Best in Gown: Miss America Edition!!!
Now kids, we know that there was a big awards ceremony on Sunday--The Golden Globes--which has kept me busy doing red carpet commentating for NBC Los Angeles as well as doing the first of my TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap for the new year. However...there was another "awards ceremony" over the weekend which occurred: The Miss America Pageant! As you know, I LOVE ME some beauty pageants, and yes, especially the beauty pageant gowns. So, I had to put my "Golden Globes Red Carpet Hat" down and replace it--for a night--to check out the Miss America 2012 Final Telecast Evening Gowns. So, darlings, here are my "Hits" and (some) "Misses", from that beauty pageant evening gown "parade": The winner--as we all know by now (so don't EVEN send me a nasty comment that I am spoiling anything!)--was the lovely brunette, Laura Kaeppeler, who was Miss Wisconsin. When she was named the winner--bless her little heart--her NOT waterproof mascara began to run down and smudge her lower eyelids and yes, she was like, two minutes away from looking like Tammy Faye! But somehow, she (instinctively) realized "Wait, I'm a Beauty pageant Girl!" and soon tried to wipe the not-so-glamorous smudge that was staining her beautiful face. Now, let's get to the gowns: I actually thought that, for the most part, these Miss America 2012 contestants (the Semi-Finalists who got the chance to be in the Evening Gown portion) did a swell job in terms of their gown choices. I admit, I was surprised. Why? Well, for so many, many years "Miss America" evening gowns were, as I like to say, very "1980's Dynasty Nolan Miller" (and I'm talking about all the way into the millennium!): big quarterback shoulder padded top sections, beaded of course; over-corseted torso/bustiers...think Linda Evans and Joan Collins. But...it's 2012, and there seems to have been (little by little) a STYLE INTERVENTION, of sorts, in regards to what gowns these lovely ladies are choosing, purchasing and wearing to the pageant finals. That doesn't mean that, there were still some girls--and gowns--who were stuck in the (semi) "Dynasty" era. Let's take a look: Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler-- Laura--the eventual winner--wore a black crepe back satin gown. It was elegant, red carpet-worthy. It wasn't the best one of the bunch and did have elements of a "Mother of The Bride" at a fancy evening wedding. I also didn't like how it seemed that you could see the bust cups under the black lace. Score: 9.0 Miss Texas, Kendall Morris--I LOVED this gown, probably my favorite of the night. It was a one shouldered, gold beaded number which fit her perfectly and also looked very expensive. The golden color worked sublimely with her skin tone & hair. The length was just right and it was refreshing to see a gown in a beauty pageant with no slit...and somehow it still had impact and sexiness to it. Score: 9.7 Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler-- At first glance, I was impressed by Miss Arizona's gown. It was "different" and didn't reflect the "Miss America Pageant Betty" gowns of recent years--no visible breast OVER-cleavage, no too-high slit, no Cathedral-length train, etc. The one-shouldered almost-cap sleeved gown featured very heavy-to-light crystal beading and sequins as well as interesting see-through swirly sections. It looked very "Miss Venezuela"-contestant-esque--and I liked that. However, I think it could have done with one less see-through swirly section. Other than that: Well done. Score: 9.5 Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray--Next up is Jessica Pray, Miss Iowa. She wore a "Crayola" red crepe back satin gown that featured all those now-stereotypical "Pageant Gown Elements"--Sweetheart neckline with too-exposed breast cleavage: Check. High side slit: Check. Beaded top section: Check. But somehow, the overall effect was still OK to me. She didn't make any earth-shattering gown news with this and yes, any girl in 1996's Miss America could have worn this same dress...but at least she kept her hair modern and up-to-date with 2012, by having it not be Big and Pouffy. Score: 8.9 Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte--Kaitlin was probably my favorite to win the tile on Saturday night. She seemed perfect for the "new" Miss America Organization; she had that actress background, great presence, and I could see her like, TOMORROW as an "Entertainment Reporter" for EXTRA or E! Again, like Miss Iowa, this gown was a bit of a "throw-back" to the 1990's (the bicep, sequined arm pieces, the too-high slit). I do think, however, that her poise and presence "made it work". Score: 9.0 Miss California, Noelle Freeman--Nicole chose a simple white jersey gown with long sleeves (wow, rather covered up for a pageant gown!), and a semi-plunging v-neck neckline. It was almost too-basic for me. I get what she might have been going for but (I fear saying this!), it almost needed more. Score: 8.7 Bree Boyce, Miss South Carolina--Another white gown was worn by South Carolina's representative Bree Boyce. This time, the fabrication was satin and it was sleeveless. But of course, same semi-plunging v-neck neckline. I liked this gown a little better than Miss California's because at least it had a little more detail. I also liked that she accessorized it with the long necklace and bracelet (she could have then done without those big ol' earrings!). Score: 8.9 Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson--There were a couple of gowns that featured this sequined lace applique over mesh--usually done in the torso area of course--giving a peek-a-boo air to the gown. I designed a gown in this "genre" back in 1997 for Ali Landry when she gave up her "Miss USA" crown back then. But let me reiterate: THIS WAS 1997. Just sayin'. Now, let's get to Miss Louisiana's gown: to me, it was just "fine". The top section of her gown looked like a sweet U.S. Figure Skater, but her semi-big hair, big earrings and a little-too-much make up made her look like a 42-year-old wife of a GOP Presidential Candidate. Score: 8.4 Kristina Janolo, Miss Florida: Here's the other mesh-and-applique girl: Miss Florida. I loved her, mainly because she added some "color" to an otherwise very white Miss America Pageant. Yeayyyy for the ONE ethnic girl in the bunch!!! This black satin, illusion, and sequined applique gown was VERY Figure Skating Costume...for that "sassy" Eastern European competitor. And, as you may know, I do love me some figure skating costumes. Score: 9.0 Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith--Hannah is very pretty, almost Rita Hayworth-like, I liked her hair and simple earrings but the gown was rather "Pageant Typical". The nude/golden coloring is very IN right now--especially on the red carpet, so she gets points for that. She just didn't get my "Fashion Designer" heart beating any faster with this. Score: 8.7 Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley: Oh huney! Aren't you just cute as a Button! Look at that face. Look at that hair. She is straight out of "The Bachelor" Central Casting! And this poly-satin, one shoulder silver-lilac beaded gown: straight from a Tennessee Pageant-and-Prom Boutique. Score: 8.4 Betty Thompson Miss Oklahoma--Tiny Miss Oklahoma almost won the entire thing (not sure why) but instead ended up with the First Runner Up Title. She wore one of my least favorite gowns of the night. This white jersey with blue and silver beaded gown had a very fitted sweetheart neckline, bustier section, fit-to-flare skirt and a draped fall in the front. It was seriously straight out of a 1990's Beauty Pageant Gown Catalog. It might have been "Picture Perfect" then, but in 2012, the entire thing looked a bit dated. Score: 8.2 Miss Alabama, Courtney Potter--As they say in The South: Bless Your Little Heart! During the Final Telecast on Saturday night, Courtney was saved by the eliminated delegates during the Swimsuit Competition, to then be able to compete in the Evening Gown portion. And Thank Goodness she did! Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to see this! I think I almost fell off my couch and spit out the red wine I was drinkin'! What. Is. That. Thing. On. Her. Shoulder??? She looked like some left over Christmas Wrapping attacked her shoulder! I gotta give her some points for just going there but yes, overall, she gets my Fab Tacky-licious Award for "Miss America 2012". Score: 7.5. But a TEN in "You Go Girl!" points. Until The Next Pageant Kids---

The Sixth Venezuelan Miss World!!!!
Yes, kids, I am a week late but since I was away traveling on business, I am now back in my "Blogging Office", catching up. So let's get to my thoughts on last week's "Miss World 2011" Beauty Pageant and especially The Gowns, of course!! Last Sunday, November 6th, London crowned a new Queen. Well, a Beauty Queen, the 61st Miss World. Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, 22, from Venezuela, beat out 112 other beautiful women who were vying for one of the most coveted beauty titles in the world.
Now, many of you know that I grew up in Caracas Venezuela, my sister was born there and well, needless to say, I will ALWAYS feel part Venezuelan--not to mention the fact that I LOVE Arepas!!!! So, yes, I was very happy that Miss Venezuela won.
Ivian was one of the favorites to win and also had the total highest points--garnered from the "preliminary" Fast Track Competitions--coming into the Finals on Sunday night. Everyone knows that the South American nation of Venezuela is famous for "producing" the Most Beautiful Women on Earth--at least in terms of beauty pageants, and this win will continue the legacy.
In case anyone cares (Venezuela sure does!), this is the SIXTH "Miss World" title for that country. The most for any nation. Needless to say, Ivian is "set for life". You know how we covet, honor and look up to our Sports Stars in the US, well, same goes for the Venezuelan beauty queens who "do good" for their country.
A little background on the new "Miss World": she was born in the State of Portuguesa, her parents passed away when she was 8, and she was raised by nuns (I know, it's like a DISNEY movie!). Oh, and there's more: she wanted to become a NUN. Obviously, something changed somewhere between wanting to be a nun and being a perfect size 2, 5' 11" gorgeous beauty who became "Miss World". Let's discuss the Final Night's Gowns. Please!!! Miss Venezuela (and new "Miss World 2011") Ivian Sarcos: During the Final telecast, all the 113 contestants introduced themselves and I kept seeing this BIG Ol' Krazee gown in the background and I remember thinking "Who Is That?", well, as they got to the end--alphabetically--Miss Venezuela came up to the mic and there she was! Arguably, if some actress wore this on the red carpet or to present at the Academy Awards, I can totally see people saying something to the effect of "She looks like a cross between Sesame Street's Big Bird and a Barbie Beauty Pageant Drag Queen on a NYC Gay Pride Float". But here, it's not on a red carpet or on the back of Angelina Jolie but a Miss Venezuela trying to make herself stand out amongst 113 other gowns. Did she? You betcha!!! Bronzed Barbie: The pink iridescent organza high-low style ball gown with stiffened crinoline petticoat underneath and crystal-studded silk satin strapless bustier was designed by Pageant Go-To Designer Gionni Straccia. I was very surprised that it was one of his gowns. Although the gorgeous Swarovski crystal detail is very him, the big ball gown silhouette is not. In this interview for the Venezuelan newspaper "El Universal", he tells how Osmel Sousa, the Pageant Director of the Miss Venezuela Organization asked him to create a gown that would have "mucho show", meaning "very show-y/over-the-top". He also told him he wanted it "Barbie Doll...pink and fantasy-like".
The Rest:
Breakfast Interview: Ivian Sarcos, the new "Miss World 2011" in her first post-crowning TV interview the day after on ITV's "Daybreak" TV Morning Show, looking gorgeous in a fitted ivory lace dress with colored flower applique. Ivian doesn't speak English--as it was shown during the Final Telecast during the Interview portion of the Miss World 2011 Final. She also brought along an interpreter for the "Daybreak" interview, but I'm sure by next year, she'll be speaking it fluently--and in a British accent to boot!
Watch the Announcement of the Top Three, Plus the Crowning Moment of Miss World 2011:

A Universal HOT MESS... Well, with "The Good" and "The Transparent" , must also come the "Hot Messes", or as I like to say the "Oh No She Didn't" Group. As you know, it's Miss Universe Time!!! The Final Miss Universe 2011 Telecast is TONIGHT--LIVE from the Brazilian MEGAcity São Paulo and in my last two posts I have given my "Nick V" Reviews on my Top Picks as well as the Transparent/Over-Embroidered Trend from seeing the photos and video of last Thursday night's Miss Universe Preliminary Competition. All right kids, I hate to do this...but here are the Girls Who Should Have Known Better--Evening Gown-wise--I will Section them off by Continental Regions. Let's begin with... Europe:
For some reason, Europe had A LOT of messes. What is up with that? Are they having a lack of evening gown designers? Why is the European "Taste Level" for choosing and wearing Evening Gowns--when it comes to Beauty Pageants--just a little bit left of "What Is She Thinking?" After watching so many of these international beauty pageants, I am used to seeing a lot of those "Kooky" Eastern European girls choose gowns that look as if they were made in a one-bedroom apartment with little electricity...but for some reason, this year, this "Kooky" trend has spread throughout the continent--from East to West. Miss Russia Universe 2011 Natalia Gantimurova: Here's the good part: I love the bustier/top portion and how it's draped; very Dior Haute Couture. But then it all goes Bad Prom Quinceañera from the waist down. It's just such a mess, I don't even know where to begin, other than taking that whole bottom gown section off and replacing it with a clean, fitted section. The garish colors of BLOOD red and muted olive did not help her either. Miss Spain Universe 2011 Paula Guillo: Oh HUNEY! What is this dress? It's a strapless short mini but...with an iridescent chiffon over-lay being held up by a piece of embroidered applique'. I DO NOT get it. She's such a pretty girl. Why she wanted to look like a "Real Housewives of (fill in the blank)" at a tacky wedding in Atlantic City, is beyond me. No Señorita. Think of what Crown Princess Letizia would have worn...now go change! Miss Kazakhstan Universe 2011 Valeriya Aleinikova: Yes, I know the Big/Strong Shoulders Trend is very NOW, but not in this manner. While the bias-cut slinky gown portion does flatter her figure, those inset Leg-o-Mutton sleeves, DO NOT. One thing's for sure, "Dynasty" Designer Nolan Miller as well as actresses Joan Collins and Linda Evans...they would be proud! Miss Portugal Universe 2011 Laura Goncalves: Laura is such a pretty girl. She should have chosen a simpler, more elegant gown. Because this one, just didn't work for me--or for her! The top portion is fine with its criss-cross draped ruching, but then the bottom portion!? WHAT. Is. That. Fabric? And WHY is it on her? It looks like a throw-rug from Walmart's bathroom towels-and-mats section. Miss Romania Universe 2011 Larisa Popa: Well, well, well, what have we got here? When she came out in this gown, the first thing I noticed was the bright bubblegum pink and apple-green fabrication, and I exclaimed an "All righty then!" Besides the over-abundance of Candy Colors, this one shoulder A-line shaped gown makes her look like a Bridesmaid from 1984 who is heading straight to the Open Bar! Miss Hungary Universe 2011 Betta Lipcsei: OK, here's another example of the top portion being OK but then it went to Nuclear Wrinkled Taffeta Explosion! How, in the name of the Pageant Gods, did she think--as it was "presented to her" as THE gown she would wear to the Miss Universe Pageant--that this is even cute, elegant and worthy of having a crown being put on her head. It's so big at the bottom, she could hide ten Hungarian 4 year old's under there! Miss Greece Universe 2011 Iliana Papageorgiou: Iliana is on a lot of pageant-watchers "Favorites" List as a possible contender for tonight's crown. But, not in this gown! It is a cheap polyester satin mess! And are those organza rosettes framing the high-low hem of the gown? No!!! And oh, should I even begin to discuss the turquoise blue pumps? OK, I will. They are FABULOUS! I give her that. And they're perfect when worn with a sexy Herve Leger--or NIKOLAKI mini dress (wink wink!), but NOT, EVER...with this gown. South America: Miss Guyana Universe 2011 Kara Lord: OK, this gown is perplexing. She's a Mermaid, I think. There are also design suggestions in this gown of that famous Boticelli painting "The Birth of Venus" (the seashell-looking bust sections, the flora-and-fauna sequined skirt). But then what's in the back? Is she "pooping" (sorry but I had to!), iridescent organza? WHY????? Maybe this is considered an evening gown trend in Guyana but not anywhere else I've been to! North and Central America: Miss Canada Universe 2011 Chelsae Durocher: Now, we're onto the "North American Fashion Victims" beginning with Canada. I love the Mermaid shape, but there's something about the fabric and that shoulder-exposing sleeve detail that makes it look cheap, dated and almost home-made. And really, was there a need to place a swirly applique' RIGHT ON HER BUST???!!! Miss Guatemala 2011 Alejandra Barillas: Oh, Alejandra! At least you are consistent. She wore a mess of a gown for the "Official Evening Gown Portraits" and here she goes again, but this time a different mess of a gown! She's "on trend" with the Transparency thing as well as the strong shoulders, yet the overall effect makes her look like a 50-something year-old wife of a Mobster at a New Jersey Wedding. The side cut-outs, the too-short front, the tacky stretch lace at the THIGH and lower arms...Pobrecita, is what my abuelita would have said! Miss Costa Rica 2011 Johanna Solano: Finally, last but not least in my "Miss Universe 2011 Hall of Shame Evening Gowns" was this one from the very pretty Johanna, Miss Costa Rica. Is she doing Bizet's "Carmen" in San Jose? The tiered ruffles on the gown are falling FLAT and look like the window drapes of an old lady's house; the rosettes on the torso/bustier are so "Happy Hands at Home"; the middle parted-yet-poufed in the back hairstyle is so 1992 Prom Photo. I wonder if these girls are forced to wear these things or they actually pick them and therefore (I am so scared) have no taste when it comes to wearing gowns...Maybe next time Miss Costa Rica. I know you can make me proud...

In my previous post, I discuss my "Nick Pageant Two Cents" on which gowns made the "Nick Miss Mess" List from looking at the new Miss USA 2011 "Evening Gown Portraits". So, for the sake of having "Positive Pageant Gown Karma", allow me to discuss the Good (yeayyyy!!!) and the ones I did like. Now, remember these may or may not be the gowns these lovely women will wear in the Final Telecast but still, since they are gowns nonetheless, I'll do my "Nick Two Cents" Review. Here are some of my Faves: Miss California USA: Already one of the favorites and top contenders (in pageant fan forums) for the Miss USA 2011 crown, Miss California USA Alyssa Campanella is a REAL model by profession (you know how most of these girls say they are "models" but posing for your Local Mall Calendar doesn't give you that title), and therefore, knows how to really work it! She's simply stunning, very Rita Hayworth. For her official "Miss USA Evening Gown Portrait", she wore a black (or dark navy?) jersey gown with sequin accents. It's simple and elegant. I am SURE she'll bust out with a more impacting gown for the Final Night if and when she makes it to the Top 10. But because of its simplicity, modernity and OMG, there's NO SLIT-up-to-THERE, she get's "Nick Happy Points". Miss District of Columbia USA: Heather Danelle Swann, went elegant, all-over sequined and white for her gown choice in the Official Evening Gown Portrait. I'm happy that she--and her gown-- didn't look as if it came from a pageant in 1991--as opposed to 2011!! Thank you Heather Danelle. I think she looks wonderful and so does the gown. Yes, it's plunging, but Thank God, she didn't do PLUNGING AND a high slit. Well done Miss District of Columbia USA! Miss Illinois: OK, huney: WORK...that sweet look of yours--in an all-over sequined-and-applique gown! Yes, the gown is a bit on the "heavy" side, in terms of all that embroidered sequin applique, but see, this girl knows. She softened her hair, her make-up, her absence of accessories (just the earrings and a little ol' ring) and Hello: No Slit again! It's not that I dislike SLITS--don't get me wrong--it's just a slit UP TO THERE PLUS an all-over sequined and feathered gown AND Clear Lucite Stripper Heels--well...No. Anyhow, Miss Illinois USA looks FAB and I like the silhouette of the gown. It fits beautifully. Miss New Jersey USA: Now speaking of slits, this is how you do slits right! Julianna White chose to wear a bubblegum pink crepe strapless gown with crystal sequin detail at the midriff, cascading down to the hips. I LOVE this gown and the COLOR, and see ladies: The Strapless section FITS; it's not 3 inches below her armpit at the sides. I also like how the peep-toe pumps match. Julianna and her gown are SOOOO Miss "Name a South American Country"! And that means one thing: She's got EXCELLENT Pageant Advisers behind her. Miss North Dakota USA: When I first saw Brandi Lynn Schoenberg, Miss North Dakota USA, and her gown, I must say, I smiled. The strapless gold/nude gown covered in turquoise jeweled sequins was actually really GOOD! THIS is a quality--and probably expensive gown. I love the heavy-to-light cascading effect of the jeweled detail on the dress and I also love the nude horsehair trim at the bust neckline and hem. I just wished she would have "lightened" up on the hair style and make-up department. Again, from the neck up, she falls into the "I look like a 46 year old Real Housewives of Orange County" Miss USA malaise... Miss Connecticut USA: Last but not least, there was Miss Connecticut USA Regina Turner. Regina TURNED it out with an original stunner of a gown, in what looks like laminated "patent leather"-looking fabric. It's very Armani Prive-esque--in terms of the fabrication (I know it's not since A) It's not in the Runway Photo Look Book and B) An actual Armani Prive custom-made Haute Couture gown can cost about $45,000-$100,000---I doubt Miss Connecticut USA has that kind of budget...). The strapless section fits; there's no overt I-like-dirty-Twitter-photos cleavage, and the silhouette and length are just right! You Go Pageant Girl!