London Summer Olympics 2012: Opening Ceremony Uniforms of the World--The Fab, Good, and Oh Dear!

London Summer Olympics 2012: Opening Ceremony Uniforms of the World--The Fab, Good, and Oh Dear!

London 2012 Parade of Nations Fashionistas

This past Friday were the much-awaited London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, officially signaling the start of the 2012 London Olympics of course. I was in NY on business and watched it at my hotel. I always love watching the Olympics Opening Ceremony for the fabulous spectacle that it always is (Can you say BEIJING!!!). This time around British filmmaker, Danny Boyle (of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame) was placed as the Artistic Director of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony and he put on a fabulous show, taking audiences on a beautifully chaotic
journey through many iconic moments in British history, music, and literature. While the show itself wasn't Beijing jaw-dropping incredible (it's hard to top that darlings!), the Boyle
opening ceremony made for an awe-inspiring beginning to the world’s most
legendary event.

Face Dress: The girls who held the names of the respective nations of the world, all wore these A line-shaped dresses featuring a photo of London 2012 Olympics volunteers--and sensible shoes.



But for me--as a fashion designer and fashion-watcher of sorts--what I most look forward to is the

Parade of Nations and the countries uniforms and "costumes". Here are some of my choices for the Fashion Fab, the Fashion Good" and the  "Oh Dear!" from the 2012 London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations, all sectioned by the separate "areas" and/or continents of the world:



Europe:

The Netherlands: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these uniforms. For me, these were one of the best of all the 204 countries. They were designed by Suitsupply and Kudos to them! The colors were GREAT and noticeable from the nose-bleed seats in the stadium I am sure (I wasn't there so I wouldn't know, but I can only assume). The neon orange trench coat (I want ONE!), the matching pants, the dark blazers with white piping, the royal blue dresses. Oh, and to finish it all off, each uniform/outfit had a large tulip in its lapel. How do you say FABULOUS in Dutch? The look was chic, upper class trust funder from a very WASPY college. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade:  A

Belgium: I love any uniform that looks like they should be on some FAB flight attendants. And Belgium's uniforms fit the bill to a "T". They're  sexy, fashionable, and cheeky. Pop of color: check. Sleek styling: check. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Czech Republic: OK, I am just not sure what Wellies, umbrellas, bedazzled-trimmed blazers with contrast lining and printed cropped leggings or white shorts has to do with the Czech Republic. I assume the rain boots and umbrellas were some sort of a nod to London and it's sometimes rainy weather. Nevertheless, there are so many things going on in these "uniforms" that it's almost as if their theme was "Tacky Tourist". For that, they get a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: C+ (they get points for "kookiness")

Germany: Things I like: the bright baby blue and "Barbie pink" colors. We can certainly spot them from a mile away. But then the nylon puffy zip-up jackets seem a bit "Fall/Winter" for me and along with the white pants, do not really scream "Germany" (save the hats with the German flag colors). These uniforms look more appropriate for the crew of the Princess Cruises. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: C

Sweden: The fact that they could somehow transform the Swedish flag into a rugby shirt is fashion-commendable. One can certainly not confuse these kids with any other country that's for sure. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Denmark: First off, the Danish are BEAUTIFUL! They all look like Nordic Gene Studies in Pretty. They all kind of look related. And well, the fact that all the women and all the men wore THE SAME outfits did not help the matter. They all look like they are either part of "The Sound of Music" von Trapp family...or flight attendants for EasyJet. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Spain: Oh España!! Their bright red and yellow uniforms caused a bit of a controversy when they were revealed and especially when several of the country's Olympic athletes began tweeting photos of their outfits with commentary such as "Can You Believe the CRAZY outfit we have to wear??? #UniformFail" (in Spanish of course). At first glance they looked like McDonalds employees. But when they walked the Opening Ceremony on Friday, the outfits didn't look so bad. The fan-shaped purses and scarves are OK and the women had these cute red rose headbands--very "Bizet's Carmen". Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Great Britain: Congrats London and Congrats Great Britain for getting the 2012 Summer Games. However, I can't even say anything nice about these getup's. Fashion designer Stella McCartney worked with Adidas to design the sporting gear and
"village wear" (lounge wear) for Britain's home team. I'm not sure who designed these but they should be fired. These were BAAD. They were white tracksuits featuring cropped pants, tops and jackets with tacky gold mylar-looking accents and collars. I can see these looks at the Lunch Buffet on a cruise but NOT at the Olympics Opening Ceremony. What a fail for the host nation and the British athletes. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: D



Asia:

India: I'm a sucker for a FAB Sari. So, they had me at Namaste. The bright canary yellow color of the women's saris and the turbans of the men, contrasted with the dark jackets made for a great visual display at Friday night's London 2012 Opening Ceremony. One of my Top Parade of Nations looks. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Malaysia: Three words: I Love It. Just look at those colors, those hats (songkok), the sarong-style overskirts (sampin) on the men...oh, and did I mention the women also looked great! THIS, is why I LOVE watching the Olympics Parade of Nations. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A



North and Central America, Caribbean:

Mexico: I mean SERIOUSLY. Mexico. You are SLAYING me with this! Absolutely Fab. It is so over-the-top, so-kitschy, so "Am I at El Coyote's Restaurant in LA?" that I feel as if someone will pull some  nachos with guacamole any minute now from their sombreros or colorful sarapes. I know many of you won't like these looks, but I love the fact that they really "went for it". Viva Mejico! Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A-

Belize: Well done Belize. Sleek, crisp and chic, sportif. They look like well-heeled members of an exclusive country club. For a small Central American nation, you done did well, kids! For that, I give them my Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Trinidad and Tobago: This Caribbean nation is here because of those FAB red with diagonal stripes wrap dresses on the ladies. I just wish the sleeves were not so long and the length didn't look so dowdy, but other that that, they get a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

Jamaica: Cedella Marley for Puma designed Jamaica's uniforms and they are some of the most stylish of the Parade of Nations bunch. Neon yellow, apple greens, and black (the flag's colors) combined with a unique print plus the on-trend color blocking and sleek athletic silhouettes make for great ensembles. Puma knows EXACTLY what it is doing. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Canada: Khaki pants, sneakers and a zip-up jacket isn't really that creative when it comes to uniforms, especially when compared to say what INDIA came up with...however, I do give Canada points for how matchy-matchy they are (in a good way) and the fact that you could never be in doubt of WHERE these kids are from (Hello, can you READ??). Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B-

USA: A lot has already been said over the PR kerfuffle committed by the Ralph Lauren company for having the US Olympic Uniforms manufactured in China. It was a big PR #Fail for Mr. Lauren. But, as we all know, if they were made in the US, these uniforms would have probably cost Ralph Lauren and the US Olympic Committee FIVE to TEN times as much so that is why the turned to China. Next time, they just need to eat the cost. I am sure billion-dollar rich Ralph Lauren can take it. Nevertheless, yes, it was still an "Oops" moment. With that being said, I kinda liked these uniforms. They were clean, sharp and gave a slight nod to English prep schools and English Savile Row tailoring and of course, had the red, white, and blue of the US flag. To me, the only negative--style-wise, would be the berets and cut of the women's skirts which was not flattering on all body types. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B



Africa:

Nigeria: I loved these uniforms from the Nigerian Olympic representatives. The ensembles highlighted traditional Nigerian dress for both the men and women. They were festive and elegant and featured the colors of the nation's flag--green and ivory. Naturally, for me, my standouts were the women and those fitted gowns and draped and wrapped headdresses. And when they entered the auditorium dancing...well, I gave them a Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A

Senegal: You cannot go wrong with bright canary yellow. Look at those great suit dresses on the women and the kaftans on the men...I need one, like NOW! (the kaftan) I wished the women's headdresses were more "Miss Universe Parade of Nations" over-the-top though. Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: A-

Cameroon: These colorful robes and tunics from the Cameroon group stood out for me for its traditional and folkloric extravagance. I only fault them when it came to the consistency of their footwear (the one in the white socks and Pumas got my "Fashion Fail" vote). Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B+



Middle East:

Oman: The men wore traditional Omani robes (dishdasha) and headdresses (muzzar and kummar) which is fine but who really stands out is that woman in the royal blue with gold trimmed traditional ensemble. She ROCKS! Parade of Nations Fashion Grade: B



The Fashion Miss and Mr. Hottie of the London 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Are: 

Paraguay: Take a look at her! Paraguayan athlete Leryn Franco (she specializes in the javelin throw) is WORKING her cap-sleeved wrap dress, above-the-knee and more importantly, THAT plunging neckline. And need I add that she's GORGEOUS! She became a HUGE internet sensation during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and well, her stock is still WAY up after Friday night's appearance. She stole the "World's Sexiest Athlete" show. Even in those sensible ballet flats she could still STEAL YOUR HUSBAND. She wins my unofficial "Miss London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations Hottie".

Fiji: Finally, I have to give a title to a man. And boy is this A MAN. When the Parade of Nations happened on Friday and they got to the F's and Fiji came up, I could not focus for TEN minutes after that. This is who was holding the flag: 5' 9" tall Hottie McHottie Josateki Naulu, a Judo Olympic Athlete. Look at that body, the arms, the chest, the abs. Only Josateki could make wearing a grass skirt look SO manly. I wonder if he realizes that after Friday night's appearance, he will soon be the Poster Boy for Every Gay Hot-and-Sexy Body Blog. Mr. Naulu, you sir, are my "Mr. London Summer Olympics Parade of Nations Hottie"



Happy Summer Olympics!!!

10th Annual CFDA 2011 Awards Red Carpet--Models and Designers

10th Annual CFDA 2011 Awards Red Carpet--Models and Designers

Fashion A-List...

Last night's 2011 CDFA Awards Red Carpet was not only full of Hollywood's A-List ladies--but also, chock full of models and their designers. This event, as you saw from my previous posting is on par with many of the top red carpet events and is known delivering Fashion--with a Capital "F" (hello Miss Lady Gaga!). Anyhow, let's see if these gorgeous supermodels and their designers make the NY Fashion Grade. Let's begin with...

Miranda Kerr: Australian Victoria's Secret Angel Supermodel--and SuperMommy, Miranda Kerr, wore Michael Kors Resort 2012, a black tank dress with high sarong-silhouette slit, side cut-outs and gold low-slung belt. Very Michael Kors, very Americana Sportswear-meets-St. Tropez, and very Chic! I especially love the "Wonder Woman" gold cuffs. I bet those are to ward off any EVIL Fashion Spirits. I need those!

Karolina Kurkova: Miss Kurkova--one of my FAVE Supermodels wore an emerald green sequin HOODIE gown with pockets by Diane Von Furstenberg. Sequins, Hoodie, and Pockets? I am Done and Done! Only a model--or a Drag Queen--can get away with this! Love--even the "high-water" length of the gown. This Czech beauty knows how to WORK IT!

Hana Soukupova: Another fabulous model from the Czech Republic, six-footer Hana Soukupova, dazzled on the 2011 CFDA Awards Red Carpet in a one-shoulder ruffled and tiered gown by Marchesa Spring 2011. Love it all. Now this is how you wear a gown to the CFDA Awards Lucy Liu!

Marchesa Designers: Speaking of Marchesa, they were there--English-born New York-based designers Keren Craig (Left) and Georgina Chapman (Right), also dazzled in their own designs as they stepped onto the purple CFDA Awards carpet last night.

Doutzen Kroes: Dutch-born beauty Doutzen Kroes also decided to give SLIT (like several of the other models) in this fire-red (almost) one-shoulder asymmetrical gown from J. Mendel. The subtle diagonal draping and pleating is exquisite. And those PUMPS!!!! Hello!

Derek Lam and Liya Kebede: Designer Derek Lam, seen above with Ethiopian-born Supermodel Liya Kebede--wearing Derek Lam of course. She looked very "Easy-Breezy" Resort-esque, love the fresh, flowing side-parted hair as well as the mini clutch. Effortless. I also love the wine-colored slip-on's on Derek.

Chanel Iman: Speaking of "Easy-Breezy", Chanel Iman was at the CFDA Awards last night and wore a very relaxed turquoise-colored caftan with high center-front slit (a theme of the night?) by Max Axria. She was very Disco 1979 as well (like Karolina Kurkova, see above). This is also looking like a Theme. Ladies, better get that Saturday Night Fever album out of the closet and start dancin'!

Karlie Kloss and Jason Wu: Models loved those relaxed comfy dresses, don't they? Here model-of-the-moment Karlie Kloss wore a simple, spaghetti strap red gown with skinny black belt from Designer-of-the-Moment Jason Wu. I can see this gown on First Lady Michelle Obama like TOMORROW! Jason, seen above with Karlie, looked very dapper in suit and tie. This just could be the CUTEST Prom Date Photo.

Zac Posen and Sessilee Lopez: Designer Zac Posen arrived to last night's CFDA Awards with American model of Dominican descent Sessilee Lopez, who wore a gold-nude sweetheart neckline multi-seamed gown by Zac Posen, naturally. That gold-nude color always looks AMAZING on women with the fabulous skin tone of Sessilee. I also like the fact that Zac never met a cummerbund he didn't like. Bring back the cummerbund I say! Another example of a cute Prom Pic!

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen: Actresses, Designers and BILLION-DOLLAR Mega Brand, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen were Nominated for the Emerging Talent CFDA Award last night for their clothing design company "The Row" which has garnered both critical and editorial acclaim, the "Anna Wintour Stamp of Approval" and doing fabulously well at retail. They attended last night's event, of course, in style! Mary-Kate (Right) wore a gold Chanel jacket with a The Row (their own line) fishtail hem skirt and Louis Vuitton strappy heels. Ashley (Left), wore The Row dress, and Manolo Blahnik heels. Both accessorized it with great handbags from their line (naturally), The Row. The bags alone are estimated to retail for $5,450!!!

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

On Monday (June 6) A-list fashion designers, editors, actors and models gathered at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City to celebrate this year's top talents in the fashion industry. 

The so called Oscars of fashion, aka CFDA Fashion Awards, finally announced its winners: as we previously wrote Italy took home the International Award thanks to Alessandro Michele’s work at Gucci, while the late David Bowie was honoured with the Tribute Award.

2016 CFDA winners list

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs

Swarovski Award for Womenswear

Brandon Maxwell

Swarovski Award for Menswear

Orley: Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design

Paul Andrew

Menswear Designer of the Year

Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year

Mansur Gavriel: Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Norma Kamali

The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert

Donna Karan

International Award

Gucci: Alessandro Michele

The Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award

David Bowie

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard

Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion

One of the highlights of the night has to be Diane Von Furstenberg presenting Beyoncé with the Fashion Icon Award: the superstar took the stage in an eye-catching Givenchy outfit and made a touching speech about her family and the power of fashion.

Among the past Fashion Icon honorees we have Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Iman, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman.

Read Beyonce’s full speech:

“I feel so much love and I feel so proud right now. Thank you guys for this incredible honor. As long as I can remember, fashion has always been a part of my life. Its effect on me actually started before I was born. Most of you guys don’t know this but my grandmother was a seamstress. My grandparents did not have enough money and could not afford my mother’s Catholic school tuition, so my grandmother sewed clothes for the priests and the nuns, and made uniforms for the students in exchange for my mother’s education. She then passed this gift down to my mother and taught her how to sew.

When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels didn’t really want to dress four black, country, curvy girls. And we couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York. But like my grandmother, she used her talent and creativity to giver her children their dreams. My mother and my Uncle Johnny, God bless his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand, individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into ever small detail. When I wore these clothes on stage I felt like Khaleesi. I had an extra suit of armor. It was so much deeper than any brand name.

My mother — who’s so fabulous and beautiful and is here tonight, I love you — my grandmother, and my uncle were always with me so I could not fail. My mother actually designed my wedding dress, my prom dress, my first CFDA Awards dress, my first Grammy dress, and the list goes on and on and this to me is the true power and potential of fashion. It’s a tool for finding your own identity, expression, and strength. It transcends style and is a time capsule of all of our greatest milestones. So to my mother, my uncle, my grandma, thank y’all. Thank you for showing me that having a presence is far more than the clothes you wear and your physical beauty. Thank you for showing me to never take no for an answer. Thank you for showing me how to take risks, work hard, and live life on my own terms.

I want to say thank you to every designer who works tirelessly to make people feel like they can write their own stories. Y’all are fairy godmothers, magicians, sculptors, and sometimes even therapists. I encourage you to not forget this power you have or take it lightly. We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all your work it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and flaws and see the true beauty that’s inside all of us. Thank you so much for this incredible award I’ll never forget this night. Got bless y’all.”

These words are truly inspiring, we appreciate that she took that moment to thank all the people that worked hard to support her career. Isn't this a true Queen? 

Ok, let's not forget the purpose of this article: what about the red carpet?

Best Dressed

Beyoncé in Givenchy

Demure, elegant, classic, costumy...call it as you want it, but this look to us is a win.

We all were expecting the next sheer embellished gown, but Beyoncé surprised all of us in a crystals-embellished Givenchy suit.

The hat is a reminder of the Lemonade's era, as well as a smart advertise for her Formation World Tour.

Fashion as a communication tool: the queen slayed again.

Elsa Hosk in Naeem Khan, Shanina Shaik in Givenchy, Jessica Hart in The Row

Elsa Hosk stole our hearts wearing a custom Naeem Khan gold jumpsuit. 

This look could have easily looked messy, if overstyled: fortunately this is not the case, because at the end of the day it's not simple to deal with net, sheer patterns, metallic emebellishments and fringes at the same time! 

The new Victoria's Secret angel completed her look with statement earrings, light make-up and elegant waves.

Australian beauty Shanina Shaik opted for something less flashy, as she wore a light Givenchy dress. At first sight it felt too simple for the occasion, but it is impossible to not appreciate the proportion, the silhouette, the cuts and drapes of this beautiful design. Shanina styled her outfit with a dainty necklace, which matched the triangular shaped cut-outs of the dress, Tamara Mellon sandals with clear vinyl inserts and a fur Lanvin purse.

Jessica Hart was all about minimal designs last night, as she wore a three piece silk ensemble and Alexandre Birman 'Clarita' velvet sandals. 

Worst Dressed

Taylor Hill in Thakoon, Constance Jablonski in J. Mendel, Adriana Lima in Marc Jacobs

It hurts to see such beautiful women wearing expensive looks that do nothing for their figure: let's get a closer look...

First we have Taylor Hill in what we could easily describe as Granny-chic or Hamish couture: this Thakoon's design definitely needed a bit more drama.

Costance Jablonski seems to have borrowed Taylor's stylist for the night: just another beautiful design...by aprons' standards.

Last but not least one of the most beautiful models in the indutry, Adriana Lima, trapped in a Marc Jacobs suit, that simply does nothing for her bombshell figure.

Written by: Stella & MsD

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Finals--My Evening Gown Recap!!

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Finals--My Evening Gown Recap!!

The Girl wearing the Gown WITHOUT The HOOCHIE Slit Wins...Quelle Surprise!!!:

A Queen's Wave: Olivia Culpo "Miss Rhode Island USA 2012", the newly crowned Miss USA 2012

This past Sunday night was the Miss USA 2012 Pageant, telecast LIVE on NBC from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas. 51 beautiful ladies representing the 50 United States plus the District of Columbia competed. And the Winner was 20 year old Olivia Culpo Miss Rhode Island USA 2012. She is one of the shortest Miss USA's standing at 1.66 m or about 5' 5"/5' 6" (some sites state her height as 5' 7" as well, so who knows!) and this is the FIRST TIME the State of Rhode Island has won the Miss USA pageant--in sixty one years!! (Go Rhode Island!) Olivia Culpo wore one of my favorite gowns when I reviewed the "Miss USA 2012 Website Portrait Evening Gowns" last week HERE.

 OMG: The moment Olivia Culpo finds out she is the new Miss USA

When I watched the LIVE telecast Sunday night, and saw her, I thought "She's GORGEOUS! There's your Winner" and I also remarked how she resembles one of those actresses on HBO's "Entourage" show, Emmanuelle Chriqui. She may not be editorial or runway model height (you need to be 5' 9" or taller, so fashion designers lending her gowns will have to, well, alter the length, kids) but she is PERFECT "Actress Height", thank you very much. Supposedly she is a cellist. Not for very long. Time to get a big Hollywood agent and go for Hosting/Acting gigs (after her Miss USA 2012 reign is over of course!).

She was a well-deserved winner--not only for her beauty, poise, perfect swimsuit figure (see above photo) but after she answered that Final Question regarding "Transgender Pageant Contestants", well, she "had it in the bag", as they say. So now that we've got that out of the way, let's discuss my "Nick V. Two Cents" of the Evening Gowns:



The Best Dressed Were:

Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011: Alyssa was giving up her crown on Sunday and she did it in style! Usually as the beauty queen who is "passing the torch" you have better choices in gowns and fashion--by the mere fact that you have been at this for a year and have access to stylists, more high-profile designers, etc. She wore two fabulous evening gowns, first when she was introduced by the evenings hosts, Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic, she wore a GORGEOUS ivory gathered Grecian Goddess gown with a sequined neckline and structured shoulders (above photo).

Then when she made her "Farewell Walk", she wore yet another fabulous gown (above photo)--this time a light pink sequined number that Mermaid-flared into organza and tulle ruffles. This could have gone Tacky Toddlers and Tiaras but it was anything but; she looked Paris Haute Couture Runway Model Chic!

My other "Best Dressed" was the beautiful Giuliana Rancic: I just LOVE her, for so many reasons but in terms of fashion and style, she's worn my NIKOLAKI designs in the past so she's in my "Nick Style Hall of Fame"! Not sure who the designer is of this silver and nude gown but she looked great. This, ladies, is how you do, all over embellishment/sequins.



Now, let me discuss the "Oh Dear's" of last night Live Telecast/Pageant and then, I'll get to my "Top Gowns" of the finalists...



The Intro:

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding  meets Kentucky Derby C-List: Miss Texas USA 2012 Brittany Booker (left) and Miss California USA 2012 Natalie Pack (right) doing their best through The Most Tacky-licious Miss USA Live Telecast Intro EVAH!

What. In Toddlers and Tiaras Fashion was that Intro "Fashion Show"? The Live telecast began with a supposed fashion show that was a cross between Kentucky Derby C-List, Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County" and Grown-Up Toddlers and Tiaras! I thought I had somehow gone back in "Pageant Time" and  it was 1992 all over again! Why don't the producers look at any of the last Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows and think THAT'S how one should open a 21st Century Live Televised Beauty Pageant/Fashion Show.



Now, the Ten Finalist's Gowns:

Miss Georgia USA 2012 Jazz Wilkins: She wore the same gown for the Preliminaries as well as Sunday night's live telecast. She loved this gown so much, in fact, that she also wore this to win her Miss Georgia USA 2012 Pageant. I thought it was HOOCHIE and Stripper-Fab back when I reviewed the Prelims HERE and well, my mind did not change last night. Jazz IS absolutely gorgeous, tall and has a PERFECT figure. So, why did she need to press the matter wearing a plunging neckline exposing her cha-cha's; slit up to her you-know-what and then, it was BACKLESS! Seriously Jazz? It was interesting to see how, during the Finals, her "Miss Georgia" sash was double-stick taped to her plunging cleavage, thereby covering that part of her body--wisely.  

My Unofficial Nick Judging Score For Miss Georgia: 7.8 out of 10

Sequined Ladies: Semi-Finalists Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb (a favorite to win) (left) and  Miss  Colorado USA Marybel Gonzalez (right)--these two ladies did good in terms of their evening gowns. I liked Alabama's better than Colorado's but Miss Colorado USA, Marybel WORKED the runway and had SO much stage presence. She watched all those Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Venezuela Pageants and learned A LOT, huney!



Miss Alabama USA: 8.2; Miss Colorado USA 8.4

Miss Ohio USA Audry Boute: Miss Ohio USA 2012 wore the same canary yellow strapless silk shantung gown she wore for her "Portrait Evening Gown", as well as the Preliminaries. I liked this gown at every stage of the competition. It was very 1996, in terms of its silhouette and styling but it fit her well, the color was perfect for her and she stood out in a good way. PS: Bless Her Heart on that Final question and referring to Julia Roberts and "Pretty Woman". Bless Her Heart.



My Evening Gown Score: 8.9

Ivory Queen: Miss Nevada USA 2012 Jade Kelsall looked AMAZING Sunday night but I can see how she might have come off as aloof and too "model"-like. And yes, after the "well, we had been up at 4 am to answer that 'who's the Vice President of the USA' question.." She didn't fare so well. If I was her, I would not have made excuses and have been all "We have no knowledge of POLITICS darling, all we do is Facebook and Tweet!". In terms of her gown, it was gorgeous. She looked very "Spartan Princess". I just do not know why she over-accessorized so much. Why all the extra necklaces Jade? Not necessary.  



My Score: 8.5

Miss New Jersey USA Michelle Leonardo: Michelle, on the other hand, kept it clean when it came to the accessories and looked fresh and Pageant Pretty in her ivory halter neckline jersey gown with sequined midriff. It wasn't original but it fit her well, and she worked the stage with it.  



My Score: 9.0



Beaded Ladies:  

Miss Oklahoma USA Lauren Lundeen wore one of my favorite gowns as I mentioned during my Review of the Preliminaries. It was nude-colored backed and embellished with countless multicolored mirrored crystals. It was modern, directional yet still "Pageant Perfect". Her bun was a little high and yes, those stacked LEGO-looking pumps (Thanks Global Beauties for that Perfect reference!) were a bit much...but still an impacting overall look.



My Score: 9.5

Miss Texas USA 2012 Brittany Booker: Supposedly this lovely lady is a good Christian girl. Well....looking at this "I'm a Stripper in West Hollywood" gown it's hard to understand...what do you guys think? My opinion is that she's STUNNING and did not need to look so HOOCHIE...It's great for a Vegas Showgirl Act and Revue, or as a Back-Up Dancer for Cher, Celine Dion, or Elton John...but as a Miss USA evening gown??



My Score for Evening Gown: 7.5



Finally, the Top Two:

Miss Maryland USA Nana Meriwether: Nana Meriwether was THE Star--or Star Runner-Up of the night. Born in South Africa, six foot tall Nana tried out for Miss California USA a bunch of times (My sister Rita Verreos even runway trained her in one of those Miss California tries) finally she was wise to move on---and went on to "Miss  Maryland USA" where she won. And good for her! She looked GLORIOUS at last night's "Miss USA 2012" Finals. Her white chiffon gown with silver leaf-like detail evoked visions of Aphrodite at Mt. Olympus: Flawless.



Score: 9.8

Miss Rhode Island USA Olivia Culpo: I loved her raspberry chiffon Empire-style gown back in the Miss USA Website Profile Photos and she wore it also for the Preliminaries and she decided to not change when it came time for the Finals. No HOOCHIE Slit. No HOOCHIE Plunging neckline. She looked elegant, glamorous, red carpet-ready. It was perfect. These Empire-cut "flinging chiffon" gowns are popular as of late and it can get a bit of a "OK, enough of the chiffon Empire Dresses!" however, I would take these gowns over HOOCHIE Slit-Up-To-The-Ya-Ya-These-Are-My-Breasts ones ANY DAY.



My Score for her Evening Gown: 9.8.

Congrats to Olivia, the new Miss USA. Good Luck at Miss Universe 2012--wherever it may be. And hope you choose a FABULOUS evening gown. PS: Call me!!