HAPPY NEW YEAR!.....XOXO NIKOLAKI Nick Verreos & David Paul

Happy New Year!!! From my NIKOLAKI Divas

Hope everyone has a Safe and Fabulous 2015!

XOXONick Verreos

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2014

Pageant Gown Fab 2014: The Best of 2014--Check out who made my End-of -the-Year Beauty Pageant Gown List

Time for my End-of-the-Year "Sashes and Tiaras" Fashion Roundup!! Yes, kids, it's that time of the year when we discuss "The Best of 2014", and naturally, I want to talk about the Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2014. I've narrowed it down to some of my favorite gowns from the more "top" international pageants such as Miss World, Miss International, as well as Miss Venezuela, Miss USA, Miss Lebanon and Miss World Philippines, among others. I wish I could include "Miss Universe" in her but since the pageant won't happen until next year on January 25th, then it really doesn't count as part of the "Best of 2014".

So...let's have a look-back at the Beauty Pageant Gown Highlights of 2014. Oh, and of course, I'll have an "Ayyy Mija!"/Uh Oh of 2014 Pageant Gown Recap in a separate blog!

ICE STYLE.....2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals: ICE DANCE, PAIRS

Ice Dance Costume King and Queen: Canadian Ice Dance couple Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje in their Short and Free Dance costumes--2014-2015 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, Barcelona Spain

A couple of weeks back the 2014-2015 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals  took place in Barcelona Spain. As part of my love of figure skating and figure skating costumes, naturally I discussed the LADIES and MEN costumes last week here on my blog and because of the Holiday break, I didn't get a chance to talk about my favorites of the ICE DANCE and PAIRS so...better late than never and so therefore, here is my FASHION RECAP of the Ice Dance and Pairs costumes form the 2014 Grand Prix Finals in Barcelona.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.....Happy Holidays to EVERYONE XOXO!

Miss Santa Diva 2014...sketch by Nick Verreos

From David and of course, Benny and I...Wishing EVERYONE a Happy, Joyous and Safe Holiday!!!

And don't forget: Always look FAB!!! Especially at Christmas time!

ICE STYLE.....2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals: LADIES and MEN

Ladies and Gentlemen: Some of my favorite costumes from the 2014-2015 ISU Grand Prix Finals from the Ladies (Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia and Ashley Wagner of the USA) and Men (Javier Fernandez of Spain and Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan)

Last weekend, the city of Barcelona in Spain hosted the 2014-2015 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals competition. This was the first time this top international competition had taken place in the Iberian Peninsula.

This was the Finals of all the Grand Prix that happened earlier in the year, including Hilton HHonors Skate America, Skate Canada, Lexus Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia, NHK Trophy (Japan) and Trophee Eric Bompard in France. I talked about most of the figure skating costumes throughout this Grand Prix season here on my little ol' blog. So now it's time to discuss my favorite costumes from the Grand Prix Finals.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2014 Finals, Winner and Gown Recap!

The Most Beautiful: Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss of South Africa--Miss World 2014 Finals, London UK

Yesterday, a new Miss World was crowned. And the Winner Is...(yes, you cheated and saw the photo above!), Miss World South Africa Rolene Strauss. The 22-year-old 5' 9 1/2" (1. 77 M) tall beauty beat out 120 other women from all over the world for the coveted international beauty title.

Crowned: Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss gets her crown from her predecessor, Miss World 2013 Megan Young of the Philippines--Miss World 2014 Finals, London UK

The Miss World 2014 Grand Finals took place in London and the show was televised LIVE to over 100 nations in the globe. Here in the USA, E! Entertainment showed it at 7 AM West Coast time Sunday morning (yes, kids, I watched it in my pajamas!)...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Top 20 Favorites, Predictions of Miss World 2014

Who Will Be Miss World 2014?

Last year's Top Three (L to R) 1st Runner-Up Marine Lorphelin, Miss World 2013 Megan Young of the Philippines, 2nd Runner-Up Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter

Beauty Pageant Fans: The Miss World 2014 beauty pageant is here...well, almost! The 64th edition of the international pageant happens LIVE from London's Excel Center and will be airing on Sunday morning in the USA on E! Entertainment network and yes, I'll be watching. There are 122 contestants from all over the world vying for the coveted crown and so I thought it was the perfect time to announce my Faves. Here are my Favorite TWENTY contestants of the 2014 Miss World--Unless there's a big surprise "where did she come from?" upset, I have a good feeling that one of these lovely, beautiful and intelligent ladies should be the next Miss World.

So, here my Top 20 with my Top Picks per Continental/Geographic Region:

ROYAL COUTURE.....RIP Queen Fabiola of Belgium

 Doña Fabiola: Queen Fabiola of Belgium, A Fashion Tribute

Last week, on December 5th, Queen Fabiola of Belgium passed away at the age of 86, after a long illness. She was the wife of King Baudouin of the Belgians. She was the queen consort for 33 years, from her wedding in 1960 until her husband's death in 1993. Since then she was seen as a "Queen Mother" sort of figure for the country of Belgium and beloved by many.

Silver Fox: Queen Fabiola of Belgium

Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin never had children (she was pregnant five times--all ending in miscarriages) so the crown passed on to King Baudouin's younger brother, King Albert II. Fabiola was born Fabiola de Mora y Aragon in Madrid, Spain from Spanish aristocracy. Her father was the 4th Marquess of Casa Riera and 2nd Count of  Mora while her mother was the Marchioness of Casa Torres and Viscountess of Baiguer. And if that isn't enough Haute Spanish aristocracy, Fabiola's godmother was Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain.

Balenciaga Haute Couture Bride: Queen Fabiola and King Bauduoin of the Belgians at their wedding in 1960. The bride wore Balenciaga Haute Couture.

Queen Fabiola was a Fashion Diva. From her 1960 wedding to King Baudouin in which she wore a Haute Couture Cristobal Balenciaga gown to her latter years, she remained always stylish.

 Fur and Jewels: Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin in Mexico City, 1965

 Printed Queen: Queen Fabiola with then-Princess Maxima and Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at a 2006 gala dinner

Mink and Color-Coordinated Diva: Queen Fabiola visinting the Belgium Parliament Koenigsfest celebrations in 2008

She loved color, coordinated ensembles, tiaras, mink coats and abanicos (fans). The last one probably being her sly homage to her Spanish roots. She was also known for her fabulously styled hair.
Let's take a STYLE Look Back at Queen Fabiola:

The Wedding Gown:

Satin and Mink Fab: Queen Fabiola in her Cristobal Balenciaga Hate Couture custom wedding gown, 1960

Queen Fabiola of Belgium's wedding gown designed by Cristobal Balenciaga

At her 1960 wedding, she wore a custom Balenciaga Haute Couture wedding gown designed by Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga. The silk satin gown featured a Bateau neckline, raglan sleeves and a low waist and "Watteau"-like cape/train trimmed in mink. Yes, kids, mink! To this day, it is considered one of the most iconic wedding gown designs of all time.

Color Queen:

 Pink Couture: Queen Fabiola in a scooped neck pink and silver sequined gown

Blue Diva: Queen Fabiola in a blue and ivory silk organza gown

Teal Queen: Queen Fabiola with then-Princess Sofia of Spain, 1971 celebrations for the 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire, Iran

                          Lilac Suting: Queen Fabiola with then-Princess Mathilde, 2009 International Music Competition of Belgium at the Royal Palace on May 26, 200

 Violet-Blue Fab: Queen Fabiola with then-Princess Mathilde and Prince Philippe of Belgium, at a Christmas concert in Belgium 2009

Tiara Queen:

Queen Fabiola received this tiara above as a wedding gift from the Spanish government (lucky her!)

The Wedding Gift tiara

 She also made the tiara smaller

 And used it as a statement making necklace

Silver Hair Queen:

Normally, when you see women of a "certain age" (especially these days!), their hair is dyed...that's the trend. But leave it to Queen Fabiola to not follow trends. She kept her hair color it's true gray for the last decade+. And she looked FABULOUS!

Fan Queen:

 Queen Fabiola loved using an abanico (a fan). I think it was her way of showing her Spanish blood.

RIP Queen Fabiola. And her STYLE.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss France 2015, The Winner and Fashion Recap

 La Plus Belle Femme de France: The newly crowned "Miss France 2015" Camille Cerf , representing Nord-Pas-de-Palais--Miss France 2015 Finals

GURL! Take it Easy! Camille Cerf, Miss France 2015 gets congratulated by her fellow contestants--Miss France 2015 Finals

Blond-haired, green-eyed 19-year-old Camille Cerf won the Miss France 2015 crown this past Saturday. The almost 5' 11" (1. 80 M) tall beauty beat out 32 other contestants for the top prize in a fabulously done production televised by French TV Network TF1. The Finals took place at the Zenith d'Orleans Centre and were hosted by Jean-Pierre Foucault (for the 20th consecutive year!) and Sylvie Tellier, who was Miss France 2002 and is also the current director of the Miss France and Miss Europe organizations/pageants.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2014 Finals The Winner & Fashion Recap

Is That Mine? India's Asha Bhat gets crowned as "Miss Supranational 2014" by the outgoing "Miss Supranational" Mutya Johanna Datul of the Phillippines--Miss Supranational 2014 Finals, Poland

 Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook

Stunning Beauty: Miss India, Asha Bhat, the newly crowned "Miss Supranational 2014"--Miss Supranational 2014 Finals, Poland

Yesterday was the Final Crowning Night of the 5th edition of Miss Supranational. The pageant was held in the Krynica Zdrój’s Ice Arena, in southern Poland, and the winner was Miss India Asha Bhat. The 22-year old, 5' 10" (1.78 M) tall model beat out 70 other contestants from around the world for the title. 

ICE STYLE.....2014 NHK Trophy Figure Skating Costumes: PAIRS, ICE DANCE

Pairs and Ice Dance Fab? (L to R) Germany's Pair team of Mari Vartmann and Aaron Van Cleave and Ice Dance couple of Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada--2014 NHK Trophy ISU Grad Prix of Figure Skating

In my last blog post, I discussed the LADIES and MEN costumes from last weekend's 2014-2015 NHK Trophy ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating held in Osaka Japan. So now, it's time for the PAIRS and ICE DANCE--lots to talk about, including a newly HOT Ice Dance male partner (Read on):

ICE STYLE.....2014 NHK Trophy Figure Skating Costumes: LADIES, MEN

Ice Style: (L to R) Alena Leonova of Russia and Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan both in their Free Skate costumes--2014 NHK Trophy ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, Osaka Japan

This past weekend was the last of six events in the 2014-2015 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions--the 2014-2015 NHK Trophy, held in Osaka Japan. I've discussed the Costumes Highlights of all the previous Grand Prix events of the season, including Hilton HHonors Skate America, Skate Canada, Lexus Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup (Russia) and Trophee Eric Bompard (France) and you can just search Ice Style here on my BLOG on the right under CATEGORIES (scroll below my Twitter, Instragram feeds). Now, it's time to talk about some of the LADIES and MEN costumes of 2014 NHK Trophy, and a couple of COSTUME CHANGES (Hello Boys!!!).
First up, the LADIES...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2014 World Designer Dress: My FAVORITE and "Uh Oh!"

Very Good and Uh OH Gowns: (L to R) Miss Philippines Valerie Weigmann and Miss Switzerland Dijana Cvijetic--"Miss World 2014" Top Model and World Designer Dress Runway Show

The Miss World 2014 beauty pageant activities are happening in London as I type this blog. One of the most "fashionable" ones--the "Miss World 2014 Top Model/ World Designer Dress" fashion show/presentation occurred last week. All the 124 contestants modeled fashions--cocktail and evening gowns--to then be a Finalist in the Miss World Top Model--as well as award the "Best in Gown" award to the Fashion Designer whom the contestant was wearing in the evening gown portion. Out of all the contenders, the Top World Designer Dress prize went to...

Miss India Koyal Rana and her gown, designed by by Falguni and Shane Peacock--She wore a shimmering gold, copper and silver sequined gown which I am sure weighed A TON and looked quite splendid on her.  

Out of the Top 20 Miss World 2014 "Top Model" Finalists, here are the gowns I liked the most:

Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe: Loved this aqua blue column gown featuring sequined shoulder detail and falling chiffon pieces. The gown made quite a statement and it reminded me of a dress one of my favorite style muses, the Sheikha Mozah of Qatar, would wear.

Miss Dominican Republic Dhio Moreno: Great choice for Dhio in this black sequined column gown with illusion/netting insets. She looked very statuesque and very "Red Carpet" ready. I don't think the silver bouffant headpiece/trim was necessary, however; the gown was EVERYTHING.

Miss Mongolia Battsetseg Turbat: A lovely choice for a gown from "Miss World Mongolia". The nude tulle and electric blue applique gown was very impacting and fitted her nicely. If there was any critique, the front may have been about 5 inches too short. But I did love the color and leaf-like applique and waist satin tie.

Miss Namibia Brumhilda Ochs: Yes, kids her name is Brumhilda! And I love her! She is like a Supermodel who should go to Milan as soon as her time in London is done! (in the event she doesn't win the "Miss World 2014" title!). Great gown, FABULOUS pose! Her shoulders are amazing and I love how well this gown fits. Also, normally, I would not think such a big necklace was necessary but Brumhilda makes it work!

Miss Puerto Rico Genesis Davila: Genesis wears a perfectly pretty gown here. It fits her nicely and is both "Pageant Fab" and right for her. I even like the big ol' bouffant with this look. It may not be something one would see at a Paris Haute Couture runway show (the hair style or this gown) but she worked it nonetheless and got my "Great Gown" vote!

Miss Russia Anastasia Kostenko: Anastasia made it into the Top 20 of the "Miss World 2014 Top Model" and I also liked this ivory and silver crystal off-the-shoulder gown of hers. It looked expensive and well done, fit her nicely and she looked quite sweet yet still "unapproachable" in it.

Miss  South Africa Rolene Strauss: The top favorite to win the "Miss World 2014" crown continued her streak of "well done" by wearing this gorgeous ivory scooped neck gown with scroll-like detail. Her side-swept hairstyle was on-point and so was the fact that she didn't overdo it in the accessories department. I also love that the gown length is PERFECT. The long sleeves still play into the whole "Miss World" winners must be sweet and nice--she's the Wife NOT the Mistress, of International Beauty Pageants.

Miss Turkey Amine Gulse: I thought Amine's halter neck white and silver gown was a nice silhouette and style for her. The shimmery color worked very well against her skin and hair. I also loved that she styled it with a center-parted slicked modern hairstyle as well.

Miss Haiti Carolyn Desert: Out of the 20 "Top Model" finalists, Miss World Haiti was my last favorite--in terms of the gowns they wore. I thought this was a very creative design that didn't go toward the "National Costume" direction. One would normally think that light-wash denim, tartan plaid and lace applique would NOT under any circumstances work...but here it is all proved wrong. I really liked this gown and I guess, it helped that it was being worn by the super stunning shaved-head "Miss World Haiti".

Here are some of my other FAVORITE Gown designs from contestants who did not make the Top Model--as well as the "World Designer Dress"--cut:

Miss Philippines Valerie Weigmann: Valerie wore a creme and lemon yellow ball gown that was exquisite. It was very Couture and very 1950s Old Hollywood Glamour. Her slicked back hair and classic makeup finished to perfection the entire overall look. How Valerie--or this beautiful gown-- didn't make the cut is beyond me.

Miss Thailand Nonthawan Thongleng: Another yellow gown--this time from "Miss World Thailand". I thought that this was a beautiful gown design I loved the side pleated draping on the ball gown skirt, the fabric looked expensive and NOT polyester and the style was classic yet still dramatic and directional. I also liked her chic modern hairstyle.

Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit: I loved Miss United States' dramatic gown. The Watteau-like back was EVERYTHING. I loved the Drama. I guess whoever was judging this presentation did not agree.

Miss Venezuela Debora Menicucci: Debora wore the same strapless sequined gown she wore when she represented "Amazonas" back in the "Miss Venezuela 2013" beauty pageant (photo above), many, many months before she even knew that she would get the crown to represent her country at the Miss World (she did not even make the Top Ten of that year's "Miss Venezuela") . I loved the gown then and I still think it was fabulously impacting now. Bellisima!

Miss Northern Ireland Rebekah Shirley: Rebekah wore a one shoulder-esque gown with light sequin detail. She looked modern, chic and very Angelina Jolie-like. This was subdued fabulousless in terms of an elegant gown. One of my favorites!

Miss Moldova Alexandra Caruntu: Love the sharp blue color and the cut of this flared gown. Alexandra looks gorgeous! Nice gown on a very pretty girl.

Miss Ethiopia Yirgalem Hadish: WORK IT!!! "Miss World Ethiopia" is giving a lesson on how to pose in the photo above. I love everything about it. The one shoulder black and white printed gown is sleek, stunning and impacting. It also fits her to perfection.

Miss Bahamas Rosetta Cartwright: Rosetta wore this very pretty gunmetal gray strapless tulle and crystal sequined ball gown. She was very "Prom Princess" in this but not in a cheesy way; she looked elegant and beautiful. The gown was very "Monique Lhuillier"-like.

Miss Indonesia Maria Sastrayu: Very well done. Loved this gown, the draped cascading overskirt, the horsehair hem trim, the interesting lace fabrication...it was Couture, chic and demure. And once again, the side-slicked and straightened modern hairstyle helped the entire look.

Miss Gabon Jessie Lekery: I thought this silver sequined and nude tulle one shoulder gown design worn by "Miss World Gabon" was a nice choice. She looked very red carpet perfect.

The "Ayyy Mija!" Gown Messes of Miss World 2014 "Word Designer Dress" Presentation/Runway Show:

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Isidora Borovcanin: Three words--Cha-Cha Queen. The rosette ruffled hi-lo skirt, the "Carmen" figure skating costume design...the tacky black heels; it's just too tacky-licious. She's very pretty and I can understand how she made it into the Top 20 of the "Miss World 2014 Top Model" but...this gown is a tacky hot mess.

Miss Nigeria Iheoma Nnadi: Barbie Madness. The cheap-looking organza, the back tulle detail and the solid-to-sheer gown detail...it's just TOO MUJCHEEY. I LOVE this color but I hate when it's used in such an overtly non-edited tacky way.

Miss Kyrgyzstan Aikol Alikzanova: Blue silver rose applique gown with nude mini dress underneath. And a sequined tulle overskirt. No. This is tacky. But a yes to her hair and earrings. But that's it.

Miss South Sudan Awien Kuanyin-Agoth: While I think the fabrication on this dress in interesting, it's WAAAY too short and the styling is completely off. There's no need for that necklace and especially those style of shoes. Those shoes belong to a business outfit not a gown.

Miss Luxembourg Frederique Wolff: Wowsa, that's some fire red on that gown! I like the red applique trim but I don't think red might have been a good choice on the multi-tiered tulle. This looks like a costume/dress that might have been rejected as part of the "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" film.

Miss Latvia Liliana Garkalne: Bland. Bland. Bland. Nude colored top with black messy tulle skirt. This is someone who does not want to be bothered, style-wise; it's sad and depressing.

Miss Switzerland Dijana Cvijetic: Can you say "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"??? This is all things a mess. Let's just begin with the too-short hi-lo strapless sequined bustier and iridescent organza design. There's so much polyester in this that I am really afraid when anyone lights a match near her. And then, there's those awful black platform peep-toe heels. I could see those in a sexy very fitted black pencil-skirted suit a la Kim Kardashian. But here, it's Tacky-Licious.

Miss Martinique Anais Delwaulle: Three words--Bless Her Heart. This pink tulle and sequin hi-lo style dress is a tacky mess. Has this woman seen what actual actresses and models wear to red carpet events? And those gold stripper pumps??? How do say "Huuuuuney???!!!" en Francais?

*Stay Tuned here on my BLOG for more "Miss World 2014" SASHES AND TIARAS fashion blogs!!