Pageant Minute: Miss America 2012 Evening Gowns

Best in Gown: Miss America Edition!!!

Tilted Crown: Miss Wisconsin wins the Miss America 2012 title over the weekend, Las Vegas, Nevada

Now kids, we know that there was a big awards ceremony on Sunday--The Golden Globes--which has kept me busy doing red carpet commentating for NBC Los Angeles as well as doing the first of my TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap for the new year. However...there was another "awards ceremony" over the weekend which occurred: The Miss America Pageant! As you know, I LOVE ME some beauty pageants, and yes, especially the beauty pageant gowns. So, I had to put my "Golden Globes Red Carpet Hat" down and replace it--for a night--to check out the Miss America 2012 Final Telecast Evening Gowns. So, darlings, here are my "Hits" and (some) "Misses", from that beauty pageant evening gown "parade":

The winner--as we all know by now (so don't EVEN send me a nasty comment that I am spoiling anything!)--was the lovely brunette, Laura Kaeppeler, who was Miss Wisconsin. When she was named the winner--bless her little heart--her NOT waterproof mascara began to run down and smudge her lower eyelids and yes, she was like, two minutes away from looking like Tammy Faye! But somehow, she (instinctively) realized "Wait, I'm a Beauty pageant Girl!" and soon tried to wipe the not-so-glamorous smudge that was staining her beautiful face.

Now, let's get to the gowns:

I actually thought that, for the most part, these Miss America 2012 contestants (the Semi-Finalists who got the chance to be in the Evening Gown portion) did a swell job in terms of their gown choices. I admit, I was surprised. Why?

Well, for so many, many years "Miss America" evening gowns were, as I like to say, very "1980's Dynasty Nolan Miller" (and I'm talking about all the way into the millennium!): big quarterback shoulder padded top sections, beaded of course; over-corseted torso/bustiers...think Linda Evans and Joan Collins. But...it's 2012, and there seems to have been (little by little) a STYLE INTERVENTION, of sorts, in regards to what gowns these lovely ladies are choosing, purchasing and wearing to the pageant finals. That doesn't mean that, there were still some girls--and gowns--who were stuck in the (semi) "Dynasty" era. Let's take a look:

Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler-- Laura--the eventual winner--wore a black crepe back satin gown. It was elegant, red carpet-worthy. It wasn't the best one of the bunch and did have elements of a "Mother of The Bride" at a fancy evening wedding. I also didn't like how it seemed that you could see the bust cups under the black lace. Score: 9.0

Miss Texas, Kendall Morris--I LOVED this gown, probably my favorite of the night. It was a one shouldered, gold beaded number which fit her perfectly and also looked very expensive. The golden color worked sublimely with her skin tone & hair. The length was just right and it was refreshing to see a gown in a beauty pageant with no slit...and somehow it still had impact and sexiness to it. Score: 9.7

Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler-- At first glance, I was impressed by Miss Arizona's gown. It was "different" and didn't reflect the "Miss America Pageant Betty" gowns of recent years--no visible breast OVER-cleavage, no too-high slit, no Cathedral-length train, etc. The one-shouldered almost-cap sleeved gown featured very heavy-to-light crystal beading and sequins as well as interesting see-through swirly sections. It looked very "Miss Venezuela"-contestant-esque--and I liked that. However, I think it could have done with one less see-through swirly section. Other than that: Well done. Score: 9.5

Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray--Next up is Jessica Pray, Miss Iowa. She wore a "Crayola" red crepe back satin gown that featured all those now-stereotypical "Pageant Gown Elements"--Sweetheart neckline with too-exposed breast cleavage: Check. High side slit: Check. Beaded top section: Check. But somehow, the overall effect was still OK to me. She didn't make any earth-shattering gown news with this and yes, any girl in 1996's Miss America could have worn this same dress...but at least she kept her hair modern and up-to-date with 2012, by having it not be Big and Pouffy. Score: 8.9

Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte--Kaitlin was probably my favorite to win the tile on Saturday night. She seemed perfect for the "new" Miss America Organization; she had that actress background, great presence, and I could see her like, TOMORROW as an "Entertainment Reporter" for EXTRA or E! Again, like Miss Iowa, this gown was a bit of a "throw-back" to the 1990's (the bicep, sequined arm pieces, the too-high slit). I do think, however, that her poise and presence "made it work". Score: 9.0

Miss California, Noelle Freeman--Nicole chose a simple white jersey gown with long sleeves (wow, rather covered up for a pageant gown!), and a semi-plunging v-neck neckline. It was almost too-basic for me. I get what she might have been going for but (I fear saying this!), it almost needed more. Score: 8.7

Bree Boyce, Miss South Carolina--Another white gown was worn by South Carolina's representative Bree Boyce. This time, the fabrication was satin and it was sleeveless. But of course, same semi-plunging v-neck neckline. I liked this gown a little better than Miss California's because at least it had a little more detail. I also liked that she accessorized it with the long necklace and bracelet (she could have then done without those big ol' earrings!). Score: 8.9

Miss Louisiana, Hope Anderson--There were a couple of gowns that featured this sequined lace applique over mesh--usually done in the torso area of course--giving a peek-a-boo air to the gown. I designed a gown in this "genre" back in 1997 for Ali Landry when she gave up her "Miss USA" crown back then. But let me reiterate: THIS WAS 1997. Just sayin'. Now, let's get to Miss Louisiana's gown: to me, it was just "fine". The top section of her gown looked like a sweet U.S. Figure Skater, but her semi-big hair, big earrings and a little-too-much make up made her look like a 42-year-old wife of a GOP Presidential Candidate. Score: 8.4

Kristina Janolo, Miss Florida: Here's the other mesh-and-applique girl: Miss Florida. I loved her, mainly because she added some "color" to an otherwise very white Miss America Pageant. Yeayyyy for the ONE ethnic girl in the bunch!!! This black satin, illusion, and sequined applique gown was VERY Figure Skating Costume...for that "sassy" Eastern European competitor. And, as you may know, I do love me some figure skating costumes. Score: 9.0

Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith--Hannah is very pretty, almost Rita Hayworth-like, I liked her hair and simple earrings but the gown was rather "Pageant Typical". The nude/golden coloring is very IN right now--especially on the red carpet, so she gets points for that. She just didn't get my "Fashion Designer" heart beating any faster with this. Score: 8.7

Miss Tennessee, Erin Hatley: Oh huney! Aren't you just cute as a Button! Look at that face. Look at that hair. She is straight out of "The Bachelor" Central Casting! And this poly-satin, one shoulder silver-lilac beaded gown: straight from a Tennessee Pageant-and-Prom Boutique. Score: 8.4

Betty Thompson Miss Oklahoma--Tiny Miss Oklahoma almost won the entire thing (not sure why) but instead ended up with the First Runner Up Title. She wore one of my least favorite gowns of the night. This white jersey with blue and silver beaded gown had a very fitted sweetheart neckline, bustier section, fit-to-flare skirt and a draped fall in the front. It was seriously straight out of a 1990's Beauty Pageant Gown Catalog. It might have been "Picture Perfect" then, but in 2012, the entire thing looked a bit dated. Score: 8.2

Miss Alabama, Courtney Potter--As they say in The South: Bless Your Little Heart! During the Final Telecast on Saturday night, Courtney was saved by the eliminated delegates during the Swimsuit Competition, to then be able to compete in the Evening Gown portion. And Thank Goodness she did! Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to see this! I think I almost fell off my couch and spit out the red wine I was drinkin'! What. Is. That. Thing. On. Her. Shoulder??? She looked like some left over Christmas Wrapping attacked her shoulder! I gotta give her some points for just going there but yes, overall, she gets my Fab Tacky-licious Award for "Miss America 2012". Score: 7.5. But a TEN in "You Go Girl!" points.
Until The Next Pageant Kids---

Miss World 2011 is Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos--and my Miss World 2011 Finals Gown Review!

The Sixth Venezuelan Miss World!!!!

Who Me? Ivian Sarcos Miss World Venezuela 2010, wins "Miss World 2011", Earls Court London

Yes, kids, I am a week late but since I was away traveling on business, I am now back in my "Blogging Office", catching up. So let's get to my thoughts on last week's "Miss World 2011" Beauty Pageant and especially The Gowns, of course!! Last Sunday, November 6th, London crowned a new Queen. Well, a Beauty Queen, the 61st Miss World. Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, 22, from Venezuela, beat out 112 other beautiful women who were vying for one of the most coveted beauty titles in the world.

Drop The Crown: Alexandria Mills (from the USA), Miss World 2010 crowns the new Miss World 2011, Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos

Now, many of you know that I grew up in Caracas Venezuela, my sister was born there and well, needless to say, I will ALWAYS feel part Venezuelan--not to mention the fact that I LOVE Arepas!!!! So, yes, I was very happy that Miss Venezuela won.

Gown Central: The new Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela takes her throne, London's Earls Court

Ivian was one of the favorites to win and also had the total highest points--garnered from the "preliminary" Fast Track Competitions--coming into the Finals on Sunday night. Everyone knows that the South American nation of Venezuela is famous for "producing" the Most Beautiful Women on Earth--at least in terms of beauty pageants, and this win will continue the legacy.

Amazonian Warrior: Ivian Sarcos "Miss Venezuela" (and future Miss World) in her Amazonian Indian Costume, during the "Miss World 2011 Traditional Dance" segment where several contestants did national dances representative of their countries

In case anyone cares (Venezuela sure does!), this is the SIXTH "Miss World" title for that country. The most for any nation. Needless to say, Ivian is "set for life". You know how we covet, honor and look up to our Sports Stars in the US, well, same goes for the Venezuelan beauty queens who "do good" for their country.

Gracias: Ivian Sarcos, Miss World 2011 waves air kisses to the Earls Court audience, London

A little background on the new "Miss World": she was born in the State of Portuguesa, her parents passed away when she was 8, and she was raised by nuns (I know, it's like a DISNEY movie!). Oh, and there's more: she wanted to become a NUN. Obviously, something changed somewhere between wanting to be a nun and being a perfect size 2, 5' 11" gorgeous beauty who became "Miss World".

Let's discuss the Final Night's Gowns. Please!!!

Miss Venezuela (and new "Miss World 2011") Ivian Sarcos: During the Final telecast, all the 113 contestants introduced themselves and I kept seeing this BIG Ol' Krazee gown in the background and I remember thinking "Who Is That?", well, as they got to the end--alphabetically--Miss Venezuela came up to the mic and there she was! Arguably, if some actress wore this on the red carpet or to present at the Academy Awards, I can totally see people saying something to the effect of "She looks like a cross between Sesame Street's Big Bird and a Barbie Beauty Pageant Drag Queen on a NYC Gay Pride Float". But here, it's not on a red carpet or on the back of Angelina Jolie but a Miss Venezuela trying to make herself stand out amongst 113 other gowns. Did she? You betcha!!!

Bronzed Barbie: The pink iridescent organza high-low style ball gown with stiffened crinoline petticoat underneath and crystal-studded silk satin strapless bustier was designed by Pageant Go-To Designer Gionni Straccia. I was very surprised that it was one of his gowns. Although the gorgeous Swarovski crystal detail is very him, the big ball gown silhouette is not. In this interview for the Venezuelan newspaper "El Universal", he tells how Osmel Sousa, the Pageant Director of the Miss Venezuela Organization asked him to create a gown that would have "mucho show", meaning "very show-y/over-the-top". He also told him he wanted it "Barbie Doll...pink and fantasy-like".

Don't Step on my Train: Well, he achieved it. I give her TEN "Nick Points" for wearing it and for going there! Like I always say "No Should've Would've Could've Of". Ivian only had ONE chance to make a statement at the world's most important beauty pageant and she did! I can only IMAGINE what her other 112 fellow competitors thought when she all of sudden emerged from her changing area with THAT! You just know those other Latinas were like "Oh NO She Didn't! I want to CUT HER!"

Good Luck Next Year Huney...Now I Got a Plane To Catch: Ivian actually first wore the gown last month in Caracas, to crown her successor as "Miss World Venezuela". This was before she would get on a plane to London to compete in the Miss World. The photos above are from her backstage at the Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant in October, as well as when she crowned the lovely woman who will compete next year for Miss World 2012.

The Rest of The Finalists' Gowns:

Pageant-licious: The Top 7 Finalists to Miss World 2011, in their evening gowns as they got ready for their final interviews. Standing amongst them, Ivian stood out like a Big Pink Sore Thumb as they say. The other girls might as well have been wearing bathrobes. But thank goodness they didn't. Let's review their gowns:

1st Runner Up: Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais--Gwen is half French and half Filipina and comes from an aristocratic French family (on her dad's side) that once played host to Queen Elizabeth II . The almost 6 foot tall beauty got the 1st Runner Up crown in her red chiffon gown with shirred torso and side cowl drape details and side front opening/slit. It was a very nice gown and very "Pageant 101" but something about it could have had a little more of a "Va Va Voom" sexy impact. I understand that the Miss World is the "sweet and innocent" sister to the "Sexy Goddess" of Miss Universe, so I'm sure this was a calculated move on her and the designer's part. Also, I didn't necessarily like that "Waterfall" hairstyle. But, on a good note: it makes a perfect spot to slip on a crown!

2nd Runner Up: Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Vilanova--This Caribbean Latina beauty also wore a red gown (popular color at the Miss World 2011 finals). Unlike Miss Philippine's , hers was fitted and of a stiffer silk ziberline fabrication with no slit and no flowing movement. It was, however, very sexy. I think Amanda exuded a Sofia Vergara-meets-Zuleyka Rivera Miss Universe 2006 look to her, that worked with this gown. It was a lot of gown and could have possibly done without the odd shoulder crystal trim. But darlings, when you gotta stand near Ivian "Miss Venezuela" Sarcos and HER gown, I guess, it's time to PILE on all the trim you can find!

The Rest:

Miss England 2011: Alize Lily Mounter--Alize is a model in her country and knows how to work it. I actually liked this all-over sequined ocean-blue gown. The color looked great on her and the one shoulder detail enhanced her fabulous torso and made for a great three-quarter shot--and thank goodness the slit wasn't up to her "Britney"! Is it a very "Pageant Betty"/Sherri Hill? Yes. But it works.

Miss Korea World 2011 Kyung Min Doe--Alright Girl, You Work It Huney! I thought this gown was FABULOUS! I thought she looked like a Spartan Goddess--or one of the Diva Mistresses of a Mongol King! She looked Diva-licious from head to toe. The gold fan-pleated lame gown was another one of those in the "That's A LOT" Gown category: it featured midriff crystal detail, rosette appliques in the shoulder and waist, plus a one-shoulder back "fall" drape. And if that wasn't enough, THAT HUGE necklace plus the diamante bracelets plus the 1976 bouffant hairstyle...wow! She's the Korean J Lo! And I Love It.

Miss Scotland 2011 Jennifer Reoch--Miss Scotland's black beaded strapless gown was very nice and quite elegant. It fit her just right. The length was also perfect. I admit, I'm not a fan of that choker necklace but I get why she felt she need to add it. She looks sweet but still red carpet appropriate.

Miss South Africa 2011 Bokang Montjane--Speaking of sweet, Miss South Africa takes the Sweetest Gown Crown. I liked her gown back when she first wore it at the "Miss World Top Model" fashion show. She wisely decided to wear it again. Bokang did an OUTSTANDING job at last week's Miss World 2011. She conducted herself with such class, had such aplomb and answered the final question beautifully. I was surprised she didn't place higher. The gown didn't take away from her "Baby Naomi Campbell" gorgeous looks and certainly only enhanced her "I'm a Classy Lady" demeanor. This is the girl you marry and who will be the Mother of your children, while Miss England and Miss Puerto Rico, well, those are the Mistresses!

Fabulosa y Bella: Ivian Sarcos, from Venezuela, the new Miss World, Earls Court London

Breakfast Interview: Ivian Sarcos, the new "Miss World 2011" in her first post-crowning TV interview the day after on ITV's "Daybreak" TV Morning Show, looking gorgeous in a fitted ivory lace dress with colored flower applique. Ivian doesn't speak English--as it was shown during the Final Telecast during the Interview portion of the Miss World 2011 Final. She also brought along an interpreter for the "Daybreak" interview, but I'm sure by next year, she'll be speaking it fluently--and in a British accent to boot!

Felicitaciones Ivian on becoming the new Miss World

Watch the Announcement of the Top Three, Plus the Crowning Moment of Miss World 2011:

Pageant Minute: "Miss Venezuela 2011" Evening Gowns-The Not Fab, Not Bad, just "Eh" List!

The "Middle Girls"...Not Fab, Not Bad, just "In the Middle"

Coochie Coochie: Miss Apure Jeserly Gutierrez (Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net)

This past weekend--as we know--was the "Miss Venezuela 2011" Pageant. The winner was the gorgeous Irene Esser (above), who represented the State of Sucre and wore a very nice silver metallic gown with shoulder-and-torso covering paillettes. Everyone agreed she looked perfect. In my last post, I gave my "Top 5 Plus Honorable Mentions" for my favorites of the evening gowns. I have to say that for this year's edition, there were A LOT of great gowns. There really weren't any big gown "missteps" or "Ayyy Dios Mio!" (I kind of wish there were!, but kudos to the designers). If this was a Project Runway Challenge, there would be no "OUT", but just "These ended up in the MIDDLE" for reasons like too-high of a slit or wrong dress on the wrong girl. So...here are my "Middle Gown Bellezas" Awards.

The HOOCHIE Award goes to:

Miss Apure Jeserly Gutierrez: Jerserly's gown, designed by Venezuelan designer Valentina Cedeño, was a simple white silk crepe halter gown, which at first glance: I liked. It looked modern and not encumbered by all the usual "tricks and bells" Miss Venezuela gowns have been known for. But then she began to walk and OOOPS: THAT Slit! If anyone was seated slightly below the stage, they might have seen her Britney. Gracias a Dios the judges were in seats way above the stage so they didn't get to see any of that. And not only did she have that WAY too-high slit, but someone felt that she also need a way-too-low neckline as well. It's either one or the other, but both?

Real Housewife of Orange County meet the Mother of The Bride...(Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net)

The Mother-of-the-Bride Award Goes To:

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

Miss Falcon Haydee Castillo: This gown, created by Venezuelan designer Luis Perdomo, was probably the biggest miss of the night--if one had to pick. It was a halter-style silk charmeuse dress featuring laser-cut petals in the skirt section. The halter section fit was odd and the overall style lacked youth and modernity. It was better suited for a Mother-of-the-Bride, not a young gorgeous beauty pageant contestant. It was just a little bit off.

Real Housewives of Orange County Award Goes To:

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

Miss Distrito Capital Gabrila Ferrari: Gabriella almost won the Miss Venezuela title. She came in second and won the Miss Venezuela World crown. Her gown--designed by go-to-pageant designer Gionni Straccia--was a show-stopper for sure, with its all-over sequins. But somehow, she looked like one of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" dressed up for the night. I don't think it was the gown's fault but more the fault of how she was "showing it".

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

Gabriela kept putting her leg out to show the audience and judges how high that slit was and it cheapened the dress. I bet if this was on a dark-haired exotic girl (with a slick-back chignon), it would have looked TOTALLY different. Plus those Pink sequined pumps were a NO!

The Come-Hither Award Goes To:

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

Miss Monagas Rossana Medina: When Rossana walked on stage during the evening gown portion and the show's host announced that "her gown was designed by Angel Sanchez..." It promptly got my attention. I LOVE Angel Sanchez' dresses and admire his work and how he transformed the Miss Venezuela gowns in the late 90's/early 2000's into more refined elegant red carpet visions. I was surprised by this gown because it wasn't one of his architectural silk gazar stunners. I did, however, like the column one-shoulder style and the sublime white silk crepe fabrication.

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

It had asymmetrical silver crystal inset beading and yes, it also had a very revealing side slit. I think it was again, the way the contestant was showing the dress which cheapened it.

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

There was no elegance to it. She kept turning to show her derriere and at the same time, gave come-hither "I will take your man away" looks. No. No. And No. Not in an Angel Sanchez gown huney!

The Bad Bust Fit Award Goes To:

Photo Courtesy of bellezavenezolana.net

Miss Bolivar Fanny Ottati (what a fun name!): Fanny has some big SISTAHS, so she decides (or maybe the pageant organizers incorrectly decided) to wear a strapless gown. Strapless, kids, work best on girls with little boobies, thank you very much. Otherwise, it looks wrong. And guess what happened here? Si, WRONG!

The white sequin-and-beaded gown, designed by Manuel Gonzalez wasn't bad, it was just the bad boobie fit. Notice how the cups stand out leaving all this empty space. Also, it's too "pushed up", totally cutting her torso and making her look as if her breasts are almost touching her chin! Ayyy pobrecita.

Too Covered Up Award Goes To:

Miss Yaracuy Osmariel Villalobos: Osmariel came in fourth and won the title of Miss Venezuela Earth to go on to represent her country in the Miss Earth beauty pageant (yes, kids, there's a Miss Earth!). She was one of my favorites of the night because she wasn't your typical "Pageant Betty": no fake boobies, no big bouffant 80's Joan Collins/Dynasty hair. For her evening gown portion, she wore a Nidal Nouaihed-designed gown that featured hundreds if not thousands of mirror crystals and sequins. It won a trophy for one of the "Best Gowns/Best Designers" of the night.

Venezuelan Couturier Guy Meliet with client Barbara Palacios Teyde, Miss Venezuela and then Miss Universe 1986

The gown was an homage to Paris-born Venezuelan Couturier Guy Meliet. He designed Haute Couture creations beginning in the 1960's and into the oil-boom 80's. His clients ranged from all the rich Caracas Society "Country Club" doyennes, to a lot of Miss Venezuela's and Miss Universe winners, such as Barbara Palacios Teyde, Miss Universe 1986. Guy Meliet used a lot of unusual fabrications for his one-of-kind creations, including actual mirrors and therefore the Nouaihed gown payed tribute to this.

Mirrored Meliet: Miss Tachira 1988 Nancy Elena Garcia Amor, a Finalist in the Miss Venezuela 1988 pageant, in an Guy Meliet creation entirely made of triangle-cut mirrors on top of a silk organza base

The Nouaihed Gown on Miss Yaracuy, Osmariel Villalobos

I thought it was a VERY impacting gown but not sure it was right for the 5'7" Osmariel. It was open in the back but I felt maybe it was (dare I say it!) too covered up in the front--the high neck, the long sleeves. I think the biggest problem was not the gown but the hairstyle. If she had worn it up, in a beautiful chignon or even a slicked back ponytail I would have appreciated the beauty of the gown much more.

So, there you go. No real "Bad Miss Venezuela 2011 Gowns" just mistakes made by the contestants, the stylists or a too-high slit here and there. Overall: A Good Gown Show for Pageant Fans and Venezuelan Fashion Designers.

Can't wait to see what each of the top girls ends up wearing for the BIG pageants, Miss Universe, Miss World, and so on!