0 Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012 Finals, The Winner, Evening Gowns and the Contestant who SHOVED (VIDEO!)

And The New Miss World Is...

 The Prettiest Woman in the World: Miss World 2012, Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia

This past weekend--on Saturday April 18th--the finals of the 62nd annual Miss World pageant took place. They were held in Ordos Inner Mongolia China. 116 contestants from all over the world competed and the final winner was crowned: Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia (or Wen Xia Yu), who hails from Liaoning. She's 23 years old, stands 1.78 m tall (approximately 5' 10") and according to her bio, is an aspiring music teacher.

Incidentally, Yu Wenxia (above) also won the Miss World Talent Award--beating out the favorite Miss Philippines Queenierich Rehman who did beatboxing(!) as her talent. The new Miss World will now spend her year working for charitable causes, fulfilling her duties traveling around the Globe racking up her frequent flyer miles, and yes, looking GORGEOUS.

Crowning Moment: Miss World 2011 Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos, crowns the new Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China, while First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), look on, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Arena Ordos Inner Mongolia China

As always, there's been a great Web-o-sphere debate, discussing whether or not she had a "home field" advantage and if she was the "best" or prettiest one of the bunch . Early favorites were Miss Mexico, Miss India and Miss South Sudan--who eventually took the Miss World Top Model 2012 consolation prize (more on that, further in this post).

Miss World 2012 stage with contestants in evening gowns, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Area, Ordos Inner Mongolia China

A lot of pageant followers (Missosologists as they are called), say that it was "fixed"--the pageant was in China, and the Ordos Inner Mongolia China organizers spent A TON (billions of dollars at some estimates) to have the international pageant in their city--so the rumor is that basically this was a "gift" to the country, the government and the Ordos city organizers. Next year, the Miss World will take place in Bali Indonesia by the way. And we still do not know where this year's Miss Universe will be.    

Miss World 2012 Opening Number--tribute to Inner Mongolian culture

The Production: Speaking of Miss Universe, the Miss World pageant--in terms of the two-hour final telecast on Saturday which was televised in the US on E! Entertainment at 8 a.m.(!) on Saturday--was a little boring for me. It lacked the excitement, "spark" and nail-biting "I-Can't-Wait-To-See-Who-Will-Win" finale. They really need some updating in terms of production and well, getting into the 21st Century in terms of putting on a show like this. The Miss Universe Org. has them beat on this one.

Confetti Queen: Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China (Center) waves as First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), pose perfectly

Now, back to the Winner: I think Yu Wenxia, Miss China P.R. was beautiful and deserved to win. She immediately caught my attention after she modeled in the 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show for the Top Model Competition last week.

The future Miss World 2012, Yu Wenxia in 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show, Top Model Miss World 2012 Competition

She looked breathtakingly gorgeous in a halter color-blocked maxi dress with her side-slicked hair style and clean model makeup. I remember thinking to myself "there's your winner!"

My "Surprise" Omissions, Continental Queens of Beauties, and the Evening Gowns:

Left to right: Miss Ukraine Karina Zhyronkina and Miss Equatorial Guinea Jennifer Riveiro Ilende

Some surprise omissions from the Top 15 Semifinalists for me were Miss Ukraine, Miss Equatorial Guinea, Miss Colombia and Miss Venezuela. Ukraine and Equatorial Guinea (above) had two of the most BEAUTIFUL faces among the 116 contestants and...

Left to right: Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay and Miss Venezuela Gabriella Ferrari

Colombia and Venezuela were "Pageant Perfect" according to many pageant followers and some even thought Miss Colombia was a strong favorite to actually win. I loved Colombia's royal purple-colored strapless fitted-to-mermaid shaped satin gown with crystal underbust detail designed by Sergio Perez (top left). It fit her PERFECTLY and looked expensive and very well made.

I also liked Venezuela's ivory with gold gown. It featured a completely sequined torso that then "exploded" into a feathered mermaid bottom. It was designed by Miss Venezuela Pageant Designer King, Gionni Straccia. As always, Venezuela ALWAYS brings on the Pageant Gown COUTURE when it comes to their international beauty ambassadors.

Continental Queens--(Left to right) AFRICA: Miss South Sudan Atong Demach; EUROPE: Miss Wales Sophie Moulds; Miss World 2012; CARIBBEAN: Miss Jamaica Deanna Robbins; AMERICAS: Miss Brazil Mariana Notarangelo

The Good Gowns:

Ivian Sarcos Miss World 2011 from Venezuela wore a UBER fitted (she could barely walk, bless her heart!) mermaid sequined lace applique embroidered ivory gown designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. She looked SUPERHUMAN and taller than anyone within 100 feet of her! Incredible. Gown Score: 9.9

Miss China P.R.: The eventual Miss World wore a Cobalt Blue beaded fit-and-flare gown with a satin bow at the waist and shoulder covering detail. It was a very "Pageant Safe" gown--there was no HOOCHIE slit (thank goodness!) , no crazy "She Looks Like Big Bird from Sesame Street" silhouette, nor did she choose a gown that looked too costume-y. Score: 8.9

India and Mexico: Semifinalists Miss India Vanya Mishra and Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen wore two of the most outstanding evening gowns in Saturday night's pageant.  
Miss India's was a gold with black concoction that was fitted at the torso then merged with a blush-colored flowy long skirt. Score: 8.9
Miss Mexico's gown was Sofia Vergara Va-Va Boom WOW! She really looked perfect from head to toe and almost competed with last year's Miss World (in that mermaid-shaped white gown) in the "Who Stands Out More On Stage" top prize. I think it's a tie! Score for Miss Mexico's Gown: 10

Wales and Australia

Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) was the First Runner Up (and yes, in case nude photos of Miss China P.R. are discovered...she will be the new Miss World). Sophie wore a baby blue gown that was (again) fitted at the torso and past the hips and then exploded into a multi-tiered ruffled bottom half. There was a cute bow at the center front bust topping it all off. It was sweet, appropriate but lacked drama and the "Wow" factor shown by Mexico's gown, for example. It was fives steps from being too "Prom". Score: 8.4
Miss Australia Jennifer Kahawaty's (R) gown was great! Loved the deep purple color, it looked great against her olive skin, dark hair and exotic looks...

The gown was created by Melbourne Australia fashion house Belluccio. They're known for outfitting top pageant girls Down Under and are famous for their applique-filled, Swarovski-encrusted gowns. Jennifer's had intricate embroidery woven into the bust and high-hips, gathered cinched waist and gathered chiffon full skirt with a "hidden" slit. Score: 9.5

Miss South Sudan Atong Demach won the Top Model Award and was a favorite to win. Unfortunately, at the Finals on Saturday Night, she wore a not-so-high fashion canary yellow taffeta high-low gown that looked too "1986 Pageant Betty". It looked like a dress one finds in any Prom/Pageant boutique from here to Poughkeepsie:

I would have preferred to have seen her a FIERCE gown that had references to a Givenchy/McQueen runway knockoff. Something like what Miss Naomi Campbell wore at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. A boy can only wish...

Speaking of Not The Best of Gowns...

Miss Hungary and Miss Netherlands: Miss Hungary Tamara Cserhati's (L) gown--so sweet and perfect for my 14 year old niece. And Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker's (R) gown-- a complete WASTE of white tulle; a Tutu NOT!

Miss Portugal and Miss Thailand: Mother of the Bride (Miss Portugal Melanie Vicente--L) meet the Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca (Miss Thailand Vanessa Herrmann--R)

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Helene-Valerie Djouka (far left): the National Parade of Nations called and they want their costume back; Miss Finland Sabrina Sarkka (in pink) is Barbie on a Budget; and Miss Guadeloupe Brigitte Golabkan (in blue) is just a Can-Can Hot Mess. What do these girls think? Where are their Gay Best Friends? Do they not read Vogue? Or see the Awards Red Carpet shows or watch me on the after-the-awards red carpet shows? It frustrates me to no end...

And before I forget--The PUSHY Beauty Queen:

Bi*** MOVE!!!! Miss Malawi shoves Miss New Zealand out of the way

There was a "Mini Pageant ESCANDALO" in the beginning of Saturday's Miss World Finals (it wouldn't be a beauty pageant without a little bit of a scandal)--As the 116 contestants from all over the world were being introduced--one by one--a pesky and PUSHY Miss Malawi Susan Mtegha (above right) SHOVED poor Miss New Zealand Collette Lochore out of the way so she could get her "2 seconds of camera-time fame" (it seems Miss New Zealand was on the wrong mark or was taking a second too long holding her pose). In case you missed it, someone captured it on YouTube for our enjoyment (and discomfort):

Miss New Zealand Gets Pushed by Miss Malawi at Miss World 2012 Finals--Watch the Video Below:

Congrats to the new Miss World and I hope you never get to stand next to Miss Malawi during your one year reign!!!
 

Crowning of Miss World 2012 and Top Three Announcement--VIDEO:

0 Sunny Leone a tough competitor for Bipasha Basu?

It has been reported that Sunny Leone wanted to meet Bipasha Basu. Interestingly, she even tried hard to ensure their meeting happened. But the adult star, who thought meeting Bips wouldn’t be that big a problem as she has also been part of Mahesh Bhatt production, was left disheartened. According to a source, the Bong beauty said that she would get back. But in reality, she never did.

Now what would anyone, who knows how the showbiz industry works, interpret this?

Going by the ease and frequency with which pals turn foes, this could just be hinting at how Bips is avoiding Sunny. Is this because adult star has the potential to beat Bipasha? Is Sunny a tough competitor? Could be! Source:http://daily.bhaskar.com

0 Miss China crowned Miss World 2012

ORDOS, China (AP) — China’s Yu Wenxia has been crowned the 2012 Miss World.

The first runner-up is Sophie Elizabeth Moulds of Wales, and second runner-up is Jessica Michelle Kahawaty of Australia.

The 23-year-old Yu is a music student who says she wants to become a music teacher.

Jamaica’s entrant, Deanna Robins, made the top seven of the finals which had 115 contestants.
This is the first time the Inner Mongolian city of Ordos has hosted the international beauty pageant.

The city is one of the richest regions in China thanks to its abundant natural resources. It hopes the world event will raise its profile for economic development and tourism.

Sanya, another Chinese city, has hosted the contest several times. Source:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

0 An 'Ek Tha Tiger' sequel around the corner?

Sources say that a sequel of Salman Khan's spy thriller could be on the anvil with the makers registering two similar titles

Anticipating a roaring box office success, the makers of the recently released Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif spy thriller are already said to be making grand plans for the future. Buzz is that the production company has already registered two titles Ek Hai Tiger and Ek Rahega Tiger, indicating that there could well be a sequel around the corner.

Mixed verdict

Our sources say that though word-of-mouth has not been so encouraging, the makers are quite upbeat about the response the film has received. While the film raked in nearly Rs 30 crore on day one, the second day collections dropped drastically almost by 50 per cent to settle at nearly Rs 15 crore. 

A trade analyst on conditions of anonymity says, `With the long weekend coming up along with Eid, collections are like to increase. But right now, it's still a long way to go to touch the Rs 150 crore mark.` 

Pak says No

When the trailer of the film was released, Pakistani Censor Board officials banned it, claiming that the film tarnishes the image of their intelligence agency ISI. Now it has been announced that even the film won't be screened there. The Yash Raj Studios spokesperson says, `The film has not been cleared for release by their Censor Board after they saw it day before yesterday.` Source:http://www.santabanta.com

0 Ooh! Ameesha goes more steamy, racy and hotter!

Will don a glam avatar for her film with Sunny Deol 'Bhaiyaaji Superhit'

After working back-to-back to complete her films, appearances and brand endorsements, Ameesha Patel is all set to go even more steamy, racy and hotter in the Sunny Deol-starrer Bhaiyaaji Superhit, directed by Neeraj Pathak. Ameesha will be wearing a bikini in the film in which she essays the role of a diva.

The actress recently completed the final schedule of Abbas Mustan's Race 2 that also has her in a sexy avatar.

Meanwhile, along with her business partner Kuunal Goomer, she has been busy with the music of their upcoming home production, Desi Magic. They are happy with the way Lalit Pandit has been working with so much passion to create some fantastic music.


Post Munni Badnam in Dabangg, Lalit has been working on various kinds of songs for Desi Magic. The film will also have an item song as well.

Says a source, `Ameesha is loving her role in the film. She is very excited that in all her upcoming five films that release in 2013 her roles are distinct in every film, whether it's Race 2 to Neil Nitin Mukesh's film to Bhaiyaji Superhit or to her own home production, Desi Magic.`

Regarding all the buzz and speculation that goes around about her Ameesha says, `I'd rather focus on my work and let my work speak. Everyone is doing their jobs in life and everyone has a way of going about things their own way. If a small percentage of people say anything, one shouldn't get affected in life.`


She adds, `I'm happy my fans are looking forward to seeing me on screen after a while and that's what matters to me. As of now the only way I want to move ahead is by focusing on my films and production house. I'm loving my life and it's a very exciting phase for me. I am looking forward to the things which are lined up for me ahead.`

Source: Mid-Day.com

0 Project Runway Recaps: Episode 5 "Marie Claire Team Challenge"--My Recap!

One Way Monkey, Silk Chiffonies, Eddie Munster and The Working Woman:

This past Thursday was the newest episode of Project Runway Season 10 so you know what comes after the episodes...my Recaps!

First, let's begin with this gem:

A One Way Monkey is a One Trick Pony...in Belarusian: Dmitry Sholokhov, one of the more talented designers in this season of Project Runway (and one of my favorites from early on, I might add!), mouthed this one liner on last Thursday night's episode of the reality show.

In trying to describe--and diss--fellow contestant Ven Budhu, during his confessional, Dmitry (above) wanted to say that Ven was a "one trick pony" in terms of his repeated silhouettes and style aesthetic--and instead he said "One Way Monkey". One Way Money...One Trick Pony...Potato...PoTATOE...it's all the same. Awww Dmitry, you slay me! PS: I like Ven's "One Way Monkey" style aesthetic! He's one of my top faves of this season as well.

Onto the episode: Separated into two teams, the designers were asked to create a capsule collection for the Working Woman that would then be photographed for the Marie Claire @ Work supplement of the magazine. Nina Garcia--Marie Claire's Fashion Diva--said it had to be both Editorial and work for the "real world".

The teams were "Team Five" (above)--all boys--Christopher, Gunnar, Ven, Nathan and Fabio; and...

"Team Six", which consisted of Alicia, Dmitry, Elena, Melissa, Raul and Sonjia

No one likes to work in teams so they were not happy about that, and is it just me, but throughout this season, there just seems to be a cloud of general unhappiness to begin with. They all seem MISERABLE...and what is up with all the profanities? (and I am by no means a Wash Out Your Mouth With Soap Profanity Grandma!)...

These future designers want to be the next Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Ann Demeulemeester...whoever---and build brands, create design companies, open stores...well, I just NEVER saw any of those aforementioned ICONS of the Fashion World shout profanities like these kids on their way to success and fame. I feel as if I am watching "MTV's Real World" and not my little ol' show. Moving on...

The episode also had Raul hoping to create a Reality Show "Bromance" with Cutie Christopher but when Fabio--from Christopher's team, didn't choose him--Raul was left sad that somehow, his Christopher-Raul Bromance was over. Awww, the young gays...

Miss NOT Congeniality Award: Elena tried her best to become the Most Hated Contestant on this season. She fought with just about everyone, got on everyone's nerves--in the workroom and while trying to dictate the Marie Claire @ Work photoshoot. She also called the "Team Five" boys the "Silk Chiffonsies" (or "Chiffonies") calling them out on their love of silk chiffon (I guess I would be in that group too!). She also called Raul "Eddie Munster" (see bottom of this post). I bet Raul is changing that pointy thing on his forehead hairstyle AS WE SPEAK. There's always a Villain on all these types of shows and I think we finally know who the Villain of this season is: Miss Elena.

The Runway: Joanna Coles--Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire (she's also the "Tim Gunn" of Project Runway All Stars)-- was the Guest Judge for this "Design a Working Woman's Collection" Challenge. Now, in case you were wondering what actual successful fashion designers think is Working Woman Clothes, take a look:

 Working Woman Fashion

Now, here's what the PR Season 10 contestants did in Thursday night's episode:

Alicia and "General" Elena worked on these two looks. Alicia did the pants (both FAB!) and Elena made the jackets--one Victoriana/Gothic and the other, contemporary and very NOW! Of the two looks, I liked the one on the right better. It seemed more "real world" Working Woman--a young fresh out of college Jr. Assistant at a PR firm or magazine.

I also liked Christopher's printed silk chiffon skirt with black jacket look. It was very H and M cute. One of my faves.

Dmitry of the "One Way Monkey" fame--designed a color-blocked sheath dress that was chic and sexy. Is this something a girl can work in an office? Maybe not, unless that "office" was being the hostess at the hippest new restaurant in the Meatpacking District. But it was a very well made dress.

Ven Meet Dior: Ven's jacket and skirt was gorgeous and Jackie O fab--the jacket reminded me of the iconic "Dior" Bar jacket/suit (seen above from Dior Haute Couture Spring 2012). As Nina would say, it was a bit "referential".

The Top 2 though were Fabio's black and white color-blocked tunic dress and Melissa's royal blue high funnel neck sheath dress. Melissa's won for being very editorial, looking great in photos, and for its bold dramatic color and silhouette. Do you guys think the judges made the right choice? Talk amongst yourselves or leave me your comments on my Lifetime.com Blog HERE.

These above were the Bottom: potty mouth Gunnar (he's one of those that needs his mouth washed with soap) did this dress on the left which did not do anything to make the model's boobies look pretty. Heidi said it was a "deflating souffle" or something to that effect. But it was Raul who was sent home--mainly for his not so cute tops--one of which was this bib-front ruffled blouse that was anything but exciting or creative. If you're going to do a blouse like this, at least twist the ruffles diagonally or a bit askew or something! This blouse looks like it came from the Loehmann's ultra, ultra sale rack.

So it was "Adios" to Raul aka Eddie Munster. His goodbye was less than gracious and well, I had my "Nick Two Cents" thoughts on that plus MUCH MORE on this past episode...so here's my Recap:

Team Miserable

Hello "Project Runway" fans and blog readers. A new week and a new recap ... and yes, another chance to get something off my chest. Here we go:

Why is EVERYONE on Season 10 So Miserable?

People are crying left and right, contestants are bolting out in the middle of night, everyone is OVER-stressed and swearing like drunken sailors (What. Is. With. All. The Swearing by the way? I feel like I'm watching Snooki on "The Jersey Shore"). The whole thing is kind of depressing. Now, granted, it is always easy to remember the good and not the bad, but I don't recollect the environment back in my season being so miserable, or my fellow cast mates being so contemptible (Or at least most of them). We would be in the confessionals cracking jokes, saying this-and-that (and not in a nasty, spiteful way) and the requisite "I'm not sure I will be finished on time" comments. On this season, it's been a cloud of unhappiness and doleful anguish almost every week. And it's only week five. I'm beginning to understand why Andrea and Kooan did a "I'm OUTTA here!" without even batting a L'Oreal mascara'ed eyelash.

Design a Working Woman Collection, Direct a Photoshoot, Work on a Team & Go to Mars!

Heidi enters the runway and brings out my Colombian sister from another Mister, Nina Garcia. Nina announces to the designers that this is the "Marie Claire Team Challenge" and they must create a capsule collection for a working woman that is both editorial AND will also work in the "real world," AND they will work in teams AND they will also direct a photoshoot of the collection with the winning team being featured in the Marie Claire @Work supplement of the magazine. Oh, and did I mention that the winning design will also be launched in the Mars Rover to be used as an instrument to find proof of water on the planet? Just kidding. But seriously folks, that is a LOT rolled into one challenge...

Bromance Ends As Soon As It Begins

The designers begin to choose the members of their teams and Raul is the Last Man Sitting. He's feeling like a "schoolyard reject" as Christopher, whom he thought was his new Bromance love, ends up passing him over for Potty Mouthed Snooki, I mean Gunnar. The final two teams end up being "Team Five" (5 designers) Nathan, Ven, Christopher, Fabio and Gunnar, and "Team Six" (6 designers), Sonjia, Elena, Melissa, Dmitry, Alicia and Raul. During the pre-shopping pow-wow meeting, Raul (feeling his ego at an all-time low) is confrontational, already predicting his teammates will throw him under the "Team Challenge Bus." He also declares that he's "good at making pants" at which point I almost hear the producers rushing to the "Project Runway Season 10 Wall of SHAME" and showing proof of just the opposite from last week. Oh these kids, they SLAY me.

Click HERE to read the rest--and be sure to tell me YOUR thoughts!

Did the right Winner Win? Is Elena AWFUL? Should Gunnar stop swearing? And did you think Raul's Goodbye was classy with a "K"?