SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 National Costumes Highlights from Dances of the World Auditions

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 National Costumes Highlights from Dances of the World Auditions

Costume Couture: National Costumes from the 2015 Miss World "Dances of the World" auditions (Clockwise, top to bottom) Miss Bahamas, Miss Myanmar, Miss Venezuela, Miss Turkey

All Photos here and below courtesy of MissWorld.com

The 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant kicked off last week in Sanya Hainan Island, People's Republic of China. The finals of the 2015 Miss World will be on December 19th. Coincidentally, the other International beauty pageant "biggie", the Miss Universe 2015 pageant finals will occur the following day, December 20th--in Las Vegas Nevada USA. So, in terms of beauty pageants and beauty pageant followers, that will be a big weekend! For this year's Miss World, over 100 contestants from all over the world are vying for the coveted title (minus Miss Canada World who was not allowed to enter China).

Costumed Auditions: Events leading up to the Miss World 2015 Finals on December 19th began last week with one of the first ones being the Auditions for the "Dances of the World" where many of the contestants donned their National Costumes---it's become a fun version of the traditional National Parade of Nations. Some of the contestants might change their costumes for the Final night but here is a sneak peak at their national costumes via these "Dances of the World" auditions...



South America, Central America:

Miss Brazil World Catharina Choi: Festive, very Rio Carnival-like costume with bright Igor Stravinsky "The Firebird"-like styling. She said it is inspired by the birds in her country. Of course it is. I could definitely see Catharina in a Carnival float in this costume.

Colombia Maria Alejandra Lopez: I love this bright, fun costume worn by Miss Colombia World. It was designed by Edgar Perez and represents a "fantasy" creation of the Queens of the Barranquilla Carnival. It shows images of different representations of the Colombian people, the bright carnival-like colors and the shape of the oversized skirt hints at the iconic Colombian Sombrero Vueltiao (Vueltiao Hat). Very impressive.

Ecuador Camila Maranon: Camila's costume is very traditional in terms of its folkloric styling, featuring the yellow, blue and red of her country's flag.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela's costume--also folkloric in its design--was inspired by Teresa Carreño, Venezuelan pianist, singer, composer who was a very influential figure in her country. The gown is very intricate with hundreds of sequins, pearls and layers upon layers of gathered trim--in fact 500 meters of "bobbin lace" (encajes de bolillo). The costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Nidal Nouaihed.

El Salvador Marcela Santamaria: Marcela looks quite chic and serene in her national costume featuring an emerald green tiered skirt, lace edge trim, a lace mantilla headpiece, golden midriff, ivory lace top section and lovely depictions of native women in the bottom tier of her skirt. I especially love her very model pose.

Chile Fernanda Sobarzo: Fernanda wears a Chilean costume worn at traditional Cueca dances. The dress has a full skirt with petticoat underneath; a wire satin ruffle hem; waist sash and bow plus her handkerchief as the finishing accessory. Oh, and lots of flower details. Somehow, I am not sure if those suede platform pumps are normally utilized in this dance, but I give her a pass: she's a beauty queen. She needs heels!

Panama Diana Jaen: Miss Panama World's costume represents the popular Pre-Columbian style seen in lots of Latin American beauty queens national costumes. This particular one has to do with a story of a local woman who would kill any of the Spaniards who came to her native land looking for gold, the tale is entitled "El Salto de la niña de Puerto Pilón". Diana says that the costume weighs A LOT (understandably); the headdress alone weighs a supposed eight pounds. 

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: This Pre-Columbian Nicaragua National Costume was designed by Jeff Manzanares,  The mask on her hand represents the Güegüense which was declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2005. With this outfit, Stefania presented the dance of the 'inditas', representing the mixture of Spanish culture and native Nicaraguan culture. Also represented on the outfit is El Toro Huaco which is a dance and a legend from the province of Carazo, Nicaragua.

Guatemala Maria Jose Larrana: Maria Jose also wears a Pre-Columbian type costume with feathers, sequins and a very impressive headdress. I especially like her accompanying makeup and not too distracting gold heels.

Belize Jasmin Jael Rhamdas: Miss Belize World's costume features the colors of her country's flag as well as a sequined half-moon and depictions of ocean "flora and fauna" and corals from her country. I like it for the most part; if only she would have not worn black hot pants...and instead a blue sparkle pair of shorts that matched the rest of the costume. I also think the gold heels were a little distracting. I suggest that she should have done silver, to match the half-moon.



Europe-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belgium Leylah Alliet: The colors of the Belgium flag are incorporated into this mermaid-shaped design with sequins and feathers for Miss Belgium World 2015.

Slovakia Luzja Strakova: Luzja's traditional Slovak costume represents the celebration and pride of the Slovakian people. The main focus of her outfit is that hat, which is a playful interpretation of a traditional Slovakian wedding hat. She says that her costume took over 1 year to make and every detail was handmade!

Czech Republic Andrea Kalousova: Andrea also dons a traditional costume with the flowered headpiece.

England Natasha Hemmings: Natasha's costume has color hints of the England flag but at the same time, gives nods to English Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Gibraltar Hannah Bado: Very traditional. Very Gibraltar.

Italy Greta Galassi: Greta's national costume looks a bit more "Sound of Music" Austria, Swiss Alps as opposed to Italy but she might be vibing the Northern part of Italy, I guess. She's more schnitzel and less pizza.

Hungary Daniella Kiss: Daniella's costume is very representative of the Hungarian national dress with the national colors. She says that she performs a typical Hungarian gypsy dance in this.

Ireland Sacha Livingstone: Sacha's costume is iconic Irish Celtic dance-inspired. I think its quite cute, down to the correct lace-up "Ghillie" slippers.

Caribbean------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bahamas Chantel O'Brien: Chantel is dressed as the straw doll. Together with straw, her outfit is also made with flowers, which can be found all over the Bahamas. There are details such as shells and a burlap finish which gives it a very wavy look. 

Curacao Alexandra Krijger: Miss Curacao World's costume blends colors of her island's flag as well as historical reference to the Dutch ships and the Curacao fruit of laraha

Haiti Seydina Allen: The colors of Haiti are exemplified in this costume of Miss Haiti World. The design features a knot-tied top and multicolored godet skirt and lace sleeves.

Jamaica Sanneta Myrie: Jamaica, Usain Bolt and his iconic "pose" are well represented in this costume worn by Miss Jamaica World Sanneta Myrie.

Africa------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gabon Reine Ngotala: Reine's costume is like a high-fashion version of a traditional Gabon national ensemble. Great colors, lovely leaf prints and I love the asymmetry of the top section--as well as headdress and fan. I just wished she wouldn't have worn those black heels; they distracted from her costume.



Asia and Oceania----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turkey Ecem Cirpan: Ecem is six feet tall, and if that isn't enough, she wore this gorgeous costume showing the artistic tile work. This "costume" is EVERYTHING!

Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Miss Vietnam World's costume is a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai traditional ensemble of long tunic with side slits and accompanying wide-leg palazzo-like pants.

Thailand Thunchanok Moonnilta: Thunchanok's national costume is inspired by the Northern region of Thailand. All of the materials to make the dress as well as the elaborate headpiece were crafted by the people of Northern Thailand, and represents the fusion of Lanna and Thai cultures. 

India Aditi Arya: Aditi's costume is an Indian costume with crop top and pleated skirt. She definitely looks like a Bollywood actress...during a dance number.

Kazakhstan Regina Vandysheva: Regina went a bit traditional with her a-line shaped costume and coat.

Korea Jun Eun-ju: Miss Korea World's dress is a combination of the old traditional Korean Hanbok but the addition of cutouts on the sleeve represents the modern Korea. On the skirt, there is a quilt, which represents the Joseon Dynasty. 

Myanmar Khin Thein Myint: One of my favorite "Miss World 2015" costumes; the colors, the design; the mixing of traditional and fantasy. Super Fabulous.

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' look is the same costume worn by last year's "Miss Australia World" Courtney Thorpe. The outfit was designed by Julie Sulfi of Belluccio and was inspired by the Women's Land Army, paying homage to the women who worked in agriculture during World War II.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: Aria's straw skirt, flower head crown and shell accessories pays tribute to the Chamorro Dance of Guam. I think this is both fun and very traditional. She's very pretty by the way!

Finally...

Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Brittany's costume represents Fiji’s diversity and elegance and the traditional values of Fijian people, according to her. The patterns featured in her costume represent the people of Fiji and their unique rituals, as well as the diversity of the population.



Can't wait to see the "Dances of the World" segment during the "Miss World 2015" Live Finals on December 19th. The show will be aired in the US on E! the morning of December 20th--the same day as "Miss Universe 2015".

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

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

The Pageant Bettys and the Too-Shorts:

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

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Too-Short Gown Girls:

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

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

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



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

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--National Costume Preview Photos!!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--National Costume Preview Photos!!

A Universal Parade of Nations:

Panamanian Empress: Miss Universe Panama Stephanie Vander Werf

As you may know--if you read my last blog post--it's Miss Universe time! The Miss Universe 2012 Pageant is finally upon us and I'm beyond excited. Not just because I'm going to Las Vegas to see it LIVE (Thank goodness it's not in some far away place like Sao Paulo or Bali!) but because I LOVE me some beauty pageants--in general--and yes, because it's time to fill my NICKVERREOS.COM blog up with postings about Pageant Gowns, Pageant Slits, Pageant Stripper Platform Heels...and yes, the old favorite: the National Costumes! I've researched the net up and down and found these photos of some of the Miss Universe 2012 contestants--and what their national costumes are supposed to be...So, without further ado, shall we get started...

  Miss Universe Albania Adrola Dushi: Adrola's costume looks very traditional and "folkloric" and similar to the photo above of a traditional Albanian "national costume". The nude stacked heels are a good "Pageant" addition. PS: Is that her house? She is definitely proud to be Albanian. 

 But, overall, what a difference from what Miss Universe Albania wore back in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant (above photo)

 Miss Universe Aruba Liza Nerelyn Helder: The 5' 10" beauty from this Caribbean island is going "Sexy Carnival Ice Queen" with this get-up. Love that even the platform heels are covered in the crystallized applique! She's like Santa's Sexy Mistress.

Miss Universe Australia Renae Ayris: Renae's costume is very Grecian Goddess/Spartan Princess-meets-Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I have no idea what this has to do with Australia and why there's not a single Koala Bear or sexy Lifeguard reference anywhere...but I kinda like it!

 Miss Universe Belgium Laura Beyne: Laura's costume is a black multi-tiered gown with a parasol featuring the colors of the Belgium flag. I guess, the gown and the flower detail at the waist also signifies this. Doesn't look like a lot of thought went in to this costume.

 Miss Universe Bolivia Yessica Mouton Gianella: Alright huney, you GO GIRL! Yessica's costume is very "flora-and-fauna" with green feathers and red and yellow paillettes. I think it's pretty fabuloso, I'm just not sure she needed the tacky belly button crystal. That took it to a "chonchee" level. MUY fast.

Miss Universe Chile Ana Luisa König: Ana Luisa looks like The Nutcracker in a Tchaikovsky ballet here in this costume. I assume this has something to do with the Military Uniform of Chile. Maybe? Oh, and PS: I want those boots!! Like now!

Miss Universe China Diana Xu Jidan: The very tall (she's 5'11"/6') and beautiful Diana is supposed to be wearing this above as her "Miss Universe 2012" national costume. It's a Couture version of a Ming Dynasty Vase, of course. This is absolutely AMAZING. And of course, the fashion designer/fashion insider/fashion blogger in me--instantly recognized it as being one of the gorgeous gowns in...

The Guo Pei Haute Couture "Arabian 1002th Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Collection--I talked about how much I LOVED this collection HERE.

Miss Universe Colombia Daniella Alvarez: OK, Parrot Reina, you get my vote! Fringe, a faux bird and the colors of the Colombian flag...done & done!

Miss Universe El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel: Yes, another "flora and fauna" national costume. But there's something wonderfully interesting about this one. It's a "high-low" gown, first off. Not sure about the wired hem (a bit too Fashion School-student work) but otherwise, well executed

 Miss Universe Finland Sara Yasmina Chafak: Sarah, are you a doppelganger for Eva Longoria?? You should be her stunt double! In terms of this costume, I think it works since it's supposed to be representing Finland--a Nordic nation, very close to the Arctic--and she's like an Icicle Princess--the Figure Skating Costume Version

 Miss Universe Hungary Agnes Konkoly: This "costume" is very red carpet-worthy; there's nothing that says "national costume" or folkloric about it but it still retains the colors of the Hungarian flag...looks like a very cute cocktail/jr. prom dress with a strong "fashion" element

 Miss Universe Japan Ayako Hara: Kimono Geisha Chic. Love the bright bold colors, her askew hair buns and the accessories. It's not overtly dramatic but still packs a good Tokyo Punch!

 Miss Universe Malaysia Kimberley Leggett: COUTURE darling. COUTURE. As my gays would say : "GIVE IT!". Not sure what black and gold sequined and applique lace has to do with the country of Malaysia but...I want you--half-British, half-Malaysian Kimberley--to still GIVE IT!

Miss Universe Mexico Karina Gonzalez: Aztec Queen on Testosterone ! This is what "Miss Universe Pageant" costumes are all about. I can't even think--but I sure as heck want a carne asada taco and some chicken mole! Muy Bueno!

 Miss Universe Namibia Tsakana Nkandih: I'm kinda loving this strapless gown that Miss Namibia is wearing as her supposed "National Costume" for the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant. There is a feathered bustier and cascade satin floor-length skirt with slit and train. If this was her "Evening Gown" choice, I would have deemed it a bit of mess. But as a National Costume, a solid 7.5.

Miss Universe Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit: Turquoise feathered and silver/golden sequined Nicaraguan Carnival Queen. I want her on top of my Christmas Tree, like NOW!

 Miss Universe Panama Stephanie Vander Werf: Ayyyy Dios Mio!!!! Panama Empress for sure. This has got to be the Winner...or one of the Finalists of the Best National Costume for this year's "Miss Universe"...if they even still have such a contest any more. The red and gold against the backdrop of those over-the-top green feathers: incredible!

 Miss Universe Paraguay Egni Eckert: Yet another "Carnival" Queen. But this time, she was more covered up and heck, if somehow her actual evening gown gets lost or damaged by a jealous fellow contestant, the dress can certainly work for the "Evening Gown" portion of the contest.

 Miss Universe Peru Nicole Faveron: Nicole is like an Inca Queen in this royal blue, gold with red and white Peruvian flag colors costume representing her country. It's pretty fab. And those above-the-knee boots: Can someone please call Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and have her put these into production...or at least in one of her amazing runway shows?!

 Miss Universe Poland Marcelina Zawadzka: I like this costume. It's simple, angelic and pretty. The gown silhouette is very on-trend and the flower crown is delicate yet makes a nice "cherry on the costume cake". She looks like the Ambassador of Peace, Harmony and All That is Good in This World.

 Miss Universe Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler Peña: OK, first of all: Look at her TINY waist! Her momma needs to give her some more Sancocho! Whoever designed this, they certainly did it right--in that it highlights what is certainly one of her best features and still gives "National Costume Drama". Imagine if this creature came out of the Puerto Rican rainforest!

 Miss Universe Russia Elizaveta Golovanova: Elizaveta went more the "traditional" route when it came to her National Costume as seen from the photo above previewing what she is supposed to wear to the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant. I only hope she tops it off with a HUGE fur hat!

 Miss Universe South Africa Melinda Bam: Hot. Hot. And More Hot. Melinda looks like a Warrior Princess from some Cartoon or a Sci Fi Network TV Show that hasn't even been created yet. Everything about this gold, silver and ivory crystal-and-organza ensemble is fantastic! She looks friendly and approachable but...one shake of that stick, and you're a GONER!

 Miss Universe Thailand Nutpimon Farida Waller or Nutpimon Natthayalak (she goes by several names): This half Thai, half Austrian beauty's costume is one of my faves. She's like a Thai architecture, Sculpture and Goddess...all rolled up in one. Thailand always brings it when it comes to some of their "Miss Universe" costumes in recent years, so I wasn't surprised that they were keeping up the "Costume Tradition".

 Miss Universe Ukraine Anastasia Chernova: Sexy, modern (look at the slit-sleeves), yet still "folkloric" and giving a strong nod to Ukraine. Love the fur hat and that sword. I assume she may need that in case another fellow contestant gets unruly with her!

Miss Universe Venezuela Irene Esser: Usually the Venezuelan beauty queens go either the "Folkloric Venezuela" national costume route:

 A criolla/joropo-style full-skirt off-the-shoulder ruffled costume or...

Or Liki-Liki "Fantasia" white suit (above left) or they go the "Fantasy Native Indian Princess" route (above right). So, it was quite a surprise to see Irene in a what looked like a Christmas Present or a Big Box of Chocolates, as her "National Costume". The ensemble was topped off by a HUGE bow and box headdress. Oh, and her golden dress looked as if it had chocolates sewn into it but once a switch was turned on...them chocolate-looking things...

Lit up like Christmas lights!!! Over the top, fabulous, fun, and how appropriate since we are after all, only weeks away from el Dia de Navidad.

Miss Venezuela Organization National Pageant Director, Osmel Sousa inspects Miss Universe Venezuela Irene Esser's lights, on her national costume

I can't wait to see these on stage or at least in the "Official National Costume Pics" after all the girls have arrived, settled and gotten to their business of "Official Photo taking"...Soon, I'll give you my Top and "Oh Dear" Picks of the National Costumes of Miss Universe 2012. Stay tuned kiddies...