0 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!

0 Beauty Pageant Minute: Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) 2012 Crowned, Evening Gowns Pics

A New Philippine Queen...

Crowning Smiles: Janine Tugonon (center) was crowned "Miss Universe Philippines 2012" Sunday at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Nicole Schmitz (left) took home the title of "Binibining Pilipinas International 2012" while that of "Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2012" went to Katrina Dimaranan (right)

Last night, a new beauty queen was crowned--"Binibining Pilipinas 2012" ("Bb. Pilipinas")--or "Miss Philippines". This was the 49th edition of the pageant. The grand coronation took place at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Thirty ladies competed for the ultimate Filipino beauty title and for the three main titles of "Miss Universe Philippines" (who would go on to "Miss Universe 2012"), "Binibining Pilipinas-International" (who would compete in "Miss International 2012") and "Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism" (who would compete in "Miss Tourism Queen International 2012") . Hope that's not too confusing for any pageant newbies reading this blog...

Put It Down: Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Shamcey Supsup lowers the crown on "Binibining Pilipinas 2012", Janine Tugonon at last night pageant, Cubao Quezon City Philippines

The top winner was the very beautiful Janine Marie Tugonon (above). At 22 years old, she stands 5' 7" and is originally from Bicol. According to the pageant officials--and herself--She is a Pharmacy graduate of University Sto. Tomas and works as a clinical specialist. I have a feeling she's really a "Model/Wants to be a TV Show Presenter" (as she should be!). She will now have the chance to go to the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant which according to some, is taking place in December (very unusual, since for many decades it has taken place in the late Summer months) in a yet-to-be-determined location. Rumor has it that it will be South Africa, but no formal announcements have been made by Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization.

Girl...I'll be Back: Last Year's Winner, "Binibining Pilipinas 2011" Shamcey Supsup (center) and THIS YEAR'S winner--Janine Tugonon (far right) as "First Runner Up Binibining Pilipinas 2011", at last year's pageant

This year's winner is not a "Pageant Virgin"--Janine previously placed "First Runner Up" in last year’s pageant. Gotta give her "Pageant Points" for coming back and trying again! Perseverance Ladies. Perseverance! I'm sure the pageant officials whispered "Come back next year...I think it will be YOUR Year darling!". And good for her that she did. Now, let's look at the Evening Gowns...

The Top Five Gown Color Story: Runners Up (far left and right) plus the Top Three (middle) Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Pageant

The gowns the top five wore on the final night were nice enough but they were very "Prom-like" in their silhouettes,fabrications and color-story (bright colors or white's and off-white's).

Second Runner Up, Annalie Forbes (far left) wore a lipstick-red embroidered gown that was straight from a Prom Boutique sale rack--nothing special about it. I LOVED the apple green color of Nicole Schmitz' strapless gathered gown (second from left). It still didn't scream "Paris Haute Couture". "Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012" Katrina Dimaranan's (second from right) ivory beaded gown was more "Elie Saab" fab and therefore, I was a fan! And Elaine Kay Moll (far right) who took home the "First Runner Up" title wore a baby blue organza tiered concoction featuring petals (or was it Fish Scales?) that cascaded down to the floor, with a few crystallized petals here and there.

The winner, Janine, wore an off-white taffeta gown featuring a gathered fitted torso down to the upper thigh, which then flared out. There were diagonal gathered ruffles at the top and bottom areas of the gown adding dimension and interest. It was very Oscar de la Renta circa 1987. And somehow, I still kinda liked it! She wisely put her hair up and added those big ol' earrings to finish her look. Basically, all she needed was a crown...Oh yeah, she got that! Eventually.

Last year's winner, Bb. Pilipinas 2011 "Miss Universe Philippines 2011" Shamcey Supsup, wore a rather tacky gown: it was a short beaded blue and ivory cocktail dress that featured a blue overskirt attached at the hip and matching one-shoulder diagonal strap. I almost thought it was 1988 all over again! Seriously ladies/designers: pick up an "HOLA" Alta Moda Magazine, look at this year's Academy Awards/Cannes/Emmy's/SAG Awards and see what an evening gown should look like.

Winner of Best in Long Gown: Angelee Claudett de los Reyes (center, above ) won the "Special Award" of "Best in Long Gown"--a blue strappy number with a fitted bust and flared gown-skirt.

Rising from the Philippine Waters, Nicole Schmitz, winner of "Binibining Best in Costume Award 2012"

Finally, I had to include the beautiful half-German half-Pinay Nicole Schmitz (above) for her win in "Best in National Costume". Her costume--designed by Filipino fashion designer Edwin Uy--looked like a fantasy island Goddess. She also won "Nestle Fitnesse Best in Swimsuit" (at-a-girl!). What did you guys think of the gowns? Let me know. 80's Prom-and-Pageant throwback or...Couture Fab??

Click Below for Part One of Binibining Pilipinas 2012 Evening Gown Competition--Part One:

Click Below for Part Two:

0 Beauty Pageant Minute: 28th Annual Elite Model Look! Is the Winner Too Skinny??

Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Comes Under Fire...

Miss Très Skinny: 15 year old Julia Schneider from Sweden, Winner of "Elite Model Look 2011"

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet your new Top Model of THE WORLD!!!!! Well, meet the new winner of the 28th Annual Elite Model Look Contest. She is 15 year-old (yes, I said fifteen!), Julia Schneider. She stands 1.79 meters (5'10") and hails from the small town of Gävle in Sweden and yes, she's beautiful.

Neon Divas: Elite Model Look 2011 contestants

Elite Model Look is like the "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" of international model contests. Past contestants have included Heidi Klum, Giselle Bundchen, Linda Evangelista, and Alessandra Ambrosio. None of these Supermodels actually won the contest but were "discovered" as a result.

Gown Gorgeous: Finalists in the Elite Model Look 2011 in their black evening gowns

For this year's contest, Sweden's Julia Schneider (far right in photo above) beat out over 60 aspiring young (VERY YOUNG) models from all over the world, at the Finale held in Shanghai China on Tuesday night. A highlight of the show, included a special performance by none other than...

Miss Kylie Minogue (Love her!)

Some of the Finalists Included:

Angola: 17 year old Elsa

Brazil: 15 year old Ariane

Chile: 16 year old Lieve

France: 16 year old Josephine

Netherlands: 14 year old Lieke

Now, let's get to the Controversy and the Winner:

Size 00: Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Julia Schneider

Immediately, after being "crowned" the new "Elite Model Look" winner, poor Julia and the contest organizers/Elite Model Management have come under fire because of the fact that Julia is very, very skinny. As soon as she won, various websites and blog commentators were thrown into a tizzy discussing her very teeny tiny frame--even for model standards.

Here's a taste: the Montreal Gazette's Lens blog said "Sweden's Julia Schneider looks more like a "model" of anorexia than anything stylish that the fashion industry should be putting on a pedestal as a standard of emulation...Skeletons are meant to jump out of closets not on to fashion runways. Why are only male models generally allowed to have adult's body shapes?" Well, first, I have to disagree with the last part (regrading male models), since the new male model is just as waif-ish as Julia! Has she seen the 16-year-old size 26" waist boys modeling in the latest Menswear Milan Fashion Week's??

Face of a Supermodel: Elite Model Look 2011 Winner Julia Schneider

But, yes, I do agree that even for "model standards", she does look--dare I say it--too skinny. Granted, she is still only 15 years old and therefore has not even "developed" as woman, and possibly, this is just her "natural body type" and she doesn't eat Swedish Meatballs back in her country. With all that being said, the question still remains, should this kind of a girl--with such a double 00 size--be "crowned" as the Ideal Vision of a Top Model? What do you guys think?

Click Below for video of the "Crowning" of Sweden's Julia Schneider "Elite Model Look 2011":

0 Pageant Minute: The new Miss Spain is Miss Barcelona Andrea Huisgen

Una Diosa Española

Olé : The newly crowned "Miss Spain 2011" Andrea Huisgen Serrano, who represented Barcelona

This past Sunday, Andrea Huisgen Serrano, Miss Barcelona was crowned Miss España (Miss Spain) 2011, at the Palacio de los Sueños in Seville, Spain. She is expected to represent Spain in the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant next year (where she will be known as "Miss Spain 2012").

Gracias Chicos: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona" being crowned "Miss Spain 2011" by her predecessor, Paula Guillo (right photo, in red gown)

Andrea, who was studying law (don't they all say that?!--or engineering or bio chemistry!) and also modeling (of course)...

Modelicious: Model photos of the new Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen (as a blonde)

Andrea Huisgen stands 1.81 meters (5'11") and is 21 years old. She was born in Barcelona Spain to a German father and Spanish mother and speaks 4 languages--Spanish, German, English and Catalan.

Feathered Gown Queen: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona"--and soon-to-be crowned "Miss Spain 2011"-- in her ivory strapless "Princess" ball gown of satin and feathers with crystal thin belt. To be honest, I am not a fan of this gown but still, she looked very "Beauty Pageant Perfect". However, the look is a bit dated and well, about five minutes away from a Quinceañera. (Keep reading below for an UPDATE regarding their gown choices...)

At first when I saw photos the beautiful new Miss Spain, I thought "Boy, she's got kind-of a "Venezuelan" air to her...(in terms of her stance, aplomb, hair, make-up...). So, it came as no shock when (after a little web research--yes kids, I do my Homework!) I learned that she was trained by Venezuelan Pageant "Trainer" and Missosologist (Pageant Expert/Fan) Ricardo Rodríguez, alias El Soplón.

The Day After: The beautiful--and newly-crowned "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, being interviewed the following day after her win

Ricardo has been preparing her with oratory, runway, make-up and hair, protocol, as well as all the other necessary "classes" needed to have a winner. It payed off, because, yes, she won! Could Ricardo be the new Osmel Sousa?? One thing's for sure, his "Day Rate" should go up.

Top Three: (Left to right) First Runner Up (Primera Dama de Honor) Miss Las Palmas Aranzazu Estévez, Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen, and 2nd Runner Up (Segunda Dama de Honor), Ana Amparo Crespo

Peineta (Spanish Hair Comb) Bathing Beauty: The new Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona", in her Official Swimsuit Photo for the Miss Spain 2011 Competition

Blush Beauties: There were Ten Semi-Finalists and they all had to model in Swimsuit as well as Evening Gowns, of course. Interestingly enough, during the evening gown portion, all the Semi-Finalists wore gowns in the same color: nude/putty/blush.

One Shouldered Señorita: Andrea (above) wore a one-shouldered draped gown with Empire-waist crystal trim detail that was very pretty and seemed to be one of those "high-low" gowns. However, I feel if you're going to show a "high-low" (short in the front/longer in the back) gown, the difference should be greater. Here, it looks like her gown is too short. She still looked gorgeous though.
**UPDATE on the Gowns: I actually heard from her fabulous Pageant Trainer--"El Soplon", Richard Rodríguez --via Twitter (the beauty of Social Media!), who told me something I already suspected: that the gowns were sponsored and that they actually were "given" their gowns the day of, the actual pageant and therefore, the girls had "little choice".

Fashion Diva:

Hostess With The Fashion Mostess: María José Suárez, co-host of the televised "Miss Spain 2011" Contest (above with Agustín Bravo). María José is a TV Presenter in Spain as well as of course, a former Miss Spain (in 1996). The Spanish Celeb Magazines just LUV her! She also wins my unofficial "Best Dressed of Miss España TV Show" Award. Wearing the same blush-colored type gown as the Semi-Finalists during the contest, she still somehow stood out for her elegance and overall "I've Won Already Ladies!" pose. This gown fits her to perfection. Note to the new Miss Spain: it's not too short...you barely see the shoes! Good job María José!

Sequined Goddess: And above (as any good DIVA TV presenter, María José had an outfit change), she looks STUNNING in a gold-and-blue ombre sequined strapless gown. She's almost looking at the new Miss Spain as if to hint to her "Mija, THIS is the gown, you should wear next time...at Miss Universe!"

Felicitaciones to the new gorgeous Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen!

Click below for video showing HIGHLIGHTS of the new "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, during the contest and being CROWNED: