Latest HollyWooD Fashion 2022

In case you may be out of the International Beauty Pageant loop, it's PAGEANT SEASON and the "Miss Earth 2017" Beauty Pageant is happening in the Philippines right now. The third--and final--of the "Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competitions" was held this past Thursday at Versailles Palace Alabang in Metro Manila Philippines. This was the Group 1 Long Gown Competition comprised of the "Miss earth 2017" contestants from...you guessed it!...Group 1. I have already discussed my TOP 10 BEST GOWNS from Group 2 HERE and Group 3 HERE so now it is time to review these gowns and my Top 10 Best.








Now, for some reason, these last contestants from Group 1 were the "Save The Best For Last" in terms of overall gowns...or at least the most professional presentation. Maybe it was just the venue or the contestants but, Group 1 was a couple notches up from poor Group 2 (sorry Group 2!). With that said, here were my TOP TEN FAVORITES beginning with the actual Gold Medalist: Miss Earth Venezuela!!!







1. Miss Earth Venezuela Ninoska Vasquez: Ninoska won the Gold medal in this royal blue satin gown from Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. Her GORGEOUS earrings were from George Wittels (of course!). I have to say that this was Red Carpet Fab all the way. Ninoska looked chic, sleek...like an actress at Cannes Film Festival...HOT! The gown featured a strapless bustier with an over-the-shoulder fall for drama as well as a side draped/wrapped gown-skirt. LOVED her sleek hair and THOSE earrings (OMG!) and I didn't even hate the platform heels! Why? These were subtle and kind of elegant. Not tacky like most of the others I have seen! Now...even though she was MY BEST PICK, there was an OOPSIE....




Is That Her Cha-Cha?--I think I see her "See You Next Tuesday"...or maybe the edge of her panties. Whatever it could be, this is a lesson in that it doesn't need to be THAT HIGH. And maybe a little hand stitched sewing right there should be in order. ASAP!





2. Miss Earth Panama Erika Parker: Erika tied for the Bronze medal in the "Long Gown Group 1 Competition" but she made my No. 2 spot. I loved the fringed mint green gown with back iridescent chiffon "capes". The style had an Empire-waisted sequined trim and the color looked FAB on her. With that beautiful face and that on-point elegant hairstyle...it all came together BEAUTIFULLY!





3. Miss Earth Thailand Paweensuda Drouin: Thai-Chinese Canadian Miss Earth Thailand was my 3rd Spot in this black strapless sequined gown design. She won the Silver (2nd Place) with the real judges. I thought she looked like a true Red Carpet actress--and one who would end up in the Best Dressed List--in this gown. This was all pretty flawless--even down to her NOT TACKY NON-PLATFORM shoes!





4. Miss Earth Crimea Elena Trifonova: In case you guys are wondering...yes, there is a "Miss Earth Crimea". Move on...Now, let's discuss her gown! I thought she looked quite pretty! The light pink ballgown was delicate and Princess-like. The dress had a sequined bodice and full tulle gown-skirt and Elena looked very Lily Collins-like in this. She should save this gown for the "Miss World" or "Miss International" peeps (if she ever competed with those pageants) 'cause they would LOVE THIS; it's SOOOOO THEM!





5. Miss Earth Australia Nina Robertson: Filipino-Australian Nina wore this white and nude sequined applique gown for the "Miss Earth 2017 Group 1 Long Gown Competition". I liked the gown design and style, especially the shape and those iridescent tulle skirt godets and shoulder "falls". I just wish something could be done--design-wise--to not see those BOOB PADS; they're soooo distracting and tacky.













8. Miss Earth Austria Bianca Kronsteiner: Bianca's gown ended up in my 8th position (out of 10). I thought this was a pretty effort in this strawberry-red/pink sequined column dress which featured flower appliques. Once again, the fit was nice and length: Very good. I wish the straps were something more...elegant, but overall, it was good enough to make my Top 10 here.




9. Miss Earth Ethiopia Mekdalawit Mequanent: Gold: Check! Sequins: Check! Miss Earth Ethiopia wore this strapless golden number and it was nice and effective. Was it extraordinary pageant Couture? Nope. But it was OK enough to make my No. 9 (out of 10) spot. I thought her makeup and hair were beautiful but in terms of the gown, I wished the strapless neckline looked a bit odd and I could removed about an inch off the top.








And don't forget about my PAGEANT COLORING BOOK!! Enjoy making your very own Pageant Evening Gown Contest via my coloring book! Click the photo to purchase on Amazon.com NOW!

This past Sunday were the second of the Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competitions, part of the pre-Finals event in advance of the "Miss Earth 2017" Finals. This one--involving "Group 3" of the "Miss Earth 2017" contestants (these separate competitions are broken down into 3 groups of contestants). The event took place at the Landbank Auditorium Manila Philippines.










I have already discussed the first one--the Group 2 Long Gown Competition and my Top 10 Best from that event HERE--so now, it is time to discuss my Top 10 Favorite Gowns from Group 3. And in case you may want to be even more confused...Group 1's Long Competition will be coming up next (yes kids, the organizers are holding these events out of sync--in terms of the contestant's Groups).





1. Miss Earth Vietnam Le Thi Ha Thu: Even though Miss earth Vietnam got the Bronze (3rd Place), her golden gown was my favorite of this group. The halter neckline gown--designed by Joli Poli Vietnam--featured that VERY POPULAR gold/nude/blush coloring and had golden sequin applique designs along panels of iridescent organza. It also had a dramatic and quite fabulous cascade draped overskirt. It was regal, stage impacting and quite Haute Couture-esque. Her sleek top bun finished the entire look like a QUEEN!




2. Miss Earth Puerto Rico Karla Victoria Aponte: My second favorite gown was actually the Winner--or Gold medalist of this Group 3 Long Gown Competition. Miss Earth Puerto Rico wore this striking red gown that featured torso pleating, a fab drape at the shoulder and sleek overskirt. It was chic and sexy with that side slit. I wished she would have just worn gold strappy heels but you just cannot get these ladies out of those TACKY SUPER PLATFORM heels. Ayyy Dios Mio!






3. Miss Earth Mexico Karen Bustos: Mexico's Karen Bustos made my 3rd position with this black gown look. The outfit consisted of a lace-over-nude crop top with a plunging neckline (naturally!) plus and separate gown skirt--of the same sequined lace--which had a fit-and-flare silhouette and attached tulle overskirt (It was the OVERSKIRT Top 3!). I though it looked modern, fresh and a nice "Ballgown" alternative. I also loved her styling and hair...and the fact that the gown length was great (no tacky platform heels showing! YEAYYY!).




4. Miss Earth Serbia Marija Nikić: Marija wore this metallic gown for the "Miss Earth 2017 Group 3 Long Gown Competition" and I liked it; good enough to be my No. 4! I know that for some people it may look a little "Star Wars" C-3PO-like or "Project Runway" Unconventional Challenge-esque but to heck with those haters; I liked the Versace-like modernity and the fit was quite nice. She also looked like a chic model--as opposed to a 1990's-like "Pageant Betty".




5. Miss Earth USA Andrea Gibau: Just beautiful! Miss Earth USA's Andrea Gibau wore this shimmering gold sequined halter neckline gown with nude illusion inset and she looked GREAT! The fit was nice and the gold coloring was an on-trend choice.




6. Miss Earth India Shaan Suhas Kumar: My 6th place goes to Miss Earth India. Shaan wore this VERY PINK full-shaped satin gown with silver sequin details, a sweetheart neckline and nude illusion. I was actually surprised at how "basic" it looked (as opposed to...well--take a look at "Miss Earth Vietnam" darlings!). She was very "Pretty in Pink". There was nothing extraordinary about this and it was just...nice.




7. Miss Earth Cambodia Em Kunthong: Gold/nude/blush IS THE Pageant Gown Trend happening right now. And Miss Earth Cambodia followed the trend with this gown. The design was a fit-and-flare look with sequins, an off-the-shoulder-like neckline and ruffled sleeves. She looked pretty. It wasn't a "Statement Making Gown" like the Top 3 but that's why she ended up in my 7th position.




8. Miss Earth Malaysia Cherish Ng: Cherish wore this snow-silver sequined-and-tulle gown for the "Miss Earth 2017 Group 3 Long Gown Competition". Once again, she looked 1950's Classic Hollywood Glamour Pretty and this was safe. It wasn't SUPER FAB by any means; just safe.






9. Miss Earth Malta Christie Refalo: OK Miss Earth Malta...she's taking a Cha-Cha chance! First off, I was just happy that it wasn't your typical Pageant Mermaid Shape, but yes, it was still nude/see-through-ish (oh these ladies!). I admit that as kooky as it was, I liked the sequined fringe; it was very "Chicago"/Las Vegas Showgirl and 1920's Flapper Fab. I just wished I wouldn't have seen those BOOB PADS! Seriously! Ladies: DON'T DO THAT.




10. Miss Earth Rwanda Uwase Hirwa Honorine: Lastly, I chose Miss Earth Rwanda. She wore this black dress which had sleeve cut-outs and straps as well as crystals and a sequined "belt"/waistband. She looked pretty and while this dress made my Top 10 out of all the Group 3 contestants, it was slightly on the "I'm On a Budget" scale of gowns. But, realizing she's from Rwanda and her organizers (or her!) may not have the gown budget of a "Miss Earth Philippines" or "Miss Earth Vietnam", I cut her some Gown Slack--as long as it's not tacky and tasteless and this was OK.


**NEXT UP: My TOP TEN of Group 1 Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition!!!



And don't forget about my PAGEANT COLORING BOOK!! Enjoy making your very own Pageant Evening Gown Contest via my coloring book! Click the photo to purchase on Amazon.com NOW!

Well kids, it is indeed the start of the "International Pageant Season"! Last week, I discussed my TOP 15 FAVORITES for the Miss Grand International 2017 which is happening in Vietnam (Read HERE!)...and at the same time in another Asian country--this time the Philippines--the Miss Earth 2017 beauty pageant is happening. The 17th edition of the Miss Earth contest is occurring with 87 contestants from all over the world competing for the coveted crown with the Final Crowning Night taking place on November 4th at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila Philippines.







In advance of the final night, lots of pre-final pageant event competitions are occurring including the Swimsuit, Resorts  Wear, Talent and the one that I am most interested in (naturally!) here in my "Sashes & Tiaras" BLOG: The EVENING GOWN COMPETITION. The "Long Gown Competition" as it is called (as opposed to "Short Gown"??) is happening in separate sections with 3 different contestant groups competing...







In each of these contests, the top contestants get medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) which will give them points helping them gain better spots in the Finals (similar to Miss "World" I am guessing).

The first "Long Gown Competition" occurred on Tuesday night with "Group 2" consisting of 29 ladies. The winner (or Best in Long Gown)--according to the judges--was Miss Earth Peru, with the Silver going to Miss Earth Costa Rica and Miss Earth Philippines and the Bronze going to Miss Earth Nigeria.








There's no way of beating around the bush: I do not know who the judges were but...I did not agree so much with the Top Four (well, only just one!)...so, as it has become a tradition here in my BLOG, below are MY TOP Favorites of the Group (Top 10) and five that were just A MESS. Before I show you my list, I have to say that these were not a group of UBER FAB Couture Gals. I know this isn't Miss Universe or Miss World and therefore these contestants might not have the caliber of design and money backing them so I did give a little "slack" for that but still...as a fashion designer/pageant fan/red carpet commentator, I had to "judge" adequately.



Here's my Top 10 Best from Number One to Ten: 




1. Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani: OK, first of all,, is it A LOT? Yes. But, is it still really kind of fabulous? DOUBLE YES! I like this for many reasons: It looks AMAZING and impacting. She looks like a PERFECT beauty queen. It fits well. The length is also PERFECTION and to-the-floor! The silver is on-point and just right for her skin color. I love it. I would have given her THE GOLD!

Score: 9.15




2. Miss Earth Angola: Ermelinda Demantos: Loved this look from head to (almost) toe. The blush/golden colored shimmering gown was red carpet perfect, looked refined and well-made and not so "fire friendly" (some of the other gowns were MAJOR polyester-get-near-a-match-and-they'll light up messes!). I really liked her slicked back hair but...those UBER-stacked heels (is that what I see peaking from the center front slit?) are really not making me happy! PLEASE Ermelinda, dump those things and go for non-platform strappy heels (and just have a seamstress hem-up your gown. ASAP.

Score: 9.00




3. Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco: I liked the blue color, the one shoulder-like silhouette and nude illusion insets. Was this a but "Figure Skating Costume"? TOTALLY. But, listen, compared to a lot of the other gowns I saw here, this was VERY NICE. TRUST ME! It fit well, wasn't so tacky, wasn't HOOCHIE, had stage presence, the length was correct and her hair was modern and not so "Pageant Betty".

Score: 8.98




 4. Miss Earth Spain Ainara de Santamaria: I liked this gown and it was one of my favorites of this group for its simplicity, non "cray-cray" detail and pure and elegant fit. I also liked the emerald and light green sequined detail. Oh, and yes, the length was JUST RIGHT! It was simple, beautiful and impacting.

Score: 8.97




5. Miss Earth England Charlotte Brooke: Miss Earth England wore this golden-hued gown with silver crystals featuring a fitted column gown over a full overskirt. The style was elegant, impacting and almost Paris Haute Couture-like (almost). Her styling, however, was the unfortunately aspect which didn't elevate this gown to a position of fabulousness and grandeur; her hair was droopy, her make-up was inelegant...she looked too simple and "basic" yet her gown was "Red Carpet Cannes Film Festival". I gave her points more for the gown than her personal styling. It was still better than most of the others...even the ones who got some of the Long Gown medals.

Score: 8.70 




6. Miss Earth Chile Sofia Manzur: Since I had to pick my Top Ten here in this group, some of these choices were "giving them too much credit". But wait until you see some of my "Uh Oh" choices and you'll understand how this might have been "GREAT!". I liked the red color and the fit was fine. Sofia looked like a Spanish Senorita in a Sevillana Gala. I also loved her slicked back chignon. I wasn't a fan of those CRAZY gold sequined pumps (Ayyy Dios Mio!) and that "Cha-Cha Peek-a-Boo-Danger Zone" super high slit. But, if I just half-closed my eyes and avoided those two things...

Score: 8.20






7. Miss Earth Cameroon Verucha Cossinda: I liked the "mermaid Lite" silhouette of this gown and the color was lovely. I'm also happy about the fit and correct length (no tacky platform pumps showing!). Overall, this was a pretty choice for Miss Earth Cameroon.

Score: 8.10






8. Miss Earth Lebanon Elsa Antoun: Nice gown for Elsa, Miss Earth Lebanon. This black and white "Mermaid" shaped gown featured white appliques and black tulle godets at the bottom. It was nothing extraordinary but at least it fit well, was the right length and there weren't any HOOCHIE too-high slits or breast-a-licious cleavage.

Score: 8.05




9. Miss Earth Pakistan Ramina Ashfaque: Yes darlings, you read right--Miss Earth PAKISTAN! Karachi-born Ramina is competing in the Miss Earth 2017 contest and for the Long Gown Competition, she wore this canary yellow gown. Listen, under any other circumstances (or this was "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" I would have deemed this a "Sherri hill off-the-rack Pageant Betty" you-know-what. However, I think she looked radiant and lovely in this. It fit her well and she made an impact on stage. Was it A LOT of polyester? YES. And would I rather not seen those nude platform pumps? Totally. But, in this group, she was still one of my Top Ten.

Score: 8.00





10: Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas: Believe it or not (I couldn't!), Karen won the "Gold medal" for this gown in the Miss earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2. I placed her as my TENTH favorite. This was OK but certainly--at least in my eyes--not the BEST. I did like the gold flower appliques over the terracotta-colored illusion netting...and it was A LOOK but...it was verging on tacky-licious. But I had to add a tenth favorite and I decided Miss Earth Peru and her gown would be the one.

Score: 7.99



Now, on to the "Oh-No-She-Didn't: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Edition": Her are my "Top Five" Uh Oh's...






Miss Earth Belarus Polli Cannabis: Oh Polli. Bless your heart. While I kind of liked the top part, the bottom half was just a true GOWN MESS; it looked like black and pink toilet paper got stuck in a tornado and created a gown-skirt. I just wish designers would NEVER do that to dresses. Please. It isn't pretty. On a nice note: The length is right and she is pretty.

Score: 6.25




Miss Earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez: Fernanda somehow nabbed the SILVER medal for this gown. I am at a loss. This is a teal polyester lace/nude/applique mess. The whole too-see-through inner gown is just stripper tacky and the style is so Downtown Los Angeles Santee Alley. I know I sound like a Gown Snob but seriously. On a good note, she looked fresh and young and pretty--from the neck up.

Score: 6.20




Miss Earth France Melissa Strugen: Melissa wore this violet colored gown featuring golden scroll applique and chiffon overskirt. The gown (inexplicably) featured a mini dress lining underneath showing through. The entire look was not cute. And her hair styling and makeup did not help. I kind of get what she was going for--perhaps a "Near Eastern Goddess" but she ended up looking like a "Prom Scheherazade".

Score: 6.20 




Miss Earth Hungary Victoria Viczian: It's the "Miss Earth 2017" Beauty Pageant...and while I can understand that sponsorship may be light and you have to buy your own dress possibly from the sale rack in Budapest, this off white Duchesse Satin style was just...TOO BASIC! I am happy that it was the correct length but seriously, Victoria wasn't even trying. This is a Bridesmaid Dress for a wedding. NOT, the gown you wear for THE MISS EARTH 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION!

Score: 6.00



Last but not least...


Miss Earth Slovenia Sara Gavranic: Oh Slovenia. Oh Sara. Just look at this: Gold Stretch. Lycra. Draped and hi-lo. Oh wait..is that lace in the back??? How do you say "tacky-licious" in Slovenian? On a nice note, I liked her hair and red lipstick.

Score: 5.50 



**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more HERE!



Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE: