SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Gown Fab: Some of my top favorite gowns from the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

The 65th Annual Miss USA beauty pageant is under way in Las Vegas Nevada with the finals occurring this Sunday at the just-opened T-Mobile Arena. This Wednesday, the ever-important Preliminary Competition happened. This is where the contestants vying for the 2016 Miss USA crown and sash competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gown in front of a panel of judges (different from the Final night judges) to determine the Top 15 Semi-finalists who will be announced on Sunday night's live finals.

Gown Gals: Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

This year there are 52 contestants (as opposed to the usual 51 contestants covering the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia) with the 52nd one being "Miss 52 USA". This was a marketing/pr/promotional campaign organized by the Miss Universe Organization and fashion company Sherri Hill (who is a sponsor of the pageant) to pick a 52nd contestant to compete in the 2016 Miss USA pageant. Now, getting back to the subject at hand (Pageant Gowns!!)...as you know, I'm a big "pageant fan" and love discussing "Pageant Gowns" here on my blog so, naturally, it's time to review my picks for the Best Gowns of the 2016 Miss USA Preliminaries, beginning with my favorite one:

Miss South Dakota USA Madison McKeown: Out of the 52 contestants vying for this year's 2016 Miss USA title, in terms of evening gowns, Miss South Dakota SHUT IT DOWN. When she appeared onstage, I immediately knew that we had gone into non-Sherri Hill Couture Territory! Madison wore an ivory silk crepe gown that had an attached dramatic cape. She OWNED the stage and runway. The gown featured a hand-painted dip-dye of blue and silver. It fit her perfectly and well, she brought the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition to a new Haute level.

Score: 9.9

Not surprisingly, the gown was created by Lebanon-based Couturier Tony Ward...

Tony Ward Couture Fall/Winter 2015/2016: The gown is from his Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection which he showed in Paris. Normally a Couture gown like this (it has to be pre-ordered and normally, hand-made), can cost about $50,000-$75,000. It is usually a one-of-a-kind creation (or maybe 5-of-a-kind!). I would be interested to know if in fact the lovely Miss South Dakota USA paid such an amount for this Haute Couture creation and if not, if the Tony Ward Couture people were kind enough to let her borrow the sample. Comparing the length of the sample worn by the runway model vs. the lovely Madison McKeown, it certainly does not look like the runway sample since the length of the column gown (in the white section) seems much longer (I assume the runway model is 6 feet as opposed to Miss South Dakota's 5' 8" height) so...was it customized for Miss South Dakota? And for free? Inquiring Pageant Gown Bloggers want to know (i.e. Me!).

Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber: I loved this golden gown worn by Miss District of Columbia USA. The dress was designed by Juan Carlos Pinera and featured a nude organza base with gold metallic criss-cross detail. In addition, it had an iridescent organza attached overskirt which was a BIG TREND of the night and I will cover that in a separate blog post for sure! Nevertheless, this was one of the most outstanding gowns of the night.

Score: 9.78

Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis: One of my favorite gowns of the Miss USA 2016 preliminaries was this ivory design worn by Miss Georgia USA. Emanii wore this crepe column gown that had a sequined shoulder detail and chiffon cape. I thought she looked regal and goddess-like. I also loved her styling (the slicked-back chignon was VERY "Miss Venezuela" fab!). If there was any criticism, the bust had awkward fit issues (that's for another blog!). The gown was from Sherri Hill Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week (as I am sure lots of others were, since the company is after all, one of the major sponsors).

Score: 9. 60

Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown: Peyton wore this white with gold sequin trim "Grecian Goddess"-inspired gown. I thought it was an impressive showing and great gown design. The fit was perfect and I think she nailed the "Fashion" and "Pageant" components.

Score: 9.50

Miss Louisiana USA Maaliyah Papillion: Maaliyah made me yell an "Oh Dear!" when I saw her during the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries as I watched online...and for good! I thought that this was a sexy, brave choice for the stunning Miss Louisiana USA beauty. The black gown featured a lace sequined-and-see-though column with an organza overskirt (there's THAT overskirt!) but more importantly, the gown had an attached leotard. This is something that we have seen from some Haute Couture designers such as Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab in the past years and while, sometimes, it may look a bit "Uh Oh!", here it worked.

Score: 9. 55

Miss Minnesota USA Bridget Jacobs: Bridget wore this silver and ivory sequined gown to Wednesday night's Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. The gown looked elegant, expensive and fit well. I also LOVED the capelet detail. It was also nice to see a gown NOT featuring a super-high slit and OVERSKIRT (hello!). Oh, and it was the correct length (no tacky platform heels showing too much!). The design was a version of a Sherri Hill design shown on the Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week runway. 

Score: 9. 50

Miss Wisconsin USA Kate Redeker: I am normally not so much a fan of a typical "pageant princess"-like gown such as this one worn by Miss Wisconsin USA but...I really liked this dress. The gown was a midnight blue-colored design with a pointed velvet bustier and iridescent organza gathered full ballgown skirt. She looked classic and like a princess. I also thought her styling--makeup, earrings and that super-chic chignon--were EXCELLENT! The gown design was shown during the Sherri Hill Fall 2016 NY Fashion Week show in a different color way--modeled by the current Miss USA Olivia Jordan (lower photo above).

Score: 9. 45

Miss Pennsylvania USA Elena La Quatra: Miss Pennsylvania USA wore this silver sequined gown which I thought was worthy of my Top Ten inclusion. I thought the design was very pretty, elegant and gown-sublime. I loved the delicate shoulder details and the nude-over-sequin design worked well. I also give her props for having the gown be the proper length and not showing the shoes.

Score: 9.30

Miss Kentucky USA Kyle Hornback: First off, I LOVED the bright canary yellow color of this ballgown. To be frank, Miss Kentucky USA did not have much runway grace while showcasing this gown at the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries (she was close to looking like a truck driver attempting walk the runway!) but I did like this gown and design; it was impressive and impacting. I also liked her styling with the sleek center-part hair and minimal jewelry sans the earrings. Now, if someone could just teach her how to walk like a DIVA in this DIVA-worthy gown.

Score: 9. 25

Finally...

  

Miss New Jersey USA Jessielyn Plumbo: I was very impressed with Miss New Jersey USA and her choice of this gold mermaid-style gown for the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. While the style isn't anything extraordinary or Haute Couture-worthy, it was impacting on the stage and the gold sequin fabric worked fabulously with her tan coloring and blond hair. Therefore, her gown made my Top ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition.

Score: 9.20

**UP NEXT: My "Uh Oh" List of Breast-a-Licious Pads, Feather Cray-Cray, and Tacky Stripper Heels of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition!



Here's a hint:

Pageant No-No's

WHO WORE WHAT.....2016 Golden Globes Awards Red Carpet: Top Ten Favorite Gowns

WHO WORE WHAT.....2016 Golden Globes Awards Red Carpet: Top Ten Favorite Gowns

Gown Fab: Some of the Best gowns seen at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet

Last night were the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards and the kickoff to the 2016 Awards Season and Awards Season Red Carpet! So how did the stars do in the gown choices? Pretty good for the most part. Besides the gorgeous Debbie Matenopoulos--TV Presenter, Greek food enthusiast and Co-Host of The Insider TV Show--who wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns (more on that in a following post!), here are my Top Ten Favorite Gowns from last night's Golden Globes 2016 Red Carpet:

Jennifer Lawrence in Custom Christian Dior: I loved the modern, clean and architectural silhouette to this gown. As we know, Jennifer Lawrence is the "face" of the Dior addict Beauty Campaign and therefore, it is probably (most definitely!) in her contract to wear Dior, and why wouldn't she? The red column Custom Christian Dior gown features a cropped top design attached to the gown, plus side peek-a-boos. The structure is a blend of 60's simplicity with 70's minimal sexiness. Her makeup and hair are PERFECTION. And so is that statement-making necklace. 

Malin Akerman in Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2016: Actress Malin Akerman looked radiantly beautiful in this strapless lace gown with structured peplum detail from the Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2016 Collection. She looked like European royalty. 

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall 2015: Jennifer Lopez always knows how to "bring it!". I always say "Her momma done taught her well!", or she's had training with some fabulous drag queens, that's for sure! J Lo chose this mustard yellow silk double-face crepe gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall 2015 Collection. I know that this style of a gown is not for everyone, but that's the point. This gown needs a fearless DIVA to work it. And Miss Lopez does. The hand-made $100,000+ gown features an attached shoulder cape, side hip draping  and yards and yards of falling fabric that ends in a dramatic train. 

Lily James in Marchesa Spring 2016: At first glance, I thought this beautiful woman was one of those "Victoria's Secret" models--pick any of them!--and was reluctant to place her in my Top Ten List since I think placing a model here is a bit unfair because, well, they are models and have an added "edge" when stepping onto a red carpet...but no, in fact this is "Downton Abbey" actress Lily James. I think she looks like a Grecian Goddess angel in this one shoulder off-white iridescent organza gown from Marchesa Spring 2016 Collection. I think it was wise to add a full lining as opposed to wearing it just like on the runway. I love the draping and gathering and especially the back falls that dramatically add design interest to the dress.

Kate Bosworth in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda: Kate Bosworth wore this gorgeous all-over sequined gown from Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda Collection. The strapless gown features elaborately beaded bustier section and long straight skirt with slight train. Along with her severe hair style and "nude" makeup, she looks like a (Northern) Italian principessa!

Lady Gaga in Atelier Versace: I put Lady Gaga in my Top Ten because she deserved to be! I know that once again, this gown may not be liked by everyone from here to Poughkeepsie but...who cares! I love this "Mae West"-Meets-Marilyn Monroe look on Lady Gaga. I also love how she has made this style transition and embraced this Vintage Retro Glamour Diva look. The black silk velvet gown is from Atelier Versace (hello Donatella!) and features an off-the-shoulder neckline, cinched waist plus padded upper hips. All that she is missing is a group of tuxedo'ed men dancing around her! 

Jaimie Alexander in Genny designed by Gabriele Colangelo: One of my favorite looks from last night's 2016 Golden Globes Red Carpet. This gown silhouette is not necessarily original but the FABULOUS emerald green-and-navy geometric print sure is. The architectural lines of the gown (severe plunging neckline, box-pleated skirt) are perfectly complimentary to the geometric "prints" on the gown's fabrication. Jaimie looks modern, chic and elegant.

Saoirse Ronan in Yves Saint Laurent Couture: Actress Saoirse Ronan wore another white Grecian Goddess-style gown (a 2016 Golden Globes red carpet trend perhaps?) at last night's Golden Globes. The gown is from Yves Saint Laurent Couture--which is basically the "PR" arm of Saint Laurent making custom gowns for actresses for award show red carpets and important events. I liked the simplistic elegance of this gown and the fact that it actually does give slight homage to the real Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture gowns of the past, albeit, he would have done it in bright orange or in a glorious animal print! But I'll take a good Grecian Goddess gown and praise it whenever it is warranted; and her it is!  

Zendaya in Marchesa Pre-Fall 2016: Zendaya made quite a fashion statement--in my eyes--wearing this wine-red applique gown from Marchesa Pre-Fall 2016 Collection. The gown featured a plunging neckline and triple tiered gown-skirt. I loved the drama of the gown and yes, only 5' 10" model-thin Zendaya could probably pull this silhouette off.

Jenna Dewan Tatum in Zuhair Murad Couture Fall 2015: I loved this gown when I saw photos of it from the Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2015 runway and I love it on the red carpet, here worn by Mrs. Channing Tatum. The theme of that collection was "traveling through the heavens" and certainly, there is a Galactic feel to the midnight blue gown with star-like sequins. It is a gorgeous gown, one of the most impacting at the 2016 Golden Globes Red Carpet.

**UP NEXT: The All-Over Sequined Gown Fab....of the 2016 Golden Globes Red Carpet!

RETRO RED

RETRO RED

Good morning, everyone! Hope you're all enjoying your weekend! I wanted to say a quick hello and share a few images of the raddest ruffled number I wore to Paul & Joe's Spring 16 show during Paris Fashion Week. As far as red dressed go, this is probably one of my favorite ones ever! Love the light-as-air fabric, the ruffles, the moment and a slight retro vibe! In short, completely and totally obsessed with everything about it! But considering what a perfect combination of everything I've just listed above it really is, can you really blame me?:)

PAUL & JOE Defile Beverly ruffled silk-satin dress | CHLOE Hudson medium shoulder bag & lace-up leather boots | ALEXA CHUNG for AG Laura velvet vest | PRADA retro sunglasses 

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns--The Most Improved!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns--The Most Improved!

Different...and Better...Gowns:



First, I talked about my "Nick Top Favoritas" of the Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Evening Gowns, then I spoke of the "Oh Dear's!" of the bunch, and now...we have arrived at my last Miss Universe 2012 Prelimin Post. This time I decided to highlight the lovely ladies whom I call "Most Improved". Many of the contestants switched their gowns--from what they wore for the Miss Universe "Evening Gown Portraits" to wearing a totally different gown for the Preliminaries. But this particular group of girls here went from being in my "Oh Dear!" group in my Evening Gown Portrait Recap to "Much Better!" during last Thursday night's Preliminaries. So, let's begin:

Miss Ecuador Carolina Aguirre: the very beautiful Carolina went from "Pageant Betty in Purple" in the Evening Gown Portrait (top photo) to modern sexy Lady In Red. Her hair is better, and more importantly, her red shimmery lace over nude and red satin gown is MUCHO better. Definitely one of the Most improved!

Miss Canada Adwoa Yamoah: Another lovely contestant who went from "Pageant Betty circa 1988" (in her Evening Gown Portrait gown at top photo) to "Fearless and Fab" (in the above photo at the Preliminaries) is Canada's representative, Adwoa. The peach mermaid gown was so typical and looked straight out of a Pageant & prom Shop--in Alabama. Thank goodness she changed to this white sexy fitted gown with an asymmetrical neckline. The white against her skin looked AMAZING and this shape and style definitely put her in the 21st century of Pageant Gowns. Welcome my dear! As Heidi Klum would say "You're In!"

Miss Angola Marcelina Vahekeni: What a difference a DIFFERENT gown--and new styling--makes! In the top photo--from the Miss Universe Website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits", she looked like she was competing in MRS. America 1996. But in the new red sequined lace over nude gown with one long sleeve and side slit...she became one SEXY Hot Miss Angola 2012! This was modern, fresh and yes, sexy-licious!

Miss China Ji Dan Xu: In my "Pageant Betty" posting of the Evening Gown portraits, I suggested that the top photo gown she wore may have been too Pageant Betty typical. And it was. I thought she could do better. And yes, she did when it came to last Thursday's Preliminaries. This time, she changed into a coral-colored sequined lace over nude (a popular choice with these girls!) column-style gown featuring asymmetrical applique cut-out's around the neckline. I thought this choice was softer, prettier, dare I say, younger. If she makes it to the Semi-Finalis during next week's LIVE NBC Telecast, I would still love to see her change...into something more Couture Fab...like this:

Zuhair Murad Couture Fall 2012

Miss Curacao Monifa Jansen: Wow, look at what a change of gown does to one lovely contestant. Here we have Miss Universe Curacao. The top photo shows what she wore for her Evening Gown Portrait in the Miss Universe Website. I thought it was verging on being "Dancing With the Stars" meets Bad Figure Skating Costume. Well, she must have read my posting because now in the above photo (what she wore two nights ago for the Preliminaries), she was almost a completely different person! Her hair was down, her makeup was softer, and yes, she wore a non tacky-licious gown. This golden beige iridescent organza gown had nice fullness and featured a gather bustier top section. it wasn't Couture "earth-shaking" but at least, much improved from before.

Miss Paraguay Egni Eckert: Hello Egni and bienvenida to the ""Most improved" Category! Again: what a (good) change! Before, what she wore--and how her hair was styled--made her look like Adrianne Maloof's (from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills") doppelganger. She looked like she was 45 years old and getting ready to attend her own wedding in Mullholland Estates Beverly Hills. But thank goodness (once again) someone whispered in her ear and suggested to not do that "Evening Gown Portrait" look and she listened! I love how she looked on Thursday night at the all-important Preliminary Competition in this sea-foam Habotai silk gown with silver sequin over nude illusion top section. Her hair looked A MILLION times better. One of the Most Improved for sure.



Finally...

Miss St. Lucia Tara Edward: For her "Evening Gown Portrait" (top photo), she made the mistake a lot of these girls make (for whatever reasons) in that they wear a gown that is too short on them. And unfortunately, there is no wardrobe stylist or fashion person like moi around them...to tell them that! In that coral-colored dress, she looked like the 10th Runner-Up in a local beauty pageant. We want her to look like THE WINNER! And I have to say, her choice of the purple-colored satin gown with gathered ruffle detail was MUCH IMPROVED (above photo, from the Preliminaries). The color looks much sleeker on her, the cut is more becoming and yes kids, it's the right length! Thank you Miss St. Lucia and Congrats for being one of the "Most Improved"!



***Next Up: The Best of the Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Presentation Show: The Parade of Nations....Here We Come!!