of the Miss Venezuela Organization designers, but I just wished she would have worn one of those designs here. Even what she wore when she won the Miss Venezuela title over a year ago was better.

Miss France Flora Coquerel: Another disappointment in terms of a gown choice was the gorgeous Flora Coquerel "Miss France". Flora is six feet tall and a model and she decides to look like the second wife of a French minister...at a wedding. No. There must be a young up-and-coming French designer that could lend her a fabulous gown. I'm not asking for Jean Paul Gaultier or Bouchra Jarrar, but anything but this.

**UP NEXT: The Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits PAGEANT BETTY'S, OH Dear and "Go-Girl Gown! Award...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes Sneak Peak!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes Sneak Peak!

Universal Costumes: Collage of Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes (Clockwise from top: Vietnam, Thailand [middle], Curacao, Great Britain, Panama)--Miss Universe 2015 Beauty Pageant Las Vegas USA

December 20th is the date for the Finals of the 64th Annual Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. After WME/IMG took the helm from Donald Trump (Thank goodness!), this will be the first Miss Universe contest under the William Morris Entertainment and International Management Group global talent, sports, acting, theater, model agency. And the first time it will be televised by Fox.

Miss Universe 2014 Colombia's Paulina Vega and the 80 contestants vying for "Miss Universe 2015"--Las Vegas

The pageant will be held in The Axis at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas. Eighty contestants from all over the world will compete for the coveted title. The contestants have been in Las Vegas since December 1st taking part in all the exciting activities leading up to the Finals later this month. The very popular "National Costume" show isn't until December 16th but that doesn't prevent me from showing you a sneak peak of some of the contestants' costumes that I found researching the web...




Asia--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Myanmar May Thaw: Love this golden sequined costume depicting a traditional look from her native Myanmar. It's very "Indigenous Couture"; down to her Alexander McQueen-like sequined pumps!

Miss Malaysia Vanessa Tevi: I also love the intricate folding and  draping in this silk jacquard two piece costume featuring a bustier bra-top and side-slit skirt. The gold leaf accents do really blend well and end up fabulously on that amazing headdress.

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: I found this photo on the web of what is supposed to be the National Costume to be worn by Miss Philippines Universe Pia Wurtzbach. If it is true, it sure is super-fabulous! Love the traditional Filipina Butterfly sleeves (I call them the "Imelda" sleeves, thank you very much!), an the very couture-worthy straw over-skirt...wow. This is a "national costume" that could easily be in a Paris Haute Couture runway show.

Miss Singapore Lisa White: Local Singapore Couturier Frederick Lee designed this red costume, paying tribute to the Golden Jubilee as well as an homage to the Singapore Botanic Gardens which this year became the nation's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A total of 50 orchids in varying sizes adorn the costume. The costume cost $6,000 and took over 200 hours to make.

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Aniporn chose to wear a costume inspired by--what else--the iconic Tuk Tuk , the very famous Thai mode of transportation. The unique costume was designed and created by cultural scholar Hirankrit Paipibulkul. The dress was made of chromium and decorated with real headlights that "Nat" can flash at her other 79 competitors. #LoveHer and #LoveThisCostume

Miss Vietnam Huong Pham: The stunning (and one of the favorites to take the "Miss Universe 2015" crown) Huong is wearing this very luxe Ao Dai--traditional Vietnamese ensemble--as her national costume. The creation was designed by Thuan Viet and features ivory and golden yellow silk, gold sequin details and a stupendous gold crown headdress.

Europe-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Denmark Cecilie Willemberg: The Copenhagen native is wearing a white swan costume featuring a large swan headdress and wings plus a feathered and tulle skirt. It's very "Victoria's Secret" Runway Show fab.

Miss Great Britain Narissara France: Narissara went with the British flag and fab "Show Girl" feathers. She looks quite sexy.



Latin America and Caribbean-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Argentina Claudia Barrionuevo: Claudia went with a more "Carnival" look with her "Miss Universe 2015" Argentina national costume.

Miss Bahamas Toria Nichole: The statuesque Toria (she's 6' 1" !) is wearing a fish-inspired costume, created from nude illusion (the bodysuit) and multicolored sequins. This is one of the sexiest flying fish I have ever seen!

Miss Bolivia Romina Rocamonje: This photo is a sneak peak of what Romina will be wearing. The costume is white and features silver sequins and a large feathered shoulder piece a la "Victoria's Secret Runway Show". What do you guys think?

Miss Cayman Islands Tonie Chisholm: Caribeean beauty queen, Tonie Chisholm of the Cayman Islands, understandably went with a coral/sea-inspired costume. The look has a red sequined bodysuit and over-sized "coral" back over-skirt and neck/shoulder piece.

Miss Costa Rica Brenda Castro: Brenda is wearing a fun Costa Rican national costume interpretation featuring a crop top, full mini skirt, headdress crown and flora-and-fauna "wings". Oh and then there's her fruit "basket".

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: I absolutely LOVE this costume
on "Miss Universe Curacao". The colors, the sequined body suit, the
feathers...it truly is a celebration of everything about Curacao. The
design is a tribute to the local queen of
art, a former Miss Curacao (1966) & Miss Amity at Miss Universe 1967,
 Elizabeth "Nena" Sanchez (photo above). The main subjects of Nena's paintings are typical native
cottages, tropical flowers, windows, exuberant sea views and blue goddesses.

Miss Guatemala Jeimmy Aburto: Jeimmy went with the Pre-Columbian costume theme with her national costume, as see above. I think it's pretty great. I just always wonder: who is paying for the EXTRA baggage fees...when trying to transport something like this?

Miss Mexico Wendy Esparza: Wendy is wearing a Native/Indigenous costume representing a Diva Empress entitled "XOCHIQUETZAL". It was designed by Eduardo Estrada.

Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: Gladys wears a Pre-Columbian costume featuring a HUGE red feathered back-piece, heavily sequined gold and multi-jeweled headdress and matching top and skirt piece. This surely can be in contention for Most Elaborate National Costume/Miss Universe 2015.

Miss Paraguay Myriam Arevalos: Myrianm is wearing a costume depicting the "Garra Guarani" or "Guarani Claw". It was designed by Alfredo Gaona and features over 4,500 crystals



**Stay Tuned for more "Miss Universe 2015" Blogs...