SASHES AND TIARAS.....MISS WORLD 2015 Finals EVENING GOWN Recap!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....MISS WORLD 2015 Finals EVENING GOWN Recap!

Miss World Pretty: Miss Spain Wins Miss World 2015--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

Over the weekend, the day before that other international pageant that had the ESCANDALO crowning...the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant happened. Miss World is considered the "Granddaddy" (or Grandma) of International beauty pageants because it is older than Miss Universe (by one year) and usually has more contestants; this year, Miss World 2015 boasted 114 contestants, as opposed to "just" 80 for Miss Universe. I do have to say, 114 is out of control for a pageant and kudos for the Miss World Organization for being able to achieve that.

Crowned Bella: Last year's Miss World, South Africa's Rolene Strauss (middle, in red) crowns Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna as the new Miss World 2015 with 1st Runner-up Miss Russia (left) and 2nd Runner-up Miss Indonesia (right) looking on--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China 

Because of these reasons primarily, a lot of pageant fans (and some national pageant directors) consider the London-based Miss World pageant more important. But, many of those same fans say the international beauty pageant has lost its "Wow Factor"; while Miss World's are regarded as very pretty and sweet, and perfect to be the face for charitable causes, the Miss Universe winners are the sexier "sister" (as of late) to Miss World. Now that we got that out of the way, time to discuss this year's very pretty and sweet-looking winner...

Ole! Miss Spain World Mireia Lalaguna stands 1.77 m (5' 10"), has blond hair and sapphire blue eyes. The 23-year old actress/model is from Barcelona and is the first contestant from Spain to win Miss World, in the pageant's 65 year history. None of the big "pageant fan sites" had this lovely beauty as one of the favorites to win the crown, so as you can imagine it was a big surprise...even to Mireia herself:

Spanish Shock--When her name was called as "Miss World", she was genuinely, in shock--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

The Pageant:

Dances of The World: The Miss World 2015 Finals were telecast live here in the US on the E! Entertainment Network on Saturday morning and one of the highlights were the "Dances of the World" segment, featuring the contestants wearing their national costumes and showing some of them doing dances from their native lands

The Top Five Finalists in Evening Gowns (L to R) Miss Spain, Miss Russia, Miss Indonesia, Miss Lebanon, and Miss Jamaica--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

The Evening Gowns--Now, it's time to discuss the Miss World 2015 Finals Evening Gowns, since naturally, that's ALL I really want to talk about so...let's get to it, beginning with the eventual winner...

Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna: Miss Spain wore a sapphire blue (matching her eyes!) sequined gown, with a sweetheart neckline and nude and sequined applique detail. It was a nice gown but rather "pageant Safe" and slightly dated. This was definitely not Red Carpet Fab but it was fine for her and looked beautiful. It also fit quite nicely.

Score: 8.90

Miss Russia Sofia Nikitchuk: The Russian contestant, who got 1st Runner-up, wore a red silk satin strapless ball gown with a drop waist and delicately pretty sequin detail. The gown looked expensive and had hints of something seen on the Elie Saab Haute Couture runways (but it wasn't). I liked it but...I wasn't a fan of the "Pageant Betty" accessories--earrings and necklace. Those took her to "Much Younger Wife of a 50-something Russian Oil Magnate".

Score: 8.80 

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Miss Indonesia wore a strapless mermaid shaped ivory sequined gown. The dress featured white gathered tulle neckline detail. It was nice enough but nothing Couture Extraordinary; I can see this at a Pageant-and-Prom store anywhere in the world. And once again: what is up with the necklace and earrings??? So late 90's tacky. These ladies should learn: when a gown is this busy and this full of sequins...there's no need for a necklace or earrings like the ones above. Period. No. When will they ever learn?

Score: 8.70

Miss Lebanon Valerie Abou Chacra: GORGEOUS. Yes, I said it! Miss Lebanon was one of the favorites to win the crown and I can see why. This gown was STUNNING. Oh, and yes, it was a design from Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection. The gown featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, nude silk tulle with hand-sewn ivory beads and crystals and a full gathered overskirt sewn onto a column gown. This gown probably retails for about $100,000. I am sure she didn't pay that and it was borrowed. But wow, I hope she really was careful with getting any makeup on it. I loved everything about this look except...yes, THE NECKLACE. Seriously!!?? You're wearing a gown that costs as much as a Mercedes-Benz...and she thinks it was necessary to throw on a necklace? No.

Score: 9.90

Miss Jamaica Sanneta Myrie: Miss Jamaica was a lovely contestant and I loved her hair. But this satin gown was too Prom-a-Licious. The satin looked very polyester and the lace/sequin applique was a bit standard. It didn't help that the baby blue color also took it to a Prom-and-Pageant place. On a positive note: the dress fit her nicely.

Score: 7.5



The Rest of the Top 20 Evening Gowns...

Miss Australia Tess Alexander: Silver sequined ball gown. She looked pretty and nice. But very Debutante Ball. I would have liked a little more Fab Ball Gown.

Miss France Hinarere Taputu: Miss France is originally from Tahiti and oh so exotically gorgeous. I liked the black and white contrast of this gown but I could have seen the exact same gown at a pageant in 1998. I'd love to have seen her in something more modern, chic and sexier.

Miss Guyana Lisa Punch: Miss Guyana shined onstage, especially when winning the Talent Competition with her amazing singing. This lady is a star! In terms of her gown, she wore an ivory one sleeved gown with modern gold sequin detail. I liked this gown; it was directional, sleek and perfect for her.

Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Off the shoulder light blue sequins and feathers. It's A LOT of gown. But I think it works. I'm not a fan of the off-the-shoulder look (so Pageant Betty and 90's)  so I wished it wasn't that way. But other than that, this was a nice, very pretty choice for Miss Philippines.

Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie: Miss South Africa's gown was an ivory satin column with a back overskirt. The dress featured gold sequined trim accents in the torso. I think this was a nice, elegant choice for her. It may not have had the "Gown Wattage" of a Fab impacting look but, it was pretty good!

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Vietnam's contestant wore this iridescent violet/blue mermaid shaped gown. The fit was perfect and style was nice. I think this look worked for the gorgeous Miss Vietnam and made her stand out.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Miss Brazil was one of the favorites to win the Miss World with her Korean-Brazilian background. She wore a red satin, chiffon and sequined applique gown. The dress was very typical and not directional or chic enough for my taste. It looked fine on her but yet, this could have been 2002.

Miss China PR Yuan Lu: Miss China PR wore this ivory and silver sequined mermaid style gown. This was a very nice style. I liked the torso section and wished the silver sequin work would have continued through to the bottom of the gown. I also liked the shoulder sequin detail. But because there was already so much going on with the dress, she DEFINITELY did not need those earrings.

Miss Ecuador Camila Maranon: Pretty, cute and right for Miss Ecuador. This baby blue satin gown with a "fringed" overskirt was a bit Haute Debutante...and I liked it. The color was great for her and so was her styling and side-swept hair. Bless Her (Gown) Heart.

Miss Kazahkstan Regina Vandysheva: GURL! One word: SMOOSHED. Her sistahs (breasts) look uncomfortable. This would have been an OK gown if it was one size bigger. And the torso was about two inches longer; the top made her look short waisted.

Miss Netherlands Margot Hanekamp: Miss Netherlands wore this ivory and silver crystal sequined gown. The satin dress was in a mermaid shape and had an organza bottom half. This was nice for her but once again, am I the only one who thinks this looks very 1998??? Can we have these ladies wear something a bit more Gown Modern??? Are they looking at the Oscars? Are they looking at Vogue Magazine???

Miss New Zealand Deborah Lambie: Miss New Zealand got my attention with this royal blue color. But then, she failed me with the "Pageant Betty" off-the-shoulder look and the lace at the hem, and THAT hair bun...and THAT necklace...Yeeeez!!! It's just TOO-MUCHEEY! Edit. Edit. Edit. Ladies. PUHLEEASE.

Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell: Her pale violet/blue gown was very pretty (is this a theme?). The delicate sequin applique was subtle and elegant. Her hair, makeup and earrings were very on-point as well.

Miss Poland Marta Palucka: One of the favorites to take the Miss World 2015 crown wore this red satin gown which featured a side front slit, and gold metallic lace underskirt and trim detail. It was a pretty and impacting gown. Once again, I would have wished that it wasn't off-the-shoulder. But, overall, she looked beautiful.

Miss Scotland Mhairi Ferguson: Miss Scotland wore a lilac colored sequined crepe gown with back chiffon "falls". This was very "Mother-of-the-Bride" and slightly early 2000's. I'd like to have seen something a bit more modern and chic on her.

Miss South Sudan Ajaa Monchol: Speaking of chic--Hello! It's Miss South Sudan. This super tall model fab woman looked statuesque and runway-ready in this gown. I liked the bias-cut cowl drape in the front and simple style. I wished that flower-like sequin applique was not there but I did like the crystal trim down her arm.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some Gown Greats that didn't make the Top 20:

Miss Cote d'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: Love this gown on the beautiful Miss Cote d'Ivoire. The black and white sequined style was chic and sexy. I also loved the gold earrings styled with it.

Miss Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Stunning. This red column gown with gold "necklace"-like neck trim was sublime. I wish I had a photo of her back because it was FABULOUS!

Miss Gabon Reine Ngotala and Miss Georgia Nino Karalashvili: Both of these gowns were great! Love them both. Miss Gabon was Mermaid Fab ad Miss Georgia's metallic column was ready for the red carpet.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: I loved this strapless red lace and organza gown. It was very "Met Ball" dramatic and unique. She really was "Done" from head to toe! Muy Bien Puerto Rico.



Maybe/Maybe Not:

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: I was a bit on the fence with Miss Mongolia's gown. I liked the mermaid shape and it looked very well made and I did appreciate the ombre/degrade of the royal blue sequins into the organza ruffled bottom skirt section. But, I think I would have liked it more if she hadn't added the necklace and all that jewelry; it was so unnecessary.

Miss Venezuela Anyela Galante: I thought this was a fun impacting gown; you've got the shimmying sequin fringe, the shoulder/neck piece...but, there was still something about it that was a bit Too-Mucheey. And yeah, I didn't like the sweetheart neckline. But, it sure looked like a fun dress.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Felicitaciones and Congratulations to the new Miss World, Spain's Mireia Lalaguna! 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

Can You Guess Which The Good and Which are The Cray-Cray?--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event--Miss World 2015 Sanya China

All photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

In my last post HERE, I discussed the announcement of the Top Ten (according to the Miss World Organization) Designer Dresses in the Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I was skeptical and slightly questionable of the choices so...I decided--after looking at all the designs--to give MY Top Choices that should have been there. Because it is the "Miss World" pageant and this is the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event, there's always a bit of Cray-Cray and Oh Dear! creations. So, in addition to my choices for good, I've also added some of the Cray-Cray. Let's get started:



The Good:

Honduras Gabriela Salazar: I thought this was one of the best gowns from the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition. I loved the fit and the length was just right (no sight of platform heels! Yeayyy!). I also liked the sequined red criss-cross details layered over the black colored gown base. The design was impacting and gave a slight nod to the red color in China being such an important color in that nation--which is hosting this year's Miss World.

China PR Yuan Lu: Speaking of China, the host nation's representative, Yuan Lu, wore this wonderful navy blue with green sequin detail strapless mermaid style gown. I loved the draped petal-like flourish in the front and the dress was dramatic in a great red carpet way.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela wore this violet blue knit gown featuring long sleeves, a raised mock-neck and thousands of glittering sequins. The design was simple and arguably, not so directional or Haute Couture-like exciting but I loved the heavy-to-light effect of the sequins, reminding me of a midnight sky with falling stars. I also liked her slicked back hairstyling.

Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Hillarie's gown choice (just like Venezuela's) may not have been so "exciting' in terms of design but I thought it was beautiful. The pink fit-to-flare style featured silver sequined applique leaf-like scrolls as well as straight-line crystals on the diagonal throughout the body of the dress. Feminine, delicate, and very, very pretty.

South Sudan Ajaa Monchol: Ajaa looked like an actress on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in this black chiffon with sequin applique gown. The style was elegant, had enough interest with the detail and made the over six foot tall beauty look almost regal.

Malta Katrina Pavia: I loved Katrina's one shoulder gown. How this didn't make the actual Miss World Organization's/Judge's Top ten is beyond me. It reminded me of a glorious Indian sari as well as an updated version of something we would have seen Elizabeth Taylor wear to a gala or awards show in the 60's or early 70's. The sequined embroidery looked well done.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: One word--WOW! One normally wouldn't expect a representative from Guam (sorry Guam!) to 'bring it" in terms of a quality gown, but they did this year! The sequined emerald dress was definitely an entrance-maker. The jeweled bead work in the front torso was very impacting as well. If I had any complaint, it would be in the over-the-top styling: the Pageant Bouffant, the Too-Mucheeey accessories/jewelry...all that was so unnecessary, especially when the gown is so "Jeweled" already. Loosen the hair, ditch the earrings...and you are good to go!

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' gown was definitely a stand-out amongst the 100+ contestants. It was one of the only true "ball gowns" and I thought it was both fun and glorious. The fit was great, it didn't look like a top of a wedding cake and I liked how her hair was relaxed, modern and young. She looked like a young aristocrat at the Paris Crillon Debutante Ball.



Honorable Mentions for Good:

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: I liked this "different" style worn by Miss World Nicaragua. The blue coloration was impacting and elegant but what really got my attention was the fabulous guipure lace hi-lo "cape/coat".

Zambia Michelo Malambo: I was impressed by this gown worn by Miss World Zambia. The regal purple color looked amazing against her skin color and the design--albeit a tad "Pageant Betty" was still well done--I liked the folded front peplum with lace overlay as well as jeweled front torso details.



Fab Hat Gal:

Lesotho Relebohile Kobile: Three words--Go On Girl! I loved this entire look. She literally is giving "Lesotho Flag Couture"! Love it.

Panama Diana Jaen: I gotta give Miss World Panama points for Design Chutzpah! She decided to go all out Asiana Queen with what she wore for the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition, paying homage to China, the nation where Miss World 2015 is being held. Normally, I might have put this under the "Cray-Cray" but A) wait until you really see THE CRAY-CRAY (below) and B) this was well-done and styled from head to toe; she looked like the Queen of a Macau Casino. And I loved that!

The Cray-Cray------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Croatia Maja Spahija: Where do I begin with the design cray-cray. Maybe the pointed front bustier/torso "rabbit ears" might be a good start. I can only imagine this design in front of the "Project Runway" judges and we know Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum would have a FIELD DAY! And if the kooky pointed front wasn't enough, look closely, there's a candy colored tulled underskirt. Cray-cray for sure. On a good note, I do appreciate all the pattern and technical work that probably went into creating all those torso paneled sections.



Lace 90's Cray-Cray:

Aruba Nicole Van Tellingen: Will someone please tell Nicole--and whoever designed this--that it's not 1994 but 2015. The gold lace mini dress with the acid orange/red tulle overskirt reminds me of a cheap knock-off of a late 80's/early 90's Christian Lacroix creation. Maybe she was trying to be "Designer Retro"...who knows.

Netherlands Margot Hanekamp: On a good note--Margot looks like she would be fun at a cocktail party! On a not-so-good note--this dress is a big ol' tacky mess. The gold lace, the "Dynasty"-like shoulder, the too short front, her hair style, THAT one TOO-BIG earring...Who told her this was a stylish look? Poor thang.



Polyester Madness:

British Virgin Islands Sasha Wintz: Looking at this gown hurts my eyes. There's so much polyester here in the cheap satin and cheap lace that I am afraid if someone with a lighter gets too close to her, she might catch on fire! On the design front, the horizontal ruching and lace-and-diamante top and the diamante trim on the dress...PLUS...the mermaid shape...this is just beyond tacky-licious.

Germany Albijona Muharremaj: When I look at this dress, all I can think of is an episode from "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". There are so many things wrong with this: the cheap $2.99 a yard red stretch sequin fabric, the nude illusion with red sequin detail at the torso and then the poly chiffon back panels. She looks like the hostess in a very off-the-strip Vegas strip club.

Bridal Sale:

Namibia Steffi Van Wyk: This looks like a wedding dress one would find at a 70% end-of-the-year sale at David's Bridal. What was Steffi thinking? And that necklace??? Ayyyy Dios Mio!

Slovakia Lujza Strakova: Another bridal-like design that somehow was forced upon a very pretty contestant. On a good note, I can almost see something like this in a Chanel Haute Couture runway show but then again, it would be made of very expensive, very luxe, very beautiful fabrications and would look and fit impeccably. But this doesn't. It's A LOT, and A LOT of mess. And somehow, she thought that wearing this wasn't enough of a "look" so she had to wear THOSE feathered earrings. Please don't.



Sheer Hoochie:

Cyprus Rafaela Charalampous: Oh Rafaela. What were you (and your designer) thinking? OK, let's get this out of the way: it's a black netting dress black hot shorts underneath. And this considered stylish? Where? I don't even think the tackiest of the Kardashian sisters would have worn this, even before they were multi gazillionaires. If this is an example of Cyprus Fashion, I may have to question their taste level.



Do Not Focus on THAT Part of the Body:

Mexico Yamelin Ramirez: While I do like the top section with its interesting laser-cut lace, it's that twisted rosette detail that is quite HUGE and placed right in front of her you-know-what, that makes me put this design under the "Cray-Cray" section. I can't believe nobody looked at the placement of that skirt drape and thought it might look a bit awkward! This is a mess of a design.

Queen of Cray-Cray:

Sweden Natalia Fogelund: Just when you thought you'd seen a lot of Cray-Cray, in walked Miss World Sweden. Just take a look at this torn tulle black and white mess. It's like she went through a hurricane or tornado...or maybe a paper shredder. Wow. And for that, she gets my Top Cray-Cray prize for World Fashion Designer Dress award.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.



*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!