What to Expect on the Red Carpets During Awards Season 2024

What to Expect on the Red Carpets During Awards Season 2024

 If red carpet stylists had their way, awards season 2024 would be a joyous celebration of emerging designers, diverse talent and archival looks with an underlining note of thoughtfulness regarding the state of fashion. But, there are brand partnerships at play, new collections to promote and sponsors to keep happy. Hollywood’s wardrobes become Tetris puzzles, as celebrity dressers navigate samples, alterations and custom commissions, while keeping in mind both the couture and ready-to-wear trends and incorporating some semblance of sustainability in line with the industry’s commitment to do better for our planet. A dress is never just a dress during awards season.

If this sounds like an impossible tick-boxing exercise, there will be overarching themes at play at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards and Oscars, as stylists fall for the same buzzy designers, directional silhouettes and whimsical embellishments that chime with the current mood, but have lasting impact. Vogue picked the brains of three heavyweight dressers to find out what we can expect from the nominees and guests on film’s big nights in 2024.

Fashion, darling

The SAG-AFTRA strike turned the “fashion space into an art form”, argues Holly White, who dresses emerging stars, like Heartstopper’s Joe Locke. Explainer: in the absence of premieres, celebs turned out to shows, dinners and store events in outfits otherwise reserved for big California moments. As such, there was more experimentation, which will now trickle onto the world’s stage.

Take Sienna Miller’s quirky bump-revealing Schiaparelli moment at Vogue World: London. Undoubtedly one of the looks of the year, masterminded by stylist Harry Lambert, the fabulous white crop top and bubble skirt perhaps wouldn’t have previously found their way to the Academy Awards, but catapulted pure fashion drama to the top of conversations. After being starved of red-carpet wear in the latter part of 2023, expect awards show attendees to dream big. Come January, people will especially be leaning on the new guard – Sabato de Sarno at Gucci, Peter Hawkings at Tom Ford and Chemena Kamali at Chloé – and looking at the modern house visions set to define the year in fashion.

Disco 2024

“If there is a time to shine, it’s on the red carpet,” asserts White. “Metallics will reign and spring 2024 brought some modern silhouettes to the runway that will give this somewhat consistent trend a contemporary and updated look.” Watch out, she says, for Paco Rabanne, Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren.

Zadrian Smith, who styles Ariana DeBose, agrees: “That Ralph Lauren look on Christy Turlington was killer.” His other predictions, which goes hand in hand with sheeny-shiny fabrications? Sheerness and fringing. “The flapper girl is making a comeback in a big way,” notes Smith, citing heavy embellishment and relaxed silhouettes as key signifiers of the ’20s revival (keep an eye on The Attico, Prada, Jil Sander and Givenchy). On the flip side, micro hemlines will keep the after-party scene looking disco fabulous (Gucci and Tom Ford, we’re looking at you).

At Milan Fashion Week, Designers Offer Visions for the Future

At Milan Fashion Week, Designers Offer Visions for the Future

The Milan Fashion Week collections ended on Sunday with a guest appearance by American designer Tommy Hilfiger, whose race car runway set a new speed-to-market record for fast fashion. There was a pop-up shop constructed right in the middle of the track. But even before that, there were several examples in Milan of designers who are cleverly adapting to a world where turmoil has become commonplace, and consumers need new reasons to buy.

Francesco Risso’s Marni collection on Sunday morning was one of the highlights of the week (some were calling it the best show of Milan), with its combination of weird sweeping-bell silhouettes and quirky cat prints on voluminous coats. I’m quite sure a lot of street style stars are currently trying to get their paws on the pink one, and I’d place a bet on seeing someone wearing it in Paris. Laminated raincoats in bright blue and green brought lively pops of color throughout the show, and many dresses were spliced together with crude stitches, suggesting they had been recycled from the scraps of discarded garments.

The setting played with the theme of production, and the environmental problems associated with over-production, which are especially visible in fashion. Guests found themselves sitting on benches made of piles of old clothes, bags of blazers, bales of dress shirts, undergarments bagged in plastic, or stacks of old newspapers, which could easily be read as Risso’s acknowledgement that all of this—while great today—will soon be yesterday’s news.

Lucie and Luke Meier, the excellent new designers at Jil Sander, were more explicit in their intent to create clothes for modern times. Their padded coats incorporated attachable blankets, and nomadic models carried pillows and duvets, accessories that were both comforting and a little frightening. If we get to the point where we literally have to survive with the clothes off our backs, I doubt anyone is going to be worried about doing so stylishly or in a multi-thousand dollar coat. But they were fabulous, nevertheless, and will make wonderful conversation pieces for the most discerning of socially conscious customers.

The One Trend You, Your Boyfriend, and Every Fashion Girl Will Wear in 2018

The One Trend You, Your Boyfriend, and Every Fashion Girl Will Wear in 2018

Sure we can't get enough of dramatic sleeves, patent leather pieces, and white boots. But there's one 2018 trend that's really transforming the fashion industry. According to The Annual Topics and Trends Report by Facebook IQ, the conversation around androgynous or unisex clothing is growing rapidly on social media. No surprise, since so many genderless brands are making headlines and mixing things up on the runway.

I have to admit, I (a legit girlie girl) even tried on a top I recently bought from the men's department for my boyfriend. And I loved the way it looked on me so much, I contemplated keeping it for myself. Sure, I wore it as a mini dress, but still the unisex trend is one that we will all wear in some shape or form during 2018.

Look at the biggest runway shows, and you'll see feminine labels already mixing in menswear-inspired pieces all over the place—like masculine plaid suits, over-sized hoodies, and slouchy sweatpants. The boys are also borrowing from the girls with long tunics that have dress-like silhouettes, and we'll never forget about the male romper RompHims.

VIDEO: The Trend You Thought You'd Never Wear Again Is Back

Georgina Chapman's Marchesa Will Return to NYFW Amid Harvey Weinstein Scandal

Georgina Chapman's Marchesa Will Return to NYFW Amid Harvey Weinstein Scandal

Georgina Chapman’s Marchesa fashion line will be returning to the New York Fashion Week runway in February for the first time since news broke of sexual harassment allegations against her estranged husband, film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Chapman separated from Weinstein not long after the allegations of sexual harassment and assault broke as she was presenting the brand’s bridal collection, and has remained in hiding since, with the brand conspicuously absent from red carpets and its spring/summer preview canceled. But Page Six reports that Marchesa, which has been worn on the red carpet by dozens of stars, will be returning to NYFW in February for the first time since Weinstein’s allegations broke.

Marchesa will host its fashion show on February 14—the final day of New York Fashion Week—at 4 p.m. shortly before the Marc Jacobs presentation.

The brand’s last show happened earlier this year in N.Y.C. during Bridal Fashion Week on the same day the New York Times exposed Weinstein’s scandal, which led to his termination from his company.

Despite the controversy, Chapman and her business partner Keren Craig have had vocal support from friends including Meghan McCain, who wore a Marchesa dress to her November wedding. “The scandal erupted and everybody was like, are you going to keep the dress? And I was like why should the two women designers be punished for a man’s disgusting behavior,” McCain told People. “I just didn’t wanna feel like the people who had worked there and make their livelihood should be punished as well.”

 RELATED: Harvey Weinstein's Ex Georgina Chapman Is Featured in the New Preview for Project Runway All Stars

Earlier this week, actress Alyssa Milano opened up about how Chapman, her longtime friend, was doing in the wake of her ex’s very public scandal, which led to some backlash from the always outspoken Rose McGowan on Twitter.

“Georgina is doing very well,” Milano told Today‘s Megyn Kelly. “She’s an amazing mother. She’s an amazing woman, and I think her priority right now is focusing on how to raise those two children to the best of her capacity given the situation.”

Bella Hadid Defies Winter in Canary Yellow Fendi Dress

Bella Hadid Defies Winter in Canary Yellow Fendi Dress

December? I barely know her!

Supermodel Bella Hadid eschewed seasonal norms in favor of a breezy canary yellow dress by Fendi for the opening of the Bulgari Resort in Dubai on Tuesday night. Fresh off the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in China, Hadid, 21, glowed in the high-necked ensemble with a flirty keyhole cutout.

A geometric silver belt accentuated her lithe frame, while a pair of golden gladiator stilettos laced up to her calves. An elegant chignon highlighted the unique silhouette of her dress, as well as her sky-high cheekbones and glittery Bulgari jewels.

Also in attendance was Tomb Raider star and newlywed, Alicia Vikander. The actress stunned in a blush, fresh-off-the-runway design from Jonathan Simkhai's spring 2018 collection. The lacy high-low dress featured a romantic macrame cutout design, flutter cap sleeves, and a sexy bustier bodice.

Also in attendance was Tomb Raider star and newlywed, Alicia Vikander. The actress stunned in a blush, fresh-off-the-runway design from Jonathan Simkhai's spring 2018 collection. The lacy high-low dress featured a romantic macrame cutout design, flutter cap sleeves, and a sexy bustier bodice.

Moschino’s Flower Women Are the Latest in a Decades-Long Fashion Trend

Moschino’s Flower Women Are the Latest in a Decades-Long Fashion Trend

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking, I know. But what about flower women? At Moschino’s Spring 2018 show, Jeremy Scott dressed Gigi Hadid, Anna Cleveland, Joan Smalls, and Kaia Gerber as actual flowers and floral bouquets. 

It was a Surrealist turn that nodded to Franco Moschino’s history of kitsch perversions, but also to some of fashion’s greatest creatives. Look as far back as 1982, and you’ll see that—in addition to bugs, butterflies, and motorcycles—Thierry Mugler dressed his models as painted roses, complete with dragonflies on their heads.

In more recent fashion history, John Galliano transformed Viviane Orth into a carnation and Michelle Alves into an orchid for Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 couture show. (It was Monsieur Dior, after all, who came up with the femme-fleur silhouette, though he never went as far as to dress models as actual flowers.) Alexander McQueen made Tanya Dziahileva into a proper bouquet for his Spring 2007 show, while Christian Lacroix sent out several interpretations of flower ensembles in his Spring 2007 couture collection. 

Rather than flowers, Jean Paul Gaultier focused on leaves for his Spring 2002 collection that saw an ivy-covered dress walk down the runway. Still, few flower femmes are as iconic as Laetitia Casta’s turn as an Eve-like bride at Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 1999 runway show. Clad in a rose-embellished bikini, flower crown, and pink train, she was a bridal vision unlike any other.

Gucci Launches Eccentric Resort 2018 Collection

Gucci Launches Eccentric Resort 2018 Collection

This collection of artistic and historical value is able to steal the attention of the top fashion lovers.

As a fashion house with high artistic value, Gucci collection design always comes with detail, embroidery, ornaments, and rich in texture. Alessandro Michele, Creative Director Gucci always succeeded in presenting the values in tune with the collection and runway place.

Call it a collection of Gucci Resort 2018, Alessandro deliberately chose the Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy that represents the beauty of the Renaissance. Of course this is in line with the theme that carried the fashion brand. In addition, Alessandro deliberately designed benches decorated with poems by Bacchus 'Song by Lorenzo de' Medici to increase his artistic value.

Reported by Vogue, this fashion show is also backed by a harp music game that is in seven different rooms. This installation is in harmony with the nuanced collection of flora and fauna that characterize the Renaissance era. Print roses that look natural not only found in dress and female tops, but also for men.

The touch of the Renaissance was increasingly felt with a headdress in the form of gold leaf with a very thick with the history of that period. Even some models use accessories on the hands and faces to make it look artistic.

Meanwhile WWD released, singer Fransesco Bianconi also walked on the runway using a tapestry suit combined with red roses. In addition to flowers, long-haired man is also decorated Gucci collection with a dragon motif on the front of the clothing.

Fransesco also appeared eccentric with jogging pants, ruffle tops and bright burgundy matelassé mantles. He also did not hesitate mengumbar Gucci logo on midi skirt, men's trousers, bomber jacket, and fur.

Despite spending 200,000 euros in renting Pitti Palace, Gucci successfully brings his brand back to his hometown as well as cultural roots in Florence. Gucci also plans to donate 2 million euros within three years in order to restore the Boboli park as part of the 'Primavera di Boboli' cultural project. This fashion show was also attended by Sir Elton John, Beth Ditto, Kirsten Dunst, Dev Hynes, Dakota Johnson, and Soko. (Aulia DH)

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

Worldly Gowns: Miss World 2017 contestants modeling designs of designers from their own nations at the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show/Miss World Top Model Competition", People's Republic of China

Some Photos Courtesy of Miss World Official Facebook Page

The 2017 Miss World Beauty Pageant is taking place in the People's Republic of China with the Grand Finals happening next week on November 18th in Sanya China. Lots of pre-Finals competitions and events have been happening in advance of the final crowning night and earlier this week was one of MY FAVORITES: The Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show and Miss World Top Model" Competition.

Miss World 2017 contestants in their "Word Designer" gowns--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

The Miss World Beauty Pageant has a fabulous fashion show showcasing the contestants modeling gowns created by designers from their home countries and this year they continued the tradition with all the 118 contestants doing just that. The designs were judged and a special award is given to the "World Designer" whose design was judged the best. On the same night, 30 contestants were chosen to compete in the Miss World Top Model competition with the winner being fast-tracked to be in the Top 40. The Miss World 2017 Top Model was the 6 foot+ tall Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue. She was so tall that the gown she wore from a featured Chinese designer was VERY SHORT (see photo below!).

Miss World Supermodel: The winner of the "2017 Miss World Top Model Competition", Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue (2nd from left), with her Runners-up (L to R) Miss World Croatia Tea Nlinaric, Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapat, and Miss World China PR Guan Siyu--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

OK, now to more important matters: MY TOP 15 BEST Gowns worn by the "Miss World 2017" contestants for the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show". I watched the video of the fashion show (watch at the end of this post)--showing all the 118 contestants in her home-designers gowns--and so I have to say that my criteria was based A LOT on how they modeled the designs and basically how they "worked it!"...

Too Typical and Boring...for Miss World Designer--(L to R) Miss World Rwanda Elsa Iradukunda, Miss World Ecuador Romina Zeballos and Miss World Uruguay Melina Carballo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

I also think of this "Miss World "World Designer" Competition/Fashion Show as a way to not just showcase the hometown designers but show some creativity that might be "unique", but still chic and stylish with an Haute taste level. Several contestants wore gowns that, while pretty and OK--looked like they came from a "Pageant and Prom" Shop (like the ones above). And then, there were some that were TACKY-LICIOUS, like the ones below:

Oh Dear!--Miss World 2017 contestants wearing designs that would end up in the "Uh Oh" List (L to R) Miss World Egypt Farah Shaaban, Miss World Scotland Romy McCahill, and Miss World Equatorial Guinea Catalina Mange Ondo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

So...yeah, I wasn't interested in those but more with ones that had a unique creativity and at the same time, looked RUNWAY FAB.



I will start with the actual winner--Miss World Indonesia:

1. Miss World Indonesia Achintya Holte Nilsen: Achintya wore this beautiful creme colored gown from Indonesian brand and designer, Provocate by Melta Tan. And yes, she--or her dress--was judged to be the BEST design from the Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show. The gown was gorgeous and very Haute Couture in its style, design and perfect fit. The dress featured that very popular "nude dress" look with a see-through ivory colored crinoline base with gold sequin applique/embroidery, topped off with a stiffened overskirt that had a sweeping train and the same gold applique that was featured in the main dress. It was pretty much THE PERFECT Miss World gown.

Score: 9.95

2. Miss World Cote D'Ivoire Mandjalia Gbane: Mandjalia wore this SUPER FAB gown above. Her runway presentation was EVERYTHING! She was not only beautiful but supermodel fab. The brick-red colored gown itself also was fab, featuring lots of drama with that outstanding cape and gold details. The fit was IMPECCABLE. Take a look at the length and where all the seams hit: Just right! Mandjalia served them Cote D'Ivoire Couture HUNEY!!

Score: 9.85

3. Miss World Mexico Andrea Meza: OK, I have to say that for Andrea it was A LOT about her FIERCE runway presentation as I watched the video. She blew me away with how she worked this gown overtime and I was excited by the bold neon hue of her highlighter yellow gown. When I finally simmered down my excitement and took a closer look at the entire look including the gown and those UBER KRAY-KRAY strappy platform shoes, it was all a little TOO MUCHEEY but...here's the thing: I LOVED IT! I expect this Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show" to be almost like a Runway/Fashionable version of the "National Costumes Competition" so...for me, Andrea's gown and entire look/presentation was one the BEST!

Score: 9.75

4. Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapak: I LOVED this elegant and classic gown design worn by Miss World Thailand. The golden silk design featured a simple sheath/column gown style with a dramatic "Queen of Siam"-like cape and gold sequined embellishment on the neck and back of the cape at the hem. This was one of those perfect examples of a unique gown that had "hints" of its Thai origins but still did not look like a costume and remained Runway Fab!

Score: 9.60 

5. Miss World Liberia Wokie Dolo: I LOVED this gown worn by Miss World Liberia. This was unique, colorful and entrance-making impacting! The neon yellow/green color looked AMAZING against the contestant's luxurious skin color and I also enjoyed the Haute Couture-like oversized leaf embellishments. This reminded of an old-school Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture gown-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier. If I had any critique, it would be the nude platform heels. Those looked like an afterthought and were the wrong styling choice. But I will just pretend those shoes are not there...for now.

Score: 9.50

6. Miss World India Manushi Chhillar: First off--Miss world India is GORGEOUS! OK, now, onto her gown: Also GORGEOUS! The heavily beaded dress was from Indian designers Falgune and Shane Peacock and featured that popular 'nude gown" look of nude illusion with geometrically placed rhinestones, all ending with a small flourish of pink colored ostrich feathers at the hem. She looked like a Hollywood A-List star on the red carpet of Cannes.

Score: 9.40

7. Miss World China PR Guan Siyu: The "Host Candidate" from the People's Republic of China had the pressure of making her nation's fashion designers proud with her gown choice for the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition...and I think she did quite well! There were elements of Parisian Haute Couture--the fit, silhouette, expensive fabrication, Marie Antoinette mini panier--as well as hints of Chinese Traditional Dress with the neckline/collar, cap sleeves, embroidery. This was a strong World Designer Statement for the beautiful contestant from China. If there was any wish, it would have been stronger more "Runway Diva" hair.

Score: 9.30

8. Miss World Honduras Celia Monterrosa: Three words came to mind when I saw Miss World Honduras SAUNTER down the runway and they were YOU GO GIRL! I mean, seriously, look at her in this photo! Bravo Mija! I thought this royal blue/purple jersey gown was SEXY as all heck, and dramatic (that fabulous cape!) and fit perfectly. It definitely was impacting and she could stop traffic ANYWHERE (and for good reasons!) wearing this.

Score: 9.25

9. Miss World France Aurore Kichenin: Miss World France's gown made my Top 15 List here at No. 9. I thought this was an elegant design that looked refined and very Haute Couture in its intricate and exuberant gold sequined/metallic embroidery. The design featured a column gown with an attached overskirt. It was dramatic but without going over-the-top and reminded me of something from the Lebanese Couturiers who show in Paris, like Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad. I also have the same wish for her as I had for Miss World China: More Diva-like hair; her hairstyle looked way too sporty for such a red carpet-like gown.

Score: 9.10

10. Miss World Vietnam Do My Linh: This gown worn by Miss World Vietnam was stunning, elegant and very entrance-making. While it didn't really have any hints of traditional Vietnamese dress elements (I would have LOVED a Chic Couture Ao Dai perhaps!), it still made a strong classic impact, especially with the beautiful star-studded sequins and flowing overskirt silk chiffon drape.

Score: 9.05

11. Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram: I was impressed with this strapless sequined overskirt-style gown worn by Miss World Guyana. The dress fit very well, was the PERFECT length and the color and fabrication looked rich! I also loved her slicked-back hair and minimal accessories of earrings and a statement ring.

Score: 9.00 

12. Miss World Hungary Virag Koroknyai: OK, I'll be honest, at first I thought "Ummm, that's A LOT of flowers!" but I actually loved this entire look! The fit-and-flare shaped gown itself featured a sheer white iridescent organza-like fabrication with hand-sewn raw-edged flowers and a satin waistband. I loved the raw-edged organza/tulle flourish at the shoulders and yes, I even liked how it was all topped off with a matching hair accessory. It was unique (and in a good way) and made a strong runway impact.

Score: 8.99

13. Miss World Nepal Nikita Chandak: LOVE LOVE LOVE this mermaid-shaped gown worn by Miss World Nepal. It meshed elements of a tradition "pageant gown"(with the silhouette, sweetheart neckline and pouf bottom) as well as East Asian/Nepalese influences with the very rich and striking gold sequin work. She looked like the Queen of Nepal!

Score: 8.95

14. Miss World Canada Cynthia Menard: Cynthia wore this white fit-and-flare gown with a dramatic chiffon cape at the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show and I thought it was a strong enough gown statement that I wanted to include it in my Top 15. She looked like a Runway Snow Angel in this look which was appropriate being that she was from Canada! The silver sequined lace scalloped hem trim reminded me of snowflakes and icicles and I also loved how she presented the design on the runway.

Score: 8.92

15. Miss World Russia Polina Popova: Last but certainly, not least, I also liked this red ballgown worn by the beautiful Polina Popova Miss World Russia. The red was so rich and vibrant, it definitely made everyone stop and gasp a "Wow!" and the gown itself looked expensive and fabulous with the dramatic tiered overskirt covered with hundreds upon hundreds of shimmering paillettes. There was a hint of a Supermodel Russian Doll in the overall look.

Score: 8.90



EXTRA:

Miss World Cook Islands Alanna Smith: I wanted to add Alanna's gown here because it was "different', made a DEFINITE IMPACT as she came down the runway and for its quite glorious way of celebrating her South Pacific islands' flora and fauna. This could have been a perfect costume for her but...it also made for a very glorious gown choice. I absolutely loved the feathered and flowered details at the shoulders/neck/bust and her crown...and the pretty ombre dyed chiffon. This to me, was like the Cook Island version of a very elegant and Haute Indian sari. And for that, I wanted to give Alanna (and whoever designed this) props!

Click below to watch Miss World 2017 "World Designer Fashion Show":





And don't forget to go to AMAZON.COM to Purchase my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book". There are over 25 hand-drawn Pageant Gown Sketches for you to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Click HERE to purchase:

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 Finals: Winner, GOWN RECAP & Best-to-Uh Oh LIST!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 Finals: Winner, GOWN RECAP & Best-to-Uh Oh LIST!

Earthly Beauty: Miss Earth 2017 is Karen Ibasco Miss Earth Philippines--Miss Earth Philippines Crowning Night, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook Page

Saturday night were the Finals of Miss Earth 2017 Beauty Pageant--considered one of the "Grand Slam International Beauty Contests", along with Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Grand International. The contest was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines and the hometown girl won: Karen Ibasco, Miss Earth Philippines was crowned Miss Earth 2017! 

Proud Filipina: Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco of the Philippines holding the Philippines flag, along with (L to R) Miss Earth Air Nina Robertson (Australia), Miss Earth Fire Lada Akimova (Russia), and Miss Earth Water Juliana Franco (Colombia)--Miss Earth 2017 Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

She bested 85 other ladies from all over the world and this is THE THIRD Filipino contestant to win the international beauty pageant in FOUR years (last year's winner, Katherine Espin was from Ecuador)...

Swimming Karen: Karen Ibasco Miss Earth Philippines during the Swimsuit Competition of the Miss Earth 2017 Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Karen is 26 years old,  stands 170 M (5' 7") tall and has a bachelor's and master's degrees in applied physics major in medical physics. She was a contestant in Binibining Pilipinas 2016 (Miss Universe Philippines) where she didn't place. She then went on to compete for Miss Earth Philippines 2017 in July, winning the crown.

Top Two: Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco (L) and Miss Earth Philippines (R)--Miss Earth 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Super Woman Karen: Karen Ibasco Miss Earth Philippines during the "Superhero"-inspired Intro portion of Miss Earth 2017 Finals in the Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Costume Winner: Karen Ibasco Miss Earth Philippines won the Gold Medal for Best Costume of Asia Pacific category wearing this FABULOUS Filipiniana Terno design by Louis Pangilinan--Miss Earth 2017 National Costume Competition

Super Women: Miss Earth 2017 contestants in their "Super Hero" costumes during the Intro of "Miss Earth 2017" Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Now, time to discuss THE FINALS EVENING GOWNS!!!

Gown Gals: Miss Earth 2017 contestants in their evening gowns, awaiting the announcement of the Top 16 Semifinalists--Miss Earth 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

Golden Top Four: (L to R) Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco, Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco, Miss Earth Russia Lana Akimova and Miss Earth Australia Nina Robertson--Miss earth 2017 Crowning Night Finals, Mall of Asia Arena Philippines

During the Finals of Miss Earth 2017, the contestants all came out in their evening gowns when it was time to announce the Top 16 Semifinalists. Then, later, they changed into gold (or yellow) colored gowns. I LOVE this aspect of making all the contestants wear same-coloring gowns at the end. It's different and does give a look of "Gown Unity" at the end. But...at least for an actual Evening Gown Competition portion, the Designer/Red Carpet Commentator/Pageant Fan in me does like the individuality of different colored gowns (or at least, having no "gown boundaries"). Anyhow...here are my thoughts (and SCORES!) of the Top 16 Semifinalist's Gowns. I'll begin with the eventual Winner "Miss Earth Philippines":

Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco (and eventual Miss Earth 2017)--Let me begin with her first gown: I was not really excited about Karen's first dress (top photo)--a pink sequined-and-satin organza number--it lacked any stage presence and had little impact. It was also REALLY LOW on her front torso. Notice that almost 4" of space from her armpit to the edge of the strapless gown; that should only be about 1 1/2"-2" of space. It just seemed very low and I was afraid she would have a "wardrobe malfunction"/Janet Jackson "Super Bowl" Moment!

Much Better: But, I did like the gold colored SECOND GOWN she wore. The style was chic and looked well-made. Two things though: I wish she would not have worn those nude PLATFORM heals (I am NOT A FAN!) and that slit was VERY HIGH...almost TOO HIGH and at several moments in the pageant, I swear I saw her Cha-cha (Lady bits). I think she knew because she kept that sash very close to that area making sure there was no "exposure". But...this second golden gown does make my 4th Best Gown.

Score: 8.90

1.  Miss Earth Vietnam Le Thi Ha Thu: My Number One Gown Choice was the one worn by Miss Earth Vietnam. This off-the-shoulder blue sequined gown was COUTURE FAB! It had amazing stage impact, looked great on the contestant and was draped beautifully. I also LOVED the "fireworks"-like sequins. this was a ballgown to SHUT DOWN all other ballgowns!

Score: 9.20

It reminded me of that GORGEOUS Zuhair Murad "Fireworks"-inspired Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 Collection

2. Miss Earth Venezuela Ninoska Vasquez: Next on the Best Gowns of Miss Earth 2017 Finals was the one worn by Miss Earth Venezuela. Ninoska wore this strapless red duchesse satin gown designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. This gown was definitely impacting (the color! the Couture-worthy draping and folding!), and fit her very well. I love DRAMA in a gown, but only if it's done right. This was done well and worthy enough of being my Top 2 Favorite. If there was any wish, I would have liked that slit/opening to not be SO OPEN. And those were DEFINITELY NOT the right shoes for this kind of gown. REPEAT AFTER ME: Strappy Heals with NO PLATFORM! But...the cut, color, and beautiful drape of this gown...

Score: 9. 00

3. Miss Earth Thailand Paweensouda Droin: The gorgeous Paweensouda (who ALL the Pageant Watchers thought was going to win this pageant!) looked elegant, regal and very pretty in this choice of a royal blue satin gown with sequined embellishment and China Silk back "cape" (top photo). This was a well-cut gown, perfect length (no tacky platform shoes showing!) and color was nice for her. I also thought the gold gown choice was "Pageant Pretty". It wasn't anything extraordinary--gown-wise--but did the job! I'm mainly scoring the royal blue style...

Score: 8.99



4. See Winner, "Miss Earth Philippines" at top of post as my 4th Pick for Best Gown of Miss Earth 2017 Finals.

5. Miss Earth Guatemala Maria Jose Castaneda: Maria Jose wore this golden shimmering gown as she was named in the Top 16. The style was nice, had stage impact and the length was perfect. She was one of the better representatives from the Central American nation in a long time! Someone should send this beautiful woman to the next Miss Universe ASAP.

Score: 8.90

6. Miss Earth Angola Ermelinda De Matos: Ermelinda is so beautiful! She looks like a Barbie Doll! For the Miss Earth 2017 Finals, she wore this silver sequined gown with a creme-colored tulle back overskirt. The gown was right for her and looked stunning but then...

She RUINED it with those UBER PLATFORM Stripper Pumps! WHYYYYYY?????????? If she just wore non-platform strappy silver heels, the length of the gown would have been perfect! But somehow she felt as if she HAD TO do this! No Mija. No.

Score: 8.35 (I'm trying to not look at those TACKY shoes!)

7. Miss Earth USA Andreia Gibau: Miss Earth USA wore this fringe-tastic royal blue gown for the Miss Earth 2017 Finals. The dress had a Las Vegas Showgirl-meets-Figure Skating Costume-meets-Cher quality that, while it was kind of a mess...it was kind of FAB as well. I think that Andreia made it FABULOUS for sure.

Score: 8.20

8. Miss Earth Cameroon Angelene Kossinda: I liked this golden colored gown worn by Miss Earth Cameroon. The color and the skin-tight "Nude Dress" look was on-trend. This was nice. I just wished it was slightly longer and that her breasts weren't so "accented" by sea-shell-looking sequin applique. Once again, this verged on slightly Figure Skating Costume territory...as well as a costume for a Caribbean nation.

Score: 8.10

9. Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco: Ninth on my List of Gowns of the Miss Earth 2017 Finals was this pink concoction worn by Juliana Franco Miss Earth Colombia. The little boy growing up in Venezuela watching those Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageants appreciated the almost "Vintage"-like quality of this pink lace sequined applique gown with stiffened overskirt. It was SOOO Pageant Retro, it brought back to...

Ines Maria Calero "Miss Venezuela 1987" at Miss Universe 1987

And even Ines Maria Calero's wasn't all stiffened. But yes, overall, Miss Earth Colombia's gown was VERY "80's Pageant" but at least it was stage impacting and fit well, and for that...

Score: 8.15

10. Miss Earth Tonga Diamond Langi: I actually liked this gold overskirt ballgown style on Miss Earth Tonga, I was very impressed with the dress and in particular, her sleek styling (loved the hair and makeup!). The length was nice and the dress style itself seemed Haute. However, she lost me when I zero-ed in on the back...

CANNOT ZIP IT UP! Look closely...yes, the gown wasn't closed correctly. Listen, I get that this was probably a sample size gown and did not fit the beautiful "Miss Earth Tonga". And therefore, we end up with this above. But...that's NO EXCUSE when you are competing at an international level. Sorry huney. But at least, the overall look was nice and worthy of my...

Score: 8.00

11. Miss Earth Russia Lada Akimova: Russia's Lada look radiant in this royal blue duchesse satin fit-and-flare gown. From the front, I was a big fan. The color was great, it fir nicely, and the silhouette was regal. Naturally, she had to turn around and...

THE DREADED HANG TAPE! Listen, as a designer, I have been there/done that in terms of sending out models on my runway shows and then seeing photos of the hang-tape hanging out of my gowns. But..I have learned, so now I either have the dressers just CUT THEM OFF (to then sew back on later!) or, I have them hand-sewn onto the dress to ensure that they will NOT pop out. Now, when it comes to being on an international stage at the Miss earth 2017 Finals, NO ONE should see hang tape. Period.

Score: 8.00

Provincial Dress: And then, Miss Earth Russia wore this canary yellow satin dress that looked more "Farmers Daughter" (I swear it's POLYESTER! And what is with the rosette trim at the bottom of the skirt?) that International Beauty Contest Finalist. Just sayin'

12. Miss Earth Switzerland Sarah Laura Peyrel: Sarah Laura is gorgeous. And this red crinkled applique gown made my No. 12 (out of 16) spot here in my Miss Earth 2017 Gowns Recap. At first glimpse, I thought I would like it but then...the fabric was a bit too "Happy Home-sewer" texture-y and...what is with that really low armhole/sleeve?

Score: 7.98

13. Miss Earth Australia Nina Robertson: Half Filipina/half Australian Nina Roberston was a big favorite at the Miss Earth 2017 Finals. This above is what she wore as her first Evening Gown. Four words: It. Was. A. Mess. I'll start with the good: I liked the golden color  but after that...it went Tacky-licious BAAAD: There were feathered cuffs on her sleeves, awkward looking iridescent tulle side godets and then...

She wore these TACKY STRIPPER SIX INCH PLATFORM SHOES!!! And I could see them! There is nothing that says "I am SOOOO SHORT and trying to compensate" than wearing these. Listen, there is NOTHING wrong in not being a six foot tall beauty contestant. But then: OWN IT HUNEY!  These were so tacky! And what hurt me most was that Nina is so pretty!

Score: 7. 50

Better: Well, at least she made it up during the end with this other gold gown. It was slightly more stylish and I couldn't see those TACKY shoes!

14. Miss Earth Czech Republic Iva Uchytilova: Where do I begin? The off-the-shoulder peasant blouse-like top and then THAT skirt with a side opening that was DANGEROUSLY risking exposure of her Lady parts. On a positive note: THOSE SHOES WERE PERFECT!!!!!

Score: 7.48

15. Miss Bosnia & Herzegovina Lela Karagic: We are almost at the end of my No's 1-16 List of Miss earth 2017 Finals Gowns. At #15 is this nude/golden/blush design worn by Miss Earth Bosnia & Herzegovina. Once again, we saw that weird crinkle/sequined fabric (like Miss Earth Switzerland's) but this time it was juxtaposed with nude illusion in a manner that definitely looked like a Figure Skating Costume-meets-a-Pageant Queen. And not in a good way. And then, she wore...

THESE SILVER 1970's DISCO PUMPS! How do you say "NOOOO!!!!!!!" in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian????(the 3 official languages of Bosnia & Herzegovina).

Score: 7.45

16. Miss Earth Netherlamds Faith Landman: Lastly, we have Miss Earth Netherlands in this creme/golden gown. It featured EVERYTHING AND the kitchen sink! Not only was it a Mermaid silhouette, it was also Fit-and-flare, and it had exaggerated "Angel Wing" cape-sleeves...and if that wasn't enough (EDIT! EDIT!!!), there were cascade ruffles at the bottom of the skirt. No. No. And No. Sorry Miss Earth Netherlands. Congratulations on making the Top 16 of Miss Earth 2017 but...

Score: 7.15

CONGRATULATIONS to Karen Ibasco Miss Earth Philippines for winning the Miss Earth 2017 crown! 

And if you LOVE BEAUTY PAGEANTS, Fab Gowns and Fashion Sketching...then you will LOVE my new book "the Pageant Coloring Book"...Click HERE to ORDER on Amazon.com: