Beauty Pageant Minute-Miss Universe 2012--The Miss Universe Official Evening Gown Portrait "Oh Dear's"!

Beauty Pageant Minute-Miss Universe 2012--The Miss Universe Official Evening Gown Portrait "Oh Dear's"!

Uh Oh...

 A Green Disney Princess...courtesy of Miss Universe Thailand

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Yes, kids, it is now time for the "Oh Oh's" of the "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits". I could write about "The Best Gowns" all day long...but all that EVERYONE here on my BLOG and on Twitter ask is "When are you going to post the OH DEAR'S??!!" Now, as a side note, I think that we can also say that this category can be titled "Could have done better" (just to be nicer). With that being said...here you go, the "Oh Dear's/Could Have Been Better":

Miss Ecuador Carolina Aguirre: Darling. No. Purple POLYESTER satin and POLYESTER organza. With diamate busline trim. No. This is Cha-Cha on an "Oh Dear!" level.

 Miss Gabon Channa Divouvi: This young woman is soooo pretty, I just do not understand why this tacky-licious gown was placed on her. It has got so many things: the bows, the iridescent organza overskirt layer, the glued-on sequins strewn throughout the gown...It is definitely in contention for getting MAJOR "Oh Dear!" points!

Miss Guyana Ruqayyah Boyer: See-through red stretch lace. No lining. Pleather neckline trim. Enough said.

Miss Thailand Nutpimon Natthayalak: The Disney Princess Award Goes To...This gown looks a little dated and too "Prom-a-licious" for Miss Universe, that's my opinion. I think my biggest issue is that she looks as if she has one leg in this photo. Not really a dress design problem, but it doesn't help.

Miss Cyprus Ioanna Yiannakou: I like a high-low style. They're very on-trend--for cute little Summer dresses as well as red carpet gowns. Here's a high-low style on Miss Universe Cyprus that just doesn't work. I think it's be too short on the "high" part (in the front) and the shredded fabrication in such a strong color red looks a bit inexpensive. 

Miss Montenegro Andrea Radonjic: Here's another high-low ensemble. Andrea wore a forest green bustier with a high-low gown-skirt. The combination of a strapless bustier and the separate too-high-low skirt looks dated--like 1996. 

 

 Miss Serbia Branislava Mandic: Another high-low style and this one looks as if it came from the late  80's/early 90's. Maybe in Las Vegas, this might work as an "evening gown" but if the gorgeous Branislava ever stepped on an actual red carpet in LA or NY in this, she will get lots of "Oh Dear's!" Oh, and I can't even begin to discuss those earrings and shoes!!

Miss Nigeria Isabella Agbor Ayuk: Isabella, what were you thinking? Iridescent baby blue. Oversized bows. Crystals on the bust. Too short. A Slit. It's Prom-a-licious "Oh Dear!" Here's a thought: when picking their evening gowns--whether for these portraits or Preliminaries--these girls should think "What would Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, (any A-List Actress) wear...at the Academy Awards?" And if you look at the gown you have on and the answer is "Not this one!", then maybe it's time to change.

Miss Belgium Laura Beyne: Two things: I like this dress...for a post-pool time evening cocktail and dinner in Mykonos. But as your evening gown choice for the Miss Universe Official Evening Gown Portrait? Not so sure. 

Miss British Virgin Islands Abigail Hindman: Speaking of post-pool cocktail hour--this would be perfect for the lovely Miss British Virgin Islands, if she were in "Carnival Fiesta" on the island of Tortola in her home of the British Virgin Islands. It's very colorful and festive, but somehow doesn't exude the chic elegance a "Miss Universe" evening gown choice should. But if I saw her at a party in Tortola wearing this dress, I would hang out with her in a HOT MINUTE!

Miss Cayman Islands Lindsay Japal: I was torn where to place Miss Lindsay. She could have fit in my "Pageant Betty" section easily but this was Pageant Betty 2.0--therefore, she went here in my "Oh Dear!" section. The gown, the hair, the earrings...it's all so dated. I understand how this could be a fashionable style in her native Cayman Islands, but once you reach the international stage, you definitely need to switch it up!

Miss Indonesia Maria Selena: Maria is absolutely gorgeous. So pretty. What's not pretty is this dress. It would have been OK without the sewn-on roses. What is that about? If Michael Kors of Project Runway was judging this, he would say "It looks like she got ATTACKED by a bunch of roses!". And he may be right. Take the roses out and leave the red lace gown as it is.

Miss Curacao Monifa Joanne Marie Jansen: Well, well, well, look what we have here! When I first saw this photo, I admit, I exclaimed a loud "Oh Dear!"  She certainly makes a statement. I have a feeling many a Drag Queen are studying this pose and gown for future performances. She's very "Dancing With The Stars"/Cha-Cha/Figure Skating Costume Oh Dear. I give her points for that! But shouldn't the illusion at least match her skin color?!

Miss Hungary Agnes Konkoly: Agnes is so pretty but this dress is so "Oh Dear!". It's just not "Evening Gown"-enough! First off, it's too short, it's lacking any luxe details and looks more like she's going to dance Tango as opposed to competing in the "Miss Universe Pageant".



And Finally...

"The Adrienne Maloof 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Look-alike of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portrait Award" Goes To...

Miss Paraguay Egni Eckert: Everything about this picture screams "She's a cast-mate of the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', is worth a billion bucks, has a private plane and lives in a gated community away from the poor folk" , oh and on top of it, all she needs is a veil...because she's getting married. Egni=Diva.

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

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

The Pageant Bettys and the Too-Shorts:

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

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Too-Short Gown Girls:

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

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

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



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