WHO WORE WHAT?.....2017 Latin Billboard Awards: Plunging Cha-Chas, Muy Bueno & Oh Oh!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....2017 Latin Billboard Awards: Plunging Cha-Chas, Muy Bueno & Oh Oh!

Flawless: Jennifer Lopez arrives at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards--University of Miami Watsco Center, Coral Gales Florida

Last night were the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards, which took place in the Miami area at the University of Miami Watsco center in Coral Gables and were televised on Telemundo. This is one of the biggest nights in music awards and therefore the Latino stars were out in their finest red carpet couture. In this edition of my "Who Wore What?" blog, I will discuss my "Best Dressed" plus some trends including "Sequined Queens", Ballgown Ladies", and yes, the dreaded "Uh NOOOOO/Ayyyy Mija!". But of course, I have to begin with The Most A-List of all A-List stars that was at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards and that was Miss J Lo.

Jennifer Lopez: You just know that any time La Lopez is going to walk a red carpet and especially a high profile one like this one, she is going to SHUT IT DOWN. And Si...she did! I swear this woman was trained by a pack of Drag Queens. And the most fabulous ones at that! Her poses, her Do You Wanna Have S*x With Me" Looks...the outfits! The word DIVA doesn't even begin to describe her. Here, she did not disappoint, walking the red carpet in a black sequined see-through gown from British designer Julien Macdonald and his Fall/Winter 2017 collection.

Julien Macdonald Fall/Winter 2017

The gown featured a plunging neckline (of course!), VERY revealing side cut-out's, an open back plus, if that wasn't enough, a super high center front slit. Oh, and for "modesty", there were sleeves. She looked AMAZING. Now, while on any other actress or singer, this would go into the realm of "Hoochie/Chonchee Land", somehow, Jennifer Lopez pulls it off and put every other female attending the event to red carpet shame. And in case you were curious at what the back looked like, well kids, here it is:

Sexy-Licious: Jennifer Lopez at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards red carpet--University of Miami Watsco Center, Coral Gables Florida

Jennifer also did an outfit change (of course!) and donned this silver-and-gold creation during the show:

A LOTTTTA Plunging: This gown was also a design from Julien Macdonald Fall/Winter2017 collection, and featured similar side-cut-out's, waistband and center front slit as her red carpet look, but yet, this one was even more revealing. Oh, and it was in silver/gold sequins. I have to admit that I liked the black gown much better. I just think that the front was TOO opened for her, and especially, her "sistahs". It also looked a bit too tight on her.



Now, besides JLo in the black Julien Macdonald sequined gown that she wore on the red carpet, I have a couple of other "Best Dressed" Muchachas...My other Best Dressed gals were:

Daniela Botero: Colombian beauty Daniela Botero wore this silver strapless dress from Venezuelan-born and Paris-based designer Oscar Carvallo. I thought she was one of the BEST DRESSED of the night. I loved this silver "bandage"-like dress; it was chic, modern, not too revealing, great length and fit her perfectly. I also loved her hair and makeup. Muy bien!

Kate Del Castillo: Mexican Telenovela DIVA Kate Del Castillo wore one of my other favorite looks of the night in this one shoulder gown from Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran and his Fall/Winter 2017 collection. I thought Kate looked like a true red carpet movie star--or Telenovela/TV star! The gown was modern, elegant and runway fab! I also thought her super chic slicked hair and sultry makeup were on-point! Muy, muy bien!



And now, let's discuss some of the Trends and the Ayyy Mija's, starting with...

The Plunging Cha-Cha's------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jennifer Lopez: It goes without saying (even though here I am saying it!), J Lo was the Queen of Plunging at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards--both on the red carpet and onstage. Since I have already discussed her, it's time to talk about the other ladies who were chest happy--for good or bad. (good for the straight boys I guess!).

Jackie Cruz: "Orange Is The New Black" actress who plays "Flaca", Jackie Cruz wore this black tuxedo-inspired gown. I liked the gown. I thought it was interesting and a nice modern twist on "Le Smoking" and loved the side draped skirt and strong shoulders but...I just think the boobies were TOO MUCCCCHIE. I'm sure there are others who would disagree but, they were distracting. I LOVED everything else--the gown, the design, her shoes, her hair and makeup--it was just the TOO MUCHIE Cha-Cha's.

Aracely Arambula: Mexican actress and former partner of Mexican music icon Luis Miguel wore this rose-embellished black gown which had a plunging neckline, at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards red carpet. The gown fit beautifully and she looked sultry and sexy. I liked this gown and this look on her. It wasn't too plunging and the "sistahs" weren't too "out there" (Gracias a Dios!).

Patrica Zavala: Venezuelan actress and E! Entertainment Latino host of "Coffee Break", gown from Kuwaiti fashion brand La Bourjoisie, famous for dressing Britney Spears and many other A-List celebs. I liked this silver sequined gown. It had the peek-a-boo cut-out's (like J Lo's) and waistband detail as well as nude illusion panels. I also liked that the plunging neckline opening wasn't too tasteless (like Jackie Cruz'). Patricia looked like a "Miss Universe" winner in this gown! It was Pageant Fab plus did the job for the red carpet.

Natti Natasha: Dominican reggaeton/Latin pop singer Natti Natasha wore this silver and blue paillette-sequined gown from NY-based bridal and cocktail brand THEIA Couture. The gown didn't necessarily have a "plunging neckline" but...Natti's mijas were on display for sure in this dress. I liked the dress and especially the original swirl-like sequined detail. I also liked her center-part hairstyle but even though this dress wasn't too revealing, I just felt she was on the verge of "Ayy Mija" with her boobie-licious neckline.

Chiquis Rivera: Singer and TV personality--and eldest daughter of Jenni Rivera--wore this blue-violet mermaid-shaped gown by Bao Tranchi--famous for her bodysuits. I bow down to Chiquis because I thought she looked AMAZING!! I loved this gown on her and thought it really made her look like a Red Carpet Goddess! Bravo Miss Chiquis and Bravo Bao Tranchi!

Eva Longoria: Eva wore this white caped-back jumpsuit from Italian designer Elisabetta Franchi and her Spring/Summer 2017 collection. The jumpsuit--which looks more like a jacket and pants--featured a plunging neckline, fitted midriff and lovely shawl collar. I liked this on Eva but I just felt the pants were way too long; I just wanted to go in there and take about 2-3" off the hem. This is sloppy work on the part of the stylist and/or tailor.



The Sequin Queens-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ximena Duque: Colombian actress and model Ximena Duque wore this golden sequined gown from NY-based Custom Wedding and Evening Gown designer Lucia Rodriguez. I thought she looked quite beautiful. The gown itself was simple in its silhouette and design but it's all about that fabric; STUNNING! I also loved the perfect fit and length as well as modern hairstyle. Thank goodness she didn't do a "Pageant Betty" bun or something to that effect because then she really would have looked like a Miss Colombia contestant during the evening gown competition.

Alexandra Pomales: Actress/TV Host/Model Alexandra Pomales wore this pink sequined dress from Miami-based fashion brand Evelli by Susan Panter. I liked this gown and style on Alexandra. The gown fit beautifully and I liked the simple tank  shape with the strappy center front neckline accents. I was a bit surprised by the choice of those turquoise (or are they green?) hoop-y earrings but I will cut her some red carpet slack. Next time: Lose those earrings mija!

Sofia Reyes: Mexican singer-songwriter/actress wore this baby blue tulle and lace/sequined applique gown at the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards Red Carpet. It was an OK gown but honestly, it was just a bit too "Figure Skating Costume" (and I LOVE figure skating costumes!). It just looked like "Marchesa on a Budget". But I still thought she looked pretty and I do love that kooky top-knot bun.

Rosina Grosso: Telemundo and Yahoo Sports host Rosina Grosso walked the red carpet in this emerald green sequin-and-tulle gown by Miami-based Andrea Tankovitz. It was A LOT of gown. Especially for the Latin Billboard Awards. I can see this if you are a contestant in the "Miss Universe"  or "Miss Venezuela" pageant but in the Latin Billboard Awards? Not so mucheeey. It was just a lot.

Jessica Carrillo: Telemundo "Al Rojo Vivo" reporter Jessica Carillo wore this ivory sequined applique gown from Dominican designer Giannina Azar. While I appreciated the sequined detail, this looked aged Jessica and it was just too Pageant Betty for her. Especially for a "hip" and "cool" event such as the Latin Billboard Awards. It's a pretty dress but not for this event. She should have saved this for reporting on the next "Miss Universe" pageant. Bad stylist advice.

Kathy K: Singer Kathy K. wore this sequined sheath halter-neck column dress. I liked the dress in its simplicity and design. The only complaint would be the too-dark eyebrows and too-heavy makeup. Otherwise, her dress was OK!

Maria Leon: Actress/singer Maria Leon wore this golden/blush colored sequined gown from Kuwait-based fashion brand, Lioness Couture. This was a nice gown and it fit her beautifully--and I did love her 40's-like swept hairdo--but once again, I thought a plunging neckline, slit-front sequined gown--might have been TOO MUCHEEEY for the Latin Billboard Awards. Once again, this might have been better suited for a "Miss Colombia" or "Miss Panama" during the "Miss Universe" Evening Gown competition. Or the Golden Globes!

Miriam Isa: E! News  Latino Correspondent Miriam Isa wore this strawberry-colored sequined gown from Kuwaiti fashion brand Lioness Couture (same as Maria Leon before her). I liked the dress and simple silhouette. Nothing wrong with the dress but for the Latin Awards Show, a right-below-the-knee version might have been more chic!



The Ballgown Gals--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Becky G: Singer/songwriter and "Power Ranger" actress Becky G wore this rust-colored ballgown at last night's 2017 Latin Billboard Awards red carpet. She looked pretty. I loved her bob-like hairstyle and sweet, clean makeup. In terms of the gown, it was OK; there was nothing extraordinary about it, but I liked the color and fit; I just wasn't a fan of the illusion center front panel. That just screamed "Prom & Pageant".

Angelica Celaya: Don't know who Angelica Celaya is but MIJAAAA, now I want to!!! First off, she looked like a "Mad Men"/Hollywood Glamour Diva in her 50's/60's-like look, silhouette and Rita Hayworth-like hairstyle! The beautiful actress was wearing this strapless ballgown from Venezuelan designer Nicolas Felizola. The gown was EXQUISITE! I loved the black and white Hounds-tooth-like tweed fabrication and the side pockets! If there was any critique, it was just the fit of the top bustier section; I just wanted to pull the cups in tighter! Otherwise, she looked as if she was "serving" her "Sistah's" up to the highest bidder!

Finally...Uh NO/Ayyy Mijas--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Danna Paola: Singer/actress Danna Paola wore this nude iridescent organza with flower detail dress from Mexican brand Lila Masaryk. She looked a MESS. I get where she was going with this--the see-through effect; the undergarments showing; the Dolce & Gabbana-like flower applique...but it was just all so 2014! Even Pageant girls have moved on from this look. Not cute, just kind of tacky-licious.

Salice Rose: Instagram and YouTube Social Media Star Salice Rose wore this red velvet dress to the 2017 Latin Billboard Awards. Now, I have to admit that I must be an old person because I had NO IDEA of who Salice was and the fact that she has 5.2 MILLION Instagram followers! First: Good for her. But, this red dress outfit was a Chonchee Mess, no matter how many followers she has! The dress was too short, the black platform pumps were so 2002, and the blue nail polish was Las Vegas Stripper tacky. She looks like a sweet girl and again, I bow down to her for being a Social Media Star but maybe she should hire a stylist with all that "Social Media Influencer" money to style her in a more updated classy way.



Finally...

Monique "Momo" Gonzalez: Singer "Momo" walked the red carpet in this dress by  Miami-based designer Andrea Tankovitz (who somehow also created the sequined emerald green gown worn by Rosina Grosso!). I was just perplexed by this look. I get the sort of Valentino-like writing-on-a-gown thing but, then this style had these super-high tacky slits (not just one but TWO!) and then, the plunging V-neck...it was just tacky. On a good note: I thought her hair and makeup was nice--she looked sexy good! And Gracias a Dios she styled it with nude strappy heels. And the back view wasn't too bad! But the overall front view was something that would bring "Project Runway" judge Nina Garcia to tears. Enough said. Monique is so beautiful and so sexy on her own, there is no need to push it to this "Uh Oh" level.

65th Annual Tony Awards: Red Carpet Gets the "Nick Two Cents" Treatment

65th Annual Tony Awards: Red Carpet Gets the "Nick Two Cents" Treatment

Theater Red Carpet Queens...

Last night was the 65th Annual Tony Awards (yes, there was something going on BESIDES the NBA Finals kids!! Well, at least for me!). I had the privilege of being invited to the West Coast Tony Award Viewing Party Fundraiser given by The Actors Fund (more on that in a later post). But for now, I must give my "Nick V. Two Cents" on the Tony Awards Red Carpet Fashion--some good, some not-so-much and see who wins my "Oh Whoopi Award" as well as "Why Even Show Up Award" and of course, who were the CUTEST COUPLE...

Let's begin with Miss Brooke:

Brooke Shields in J. Mendel by Gilles Mendel. Forget the fact that she couldn't read the teleprompter last night, for a three line mini-song. Please, let's try and forget. Let's discuss her strapless gown. This is a beautiful Grecian-inspired chiffon gown and I applaud Brooke (who isn't your size 4 sample size) for wearing something that has wonderful drape and movement. My one problem is the color. PUTTY is not a tone that looks particularly good on anyone. Miss Brooke loves her light colored dresses, but this greenish-gray, well, is not the best.

Ellen Barkin in L'Wren Scott: Tony Award Winner for Best Actress in a Play Ellen Barkin, wore a black column of a gown by Mick Jagger's gorgeous "lady-friend"--and talented designer--L'Wren Scott. Onstage, she looked flawless. Opening up the neck with that deep-V neckline: Ten Points! Covering the arms with sheer delicate lace: Ten Points. Perfect Fit: Another Ten Points! Well, Miss Barkin, you win my award for one of the Best Dressed at the Tonys!!

Christie Brinkley in Zuhair Murad: Oh Miss Chrstie. If anyone watched last night and saw her presentation...why did she look all "KRAZEE Eyed"??? Well, that's neither here nor there--what's important is what she wore. This baby blue silk satin strapless "Mermaid"-silhouette gown with back bow detail was A LOT of Gown--for even the Tonys. It was very "Miss Universe Pageant" I must say (and I do like that as y'all know!). But somehow, the style, and the hair style--well, it reminded me of a blue version of the gown I designed for Barbie and her 50th Anniversary 2 years ago. It was a bit--dare I say--Barbie...

Judith Light in Alexander McQueen. Judith is a Diva and knows her fashion and there is no denying when this lady walks in the room, people are taking notice. Fa-Fa-FIERCE!!! I even love the Farrah-Fawcett "feathered" hair!!

Sutton Foster in Michael Kors: Gorgeous Sutton Foster won last night for Best Actress in a Musical for the Revival of "Anything Goes". She is a TRIPLE THREAT_--singer, dancer, actress!! Well, I'll add one more: Fashion Gal!! This color is a very difficult color to pull off--think about it: PEA color! If I saw this in a fabric color swatch, even I would pass. But Sutton looked elegant in this multi-tiered strapless dress. This gown could have easily looked like the drapes from Grandma's House, but it didn't.

Tammy Blanchard in Georges Chakra: Tony Award Nominee for Best Featured Actress in a Musical "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying"

Actress Tammy Blanchard (she's most famous playing a teenage Judy Garland in the Made-for-TV Movie) went "Hollywood Glamour" with this electric blue head-to-toe sequined cowl-necked gown from Lebanese Designer Georges Chakra; she's "GIVING it" to you kids in this dress. I especially like that she pulled back her hair in a chignon to finish it all up. Anything else, and she would have looked as if she was doing "Dinner Piano Cabaret" at the Flamingo!

Viola Davis: Last year's Tony Award Winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actress In A Play, presented last night in this beautiful raspberry colored gown. I LOVE this color and dare I say it, it just might be THE COLOR of the season (just take a look at my current Spring 2011 NIKOLAKI Collection for that!). I only wish she would have made a better shoe choice.

Diva Of The Night Awards Goes To:

Catherine Zeta-Jones in Elie Saab: Wow! Yes, that's all I could say when I saw Miss Catherine Zeta-Jones take the stage last night at the 2011 Tony Awards. All-over sequined fire-red backless gown from Lebanese Designer Elie Saab. Simply stunning. Her body: A Second Wow! If I had one little bit of criticism was how high her empire/underbust seam was, but you know what...when the rest of her looks THAT good...Who Cares??? Diva!

The "Oh Miss Whoopi" Awards Goes To:

Whoopi Goldberg: No Comment.

The "Why Even Show Up?" Red Carpet Award Goes To:

Frances McDermond: Well, at least she showed up and won an award last night--for Best Leading Actress in a Play. But this ensemble was anything but "Best": A striped cotton jersey maxi dress and worn denim cropped jacket? Seriously?? Did she KNOW that she was going to the Tonys? She looks as if she's going to a Barbeque in Van Nuys!!! Mess, Mess, and more Mess. I criticize people who pay $200 to go see a Broadway musical/play and don't dress up. Well, This one takes the cake!!!! And I didn't even begin to discuss her hair and lack of make-up. Pretend you care Frances. Pretend.

Cutest Couple:

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka: Just look at them! Done and Done.

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

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

A Universal Parade of Nations:

Panamanian Empress: Miss Universe Panama Stephanie Vander Werf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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