Latest HollyWooD Fashion 2022

It's that time again: Time for BEST OF Lists! Here, in my BLOG, I love discussing lots of my favorite subjects including Red Carpet Fashion "Who Wore What", Figure Skating Costumes "Ice Style" and Beauty Pageants "Sashes And Tiaras", of course so...for my first BEST OF 2017, I'm starting with my TOP 20 BEST NATIONAL COSTUMES of 2017 international beauty pageants. Almost all the top international beauty pageants had their own "National Costumes" competitions as seen in the Miss Universe, Miss Grand International, Miss Earth, Miss International and so on. Miss World has it's "Dances of the World" competition/segment showcasing the contestants in traditional dress doing dances related to their countries but, it really doesn't have a National Costume contest and since they are expected to dance in them the costumes tend to be less "dramatic"... 









After looking at many, many National Costumes from this year's international beauty pageants, Two things stood out this year: 1) Some pageants were stronger in terms of their National Costume offerings this year--particularly Miss Universe and Miss Grand International and 2) The contestants from Asia really brought their Costume "A" Game, continuing their trajectory of being super creative as well as super lavish in their designs, so Kudos to those designers taking this art to another level!



Let's take a look at some of my TOP 20 FAVORITES of 2017:




1. Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 Dea Goesti Rizkita-- This elaborate and very EXTRAORDINARY costume was my TOP Costume of 2017. All you have to do is look at the photos and you'll be like "Yep! Done & Done!". This costume, entitled "MOTHERLAND: The Sky is my Father, and The Earth is my Mother" and designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih, has the meaning of a circular shape taken from the base form of the Moon and its about the mother figure, the queen, and the woman.  It was THE BEST ONE of the Miss Grand International 2017 competition and now, my pick for Best of 2017. I loved how impacting it was; the colors, the unique shapes, gorgeous crystal and metallic artisanal craftsmanship...all of this combined made this design a work of fashion art!

Score: 9.99










No. 2: Miss Universe Japan Momoko Abe--Momoko's National Costume for Japan BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN when she debuted it at the Miss Universe 2017 Preliminary Competition. She wore a costume that started as a Ninja Warrior--all in black--which then (after a a slight tug-and-pull from her hand at the front of her top), quickly became a FABULOUS brightly printed Kimono Dress. I don't know how many times she had to practice that to get it right but, it was FLAWLESS and brought Oh-No-She-Didn't Oooh's & Ahhh's from the audience. Back when I first reviewed it, I thought it should win the Miss Universe 2017 "Best National Costume" prize and...IT DID! It was creative, definitely original in its transformation and still honored Japanese Traditional Dress--TWICE!

Score: 9.90






3. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain--Anukriti's gorgeous costume was my third favorite of 2017. The theme for this look was "Evolution and Expansion of Indian Royalty, from the Palace to the workplace". The national costume--designed by Melvyn Dominic Noronha--shows the balance of an Indian woman with her delicate beauty of compassion and the strength of her determination. I loved how this costume combined traditional Indian dress with Hindu God-like imagery as well as a wonderful tribute to Indian women. The costume was rich and regal, had a strong stage impact and was incredible in its silk, gold and hand-sewn embroidery. 

Score: 9.80 






4. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing--I LOVED this "Temple" costume worn by Miss Grand Laos at the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty pageant. This national costume was inspired by the Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang is an ancient and important architecture of Laos, and a center for the spirit of the Lao people. The design of the costume is unique and definitely stage impacting! The jewelry in the costume was inspired by the shape of the Buddha image and the gold and red colors and various embellishments represent Lao's cultures, customs and unique identity. I thought it was thoroughly impacting, very striking and made for a stand-out costume presence at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. I am still so baffled how any of these costumes get packed and shipped through customs and onto a plane and then reassembled to be worn again! 

Score: 9.75






5.  Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco-- During the Miss Earth 2017 National Costumes Competition, Karen won the "Gold Medal" (Best Costume) for Asia, and she got MY GOLD PRIZE for BEST COSTUME of all the contestants at Miss Earth 2017! Her costume was a Filipiniana Terno designed by Louis Pangilinan and simply put, it was EXTRAORDINARY! From the statement-making necklace, to the off-the-shoulder Mantilla top, to the fan, to the intricately designed and cross patterned multi-godet paneled Charles James-like crinoline gown-skirt, it was a WOW! Kudos to the designer and all the very talented artists and sewers who made this; this costume should be a museum of Miss Philippines National Costumes ASAP!

Score: 9. 75











6. Miss Universe Myanmar Zun Thansin-- There is always one--or two or three contestants that "Fall Out" with a SUPER OUTRAGEOUS national costume in these important international beauty pageants and for 2017, Miss Universe Myanmar takes this top title! Her costume was inspired by Hsaing Waing/Myanmar Traditional Orchestra, a musical ensemble only found in Myanmar and usually played in very formal ceremonies which is composed of 13 traditional musical instruments. Zun came onstage during the Miss Universe 2017 National Costumes Competition and carefully showed the audience how her costume was not just her dress but she BROUGHT THE STAGE with her! This was all designed by someone by the name (and title) of Dr. Thazin Khin...and God Bless Him!

Score: 9.70







7. Miss Universe Venezuela Keysi Sayago-- Venezuela's contestant, Keysi Sayago, wore one of my favorite National Costumes of the year at Miss Universe 2017. The costume, entitled  "Venezuelan Warrior" included a metallic silver jumpsuit-like costume and a very glorious "wing" of the Venezuelan flag, It represented the brave Venezuelan women, described as one who rises to the adversity of the present and the future with great history in its sword (coat of arms), worthy thoughts in the present (Bolivar medal), and fair and balanced, intuitive and spiritual protector and above all free (colorful wings of the macaw). The costume (silver part) is made of mirror acrylics making it look like a metallic shell. The overall effect is this strong, powerful Venezuelan woman ready to fight whatever battles and hardships come her way. It was designed by Alejandro Fajardo who designed many of the GORGEOUS gowns seen at the Miss Venezuela 2017 Beauty Pageant.

Score: 9.65




8. Miss International Japan Natsuki Tsutsui-- Miss International Japan won the "Best Costume" and for my Best of 2017, she gets in at No. 8. I thought it was THE BEST of the Miss International 2017 Beauty Pageant for sure and therefore that award was well deserved. When she first walked out onto the stage in this, I just about fell off the couch and gave her (and whoever designed this) a standing ovation! This was a super-chic Haute Couture version of a Geisha Diva: There is just no other way to describe it! The silk satin organza padded striped coat, the emerald green and black gown, the glittering fringe...and then, there was her FABULOUS makeup and hair/headdress! This reminded me of a Christian Dior Haute Couture ensemble from the days of John Galliano. 

Score: 9.55








9. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen--I absolute ADORED this costume worn by Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen during the Miss Grand International 2017 Beauty Pageant. The costume represented a traditional Ao Dai and was inspired by the patterns of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. It took 3 months to create this gorgeous 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds!)-weighing costume and it was designed by Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy. This was one of the most outstanding representations of a "Traditional Dress" in international beauty pageants this past year.

Score: 9.60






10. Miss Universe Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp-- Making my Top 20 Best Costumes of 2017 at Number 10, it's Miss Universe Thailand: Maria's costume represents an ancient story depicting the existence of thunder and lightning. Designed by Prapakas Ansusingha--with the headdress created by Toi Marilyn--Maria is playing the God of Thunder and brought along a doll depicting the God of Lightning. The entire design is pretty spectacular, involving incredible fabrications, golden embroidery, a fabulous costume PLUS a lit-up doll! I love when the contestants put on a mini show, as part of their "National Costume" presentation. Bravo!

Score: 9.55





11. Miss Universe Vietnam Loan Nguyen-- This was my second most-liked National Costume from a representative of the Asian nation of Vietnam. Loan wore this brightly colored costume which uses the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai dress as a starting base and then takes details such as the conical hats, fan, and color combinations inspired by local festivals.The costume was designed by Nguyen Huu Bihn and was VERY IMPRESSIVE.

Score: 9.50









12. Miss Universe Canada Lauren Howe-- Miss Universe Canada 2017 becomes my first North American contestant to make my Top 20 Best Costumes of 2017 in this gorgeous design. The very stage-impacting costume was inspired by the Canadian Rocky Mountains and features feathers, silver sequins and lights! I especially LOVE when a Beauty Pageant National Costume is a head-to-toe look and this was a perfect example: Notice the snow-like covered sequined shoes! Many times you have these contestants wear these outstanding costumes but then, they wear nude platform pumps from (name a shoe company): That's just lazy designing. But here, it was the opposite and I applaud it. The look, which was designed by Nicaraguan designer Bismarck Martinez, was entitled "Queen of Ice", and looking at the photos, she sure looks liked one!

Score: 9.48






13. Miss Universe Guatemala Isel Suniga-- Isel wore this costume for the Miss Universe 2017 National Costume Competition and it brought lots of "Oooh's & Ahhh's" from the audience in attendance for its colorful design and the fact that her back kite/wheel turned! The costume was inspired by a tradition in her country where people fly kites over cemeteries to promote peace and scare off evil spirits as well as the Festival de Sumpango/Festival de Barriletes Gigantes. This was quite fabuloso and once again, I was happy that it wasn't just one of those very popular "Pre-Columbian" costumes/Victoria's Secret Angel Costumes but the fact that her "wings"--i.e. kite--turned and she put on a mini show!

Score: 9.25






14. Miss Supranational Indonesia Karina "Nina" Nadila--This outstanding costume, designed by Jember Fashion Carnival, made No. 14 in my Top 20 Best of 2017 National Costumes List. The costume represents Lembuswana, a Mythological animal and a symbol of the power and sovereignty of a ruler. Headed lions and crowns symbolize the might of a king who is considered the ruler and the crown is a sign of the king's power which is considered a God. Her fierce wielding fangs flanking her trunk signifies the symbolic figure of Ganesha, the God of Intelligence. Winged Garuda with wings that can be moved as a symbol that wings ready to fly noble ideals sky-high and scaly fish which represents a protector and a leader among the people. The color of gold as the majesty and grey color as the color of the soil, symbolizes the attitude remains grounded and humble. I thought the overall design was SUPER fab and if I ever encountered a Lembuswana...I would be very, very afraid...but still probably would want to take a Selfie with it! 

Score: 9.10







15. Miss Universe Costa Rica Elena Correa-- Elena's bright and bold feathered costume made No. 15 in my Top 20 Best of 2017 List because I thought it was one of the most grand and effective of the Latina American Pre-Columbian Empress costumes. The design celebrated Costa Rica's  Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in the capital city, San Jose. This costume was designed by Nicaraguan designer Erick Bendaña and features golden peacock feathers and many, many crystals. This was probably THE MOST IMPRESSIVE of those very popular Pre-Columbian feathered costumes favored by the Latin American/Caribbean contestants; a STUNNER for sure!

Score: 9.15









16. Miss Universe Nicaragua Berenice Quezada: Designed by Jorge Salazar Caliz, this colorful costume is named "The Slopes of Volcano Mombacho" and because of its colorful, elaborately embroidered--and very festive!--design, I had to put it in my my Top 20 Best National Costumes of 2017. The area where this Nicaraguan volcano is located is one of the 78 protected areas in Nicaragua and served as the inspiration for this costume, showcasing the variety of flora, fauna and minerals that are abundant in the volcano's area. Mombacho has more than 700 different plants registered including many orchid species. It is a stunning work of costume delight!

Score: 9.00






17. Miss Supranational Thailand Gift Jiraprapa Boonnuang--Miss Supranational Thailand 2017's costume made my Top 20 List because it was a perfect vision of a traditional Thai Style Goddess. Thai Temple Goddess. I admired the intricately beaded and embroidered costume and especially loved how it was designed from head to toe. The sequined fabrication was beyond gorgeous and the style was Haute Couture beautiful, and that mini-temple headdress was exquisite! Oh, and yes, I also loved how even her shoes matched the entire costume. 

Score: 8.99






18. Miss Earth Guatemala Maria Jose Castaneda: Guatemala does it again! Maria Jose's costume won the "Gold Medal" for Central and North America in terms of Best National Costumes at the Miss Earth 2017 National Costumes Competition and it was well deserved. This gorgeous creation was designed by Guatemalan designer Cesar Alejandro Portillo and he did an exceptional job with this look. I loved the fabric, colors, that amazing feathered headdress. It certainly was one of the most impressive costumes of the Miss Earth 2017 Beauty Pageant and in my eyes, had to be in my Top 20 Best National Costumes of 2017.

Score: 8.85






19. Miss Earth Nepal Rojina Shrestha: I was a big fan of this gorgeous costume worn by Miss Earth Nepal 2017 for many reasons: I loved the colors, stunning silk fabric and very impressive design. The mixing of the Sari with the Hindu gods imagery made this for a very regal looking costume.

Score: 8.50










20. Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha James: Last on my list, I wanted to add one of the most talked about National Costumes at the Miss Universe 2017 Beauty Pageant: Miss Universe Malaysia. The costume was inspired by A DISH--in fact, Nasi Lemak, the beloved national dish (usually served for breakfast) of Malaysia--featuring fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. The dress designed by Brian Khoo and featured hand embroidered rhinestones to symbolize rice grains. On the left side of the dress, there are red rhinestones to symbolize the spicy sambal that accompanies each Nasi Lamak dish. The costume also included other accompaniments in Nasi Lamak such as sliced cucumbers, fried peanuts, anchovies and an egg! Just look at the close-up photo above of all the amazing sequin work! Speaking of work, the gown took 400 hours of craftsmanship and a month to make. While this costume wasn't as stage-impacting or National Costume Haute Couture impressive as some of the others (No lights!!?? No actual stage like "Miss Universe Myanmar" or costume change a la Miss Universe Japan??!!), it was memorable for its unique interpretation of a traditional dish.

Score: 8.40





Extra:


Miss Earth Belgium Lauralyn Vermeersch: I had to add Lauralyn's "French Fries" costume just because it was sooooo KOOKY! In case you are wondering, French Fries are actually from Belgium: Historians claim that potatoes were being fried, since the late 1600's (!), in Belgium. Soooo, yeah, that's Miss Earth Belgium's national costume: She was wearing a sack of fries. It wasn't traditional or National Costume Couture Fab but....it was kind of fun and original. 

Last night was the much-anticipated National Costumes Competition of the 2017 Miss Earth Beauty Pageant, occurring in the Philippines. The contest--which took place at the Century Park Hotel in Manila--featured the 86 contestants from all over the world showing off their National Costumes grouped by geographical regions including Central and North America, South America, Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and so on.




Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for the top costumes (as deemed by the judges) for each geographical region. The Gold Medals (top prize) for National Costumes went to Miss Earth Philippines for Asia, Miss Earth Russia for Eastern Europe, Miss Earth Portugal for Central Western Europe, Miss Earth Bolivia for South America, Miss Earth Ghana for Africa, and Miss Earth Guatemala for Central and North America.








Now that we know the judges' picks, here are MY TOP 15 FAVORITES of the Miss Earth 2017 National Costumes beginning with NUMBER ONE:




1. Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco: Karen won the Gold for Asia, and she gets MY GOLD PRIZE for BEST COSTUME of all the contestants! "Miss Earth Philippines'" costume was a Filipiniana Terno designed by Louis Pangilinan. It was EXTRAORDINARY! From the statement-making necklace...to the off-the-shoulder Mantilla top...to the fan...







...to the intricately designed and cross patterned multi-godet paneled Charles James-like crinoline gown-skirt...WOW! This costume should be in a museum! Kudos to the designer and all the very talented artists and sewers who made this.







2. Miss Earth Thailand Paweensuda Drouin: My second favorite was the costume worn by the stunning Paweensuda Drouin, Miss Earth Thailand. This stunning creation represents the Hmong Thai tribe, showcasing the gorgeous intricate silver headdress and batik printed fabric of the Hmong. The exquisite detail on the headdress alone deserves a medal! And I do love how chic the top and skirt look. Take that crown away and that outfit alone could be worn at a very fancy black-tie gala in Bangkok!







3. Miss Earth Nepal Rojina Shrestha: This costume was stage impacting, beautiful and fab enough to make my Top Three! The mixing of the Sari with the Hindu gods imagery...and those striking red and gold colors and silk fabrics...everything about this looked regal and very Costume Couture!






4. Miss Earth Guatemala Maria Jose Castaneda: Maria Jose's costume won the Gold for Central and North America. And I can see why; it was my 4th Best among the 86 contestants. This gorgeous creation was made and designed by Guatemalan designer Cesar Alejandro Portillo who creates many of the national costumes for "Miss Guatemala" contestants. This costume is to me THE BEST one in the "Pre-Columbian Fantasy Diva" category. The Guatemalan fabric, the colors, the feathered headdress, the sequined cape...I can't imagine how much work and time went into this and I really hope Cesar was paid A TON of money for this! Muy Bien! 






5. Miss Earth Ghana Maud Fadi: "Miss Earth Ghana" was my 5th Best and the  highest spot for a contestant form Africa. I was blown away by her presentation (she came out covered partially using her cape) and then opened it up to reveal the fabulous Kente cloth patterns. The aqua blue mermaid-shaped gown featured multicolored sequins at the bust and torso as well as bottom portion of the dress--and if that wasn't enough, it had a matching Kente cloth pleated peplum. Oh, and then there was her Ghana Coat of Arms headdress! This was a National Costume MOMENT Ladies & Gentlemen!





6. Miss Earth Japan Yasuyo Saito: "Miss Earth Japan" wore this multicolored kimono robe and dress--and she looked GLORIOUS! The costume itself was superb: The colors and the silk brocade fabrication were INCREDIBLE. Kimono DIVA!







7. Miss Earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez: At No. 7 in my Top 15 Best National Costume List is "Miss Earth Costa Rica". I loved the look of this costume, especially the bold colors and prominent feathers in the front. The costume itself represents the exotic plants and migratory birds that live together in Costa Rica and was designed by Filipino designer Maestro John. I wished he could have also designed fabulous shoes to have gone with the costume--as opposed to these off-the-rack nude platform heels.





8. Miss Earth Canada Jacqueline Marsh: OK, there are Drag Queens in Canada DYING to get their manicured hands on this costume!! This white and red UBER snowflake costume was created by Filipino designer Tohe Rojas Gantuangco and he did a FABULOUS job--take a look at all those HUNDREDS (possibly thousands!) of maple leaf snow flakes attached to her bodysuit and "wings". And the red sequined headdress as well as matching red details throughout the costume really brought home the "Go Canada!" theme.






9. Miss Earth Sri Lanka Shyama Dahayanaka: I loved "Miss Earth Sri Lanka's" Bird Couture costume at the "Miss Earth 2017" National Costume Competition. This feathered and multicolored costume represents the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl (seen in lower top photo) and was very impacting for many reasons including that fabulous headdress, the sequined applique and of course, the actual fowl feathers. She was a Bird Goddess in this!




10. Miss Earth Malaysia Cherish Ng: "Miss Earth Malaysia" wore this costume titled "Khatulistiwa: the Goddess Flora" which was created by Borneo Republic Malaysia Creations. It was my No. 10 out of 15 Best Costumes of "Miss Earth 2017". The costume is inspired by the Latin name of Flora, the goddess of plants, flowers, and fertility as well as “Khatulistiwa”--the Malay word for equator. On Earth, the Equator is an imaginary line on the surface, dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. As a country surrounded by the sea and located near the equator, Malaysia naturally receives plenty of sunlight. As a result, various species of flower can be seen across Malaysia. This costume symbolizes beautiful flowers in Malaysia. During the production of this costume, recycled items were used namely aluminum pull tabs from drink cans, plastic bottle caps, used buttons, used wire phone and used floor rugs. In other words, not only is this fabulous for the "Miss Earth" Beauty Pageant...this design would be great for the "Project Runway" Unconventional Challenge! 








11. Miss Earth Mongolia Tugs-Amgalan Batjargal: I liked this costume worn by "Miss Earth Mongolia". It looked refined, expensive and still stage-impacting. The silk fabric with fur trim looked rich and that headdress with jeweled and sequined details really took her to a Mongolian Queen level!





12. Miss Earth Vietnam La Thi Ha Thu: Made by Vietnamese designer Nguyen Minh Cong from one of his recent collections entitled "The Dreamers", this costume worn by "Miss Earth Vietnam" represents a strong female soldier. Made of a natural silk fabric, as well as glittering lame fabric, the look features a leotard/body suit, midriff peplum corset, overskirt and lotus flower details. The lotus flowers symbolize the "sturdiness and softness of Vietnamese women" according to the designer. I thought it was chic, modern and costume-impacting. I just wished she would have worn THE SAME DIVA shoes she wore in the pre-pageant photoshoot above--as opposed to the actual contest! What happened to those fabulous shoes? Were they lost in a luggage snafu?





13. Miss Earth  Panama Erika Parker: My thirteenth choice for Best Costume is "Miss Earth Panama". I loved the colors, the story, her presentation and yes--the CROWN! Her costume is entitled "Pollera Congo" (a pollera is a full skirt). This folkloric costume comes from the Panamanian province of Colon...





The costume represents the women of this area and their traditional dress. The woman is THE QUEEN and head of the family and therefore, the crown. The mixed pieces of fabric comes from when the ethnically African people in Panama were slaves, their masters would only give them leftovers of their fabric to use on their clothes and therefore, that's how they made their polleras...using discarded fabric from their Masters. The costume and overall look just made me smile. She may be barefoot but she looked RICH and EXUBERANT.






14. Miss Earth Mexico Karen Bustos: Karen comes from San Luis Potosi in Mexico and therefore, her costume paid tribute to the fabrication used in San Luis Potosi traditional dress. I loved the fashion-fab design (sleek column gown with side front slit!), the great red-and-white print, and super headdress adorned with red rose-shaped satin. I think it's so great when a designer can take a traditional folkloric dress and take it to another, almost-red carpet level! Muy bien!






15. Miss Earth Venezuela Ninoska Vasquez: Finally, I wanted to add the costume worn by "Miss earth Venezuela" in my Top 15 List. Ninoska's costume was designed by Carlos Perez and it was a sequined bodysuit of Earth Flora-and-Fauna...and Water Gorgeousness...




The look includes details representing Venezuelan Orchids, as well as the mountains, the rivers and birds of the country. To top it all off, the blue and silver crystals falling from her arm represent the glorious Angel Falls. In line with the "Miss Earth" theme, this costume is very representative of "Mother Earth" and all the natural wonders of that troubled South American country.