Last night Daily Front Row celebrated the second edition of the Fashion Los Angeles Awards: a star-studded night dedicated to fashion...but with a forgettable red carpet.
This is going to be fun.
Before we jump to the funny part, let me take a moment to cheer for the winners and honorees of the night: fashion royalty Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld graced the stage to receive respectively the Fashion Icon Award and the Magazine of the Year Award (CR Fashion Book), while Eva Chow was crowned as Fashion Innovator.
A night to remember also for stylist/designer Brandon Maxwell, who took home the Designer of the Year Award (Is he going to repeat the experience at the upcoming 2016 CFDA?), and the unstoppable Lady Gaga, who was awarded Editor of the Year thanks to her remarkable work with V Magazine's pre-spring issue.
The last highlight of the night?
Bella Hadid defeating her own sister, Gigi Hadid, for the Model Of The Year prize.
As I stated before, the good news stop here, because the red carpet was a total snooze fest...except for Nicole Richie, who brought some glam in Valentino, Kate Hudson and her two-pieces by August Getty Atelier, Jennifer Lopez, a chic vision in Ermanno Scervino, and yes, Mrs Kim Kardashian West, who happens to be on my best dressed list when she goes for a more minimalistic and classy attire.
Therefore let's have a look at the worst looks of the night:
"I am more famous than my sister"
Gigi Hadid inYanina Couture Fall 2015
Let me get the picture for you: it's your little sister big night, and you decide to support her by attending the special event...what would you be wearing? Something simple and not too eye-catching? Well, that's Gigi Hadid's pick for the night: a sheer caftan and a questionable bodysuit. Over-the-top? Yes, but coherent with her latest red carpet appereances: sexy, messy and pointless. However a floor-length slip and a different hairstyle could have upgraded the final effect. Do you agree?
"Smoking-hot. Literally"
Bella Hadid in Moschino Fall 2016
At first glance you might think that Gigi burned Bella's dress out of spite for not winning the model of the year award, but unfortunately that is a lie. The Hadid sisters love each other (and I hope each other outfits at this point), therefore what you see is 1) a conscious choice made by Bella Hadid and 2) a design by Jeremy Scott for Moschino. A classic beautiful look...until you look at the hem.
"Gaga oh-la-la!"
Lady Gaga in Saint LaurentFall 2016
That awkward moment when your stylist is awarded as designer of the year (Brandon Maxwell), and for his big night decides to dress you with an hideous creation from another designer.
While most of us spend our weekends shoreside in a white tee and cutoffs, or eclectically dancing to the vibrant sound of Piknic Electronik at Parc Jean-Drapeau, tennis adorers will be seen strolling around the Uniprix Stadium these next couple of days, sporting their classiest style courtside at Rogers Cup. And although the Canadian Open hasn't quite mastered yet the perennial put-together chic of Wimbledon's royalty, or the big winner’s well-suited fashion moment at Roland-Garros, there is a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about Canadian tennis style… If you have no idea of what I am talking about, but somehow have managed to score an invite to the Central Court this year, here's a go-to playbook for the best fashion moments of the ultimate tennis tournament style queen(!), Kate Middleton, and how you can get her looks right on time for Rogers Cup.
Middleton is no stranger to going out in standout outfits but when she was spotted in a yellow Roksanda number, a few months back, the whole world felt the urge to clap! Paired with drop earrings and beige heels, this was quite the daring look for the duchess, who often prefers pastel and neutral coat dresses, but since considering yellow is often associated with Summer, we can see why she broke it out; it's the perfect colour for the season!
For her first Wimbledon trip as a married woman, Middleton was accompanied by Prince William as she wore her take on a tennis dress by Temperley London, teamed with a Stuart Weitzman clutch, a blow dry, and the charm bracelet she'd received from Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as a wedding present. You really can't go wrong, sporting your freshest whites at a tennis tournament. On top of looking very polished and classic, your sense of style will be kindly noted and appreciated by the tennis etiquette purists among the crowned ;)
Only a few weeks back, Kate made an eye-catching appearance at SW19 in a short-sleeved Alexander McQueen number that certainly was no ordinary royal dress... It was decorated with images of lipstick, butterflies, and even skulls; a secretly daring choice for the Dutchess. True to herself, Kate reproduced three features in the form of her accessories from her recent tour wardrobe on her visit to India and Bhutan with William in April: her versatile LK Bennett Natalie box clutch, Brora Gold Charm earrings and her Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.
Footballer and all-around HUNK, David Beckham--and his wife Victoria--were "special guests" of William and Catherine and EVERYONE was awaiting their arrival. They stood with the rest of the invited guests in the "You Are Not Real Royalty" line--it's like an "Economy Class" Airport Security Line (as opposed to Premium Class). Needless to say, they acted and looked very Posh & Proper.
David, always a dandy when it comes to style looked handsome in his Morning Suit with top hat and silver satin cravat. Although many are docking him style points for apparently wearing his Office of the British Empire Medal on the wrong lapel!! Que Horror!
Besides those SKY HIGH Stilettos (hello, isn't she like 6 months pregnant??), Miss Victoria wore...
A tent-like dress from her own Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter 2011/12 Collection, seen above on the runway in brick red. Hers was a dark (almost black) navy blue. Her hat was from Philip Treacy. I really thought Mrs. Beckham was going to wear a "Va Va Voom" fitted dress that she would have had custom made to fit her growing tummy. But nope, she went the comfy route.
The Other Queen: Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish
Sir Elton John and David Furnish also went the Posh & Proper route, both choosing to wear elegant Morning Suits--as was suggested...strike that!... REQUIRED, in the Wedding Invitation. Many people expected Miss Elton to be all crazy and wear a fuchsia Versace suit but really kids, he hasn't done that in years and he knows that a Royal Wedding is NOT the place and time for that. I liked how Elton was the one giving you hints of color with his lemon yellow waistcoat/vest and violet tie. Proper...but with a "twist".
Cobalt Lady: Tara Palmer-Tomkinson
Socialite, "It Girl", TV presenter and all around "British Paris Hilton" TPT (as she's dubbed in the UK) wore cobalt blue HEAD TO TOE, with her dress matching her hat, gloves, shoes and clutch. When I first saw her on TV lining up in that "Economy Class Westminster Abbey Line", I was like "WHO is Miss FIERCE???". Leave it to Tara to not want to blend in. No pastels or blush colors for her, darling! I think she's FAB! I love women who KNOW they have an "Inner Drag Queen" and aren't afraid to use it! Especially at Royal weddings! How did she get invited again???
Swedish Class: Crown Princess Victoria in Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011--and her husband, Prince Daniel of Sweden
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (she's going to be Queen someday!) was one of my favorite royals at the William & Catherine Wedding. She looked every inch a "modern/next generation" princess. No fussy suits, no coat-and dress combination. Nope, just a sexy, side gathered salmon-colored dress from Lebanese designer Elie Saab and a variation on a dress from his Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. A wide brimmed hat and matching shoes finished off her look. Why, though, is there something about Daniel that makes me want to slap him upside the head? Like a student who's trying to get one over on me...that's what he reminds of...Just sayin'
Diva Supreme! (and I'm not talking about Ms. Andre Leon Talley trying to upstage her from behind!!) Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture
Monday Night was the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala honoring the memory and amazing work of the late Alexander McQueen. This event happened only days after the House of Alexander McQueen ( headed by Sara Burton) was revealed as the designer ofKatherine Middleton's Wedding Gown. So you can only imagine the excitement already swirling around in the air.
The Met Gala is always such a fun Red Carpet, because it is thought of as the "Academy Awards" of the Fashion World. The Oscars are often given the label of being safe and cookie cutter by the fashion world, so this is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and really give us something to talk about!!
But before we get to some of the more crazy ensembles, I thought I would highlight a few of the A-listers and Divas that really looked great on the RC.
Diane Kruger in Jason Wu: She looks breathtaking and very Old Hollywood Glamour. Love how she is workin' the slit and also the return of the strappy, more delicate heels.
Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop Unique: Love the color and Ginnifer always knows how to highlight that fabulous face. She accented it well with that STUNNING Van Cleef and Arpels necklace.
Madonna in Stella McCartney: While I am not a huge fan of this dress, Madonna is certainly vibe-ing 1930's Hollywood Glam. We are seeing a return of the Silk Charmeuse Gowns lately and there is no doubt that Madonna is looking flawless in the close-up image above.
Ashley Olsen in Vintage Dior: Love the unexpected quality of the dress on Ashley. While she stayed within her color comfort zone (black and white), it is great to see her reveal a bit more skin and style her hair in an up-do. She looks like a Parisian Chanteuse!
Mary Kate Olsen in Vintage Givenchy: Those Olsen Girls love their vintage! Love the color and ethereal quality. The Emerald jewelry is a perfect accent.
Jennifer Lopez in Gucci Fall 2011: Love this Gucci Collection and love Jennifer in this 70's inspired chiffon halter dress. Not everyone can pull off that floral bolero, but Jennifer, always the Diva, makes it work effortlessly.
Kerry Washington in Escada: Who knew her body was this amazing?! Love the color, cut and fabrication of this gown. If only she could have stopped the hairstylist from making her look like a poodle! When in doubt, pull the hair back into a Chignon!!
Ashley Greene in Custom Donna Karan: Shoot me now, but I have actually never seen a Twilight Movie, so I wasn't completely familiar with Ashley. But she certainly made an impact on me with this gorgeous Custom Donna Karan Gown. Not a style you would normally see from DK, but she looked absolutely radiant in the dress.
Up next....The Wacky, Crazy and "Oh No She Didn't!" of the Met Gala Red Carpet!...
The Happy, Rich, and Very Titled...Couple: Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma and Albert Brenninkmeijer, Basilica San Miniato al Monte Florence Italy
Today, Saturday June 16th, Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma, Marchioness of Sala, Duchess of Guernica (yes, from the Salvador Dali painting!) wed Albert Brenninkmeijer of the very wealthy German-Dutch Brenninkmeijer family--owners of the C and A Department Stores...
At the Basilica San Miniato al Monte in Florence Italy.
Princess Bride: Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma
First a little background on the bride: Princess Carolina is fourth and youngest child of Princess Irene of the Netherlands (sister to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands) and Carlos Hugo Duke of Parma. Carolina is a member of the Dutch Royal Family.
Royal Spain-Dutch DRAMA:
Wedding of Princess Irene of the Netherlands and Carlos Hugo de Bourbon Parma at the Borghese Chapel at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, 1964
When her mother, Irene of the Netherlands, married Paris-born Carlos Hugo de Bourbon in Rome Italy in 1964, no member of the Dutch Royal Family attended the wedding. Why? Well, here you go: the marriage caused a constitutional crisis in the Netherlands. Irene lost her rights of succession to the Dutch throne because the government refused to enact a law permitting the marriage (Ay Dios Mio!).
Fuchsia Mother of The Bride: Princess Irene of the Netherlands and her handsome son Prince Jaime, Count of Bardi
Her mother could not go to Rome to talk Irene out of the marriage and of her conversion to Catholicism because the government advised her against it (seriously, these people needed to get a LIFE!). If that wasn't enough, there was the issue of the Dutch government seeing international political difficulties arising from a possible heir to the Dutch throne holding a controversial claim to the throne of a foreign state (keep up kids, it's complicated!): In the early 1950's, Carlos' father publicly laid claim to the Spanish throne as being a member of the House of Bourbon-Parma (a branch of the Bourbon's), but Spain's Dictator Francisco Franco ignored him and later chose King Juan Carlos as Franco's successor. Now, speaking of Juan Carlos...
A Who's Who of Blue-Blood Bridesmaids: Wedding of Prince Juan Carlos and Princess Sofia, 1962 Athens Greece
In 1962--two years before she got married to el Escandaloso Carlos, Princess Irene of the Netherlands just happened to be a Bridesmaid at Prince Juan Carlos and Princess SofÃa's wedding in Athens Greece. Check out the rest of the illustrious Bridesmaids (it reads like a "Who's Who of A-List Blue-Blood Royalty!): From left to right in the photo: Princess Alexandra of Kent, Princess Tatiana Radziwill, Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Princess Irene of Greece, Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark, Princess Anne of France, Princess Irene of the Netherlands (second from the right) and the Infanta Pilar of Spain. Anyhow, Carlos and Irene of the Netherlands divorced in 1981 and Princess Carolina's father--Carlos Hugo de Bourbon--passed away almost two years ago.
Now that we got that out of the way, let's get to The Wedding, the fabulous Guests and the fashion. Let's begin with the Wedding dress:
The Gown: Designed by Dutch fashion designer Addy van den Krommenacker (above), who has been designing since 2002. For Princess Carolina's wedding gown, he incorporated the lace embroidery-- from Brugge Belgium...
That was in her mother's Wedding Gown from 1964 (as seen above) and placed it in Carolina's gown and veil. According to his pr people, it took months to restore and make the lace embroidery "come to life" for 2012 standards.
Wedding Guests:
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands: One of the Richest Women on Earth, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands--the Bride's aunt--wore a mauve-colored silk jacquard suit with bell-styled sleeves with ruffles; the jacket also featured cascading ruffles down the front.Matching hat, gloves, shoes and hosiery of course, as only a Queen would do.
Feathered:the always stylish Princess Maxima of the Netherlands (far left holding on to her Mother-in-Law Queen Beatrix and her husband Willem-Alexander Prince of Orange, on the far right)--wore a taupe ensemble with a blouson top, feathered shirt and bell-shaped sleeves. The Argentinian-born Crown Princess to the Dutch throne finished it off with a fabulous hat.
Princess in Red: Princess Laurentien and Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands with their children Countess of Orange Leonore and Count of Orange Claus-Casimir leave the Princess Carolina Wedding with Mr Albert Brenninkmeijer at Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Fab Shoes Ladies--and Gentleman: Princess Marilene and Prince Maurits of the Netherlands (10th in line for the Dutch Throne) (left pic) and Prince Bernhard (11th in line for the Dutch Throne) and Princess Annette of the Netherlands (right photo). I LOVE the bejeweled ankle-strapped heels of Princess Marilene on the top left photo. And take a look at Prince Bernhard's silver shoes!! Those Dutch boys can really give it you...when it comes to "Yeah, I'm royalty but I'm still a Hipster Fashion Boy!"
Polka Dots, Prints and...OH HUNEY: Two guests on the left pic showing how it's done when attending a semi-royal wedding Florence Italy. I LOVE this woman in her orange-and-white bold polka dot printed chiffon dress and silver sandals. She's my new Best Friend! And speaking of friend, whoever is next to her is also working the printed dress look to no end. The colors are absolutely fantastic! On the right photo we have Margarita de Bourbon (the Bride's older sister), who decided to go "Tacky Wedding Party" in her baby blue ensemble featuring a too-wide notch-collared/lapel coat. Poor thing, she looks like she didn't get the COUTURE memo...those over-sized coat lapels are something straight out of a Fashion Student's sophomore-year project.
Congratulations and Happy Wedding to the Royal-and-Rich Couple of Princess Carolina and Albert Brenninkmeijer
It's officially the start of International Beauty Pageant Season!!! To begin all the Sashes and Tiaras fabulousness is the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty pageant which is occurring in Vietnam with the Final Crowning Night taking place on October 25th. A couple of nights ago were the much-awaited Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The 77 contestants--from all over the world--from Argentina to Wales--showcased costumes representing their nations, islands and territories...
Fantasy Fab: (L to R) Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita, Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain and Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Gorasing--Miss Grand International 2017 National costume Competition
Flora and Fauna: (L to R) Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don, Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres and Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
These costumes ranged from Traditional and Festive, "Victoria's Secret"-like feathered Pre-Columbian Goddesses to Fantasy Couture and they did not disappoint in terms of visual costume candy for pageant lovers everywhere! The pageant organizers are allowing EVERYONE around the world to vote for their favorite by Liking and Sharing the individual photos on the Official Miss Grand International Facebook page HERE.
Traditional Couture: (L to R) Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza, Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer, Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen May Tran Nguyen--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
The Top 15 Liked & Shared contestants/costumes will then move on for another round of voting until the BEST NATIONAL COSTUME (or the one with the most votes!) will be announced on the final night (October 25th). Now, I don't have to wait until then because here are MY TOP 15 Favorite National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2017, beginning with my FAVORITE:
1. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita--One word: WOW. Leave it to Indonesia to BRING IT when it comes to national costumes at beauty pageants. Lately their representatives have been seriously upping their Costume Couture game! This UBER intricate costume needs A LOT of explanation...
Indonesian Empress: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
According to Miss Grand Indonesia 2017, her national costume is entitled "MOTHERLAND: The Sky is my Father, and The Earth is my Mother" and it was designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih. This costume has the meaning of a circular shape taken from the base form of the Moon and its about the mother figure, the queen, and the woman. Here are some more details:
*The blue color depicts the glory of Indonesia as a Maritime Country.
*Five blue crystals in the circle of the moon symbolize the harmony of Indonesian people in the ideology of Pancasila.
*The three blue crystals on the headdress symbolize the perfection of body, soul, and spirit.
*Five yellow crystals depict the young generation are like buds of the nation which is the hope and successor/future of the nation...
Now THAT is a TRAIN: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
*The wings on the shoulders symbolize the tenderness and strength, the prayers and the songs of the ancestors.
*The backbone symbolizes Indonesia is the "backbone of the World" where Indonesia holds abundant natural wealth and Indonesia is a very influential country in the world political map.
*The wing belt symbolizes fertility and a close brotherhood. Fingers and right arm describe the wisdom, skill and soul that protect the society.
*The temple symbolizes "our bodies are temples, our bodies are His temple", as well as Indonesian people from various social and cultural backgrounds to individuals seeking self-enlightenment.
*And finally, five Nusantara fabrics illustrate the cultural diversity in Indonesia which contain the thoughts and philosophy that accompany the journey of the Indonesian people to be a whole person, as a true person.
Regardless of all this very detailed costume description...for me, it translates into THE BEST ONE of the competition! I loved how impacting it was, the colors, the unique shapes...it was a work of fashion art!
Moving on...my other Favorites in my Top 15 List are:
2. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain--Anukriti's gorgeous costume was my second favorite of the 76 contestants. The theme for this look was "Evolution and Expansion of Indian Royalty, from the Palace to the workplace". The national costume--designed by Melvyn Dominic Noronha--according to the contestant herself, shows the balance of an Indian woman with her delicate beauty of compassion and the strength of her determination. She goes on to say that the design also shows how through the evolution of time, the spirit of a few queens magnified and today every Indian woman is a queen in her own right. I loved how this costume combined traditional Indian dress with Hindu God-like imagery. I also thought the combination of bold gold/blue/red colors made for a very strong stage impact.
3. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing--This national costume is inspired by the Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang is an ancient and important architecture of Laos, and is a center for the spirit of the Lao people. The design of the costume is a unique feature and character of the Buddha image, adapted to the composition of the ensemble. The jewelry was also inspired by the shape of the Buddha image. The color and the various embellishments added to this costume present Lao's cultures, customs and unique identity. I thought it was thoroughly impacting, very striking and made for a stand-out costume presence at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. I am still so baffled how any of these costumes get packed and shipped through customs and onto a plane and then reassembled to be worn again!
Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer (top photos) in her "Manta Guajira" National Costume and (lower photos) Wayuu Guajiras and their Mantas (caftan dresses)
4. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer-- Tulia's costume represents the Manta (or caftan/tunic/dress) Wayuu Guajira, a Native American ethnic group of the Guajira peninsula of northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The brightly colored costume featured the designs and pom-pom accents commonly seen on these Wayuu Guajira caftan/tunics worn by the women of this South American indigenous group.
Sketch of Miss Grand Venezuela Talia Aleman Ferrer's National Costume--designed by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernandez
This was also one of my top favorites of all the 76 contestants for the way she showed it onstage and how colorful and striking it was. I also loved the representation and homage of an indigenous group through this beautiful costume. The design was created by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernanadez.
5. Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres--Andrea wore a Pre-Columbian (before Christopher Columbus) Feathered Empress-like costume to represent her nation of Panama. And I LOVED it! There were several of these feathered-and-sequined looks in the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes Competition, and yet this was THE MOST IMPACTING of the bunch! The design was created by Panamanian designer Cristo Athanasiadiswho is known for these types of pageant costumes...and he's obviously very good at it! I loved the colors, the sequins, the feathers...well, I just loved EVERYTHING! Muy bien Cristo and Muy bien Andrea!
Vietnam Queen: Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen in her Ao Dai Traditional National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
Sketch of Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen Tran Nguyen's National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
6. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen--I absolute ADORED this costume worn by Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen. The costume represents a traditional Ao Dai and is inspired by the patterns of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. It took 3 months to create this gorgeous 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds!)-weighing costume and it was designed by Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy. If you get to see the video of the actual Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition (at the end of this post!), you can fast forward to when she comes on and showcases this gorgeous costume. I especially loved how the sleeve brocade print/design mitered (matched) when she put her arms/hands together.
Viva Mexico: Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez in her National Costume at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
A young Tehuana de Oaxaca in traditional dress--Oaxaca Mexico
7. Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez--Yoana wore this very beautiful and colorful "Tehuana de Oaxaca" traditional costume, worn by the indigenous women of the city Tehuantepec in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (think Frida Kahlo). The design itself paid tribute to the traditional dress and at the same time, had enough Fashion with a Capital "F" impact and stage fabulousness to make it into my Top 15 Favorites.
8. Miss Grand Jamaica Jenaae Jackson--Jenaae stated on her Instagram that in this costume, she is a "depiction of a Jamaican Arawak Queen" and all I have to say is "Go On Girl!". I absolutely loved this costume for its colorful, feathered and sequined glory! It looked well-done, finished and high-end. I really admired the stunning jeweled sequins on her bandeau top and skirt yoke and I also liked the muted green feathered skirt. This "Arawak Queen" is UBER Costume Fabulous!
9. Miss Grand Sri Lanka Visna Fernando--Miss Grand Sri Lanka wore this golden "Lion"-inspired costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The costume was inspired (obviously) by the "Ceylon Lion" seen in the Sri Lankan flag. I thought it was impressive, sexy-hot and stage impacting enough to be one of my Top 15 Favorites! The headdress alone was EVERYTHING! I just wished those nude pump/heels were a little more "designed" as opposed to looking as if she went online and bought a pair of heels and just added them to the costume.
10. Miss Grand Cambodia Kea Khloem: This was another gorgeous showing from an Asian contestant at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. Kea's costume was inspired by Cambodian Buddhist temples and the types of traditional dress of the country. I thought this design looked rich, well-made and the different shades of gold were very striking onstage.
11. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Durado Clenci--"Last night for the national costume competition I chose to represent an indigenous tribe from the south of Philippines," Clenci wrote on her Instagram, sharing a photo of her intricately made headdress. The ensemble which she wore as her national costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 was designed by Jearson Demavivas.This dress was inspired by the T’boli tribe and is a representation of a modern T’boli princess in haute couture and their uniquely designed guitar called hegulung. Philippine’s T’boli takes pride on its T’nalak fabric which designs are spawned from the dreams of the weavers. The design of this national costume represents the cultural structure of the T’boli tribe along with the colors and intricate beadwork, which speaks of their careful yet impressive art. I thought Elizabeth looked sexy, chic and still "National Costume Diva Traditional" in this design. It wasn't out-of-this-world impacting like Miss Grand Indonesia or Miss Grand India, Miss Grand Laos...but, it was still Costume Couture Runway Fab.
12. Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don--Yoana wore this sequined and feathered "Fantasy Showgirl"-like costume representing the city of Corrientes which is the Argentinian national capital of Carnival (Carnaval). The gorgeous costume--which ended up being one of my Top 15 Favorites--was designed and created by Marcelo Pendola who creates many of the Miss Argentina national costumes for international pageants. I LOVED the golden crystal sequined applique, the strawberry red feathers...the leg sequined accessories...it was all MUY BELLO and MUY FAB.
13. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--The Pavo Real Blanco (white peacock) is in danger of extinction in the South American Amazon and was the inspiration for Miss Grand Peru 2017's national costume. The beautiful costume was designed by Peruvian designer Beto Pinedo. Of all the "Pre-Columbian/Victoria's Secret Feathered Divas"...this one was definitely one of my faves. Therefore, it need to be in my Top 15 List! It meshed both the bird inspiration with sexy stage presence. If there was any critique...yes, it would be the shoes., If you're going to create a gorgeous and intricate costume, create the shoes as well! Those need to be silver and sequined and fabulous. Right now, they are just $25 nude pumps from the internet!
14. Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore--Miss Grand Paraguay decided to give "Indigenous Tribal Couture/Making a Statement" Costume. The lovely Lia wore a hi-lo design which, at first glance, gave the viewer an Angelic/Runway model vibe. Then, as one got more focused, you could see the "Stop Chaco Deforestation" and "Stop the Violence" marking on her arms. The costume is inspired by the "Allegory of the Pajaro Campana", a white bird with green-hued beak and face (lower photo, above). In addition to this, the look seems to be suggesting the dangers of deforestation and this ivory tull'ed "Couture Angel" coming to save the human destruction. I thought it was impacting and thoughtful enough to make my list. It would have almost too obvious to add wings to this costume a la "Miss Grand Peru", "Miss Grand Panama", so I like this more "runway" direction.
15. Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza Daulon--Analia's costume was a traditional Ecuadorian costume designed by Maria Isabel Diaz Design . I loved the colors, the high-lo style of the dress/skirt section and overall impact of the design. If there was any critique, once again, it would be THE SHOES! The costume looked fab but the shoes seemed like an afterthought.
Those were MY TOP 15 Favorite Costumes from the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition...Let me know which ones were YOUR favorites!
**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more!
Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:
Click below to watch the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition:
