Miss Universe National Costumes Best of North America

Transformers vs. Liki-Liki Fantasia: Miss USA and Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Continuing with my "Review" and Wrap-Up of the 2013 Miss Universe National Costume Show which took place on Sunday night...in my last post, I discussed my Top Picks for the National Costumes of Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Now, it's time for me to give you my "Nick Top Pick's" for the Americas and Caribbean ladies. There is LOTS to talk about about, so let's get started...





North America--Top Three:

3rd Place: Miss Costa Rica Fabiana Granados--Cotton Candy Pink feathers and gold were the highlights of "Miss Costa Rica's" Pre-Columbian Indigenous Empress Costume. Very well done and excellent in its design and execution. One of the BEST, of all the National Costumes of Miss Universe 2013.

2nd Place: Miss Nicaragua Nastassja Bolivar--Speaking of Pre-Columbian Indigenous Empress...HOLA Nastassja!! Simply Spectacular. The feathers, the headdress, the colors, sequined embroidery...this needs to be in a Costume Museum Exhibition! ASAP!



First Prize Goes To:

Miss USA Erin Brady--But I have to give the First Prize to "Miss USA" Erin Brady. She wore a "Transformers" costume that well, represented her nation of the Good Ol' US of A. And I get it. It was different, impacting and sure made me stop and take notice. The costume was created and designed by Martin Izquierdo and his very talented team. And by the way, Miss USA's "Transformers" costume  reminded me of what Heidi Klum wore in 2010 for one of her infamous "Heidi Klum's Halloween Party":

Heidi Klum as a Transformer--Heidi's Halloween 2010, also designed and created by Martin Izquierdo Studio

The Caribbean--Top Seven:

7th Place:Miss Turks and Caicos Snwanza Adams--Loved this strapless gown featuring a very Turks & Caicos "feel" to its design, execution, color and detail. It was definitely a tribute to the Caribbean and those islands.

6th Place: Miss Curacao Eline de Pool--A bright sequined-and-feathered reptile, backed by a blue jumpsuit and silver-sequined "Curacao" scepter: how could I not love this? Even her stacked pumps are printed in matching fabric!

5th Place: Miss Dominican Republic Yaritza Reyes--Dominican Caribbean Goddess in iridescent golden peach. Yaritza is spectacular in this costume. One of the best for sure. Muy Bien.

4th Place: Miss Trinidad and Tobago Catherine Miller--Multicolored Feathered Carnival Empress is how I can best describe this costume. The colors, the crystal strap'ed body-suit, the feathered leg detail...that headdress! It all adds up to good "Ayy Dios Mio!" for me; so much so, she made 4th place.

3rd Place: Miss Haiti Mondiana Pierre--This entire look is one of my favorites. Mondiana utilized her OUT OF CONTROL body and still gave you "Native/Indigenous Haiti Queen" with this gold and multicolor feathered costume.

2nd Place: Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis--Tie dye multicolored psychedelic Jamaican Diva. Just take a look at this sequined neon green with orange, fuchsia, blue, purple, yellow-colored ensemble. If there was ever a Jamaican "Burning Man", Kerrie--in this--would be its Mascot!


First Prize Goes To:

Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez--Monic's National Costume reflects the water, corals and Caribbean that
surrounds her island of Puerto Rico. According to its designer, Jaer Caban, it was inspired by the bio-luminescent bays that surround the island and she wins my "Nick Top National Costume Prize".



South America--Top Four:

4th Place: Miss Argentina Brenda Gonzalez--What a big ol' feathered ball gown with a gold applique top, headdress and arm accents, have to do with Argentina, Buenos Aires, amazing tasting beef, or Chimichurri...is beyond me. But I LOVED IT!

3rd Place Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliviera--I am obsessed with the fact that "Miss Brazil" did not go the "Carnival" route with her "Miss Universe 2013" National Costume. I loved how this ensemble payed homage to the indigenous nature/Amazon part of her South American country. It was a tribute muito excelente!

2nd Place: Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez--Pre-Columbian Ecuadorian Empress. Check! Imagine her waiting for you at the top of the Ecuadorian Andes!! Absolutely stunning! Not sure how this traveled to Moscow and how much extra baggage fees she got charged...but it was all worth it!



First Prize Goes To:

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler--Gabriela wore a fabulous multicolored "Fantasy Liki-Liki" (Venezuelan llanero suit) with a multi-tiered overskirt. The entire look was fantastic and sequin-spectacular! She ROCKED it!!! Over time. Therefore, she gets my "Best of National Costume Prize" for South America.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction Red Carpet: The Good and "Uh Oh!"

Sequined Auction: Miss Gabon Jennifer Ondo, Miss Ukraine Olga Storozhenko and Miss France Hinarani de Longeaux--Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction Crocus City Mall

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Wednesday night was the Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction at Crocus City Mall, Moscow Russia. Contestants from this year's pageant brought special items from their home to then be auctioned off for charity. This is a tradition of  the Miss Universe and Miss World Organizations, as well as other international beauty pageant competitions. 

Miss Israel Yitaish Aynaw and Miss Panama Carolina Brid--Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction at Crocus City Mall

It
is a way to signal to the press/public that these beauty pageants are not only about gorgeous women parading in swimsuits and glittery gowns, but also
"giving back". Now, for my blog here--naturally--it is an opportunity to discuss what the lovely contestants wore on the red carpet. Some did very good and others, well, you'll have to scroll down to take a look. Let's just say, there were some "OHHHHHH!!!" moments. So, let's get to it. I want to begin with the GOOD:

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler: Gabriela wore a bright lipstick red jersey gown with long sleeves and metallic waist "clip" accent. This was one of my favorite looks on the red carpet (it looks as if there was no red carpet but in fact, it was just a marble-like FLOOR!). She looked sleek, elegant, modern. I also liked her hair and makeup--both much better than in the Miss Universe website's Evening Gown Portrait.

Miss France Hinarani de Longeaux: Hinarani wore a pink applique embroidered gown with silver sequins delicately strewn throughout. This dress was a bit "old school" but it fit Hinarani beautifully and she accessorized it just right--only earrings and the silver clutch. I also liked her pulled-back hairstyle showing off that amazing face of hers!

Miss Korea Kim Yu-mi: I also loved this black jersey and nude illusion gown with one-sleeve detail. The dress featured black jeweled crystals on that nude illusion. The dress itself was VERY "Figure Skating Costume" but in a good way; I liked that she "went there" and it was directional yet still, had "modern pageant appeal".

Miss Indonesia Whulandary Herman: Elegant, decadent, expensive, beautiful. Those words describe Whularandary's choice of ensemble for the Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction. She looks like the "Crown Princess of Bali"--if there even was one! Her hair and makeup: flawless and perfect for the high neckline of the top. Someone has taught this girl well.

Miss India Manasi Mogue: A Sari is (at least in my eyes) one of the most elegant garments in the world. And Manasi wore a fabulous one to the National Gift Auction Wednesday night. The gold brocade/jacquard is exquisite, love the bubblegum pink color, and the juxtaposition of the off-white color. Oh and yes, I love her clutch and earrings. This look is 100% OUTSTANDING!

Miss Switzerland Dominique Rinderknecht:  I cannot hold back my sentiments that Dominique is one of my favorite contestants for this year's Miss Universe 2013 crown; love her modern hair, fresh look and beautiful face. In terms of Wednesday night's National Gift Auction, her choice of gown was very good.  She wore a mint green bias-cut charmeuse satin gown with sequined shoulder accents. I loved how she mixed her edgy/modern look with a semi-pageant-y gown...it worked for me.

Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez: Constanza wore a black lace gown with nude colored lining. I thought she looked great, therefore, she is in my "Good" bunch. The dress fit her nicely and her hair style was clean, modern, fresh. I would only suggest to tone down the lipstick color and the purple nails.

Miss Namibia Paulina Malulu: Paulina looks amazing in red. I would advise Paulina that RED is her color. For sure! I am not normally a fan of wearing so much in terms of accessories: the statement-making necklace, chandelier earrings AND a brooch! But because the gown was so simple--in terms of its styling--it worked. Her side-swept updo hairstyle also worked.



Most Improved From The Evening Gown Portraits...

Miss Ethiopia Mhadere Tigabe: Mhadere wore a very "Pageant Betty" gown for her "Evening Gown Portrait" and I wasn't happy. But here, she is much improved in this gold sequin and ivory chiffon gown. I'm happy that the length is just right!

Miss Poland Paulina Krupinska: Paulina looked AMAZING at the Tony Ward Couture fashion show--the BEST Runway Walk of ALL of them! But she disappointed me with her "Evening Gown Portrait" Pic. But here, she's back in my "Good" bunch with what she wore and how she looked at the National Gift Auction. I absolutely LOVE her center-parted chignon hairstyle and her ivory applique and feathered sleeve gown is Palm Springs 1974 Fab! She so reminds me of a former "Miss Universe"...

 Maritza Sayalero from Venezuela--Miss Universe 1979

The "Uh Oh" Red Carpet Bunch:

Miss Belgium Noemie Happart: File under "Real Housewives of Orange County". This bright printed halter dress is tacky-licious--and so was the hairstyle. The taste level of all of this was so not good.

Miss Chile Maria Jesus Metthei: Maria Jesus is one the tallest contestants (almost 6 feet tall) and a professional model. So, you would think that she would know what to wear on the red carpet. Not so mucheey. The photo on the left has her in a black fur-like cropped coat with three-quarter sleeves, red leather gloves and a white lace mini dress. Why? I have no idea; she looks like the mistress of a Russian arms dealer who cannot afford a stylist. In the right photo, she (thank God!) took the fur coat and gloves off. And yes, she looks much better. I approve of the look on the right but DEFINITELY not the one on the left.

Miss Panama Carolina Brid: Oh Carolina. I love me a turban. Especially when the FABULOUS Sheikha of Qatar wears it (as seen in the above photo with Queen Sofia of Spain). But this silver lame ensemble--and turban--is too "Aladdin" for me. And seriously, it was necessary to wear those earrings AND that dangling bracelet? #MuyMuch.

Miss Romania Roxana Andrei: What. In. The. World. Is Going. On? Roxana!! Don't do this. Please? This peach and multi-printed bustier dress looks as if a sophomore fashion college student designed it. No.

Miss Slovak Republic Jeanette Borhyova: Oh Jeanette! This one-shoulder black Lycra dress is so "Dancing With The Stars: the Eurovision Edition". It would be fine for that. But not for this red carpet National Gift Auction event. How do you say "Trashy" in Slovak?

Miss Lithuania Simona Burbaite: When I first saw the photos of Simona "Miss Lithuania" on the "red carpet" of Wednesday night's "Miss Universe 2013 National Gift Auction" event, I thought "WOW! She did Good!"...the center-parted chignon hairstyle, the runway-like makeup, the modern black sheath dress. But then, I saw THIS:

THE BACK: OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 EVENING GOWN Portraits Review Part One: The Good!

Miss Universe Gown Fab: Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis and Miss Chile Maria Jesus Matthei--Miss Universe 2-13 Evening Gown Portraits

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

It's Miss Universe 2013 time and all the contestants are in Moscow Russia for all the preparations, sightseeing tours, fashion shows and photo-op events surrounding the international pageant and all leading up to the Finals which will be televised LIVE on NBC and Telemundo on Saturday November 9th. The "Evening Gown Portraits" have been published on the MissUniverse.com website so you know what that means: time for my Review. Now, as you know (if you're a Beauty Pageant Aficionado, or missosologist), these may or may not be the actual gowns the contestants wear for the all-important Preliminaries or when they are chosen as one of the Semi-Finalists during the live telecast. But sometimes, they are. Irregardless, it's time for my Evening Gown Review--I want to begin with my Faves of the Photos:

Miss Chile Maria Jesus Matthei: One of my favorite gowns of all the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits. This salmon pink colored chiffon gown with copper sequined neck-piece, waistband and shirred bodice is a stunner; very red carpet, very chic. Her high-ponytail hairdo makes her look rather severe but it works with this gown. I hope, however that for the Preliminaries, she doesn't do this hair style.

Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis: Now this is a GOWN! Mermaid-shaped black sequined applique with feathered bottom. It's a lot but...it works. Diva Fab for sure.

Miss Indonesia Whulandary Herman: Love this red crepe gown with applique and nude illusion top section and fitted waist. It fits her beautifully and looks perfect for Whulandary. One of the best of the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits.

Miss Australia Olivia Wells: Sweet, elegant and "Elie Saab Lite"...in other words, I like. This off-white gown with side lace detail, sweeping train and metallic waistband is just right and very red carpet modern for a beauty pageant. Her hair style looks a tad "I'm Going To Lunch" but I'm OK with it. At least, she's not all bouffant "Pageant Betty".

Miss Colombia Lucia Aldana: This is a very nice gown on Miss Colombia. There's nothing extraordinary about this silver & lilac-hued sequined one-shoulder strap gown but there's also nothing wrong. It's "Pageant Safe" but Very Good Pageant Safe.

Miss France Hinarani de Longeaux: One of the favorites to win the crown--Hiranari, did not disappoint in her choice of gown for the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portrait. This blush-colored chiffon and sequined gown is both red carpet fab and very runway. It definitely sweetens her. I hope, however, that Hinarani VAMPS it up when it actually comes time for the Preliminaries and Final Telecast. This contestant needs to be ALL ABOUT SEXY Goddess! Maybe, she should think about borrowing this gown she wore at the Tony Ward Couture runway show:

Miss France Hinarami de Longeaux in Tony Ward Couture: Oui!

Miss India Manasi Mogue: Manasi wore this silver sequined gown with high side slit and side peplum detail. I'm NOT A FAN of the stacked black pumps but the gown is a Razzle Dazzle of a gown! Impacting, showstopper and sexy fab! If she did away with those stacked heels, the dress would also be the right length.

Miss Israel Yityish Aynaw: Simply perfect. A caviar-beaded ivory gown. Simple, great fit and perfect for her. It's not Couture-directional but THANK GOODNESS, it's not "Pageant Barbie" tacky either. Sublime.

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida: Ariella's gown choice for her Evening Gown Portrait is a safe but good one. This royal blue chiffon gown with silver sequined brooch accents is pretty and elegant. If there is any critique, those big ol' dangling earrings were so not necessary, especially when there were enough "jewels" in the sequined brooches. Say NO to over accessorizing. Please. PS: her hair and makeup are quite lovely.

Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez: Fabulosa! Monic chose this black gown featuring a charmeuse skirt, sequined applique top and ruffled peplum. It's two minutes from being a little "Figure Skating Costume-ish" but it works, especially with the entire styling, her side swept hair and gorgeous makeup.

Miss Thailand Chalita Yaemwannang: Chalita wore this teal-green mermaid shaped gown that was very Zac Posen/Vera Wang-ish in its style. This was very Sofia Vergara Va-Va-Voom. I liked this gown and all its details, I just didn't like her hair; A slicked-back chignon would have added A LOT of elegance to the entire look.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Catherine Miller: This was a nice silver-and-nude gown choice for Catherine. The sequin detail is interesting and red carpet fab! On a negative note: it's too short. Note to all beauty pageant girls: I don't want to see those big ol' pumps! #Tacky.

Miss Singapore Shi Lim: I'm not sure what is happening in the front since this is a side view, but I like it nonetheless. This silver-gray jersey gown has a 1930s vibe in its cut and side arm detail that I appreciate. It's very elegant and right for her.

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler: Miss Venezuela wore this blush colored gown with silver sequin detail. It's a very nice gown and I have no problem with it (that's why she's here in my "Great" bunch) but I feel she's a little too covered up. I also don't like her hair. Gabriela modeled in the Tony Ward Couture show...

...and this was one of the gowns she wore and well, she looked A THOUSAND TIMES better in this--especially with slicked-back hairstyle. I hope she "brings it" like this above when it comes to the Preliminaries and Final telecast (if she gets one of the coveted Semi-Finalist spots).

Miss Vietnam Tru'o'ng Thi May: Finally this was one of my favorite gowns form this year's "Miss Universe Evening Gown Portraits". I loved the color, the silhouette and the fit. It was very impacting, elegant with a stage appeal and need I add...

She looks so much like one of my favorite "Miss Universe's" Brook Lee, from the U.S.A.

**Up Next: My "Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits" "Oh No She Didn't/Ayyy Mija!" Group...Stay Tuned!!