14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Red Carpet Part One: The Muy Bien!

 Sequin Bella: Roselyn Sanchez at the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Press Room--Mandalay
Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada

Last night was the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Nevada. As usual there was A LOT of color and A LOT of sparkle when it came to the "red carpet"--I put it in quotes because it was actually yes, NOT red. So, let's start my "Who Wore What? Latin Grammys 2013" on a positive note with the "Muy Bien!" group. And don't you worry kids, I'll have an "Ayyy Mija!" blog posting afterwards!

Becky G--Mexican American hip hop singer, rapper, songwriter and dancer from Inglewood California Becky G is only 4' 11" but I have to say, in this bubblegum pink column gown, she looks like a 5' 11" model: she looks Muy Bien! The gown is simply, clean and well fitting--featuring a high boat neck, side front slit (not to high, thank you very much!), clean center parted hair and minimal accessories. Well done.

Carmen Electra--Carmen Electra looked quite fab in this black gown with front keyhole and sequined sleeves. She's very covered up...for her, and I like that. Not sure the black nail color was necessary but I do appreciate the clean makeup and pulled back ponytail hairstyle.

Genesis Rodriguez--Miami Florida-born actress Genesis Rodriguez (she played "Marisol" in Identity Thief) looked modern, sleek and quite chic in this off-white high-necked gown with side cut-out's and side slit. Her hair looked amazing, loved her makeup and the strappy heels were just right! Muy Bien indeed!

Ana Patricia--When I first looked at this photo, I actually thought it was former "Miss Universe 2006" Zuleyka Rivera from Puerto Rico. But, in fact, it was another former beauty queen: "Miss Nuestra Belleza 2010" and entertainment reporter for "Despierta America" Ana Patricia. She looked great in this off-white sequined gown with a v-neck front, slicked back hair, earrings and delicate bangle. I also loved the pop of color with her blue clutch. Good styling!

Leslie Grace--American singer-songwriter Leslie Grace dazzled in this champagne sequin-and-tulle high-neck gown with open back and draped cowl back detail. Everything about it was pretty; her hair, her pearl-drop earrings, simple makeup and yes, the gown. This is a perfect way to do a sequined gown but not look too "Prom-&-Pageant".

Lourdes Stephen--Presenter and moderator of Univision's "Sal y Pimienta" (Salt and Pepper) TV show, Lourdes Stephen also did the sequined gown route. Hers was a creamy yellow color and had gold metallic oversized paillettes sprinkled from heavy to light throughout the tulle-based dress. The silhouette, drop shoulder and gold metallic belt were very good style touches. If I had any complaint, it would be the "1998 Beauty Pageant Hair"; with such a gown, her hair should have looked more modern--down, side or center-parted and more clean and simple.

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriel Isler--Newly crowned "Miss Universe 2013" Maria Gabriela Isler from Venezuela looked fabulosa in this blush-colored sequined gown that she wore onstage while presenting an award at the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards. Unfortunately, what she wore on the "red carpet"/press room was not that "Muy Bien!" (wait for the next post to see that). But for now, this look is one of the better ones of last night's awards show.

Roselyn Sanchez--This look above on actress Roselyn Sanchez was one of my favorite looks--if not my favorite--of last night's 2013 Latin Grammy Awards Red Carpet. Her strapless silver/gold/gunmetal sequin gown was designed by Rani Zachem Couture. Rani is a Beirut Lebanon-born, Nairobi Kenya-raised fashion designer who got much of his experience interning with Yigal Azrouël, Carlos Miele and Zuhair Murad. I love this gown on Rosalyn because it is just right for her; there is enough razzle-dazzle for this type of an event, the fit is good and the sequin work isn't obvious and in fact, a bit Art Deco and geometric.



***NEXT UP: The "Ayyy MIja!" of the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Red Carpet!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler Judge "Miss Russia 2014" Beauty Pageant: Photos, The Gowns

Russian Beauty: Miss Russia 2014 Yulia Alipova

Miss Russia 2014 Pageant: Introduction of the 50 contestants

23-year old Yulia Alipova, from Balakovo (Saratov Oblast), was crowned “Miss Russia 2014″
during the annual finals held at the Crocus National Exhibition Hall in
Moscow on March 1st. This was the same location of last year's "Miss Universe 2013" pageant.

Gorgeous Beauties: (l to R) Miss World 2013 Megan Young "Miss World 2013", Yulia Alipova "Miss Russia 20-14", and Gabriela Isler "Miss Universe 2013"--Miss Russia 2014 Pageant Finals

(L to R): Gabriela Isler "Miss Universe 2013", Elmira
Abdrazakova "Miss Russia 2013", Megan Young "Miss World 2013" (background--the new "Miss Russia 2014 Yulia Alipova)--Miss Russia 2014 Pageant Finals

She was crowned by reigning titleholders Megan Young "Miss World 2013", Gabriela Isler "Miss Universe 2013" and Elmira
Abdrazakova "Miss Russia 2013". The new "Miss Russia 2014" stands 1.79 m in height (5' 10"), is 23 years old, and won
a cash prize of USD 100,000, as well as a brand new Hyundai Solaris.
She will represent Russia in both the Miss Universe and Miss World
pageants, provided they don’t conflict with each other. The 1st and 2nd runner-ups were
Anastasia Reshetova (Moscow) and Anastasia Kostenko (Rostov region). If
Alipova is unable to attend any of the two international competitions,
one of the runner-ups will travel in her place.

(L to R) Megan Young "Miss World 2013", Yulia Alipova "Miss Russia 2014" and Gabriela Isler "Miss Universe 2013"--Miss Russia 2014 Pageant Finals

Caped Universe: "Miss Universe 2013" Maria Gabriela Isler, from Venezuela wore an off-white cape with sequined neck detail and black gown underneath. She looked elegant and very "Doctor Zhivago"-esque.

Figure Skating Gown: Megan Young "Miss World 2013" wore a white gown featuring intricate panels, lattice work and sequined detail s well as nude illusion. It was very "Figure Skating Couture"....and I liked it!

Top Beauties: Megan Young "'Miss World 2013" and Gabriela Isler "Miss Universe 2013" judging the "'Miss Russia 2014" Finals

Top Ten Gowns: There were lots of "Princess Gowns" at the finals of "Miss Russia 2014". Lots of pastels and semi-Quinceañera dresses. The dresses looked a bit unpolished and two seconds from tacky-licious for my taste. There was a lot of polyester-looking taffeta, chiffon and cheap sequined work. I expected more, especially from "Miss Russia", knowing the amount of money that goes into such an event. Most of the dresses were not long enough and in terms of creative design, were lackluster. This should be a showcase of the next greatest Russian Designer's style. And it was not.

Winner's Gown: The eventual winner and newly-crowned "Miss Russia 2014" (center, above photo) wore a powder pink strapless mermaid-shaped gown in duchesse satin. It was pretty but not extraordinary. And that necklace was not necessary. Too mucheey, as I like to say. Yulia, however is a very pretty contender if her "handlers" can just tone down the too-heavy eye makeup and severe center-part hairstyle. And  yes, get her some serious COUTURE...and then she'll be a good contender for the "Miss World" and "'Miss Universe" crowns.

Congratulations Yulia!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 Final Telecast EVENING GOWN Recap/Review, The Top Ten Gowns + More!

Thumbs Up: Maria Gabriela Isler "Miss Venezuela" and new "Miss Universe 2-13" gives the thumps-up after winning "Miss Universe 2013" beauty pageant--Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia

Last night a new "Miss Universe" was crowned. 25 year-old, 5' 10" tall Maria Gabriela Isler--of Venezuelan Spanish/Mestiza (mixed) and Swiss/German descent (her grandfather is from Switzerland and she holds dual Venezuelan and Swiss citizenship) beat out 85 other beauties from all over the world for the top crown. She was one of the favorites and yes, she was on my Top 15 Predictions List --I got TEN out of the actual Top 16--and I also predicted FIVE "extras"--take a look HERE.

Top Two Besos: (left to right) "Miss Venezuela" Gabriela Isler and "Miss Spain" Patricia Rodrguez--Miss Universe 2013 Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia

Gown Wrap-Up--Let's begin with the outgoing "Miss Universe 2012" Olivia Culpo, and what she wore:

Blue Miss: Huney....what is this? Wait, let me answer this: it is a MESS. Usually, all the outgoing "Miss Universes" chose this moment to "GIVE"--as the Gays will say. Well, she missed it. This blue side slit printed chiffon over solid colored gown was such a miss. It looked very polyester-y and rather cheap.This is the moment you want to give DRAMA and elegance and I-Can-Afford-a-Stylist-and-You-Cannot...but, like I said, this was a miss. And it didn't stop there...

Empress Josephine Not: There are false rumors that Olivia is pregnant (with her boyfriend Nick Jonas) and this Empire-cut gown isn't helping the rumors. This gown was also a mess. I get the whole "Empress Josephine/Napoleon" look but this wasn't grand, Couture-like or fabulous. It was dowdy and rather costume-y. The shoulder details/puffy sleeves were awkward to say the least. Not a cute "three-quarter shot". Oh well. She's beautiful and will so be a host on E! like tomorrow!



Here's a suggestion of what you should have worn:

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul--Models in two of my NIKOLAKI gowns

A Favorite for the Crown to NOT make the Finals, "Miss Poland" Paulina Krupinska and the Evening Gown She Wore:

Neon Yellow Hi-Lo: "Miss Poland" Paulina Krupinksa

"Miss Poland" Paulina Krupinska, was on EVERYONE'S list to make the Top 15 and in fact win...but it wasn't so. None of that happened. She did look FABULOUS at the Tony Ward Couture runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia though. After seeing what she would have probably worn if she was chosen as one of the Semi-Finalists, I am happy that she listened to me (he he!) and didn't wear this cheap-looking "Prom & Pageant" dress:

 "Miss Poland" Paulia Krupinska--"Miss Universe 2013" Preliminaries Evening Gown Competition

The Top Ten and Top Five "Miss Universe 2013" contestants in Evening Gown--"Miss Universe 2013" Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia

 I want to begin with the WINNER--"Miss Venezuela" Maria Gabriela Isler:

"Miss Venezuela" (and new "Miss Universe") Gabriela Isler--"Molly" changed the gown that she wore during the Preliminaries and wore the same gown she wore for her Miss Universe Website "Evening Gown Portrait"--a silver and nude sequined gown with sleeves by Alejandro Fajardo.

Dumped Gown: Her "Change of Gown probably happened as a result of the fact that the stunning silk ziberline and Swarovski-crystal Gionni Straccia gown she wore for the Preliminaries (photo above), well..she could barely make it down the stairs in--it weighed 15 kilos and somehow, she didn't practice moving in it--and when it came time for her to have "her moment", she failed--in that gown. I suggested she have the Miss Universe Wardrobe Department create a center back slit in it but I guess she figured that there was no time for that and that she should just wear the gown she wore for the Website Portrait.



Here are My Miss Universe 2013 Live Telecast "Top Ten Evening Gown Review--from Bottom o he Best:

 No. 10, "Miss Dominican Republic" Yaritza Reyes: Yaritza wore a different gown form what she wore during the Preliminaries and Gracias a Dios for that. I thought the one she wore at the Preliminaries (right photo) was dowdy and "Mother-of-the-Bride"-ish and well, she sexed it up for the Final Live Telecast.  I loved that she wore her hair down but I felt the fact that there was so much skin showing--a la the see-through chiffon illusion--made the whole look a little on the HOOCHIE side--and especially all the close-together gold detail in THAT area--instead of drawing my eye away from there--it made me want to look there--and that's not bueno.

No. 9 "Miss USA" Erin Brady: Erin wore the same gown she wore for the Preliminaries and it was just OK. I liked the bright red color and bugle beading, but it just seemed so 1990's in its overall styling--the pouffy hair, the too big earrings.

No. 8 "Miss Brazil" Jakelyne Oliviera: Same gown as the Preliminaries.  I liked her gown. It featured a salmon pink colored sequined fabrication and high side front slit. The silver and multicolored crystal accents looked well done. She did not--however--need those oversized hoop earrings--just those accessories took the look to an almost late 90s tacky Pageant edge.

No. 7 "Miss Ecuador" Constanza Baez: Constanza wore a mint green gown featuring vertical sequins and feathers, a fitted bodice and side front slit (naturally!). It was a little Vegas Showgirl. While I liked the color, it was a little too predictable and too "pageant"-y. The big hair and those silver sequined platform heels did not help. But Felicitaciones to Constanza for being the first "Miss Ecuador" to get into the Top Five in the "Miss Universe" pageant! The gown, by the way was designed by Venezuelan designer Franco Montoro and...

It was similar to this gown (also by Montoro) worn at this year's "Miss Venezuela" by "Miss Apure 2013"(photo above)

No. 6 "Miss Great Britain" Amy Willerton: First of all, Thank goodness she didn't wear the purple-and-white ombre "Scrunchie" mermaid-shaped gown she wore during the Preliminaries (above). Many on the web liked it but I did not; it was tacky and too mucheey. So, needless to say, someone told her and she wore a different, more form-fitting "Lady In Red" style gown. This was a good choice. Much better. Unfortunately, she still wore that diamante necklace and those Stripper-like metallic platform heels.

No. 5 "Miss India" Manasi Moghe: I liked this salmon pink sequins-and-feathered gown when she wore it during the Preliminaries and I also liked it when she reached the Top Ten.

No. 4 "Miss Philippines" Ariella Arida: Ariella was one of my top favorites to win the crown. She excelled during the Live Telecast last night. I predicted she would be the winner of the "Internet Fan Vote" and she was. But I feel that even without this, she still would have made it into the Top 15 easily. I liked her bright neon yellow/chartreuse gown from Colombian couturier Alfredo Barraza, but more importantly I was thrilled she wore her hair down and straight.

No. 3 "Miss Spain" Patricia Gonzalez: I placed Patricia as one of my "Top Three" for her Evening Gown because she looked beautiful, her gown was very pretty and just perfect. The silver and ivory sequined gown with white tulle "mermaid" godets sculpted her figure, made her look like a princess and yes, worthy of (almost) getting the top crown.

No. 2 "Miss Ukraine" Olga Storozhenko: Olga looked radiant and absolutely a floating goddess in this gown. I LOVED this gown when she wore it for the Preliminaries and I have not changed my opinion now. The silver sequin beaded neckline is stunning and the shirring/pleated torso draping is fab and all that chiffon "drama" is exquisite.

No. 1 "Miss Venezuela" Gabriela Isler: Yes kids, my top gown is the Alejandro Fajardo-designed dress worn by the Winner--Maria Gabriela Isler "Miss Venezuela". Part of me wished she had worn the Gionni Straccia gown she wore during the Preliminaries but, I think it was a good choice to change. Hers was the only gown with sleeves and better, she could move easily in it--during the final telecast Evening Gown Competition. I thought the sequin "striped" detail was wonderful, the shape was great, but I wasn't a fan of the sheer/nude center front bust panel. I also noticed the hem was "flipping up"--this happens to a lot of my own gown as well (the stiff horsehair interlining the hem does this on some hems)--so I give her--and the designer a "pass". Overall, this was my Top Gown of the night.



So, what did YOU guys think? What were YOUR Favorite Evening Gowns from the "Miss Universe 2013" Live Telecast Top Ten? Let me know below in your comments and why....

Until Next Time!