SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 EVENING GOWN Portraits: Oh No She Didn't/Ayyy Mija's!

Oh Dear! Miss Azerbaijan Aysel Manafova (left) and Miss Estonia Kristina Karjalainen (right)--Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Continuing with my Review of the Miss Universe 2013 website just-released "Evening Gown Portraits"...in my last post, I talked about the "good" ones/my favorites of the bunch, so now it's time for the "Oh No She Didn't" or as my mom would say, the "Ayyy Mija's!" of the gowns. Whether these beautiful ladies were ill-advised or they might just have questionable taste levels (or maybe this was the last dress on the rack), they ended up here. And yes, we know that some of these might not be the actual evening gowns they will wear for the Preliminaries (which take place in less than a week on November 5th) and for at least this bunch, let's hope so! Now, for this group of "Oh Dear's", I decided to separate them into specific sections...keep reading and you'll know what I mean:

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 EVENING GOWN Portraits: The Good

Miss Universe Gown Fab: Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis and Miss Chile Maria Jesus Matthei--Miss Universe 2-13 Evening Gown Portraits

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

It's Miss Universe 2013 time and all the contestants are in Moscow Russia for all the preparations, sightseeing tours, fashion shows and photo-op events surrounding the international pageant and all leading up to the Finals which will be televised LIVE on NBC and Telemundo on Saturday November 9th. The "Evening Gown Portraits" have been published on the MissUniverse.com website so you know what that means: time for my Review. Now, as you know (if you're a Beauty Pageant Aficionado, or missosologist), these may or may not be the actual gowns the contestants wear for the all-important Preliminaries or when they are chosen as one of the Semi-Finalists during the live telecast. But sometimes, they are. Irregardless, it's time for my Evening Gown Review--I want to begin with my Faves of the Photos:

ICE STYLE.....2013 Skate Canada: Men and Ice Dance!

Oh Canada: Gold Medal Winner Patrick Chan--2013 Skate Canada International 

 Top Three Men: (left to right) Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan (Silver), Patrick Chan of Canada (Gold) and Nobunaru Oda of Japan (Bronze)--2013 Skate Canada

Continuing with this edition of my Skate Canada 2013 Costumes Recap, in my last post I talked about the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 Skate Canada and now, it is time to discuss The Men and Ice Dance...The boys featured some creative costumes and well, Ice Dance had a "Groundhog Day" of sorts, when it came to one of the teams.  Shall we get down to Costume business and discuss? Yes, let's do it:

ICE STYLE.....2013 Skate Canada: Ladies and Pairs!

This weekend was the second of the I.S.U. Grand Prix of Figure Skating senior-level invitational competition: the 2013 Skate Canada International. Skate Canada 2013 took place at the Harbour Station in Saint John, New Brunswick Canada.

Canadians are big fans of figure skating and Canada has lots of top skaters in all the disciplines poised for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Now, let's get to the Costumes! Last week, I wrote about the Skate America 2013 Costumes so now it's time for my Skate Canada 2013 Costumes Recap. First up the Ladies and Pairs.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 Contestants at Tony Ward Couture Runway Show in Moscow

Miss Universe 2013 Contestants model in Tony Ward Couture runway show--Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Spring/Summer 2013-2014

Tonight, in Moscow Russia, a special runway show occurred as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Spring/Summer 2013-2014.  Lebanese Fashion Designer Tony Ward (not the model and former Madonna "boy toy" Tony Ward in case you were wondering), showed his "Tony Ward Couture" runway show and his casting team chose 27 Miss Universe 2013 contestants--who happen to be in Russia for the "Miss Universe 2013" beauty pageant--to model in his show.

NIKOLAKI.....NIKOLAKI Runway Show at Vanidades Magazine Magia de la Moda 2013

Bellas: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul--Vanidades "Magia de la Moda" 2013 Fashion Show, Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach

Last week, I flew to Miami, along with my NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul, to show a 30+ collection at the Vanidades Presents "Magia de la Moda (The Magic of Fashion) 2013" Fashion Show as part of Miami Beach's Funkshion Fashion Week...

NICK APPEARANCES.....Macy's 5 Essentials Of Fall Fashion Show, Macy's Columbus Ohio: RECAP

 Work It: Nick Verreos, Hosting Macy's Polaris Fashion Place "Fall's Five Essentials Fashion Show", Columbus Ohio

Last weekend I flew to Columbus Ohio to host the Macy's "Fall's Five Essentials" Fashion Show at Macy's Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus Ohio. I was so excited to come back to Ohio. I had hosted various events in Cincinnati for Macy's but this was my first time in Columbus...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Road to Miss Universe 2013, Arrivals and National Costumes Previews

The 62nd Annual Miss Universe pageant is well under way in Moscow Russia. the Finals will be on Saturday November 9th at the Crocus City Hall, in Moscow. 87 contestants from all over the world have begun arriving in Moscow for all the preparations, fittings, photo sessions, and rehearsals for the big night! Well actually, it might be day--since it will be shown LIVE.  So in order to air at 9 PM EST, it will need to be 5 AM in Moscow (Sunday)! They better have some strong coffee for those attending! (and the contestants!)...

NICK APPEARANCES....."Battle of the Strands" 2013 Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas: RECAP!

 Nick Verreos, Battle of the Strands 2013 Finals, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas

This past week--last Monday--I flew to Las Vegas to judge for the second year--the fabulous "Battle of the Strands" hair, makeup and style competition. This year's competition was held at Pearl Theater in the Palms Casino Resort...

The contest featured many salons from all over the Continental United States--as well, as abroad (from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama). I arrived in Vegas, checked in to the Palms Casino Resort and then made my way to the Pearl Concert Theater, site of the Finals...to check out the "scene":

ICE STYLE....2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America: Men, Ice Dance

It's Figure Skating season once again and I am soooo excited about it--for a couple of reasons. First, I love watching the sport and second, I love seeing the COSTUMES (naturally!). This past weekend was the first of the 2013-2014 Grand Prix series--the 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America. In a previous post, I discussed the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 Skate America...

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Season 12 Project Runway Finale Recap: And The Winner Is

Dom Streater, Winner of Season 12 Project Runway

This past Thursday was the Finale Episode of Season 12 "Project Runway". I've recap'ed the entire season for MyLifetime.com and even did a fun Live Chat for the previous week's "Part 1 Finale". You can click HERE to read all about that. But back to the Finale: this was when the top four designers of the season got to show their collections at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. The actual runway show (and judging) occurred last month on September 6th but it aired this past Thursday.

ICE STYLE.....2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America: Ladies and Pairs!

 Mao Asada Gold Medal Winner, 2013 Skate America Detroit Michigan

The 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America is an international figure skating competition and the first of six events in the 2013-2014 Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a series of senior level invitational competitions. This season is extremely important since it is THE Olympic season, so it's a chance to see who the possible contenders are for the Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze at February's Sochi Olympics 2014.

PROJECT RUNWAY....."Project Runway" Part 1 Finale MyLifetime.com Live Chat with Nick Verreos

Nick Verreos Hosts "Project Runway Season 12" Part 1 Finale Live Webchat, NYC

Two Thursdays ago, I flew to NYC to host the first ever "Project Runway" Live Finale Web Chat!! My partner David Paul, naturally came with me to NYC since I needed his "support" and well, he just LOVES NYC so he didn't even question joining me on this trip (usually for my work trips, he just stays back in Los Angeles with our little Benny and "holds down the NIKOLAKI fort"). The night we arrived, we checked into our wonderful hotel room at the very hip Royalton Hotel located on 44th Street between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas in Midtown West.

NICK HOSTS....."Macy's Presents Fall's Five Essentials" Fashion Show Oct. 19 COLUMBUS OHIO

 Nick Verreos Hosts "Macy's Presents Fall's Five Essentials" Fashion Show--Macy's Polaris Fashion Place Columbus Ohio

COLUMBUS OHIO!!! Join me THIS SATURDAY as I host the "Macy's Presents Fall's Five Essentials Fashion Presentation" at Macy's Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus Ohio! I will show you the top FIVE Style Essentials you need to update your wardrobe this Fall.

NIKOLAKI.....NIKOLAKI at Vanidades Presents "Magia de la Moda" Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach

 NIKOLAKI FABULOSO: Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI will present their collection at the "Vanidades Presents Magia de la Moda" at Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach 2013

I am so excited to announce that TONIGHT, David Paul and I will present our NIKOLAKI red carpet collection at the "Vanidades Presents Magia de la Moda (The Magic of Fashion)" Runway Event as part of the 25th Season of Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Venezuela 2013 is Migbelis Castellanos: Winner, Gowns

 Venezuelan Bella: Migbelis Castellanos "Miss Venezuela 2013" who will compete at the "Miss Universe 2014" competition

This past Thursday, a new Venezuelan beauty was crowned: 5' 10" (1.78 M) tall Migbelis Castellanos became Miss Venezuela 2013 at a star-studded event at the Poliedro de Caracas, which was televised live on Thursday night on Venevision and later (this past Saturday) on Univision. The four-hour competition show highlighted a wonderful tribute to Joaquin Rivera, who produced many a "Miss Venezuela" pageant and passed away back in April, as well as top Venezuelan musical talents. But naturally, its stars were the gorgeous 26 contestants and its winner, "Miss Costa Oriental" Migbelis Castellanos:

NICK APPEARANCES.....Judging Battle of The Strands 2013 Las Vegas TONIGHT Monday October 14!

Nick Verreos with the Winners of Battle of the Strands 2012, Glam Alliance from Minneapolis Minnesota--Andrew Schmitz, Brenda Torre and Crystal Mitchell created this "Marie Antoinette-Meets-Goldfinger Bond Girl Beach Diva"

Last year, I had the opportunity to judge one of the most FABULOUS competitions in Las Vegas: The Battle of The Strands. In case you are not aware, the Battle of The Strands is a hair, makeup, and wardrobe competition, but more than that, it is one GREAT show! B.O.T. S. showcases original avant-garde looks from salon teams across the country before a panel of industry icon judges. Now in it’s third season, the contest has gone international, welcoming teams from Mexico, Panama and Puerto Rico among others.

Battle of The Strands 2013

I have been invited to judge once again this wonderful competition in Las Vegas and the Finals are TONIGHT. I cannot wait to see what this year's finalists have to offer. If last year's competition is a hint, it's going to be AMAZING!

YouTube Personality and "Battle of The Strands" Diva, Kandee Johnson

Last Year Judging: (left to right) Rafe Hardy, Lori Montoya, Nick Verreos and Kandee Johnson--"Battle of the Strands: Extreme Beauty" 2012 Competition, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas

WHAT: 
Battle of The Strands Finals--a Hair, Makeup, Fashion and Beauty Competition

WHEN: 
Monday October 10, 2013

WHERE: 
The Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
4321 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103

TICKETS:
Click HERE

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Who Will Win "Miss Venezuela 2013" this Thursday? My Predictions

Giving Up The Crown: "Miss Venezuela Universe 2012" Maria Gabriela Isler

The 61st Annual Miss Venezuela pageant will be held tomorrow October 10th at the massive Poliedro de Caracas. The "Miss Venezuela" is arguably one of the most important--and most watched--national pageants because of its track record for choosing future "Miss Universes", "Miss Internationals" and so on. Fashion-watchers also love watching the show for its famed "Evening Gown Competition" showing Haute Couture-worthy gowns.

NICK APPEARANCES.....Macy's on State Street Chicago "Hispanic Heritage Month Event" RECAP!

 Nick Verreos Hosts 2013 Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event, Macy's On State Street Chicago

Last week, I had the chance to fly to one of my favorites cities in the US: Chicago! This was my next stop in the fabulous "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month" events celebrating the 2013 Icon of Style, Latina Superstar THALIA at the Macy's On State Street store, naturally!

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Christian Dior S/S 2014

Christian Dior Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear

The Look: Dior designer and creative director Raf Simons showed another stellar collection in Paris last week during Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014. He titled the collection "Trans Dior", shown in a flora-filled stage.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2014 is Gabriela Berríos: Photos, Gowns

 La Mas Bella: Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2014 Gabriela Berríos Pagán --Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce San Juan, Puerto Rico

This past Thursday, a new Puerto Rican beauty queen was crowned: Gabriela Berríos Pagán, who represented Toa Baja won the "Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2014" title, beating out 27 other contestants for the ultimate Puerto Rican beauty prize. The pageant was held at the Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce in San Juan Puerto Rico and televised on the Telemundo Network. 22 year-old Berríos stands 5' 9 1/2" (1.76 m) tall and is is a student of management and event production at Orlando Florida's Kaplan University. She's also a model (of course!).

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway Season 12 Recaps, Episode 12

Tim Gunn and the remaining five designers at Sweetbriar Nature Center--Episode 12 "Project Runway Season 12"

This week on Lifetime Network's "Season 12 Project Runway", the remaining five designers were tasked to create TWO things--first a look inspired by Butterflies and it had to be Avant-Garde. And second, they had to re-do an eliminated designers' look and make it better...It was a Double-Double Challenge...

NICK APPEARANCES.....Style Week OC 2013 Cadillac Couture Design Competition: RECAP

MC Nick: Nick Verreos Hosts Style Week OC 2013 Cadillac Couture Design Competition, Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine California

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting the FAB Style Week Orange County 2013 Cadillac Couture Design Competition and Irvine Spectrum Collection runway show at one of the most GORGEOUS outdoor shopping centers in the country: the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California.

NICK APPEARANCES.....Macy's Herald Square NYC Hispanic Heritage Event with THALIA: RECAP!

Hola NYC: Nick Verreos Hosts "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Salute to Thalia 2013 Icon of Style", Macy's Herald Square NYC

Last week I had the pleasure of flying to NYC to host the "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month" Salute to Thalia Icon of Style event at the iconic Macy's Herald Square. It was a FABULOSO event! First of all, I was honored to not only host this very special event, but also...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2013 GOWN REVIEW Part 2

Golden Big Bird Hi-Lo or Sheer Runway Gal: Which one of these girls (and their gowns) made it into my "Uh Oh!" section? Keep reading...Miss World 2013 Final Show, Nusa Dua Indonesia

(All Photos Courtesy of Miss World Facebook)

In one of my previous posts, I gave my "Nick Two Cents" on the "Miss World 2013" gowns--for the Winner the gorgeous Megan Young "Miss Philippines", as  well as the Top Ten Semi-Finalists...So now, it's time to discuss the rest of the Top 20 contestants, as well as the gowns/contestants that didn't end up in the Top 10/20 but I thought need a "good" mention...plus, naturally, my "What Was She Thinking?" group. And yes, there are LOTS! Shall we get started?