SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2016 Terno Fashion Show

Miss Unirverse Goes Terno: The 65th Miss Universe Cultural Terno Show, Vigan Ilocos Sur, Philippines

If you have been keeping up with my latest "Sashes and Tiaras" blogs HERE and HERE, the 65th Annual Miss Universe Pageant is in full swing. The pageant is occurring in the Philippines. Throughout this past week and into the weekend, all the 86 contestants vying for the coveted international beauty title have been arriving and several activities have already taken place, which will all lead up to the Finals on January 30th. Sunday night, 20 Miss Universe contestants went to Vigan, a city located on the island of Luzon. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the few Hispanic towns--known for its cobblestone streets and Filipino/Oriental/European colonial architecture--left in the Philippines whose structures have remained intact.

Butterfly Sleeve Queens: Miss Universe 2016 contestants show off their Terno gowns--Miss Universe 2016 Cultural Terno Show, Vigan Phillipines

Sequins, Applique, Lace...Ternos: Display of Ternos from the Miss Universe 2016 Cultural Terno Show, Vigan Philippines

This was the site of the Miss Universe "Cultural Terno Show" which involved a fashion show showcasing the contestants in Terno gowns. Terno is the modern-day version of what was originally the Maria Clara or Traje de Mestiza back in the early 1900s. The gown features large "Butterfly" sleeves and usually a column-like fitted long skirt but could also be a fuller one.

Terno Duo: Miss Universe Bulgaria and Miss Universe Philippines pose with their Terno gowns--Miss Universe 2016 Cultural Terno Show, Vigan Philippines

It's become a popular look for many Miss Philippines to wear as their "National Costume" for international beauty pageants. The 20 Miss Universe contestants wore these Terno designs from various Filipino designers--both from Manila as well as from the Ilocos Province. Here are all the 20 contestants and designs with my scores...

Miss Universe 2016 Terno Fashion Show: Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Universe Venezuela, Miss Universe Belgium, Miss Universe Philippines--Which One of These Was my No. 1? Keep reading....

Miss Universe Nicaragua Marina Jacoby Santos: Of all the 20 designs, this one received my lowest score. This wasn't because it was cray-cray or tasteless, etc. Most of the Terno gowns that were shown at this "Miss Universe Cultural Terno Show" were quite nice and really, there weren't any real "misses". The reason this one, worn by Miss Universe Nicaragua, ended up here was because it was slightly boring in its design. The powder pink dress, designed by Gyan Claude Pasion Ben, was very traditional and "just there"; while quite nice and pretty, there was nothing extraordinary about it. If you want to be the "Wallflower Terno Gal", wear this.
Score: 7.80

Miss Universe Malaysia Kiran Jassal: Next on my list is this design worn by Miss Universe Malaysia. This gown from Edgar Madamba was unique and a bit quirky. I liked the pointy bodice edges but I wasn't a fan of the "Butterfly sleeve"-shaped skirt. And the pink embellishments seemed a bit "Fashion School-y". And yeah, the too-short length and the fact that I could see her BEIGE WEDGE PLATFORM HEELS (What the HAILLL???), well, this is why I gave her...
Score: 7.82

Miss Universe Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks: This was a very interesting design worn by Miss Universe Cayman Islands. For whatever it's worth, this gown was supposed to have been worn (according to the pageant fans on the web) by Miss Universe Colombia but because she had just arrived in the Philippines, she was unable to be part of this group of 20 contestants. Anyhow...this design by Cherry Veric was an "original" version of the Terno. And while I appreciate this, it was a little too "wild" and kooky. I loved the colors and the designers' take on the iconic "Butterfly" sleeves but...it was slightly too costume-y, and not in a good "Miss Universe" sort of way.
Score: 7.84


Miss Universe Great Britain Jamie-Lee Faulkner: Jamie-Lee wore this canary yellow and white Terno gown for the show. This Eroll Raminajes design was nice but basically, just that: Nice. I think the combination of the bright yellow and white took it to Prom-and-Pageant Betty territory.
Score: 7.85

Miss Universe British Virgin Islands Erika Creque: Erika wore this gold and black jacquard fit-and-flare Terno gown from designer Barge Ramos. The gown fit nicely, but I wish the sleeves were a little more dramatic and the length was to the floor (it was too short); I was really NOT A FAN of seeing those peep-toe nude heels with this gown. They were NOT for this dress.
Score: 7.88

Miss Universe Vietnam Dan Thi Le Hang: Miss Universe Vietnam went "Terno Princess" with this Cathy Capistrano-designed gown. The red gown featured the traditional "Butterfly" sleeves and the skirt was full and more ballgown shaped--as opposed to the more popular column/fitted one. Once again there was really nothing tacky, tasteless or bad about this, it was just soooo "Miss World" Quinceanera Princess. She looked pretty but there was nothing sexy or Runway Diva about this.
Score: 7.90

Miss Universe Uruguay Magdalena Cohendet: I liked the contrast of the royal blue and ivory colors on this gown designed by Sunny Boy Mindo (Love that name BTW!). And the intricate applique details were quite beautiful but...for some reason this gown (maybe it was the too-high neckline and hairstyle) that made Magdalena look a bit mumsy and "Madame".
Score: 8.00

Miss USA Deshauna Barber: Deshauna wore this magenta and white Terno gown from designer Raffy Sy. I loved the colors and especially the OVERSIZED Butterfly sleeves; she was like Imelda Marcos on Design Overload! I was just concerned with the wrinkles on the gown and I think that hairstyle did not help.
Score: 8.10

Miss Universe Guatemala Virginia Argueta: Virginia wore this simple Terno gown designed by Mike Dela Rosa. I liked its clean column silhouette and the gold lace was beautiful. This gown worked beautifully on Miss Universe Guatemala. Her hair and makeup were on-point. If there was any critique, I wish the gown had a little more train, the sleeves were a little bigger and she wouldn't have worn those shoes.
Score: 8.15

Miss Universe Slovak Republic Zuzana Kolarova: Zuzana wore this emerald green gown from Filipino designer Jan Van Paquing featuring a chiffon overlay, column gown and fitted bodice. I loved the color and that black sequined applique in the front. The sleeves were perfectly puffy. Once again would I wish she wouldn't have worn those peep-toe heels: YES!!!! But, I am sure, she had no choice.
Score: 8.50

Miss Universe Bulgaria Violina Ancheva: Miss Universe Bulgaria wore this emerald green (a popular color!) Terno gown for the Miss Universe 2016 Cultural Terno Show. The dress, designed by Vince Sityar, looked well-made and featured duchesse satin fabrication and heavily beaded from heavy to light. It was quite pretty and expensive looking. She looked like a rich Terno-loving society gal!
Score: 8.55

Miss Universe Singapore Cheryl Chou Zhi Hiu: I thought that this golden sequined gown worn by Miss Universe Singapore was one of the better-looking ones from the show. The dress was designed by Jearsond Demovivas and featured shimmery golden colored sequined fabric, a center front slit and fuchsia colored jeweled beads in the torso and sleeves. She looked like a true Diva--or like the girlfriend or wife of a very, very wealthy diplomat--or arms dealer!
Score: 8.95

Miss Universe Netherlands Zoey Ivory: Zoey wore one of my top favorite Terno designs of the night. I liked the emerald color, the unusual and creative top section, as well as the ruffled tier design and nude illusion with gold sequin detail. The gown was designed by Danika Damo. This was a nice way to depart from the "traditional Terno" and still make it look chic and runway fashion. I wish the front went to the floor (Was it supposed to be Hi-Lo? Because if so, it need to be HIGHER!). But, look at her shoes: NO TACKY CLUNKY PLATFORM HEELS!! YEAYYYY Miss Universe Netherlands!
Score: 9.00

Miss Universe Brazil Raissa Santana: Miss Universe Brazil is causing quite a storm in the Philippines. Ever since she arrived, she's been one of the favorites for the crown and has been doing everything just right. Here she wore this ivory 1940's-like Terno designed by Joel Acebuche featuring a triple ruffle tiered peplum, and red flower applique. I loved everything about it and especially that BIG OL' flower in her hair; she looked like a jazz singer in 1944 in the most chi-chi club in Manila!
Score: 9.25

Miss Universe Czech Republic Andrea Beldekova: I loved this black Terno gown designed by Mimi Pimentel. Even though it lacked color and elaborate sequin applique, it still made a strong impact. I thought it was not only modern, chic but Paris Haute Couture runway fab.
Score: 9.35

Miss Universe Sierra Leone Hawa Kamara: Hawa is quickly becoming the fashionista of this year's Miss Universe Pageant, posting all these fab selfies of her outfits, always looking very fashion-forward. Here, she continued her fashion-savvy title (Will there be a "Most Stylish Contestant" at Miss Universe 2016?) with this Darwin Ramirez-designed red Terno gown. The style was SPECTACULAR; I loved the bright red color, the perfectly fitting design and especially the way it looked on her. She did keep lifting it up because it was a bit too long but, she still looked Terno-gorgeous!

Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina: Maxine looked like a QUEEN in this gorgeous gown from Filipino Couturier Albert Andrada. The silver sequined-and-white gown fit her beautifully and honestly, there was nothing wrong with it; the length was perfect, no platform heels...virtually flawless. If a very wealthy Filipina socialite/actress is going to get married soon, look no further, this is your Wedding Terno Gown darling!
Score: 9.50

Miss Universe Belgium Stephanie Geldof: One of my Top Three Favorite Terno Gowns of the night was this design worn by Miss Universe Belgium. I adored this jewel green gown designed by Russ Cuevas. Everything about it was perfection: The fit, the white applique, those gorgeous Butterfly sleeves. And just look at that perfect length! Even her center-parted hair style was on-point.
Score: 9.65

Miss Universe Thailand Chalita Suansane: This was a DIVA Terno Gown if I ever saw one. The Rian Fernandez design and all the intricate sequined lace work was exquisite! I also loved the stiffened overskirt which added major DRAMA to the design. And I would be remiss if I did not highlight those fabulous Butterfly sleeves: WOW! If you want to make an entrance, this is a sure fire way of doing so. PS: I feel bad for the other girls (Miss Universe Nicaragua, Malaysia, Great Britain) who got the "economy class" versions of this.
Score: 9.85

Miss Universe Venezuela Marian Habach: And my Top Favorite for Best Terno Gown is...Frederick Berches' design for Miss Universe Venezuela. This gold mermaid-shaped Terno gown was EVERYTHING! I loved the fabrication, the silhouette, the fit, the folded volants...this was the Rolls Royce of Gowns at this Miss Universe Cultural Terno Show. Stunning.
Score: 9.95 

What did you guys think? Which one was YOUR Favorite?