SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2016 National Auction Fashion Show: Top 15 Best Gowns

Is She My No. 1?...Miss Universe Indonesia in a John John Ditching-designed gown at the Miss Universe National Gift Auction Fashion Show 

As part of this year's Miss Universe pre-Finals events occurring in Manila Philippines, last night was the Miss Universe National Gift Auction. Traditionally, all the contestants bring gifts from their home countries/islands/territories and they are auctioned off for a charity. According to this report, the proceeds of the auction last night tallied up to around PHP 850,000 (about $17,000) which all will go to PAFPI/ Positive Action Philippines Incorporated that targets the alleviation of HIV and AIDS in the country. This year at the Auction, which occurred at the Conrad Manila Hotel, all of the 86 Miss Universe contestants were also featured in a special runway show highlighting creations from top Filipino designers. There were lots of fabulous designs but...
Here are my Top 15 Best Gowns from No. 15 to 1. Let me know what you guys think and which one was YOUR favorite?

The Shimmering Ladies: Miss Universe Albania (L) and Miss Universe Brazil (R) in gowns designed by Filipino designers--65th Miss Universe National Gift Auction Fashion Show

15. Miss Universe Albania Lindita Idrizi: Lindita wore this shimmering royal blue gown from designer Albert Fontanilla. The dress featured an asymmetrical neckline and UBER high side slit skirt. It was 2 minutes from looking like an 80s Vegas shimmy dance number costume but...I still think it was fun and fab! And leave it to Miss Albania and her frizzy 'fro to work it!
Score: 8.30 

14. Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina: Maxine and her gown--designed by Odelon Simpao--ended up at No. 14. The gown was sequined and had applique detail in the front torso and sleeves, as well as nude illusion. She looked great but the gown design was a tad too 1990's Pageant but...the gown (and Maxine) still deserved to be in the Top 15 in my eyes.
Score: 8.40

13. Miss Universe Colombia Andrea Tovar: Andrea wore this white satin gown from Edgar San Diego. She looked quite impacting and I thought it was a perfect choice to wear white, especially against her skin color.
Score: 8.90

12. Miss Universe Nigeria Unoaku Anyadike: Unoaku wore this design from designer Dita Sandico. The gown was made from banana peels. The design was simple enough--a white sheath with one shoulder printed detail but it made it into my Top 15 Favorites because of it's beautiful simplicity and yet, very strong design effect!
Score: 8.99

11. Miss Universe Netherlands Zoey Ivory: Zoey wore this royal blue-and-ivory gown from designer Michael Leyva. The sequined applique looked to have taken inspiration from the Chinese Ming vases. I thought it was dramatic, pageant right and loved the DRAMA of the chiffon back falls. If only her hair style would have matched the fabulousness of this dress. Her hair was giving "Flashdance" while her gown: Met Gala.
Score: 9.00

10. Miss Universe Brazil Raissa Santana: Raissa wore a royal blue sequined gown from Filipino designer Cherry Veric. She was all things SEXY-licious in this very high side slit gown that gave many on the internet a reason to compare it to Gisele Bundchen's infamous shimmering gown at the Rio Olympics.
Score: 9.15

9. Miss Universe Aruba Charlene Leslie: Charele wore this royal blue colored gown from Andrea Tetangco. The gown featured velvet fabrication along with nude illusion and coral-like applique. I liked the asymmetrical design up top and I didn't mind the super high "Pageant Betty" side slit. I also give her MAJOR PROPS for wearing proper ankle strap heels (as opposed to those tacky platform "Stripper" pumps they all seem to love!)
Score: 9.20

8. Miss Universe Venezuela Mariam Habach: Mariam wore this sexy red gown from designer Ave Bacuo. While the gown was quite "fashion safe" and nothing too extraordinary, Mariam looked beautiful and the gown fit to PERFECTION. I loved the Gaultier-like bust cups and lovely caviar beaded coral-like applique.
Score: 9.25

7. Miss Universe Thailand Chalita Suansane: Chalita wore this royal blue tiered gown from designer Richie Bondoc. I thought she looked quite fabulous--from head to toe. I liked the design of the gown especially the gathered bustier and satin bias binding finishing the hem. If there was any complaint, I just wished the bustier fit better; it was too off of her body.
Score: 9.30 

6. Miss Slovak Republic Zuzana Kollarova: Zuzana wore this red and gold gown from designer Rajo Laurel. I thought that she looked model fab! I loved the simplicity of the silhouette and elegant style. The horizontal gold detail was exquisite as well. Overall: So chic!
Score: 9.35

5. Miss Universe Turkey Tansu Sila Cakir: Tansu ended up in my Top Five because of this fabulous red creation from designer Rocky Gathercole. I LOVED the cocktail length and the UBER flared silhouette--very Dior Haute Couture! This was a tour de force in FASHION huney! The details, sequin embroidery, scalloped hem, that bustier top, the lining...the center parted hairstyle! Miss Universe Turkey--and this dress--were GIVING ME!!!
Score: 9.45

4. Miss Universe Argentina Estefania Bernal: Estefania wore this red gown form Filipino designer Amir Sali. I loved the exaggerated volants and architectural nature of this dress. This was Ruffle Chic Perfection!
Score: 9.40

3. Miss Universe Indonesia Kezia Warouw: Kezia wore this red gown from designer John John Ditching. The gown featured an off-the-shoulder design and cut-outs in nude iridescent organza with gold trim. The gown fit her beautifully and she looked like a perfect beauty queen DIVA. If there was any concern, it would be the almost see-through crotch area...that might have been a major OOPSIE. But, I will overlook it. Maybe it is just the shading and photo lighting...I hope.
Score: 9.50

2. Miss Universe Russia Yuliana Korolkova: Yuliana wore this blue gown from designer Patty Ang. The dress consisted of a column style with dramatic off-the-shoulder cape. It was modern, chic and very Red Carpet.
Score: 9.55

1. Miss Universe Japan Sari Nakazawa: The gorgeous Sari looked like a Royal Crown Princess in this Ricci Lizaso-designed gown. I thought this was probably the BEST gown of the night for its clean, chic elegance and dramatic one shoulder back cascade drape detail. The sequin applique was delicate and not overwhelming. And the way she is pointing her feet in the right side of this two-fer photo...At-a-Girl!
Score: 9.75