Showing posts with label Beauty Pageants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Pageants. Show all posts

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe Thailand 2014, The Crowning, The "Elie Saab"-inspired Gowns, The Controversy

Monday, May 19, 2014




Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut 


Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com



This past Saturday night, in a glitzy ceremony in Bangkok's Royal Paragon Hall in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, the representative to wear the Miss Thailand sash at this year's Miss Universe pageant was crowned; Miss Universe Thailand 2014 is 22 year-old Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut.






Stand Still Girl! Miss Universe Thailand 2013 Chalita Yaewannang crowns "Miss Universe Thailand 2014" Weluree Ditsayabut 






Swimsuit Short: The new "Miss Universe Thailand 2014" Weluree Ditsayabut




The 1.70 M (approximately 5' 6") tall beauty beat out 39 other contestants for the top title. Weluree was actually not the favorite to win, especially since she was considered short for a top "Beauty Pageant Winner" spot.






Top Three: (L to R) First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew, Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree Ditsayabut, and 2nd Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan








Above photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com






Model Fab: First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew



The favorite--Pimbongkod Chankaew--actually got First Runner-Up. And in case you were wondering, she is 5' 11" (see above pics). Usually in these international pageants, it's a good bet that the taller girls win (take a look at most of the past "Miss Venezuela's" who've been 5' 10" + for example and done quite well at the "Miss Universe" pageant). But it was not to be for this tall Thai beauty; the shorter woman won. And Congrats to her! The Controversy:






New "Miss Universe Thailand not a fan of the Red-Shirts



Soon after Weluree was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2014",--as it has been the norm--people started looking on the web and internets--and it was discovered that she had made some not-so-nice remarks on her Facebook page (it's public, kids!! Hello!).




Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com



The new Thai beauty queen had accused pro-government red-shirt supporters of being anti-monarchist and said that Thailand would be "cleaner" without them. Uh Oh! Weluree received a storm of negative comments with many saying she was "unfit" to be Miss Universe Thailand. This morning on Thai TV, she apologized for her "inappropriate behavior". Oh, and in case you don't watch BBC World News, you might not know that there's been a lot happening in Thailand--politics-wise. You might want to go HERE to brush up on that.



Now, let's discuss the GORGEOUS Gowns:



Sequined Semi-Couture: I have to say that after seeing the photos of the gowns the contestants wore at this weekend's Miss Universe Thailand 2014 pageant, I am beyond Gown-impressed! Whoever designed and created these gowns: KUDOS! If any one reading this from the Thai--or Beauty Pageant--community has any details on who designed these gowns, I'd LOVE to give them credit.








 Miss Universe Thailand Gown Inspired: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2013 (left) and Spring 2013 (right)



The evening gowns were VERY Elie Saab Haute Couture beautiful; well-made, well-fitting, and red carpet fab. If these were not Elie Saab, these were THE BEST Knock-Off's I've ever seen!






Fashion Divas: Miss Universe Thailand 2014 contestants, Evening Gown Competition


Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com





Winner Gown: The gown that the eventual winner, Weluree Ditsayabut, wore was a blush gown with sleeves covered in sequined applique. The gown was beautiful and well-done. It was also very red carpet NOW and the new direction in Pageant Gowns. Her side-swept hair and not-too-done makeup was just right.






Right Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com



First Runner-Up--and favorite to win, Pimbongkod Chankaew, looked like PERFECTION in her nude/blush sequin-over-netting cap sleeved plunging neckline gown. This was a TEN for me. Gorgeous.






Second Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan: Loved this gown as well. It was another nude/blush colored netting-over-sequined applique design with sleeves and gathered bust detail. Beautiful, elegant and chic.



Speaking of Elegant and Chic...




Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com



Last year's Miss Universe Thailand, Chalita Yaewannang, looked gorgeous in this violet-gray sequins-over-netting gown. The dress was very Elie Saab Couture...and she looked every bit a QUEEN.






The Top Three: (L to R) First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew, Miss Universe Thailand 2-14 Weluree Ditsayabut, and 2nd Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan








Thai Miss Queens: (L to R) Miss Universe Thailand 2012 Nutpimon Farida Waller,  Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree Ditsayabut, and Miss Universe Thailand 2013 Chalita Yaewannang


Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com






Click Below for the Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Crowning Moment:




SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Peru Universe 2014, Winner Jimena Espinosa, Gown Recap & Review!

Friday, May 9, 2014





 South American Beauty: Jimena Espinosa, Miss Peru Universe 2014





Last month, a new Peruvian Beauty Queen was crowned: Jimena Rumini Espinosa Vecco, 24, became the new "Miss Peru Universe" at the Parque de la Amistad in Lima Peru. The gorgeous light brown/dark blond haired beauty is 1.83 (6 feet tall)! and is a model. Jimena represented "Region Lima" (Lima region, the capital city). She also is no stranger to pageants: Jimena competed at the "World Miss University 2008" beauty pageant in South Korea. 







 Jimena Queen: Jimena Espinoza "Miss Peru Universe 2014"





As the new Miss Peru Universe Jimena gets the chance to represent her country at this year's Miss Universe pageant. No one knows where or when that will be. Last year's pageant was in Russia. I have a feeling that won't happen this year kids. 







 Peruvian Model: Jimena Espinosa, Miss Peru Universe 2014






Pageant Mini-Dresses: Contestants for Miss Peru Universe 2014 during a Final presentation to press with the outgoing Miss Peru Universe 2013--the eventual winner Jimena Espinosa who was Miss Region Lima is fourth from left in the photo.




 Swimsuit Beauties:




 Jimena Espinosa "Miss Region Lima" and future "Miss Peru Universe" during the Swimsuit Presentation--Miss Peru Universe 2014 Pageant







Elizabeth Marquez, "Miss Ica"-- Miss Peru Universe 2014 Swimsuit Presentation





The Evening Gowns:




 Over-accessorized and HUGE Earrings: Contestants for the "Miss Peru Universe 2014" beauty pageant during the Evening Gown Competition









 Finalist Gowns: Contestants for the "Miss Peru Universe 2014" Beauty Pageant









 Creme Sequined: Jimena Espinoza "Miss Region Lima" and her creme colored strapless gown--Miss Peru Universe 2014 beauty pageant







The eventual winner--Jimena Espinoza--who represented "Region Lima" wore a strapless creme colored lace-and-sequined applique gown...








Mother of The Bride Hair: The gown fit her fine and looked good. I just thought those over-the-top too long exaggerated earrings were "Too Mucheey". And that up-do was very "Mother-of-the-Bride"; she didn't look fresh or modern at all. But Jimena won for her imposing stature and can't miss presence and beauty. 





Third Runner-Up Elizabeth Marquez "Miss Ica": Elizabeth wore a white strapless sequined lace applique "Mermaid" shape gown with multi-tiers of ruffles. The gown fit her very well and was very "Pageant Betty". I am not a fan of a girl with rather big "sisters" wearing a strapless gown and as you can see from this photo...it doesn't look too good. But, I commend Elizabeth for the ivory color to stand out against her skin and overall styling.






Second Runner-Up "Miss Huanuco" Sofia del Pinho: Sofia wore a strapless red satin gown in a "Mermaid lite" shape. The dress was very "store bought" looking and the necklace, earrings and highlighted frost-and-tip hairstyle...reminded me of a girl going to a prom. In 1998.






Top 12 Semi-Finalist "Miss Pasco" Ducelia Echevarria: Ducelia wore this turquoise blue gown featuring a sheer netting/illusion torso panel, solid colored bust cups, sequins sparkled throughout and there was a detailed skirt hem.This was definitely TOO MUCH of a 1990's Pageant Throw-Back. It was also very "Figure Skating Costume". Ducelia is very pretty and she could have been more modern,/directional and red carpet fab with her gown choice; just sayin'.






First Runner-Up Ximena Montenegro "Miss Lambayeque": Ximena wore a silver sequined and feathered gown. This gown was very "Show-stopping" in terms of style and silhouette.  It was two seconds away from being a costume out of Cirque du Soleil. I still give her--and the fashion designer--points. The only thing that bothers me are those too-stacked pumps; those heels are both distracting and so not necessary.







Congrats and Felicitaciones to Jimena--the newly crowned "Miss Peru Universe".  Good Luck at "Miss Universe 2014".


SASHES AND TIARAS.....Binibining Pilipinas 2014/Miss Philippines 2014 for Miss Universe, Crowning Night, Pics, Gowns

Sunday, March 30, 2014




In
2011, Lastimosa joined the Bb. Pilipinas and unfortunately, she did not
bring home the crown. She placed 2nd Runner-up. The eventual winner was
Shamcey Supsup, who became Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner-up. She once
join again in the same pageant in 2012 and was placed in Top 12, she got
the special awards naming Bb. Philippine Airlines and Bb. Avon. Janine
Tugonon won the Miss Universe-Philippines 2012 crown and was placed as
1st Runner-up in Miss Universe 2012 behind Olivia Culpo of USA.

She
took a vacation after failing to get the crown of Bb. Pilipinas 2012
pageant. She traveled to Brazil to practice and gain more experience in
modeling and beauty pagent. She also went to United states to visit some
of her relatives.

- See more at: http://www.philshowbiz.com/2014/02/20/mary-jean-lastimosa-bb-pilipinas-candidate-no-25/#sthash.PD511vYl.dpuf


In
2011, Lastimosa joined the Bb. Pilipinas and unfortunately, she did not
bring home the crown. She placed 2nd Runner-up. The eventual winner was
Shamcey Supsup, who became Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner-up. She once
join again in the same pageant in 2012 and was placed in Top 12, she got
the special awards naming Bb. Philippine Airlines and Bb. Avon. Janine
Tugonon won the Miss Universe-Philippines 2012 crown and was placed as
1st Runner-up in Miss Universe 2012 behind Olivia Culpo of USA.

She
took a vacation after failing to get the crown of Bb. Pilipinas 2012
pageant. She traveled to Brazil to practice and gain more experience in
modeling and beauty pagent. She also went to United states to visit some
of her relatives.

- See more at: http://www.philshowbiz.com/2014/02/20/mary-jean-lastimosa-bb-pilipinas-candidate-no-25/#sthash.PD511vYl




The Most Beautiful: The Top Seven of the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 (Miss Philippines 2014), including the Winner, Mary Jean Lastimosa (Center) who will represent the Philippines in this year's Miss Universe 2014 pageant



Last night was the Live Televised Finals Coronation Night of the Binibining Pilipinas (Bb Pilipinas) 2014 Beauty Pageant--the country's top beauty pageant which chooses it's representative for Miss Universe, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Supranational, Miss Tourism and Miss International. The finals occurred in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Philippines. The representative for the Miss World is done through a separate pageant and separate pageant directors who own the "Miss World Philippines" rights.





Cougar Winner: Forty contestants representing all of the Philippines competed for the top crown and the winner was 25 year-old Mary Jean Lastimosa (No. 25) of Filipino-Arab descent. The 5' 7" (1.70 M) tall beauty will now be the representative for this year's Miss Universe pageant. Maria Jose is not a stranger to pageants and the Binibining Pilipinas pageant...





Third Time's The Charm: She competed in 2011 and 2012--getting the 2nd Runner-Up title in 2011 and Top 12 the following year. She skipped last year's pageant and instead traveled to Brazil for more pageant training and visited family in the USA. But she returned this year, ready to win. And she did.










Mary Jean Lastimosa "No. 25", the new Binibining Pilipinas/Miss Philippines Universe 2014 during the Swimsuit Competition last night at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City Philippines





Queens: Prior to the Final Coronation Night, there was a special "Miss Universe Cocktail Party"  where several Filipina beauty queens as well as Venezuela's Gabriela Isler Miss Universe 2013 attended--(left to right) Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Arielle Arida, Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul 









Best in National Costume: This title went to "No. 13" Kris Janson. She wore an ivory gown created by fashion designer Cary Santiago. The gown was inspired by the sampaquita flower, which represents purity.The design--featuring the famous Filipino "Butterfly" sleeves, is a modern take on the terno, it had a over-gown that was full, while underneath was a more fitted lace column silhouette. To finish the look, Kris carried an ivory lace umbrella.



The Evening Gowns--Finalists/Top 15:



The final gowns were a mix of lots of pastel and very bright colors--baby blue, coral, lipstick red, golden champagne and fuchsia were predominant. The styles were very "Pageant Betty" and nothing too Haute Couture/High Fashion runway-like; it was like a fashion show for a top "Pageant & Prom" dress manufacturer. I would have loved to have seen amazing COUTURE-worthy "Red Carpet" gowns but I guess this wasn't the year for that.



The Top Seven:



Bubble Gum Pink Winner: Mary Jean Lastimosa wore a fuchsia colored strapless gown  in satin and tulle with a slight "Mermaid" silhouette. the gown featured lots of silver sequin accents. It looked a little polyester-y for my taste and the long exaggerated earrings weren't necessary. However, I did like her clean, side swept hairstyle.





Best in Gown Prize: went to "No. 22" Marie Anne Bianca Giudotti, who also got the second top honor of Miss Binibining Pilipinas/Miss International 2014. Her gown was a sequined violet-colored one-shoulder gown with sheer panels asymmetrically placed throughout her torso and framed by silver diamantes. It was A LOT, and very "Figure Skating Costume" fab. She also gave me "Cher" circa 1978 (the hair, the look, the Bob Mackie-like dress). And I love that.





No. 13 Kris Janson (who won "Best National Costume") and won the title of Binibining Pilipinas/Miss Intercontinental 2014 (left) wore a pretty coral colored gown in sequins, illusion and crepe. The top portion was very 'Figure Skating Ice Princess" (Is this a Theme?), but I do like the clean fit-and-flare gown-skirt and her hair and makeup. Her drop earring worked well here with that hair style.

No. 35 Yvethe Marie Santiago won the title of Binibining Pilipinas/Miss Supranational 2014 (right). She wore a baby blue gown with a sequined bodice and chiffon A-line full skirt. She looked very pretty and "Prom Perfect".





No. 4 Parul Shah (left) got the title of Binibing Pilipinas/Miss Tourism 2014. I think she was one of the best in gown. She looked elegant, Pageant-right and I thought the reflective mirrored paillettes in her strapless gown provided the right amount of razzle dazzle.

No. 11 Laura Victoria Lehmann (right): Laura got the "1st Runner-Up" title. She wore a rose colored gown with sequined applique bustier and chiffon full skirt. This dress was "Prom 101", nothing Couture "earth shaking" about it. She looked very "Sweet Sixteen". Not sure if this is good enough for such an "international" stage. I want to see beyond "Sweet 16" and more "Paris Couture"!





No. 27 Hannah Ruth Sison: Rounding out the Top Seven was Hannah, who got the "2nd Runner-Up" title and for her gown choice, she wore a white chiffon and satin gown with sequined "sweetheart" neckline. She looked pretty. Her hair was elegant and the earring appropriate for the entire look. It was still rather safe.



The Rest of the 15 Semi-Finalists in Gown:



No. 1 Julian Aurine Flores (left): Julian wore a pink-red gown in poly chiffon with silver sequin applique at the empire waist. Very "Prom & Pageant" basic.

No. 3 Joana Angelica Romero (right): Joana wore a gathered bust lavender chiffon gown with corseted boned bodice/midriff. Nice color, interesting gown.





No. 8 Pia Wurtzbach (left): Pia wore a creme gown that featured a ruched bodice and torso and full flared below-the-knee skirt section. It also had sequined straps. She looked quite pretty and almost like a "Trophy Girl" at like the Golden Globes.

No. 14 Emma Marie Tiglao (right): Emma wore a baby blue ruched chiffon gown with silver sequined bodice accents and straps. It fit her well and looked pretty, but one could find this style in EVERY Pageant shop.





No. 16 Zahara Mae Soriano (left): Zahara wore a very elegant bright red strapless gown with waist-cinching band and silver sequined neckline and torso detail. Her entire look was very "Pageant Perfect"; there was nothing out of place or wrong--from the hair, to the earrings to the gown and wrist bangle. She was "done", as they say.

No. 19 Mae Liezel Ramos (right): Mae wore a deep lavender gown with gathered bust and midriff and sheer illusion and sequined neck section. This was quite nice on her and I loved how clean-and-modern her center part hairstyle and makeup looked. This was a "modern" pageant girl.





No. 20 Kenneth Santiago (left): Kenneth wore an iridescent organza baby blue gown which featured an inner "mini dress" and crystals throughout. She looked great!

No. 23 Nichole Marie Manalo (right):  Nichole was probably one of the most "Diva"-like participants in the evening gown portion. We've seen this style of gown before--at many pageants--but Nichole looked very elegant and regal in this one shoulder red and sequined dress. It was dramatic and entrance-making.










Flower Girls: Congratulations to all the Binibinng Pilipinas/Miss Philippines 2014 Winners!




In
2011, Lastimosa joined the Bb. Pilipinas and unfortunately, she did not
bring home the crown. She placed 2nd Runner-up. The eventual winner was
Shamcey Supsup, who became Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner-up. She once
join again in the same pageant in 2012 and was placed in Top 12, she got
the special awards naming Bb. Philippine Airlines and Bb. Avon. Janine
Tugonon won the Miss Universe-Philippines 2012 crown and was placed as
1st Runner-up in Miss Universe 2012 behind Olivia Culpo of USA.

She
took a vacation after failing to get the crown of Bb. Pilipinas 2012
pageant. She traveled to Brazil to practice and gain more experience in
modeling and beauty pagent. She also went to United states to visit some
of her relatives.

- See more at: http://www.philshowbiz.com/2014/02/20/mary-jean-lastimosa-bb-pilipinas-candidate-no-25/#sthash.PD511vYl.dpuf

 

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