SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes: My Top 15 Favorites + a "Special Mention"

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes: My Top 15 Favorites + a "Special Mention"

Best National Costumes--Miss Universe 2015

During Thursday night's Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition, the 80 contestants competing for the coveted crown also presented themselves in the much-awaited "Miss Universe 2015 National Costume Presentation". They taped introductions of themselves (to be shown during Sunday night's Live Telecast) in costumes representing their native lands/culture or something "special" and/or unique about their respective countries...

Feathered Beauties: (L to R) Miss USA and Miss Venezuela onstage during the Miss Universe 2015 national Costume Parade of Nations taping--The AXIS Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

This is always one of the favorite parts of the Miss Universe beauty pageant and much loved by the fans. And as always, this year's costume couture did not disappoint. It always blows my mind, when I wonder how the heck some of these costumes get packed and sent...and WHO paid for the UBER expensive shipping costs!? Well, enough of that--time to discuss the costumes: Of all the 80 costumes, I have chosen my TOP 15 Best Costumes. And here they are--in alphabetical order. Let me know what you thought and if any of YOUR favorites made my Top 15 List. Oh, and I added one extra as a "Special Mention", just because :)



Here we go...My Top 15 Favorite National Costumes of Miss Universe 2015:

Miss Argentina Claudia Barrionuevo: Claudia's costume is supposed to be inspired by all the artists who have performed at the iconic Buenos Aires Colon Theater. It's an homage to actors, costumes, the theater and maybe a little bit of Carnival. It was very grand and made enough of a powerful impression on me to place it as one of my Top 15 favorite national costumes.

Miss Brazil Marthina Brandt: This is unmistakably BRAZIL! Yes, she's very "Carmen Miranda" but a fabulous Couture one at that! It looks amazingly well made and I especially love the sheer sequined top section in combination with the feathered and butterfly skirt. This is a Brazilian Costume Celebration!

Miss Australia Monica Radulovic: I just about fell off my chair when i saw Miss Universe Australia's costume--she went as Dame Edna Everage--the iconic character created and performed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries. I have nothing more to say than FAB-U-LOUS!!!

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) and 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 Dominican Republic Clarissa Molina: There were many of these pre-Columbian Native Empress feathered costumes at this year's Miss Universe National Costume Presentation. They were all vibing that sexy winged Victoria's Secret look I assume. Miss Universe Dominican Republic was one of the better ones; very impressive with the gold paillette details and huge red peacock-like feathers. I certainly wouldn't want to mess with her if I just arrived on the island of Hispaniola back in 1492!

Miss India Urvashi Rautela: Urvashi's costume represents an Ancient Vedic-era costume. Lots of gold and silver highlight this Warrior Goddess-like costume and it is a nice change from the Sari-like costumes one would expect from a Miss India. This was original and impacting. One of the Top 15 Best Costumes for sure, at least in my opinion.

Miss Indonesia Anyndia Putri: I included Miss Universe Indonesia's costume almost solely based on that out of control--and very fabulous--tiger-like back "winged" concoction. I cannot even fathom how she packed that and how it even traveled from Indonesia to Las Vegas! I want that for the entrance to my fantasy palace. Oh...and the rest of her costume is pretty great as well!

Miss Nicaragua Daniela Torres: One word--WOW! Here's another one of my favorite Pre-Columbian Native Goddess costumes which made an impact on me. I love the turquoise blue and violet colors, the sequins, THAT headdress and wings! It is very, very impressive I must say. I also love that no stone was left un-turned: they even thought about the shoes. Muy bien!

Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: Yes kids, here's another one of those feathered goddess costumes. Miss panama really blended the pre-Columbian theme along with some "Conquistador"-looking gold platform bootie heels! Among all the fabulous Native Empress Diva costumes, this one is particularly SuperFab. And I LOVE that "Don't Mess With Me Fellas!" look. That's the look I'd like to give every time I step out of my house!

Miss Paraguay Myriam Arevalos: Myriam is wearing a costume depicting the "Garra Guarani" or "Guarani Claw". It was designed by Alfredo Gaona and features over 4,500 crystals. The Phrygian cap that she is holding on one hand is representative of symbols in her nation's flag, representing freedom and justice while the lion represents bravery and courage. And notice the actual Paraguyan flag as her costume's cape. Gorgeous, strong and muy sexy.

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: This sublimely beautiful costume/gown is a Capiz terno and it was designed by Albert Andrada. I love everything about it. It blends both a gorgeous representation of Filipino tradition and beauty and it has incredible detail work. The gown alone would be one of the most impressive evening gowns at any pageant--or red carpet! The crown--by the way--is inspired by the carnival queens of the early 1900's epitomizing Filipina beauty queens. I just have one question: where can I get THAT fabulous fan??

Miss Sweden Paulina Brodd: Miss Sweden Universe's national costume is one of MY FAVORITES of all the Miss Universe 2015 costumes. It was designed by Aviad Arik Herman, who has designed previous national costumes for past Miss Universe Sweden contestants. He had the generous support of the Gothenburg Culture Festival, together with the talented fashion design students from Drottning Blanka's High School. The costume comes in two fabulous parts: a royal cape in 30 meters of fabric using flags from last year's Gothenburg Festival; and the "reveal" underneath is a traditional Swedish folk dress that honors the Swedish Royal Family. The designer said that he was inspired by the original and historic design of King Gustav III which was first introduced in 1778. Now that we have all that out of the way...it's OUTSTANDING!!!



Here's a GREAT video about Miss Universe Sweden's National Costume:

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. I absolutely love it! It's so George Michael video!

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Miss USA's costume is very Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and very USA-impacting! The red, SILVER, and blue metallic-like feathered winged costume was designed and created by Adam Selman who is also famous for the "Josephine Baker"-like crystal look Rihanna wore at the 2014 CFDA's. Selman said that he was approached by IMG to create Olivia's costume with only three weeks notice. The wings span is 8 feet across. I love everything about it; she's an American Bald Eagle Diva!

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: Miss Venezuela's feathered-and-sequined costume is inspired by the Venezuelan Cardenal de lara--or Lara State Cardinal bird (seen above). The costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Raenrra. I also love this feathered costume and thought it was a perfect celebration of that colorful bird.

And Finally, I have to Give a Special Mention to...

Miss Austria Amina Dagi: I LOVE THIS!!!!! I just about gave this gal a standing ovation (in my living room!) when I saw her walk out as Eurovision 2014 winner from Austria Conchita Wurst. The beard, the Rainbow Gay Flag, the Mermaid lace gown, the AIDS ribbon...This is just about THE FIERCEST national Costume EVER!!! What a fab celebration of equality, love, respect...and FABULOUSNESS!!! Kudos Miss Austria Universe and the designer. Oh and speaking of designer, in case you are wondering, it was the same as Miss Sweden Universe, Aviad Arik Herman.

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

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!