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.

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet OH DEAR! Top Ten!!!

I'm just going to make this Short and Not-so-Sweet--in terms of my Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Two Cents. I present to you my "Oh Dear! Daytime Emmy Awards Ladies"...

The Finalists:

Petal Pusher: Pink Petal Prom Disaster--It's like someone tried to Knock Off something from Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall...but didn't succeed. I loved the hair though (insert Happy Face).

Where's The Rest of My Dress: Oh huney! Did you forget the rest of your dress? This is unacceptable. Maybe on the runway, it looked H.O.T. Hot on a 6 foot tall model from Brazil but here, in real life, on the red carpet, it looks as if you ran out of your secret lover's hotel room right before his wife showed up!

Scuba No: Now, I realize the whole "Scuba" Theme is big for Resort 2012, but...What in the name of Color-Blocking Fashion is this above? And those necklaces? Were they really necessary? On stage, that neckline looked a teeny weeny bit TOO PLUNGING as well. The "sistahs" didn't look so nice. Her hair and make-up look were very good though (see, I try to include some positives).

Tonya Harding Meets Daytime Drama: Bless Her Swarovski Crystal Studded Purse Heart. Let me guess: Judith Lieber? (the purse, that is) The dress is A LOT of Bubblegum Pink--and I'm a fan of Barbie Bubblegum Pink but maybe not so much of it. And why is the top section inspired by a Figure Skating Costume? Tonya Harding We've Got A (Fashion) Problem!

Real Housewives of Orange County Garage Sale: Two Word: Oh No! It's a Handkerchief-y Hem...it's Caftan-y...it's Wrong. Someone made a mistake and told her she was going to a 20th High School Reunion for one of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" as opposed to "Hello, it's the Daytime Emmy Awards"! Maybe at a resort in Marrakesh but not on the Red Carpet.

Pageant Betty: Well well well, it looks like one of Miss USA 2011 Contestants decided to "jump ship", leave the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Telecast and went straight to the Las Vegas Hilton instead! I wonder if her "handler" even knew she was missing? What is with this gown: The garish colors and the feathers on the boobie (sorry for the Kindergarten-speak), the mesh/nude-and-diamante inset...

Athens On a Budget: I get that the Grecian Goddess Look is still very in--I am a big Fan of this, but the dress is a bit of a misstep here. I think it's the "striped" fabrication--why isn't it just gathered and draped like all the other Grecian Goddess dresses? And then the addition of the necklaces, earrings and...is that a "crown"/headband? Oh those Daytime Drama girls love their accessories huney.

Quick, A Steamer: Looks like someone tried to "recreate" that Gucci Spring 2011 "Look of the Season"...and it did not work. This is like "Wet Seal/Contempo Casuals" Does Gucci. And the wrinkling didn't help. Hand-held Steamer anyone?

Runner Up:

Toddlers & Tiaras Red Carpet: Please tell me she is on some SERIOUS medication. Please. Why is she smiling? I guess I give her points for even walking out of the house, getting in a car and doing the Red Carpet. Who thinks of these two VERY different prints and then decides to combine them? Who? My favorite part, though, is THAT "TLC Toddlers & Tiaras" hair-DON'T. Will someone PLEASE stop hairstylists from doing side ringlets?? PLEASE!!!

But The Award Goes To:

My Window Curtains Are Gone: I ABSOLUTELY love this woman. Any person who would have the chutzpah to just go out, in public, to a BIG Red Carpet Event--in THIS Dress--must be a HOOT to be with! This dress is now on my official "Worst Dresses of 2011" List (I just created the list!). It's like she went to Western Costumes and got an old Marie Antoinette costume (or some curtains from a "Period Film") and decided to pair it with an unrelated black dress she had in her closet from 1987. It's either that or there's a new Project Runway copy-cat show filming in LA as we speak and this was the result of one of the unfortunate Challenges.

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

The SAG Awards are the second key moment of this awards season, and style-wise a warm-up between the Globes and the Oscars. As the winners of the night rehearse their speeches for their big time at the Oscars, let's have a look at the best (and worst) fashion moments of the night:

STAR OF THE SHOW

Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl/Ex-Machina) in Louis Vuitton

Bow down to the most beautiful Louis Vuitton dress I have ever seen on a red carpet: simple in the design and dazzling in the details. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander definitely looked like the star she will become. Best look of the night.

BREATH-TAKING

Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) in Zac Posen_Brie Larson (Room) in Atelier Versace Couture

As I always say, "you can never go wrong with a Zac Posen's design" and Viola Devis is another proof of that: the color of the dress is amazing on her skin, the feminine shape on the gown enhanced her figure and that smile..well that was the cherry on top! Actress of the year Brie Larson got the couture treatment directly from Atelier Versace, as she wore a couture piece straight from the house's spring 2016 couture collection. The dress proved to have "red carpet" potential on the runway, and I am glad to see how beautiful it looks on Brie. My only side note has to be the shoes: WTF???

SISTERLY LOVE

Kate Mara in Valentino_Rooney Mara in Valentino

The Mara sisters had a Valentino moment on the red carpet. Kate Mara wore a piece from the spring summer 2016 collection, while Rooney Mara opted for a couture piece from the fall winter collection. Same designer, different interpretations: I have to say that Rooney looked regal (even if I wanted to see some major jewellery piece with that gown), while Kate definitely brought some sensuality to her dress. 

SHOCKING PINK

Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) in Dior_Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) in Vera Wang

Only the brave. Emilia Clarke wore the second decent Dior design of this year awards season, while Sofia Vergara (as always) favored a mermaid-like dress: the designs were not original, but the color sealed the deal. 

THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS

Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) in Michael Kors_Queen Latifah (Bessie) in Michael Costello

Ok, let's forget the bad title-joke. But I have to admit that Michael Kors and Michael Costello gifted Saoirse Ronan and Queen Latifah with two beautiful elegant and timeless dresses. In both cases the styling was kept to the minimum, I could not agree more.

EYE-CATCHING TOPS

Sarah Paulson (ASH: Hotel) in Armani Privé couture_Kristen Wiig (The Martian) in Roland Mouret

Couture make over also for Sarah Paulson, who turned to Armani to find the perfect dress for the evening. Usually I am not a fan of her on the red carpet, but this time I love the injection of color. Kristen Wiig brought back my love for jumpsuits, wearing a modern number for Roland Mouret. I would wear it in a heart-beat.

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

Maise Williams (Game Of Thrones) in Ermanno Scervino_Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) in Carolina Herrera

This time I am not really impressed by the fashion choices of the two British stars: they looked ready for prom rather than for the red carpet. Maisie Williams wore an Ermanno Scervino's dress, that in my opinion looked too heavy for her petit frame; Sophie Turner was lovely in Carolina Herrera, but she was not memorable. I am a "dress to impress" kind of person, so this is miss for me.

Ariel Winter (Modern Family) in Romona Keveza_Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men) in Erdem_Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) in J Mendel

Keeping up with the young hollywood section we have Ariel Winter in a bombshell attire by Romona Keveza, Kiernan Shipka in a youthful and elegant Erdem design, and Sarah Hyland in a blue J Mendel. Kiernan looked the best, as it was easy to find some flaws in both Ariel and Sarah's styling choises: Ariel's frosty rose lipstick and Sarah's poor hair style were definitely a total let down. 

SPARKLING COUTURE

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture_Nicole Kidman in Gucci

This is a hard one: two Hollywood royalties wearing the designs from two major fashion houses...and the result is not that good. Julianne Moore's lime green Givenchy dress was doing nothing for her body; however the color was beautiful on her. As for Nicole Kidman...well, that Gucci number was simply not made for her. Let's start by saying that this is a tricky dress: I could see a younger celebrity rocking it and I can imagine a model wearing it for an editorial, but in my opinion this gown has no red carpet potential, and Nicole dear, that styling is not helping either.

CLASSIC ALLURE

Anna Faris (Mom) in Naeem Khan_Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) in Elie Saab_Marisa Tomei (Empire) in Zuhair Murad couture

I see 3 beautiful dresses that needed a bit more of drama in the styling.
A red pout for Anna Faris and that gorgeous red Naeem Khan gown; a sleek hairstyle and a darker eyeshadow to upgrade Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab. Marisa Tomei disappointed me in the shoe-department and she definitely needed to pay more attention to her hairstyle, if she wanted to match that lovely teal Zuhair Murad.

NOT CONVINCING

Priyanka Chopra (Quantico) in Monique Lhuillier_Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) in Prabal Gurung_Eva Longoria (Telenovela) in Julien MacDonald

What do we have here? A bridal gown, a terrible pose and a hot mess. Wow, three beautiful ladies that did not manage to stand out in the crowd: Priyanka Chopra's Monique Lhuillier was a camouflage bridal gown; Laverne Cox was actually wearing a nice Prabal Gurung, but she killed off all the magic with that questionable pose; Eva Longoria  basically wore a dress that was meant for a taller person, and despite the fitting it is still very clear. BTW that hair style is a NO.

TOO MUCH FABRIC

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) in Christian Siriano_Sola Bamis (Mad Men) in Lola Wusu

Usually I appreciate a bit of drama on the red carpet, but not in this case. One of the basic rules in fashion is to make sure that your client looks smoking hot in your design, and I dare you all to say that Christian Siriano or Lola Wusu accomplished that request. Sola Bamis should fire her stylist, while Christina Hendricks could have upgraded her dress with a pair of scissors: that piece of fabric on the shoulder was pointless. Chop it off next time! 

SKIN SKIN SKIN

Susan Sarandon in Max Mara_Eva Amurri in Gabriela Cadena_Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) in Romona Keveza

Where should I begin? Susan Sarandon should have worn a white corset under that Max Mara tuxedo, and those pants needed to reach the floor. I do not have much to say about the Gabriela Cadena dress that Eva Amurri wore, if not "burn it". Kaley Cuoco dress could have been a good choice for the Grammys, but that sheer panel that does not match her skin-tone is a let down. Next.

Written by: Stella

Korean Fashion Sets

Korean Fashion Sets

Korean Fashion Sets- Hot Summer Look

Striped T-shirt, Denim Jeans and White Sneakers, Black Cap. 

Striped T-shirt, Ripped shorts, Black Vans Sneakers, NY Cap.

Navy Sweatshirt, Blue Denim Skirt, White Nike Sneakers. 

White Love T-shirt, Pink Shorts, White Sneakers. 

Striped T-shirt, Denim shorts, Black Sneakers, Sunflower Socks.

Blue Striped T-shirt, Denim Shorts, White Sneakers, USA Headband. 

White T-shirt, Flower Printed Slip Dress, White Sneakers.

Striped T-shirt, White Tennis Skirt, White Sneakers, White Suncap. 

Striped T-shirt, White Buttoned Skirt, Red Sneakers.

White T-shirt, Denim Shorts with Pink Belt, White Sneakers. 

Striped T-shirt, White Shorts, White Sneakers.  

White Graphic T-shirt, Dark Denim Shorts, White Birkenstock Sandals. 

White Sweatshirt, Denim Suspender, Grey Shoulder Bag.  

Striped T-shirt, Black Buttoned Skirt, Black High-Converse Sneakers. 

Collared Blue Dress, Black Loafers, White Canvas Shopper Bag. 

Pink T-shirt, Light Denim Shorts, White Sneakers. 

Black Graphic T-shirt, Pink Skirt, Black Sandals. 

Striped T-shirt, Black Buttoned Skirts, Adidas Sneakers. 

White off-shoulder blouse, Denim Shorts, White Woven Bag. 

Flower Printed Blouse, White Shorts, White Sneakers, Beige Shoulder Bag. 

Striped Blouse, Olive Skirt. 

Light blue Blouse, White Skirt, White Sneakers. 

Black T-shirt, Purple Skirt, White Sneakers. 

Cherry Singlet Top, Black Tennis Skirt, White/Black Sandals. 

Brown Striped Blouse, White Skirt, Black Sandals, Mini Black Bag. 

White T-shirt, Striped Slip Dress, Black Sandals, Mini Black Cross bag. 

Navy Blouse, White Shorts, Black Sandals.  

White Sweatshirt, Denim Skirt, Margaret Howell Shopper Bag. 

Checkered Blouse, Denim Shorts, White Sandals. 

Striped Blouse Top, Black Skirts, White Sandals. 

Denim 2 piece Top & Skirt, Metallic Sandals. 

White T-shirt, Pastel Skinny Jeans, White Sandals, Beige Clutch.

Navy Blouse, Light Denim Short, White Sandals, White Shopper Bag. 

White Long Sleeve, Flower Printed Dress, White Sandals, Peach Cross Bag. 

Dotted Blouse, Linen Shorts, White Sandals. 

Striped Long Sleeve blouse, Light Pink Skirt, White Sneakers, Mini Black Cross bag. 

Flower 2 piece Top & Dress, Birkenstock Sandals. 

Blue Checkered Blouse, Denim Shorts, White Sneakers. 

Pink Blouse, White Skirt, White Sneakers, White Canvas Tote. 

White T-shirt, Flower Printed Singlet, Blue Denim, Metallic Sandals. 

Yellow Singlet Top, Black Shorts, Black Sandals. 

Blue Striped 2 piece Top & Skirt, White Sandals, Mini Beige Clutch. 

Blue Off-Shoulder Blouse, Blue Denim, White Sandals, Mini Black Bag. 

White blouse Top, Pink Buttoned Skirt, White Sandals. 

White Off-Shoulder Blouse, Denim Shorts, Black Sandals.

Black T-shirt, Beige 2 piece Top & Skirt, Black Sandals. 

White Singlet, Denim Shorts, White Sandals. 

Black V-neck T-shirt, White Skirt, Black Sandals, Black Bag.