Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns Good:

Gown Runway: The Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition, Shanghai China

The Biggest International Beauty Pageant in the world is happening in
Ordos Inner Mongolia China, as we speak--the 62nd annual Miss World 2012 (The finals are August 18th). Ordos isn't exactly Sao Paulo, Miami, Las Vegas or a typical fabulous destination to hold big international beauty pageants, but the host city payed a ton of money and from what I can see, they are doing a fantastic job organizing and showcasing their gem of a city in northern China.

 Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela

116
contestants from 116 nations, islands and territories are competing for
the title of Miss World, won by Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela last year. The ladies have
been in China to for several weeks, attending functions, photo-op's, rehearsals, and various events and official competitions, such as "Beach Beauty", "Sports", "Top Model", and so on.

Of the many events and competitions, one of my faves is the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" where
all the contestants model evening gowns from fashion
designers from their homelands.This contest occurred in Shanghai last week so without further pageant-gown-ado...here are my "Nick Faves" in the World Fashion Designer Award evening gowns--and don't worry kiddies, following this post I will be doing my very popular "What the HECK Was She Thinking??" posting.

Miss Sri Lanka Sumudu Prasadini: This was one of my favorite gowns from seeing the photos. This ivory gown had elements of Grecian Goddess and Sari Princess with its draped one shoulder effect. It was dramatic and elegant. Outstanding job Miss Sri Lanka and her designer. Score: 9.8

Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire: Red was a popular color for the contestants this year (it's always a popular beauty pageant gown color!). This red with silver sequin applique plunging neckline fitted gown on Miss Ireland was one of my Top Faves from this Miss World 2012 World Fashion Designer Award Competition. This is a perfect example of a gown that can work for an international beauty pageant but in a major awards red carpet as well. It fits perfectly, her hair is great and she wisely kept the accessories to a minimum. Miss Ireland must have some Good Style Gays near her! Score: 9.9



Some other Red Dresses I liked:

China People's Republic and England:  Miss China PR Wen Xia Yu (left) wore a simple red fitted gown with sheer bateau neckline and sequin applique. She looked very pretty in it. Score 8.8.



Miss England Charlotte Holmes (right) wore a copper-red colored one shoulder gown with sequin Empire-waist detail. It flowed gloriously down the catwalk/stage and looked modern and red carpet-worthy. Score: 9.0.

Miss Philippines Queenierich (love her name!) Rehman: One of the best in RED! Her gown is very Marchesa-meets-Givenchy Couture (see "Miss Nepal" toward end of this post) the Pageant Version--it looks expensive, well-made, red carpet-and-runway ready--and fits her beautifully. Score: 9.6

Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay: This red strapless number could have easily gone into "Hoochie Coochie" territory--you've got the sheer, the high slit...but somehow it worked on her.

 Gucci Fall 2011 (left) Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2011 (right)

Gucci and Givenchy Haute Couture recently (Fall 2011) showed a lot of gowns that were not lined--just like the red gown on Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay. Hers reminded me of one of those styles from the runways. I just wished the shoes weren't so "clunky" and why the mini box on them?? Too tacky-licious. Strappy heels huney. Next time. Score: 9.0

Printed Beauty: Usually it's Hit or Miss when wearing a printed dress---on the Red Carpet as well as in international beauty pageants. I think it works here on the very pretty Miss Ethiopia Melkam Endale. I LOVE the colors and silhouette of this dress. The neckline and gathered torso/bust detail is fabulous as well. Score: 9.2



Best in Ivory:

Georgia and Israel: Another popular color (or non color) in the pageant world is ivory/white. Lots of ladies wore white and these were several of the best, in my eyes. Miss Georgia Salome Khomeriki (top left) wore a one shoulder draped chiffon and satin gown. It featured a very high slit BUT it was rather hidden among all the chiffon over-layering. The gown was very Pronovias and it worked on her. Score: 9.2



Miss Israel Shani Hazan looks STUNNING in this fit-to-flare gown that hugs her EVERY curve perfectly. The gown itself isn't so exciting but it does the job of making her look elegant, it fits her well and she doesn't look HOOCHIE (Thank You!) . The six foot tall beauty almost looks REGAL. Score: 9.7

Miss Russia Elisaveta Golovanova stayed safe with this creme halter-style gown with yes--a big side slit (hello, it's a beauty pageant of course!). The gown wasn't earth shattering in style or "Wow" appeal but like I said, she played it safe. Score: 8.6

Miss Bolivia Mariana Garcia wore a blush-colored strapless gown (more pink than ivory but I chose to put her here nonetheless). I liked this gown. It could have gone "Feather KRAZEE" in a hot minute (wait 'till you see my "Oh NOOOO!!!" posting) but it didn't. I like the beaded swirl patterns on the dress as well and the gown fits her nicely. Score: 9.0

I think Miss Guatemala Monique Aparicio looks very "RetroFab" in this orange duchesse satin gown. The color pops onstage, and the dress looks expensive. I also love that she had added a retro hairstyle too-very Oscar de la Renta meets Jackie O--the Guatemalan version. Score: 9.4

Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen: One word: WOW.  From head to the tips of her stacked heel pumps: fab! The elegance of the black color, the waist-defining detail of the thin jeweled belt, the high-neck contrasted with the slit (yes, if there was one criticism, it's that slit is WAAAAY to high darling!). One of my faves (if only she closed up about four inches of that slit!). Score: 9.8

And finally, a "Wild Card" Good One:

Miss Nepal Shristi Shrestha (try and say her name FAST four times!): First off, she's very pretty. The picture above may not be a good one but there is something about this gown that made me stop and go "Oh, I think she looks HOT!" I know that maybe some of you out there might think it's a bit much but trust me darlings, you haven't see my "Oh Dear!" list yet. I like the gown because it's modern, it's sexy but not HOOCHIE and evokes a Couture-like feeling.

Marchesa Fall 2012 (left) and Beyonce in Givenchy Custom, Met Ball 2012

It reminds me a lot of Marchesa (above, left) and the Givenchy gown Beyonce wore to the Met Ball (right) earlier this year. Miss Nepal's gown is a good Knock-Off of both combined! Score for Miss Nepal's gown: 9.5



Up Next: My "Oh NOOOO!!!!" List from the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition...




Here's a Sneak Peak of the MESSES:

 Feathered Vegas Gay Pride Float on Miss Ukraine

Oh Huney: Miss Mongolia is SERVING Nefertiti Mongolian Goddess!

***STAY TUNED to the rest of the Hot Messes!

Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding: The Royal Guest's Red Carpet!!!

Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding: The Royal Guest's Red Carpet!!!

Monaco COUTURE Red Carpet...

The Family...

Niece of the groom, the model-stunning Charlotte Casiraghi (seen above with her beau, Alex Dellal)--For the wedding, Charlotte wore a rose pink silk taffeta off-the-shoulder dress featuring crystal center front buttons and black satin "bow" sashes from...

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Princess Stephanie and her children, including Luis, Pauline and Camille (left to right)--Pauline wore...

Chanel Pret-a-Porter Spring 2011 blue tweed boucle with feathered hem. Pauline added a skinny belt to accent her teeny waist. By the way, I just wonder if Pauline can get to wear a $20,000 Chanel dress at only 17 years old...it's safe to assume she'll NEVER touch Zara or H&M now!

Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter Alexandra--Princess Caroline, a strong devotee and client of the House of Chanel (as well as very good friend of Karl Lagerfeld's), wore a rose pink drop-waist dress with sequined silk chiffon jacket from Chanel Haute Couture Custom. Naturally.

Euro Royals...

Denmark: Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark--I absolutely LOVE the turquoise blue color of this front-wait tied dress on Australian-born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The hat is FAB-u-Lous as well!!! Ten "Nick V Fashion Pints" my dear! Well done.

Norway: Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon of Norway--Princess Matte-Marit's drabby blush-colored dress is not one of my favorites I must admit. It just blends in with the rest of her--it's just too close to her own skin coloring. She should have opted from a bolder stronger color. It's a "Monaco Yawn" for me...

England: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex--The Countess looks nice. But that's all I can say, really. As elegant as she can dress for events such as this, there's still something about some of the British royals (and sub-royals) that well, do not come quite close to the Princess Caroline's of the World. Somehow, they missed the "I-was-born-with-a-silver-Couture-spoon-in-my-mouth" part. However...

England: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent--This is one exception to the British Royal Family (along with Prince William and new Fashion Goddess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge). These two are always IMPECCABLE!! And naturally so. While I have a feeling Countess Sophie would rather be in jeans and sandals, I think the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent are thoroughly comfortable in "Adult Dress Up" clothes. The Princess is the definition of class in her jewel-blue silk shantung suit with THE MOST fabulous of sleeves (and boy! Is that a Necklace, kids!). And the Prince, well, just look at him! Tailored Perfection!

Sweden: HM Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden--Queen Silvia chose a lilac-colored mini-side gathered dress with matching colored hat. She looks like a Queen should look. And once again, King Carl Gustaf forgot how to smile...

Sweden: H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Vatergotland--The King and Queen of Sweden's daughter, Crown Princess Victoria is becoming quite the fashionista of Scandinavia and we see why here. I like the entire look; the sequined cap-sleeved dress is rich, impressive and still young-looking. And the matching chignon "snood" covering her hair bun is GENIUS! She gets another one of my "Nick V Royal Ten Points"...Now, her husband, once again, still looks like a Computer Analyst who was forced to put on a Morning Suit...because his wife told him so! Poor thang...

The Netherlands: Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and Willem-Alexander Prince of Orange and heir to the Dutch throne--Argentinian-born Maxima chose a bright stand-out color for the Monaco Wedding in this orange-yellow diagonally pleated dress with a raw-cut oversized flower detail at the shoulder. I'm sure the color was no accident sine in fact, it goes perfectly with her husband's sash.

Luxembourg: Cuban-born Maria Teresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg--Maria Teresa chose a nude side gathered crepe dress and stunning sequined cropped jacket. She does look much better than what she wore to the "William and Kate" wedding--yet still, she is having some wrinkling issues...

Belgium: Italian-born H.R.H. Queen Paola of Belgium and King Albert II of Belgium--The Queen is wearing Armani Prive Custom hand-beaded degrade cocktail dress, and taupe jacket with sequined edge trim.

Belgium: Princess Mathilde Duchess of Brabant and Prince Philippe Duke of Brabant--He is the eldest son of the King and Queen of Belgium (previous photo). Princess Mathilde is also wearing Armani Prive Custom, a violet princess-seamed sheath dress with attached capelet...

Inspired from this Armani Prive Spring 2011 look above. The Princess, of course, had it customized to her specific design standards and choosing. That's what one can do when A) You're a Princess, and B) Can afford a $40,000 Couture Suit.

Italy: Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and Piedmont, heir of Vittorio Emanuele Prince of Naples, and his wife French actress Clotilde Courau--Love her bright coral organza ruffle accented sheath dress by Giambattista Valli.

France: Madrid-born H.R.H. Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou and claimant to the French throne and his Venezuelan-born wife Maria Margarita Vargas Santaella...

Who wore a design from fellow Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera and her Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.

Russia: H.I.H.Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--DIVA with a Capital "D"--I absolutely LOVE this woman!!! Babushka Who???? Nope, not so much. She looks IMPERIAL in this flower-printed caftan-and-dress ensemble with a matching Kokoshnik (headdress). Something tells me I would find Maria, the Grand Duchess, at the Vodka Bar, having a gay old time!!!

Persia/Iran: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi--always one of the Best Dressed women in the World, impeccable style, refined elegance, as seen here in this lemon suit with satin piping and box-pleated skirt. The Turban-scarf is so Sheikha Mozah of Qatar by the way!

Morocco: Rome-born Princess Lalla Meryem, the eldest daughter and child of the late King Hassan II if Morocco and her daughter Princess Lalla Soukaina--both went the "traditional Moroccan dress" route wearing stunning takchita. The mother's (left) is of course, the most elaborate of the two while the daughter's is more "subdued" and understated.

Thailand: Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand--looking beautiful and very chic in a traditional Thai dress--albeit, a very COUTURE version of one. Here's some DISH: After the divorce of her mother, she moved to United Kingdom with her mother and siblings. However, she later was taken by her father from England and brought back to Thailand. Besides the fact that she comes from one of the wealthiest Royal Houses in the World, she also studied Fashion and Textile and is an aspiring fashion designer and has shown collections in Bangkok and Paris fashion weeks.

Stay tuned for Fashion "Royals" at the Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding in the next post...

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!