SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Russia 2015, The Winner, The Gowns, Elie Saab Haute Couture

Miss Russia 2015 Gown-Fab: The new "Miss Russia" Sofia Nikitchuk (far left) and the Haute Couture Gowns from the co-host Victoria Lopyreva (lower pics) and "Miss Russia 2014" Yulia Alipova (top pics)

Russian Queen: Miss Russia 2015, Sofia Nikitchuk representing Yekaterinburg--Bravikha Luxury Village Concert Hall, Moscow, Russia

This past Saturday night, April 18, 20115, a new Miss Russia was crowned at the Bravikha Luxury Village Concert Hall in Moscow, Russia. The winner was Sofia Nikitchuk, 21 year old model and student at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Ural Federal University in Yekaterinburg.

Sofia Gorgeous: Sofia Nikitchuk "Miss Russia 2015"

Earlier this year, the 1.77 m (5' 10") tall beauty won the Miss Yekaterinburg title and subsequently, competed for the "Miss Russia 2015" title. She beat out 49 other contestants for the coveted crown.

The first “Vice-Miss” (First Runner-Up) was Vladislava Yevtushenko and the second “Vice-Miss” (Second Runner-Up) was Anastasia Naydenova (seen in top photo, above). The new Miss Russia Sofia Nikitchuk, was crowned by last year's Miss Russia, Yulia Alipova (above photo). Sofia is expected to represent Russia in both the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants. Rolene Strauss "Miss World 2014" and Paulina Vega "Miss Universe 2014-2015" were not present at this year’s event. Normally, the "Miss Russia" pageant organizers invites both "Miss World" and "Miss Universe" titleholders. The Miss Russia pageant organizers have to pay for both of their "Appearance" fees as well as cover travel, etc. for them and their entourage which can be a very hefty expenditure; the Miss Russia Organization decided not to do this year for some reason.

Dresses and Swimsuits: Photos from "Miss Russia 2015" Beauty Pageant--Bravikha Luxury Village Concert Hall, Moscow, Russia

The Gowns:

Prom-a-Licious: How do you say "Prom" in Russian? Some of the semi-finalists, in their evening gowns during the Finals of "Miss Russia 2015". The gowns were a tad bit "Prom"-inspired even though they probably didn't mean to be. The colors were a bit "Prom"-ish and so were the silhouettes. The gowns worn--strapless ball gown/"Princess" style, Empire gowns, Mermaid...the dresses seemed a bit off-the-rack and not Couture-worthy. At least (on a positive note), the lengths were correct! Спасибо! (Thank You!)Winner Gown: Sofia Nikitchuk--who eventually won the top "Miss Russia 2015" crown--wore this coral pink colored gown featuring a high waist, chiffon skirt multi-layers and a pink and creme brocade strapless bustier. Honestly, this was nice but sooooo $129.99 at a Prom-and-Pageant Boutique Sale! I think I remember making a dress just like this...in 1993, fresh out of graduating from fashion school. Also, the necklace didn't help; it was so 90's! But obviously, none of that made a difference: Sofia won!

Now, to the Co-Host and Miss Russia 2014 COUTURE!!!

Victoria Lopyreva Diva: Model/Actress/Model/Miss Russia 2003 Victoria Lopyreva co-hosted the "Miss Russia 2015" Pageant Finals with Alexander Belov. She wore a stunning red ball gown with silver sequin details. When I first saw her in this gown, I thought "Oh wow, she's wearing an Elie Saab Haute Couture creation!". But I was wrong...

After a little--OK, A LOT!--web investigating--I found out that she wore a gown designed by Russian fashion designer Alexander Arutyunov. The red gown was from his Fall/Winter 2014/2015 collection. Even though she tripped on her way onto the stage, she looked amazing in the gown and it was a very impacting design.

Another Couture Diva of the night was...

Yulia Alipova Miss Russia 2014

Yulia Couture: Yulia was there to "give up her title" and crown her successor at the Miss Russia 2015 pageant finals. Yulia, naturally, was not saying "Goodbye" in something off-the-rack. Instead, she wore a fabulous hand-made ball gown from Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014.  The stunning gown which featured hand sewn sequined appliques over a silk organza base is estimated to cost $150,000+. She also wore this gown for the...

Miss Universe 2014-2015 Evening Gown Website Photos--Yulia Alipova "Miss Russia 2014"--I am assuming since, she has had this gown so long that...the organizers actually purchased it and therefore it was not borrowed from the Elie Saab P.R. team. If so: WOW!!! At least the organizers are getting good mileage out of their $150,000+ couture purchase!

Congratulations to the new "Miss Russia" Sofia Nikitchuk and Best of Luck at both the 

"Miss World" and "Miss Universe" beauty pageants! I cannot wait to see what $100,000+ Haute Couture creation you'll be wearing!