While most of us spend our weekends shoreside in a white tee and cutoffs, or eclectically dancing to the vibrant sound of Piknic Electronik at Parc Jean-Drapeau, tennis adorers will be seen strolling around the Uniprix Stadium these next couple of days, sporting their classiest style courtside at Rogers Cup. And although the Canadian Open hasn't quite mastered yet the perennial put-together chic of Wimbledon's royalty, or the big winner’s well-suited fashion moment at Roland-Garros, there is a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about Canadian tennis style… If you have no idea of what I am talking about, but somehow have managed to score an invite to the Central Court this year, here's a go-to playbook for the best fashion moments of the ultimate tennis tournament style queen(!), Kate Middleton, and how you can get her looks right on time for Rogers Cup.
Middleton is no stranger to going out in standout outfits but when she was spotted in a yellow Roksanda number, a few months back, the whole world felt the urge to clap! Paired with drop earrings and beige heels, this was quite the daring look for the duchess, who often prefers pastel and neutral coat dresses, but since considering yellow is often associated with Summer, we can see why she broke it out; it's the perfect colour for the season!
For her first Wimbledon trip as a married woman, Middleton was accompanied by Prince William as she wore her take on a tennis dress by Temperley London, teamed with a Stuart Weitzman clutch, a blow dry, and the charm bracelet she'd received from Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as a wedding present. You really can't go wrong, sporting your freshest whites at a tennis tournament. On top of looking very polished and classic, your sense of style will be kindly noted and appreciated by the tennis etiquette purists among the crowned ;)
Only a few weeks back, Kate made an eye-catching appearance at SW19 in a short-sleeved Alexander McQueen number that certainly was no ordinary royal dress... It was decorated with images of lipstick, butterflies, and even skulls; a secretly daring choice for the Dutchess. True to herself, Kate reproduced three features in the form of her accessories from her recent tour wardrobe on her visit to India and Bhutan with William in April: her versatile LK Bennett Natalie box clutch, Brora Gold Charm earrings and her Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.
It's officially the start of International Beauty Pageant Season!!! To begin all the Sashes and Tiaras fabulousness is the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty pageant which is occurring in Vietnam with the Final Crowning Night taking place on October 25th. A couple of nights ago were the much-awaited Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The 77 contestants--from all over the world--from Argentina to Wales--showcased costumes representing their nations, islands and territories...
Fantasy Fab: (L to R) Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita, Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain and Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Gorasing--Miss Grand International 2017 National costume Competition
Flora and Fauna: (L to R) Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don, Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres and Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
These costumes ranged from Traditional and Festive, "Victoria's Secret"-like feathered Pre-Columbian Goddesses to Fantasy Couture and they did not disappoint in terms of visual costume candy for pageant lovers everywhere! The pageant organizers are allowing EVERYONE around the world to vote for their favorite by Liking and Sharing the individual photos on the Official Miss Grand International Facebook page HERE.
Traditional Couture: (L to R) Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza, Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer, Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen May Tran Nguyen--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
The Top 15 Liked & Shared contestants/costumes will then move on for another round of voting until the BEST NATIONAL COSTUME (or the one with the most votes!) will be announced on the final night (October 25th). Now, I don't have to wait until then because here are MY TOP 15 Favorite National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2017, beginning with my FAVORITE:
1. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita--One word: WOW. Leave it to Indonesia to BRING IT when it comes to national costumes at beauty pageants. Lately their representatives have been seriously upping their Costume Couture game! This UBER intricate costume needs A LOT of explanation...
Indonesian Empress: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
According to Miss Grand Indonesia 2017, her national costume is entitled "MOTHERLAND: The Sky is my Father, and The Earth is my Mother" and it was designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih. This costume has the meaning of a circular shape taken from the base form of the Moon and its about the mother figure, the queen, and the woman. Here are some more details:
*The blue color depicts the glory of Indonesia as a Maritime Country.
*Five blue crystals in the circle of the moon symbolize the harmony of Indonesian people in the ideology of Pancasila.
*The three blue crystals on the headdress symbolize the perfection of body, soul, and spirit.
*Five yellow crystals depict the young generation are like buds of the nation which is the hope and successor/future of the nation...
Now THAT is a TRAIN: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
*The wings on the shoulders symbolize the tenderness and strength, the prayers and the songs of the ancestors.
*The backbone symbolizes Indonesia is the "backbone of the World" where Indonesia holds abundant natural wealth and Indonesia is a very influential country in the world political map.
*The wing belt symbolizes fertility and a close brotherhood. Fingers and right arm describe the wisdom, skill and soul that protect the society.
*The temple symbolizes "our bodies are temples, our bodies are His temple", as well as Indonesian people from various social and cultural backgrounds to individuals seeking self-enlightenment.
*And finally, five Nusantara fabrics illustrate the cultural diversity in Indonesia which contain the thoughts and philosophy that accompany the journey of the Indonesian people to be a whole person, as a true person.
Regardless of all this very detailed costume description...for me, it translates into THE BEST ONE of the competition! I loved how impacting it was, the colors, the unique shapes...it was a work of fashion art!
Moving on...my other Favorites in my Top 15 List are:
2. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain--Anukriti's gorgeous costume was my second favorite of the 76 contestants. The theme for this look was "Evolution and Expansion of Indian Royalty, from the Palace to the workplace". The national costume--designed by Melvyn Dominic Noronha--according to the contestant herself, shows the balance of an Indian woman with her delicate beauty of compassion and the strength of her determination. She goes on to say that the design also shows how through the evolution of time, the spirit of a few queens magnified and today every Indian woman is a queen in her own right. I loved how this costume combined traditional Indian dress with Hindu God-like imagery. I also thought the combination of bold gold/blue/red colors made for a very strong stage impact.
3. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing--This national costume is inspired by the Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang is an ancient and important architecture of Laos, and is a center for the spirit of the Lao people. The design of the costume is a unique feature and character of the Buddha image, adapted to the composition of the ensemble. The jewelry was also inspired by the shape of the Buddha image. The color and the various embellishments added to this costume present Lao's cultures, customs and unique identity. I thought it was thoroughly impacting, very striking and made for a stand-out costume presence at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. I am still so baffled how any of these costumes get packed and shipped through customs and onto a plane and then reassembled to be worn again!
Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer (top photos) in her "Manta Guajira" National Costume and (lower photos) Wayuu Guajiras and their Mantas (caftan dresses)
4. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer-- Tulia's costume represents the Manta (or caftan/tunic/dress) Wayuu Guajira, a Native American ethnic group of the Guajira peninsula of northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The brightly colored costume featured the designs and pom-pom accents commonly seen on these Wayuu Guajira caftan/tunics worn by the women of this South American indigenous group.
Sketch of Miss Grand Venezuela Talia Aleman Ferrer's National Costume--designed by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernandez
This was also one of my top favorites of all the 76 contestants for the way she showed it onstage and how colorful and striking it was. I also loved the representation and homage of an indigenous group through this beautiful costume. The design was created by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernanadez.
5. Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres--Andrea wore a Pre-Columbian (before Christopher Columbus) Feathered Empress-like costume to represent her nation of Panama. And I LOVED it! There were several of these feathered-and-sequined looks in the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes Competition, and yet this was THE MOST IMPACTING of the bunch! The design was created by Panamanian designer Cristo Athanasiadiswho is known for these types of pageant costumes...and he's obviously very good at it! I loved the colors, the sequins, the feathers...well, I just loved EVERYTHING! Muy bien Cristo and Muy bien Andrea!
Vietnam Queen: Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen in her Ao Dai Traditional National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
Sketch of Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen Tran Nguyen's National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
6. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen--I absolute ADORED this costume worn by Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen. The costume represents a traditional Ao Dai and is inspired by the patterns of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. It took 3 months to create this gorgeous 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds!)-weighing costume and it was designed by Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy. If you get to see the video of the actual Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition (at the end of this post!), you can fast forward to when she comes on and showcases this gorgeous costume. I especially loved how the sleeve brocade print/design mitered (matched) when she put her arms/hands together.
Viva Mexico: Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez in her National Costume at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
A young Tehuana de Oaxaca in traditional dress--Oaxaca Mexico
7. Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez--Yoana wore this very beautiful and colorful "Tehuana de Oaxaca" traditional costume, worn by the indigenous women of the city Tehuantepec in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (think Frida Kahlo). The design itself paid tribute to the traditional dress and at the same time, had enough Fashion with a Capital "F" impact and stage fabulousness to make it into my Top 15 Favorites.
8. Miss Grand Jamaica Jenaae Jackson--Jenaae stated on her Instagram that in this costume, she is a "depiction of a Jamaican Arawak Queen" and all I have to say is "Go On Girl!". I absolutely loved this costume for its colorful, feathered and sequined glory! It looked well-done, finished and high-end. I really admired the stunning jeweled sequins on her bandeau top and skirt yoke and I also liked the muted green feathered skirt. This "Arawak Queen" is UBER Costume Fabulous!
9. Miss Grand Sri Lanka Visna Fernando--Miss Grand Sri Lanka wore this golden "Lion"-inspired costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The costume was inspired (obviously) by the "Ceylon Lion" seen in the Sri Lankan flag. I thought it was impressive, sexy-hot and stage impacting enough to be one of my Top 15 Favorites! The headdress alone was EVERYTHING! I just wished those nude pump/heels were a little more "designed" as opposed to looking as if she went online and bought a pair of heels and just added them to the costume.
10. Miss Grand Cambodia Kea Khloem: This was another gorgeous showing from an Asian contestant at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. Kea's costume was inspired by Cambodian Buddhist temples and the types of traditional dress of the country. I thought this design looked rich, well-made and the different shades of gold were very striking onstage.
11. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Durado Clenci--"Last night for the national costume competition I chose to represent an indigenous tribe from the south of Philippines," Clenci wrote on her Instagram, sharing a photo of her intricately made headdress. The ensemble which she wore as her national costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 was designed by Jearson Demavivas.This dress was inspired by the T’boli tribe and is a representation of a modern T’boli princess in haute couture and their uniquely designed guitar called hegulung. Philippine’s T’boli takes pride on its T’nalak fabric which designs are spawned from the dreams of the weavers. The design of this national costume represents the cultural structure of the T’boli tribe along with the colors and intricate beadwork, which speaks of their careful yet impressive art. I thought Elizabeth looked sexy, chic and still "National Costume Diva Traditional" in this design. It wasn't out-of-this-world impacting like Miss Grand Indonesia or Miss Grand India, Miss Grand Laos...but, it was still Costume Couture Runway Fab.
12. Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don--Yoana wore this sequined and feathered "Fantasy Showgirl"-like costume representing the city of Corrientes which is the Argentinian national capital of Carnival (Carnaval). The gorgeous costume--which ended up being one of my Top 15 Favorites--was designed and created by Marcelo Pendola who creates many of the Miss Argentina national costumes for international pageants. I LOVED the golden crystal sequined applique, the strawberry red feathers...the leg sequined accessories...it was all MUY BELLO and MUY FAB.
13. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--The Pavo Real Blanco (white peacock) is in danger of extinction in the South American Amazon and was the inspiration for Miss Grand Peru 2017's national costume. The beautiful costume was designed by Peruvian designer Beto Pinedo. Of all the "Pre-Columbian/Victoria's Secret Feathered Divas"...this one was definitely one of my faves. Therefore, it need to be in my Top 15 List! It meshed both the bird inspiration with sexy stage presence. If there was any critique...yes, it would be the shoes., If you're going to create a gorgeous and intricate costume, create the shoes as well! Those need to be silver and sequined and fabulous. Right now, they are just $25 nude pumps from the internet!
14. Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore--Miss Grand Paraguay decided to give "Indigenous Tribal Couture/Making a Statement" Costume. The lovely Lia wore a hi-lo design which, at first glance, gave the viewer an Angelic/Runway model vibe. Then, as one got more focused, you could see the "Stop Chaco Deforestation" and "Stop the Violence" marking on her arms. The costume is inspired by the "Allegory of the Pajaro Campana", a white bird with green-hued beak and face (lower photo, above). In addition to this, the look seems to be suggesting the dangers of deforestation and this ivory tull'ed "Couture Angel" coming to save the human destruction. I thought it was impacting and thoughtful enough to make my list. It would have almost too obvious to add wings to this costume a la "Miss Grand Peru", "Miss Grand Panama", so I like this more "runway" direction.
15. Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza Daulon--Analia's costume was a traditional Ecuadorian costume designed by Maria Isabel Diaz Design . I loved the colors, the high-lo style of the dress/skirt section and overall impact of the design. If there was any critique, once again, it would be THE SHOES! The costume looked fab but the shoes seemed like an afterthought.
Those were MY TOP 15 Favorite Costumes from the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition...Let me know which ones were YOUR favorites!
**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more!
Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:
Click below to watch the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition:
Style Queens: Queen Letizia of Spain with Queen Elizabeth II during the Spanish Royals State Visit to the United Kingdom
Last week, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain traveled to the United Kingdom for their first official state visit as the reining monarchs of Spain (the last one was in 1986 by Felipe's father and mother, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia). Letizia continued to uphold her reputation as one of the most stylish royals, showing off her sense of modern-day contemporary style but with enough of a nod to traditional Royal Couture. The three-day state visit was marked with various events including a couple of glamorous banquets that the 44-year-old Spanish Queen took full advantage of to showcase her fabulous sartorial style. The royals arrived in the United Kingdom in the evening and therefore, their first full day didn't begin until the day after...
Let's discuss Letizia's "Royal Couture" for this Official State Visit:
Departing from Spain Outfit: To begin her trip to London, Queen Letizia wore this Hugo Boss white suit featuring a pencil skirt and sleeveless top with fold detail. Quite modern and sleek, she was very "Head Anchor for BBC"-looking. I especially liked the python pumps and clutch. Score: 9.0/10
The following morning...
The Welcoming Committee: (Top Photo) Prince Charles and and Duchess of Cornwall welcoming King Felipe and Queen Letizia at their hotel; (Lower Photo) Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth greet the Spanish royals at Buckingham Palace
For this "Welcome to London" ensemble, Letizia wore a custom lemon yellow suit from her favorite Spanish designer, Felipe Varela. The ensemble feature Guipure lace trim at the hem of both the 3/4 jacket/coat as well as the dress. The jacket was of a light "summertime" tweed. She wore nude Prada pumps and as is protocol for a State Visit, she accessorized the outfit with gloves and a hat. The hat was designed by Maria Nieto. I liked the light/airy quality of this style and the color is perfect for Summer but I wasn't a fan of the lace trim; it just seems so "Mother of the Bride" mumsy. But I understand that for that first official meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she didn't want to come off as well, too "directional". I give her a 7.0 out of 10.
Later, she did an outfit change for a visit to the Palace of Westminster and tea at Clarence House with Charles and Camilla:
For this, she donned a red Burberry trench coat dress featuring gold buckled epaulets and belt as well as oversized double breasted lapels. This was a perfect choice of attire (and brand/designer) for attending the Palace of Westminster and being in the UK. Plus, the choice of red was double perfect! Notice the extra piece added to the hem to make it below the knee appropriate.Score: 9.9/10
That evening, there was the State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth as the grand hostess, and Queen Letizia wore another shade of red:
Gown Queens: (L to R) Prince Philip, Queen Letizia, Queen Elizabeth and King Felipe--Buckingham Palace State Banquet
For the very regal State Banquet with Queen Elizabeth, Queen Letizia wore a red sequined off-the-shoulder gown from Felipe Varela. The red custom gown featured delicate lace beaded applique on tulle layered over a silk satin gown that had a drop waist and slightly gathered overskirt.
She accessorized with the Fleur de Lys tiara--the most impressive crown that the Spanish royalty possesses originally given to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain as a wedding gift (quite a wedding gift!) by her husband King Alfonso XIII in 1906. The diadem is nicknamed "La Buena" or The Good One, by the royal family. She also wore the Order of Carlos III Grand Cross Sash and Star of the Order. Overall, she looks like a Queen, very elegant and distinguished and the Spanish Red is striking on Letizia. I give her entire look a 9.0/10.
On the subject of her favorite designer, Felipe Varela...Interesting to note the slight disconnection between what the Spanish fashion designer creates for his collections as opposed to what is custom done for the Queen. While his runway shows look like this:
Sexy Hot:Felipe Varela Spring/Summer 2017
He creates this for Queen Letizia:
Queen Traditional: Queen Letizia in custom Felipe Varela--UK State Visit
Finally, the following day, the Lord Mayor hosted a banquet for the Spanish royals at London's Guildhall in which Princess Anne was in attendance representing her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and here Queen Letizia went the most chic and modern:
Queen Letizia wore this off-the-shoulder navy blue "techno" cady side draped gown from Armani Collezioni. I LOVED this gown on Letizia; it was sexy (Ayyyy Dios Mio!), directional and Runway Fab. I really liked how it hugged her body and gave her a look of 1930's "Old Hollywood Glamour". A 9.7/10...
It also really made poor Princess Anne look like a "Dowager Duchess" when photographed together (photo above).
Muy Bien! Queen Letizia in London, wearing off-the-shoulder Armani Collezioni
