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---

Pageant Minute: Natalie Pack is crowned the new "Miss California USA 2012" !

The New Miss California USA is...a Former America's Next Top Model Contestant!!!

I Can't Believe It: Natalie Pack (right), as she is announced as the new "Miss California USA 2012", Palm Dessert, CA

This past Sunday evening, a new "Miss California USA" was crowned. The statuesque (six feet tall, kids!), UC Irvine Junior, Natalie Pack, who represented "Miss Hoag Hospital 2012" (OK, I'll go with that!), was crowned "Miss California USA 2012", at the McCallum Theater in Palm Dessert. She wore a seductive one-shoulder gold sequined gown--to perfectly match her golden side-swept'ed hairstyle--when she got her crown. Natalie was very "Old Hollywood Glamour" with her Rita Hayworth-if-she-were-a-blond looks...

Blonde Ambition: Natalie Pack, Miss California USA 2012

She will be California's representative in this year's "Miss USA" Pageant which will either occur in Las Vegas or Miami. I think they're still trying to figure out what city will play host...So, now it's time to train for that--and get herself a gown worthy of "Miss USA".

If the very pretty Natalie looks familiar, it's because this is not her "First Time at the (spotlight) Rodeo": she was on the Reality TV Show "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 12, back when it aired in 2009.

Natalie Pack, from America's Next Top Model Cycle 12

During her casting session, she revealed to host Tyra, Miss Jay and Jay Manuel that yes, she was from Palos Verdes and came from money, but it wasn't "Gossip Girl" money. She was a brunette then, and was eliminated while the show was in Brazil. She came in sixth.

Well, that was 4 years ago and things are much brighter now for her: she's the Most Beautiful Woman in California! Here she is in the photo above after being crowned "Miss California USA 2012" in her column gold sequined gown.

There are some rather high expectations for her since last year's "Miss California USA", the beautiful Alyssa Campanella (above) did very well, in fact, she won the top title of "Miss USA" and was named a Semi-Finalist at last year's "Miss Universe" in Sao Paulo Brazil. I think that Natalie will probably do very well since she fits that role of being the ideal model/pageant beauty that the Miss Universe Organization is looking for:

Above are a couple photos of the new "Miss California USA 2012" from her professional modeling days

Alexa Jones, Miss California Teen USA 2012, Rita Verreos, and Natalie Pack "Miss California USA 2012"

My beautiful sister, Rita Verreos, was there in Palm Springs, training the "Miss California USA 2012" contestants (she's a Pageant and Stage Presence Coach, you know) and you can see more photos from the pageant HERE.

Congrats Natalie, we'll all be excited to see you compete at the Miss USA Pageant and of course, see what Gown you choose!

Here's Video of Natalie Pack "Miss California USA 2012" on KTLA the morning after her win:

And, here's video of her "Best Moments on America's Next Top Model Cycle 12":

Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011--Preliminary Evening Gowns Trend Alert: Transparency

See-Thru Miss Universe

Continuing on my "Miss Universe 211 Preliminary Competition" Gown Review...While looking at all the photos, and viewing the video--I quickly noticed a Trend. One of Transparent/see-through gowns that had sequined embroidery/applique' to cover the "important areas". There were LOTS of these. Some worked and some, not so much...

Let's take a look:

Miss Venezuela Universe 2011 Vanessa Goncalves: Miss Venezuela is always a favorite and top contender for the crown. Need I remind you, there were TWO Miss Venezuela's--back to back, who won the Miss Universe crown not so long ago. Vanessa wore a different gown for the very important Preliminaries. Designed by the go-to-guy for Miss Venezuela Gowns--the "new Angel Sanchez"--Gionni Straccia, it was a one-shoulder fit-to-flare gown in a sheer organza base with gold, silver and turquoise embroidered sequin applique'. It's A LOT of gown and very heavy with the embroidery. I like it in terms of its statement-making effect. She looks like a South American Cleopatra. If there was any "critique", it might be the hair: She's a hot minute away from looking a little too "Real Housewives of Atlanta" Kim Zolciak.

Miss USA 1996 Ali Landry (in Nick Verreos/NIKOLAKI gown)with host (and former beau) Mario Lopez

It also reminded me a bit of the gown I designed and created back in 1996 for the-then Miss USA Ali Landry, when she was giving up her crown. It was VERY CONTROVERSIAL then, in that I heard the producers--and the official Wardrobe Designer, did not want her to wear it because it was too risque'. But she did anyway! (At-a-Girl!).

Miss Colombia Universe 2011 Catalina Robayo: Catalina gets my "You Go Girl!" points for just going there and wearing this orange chiffon "gown" with an attached sequined see-through JUMPSUIT. Yes, I said jumpsuit! I always say, if you're going to do something, do it 110% never do it 95%. And boy, did she ever follow my advice. I can almost hear the gasp from the Preliminary Judges when she came out. I'm sure a couple of them were like "Oh, uh, ummm, OK!! Well, that's a Gown!!!!...And a beaded jumpsuit!" In terms of the "Nick Verreos Drag Queen Scale": A TEN!!!! Incidentally, it's very similar to...

This ocean-blue gown above that Miss Thailand Universe 2011 Chanyasorn Sakornchan wore for her "Official Evening Gown Portrait" (above photo). It must be by the same "designer"/brand. Same beaded legging/jumpsuit "base" but different silhouette in terms of the chiffon "over" gown.

Speaking of Miss Thailand: She changed and wore a different gown also featuring that trend of see-though/embroidered applique'. It was another one of those gowns I would put under the category of "A LOT of Dress". It's very "Showgirl" and two minutes away from looking like a gown you would see the Hostess of a Cruise Ship Cabaret Theater, wear. Those silver platforms did not help. I look at that photo and I think "Am I back in 1992??"

Miss Switzerland Universe 2011 Kerstin Cook: Kerstin's gown is a prime example of the "Transparent/Embroidered" Trend. In case you didn't know, Switzerland has a long history of making the laces and embroidery for a lot of the Haute Couture Fashion Houses--especially in the town of St. Gallen---so it makes sense for her to "represent". But somehow, this gown doesn't work, at least for me. She's so pretty, and the gown takes away from that.

Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2011 Dalia Fernandez: This is a different gown from the one she wore for the website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits". It's a coral chiffon gown with very heavy beaded details on the torso. It's a little "Nuestra Belleza"--and not in a good way. Also, she looks as if she rubbed up against the coral reefs of Australia and ended up with this gown.

Miss Australia Universe 2011 Scherri-lee Biggs: She's a BEAUTIFUL girl! Total "commercial" material. But this gown: It's a strapless gray-ivory organza gown with embroidered sequin applique', transparent from the thigh down. She could have done better; a simple clean colored silk crepe strapless gown with no "bells and whistles" would have sufficed. This one just makes her look as if she's a Trophy Presenter at the World Music Awards in Monaco. She needs to look as if SHE IS GETTING THE AWARD!!!

Miss Philippines Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup: Shamcey also followed on this transparency-with-sequins trend. But in her case, she did it right! She doesn't look trashy or like a back-up singer in a Sonny and Cher Show (like some of the previous girls). I like the subtlety of the sheerness and the fact that her hair-and-make up don't take away from it. In terms of the "Miss Universe Drama" scale, it's pretty low, but that could be a bonus for her.

*Up Next: The "Hot Messes" of the Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition!!!

Stay tuned...

Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011--Preliminary Competition EVENING GOWNS: The Best!!

My Favorites of The Universe:

Well kids, it's down to the "Pageant Wire"!! Miss Universe 2011 Final Telecast is TOMORROW Monday September 12th, LIVE from São Paulo on NBC/Telemundo Networks. Last Thursday, September 8th were the very important Preliminary Competition--Swimsuit and Evening Gowns--where a "separate panel of judges" evaluated the 89 beauties from all over the world to cast their votes on who would end up as the Top 14 Finalists on Monday night. Well, for me here, never mind the swimsuit portion...it's ALL ABOUT THE EVENING GOWNS!!! Some contestants wore the same gowns they wore for their "Official Evening Gown Portraits" but most wore a different gown. Let's see which ladies--and their gowns--made my Top Picks.

Ready, Set...Here are my Miss Universe 2011 Best:

Miss Ghana Universe 2011 Erica Nego: Simply sublime!!! With so many out-of-control transparent HOOCHIE-Mommas (in a later post, I promise!!), so many sequined-overly poufed, overly embroidered & overly EVERYTHING gowns, when I saw this photo of Miss Ghana, I FINALLY breathed a Fashionista Sigh of "Now We're Talking!". It's Red Carpet material, elegant, entrance-making. The clean, modern hair and make-up just add to its overall gorgeous effect. This girl can go from the Miss Universe Preliminaries to presenting an award at the Emmy's in a hot minute--and still get in the "The Best on the Red Carpet" section the following day. Score: 10!

Miss Mexico Universe 2011 Karin Ontiveros: Karin changed her gown for the Preliminaries and it was WAAAY for the Better! From the top of her head to the last 1/4 inch of her pumps: Excelente! The light mauve/plum coloring is elegant, love the asymmetry of the neckline. It is draped beautifully on her and I also like that the sequins were kept to a minimum. She looks like a Queen--as well as a top Mexico City actress who should have LOTS of bodyguards around her! Score: 9.8

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella: I am sure that this gown choice has been a "controversial" one out there in the "Pageant Fan Bloggersphere". It doesn't conform to any of those tacky over-the-top dresses that Missosologists (pageant followers) are used to. Where's the Slit? Nowhere. Where's the too-much applique'/sequins? Nowhere. Why aren't her boobies showing? Because she knows better! What many people don't realize lots of times, is that the judges--both Preliminary and Final Telecast--ARE NOT from the Pageant World and more from the Entertainment, Stylist, Designer, Manager/Agent world. And these people don't want to see tacky "Toddlers & Tiara's" gowns, they want to see an appropriate Red Carpet Stunner. And Alyssa's choice is that. It's very Marchesa-meets-McQueen Spartan Princess with its styling/silhouette and Sari-inspired embroidered gold trim. Score: 9.7

Miss Malaysia Universe 2011 Deborah Henry: Wow! Deborah might be the "Surprise of the Night", in that no one really payed attention to her before but after last Thursday's Preliminary Competition, she was on a lot of people's minds! For her evening gown, she chose a non-fussy elegant blue chiffon gown that made HER be the Star--as opposed to you only noticing her gown. It's simple, sexy and fits her perfectly. The icing on the cake was that she semi-slicked her hair back. It only made her look even more regal and up-to-date. PS: She has got some GAMS on her!!! Score: 9.7

Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2011 Viviana Ortiz: There were A LOT of these semi-see-through "transparent" gowns with embroidery and/or sequins covering the "important parts". I will follow this post with my "Photo Gallery" of those gowns...but for now, this one, was one of the best. I love the white color, the fit is AMAZING, and I can tell the beading and applique' work is EXPENSIVE!!! Notice the length kids! Do you see any shoes? Nope. thank you! Someone taught this girl just right! Score: 9.7


Miss Paraguay Universe 2011 Alba Riquelme: For the Preliminaries, Alba wore this Vanilla yellow tulle and satin strapless gown with metallic paillettes. It's an original design that stands out--and for good reason. The combination of tulle, satin AND metallic sequins could have turned out on the "Oh No You Didn't" section. But lucky for her--and her designer--it did not. She looks fabulous! I only wish the front was about 6 inches longer! What happened there? Score: 9.5

Miss Curacao Universe 2011 Eva Van Putten: Thank goodness Miss Eva changed her gown from what she wore on the Website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits". This strapless gold gown is a show-stopper for sure!!! It's designed by Venezuelan designer Lixidio Solarte and features a princess-seamed "Mermaid-Lite" shape in gold mini paillettes that gradate into oversized ones. I'm sure it's a HEAVY and LOUD gown but who cares?? I think she is "working it!" as my gays would say! Score: 9.4

Miss Ecuador Universe 2011 Claudia Schiess: Claudia also chose a gown by a Venezuelan designer, this time, it was Gionni Straccia--famous for outfitting all the Miss Venezuela Winners and several of the most recent Miss Universos from that country. The fuchsia color is gorgeous, the cut and asymmetrical silhouette of the gown is VERY "Beauty Pageant Gown 101" but...the way this designer picks his fabrics (silk crepe); his crystals (hand-beaded Swarovski) as opposed to cheap diamantes; the intricate draping and ruching, it takes it to a whole other level. Score: 9.4

Miss Albania Universe 2011 Xhesika Berberi: First of all---LOVE her name! She should have been a Figure Skater with that one! In terms of her gown: Perfectly Pretty. This chiffon lavender Empire-style gown features a ruched bust and a matching lavender crystal neckline detail. Elegant and very "I'm the classy girlfriend of an Eastern European Multi-Millionaire", and she's at a party in Monte-Carlo with him in this gown!!! Score: 9.4

Miss Ukraine Universe 2011 Olesia Stefanko: 23 year-old Olesia wore the SAME white chiffon gown she wore to her "Official Evening Gown Portraits".

She made my "Top Favorite" List then, and she makes it into my Top Favorites NOW!!! This gown is very Grecian-Goddess featuring a gold sequin Empire-waist and neckline trim. She seems to love "working" those multi-layers of chiffon and does it with the ease of a top runway model. It's a simple gown really, again, only emphasizing just how gorgeous she is. One of the Best in the white gown group. Score: 9.3.

Honorable Best-in-Gown Mentions:

Miss Angola Universe 2011 Leila Lopes: Loved her gown in the "Official Evening Gown Portraits"--same gown here (good call Leila!). Best in gold. There's "a lot" in this gown: The feathers, the gold embroidery, the sequins, the slit...but it adds up to be one of the Best, in my book!!!

Miss Aruba Universe 2011 Gillain Berry: Strapless, silver, metallic, no too-high slit, correct length, well-fitting, great hair (get rid of that cheesy bracelet though!)

* Up Next: The See-Through/Transparent Gown Ladies...

Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011--The HOT MESSES of the "Evening Gown Portraits" !!

Mija...Tacky Black Pumps, Mother-of-the-Bride Hairdo's, Slits up to the Cha-Cha, Dominatrix Stiletto Platforms...The Miss Universe 2011 Official Evening Gown Portrait No-No's:

A Wrist/Cuff Train Holder??? Uh...NO!!! See where this lovely "HOT MESS" ended up on my "Put That Dress Back on The Rack" List...

As you may know--from keeping up with my nickverreos.com blog here--I am in "Pageant Mode", since the Miss Universe 2011 competition is coming up in a few weeks, and the much-anticipated "Evening Gown Portraits" were released over the weekend on the Miss Universe website. In my last two posts, I began with my "Best" from those photos and the gowns the international ladies chose. But of course, now I must discuss THE HOT MESSES as much as I don't like to do it. As a Fashion Designer who's expertise is in designing evening gowns and red carpet dresses, I do it more to help, and "style-advise" my lovely beauty pageant gals as to what they shouldn't be sportin' in the evening category. Now, remember these may or may not be the gowns these lovely women wear in the Final Telecast (for their sake, I HOPE NOT!!!) but still, I must discuss...



Here's my "Put That Gown Back On The Rack" List:



Miss Mexico Universe 2011 Karin Ontiveros: There's A LOT riding on Karin. Last year's Miss Universe, Ximena Navarette is from Mexico and did EVERYTHING right in 2010--including choosing the right gown. I'm not sure if Karin chose correctly here. It's just a bit "off". A two-piece purple strapless peplum'ed bustier with over-sized flower detail--and a gold lame skirt. If she were hosting a minor award show in Mexico City that her abuelita would be attending: Maybe. But not for the Miss Universe Pageant. Her hair and make-up look great though--very Selena Gomez.



Miss India Universe 2011 Vasuki Sunkavalli: I expect a lot from those stunning--and very stylist Miss India's. However, at least for the choice of this gown and styling: Not so much-ey. It looks like a gown I would have designed and made TEN years ago (I think I actually did!) But what bothers me most are the BIG BLACK PUMPS! Whyyyyyyy? It makes no sense. Didn't she bring some metallic strappy heels (EVERY pageant girls needs to have at least THREE pairs!) or nude ones. The whole look wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for those BLACK PUMPS!



Miss Finland Universe 2011 Pia Pakarinen: OK, she's just GORGEOUS. Doll-like. She'll be in the Top 15 just for that beautiful face! Leave it to those Scandinavians to produce beauties like her! Something about the fish, the vodka and the cold weather I guess. But I am not a fan of her gown choice here. It's very "Bridesmaid", especially the light pastel color. And, what is up with THAT 4 inches too short length?



Miss Hungary Universe 2011 Betta Lipcsei: Well, basically all I have to say is that's just a whole lot of tiered ruffles! Is she a background player at a Budapest performance of "Bizet's Carmen"? It's very "Cha-Cha" and I do LOVE Cha-Cha, but not for this. I say try again and maybe with not so many tiers of ruffles--a "Mermaid"-style gown skirt would have been better.



Miss Georgia Universe 2011 Eka Gurtskaia: Look at what we've got here--It's a MINI...No, wait, it's long. No, it's a Mini. No wait, It's BOTH: A Mini dress with a fitted chiffon long skirt overlay...with a silver metallic bodice midriff. Here's the thing: It's WRONG and a little trashy. If it would have been lined all the way to the floor (as opposed to a mini way too close to her nether-regions) it actually could have been nice.



Miss Brazil Universe 2011 Priscilla Machado: A lot is also riding on Priscilla. She's the "home-country" girl. The Miss Universe Pageant is--after all--taking place in Brazil! I am disappointed in this gown choice. It's the kind of pageant dress that ends up on the Sale Rack at a local Prom/Bridal Boutique! And, why did she allow herself to get a big poufy 54-year-old Housewife Hair-DON'T? Here's a suggestion Priscilla: Go to Miss Venezuela or Miss Puerto Rico's Hotel Room and closets, take one of their gowns...and you'll be "good as new"! They'll never know the gowns are missing.



Miss Montenegro Universe 2011 Nikolina Loncar: OK, I LOVE her first name--NIKOLINA!! But this dress!!! Please tell me her ruched poly chiffon one-shoulder dress does NOT have a Cuff Train Holder? Those three words: Cuff, Train, Holder...I NEVER wanna see together again. And on her feet: The black pumps that DON'T MATCH at all! Chinese Laundry (Miss Universe Shoe Sponsor): We need some silver/metallic strappy heels ASAP!



Miss Belgium Universe 2011 Justine De Jonckheere: Oh huney, there are TOO many things going on with this dress: It's a one-shoulder..but then it's not; then there's a Blouson sleeve for no apparent reason; then straps connecting the midriff-waist; a high side slit. It's a little "Belly-Dancer"-ish. To finish it all off, she adds (because she feels it's sooooo necessary!) a tacky necklace, a cuff, PLUS the bouffant hair. She's such a cute girl. Why? Strip her of EVERYTHING and put her in a simple strapless sequined column gown. Done and done!



Miss Guatemala Universe 2011 Alejandra Barillas: But, I will save the Best "Hot Mess" for last. This is A LOT of Gown: The Football Quarterback-sized sequined shoulder caplet (I know that Strong Shoulders are "In" but this is taking it to a WHOLE other level!), the high slit (of course), PLUS the too-long train (for no reason) and then (Drum Roll!!), THOSE Stiletto Platform Dominatrix pumps!? Here's a positive: This ensemble would be FABULOSO on a Drag Queen for "Joan Crawford Meets Joan Collins Night" at a bar in West Hollywood. Remove the Over-sized Shoulder-Padded Caplet, cut 20 inches off that train and get her some peep-toe nude pumps (with NO PLATFORM!) and she'll be "back in the game"!



*Next Up: The Strippers Of The Universe!!!!! Yes, kids, What Miss Universe 2011 Contestants decided they would be Strippers for their Evening Gown Portraits? Find out in the next post!