SASHES & TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2025 TOP 12 EVENING GOWNS: MY PICKS from 12 to Number One!

Gown Gorgeous: (L to R)Miss Universe Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yace, Miss Universe Thailand Praveenar Singh, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Venezuela Stephany Abasali - Miss Universe 2025

The finals of the 2025 Miss Universe contest took place in Bangkok, Thailand, this past Friday, with the winning crown going to Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch.  During the finals, the first 30 semi-finalists were selected to proceed to the Swimsuit round, and then the top 12 were chosen to get the honor of being in the Evening Gown portion. 

Best in Gown: Some of the Top 12 Miss Universe 2025 semi-finalists in the evening gowns (L to R) Miss Universe Cote d'Ivoire, Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch, Miss Universe Venezuela Stephany Abasali, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo, and Miss Universe Thailand Praveenar Singh

It is time to recap the TOP 12 Evening Gowns at the 2025 Miss Universe, so...here is where I would place the TOP 12 EVENING GOWNS - from 12- Number 1:

12. Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch: Fatima's red gown makes my # 12 position (out of 12) in this red sequined gown from Mexican Designer Trino Orozco. The dress appeared to be directly inspired by the iconic Chinese cheongsam (or Qipao) dress, featuring the mandarin collar, column shape, and sleeves. The gown was completely covered in sequins, crystals, and gold scroll-like appliqué. To finish it off, it had a chiffon back cape for drama. 9.10

11. Miss Universe Puerto Rico Zashely Alicea: Zashely wore this ivory with silver crystals designed and created by Javier Moreno. Besides the gorgeous silver crystals, it featured nude illusion panels perfectly matching the contestant's skin color. Naturally, this wasn't enough, since she also paired the gown with a dramatic white satin cape, trimmed in feathers. The cape was too much since the gown itself was beautiful on its own. 9.15

10. Miss Universe Cuba Lina Luaces: Lina also wore a white sequined gown, this time from Venezuelan designer Nidal Nuaihed. Hers featured crystal drop beading, some nude illusion at the stomach and surrounding her upper chest, as well as white satin bust-to-floor panels. 9.20

9. Miss Universe Malta Julia Cluett: This gown, worn by Malta's first-ever Miss Universe contestant to make the semi-finals, Top 12, became Miss Universe Continental Queen: Europe & Middle East, was from Filipino designer Chico Estiva. The dress featured a sweetheart-style bust in shimmering silver with paneling details, a high neckline of sheer illusion fabrics, long sleeves with scattered crystals embellishments, and silver-gold fringe. This was the only fully fringed gown, and therefore, it made a significant impact, looking like a showstopping stage design. 9.25

8. Miss Universe Chile Inna Moll: Inna wore this "nude"-style sequined gown in pink and blue colors. The dress featured long crystal fringe falling from her arms. I appreciated the pretty colors and "waterfall"-like effect on the design. In addition, the neckline framed her beautiful face perfectly. 9.30

7. Miss Universe Colombia Vanessa Pulgarin: Vanessa wore this sexy gown from Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza. Completely covered in crystals and featuring a side-front high slit, the dress also featured larger sequined stones carefully placed to accentuate the dress's silhouette, as well as her body. 9.35

6. Miss Universe Guadeloupe Ophely Mezino: One of my favorites of the contest, Miss Universe Guadeloupe (that face! That body! That attitude! And that hair!), wore this violet-hued sequined "nude" gown featuring carefully positioned "swirls" of silver crystals. The complete look also had a matching dramatic cape. It was designed by Thuong Gia Ky. While I like the gown on her, especially with her figure, I was disappointed that she didn't style her hair to match the look she had been sporting throughout the competition. 9.40

5. Miss Universe China Zhao Na: Miss Universe China wore this silver sequined "nude" style gown that had a sculptural front bodice design with nude illusion panels exposing her tiny waist. The gown - while similar to a lot in the Top 12 - was a standout on her. Zhao gave supermodel vibes, and the gown looked perfect for her. She wore it with a feathered overcoat that, while I would have rather she had done without, wasn't too distracting from the overall look. The creation was from Minh Tuan Couture. 9.45

4. Miss Cote d.Ivoire Olivia Yace: Wearing a stunning silver sequined "nude" gown from Thai designer GL Garlate Design, Olivia strutted on stage like, as they say, "the rent was due"! The gown featured silver crystals placed around the body, radiating diagonally from her waist. Her confidence and the way she worked this moment (beginning in a HUGE silver cape that she then dropped to the floor!) really made her a standout, especially in a dress style that seemed like every other Top 12 contestant wore, or at least, a variation of it. 9.65

3. Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo: In my TOP 3 EVENING GOWNS from the Top 12, I have Miss Universe Philippines. Ahtisa came to WIN in this stunning creation by Val Taguba. From the moment she walked on stage, I was taken aback by the Haute Couture-level design of this gown. Yes, it was yet another "nude" silver sequined gown, but...and a BIG BUT...it was framed by iridescent organza panels that looked as if AI had produced them, floating weightless around her as she walked. The design reminded me of something from Iris Van Herpen. 9.85

2. Miss Universe Thailand Praveenar Singh: I have to be honest, the top spots were a toss-up between Thailand and Venezuela's gowns. Miss Universe Thailand was my "Runner-up Gown" in this design by Thee-si Couture. This gorgeous gown, entitled "Legacy of the Eternal Queen," was inspired by the legacy of the Thai national dress, as well as an homage to Queen Sirikit and her enduring legacy that continues to shine on the Thai people. The design featured a one-shoulder style with aquamarine and silver crystals set against a sheer nude background, complemented by nude illusion and chiffon bust draping and a dramatic chiffon back "fall". It was regal, elegant, and worthy of being at the top! 9.98

1. Miss Universe Venezuela Stephany Abasali: Since I had to pick a Number One (and it was tough between Thailand and Venezuela), I finally decided on Miss Universe Venezuela. Designed by Vietnamese Designer JoliPoli Couture, this fiery red sequined mermaid gown, featuring a bold silhouette adorned with stunning golden dragon motifs at the shoulders, and a shimmering golden feathered cape, which she entered the stage with, but then dropped. The entire design was to radiate the spirit of a rising phoenix, and it did. Additionally, the whole presentation was perfection: She looked like a Queen ready to get her Gown Crown! Bravo to the designers and to Stephany for presenting it fabulously. 9.99