SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Ten LEAST FAVORITE Gowns, Gown Disappointments of Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries + a "Special Gown" Mention

SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Ten LEAST FAVORITE Gowns, Gown Disappointments of Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries + a "Special Gown" Mention

The Sale Rack: Some of Least Favorite Gowns seen at the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries

In my last post HERE, I discussed the Top 15 Best Gowns (in my humble opinion) from this past Thursday's Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition. I have to say that for the most part, there were a lot of Good gowns--out of the 80 on display, worn by the beauties from all over the world, there weren't too many cray-cray ones. But...there were some. So, I've compiled a list of my TEN LEAST FAVORITE gowns from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries. Either for the lack of "gown funds" in each national pageant's organization, or lack of taste level, or just lacking anything resembling what a top Hollywood actress and/or model would wear to an important red carpet event, these were among some of the reasons why these ended up here... 

At the end, I also included a couple gowns which disappointed me, especially because the candidates wearing them are A) considered favorites and B) I expected more; plus a "Special Gown Mention"...



The Oh Dear! Gowns:

Miss Guatemala Jeimmy Aburto: Cha-cha Queen Meets Quinciniera. If the rather garish fuchsia-pink sequins weren't enough, somehow the designer decided that it needed more as in clown-like bias hemmed ruffles at the bottom plus nude netting and then let's just do silver diamantes to fill in the space....This would be fun if it was a Gay pride Float for Drag Queen Mermaids. But it isn't.

Score: 5.00

Miss Japan Ariana Miyamoto: Star Trek Meets a Trashy AVN Awards. I just don't know why such a pretty girl would do this to herself; or make such a lack of taste level judgement. I just do not get it, the real point of the Evening Gown Competition--besides having the judge see their "poise" and "elegance", it is also to see if they have a level of taste. After all, if you are the new Miss Universe, you'll be walking many Red Carpets, and you don't want to end up on the WORST List. Here, with this gold high side-slit pleather concoction with black and white printed chiffon back details, Miss Universe Japan failed. I am soooo confused.

Score: 6.00

Miss Bulgaria Radostina Todorova: Ah, as they say in the South: "Bless Her Heart". Which really translates to "GURL! You are a Mess!". This is sweet and cute, if she was 18 and it was a New Year's Eve Dance in Missouri. But it ain't, it's THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT! The dress looks off-the-rack, cheap, it's too short...well, I'll just stop there. I, at least, give her points for wearing strappy heels and not those clunky platform heels.

Score: 6.00

Miss Montenegro Maja Cukic: I'll give Miss Universe Montenegro the benefit of the doubt and say that she was going for a more "Artsy" look--or at least the designer was. Here's a suggestion: DON'T. The top looks as if a nasty cat got to it while she was away and the skirt is "meh" and then she wore RED SHOES with this? Oh Dear!

Score: 6.00

Miss Albania Megi Luka: Megi looks very pretty. She's got an angelic, gorgeous face so part of me understands her choosing such a "sweet" gown but at the same time, I would have loved to have seen her in something more red carpet sexy fab. This velvet dress is more appropriate as a costume for Rome & Juliet.

Score: 6.25

Miss Hungary Nikoletta Nagy: I love canary yellow but the combination of the bright satin, with the gold lace and then gold sequins and the (yeah, there's more!), crystal straps in the front torso...it's all a bit cheap-looking and Tacky-licious. It's also very Quincieniera "Ayyy Mija!".

Score: 6.00

Miss Norway Martine Rodseth: This silver sequined and red crepe halter gown is not bad, it's just dated and not exciting. This is a gown one could find at an "After Five" section of a local department store and perfect for a Mother-of-the-Bride, or guest at the wedding. But not Fashion Fab or Couture enough for the Miss Universe pageant.

Score: 6.00

Miss Slovak Republic Denisa Vysnovska: Interestingly enough, this blue strapless ball gown was also her "national costume" (photo above from the Miss Universe 2015 National Costume Presentation); she just added some extra trim and a flowered headdress. This gown looks sweet but sweet is not enough. It also looks very polyester-y and that lace trim is better for grandma's tablecloth.

Score: 6.25

Miss Serbia Dasa Radosavljevic: This gold sequin dress is fine if you are a background dancer at a Cruise Ship's Dinner Theater show, but it looks cheap and tacky for Miss Universe. I could find this fabric for $2.99/yard in Downtown LA. That's not a good thing.

Score: 5.00

Miss Bolivia Romina Rocamonje: On a good note, this red satin with sequin side applique looks expensive and well made. But it's just Too-Mucheey for Romina. The back pouf overskirt was distracting as she walked onstage and frankly unnecessary in terms of design.. And then, there are those UBER platform pumps!!! Those SCARE me and bring memories of Naomi Campbell falling down on the Vivienne Westwood runway show back in 1993.

Score: 6.75

Could Have Been Better Gowns---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've selected the following two ladies--and their gowns--because these two--Miss Italy and Miss Venezuela--are two favorites for the Miss Universe 2015 crown (according to beauty pageant followers/fans) and I was just a bit surprised that their choice of gowns weren't impacting or couture-strong enough. I just expected more "Wow!".

Miss Italy Giada Pezzaioli: This wasn't a bad gown, it was just a bit too busy and confusing and instead of highlighting Giada and how stunning and model-like she is, she got lost in the gown and it almost aged her as well. I also just didn't understand the back olive-and-black "capes" and how that went with the black and nude sequin applique gown; it didn't make sense and also looked like an afterthought and an addition that shouldn't have been added.

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: I loved the color of this gown and the gorgeous ombre-like sequined degrade. The gown also fit well and was the perfect length. But...I just expected more "Wow!". This gown just didn't get my "Couture Heart" beating as some of the usual Miss Venezuela gowns do. I also wasn't a fan of her styling--the hair looked a little too "Pageant Pretty" and slightly late 90's dated.



Special Gown Mention for Originality-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Sweden Paulina Brodd: Now, I know what you may be thinking: "Has Nick lost his gown mind??" No, I haven't. I kinda like this gown, I admit, mainly for the fact that the sequin applique/print/colors were very striking and it was one of the most original gown styles from the Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Preliminary Competition. I get that this could be considered a tad Cray-Cray but it's Good Cray-cray, at least in my eyes!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Philippines Universe Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Finals EVENING GOWN RECAP!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Philippines Universe Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Finals EVENING GOWN RECAP!

Evening Gown Best & Uh Oh: Bibibining Pilipinas Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Finals

And the Winner Is...Maxine Medina is crowned Binibining Pilipinas Miss Universe Philippines 2016

Photos courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook

The finals of the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 occurred Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila Philippines. The winner of Binibining Pilipinas becomes "Miss Universe Philippines" and goes on to represent her nation in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant slated for the end of this year.

 Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina

There were 40 total contestants vying for the coveted crown and the winner was #29 Maxine Medina representing Quezon City. Medina is an interior designer and model who, according to Wikipedia, stands 5' 7 1/4" (that 1/4" is very important!). She will now try and follow in her predecessor's high heels (!)--last year's winner Pia Wurtzbach--who won the Miss Universe title. Speaking of Pia, she was present to crown the new winner and for her traditional "Farewell Walk". She looked radiantly gorgeous in a white satin gown with nude illusion top section:

Byeeeeeeee!!!!! Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach during her "Farewell Walk" at the Binibining Pilipnas 2016 beauty pageant

                                         Photos courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook

Best Costume Design goes to... Bb #3 Angela Fernando in Frederick Peralta

Photo courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook

And now to I want to really discuss: THE EVENING GOWNS!!!

                                        Photos courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook



Gown Parade: It is always a thrill to see the evening gowns in a top national pageant, such as Binibining Pilipinas/Miss Universe Philippines. This year's gown parade featured LOTS of very "Pageant and prom"-looking gowns. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but as I was watching the show--and then looking at the individual photos--it seemed more and more as if the organizers had gone to one big "Pageant & Prom" store (albeit a little more upscale one!) and gathered up 40 gowns to then be worn by the contestants. There was LOTS of glitter, lots of semi-Pageant Betty, and of course, a mermaid...or three, as well as enough illusion backs to make a figure skater blush with delight! Within the 40 gowns on display, I have narrowed down my Top ten Favorite as well as my top 5 Not-So Favorites. So, let's begin with...

My TOP TEN Favorite gowns of Binibining Pilipinas 2016:

All photos courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas Facebook

Bb #16 Vina Openiano: If I had to pick a favorite, it would be this canary yellow gown worn by Vina Openiano. I loved the color, the sequin applique and the shape fit her very well. She looked like a Pageant Goddess. Her hair and makeup were DIVA-licious, as well!

Score: 9.4

Bb #36 Maria Gigante: coming in a close second was this strapless silver sequined gown with a layer of aquamarine iridescent tulle, worn by Maria Gigante. I though the gown was exquisite and regal-like in its elegant simplicity. The bustier sequin detail was quite nice and she looked fresh and modern with her hair and makeup choices.

Score: 9.35

Bb #37 Jehza Mae Huelar: I thought this was one of the better gown styles, especially because of its clean and elegant lines and no-fuss and overly glittery "pageant" design. The "Mermaid Lite" shape on this emerald green satin gown showed Jehza's silhouette quite well and I loved the diagonal crystal details as well as one shoulder neckline. If there was any critique it was that I would have suggested no earrings with this; keep it clean and simple.

Score: 9.30

Bb #3 Angela Lauren Fernando: Angela's red paillette and silver sequin gown was a stunner onstage, particularly because of the impacting color and royal-looking sequin applique detail. The gown fit well and made a definite statement with the sweeping hem.

Score: 9.25

Bb #31 Kylie Buenaventura Verzosa: Kylie was one of the favorites to win the pageant and instead, she had to settle for the Binibining Pilipinas International tile, or basically, she was the First Runner-up (not a bad place to be!). She wore a very flowy voluminous chiffon gown that featured a fitted sequined top section and violet-hued ombre shaping effect. She worked the stage overtime and was very impacting. It was nice to see a non-fitted design and especially one that was very pretty.

Score: 9.25

Bb #33 Leonalyn dela Cruz: My favorite part of this design and gown is the bust section and that intricate sequin work. I wished the gown did not have that side-front slit, but I get the design decision to put it in there; it's very Pageant-perfect. But for a true red carpet fab gown/design, it wouldn't need that high slit.

Score: 9.10

Bb #13 Joanna Louise Eden: Simple, elegant...chic. Love the emerald green color, the lack of sequin cha-cha-ness (quelle surprise!!??). This is a gown that would truly be worn at a top red carpet awards show and/or worn by Queen Rania at a Gala fundraising event; very elegant.

Score: 9.15

Bb #32 Jennyline Carla Malpaya: Love the blue and white strapless gown worn by Jennyline. The bold sequin design is almost national costume-like but it makes such a strong impact.

Score: 9.15

Bb #27 Dindi Joy Pajares: I love a good one-shoulder gown and this was a nice one. While I am not so sure how necessary it was to add that iridescent organza cascade over-layer, it did add a multi-dimensional interest to the gown silhouette. The nude pumps, however, were a MISS! Silver strappy heels would have been much, much better!

Score: 9.05

Bb #1 Gail Doraine Ventic: Finally, in terms of my Top ten, I wanted to add what I thought was one of the best of the Mermaid Queens. This blush colored gown with white scroll-like applique was impacting and made a statement on the stage. I would argue that the pointed lace applique at the hem of the gown wasn't necessary, however. This was a simple case of leave it alone...keep it simple, elegant and chic.

Score: 9.00



Honorable Gown Mention: 1990's Over-the-Top Good

Bb #26 Jennifer Ruth Hammond: Finally, I want to add Jennifer's gown and design in my Top Ten list as a "Gown Alternate". First off, in terms of any negatives, it is A LOT of gown and yes, it is a bit 1996 in it's design. But...the red color looks beautiful on her and the sequin work on the torso is quite nice. Does this gown remind one of a Figure Skating Costume gone Gown-haywire? Probably, but, Jennifer still worked it overtime!

Score: 8.99

And now...My "Uh No!" List-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bb #17 Priscilla Kimberley dela Cruz: Well, where do I begin with this one? Priscilla wore this silver gown with what seemed like Christmas ornaments stuck to her shoulders and all around her gown. It's a bit of a mess. The design was like Star Treck-meets-Christmas. And that's not a good thing. And then, someone gave her the unfortunate advice to actually ADD those too-big earrings and a necklace! This was the definition TOO MUCHEEY.

Bb #20 Geisha Naganuma: I am assuming that there was a pearl and sea theme to this gown design. This might have worked if it was a Fashion Student design competition inspired by French Polynesia. But as a gown for Miss Universe Philippines...nope. The cray-cray holes in the gown were dumbfounding. Truly.

Bb #34 Sarah Christine Bona: For a hot minute, I almost thought this gown design was kind of fabulous. But then I put down my glass of red wine. On a positive note: I do like the gold applique detail which is very "Met Museum Guo Pei-like" but the nude iridescent organza (tacky) and the pointed applique right there in her YOU-KNOW-What...even more tacky. Sorry Sarah, this was an 'Uh-Oh" gown for sure.

Bb #24 Niza sabrina Sophia Limjab: This green lace and silver sequined strapless gown looked cheap. Plain and simple. I think the combination of the bright green and silver was not a good thing but I especially think that it did not help to bring so much attention to her...sistahs! This design was verging on something a Vegas stripper might wear to one of her clubs "red carpet events".

Bb #35 Mariella Castillo: At first glance, I thought "OK, this seems to be an OK gown". But then I put on my reading glasses (to get a close-up look at the gown) and saw these awkward darts on the bust. I IMMEDIATELY knew what they were about: the gown did not fit the beautiful Mariella correctly and someone--the alterations person--decided to do a "Mickey Mouse" (what I call a quick sewing fix) and alter the bust to fit her better. But kids, I noticed it, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one...

Bust Side Dart Not: In fact, it looks like a store-bought dress that has been altered at the last minute by someone who had about one semester's worth of sewing class. As they say in the South: Bless Her Heart.



Last but not least, I have to add the Winner--the beautiful Maxine Medina--and her gown choice, in my "Uh Oh" section...

Bb #29 Maxine Medina: While I LOVED the deep raspberry/fuchsia color of her gown and the fit was perfection, the overall design was two seconds away from a Pageant Betty/Prom & Pageant-licious Gown. I might be slightly too design critical but, this design was not worthy of the winner of Miss Philippines Universe and I sure hope she looks somewhere else when it comes to what she wears at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant. What took it over the tasteless edge for me was...the bow in the back. While it was sweet and pretty, it was rather amateur; I wish the bow was more of a couture-like Obi or abstractly-draped bow, but just a regular ol' bow?? A future Miss Universe doesn't wear bows on her gown; that's for her 15-year old cousin.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Winners and to Maxine Medina, the new Binibining Pilipinas 2016. Let's hope she stays away from Pageant Betty bows.

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 National Costumes--My Top Ten (there's a 11 because of a tie) Best!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 National Costumes--My Top Ten (there's a 11 because of a tie) Best!

Viva Feathers, Incan, Aztecan Empresses, UBER Sequins, a Fab Jumpsuit and yes, a Lady with a Torch...

 Statue of Fab Liberty: Miss USA Olivia Culpo--Is her costume one of my Faves? Read on...

Last Friday was the Miss Universe 2012 "National Costume Presentation Show". It was held at the same stage the "Miss Universe 2012" Finals will be this Wednesday--at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas. The Miss Universe pageant is famous for it's traditional "Parade of Nations" and frankly, I miss the good ol' days when the actual LIVE telecasts would begin with the girls introducing themselves in their national costumes, as host Bob Barker read their names and countries (I miss Bob Barker!). But alas, those days are waaaayyyy gone. Now, we have this "Presentation Show". I 'm just happy that at the very least, we--the fans--still get to see the costumes.

Nick Verreos Original Illustration--A Sketch I did of my imaginary "Miss Venezuela" presenting herself at the "Miss Universe Parade of Nations" many years ago

As a little boy, I would sketch all the Miss Universe contestants in their national costumes and it became a way for me to express my design and sketching talent--and keep myself busy (yes, kids, this was waaayyy before Facebook!). So you see, Miss Universe can help little boys--and also help as a Geography Lesson! But (as usual) I digress...let's discuss the Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Show--and my Top Favorites:



No. 1:

Miss China Ji Dan Xu: Miss Universe China dazzled the audience--and ME (!) watching the LIVE Ustream feed---on
Friday night as she entered the stage in her "National Costume". It was a
stand-out of a gown inspired by the Ming Dynasty vases accessorized by a
"fan" headdress. Probably THE BEST of this year's "Miss Universe 2012"...

I recognized it a couple of weeks ago in this post HERE that this "National Costume" was actually a creation from Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei's "Arabian 1002th Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection (photo above).



No. 2:

Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez: One word: WOW. Of all the Native
Feathered Incan/Aztec/Mayan Empress Goddess costumes that were seen on Friday night's Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Presentation Show, her's
was one of the most impressive. If not, the BEST of those styles. This costume was
supposed to represent all the silver that Mexico is famous for as well
as featured a back that highlighted the Mexican culture. Muy impresionante. To me, her costume came in a very close Second to China's.




No. 3:

Miss Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit: This was definitely one of THE BEST at the National Costume Presentation Show on Friday night and that is why she is here, at No. 3. The immense amount of sequins, crystals, paillettes, the colors, the applique sculptures. This was A WORK of Costume ART. It should be in a Museum. Like tomorrow. And I really, really hope whoever designed and created was payed A LOT of money for their work. And I hope they flew them First Class to Las Vegas to see their work on stage. It's the least the Miss Nicaragua Organization could have done.



No. 4:

Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: Nathalie delighted the audience in her sequined jumpsuit featuring blue, red and white (colors of the flag of the Netherlands) flowing chiffon and four moving mini "windmills" atop her shoulders. This was a fun, very creative way of displaying the wonder of the famous Dutch windmills. I loved how the mini windmills moved, the chiffon "blew" in the wind and her stacked platform heels matched her jumpsuit's sequin fabrication.Original, fun, well-made, stage-perfect and filled in the element of "Holland Pride". According to the script/notes that co-host Shanna Moakler read, it was designed by a Venezuelan designer.



No. 5:

Miss Israel Lina Makhuli: The "Star of David" Queen...or shall I say DIVA. This gown could be straight out of a Stephane Rolland Haute Couture runway show in Paris. I could easily see it in an awards show red carpet--sans the gold arm flaps, hood and Star of David, of course--but with all of those "bells and whistles", I applaud this and acknowledge it as a very COUTURE Runway-fabulous Miss Israel costume.



No. 6:

Miss Peru Nicole Faveron: This Peruvian QUEEN needs to be sitting on top of Machu Picchu ASAP! What a amazingly glorious costume: the corseted shorts-bodysuit, the wondrous and very elaborate cape, the crown with the Peruvian flag colored feathers...THOSE above-the-knee boots! Here's another costume that needs to be in a museum. One of the best I've ever seen!



No. 7:

Miss Panama Stephanie Vander Werf: I have NO IDEA how she got all them feathers through A) Customs and B) in some sort of a suitcase. I sure hope that Miss Panama Organization---or Government--somehow waived those luggage fees! This is a great Native Costume. It's perfect for the theme, dramatic, Miss Universe "Parade of Nations"-appropriate...and very Sexy Chica!



No. 8:

Miss Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft: Three words--She LIT UP! Notice in the photo how the sequins/crystals were actually lights that "lit" up. I LOVED this costume from Miss Universe Sri Lanka. The gold paillete column gown, the fan crystal-and-lights headdress...She looked like a Sri Lankan Goddess that I want to light incense in front of! For sure.



No. 9:

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus: Gabriela's costume was not your typical "Rio Carnival Queen" costume. And I have to admit, that is part of the reason I am giving her "Nick Points". I absolutely love the mural of BRASIL that is displayed on her dress; it is SPECTACULAR! And the colors, the feathers, the cut of the ensemble...all add up to one of my Top Ten!



No. 10:

Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: In terms of Costume Campy...Miss Universe Great Britain gets my vote! I want to know where I can get this jumpsuit! She's like "Wonder Woman UK". The Queen should be proud.



No. 10 (Tied!):

Miss USA Olivia Culpo: Olivia wore this "Statue of Liberty" Fantasy costume for the Miss Universe National Costume Presentation Show. The ensemble was designed and created by Costume Designer Martin Izquierdo and his team--which included Project Runway Season 6 alumn Nicolas Putvinski. Miss USA's costume is on my list of Top Miss Universe 2012 Costumes because, I think it perfectly blends a "US National" element with theater, with a great modern impact. Love how the headdress resembles a sparkling show of fireworks via metallic and sequined stars of various shapes and colors. All of that, therefore, puts her in my Top Ten (in a tie with Great Britain).



Click below to watch the Behind-the-Scenes of Miss USA's Costume--with Martin Izquierdo and Nicolas Putvinski (of Project Runway Season 6) in the background: