Vanessa Goncalves, "Miss Miranda". 5'9", 24 year old Vanessa was crowned last week in a four hour ceremony that for the first time was held in oil-rich Maracaibo, Venezuela. The Miss Venezuela Pageant is famous for being "The International Beauty Factory" since they have had so many Miss Universes (TWO back to back in 2008 and 2009 with Dayana Mendoza and Stefania Fernandez), Miss Worlds, Miss Internationals, and so on.
Pre-Blond: Brunette Vanessa Goncalves, the new Miss Venezuela 2010
I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and my sister Rita,was a contestant in Miss Venezuela 1988 so I have been a fan of the pageant, well, since "back in the day"! I know all the in's and out's of the pageant (my sis gave me all the dish!) . But many people already know that the pageant is ruled with a firm hand by "Beauty Pageant Czar" Osmel Sousa.
Pre-tan: The new Miss Venezuela 2010, Vanessa Goncalves
He chooses the women to compete each year via castings and then "gives" them the State they will represent so most of the time, the girls do not even hail from the state/region they are representing (there are one or two state contests that then send their winner to the Miss Venezuela). They go through an intense one year training program; there's an in-house Plastic Surgeon, a Dentist, as well as runway and voice coaches. It's SERIOUS!!! It is widely rumored that Sousa also chooses months ahead--if not one year --who the winner will be. He also chooses the gowns that each of "his girls" will wear.
In Their Thrones: Miss Venezuela for Miss Universe 2011 (left) and Miss Venezuela for Miss World 2011 (right)
The Miss Venezuela Pageant has always been famous for its gowns--be it over-the-Haute Couture to over-the-top tacky. But no "Happy Medium", just over the top. And this year, there was no shortage of both. It's a safe bet that whichever girl is wearing the "best gown" will probably win; it's not an accident. I just feel bad for the girls that get the "Oh what the heck is that?" gowns! They MUST know that, well, this ain't their year darling...
Now onto the Miss Venezuela 2010 Evening Gowns:
Blue Queen: One of the best gowns was worn was by The Winner (of course), Vanessa Goncalves, a baby blue silk Habotai multi-layered gown with coral sequin detail and high side slit (of course!) by Designer Gionni Straccia, who has designed the winning gowns for various Miss Venezuela's at the Miss Universe.
The jeweled detail is his "thing" and can also be seen on the gown Stefania Fernandez wore when she won Miss Universe 2009 as well as...
Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, who was First Runner to Miss USA 2010earlier this year, in this gown by Gionni Straccia.
1984 Overskirt: Miss Amazonas Ivian Sarcos was crowned Miss World Venezuela (First Runner Up) in this silver-gray strapless fitted gown with attached over-skirt by Rex Fabrics Miami (?). The base gown was fine by itself and didn't need that over-skirt but after all, it is the Miss Venezuela, and we must always take it, FIVE steps further. It's a little 1984 for me, but I still somehow liked it! (1984 was a good "Gown Year" I hear!).
It also reminded me of this fuchsia gown worn by Jacqueline Aguilera (from Venezuela of course!), when she was crowned Miss World 1995, which also featured this similar over-skirt silhouette. But again, this was 1995. That's FIFTEEN years ago!
Here's My Leg: My favorite of the entire night--gown and girl--was Miss Monagas--the exotically beautiful Angela Ruiz. She is SO Mestiza Filipina GORGEOUS!!! Pageant fans on the world-wide web argued that maybe she was "too exotic" to win the Miss Venezuela title.
Her blue-green one shoulder gown by Rafael Cennamo was Red Carpet Ready--I could totally see an A-List actress wear this at the Academy Awards--and I could still see her wear it at Miss Universe. Alas, she isn't going. She did make it to the Top 5 at least. How she didn't win is beyond me. Another favorite (gown) of mine was...
Miss Nueva Esparta Melanie Reza Feliz (who was a semi-finalist of course: Hello, pretty gown=Finalist!) in this bubblegum pink column gown with silver details. I'm a sucker for Bubblegum Pink...but NOT this Bubblegum Pink:
Now the Not-So-Bueno: Oh Dear! Miss Sucre Ariana Kuper Osorio sauntered onto the Miss Venezuela 2010 stage in this dress and it was just all about a mess! Needless to say, poor thang didn't even make the Semi-Finals. This silk gazar gown features a lot of Couture-worthy draping, folding and pleating...but maybe TOO MUCH! It was overwhelming and yes, she should have known when she got this dress that possibly she wasn't going to "make the cut".
Red Carpet Not: Another beauty who was "Gown-ill-advised" was Miss Cojedes Eliana Calicchia Arcila. Although in this photo, it doesn't look so bad but trust me kids, it wasn't good! She could barely walk in it (not a good sign) and looked like Big Bird after she got caught in a wind storm. In case you're wondering, yeah, she didn't make the top ten. I bet she doesn't even get to keep the gown (why would you want it?). But there was worse:
It's a Jumpsuit...No, It's A Gown: Miss Dependencias Federales Axel Lopez Aldana takes the "Miss Drag Queen Venezuela Gown Prize", for this concoction that I'm sure every Gay in the room was SCREAMING for (and not in a good way!). I give the designer and her "Nick V. Points" for being SO Camp--and the audacity of her to actually wear it--but seriously: What was she thinking? This is Miss Venezuela for the Miss Universe, not Miss Hot Stripper in Vegas.
See, this is why I LOVE the Miss Venezuela and the gowns! Until next year!
La Mas Bella Miss Universe!Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009 in Nick Verreos for Orbit gown, People En Espanol Magazine 50 Mas Bellos (50 Most Beautiful) Event
Tonight, while I was hosting my Macy's "Sex And The City 2" event at the Macy's Union Square in San Francisco, another fabulous event was happening on the other side of the country: The People En Español Magazine's "50 Mas Bellos" (50 Most Beautiful People) Gala in New York City! Two weeks ago, I was commissioned by ORBIT GUM to design and create a red carpet gown--inspired by one of the chic new ORBIT GUM Wrappers--for the MOST GORGEOUS:Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009, from the country I was raised in: Venezuela! And so yes, tonight, Stefania stepped onto the "Mas Bellos" red carpet wearing my "Nick Verreos for Orbit" gown--a chiffon gown featuring a one-shouldered batwing sleeve, gathered and draped front with high side-slit and "mini" train. I sent Stefania several sketches of my designs for her to chose from and she decided on this very "Elizabeth Taylor-Meets-JLo in Capri" style which was actually one of my favorites that I sketched out (OK, it WAS my favorite!). Alongside my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, we collaborated in creating the design, and we also enlisted the aid of one of the BEST Fabric Printing Companies in Los Angeles (they also have offices in NY), First2Print, who were able to print the custom Orbit design.... onto 20 yards of chiffon in two days! (UNBELIEVABLE!). First2Print were AMAZING!!!
The results were FANTASTIC, if I don't say so myself (I just did!). I am so honored to have been asked to collaborate with Orbit Gum, once again, to create a red-carpet worthy gown and this time for my compatriota, the MOST BEAUTIFUL Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009.
Stay tuned for an upcoming posting, I will show you some "behind-the-scenes" of the process of creating this custom gown! For now , hope you enjoy these photos:
If you've been keeping up with the Pageant World (and I have of course!) you might remember that early this year, in the Bahamas Atlantis Resort, 19 year old Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009. This was the second year in a row a woman from that country (where I was raised by the way) had won the coveted crown. She has since made many appearances, representing the Miss Universe Organization and on behalf of AIDS, a cause which the Donald Trump-owned organization supports. She's also been "out-and-about" at parties, events and many a fashion week shows. Stefania has become a little "fashion plate" in her own right. The Miss Universe Organization has their own stylist who works with their title holders providing designs to best "market" their girls in the public eye. Some are from the sponsors of the pageant and some are from the designers whose show she is attending (if it's during Fashion Week). Then after that, I'm sure the stylist goes shopping or may get dresses from various stores and designers from all over.
Here is my 2009 Year-In-Fashion-Review of Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe '09...Some Good...Monochromatic Queen: Here is Stefania in one of her most recent red carpet appearances, where she debuted her new above-the-shoulder hairstyle. I think she looks modern, fresh and less of the typical "Pageant Betty", more model-like/TV host. The monochromatic look works on her with the black dress layered over black stockings. I'm sure her Latino base of fans may not like the somberness and expect more brighter hues, but to me, she looks modern.
Best Dressed: Here-- at the recent Latin Grammys this month in Las Vegas-- she is in one of my favorite looks. The sand-colored shirred one-shoulder mini-dress looks fantastic. Her asymmetrical hair-bun compliments the overall look as well. The shoulder copper detail adds just the right amount of "bling". Trust me, looking at some of the crazy dresses our Latina sisters wore to the Latin Grammys, Stefania looked AMAZING!!!!Miss Spartacus: Another favorite is this black Grecian-inspired dress, which she wore to the Toni Maticevski NY Fashion Week Show. I am LIVING for the serious DIVA you-can't-touch-me look!Clean and Simple: Here she is at the Narciso Rodriguez NY Fashion Show in a pretty midnight blue fitted dress. She looks good, but I might have done without the pageant-esque Diamante earrings--not necessary for a dress with such clean lines. Fun and Flirty: At another NY Fashion Week event, she looked young and flirty in this ruffled charmeuse number. Cute and young--after all the girl is still only 19!!! I like it.After-Five Dept: And last, I'm on the fence on this violet ruched satin dress. It's very I-bought-it-at-the-"After-Five"-section-at-Macy's. Nothing against that section. But maybe for Miss Universe, you want to strive for "Milan" and not Going-to-a-wedding-in-Woodland Hills, California.
And the Maybe-Not's:Handkerchief No-No: When I saw this photo of the gorgeous Stefania, I went "Oh Dear!". She's at the Custo Barcelona NY Fashion Week Show, and I can only surmise that she's wearing Custo naturally. Another designer friend of mine said that she looked like one of the "Real Housewives from Orange County". And I kind of agree.Stefania and Designer Zang Toi: Zang Toi has provided many a dress or gown for past Miss Universes. Here she is with the designer posing the day of his NY Fashion Week Show. Toi is known for some over-the-top concoctions that border on top-of-a-wedding-cake so for him, the ensemble she was wearing was quite subdued. Maybe too much so. The black 3/4 coat and lace dress aged her. Leave that to her mother. Lace Overkill: Finally, Stefania made an appearance at a Mary McFadden Tribute Cocktail Reception this September at the Hotel Gansevoort where she wore a high-necked lace overlay dress. I actually like the high-neck style of the dress and the hair is perfect. Part of me wishes I had a pair of scissors to cut about 12 inches from the lace so it would match the inner lining hem.
Overall, the year was a fashion success for the newly crowned Miss Universe. So here's to a fashionable 2010 for the gorgeous Stefania! Buen provecho mi amor!Update:
Here is video of Stefania's haircut and how the decision was made! Do you like the new style?!
It's Venezuela's Night in the Bahamas!Sunday night the final telecast of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant took place--live from the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Of course, being a pageant fan-- and a designer of many Miss Universe and Miss USA gowns--I watched. Since I had been at this amazing resort last November as part of the Islands Of The World Fashion Week, I was excited to see all the beauty of this amazing island nation.The favorites were the gorgeous "Noxema Clean" looking Miss Australia and Miss Dominican Republic, an exotic almost 6-foot-tall Creole beauty, who had previously won Miss World Dominican Republic. Miss Venezuela, a lovely 18 year old model made it into the Top 15 but she was not in many pageant watchers lists of who would win. Especially since last year's winner was also from Venezuela and the same country winning back-to-back had never happened in the history of the pageant.During the entire night, as one watched by the scores, it was a tough fight between Australia and Dominican Republic through the Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions. The gowns were pretty enough. Nothing mind-blowing or extraordinary. And no one fell! (remember the last two years?) I was happy to see a lack of CHA-CHA-showing slits (Thank you VERY MUCH!) or clear Lucite Stripper Heels (2nd Thank You!). Miss Venezuela was coming in 4th or third (if one followed the scores), then the interview portion came. And no one really answered their question in a "Give her the damn crown!" sort of way.
Andre and his Louis Vuitton:
One highlight was the DIVA Andre Leon Talley, from Vogue Magazine, who asked Miss Venezuela her question. I just wanted to know what kind of a private plane it took to get him there and how many TRUNKS of Louis Vuitton luggage he brought with him!But something occurred in that Atlantis Auditorium and ten minutes later, Miss Venezuela WON! Yes, Stefania Fernandez won. The first time ever a contestant from the same country as the outgoing title holder won! This is HUGE in the pageant world. Stefania was gorgeous and so "regal" the entire time. She is half Spanish (her father was born in the region of Galicia but emigrated over 40 years ago to Venezuela) and her mother is Venezuelan of Polish and Ukrainian descent (her mother's maiden name is Krupij Holojad). How "international"! Congrats chama! I'll save a seat for you at the dinner table at my studio for some Pabellon Criollo whenever you visit LA!
Below is video of her crowning moment:
Vanessa Goncalves, "Miss Miranda". 5'9", 24 year old Vanessa was crowned last week in a four hour ceremony that for the first time was held in oil-rich Maracaibo, Venezuela. The Miss Venezuela Pageant is famous for being "The International Beauty Factory" since they have had so many Miss Universes (TWO back to back in 2008 and 2009 with Dayana Mendoza and Stefania Fernandez), Miss Worlds, Miss Internationals, and so on.
Pre-Blond: Brunette Vanessa Goncalves, the new Miss Venezuela 2010
Pre-tan: The new Miss Venezuela 2010, Vanessa Goncalves
In Their Thrones: Miss Venezuela for Miss Universe 2011 (left) and Miss Venezuela for Miss World 2011 (right)
Blue Queen: One of the best gowns was worn was by The Winner (of course), Vanessa Goncalves, a baby blue silk Habotai multi-layered gown with coral sequin detail and high side slit (of course!) by Designer Gionni Straccia, who has designed the winning gowns for various Miss Venezuela's at the Miss Universe.
The jeweled detail is his "thing" and can also be seen on the gown Stefania Fernandez wore when she won Miss Universe 2009 as well as...
Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, who was First Runner to Miss USA 2010 earlier this year, in this gown by Gionni Straccia.
1984 Overskirt: Miss Amazonas Ivian Sarcos was crowned Miss World Venezuela (First Runner Up) in this silver-gray strapless fitted gown with attached over-skirt by Rex Fabrics Miami (?). The base gown was fine by itself and didn't need that over-skirt but after all, it is the Miss Venezuela, and we must always take it, FIVE steps further. It's a little 1984 for me, but I still somehow liked it! (1984 was a good "Gown Year" I hear!).
Here's My Leg: My favorite of the entire night--gown and girl--was Miss Monagas--the exotically beautiful Angela Ruiz. She is SO Mestiza Filipina GORGEOUS!!! Pageant fans on the world-wide web argued that maybe she was "too exotic" to win the Miss Venezuela title.
Her blue-green one shoulder gown by Rafael Cennamo was Red Carpet Ready--I could totally see an A-List actress wear this at the Academy Awards--and I could still see her wear it at Miss Universe. Alas, she isn't going. She did make it to the Top 5 at least. How she didn't win is beyond me. Another favorite (gown) of mine was...
Miss Nueva Esparta Melanie Reza Feliz (who was a semi-finalist of course: Hello, pretty gown=Finalist!) in this bubblegum pink column gown with silver details. I'm a sucker for Bubblegum Pink...but NOT this Bubblegum Pink:
Now the Not-So-Bueno: Oh Dear! Miss Sucre Ariana Kuper Osorio sauntered onto the Miss Venezuela 2010 stage in this dress and it was just all about a mess! Needless to say, poor thang didn't even make the Semi-Finals. This silk gazar gown features a lot of Couture-worthy draping, folding and pleating...but maybe TOO MUCH! It was overwhelming and yes, she should have known when she got this dress that possibly she wasn't going to "make the cut".
Red Carpet Not: Another beauty who was "Gown-ill-advised" was Miss Cojedes Eliana Calicchia Arcila. Although in this photo, it doesn't look so bad but trust me kids, it wasn't good! She could barely walk in it (not a good sign) and looked like Big Bird after she got caught in a wind storm. In case you're wondering, yeah, she didn't make the top ten. I bet she doesn't even get to keep the gown (why would you want it?). But there was worse:
It's a Jumpsuit...No, It's A Gown: Miss Dependencias Federales Axel Lopez Aldana takes the "Miss Drag Queen Venezuela Gown Prize", for this concoction that I'm sure every Gay in the room was SCREAMING for (and not in a good way!). I give the designer and her "Nick V. Points" for being SO Camp--and the audacity of her to actually wear it--but seriously: What was she thinking? This is Miss Venezuela for the Miss Universe, not Miss Hot Stripper in Vegas.
