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!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition Recap Part 1, My Top Ten Best Gowns!

 Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Show--Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

Last night were the all-important Preliminaries for the Miss USA 2014 beauty pageant. This is when a separate panel of judges (different from the NBC-Universal "talent" that judges the Final Live Telecast) chooses the Semi-Finalists who will be named on Sunday night's Final Show who will go on to compete for the Miss USA 2014 crown. The Preliminary Competition involves an Introduction of all the contestants in "cocktail wear", the Swimsuit Competition and finally, the Evening Gowns... 

 Gown Applause: The Miss USA 2014 contestants in their evening gowns--Miss USA 2014 preliminary Competition Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

The 51 contestants modeled their evening gowns to be judged on their poise, presence and overall impact when dressed up. And yes, they were been judged on their style choices. One can tell with an evening gown choice whether this young woman is "Stately", "Queen-like" or Too Sexi-Licious (read: Hoochie!). Some of the contestants did "Gown Changes" from what they previously wore for the Evening Gown Portraits which I talked about HERE and HERE.

So, without further ado, let's get to my Top Ten Picks for Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition. 



We begin with Miss LOUISIANA:

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Guidry: Wow! Two words: simply stunning! Brittany wore a beautiful metallic sequined gown for the Evening Gown Portraits which I LOVED and this one is a change from the portrait gown. And I LOVE this one even more! The gown is a violet empire-cut dress with heavy sequined applique at the bust, neckline and drop shoulders. It's majestic, impacting and looks outstanding on her. I also think she did her hair and makeup just right.

Gown score: 9.8

Miss Florida USA Brittany Oldehoff: Fort Lauderdale native Brittany shimmered in this showstopping beaded fringe column gown with nude base. This was also a Gown Change from what she wore for the Evening Gown Portraits (above, bottom)--and definitely a change for the better! I also love the side-swept hairstyle. One of the best gowns of the night; it has movement, impacts well on stage and works for her hourglass figure.

Gown score: 9.7

Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero: Amanda definitely gets an award for "Most Improved Gown Choice" to what she had worn for the Gown Portraits (above, bottom). I wasn't a total fan of this but I am a MAJOR fan of the silver and nude gown choice for the Preliminaries. This gown hints at a Couture creation from Zuhair Murad and has just the right amount of Red Carpet Wattage. Good job Amanda!

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Colorado USA Eleanna Livaditis: I placed Eleanna as one of my favorites for the gowns in the Evening gown Portraits and now, it's "two for two". She wore the same gown and this was wise; it's a gorgeous Grecian Goddess gown that works well for her. She looks like a Miss Greece at the Miss Universe pageant (It's safe to assume she's probably of Greek descent from that name so, it's PERFECT!).

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Oklahoma USA Brooklynne Young: Beautiful Brooklynne wore this black simple gown (above, bottom) for the Gown Portraits but changed into this STUNNER of a gown at the top pic. This gown change was VERY GOOD. The golden Mermaid-shaped gown with oversized jeweled crystals is much more impacting and looks much more expensive. I think she looks very regal and still very approachable. This is one of my favorites of the night.

Gown Score: 9.6

Miss Ohio USA Madison Gesiotto: Madison did not do a Gown Change for the Preliminary Competition and frankly, she didn't need to. I placed her at the TOP of my favorite gowns from the Gown Portraits in this dress and now she's here in the top again. This is a beautiful gown and from head to toe, she is perfection. I might lose those big ol' earrings because it does take her into "Miss Puerto Rico" territory. Nothing wrong with that but for "Miss USA" I'd say less is more.

Gown Score: 9.5

Miss South Carolina USA Christina Zapolski: This is probably the best mermaid-type gown of the Preliminaries. It's a lot of gown but it is quite impressive, well-made and looks gorgeous on the six foot tall Christina. I absolutely love the silver and creme colored sequined torso. This is the type of gown you see at Cannes on a fabulous actress no one has ever heard of but suddenly becomes a Red Carpet Fashionista. The only thing I would do here is remove those big ol' earrings. The gown is enough! Sometimes the Glam Squad takes it too far and they should use that old adage to "remove one thing before leaving the house".

Gown Score: 9.5

Miss District of Columbia USA Ciera Nicole Butts: Ciera changed her gown (like so many others did) for last night's Preliminaries. As you can see, the previous one (above, bottom) was on the same vein of "Grecian Goddess' and ivory and with a full gathered skirt. I liked both of them. Ciera looks great in an ivory Goddess gown with some "sparkle"; she knows what works and sticks with it. If there was any critique, it would be her hair, I like it down but understand that because of all the crystal beading in the neckline and shoulders, she wanted to showcase it (therefore, the hair goes up).

Gown Score: 9.4

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara: Moani (as you can see in above, bottom pic) wore a nude-colored gown for the Gown Portraits. it wasn't impressive and rather bland. thank Goodness she changed. I love this midnight blue sequined sheer gown on Moani; it's sexy but not vulgar and has enough of a Red Carpet Awards Show vibe that can make the judges stand up and take notice. I also love that she put her hair up (which works for such a halter neckline style).

Gown Score: 9.3



And finally...

Miss Wisconsin USA Bishara Dorre: I loved this gown in the Gown Portraits (Bishara didn't change gowns) and I'm happy to see it again on her. The canary yellow color is beautiful on her and the silhouette of fitted strapless bustier and full multi-layered chiffon skirt is perfect for her to "work" the stage. her hair and makeup are Pageant Right. Congrats Bishara for making my Top Ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition :)

Gown Score: 9.3



***Next Up: The "Could Have Been Better" Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals, The Winner and Gown Recap!

A new Latina beauty: Aleyda Ortiz is crowned "Nuestra Belleza latina 2014" on Sunday night

This past Sunday night were the Finals of Univision's very popular Reality Competition Show "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014". Last week on my blog HERE, I discussed the Semi-Finals and Top Five Gowns and gave my prediction on who would probably win the 8th title. And yes, I was right...

 Third Puerto Rican...to win "Nuestra Belleza" crown: Aleyda Ortiz

To no one's surprise, the top crown went to Puerto Rican Aleyda Ortiz. The 1.76 M (5' 9 1/2") tall Aleyda was the front-runner from the beginning, the gorgeous beauty is an experienced pageant contestant, having won the First Runner-Up title of this year's Miss Universe Puerto Rico and also was First Runner-Up at Miss Intercontinental 2014. She now is the third woman of Puerto Rican descent to win the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" crown.

Swimsuit Perfect: Aleyda Ortiz "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014"

Along with winning the title, she gets a contract with Univision and becomes one of their TV personalities, a cash prize of $200,000 (no word on how she'll get that money--in terms of whether it's a one time check or she has to 'work" for that doing her Univision TV on-air duties), a cover in Cosmopolitan en Español and also gets to be one of the hosts of the popular Univision TV show, Sabado Gigante. Now, let's Recap the show and more importantly, the GOWNS!!!



The Show:

La Reina: Beauty Pageant "Czar" Osmel Sousa holds the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" crown--Intro Production of the "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014" Finals

Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Outfit Change Hosts: Chiquinquira Delgado (she hosts the Univision Spanish-speaking version of Dancing With The Stars "Mira Quien Baila", and was Miss Venezuela Flowers Queen 1990--she came in third place after Miss Venezuela and Miss World Venezuela at the Miss Venezuela 1990 beauty pageant) and Cuban-born actor/model Pedro Moreno--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Top Four Fantasy "Swimwear": During Sunday's Finals, the remaining four finalists modeled in a segment inspired by Disney's new film, Maleficent--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Josephine Ochoa: Josephine--who is of Guatemalan descent--eventually got the First Runner-Up title--here she is in the "Maleficent" catwalk segment--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Aleyda Ortiz--the winner--during her portion of the "Maleficent" segment--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Pageant Mentors:

Universal Mentors: These two former "Miss Universe" winners above--from Venezuela and Puerto Rico respectively, mentored and guided the "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014" contestants through the season of the reality competition beauty pageant show--Miss Universe 1996 from Venezuela, actor, singer, TV personality Alicia Machado (right, above pic), and Miss Universe 2001 from Puerto Rico Denise Quiñones (left, above pic)--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals.



The Gowns:

Top Four Gowns: The remaining four finalists showed off their gowns during this Evening Gown Presentation which would then whittle the Top Four to the last two standing...

Aly Villegas representing Mexico: Aly wore a teal satin gown from designer Alejandra Valera.

The Positive: Overall, the dress, hair, styling, is much better than the dated look she gave last week HERE. In case you missed it, this was her look:

Pageant Betty/Quinceañera No: Aly Villegas at last week's "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Semi-Finals

I like her hair down and sleek. The gown--which featured a nude illusion top piece with gold and teal applique, gold belt and full overskirt, was pretty.

The Not-so-Positive: It was still a bit "Pageant Lite" and I wasn't a fan of the too-high center front slit (look how close to her you-know-what that slit is up to!!??) and I AM NOT A FAN of those Stripper/Drag Queen super-high platform pumps; the minute I see those on any woman, I think "Oh, she must be 4' 9" and is trying to overcompensate). I would have rather seen her in modern chic strappy heels with a (much) thinner platform.

Nabila Tapia representing the Dominican Republic: Nabila wore a pink sequined gown from designer Giovanni Scutaro

The Positive: Nabila looked super sexy--even though she was very "covered up" in "Pageant Gown Standards". She is very much like a Latina starlet walking the Premios Juventud red carpet. Pageant "Czar" Osmel Sousa commented during the Finals that Nabila had the most beautiful face of all the finalists, and she really does. Her makeup was great and the hair looked like something that should be in a hair commercial!

The Not-much-Negative: If there was a mini-wish, I would have liked this gown without the long sleeves; it was Too Mucheey pink sequined fabric ALL OVER.

Josephine Ochoa representing Guatemala: Blond-haired Josephine wore a bright orange-colored gown from Venezuelan designer Giovanni Scutaro. The dress featured a nude illusion top section covered in coral-colored sequined applique and a gathered skirt with side-slit.

The Positive: This color was great for Josephine; it was impacting and she looked every bit a "Miss". I loved her hairstyle and not-so-intense makeup.

The Not-much-Negative: If there was any critique, I would say that under the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" spotlight, this was just right. However, if an actress wore this on a big red carpet event, she probably would be slammed for looking a bit too "Figure Skating Costume-y".

Aleyda Ortiz representing Puerto Rico: Aleyda (the Winner) wore a silver sequined and nude-colored organza gown from Eduardo de las Casas.

The Positive: Now this is how you look like a Beauty Queen. This gown was perfect for the stage and had movement and really gave Aleyda a nice silhouette. Notice that there was NOTHING plunging and no too-high slit. And yet, it still looked right.

The Not-much-Negative: Nada. Just right.



Top Two Gowns:

Las Dos: It was finally down to the Final Two-- Aleyda Ortiz (Puerto Rico) (left), and Josephine Ochoa (Guatemala) (right). They both wore ivory and silver-based gowns...

The First Runner Up Is...

Josephine Ochoa: Josephine wore a beautiful ivory, nude and teal sequined gown. The dress looked EXPENSIVE and well-made. I liked the different sections, however, I'm not sure if placing the sheer/nude section at that position helped. But on a good note: her hair and makeup were perfect!



And the Winner...

Aleyda Ortiz: Aleyda wore an ivory shimmy-shaking, all-over sequined gown for her final catwalk. This gown was not "Earth-shaking" in terms of Beauty Pageant gowns but it was right for Aleyda; it really framed her face and created a perfect three-quarter shot (waist-up). I still liked what she wore for the "Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2014" pageant better:

Congratulations and Felicitaciones Aleyda! Finally you got the Top Title and ended your "Forever a First Runner-Up" streak!