SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits, The Best Gowns!

Miss South Carolina USA 2014 Christina Zapolski: Is this gown one of The Best? Keep reading and find out...

It's "Miss USA" time again and as you know--if you keep up on my NICKVERREOS.COM blog here, I love to talk Beauty pageants and especially Beauty Pageant Gowns so, needless to say, Miss USA is a "BIGGIE" when it comes to this dear subject of mine. The Finals of the Miss USA 2014 pageant are occurring this Sunday, June 8th, live from Baton Rouge Louisiana. Yes kids THIS SUNDAY--on the SAME NIGHT as the Tony Awards! It's like "SuperGay Sunday!" Not sure what I'll record and what I'll watch LIVE. Major Dilemma. Last year's winner was Erin Brady from Connecticut...

Erin Brady Miss USA 2013--We'll have to tune in Sunday night to see who will be the new Miss USA. But now to the important matters at hand: The Evening Gowns. The 51 contestants have been in Louisiana for the last couple of weeks for the preparations, welcome events, parties, and official photo sessions. One of these photo sessions involves the "Evening Gown Portraits" which the contestants take in advance of the Preliminaries and Finals. Lots of times, the ladies wear different gowns for these Portraits as opposed to what they wear for the preliminaries and/or Finals. In addition, some of them wear gowns provided by the Evening Gown Sponsor, Sherri Hill. In this post, I want to highlight my Top Favorite of these gowns in the Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits. Note: the All-Important Preliminaries occur tonight so I'll have a "Gown Recap" tomorrow of those and will be interested to see if there will be any "Gown Changes". But for now, let's get to my Top Gown Picks:

Miss Ohio USA Madison Gesiotto: from head to toe, this is perfection! Madison looks every bit a QUEEN in this blush fitted gown with silver/pewter flower-and-leaf applique. The fit is great and I love the heavy-to-light falling "rose branches". I would normally think the up-do bun and big ol' earrings would have been "Too Muchey" but here, it really completes the total look.

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Guidry: Since Miss USA 2014 is being held in Brittany's state, she has to make a fabulous impression. And she does in this golden sheath of a gown with silver sequined tulle overlay. She seriously looks like J.Lo attending the Golden Globes. I love it! One of the best of these Evening Gown Portraits.

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Iowa USA Carlyn Bradarich: 5' 10" tall Carlyn looks fabulous in this statuesque black gown with sequined neckline detail. The dress is very "Couture"-impacting and makes a definite statement; perfect fit, perfect length.

Gown Score: 9.5

Miss Kentucky USA Destin Kincer: Of the white/ivory gowns on display in these Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits, this is one of the best. The gown features a Mermaid silhouette with an appliqued torso, drop shoulders and illusion front neckline and back. It's very impacting and accentuates her almost 6 foot tall frame.

Gown Score: 9.5


More "Very Good" Ivory Gown Ladies:

Miss Colorado (left) Eleanna Livaditis: I love the simple elegance of these two ivory "Goddess" gowns. Eleanna's features a full gathered skirt and sweetheart neck scooped bodice and scroll-like sequined midriff applique. Very nice.

Gown Score: 9.4

Miss District of Columbia (right) Ciera Nicole Butts: Ciera's gown is similar to Eleanna in silhouette but is definitely more Grecian Goddess-inspired with  the gold mettalic and sequined midriff panel. This gown is perfect for her. I just wish she wasn't crossing her arms like that.

Gown Score: 9.4

And BTW--Ciera's (Miss District of Columbia USA) gown is the same one Miss Wisconsin USA 2014 wore when she won that crown (yes, these same gowns get around...)--Bishara Dorre "Miss Wisconsin USA 2014" above.

Miss South Carolina USA Christina Zapolski: Just by looking at this photo, I can see why this six-foot tall beauty may be one of the favorites to take the crown; she looks like an All-American Olympic Skier/Volleyball/Surfing Champion. In regards to the gown, it's an impressive choice for Christina. The Mermaid shape is perfect for her and the strawberry-red color shines against her blond hair and skin. I also love that her hairstyle is modern, young, un-done but still quite red carpet. Once again, I may not have styled it with the big ol' "Miss Venezuela"-like earrings but, I am #not #hating.

Gown Score: 9.5



More "Very Good" Red Gown Ladies:

Miss Texas USA Lauren Guzman (left): Lauren looks chic, modern and red carpet-ready in this red gown with sequined waist and shoulder strap detail. It's a perfect example of how you can make the same impact in a simpler dress as opposed to a Big Ol' Krazee Mermaid "McMansion" of a Gown (those will be on my following blog post, kids!). And just a note: I could TOTALLY see Lauren as the "Entertainment Reporter" for "Access Hollywood"...or at the very least, she's the new gorgeous weather anchor for a top Texas local news station!

Gown Score: 9.4

Miss Missouri USA Erica Sturdefant (right): I think Erica looks sexy and modern in this Herve Leger-like sheath of a red gown. It's simple, to-the-point and really highlights her figure and in a non-vulgar way. It's so NOT a "Pageant Gown" and I'm so happy she wore it. That's why she's one of my Top Gown picks.

Gown Score: 9.4

Miss Maine USA Samantha Dahlborg: Naturally, what first got my attention was the photo and the fluttery chiffon overlay of the gown. It's like there was a fan but only on one half of her gown. Speaking of the gown, I like it. The rust/gray and teal gown features a plunging neckline, silver sequin applique at the waist/midriff and gathered bust. It is elegant and very "Spartan Queen". I give her (or her "Glam Squad' team) points for keeping the hair simple and elegant and avoiding the accessories; the gown is enough.

Gown score: 9.3

Miss Wisconsin USA Bishara Dorre: I LOVE the bright canary yellow color of this gown. I think it's perfect against Bishara's beautiful skin color. I also like the dress style--with the sequined bodice, defined waist and gathered full chiffon skirt. Her hair, drop earrings, and MILLION DOLLAR Smile finish the look. She looks sweet but above all very pretty; it's the perfect silhouette (and color) of a dress for her.

Gown Score: 9.3 

Miss Connecticut USA Desiree Perez: This black strapless gown may not be as "impacting' as some of the others (see below), but the fit is flawless and the simple elegant style is what leads me to put it here as one of my Top Gown Picks from the Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits. I like the draped/knotted bust and silver sequined "crown"-like midriff detail. Good job Connecticut!

Gown Score: 9.3

Miss California USA Cassandra Kunze: I am adding Cassandra--and this gown--in my "Top Gown" blog post just because she looks fun Disco Fabulous! Seriously, this golden/copper sequined gown is like a Disco Ball--a Sexy Disco Ball at that! It's impacting and Va Va Voom in its style and unabashed high-wattage factor. I don't think the come-hither-I-will-steal-your-husband-away pose helps but overall, she's owning this gown and I would hang out with her in this dress.

Gown Score: 9.0

Miss Oregon USA Emma Pelett: Finally, I placed Emma and this gown here because of the overt 50's Hollywood Glamour Goddess silhouette of this gown. the jewel blue taffeta gown features diagonal draping and pleating that ends up in a side "fall" with silver sequined accents at the side waist. It's the only one of its type within the Miss USA Evening Gown Portraits and it stood out for me. Her side-swept hair style worked but I would have done without the bracelet/cuff; the gown is enough.

Gown score: 9.0


***NEXT UP: My Picks for the "Uh Oh!" and "OOOOOH GURL!" Gowns from the Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits!!!

Miss Earth ; Evening Gown Final Competition

Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Just Right : Miss Kosovo Donika Emini (left) and Miss Mexico Kristal Silva (right)

Photos Courtesy of Miss Earth Pageant Facebook

Well, it's almost the end of the year and we just finished with two "biggies" in terms of beauty pageants--Miss World and Miss Universe...but we're not done yet: the 13th edition of the Miss Earth Pageant is taking place in the Philippines with the Final Telecast occurring on December 7th at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City (an outer suburb of the capital, Manila), Philippines. Miss Earth is an annual international pageant promoting environmental awareness. Along with Miss Universe and Miss World, it's one of three largest international beauty pageants--in terms of entrants. This year's edition is aligned with "The International Year of Water Cooperation".

  The Top Three Evening Gown Medalists: (left to right) Miss Philippines Angelee delos Reyes
(3rd Place, Bronze), Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich (1st Place, Gold), and Miss Nepal Rojisha Shahi Thakuri
(2nd Place, Silver)

 Crimson Hotel Ballroom--site of the Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Final Competition

This year's contest features 89 contestants from all over the world. They have been in the Philippines for the last couple of weeks competing in "Challenge Events" including Talent, National Costume and  Swimsuit to name a few. Naturally, the Challenge Event I'm most interested in is the Evening Gown Final Competition. This was held last night at the Grand Ballroom of the Crimson Hotel in Alabang. All the contestants modeled in front of a selected panel of judges and competed for the Gold, Silver and Bronze...in Evening Gown. So, let's not waste any more time and get to the Evening Gown Review. First up in this post are the Good Ones. And yes, following this post I will be talk about the "Oh Dear's!" and there were plenty unfortunately...

First, The Best:

The Gold Medal Evening Gown Winner: Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich--Alyz won last night for her silver strapless gown featuring a heavily pailletted design with gold/silver waist-defining belt. It was a nice gown and I can see why it received top honors. The big ol' earrings are a big much, especially with what's already going on with the gown, but yes, she's from Venezuela, those girls can't resist big ol' earrings!

Silver Medal, Evening Gown: Miss Nepal Rojisha Shahi Thakuri--Rijisha received the 2nd place  from judges with this baby blue mermaid shaped gown featuring silver and gold embroidered/lace crystals, long sleeves and plunging v-neckline. From head to toe, it was impacting but rather "Pageant Betty" for my taste; it looked a little dated (1990s). But in terms of a "total look", it was a nice presentation.

Bronze Medal, Evening Gown; Miss Philippines Angelee delos Reyes--Angelee got third place with this ivory gown that had a plain flared floor-length skirt attached to a lace-and-sequined mock-neck top with long sleeves. The top had a lot going on (were those silver mirrored sequins really necessary at the neckband?) and I am always cautious (and uncomfortable) of dresses that encircle the woman's breast area--such as this. But oh well, what do I know, those judges thought this was third best!



Here are ACTUALLY some of MY Favorites:

Miss Kosovo Donika Emini--I loved Donika's gown. It was classic, elegant and styled correctly--from her hair, delicate earrings and makeup. The gown featured a sheer netting neck and 3/4 sleeve section highlighted by silver sequined accents and a full gathered skirt with slit and ruched bodice. One of my faves.

Miss Mexico Kristal Silva--Wow! Kristal wore a one-shoulder gown with multicolored paillettes in a very "Water Theme" color combination of teal, algae green, lilac, purple, turquoise and baby blues. Her hair, makeup and accessories were DIVINE. Exquisite Miss Earth Mexico!

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Ariana Rampersad--Ariana's gown was very similar to Miss Mexico's in its multicolored paillette fabrication. But in terms of silhouette, hers was a halter neckline and did not have side cut out's. I liked it--it was impacting, had the right amount of stage presence "sparkle" and fit her beautifully.

Miss Belize Amber Rivero--Amber may be only 5' 5" tall but she looks very statuesque in this elegant and very red carpet perfect gown. The strapless gown, features a light blue color, metallic lace applique and sequined-and-shirred bodice. Her hair, makeup and jewels are just right. Good job Amber--and your "Miss Earth Belize" Glam Team (if there is one!).

Miss Zambia Winnie Fredah-Kabwe--Winnie looks gorgeous in this strapless white sequined gown with silver jeweled bustline edge. It is simple yet still packs a "Gown punch". I love that it is the perfect length and I don't see any tacky platform "Stripper" heels...and her hair and accessories are almost non-existent (good styling choice Winnie!).

Miss Brazil Priscilla Martins--Priscilla wore a halter style gold sequined "mermaid lite" style gown. it was not "Earth-shaking" in terms of design but it fit nicely and she looked "Pageant Right". I am frightened by the shoes she wore with this, however--they are poking out very little and I just hope they stay hidden!

Miss Gabon Filiane Mayombo Koundi--Kudos to Filiane who looked beautiful in this ivory v-neck sleeveless metallic lace gown. The length is perfect, the color is just right and her hair and earrings worked. Congrats darling on this!

Miss Romania Ioana Mihalache--Ioana wore this gold lame gown that was simple yet impacting. the fit was perfect and so was the length. Her straight modern hair also mirrored the clean simple lines of this gown. This look would definitely be a Red Carpet "Yes!".

Miss Poland Aleksandra Szczęsna--Aleksandra also wore a very simple clean gown and I was a fan. Her choice as a light golden colored boat-neck sheath gown with fit-and-flared silhouette. Her hair was modern and chic...like the gown.

Miss Switzerland Djoa Strassbourg--Djoa brightened up the Evening Gown Final Competition in this strapless magenta pink gown with silver sequined bust and multi-layered below-the-knee detail. The whole head-to-toe look is A LOT and rather "Pageant Betty" but maybe I've been seeing one too many pageant gowns because I kinda like it!

Miss Russia Olesya Bosloviak--Olesya's red-over-nude gown was unusual and leaned more toward the "couture"-like quality. I appreciated all the sequin and applique work as well as the directional shoulder detail. Very editorial and runway.

Miss China PR Lisa Xiang--Lisa's gown would not be one of my favorites on any other day but here, it's a standout for being "unusual" and in a good, creative--and cultural way. I even like the styling and that headband. Yes, she's two minutes from looking a bit "Cray-Cray" and National Costume-y but...I likey!



***NEXT UP: The "Uh Oh's!" of the Miss Earth Evening Gown Final Competition--Wait until you see these gowns!!

Miss Guatemala 2014 for Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International Crowning + Gown Recap

Golden Girl: Ana Luisa Montufar Miss Universe Guatemala 2014

This past weekend were the Miss Guatemala 2014 Finals, held in Guatemala City. The contest crowned it's representatives for Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, three "Grand Slam" international beauty pageants. The top winner--Miss Universe Guatemala 2014  was 20 year-old Ana Luisa Montufar who represented "Ciudad Capital" (Capital City").

Ana Luisa Montufar "Miss Universe Guatemala 2014"

Ana Luisa is 1.73 M (about 5' 7") tall and is no stranger to pageants; she was Miss Teen Guatemala 2011 and Miss Earth Guatemala 2011. She is a model. 

Top Three: (L to R) 2nd Runner-Up Claudia Maria Herrera "Miss International Guatemala 2014"; the winner "Miss Universe Guatemala 2014" Ana Luisa Montufar; First Runner-Up "Miss World Guatemala 2014" Keyla Lisbeth Bermudez

Costume Show:As part of the Miss Guatemala 2014 Finals this weekend, the contestants presented themselves in "National Costumes", here are some photos of the feathered Pre-Columbian Native Goddess--and very "Carnival" Costumes--some of the contestants wore:

Feathered and Sequined: "Miss Guatemala 2014" contestants in costume--Miss Guatemala 2014 Finals

The Gowns:

Golden, Sequins, Lace: The Top Three "Miss Guatemala 2014" Queens in their final evening gowns--Miss Guatemala 2014 Finals

I want to begin with a MESS. Why? I'd rather get this one out of the way and then talk about the Pretty (the Top Three Gowns!)...

Miss Tacky-licious: What The Heck Is This? Well, kids, this is Amarilis Calderon Pesquera "Miss Retalhuleu" and this is her evening gown. This violet-blue strapless concoction with silver applique, stretch satin and double-tier ruffles with what looks like a train. Why? She's so pretty but this ensemble doesn't help. And to add insult to FASHION injury, she wore golden sparkly platform heels and wore her hair up like a Mother-of-the-Bride in 1996. This girl needs a stylish FASHION BESTIE GAY ASAP!



The Good:

Ana Luisa Montufar: The eventual winner wore a gold sequined gown with nude illusion neck/shoulder piece with silver sequins. This was a very nice gown and it was styled just right--with the hair semi-down and the gold cuff and diamante earrings; Modern Pageant Gal.

Keyla Bermudez Miss World Guatemala 2014: Keyla also wore a gold-colored gown--she chose one that had a sequined applique tulle overlay under a golden satin strapless column gown. The color was just perfect for her and so was the silhouette. Keyla would look FABULOUS in an all-sequined golden gown when she eventually competes for the "Miss World" title; she needs to vibe "James Bond Diva/Hale Berry/Couture".

Claudia Herrera Miss International Guatemala 2014: Claudia wore an ivory crepe gown with high side-front slit and sequined neck-and-side detail. This dress was VERY "Pageant 101" and not re-creating the Gown Rules. With that said, it was a nice dress and looked great on Claudia.



Felicitaciones and Congratulations to the new Guatemalan Queens!!