Latest HollyWooD Fashion 2022

Ninety-two contestants from all over the world competed for the 66th Miss Universe...and the Winner was...South Africa! Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, who represented South Africa, bested 91 other contestants to win the top beauty pageant crown of Miss Universe. Demi-Leigh--who stands 5'7" (1.70 m) tall--has a degree in business management, speaks fluent English and Afrikaans, and is a model and credits her half-sister Franje who has a physical disability as her most significant motivator.






As the winner of Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh was given the right to compete in both the Miss Universe and Miss World Beauty Pageants as part of her win, however, the organizers decided to send her to Miss Universe and her First Runner-up to the Miss World Beauty Pageant, supposedly because of time restraints, since both pageants were occurring very close time-wise. Good thing they sent her to Miss Universe since...SHE WON!







The South African beauty was always a top favorite--in fact, THE FAVORITE!--to win so it came as no surprise that she got the crown. She happens to be the second South African beauty to win Miss Universe, following Margaret Gardiner's win as Miss Universe 1978.























Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere--from France--wore two fabulous gowns during the Miss Universe 2017 Finals Night. First, she wore this white crepe and gazar gown from French Couturier Stephane Rolland and his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 Collection. The gown is all hand-made and would probably cost around $75,000 if one was kind enough to A) order it, as well B) afford it.




Lady In Red: Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere taking her Final Walk in Dubai-based Filipino Designer Michael Cinco Couture--Iris wore this GORGEOUS strapless ombré red sequined gown featuring a sweetheart neckline (very plunging!), a column base gown and attached crinoline-backed overskirt. She looked FABULOUS! The gown fit beautifully and was Pageant Couture Perfection! If there was one critique: Those black platform pumps! POUR QUOI????? (WHY!!!???)








OK...Are you guys ready?? It's time for my Miss Universe 2017 EVENING GOWNS REVIEW of the Top 10 Semi-finalist's Gowns:


















What's always exciting about the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant is that many of the contestants--if they make the Semifinalist round, and onto the Evening Gown Competition, they do a GOWN CHANGE from what they wore for the Preliminary Competition. And almost all of them--except for two--did! Here is my REVIEW of the TOP TEN Semi-Finalists's Gowns, beginning with my BEST:






No. 1: Miss Universe Thailand Maria Poonlertlarb: When Maria entered the stage in this midnight blue shimmering gown, I just about fell off my chair and started shouting "COUTURE DAHLEEENG COUTURE!!!". I LOVED this stunning gown designed by Asava Thailand . This was a gown change for Maria from what she wore for the Preliminaries (which I also rated as my NUMBER ONE GOWN HERE!). Her Final Night Gown had DRAMA, chic style, elegance, stage-impact (the beautiful blue and silver sequins!) AND an homage to traditional Thai dresses, with those GORGEOUS shoulder "flaps" and back tulle capes. Maria looked like an imaginary FASHION Empress of Thailand!

Score: 9.99




2. Miss Universe Colombia Laura Gonzalez: No. 2 in my list goes to COLOMBIA! Laura--who almost became Miss Universe (she got the First Runner-up prize) looked every bit an elegant Pageant Queen in this all-over sequined silver-over-nude column gown designed by Hernan Zajar . The off-the-shoulder style was smart since it opened up that area creating a longer neckline. The dress featured vertically and diagonally placed sequins (50,800 of them--all hand-sewn!) also shaping her figure through the use of crystals. The flower applique in the upper torso gave extra detail that was also nice for the 3/4 shot. I also loved that there was no too-high slit and the length was just right (hiding any unsightly platform shoes!). I also loved her center-parted sleek hairstyle. Muy chic y muy linda! This was also a gown change from the Preliminaries.

Score: 9.80




3. Miss Universe Canada Lauren Howe: Lauren changed her gown from a very "Ballroom dancing" design that she wore for the Preliminaries (which I wasn't a fan of)...





And thank goodness she did: She was my No. 3! This nude fit-and-flare gown featured beautiful silver applique, a halter neckline and very full tulle overskirt. It had major stage impact, combining a nice Red Carpet-style gown with the "theatrics" of a Pageant Gown. It also fit well (perfect length!) and overall, looked GREAT on her! This is THE Miss Universe Pageant and she BROUGHT HER A-Gown Game!

Score: 9.70








4. Miss Universe Venezuela Keysi Sayago: Keysi wore a GORGEOUS silver sequined gown from designer Alejandro Fajardo for the Preliminaries and she changed into this white crepe design for the Finals. While this was a pretty choice, I was a bit disappointed. This gown lacked the WOW factor we usually see from a Miss Venezuela and just wasn't "Venezuela Alta Moda" enough. The dress looked like a beautiful wedding dress, and in fact it was: It is from the Barcelona Spain brand Pronovias and its Atelier Pronovias Wedding Dress division. The crepe gown retails for 5,500 Euros (about $6515 at today's exchange rate)...





As beautiful as this gown was, I'm not so sure if it was right for the Miss Universe stage. In terms of fit, it looked nice except it was also a bit too short which is odd, since usually the Miss Venezuela "Glam Team" have their fit ON-POINT for these ladies! But, I did love the exquisite crystal detail on her upper torso and Gracias a Dios she wore the PERFECT shoes: Love those strappy silver heels!

Score: 9.30





5. Miss Universe Jamaica Davina Bennett: Three words--You Go Girl! Normally, I would have said that this was a CRAY-CRAY-LICIOUS gown. Seriously, there's A LOT going on: The sheer iridescent fabric, the oversized "Flaura & Faura" appliques, the back capes...the bright "highlighter Yellow" color....I mean, it's A LOT. But, Davina WORKED IT OVERTIME and made me drink the CRAY-CRAY Gown Kool-Aid! The gown was designed by Uzuri International, whose principals are franchise holders of the local competition, Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth. Under any other circumstances I would've been like "Oh Dear!" but here...on Davina: Bravo! And by the way, she was one of only two of the Top 10 contestants who did not change her gown; this is also what she wore for the Preliminaries.

Score: 9.05






6. Miss Universe South Africa (and eventual Miss Universe 2017 Winner) Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters: Demi-Leigh wore this nude-based shimmering gown for the Finals of Miss Universe 2017, and she won! it wasn't my Top Fave (I have her here at No. 6 out of 10) but it did the job! The column-style dress was designed by South African  designer Anel Botha and featured 30,000 hand-embroidered Swarovski crystals, a dangerously high center front slit, long sleeves, plunging neckline and even shoulder pads! It was simple and didn't have that usual major gown drama factor but for Demi-Leigh, it was just right. And trust me, this gown was A LOT better than the velvet green thing she wore for the Preliminaries:





I also give her TONS of points for wearing those silver strappy heels. While I wished the platform wasn't so high, it still worked with the gown.

Score: 9.00








7. Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters: Rachel changed her gown--from a golden one at the Preliminaries, to this silver-steel blue Val Taguba gown. Both gowns had super sexy elements which worked with Rachel's amazing body. This one featured side cut-outs, a plunging neckline (with an illusion center front panel), side front slit opening and feathered hem. The design was very Las Vegas Showgirl Pageant Queen but lacked Haute Couture refinement of say, the gown worn by Miss World Philippines at the recent Miss World finals. Rachel still looked super sexy and impacting, however, I just wished it could have been something more in the line of what outgoing Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere wore to give up her crown, but not in red obviously!


Score: 8.95









8. Miss Universe Brazil Monalysia Alcantara: Monalysa wore this red gown for the Miss Universe 2017 Finals. This was a change from what she wore at the Preliminaries. The gown was designed by Gloria Coelho and featured unique paillettes in varying sizes covering most of the entire sheer gown, except for some areas around the waist, sleeves and back. The gown was interesting and original, especially in its applique work. To me, the gown was OK; it had stage impact and I did like the strong lipstick red color, but at the same time, I couldn't help but be a bit distracted by the fabrication and the too-close-to-a-national-costume look of it all.

Score: 8.75




9. Miss USA Kara McCullough: Kara wore this ivory gown featuring gold and silver sequin embroidery and a Cheongsam look to the design. The gown, created by Sherri Hill, had a fitted sheath silhouette, Mandarin collar, extended shoulders, a super high side front slit and very open front upper torso keyhole. While I loved the fabric and hints of Chinoiserie influence, I just wish it wasn't open in the front (it's like "Hello! Say Hi to my sisters!"). It could have also used more drama with a full-length fit-and-flare/mermaid shape with no slit. Maybe close the front and make it a plunging back. That to me, would have been more "Diva!".

Score: 8.50






Lastly...


10. Miss Universe Spain Sofia del Prado: Sofia was the other Top 10 Semifinalist who kept the same gown she wore to the Preliminaries. The gown was designed by Colombian designer based in NYC, John Miranda. The white dress featured a sequined fit-and-flare base and feathered neckline trim and back overskirt/cape. She called this her "Swan Gown" since it reminds her of a Swan I presume. Personally, it reminds me more of a "Valley of the Dolls" hostess about to hand me a cigarette and a Dirty Martini in Palm Springs in 1966.

Score: 8.00




THAT'S A GOWN WRAP!! 







The "Phoenix" Mikimoto crown makes a comeback. The Mikimoto crown was last used in 2007--ten years back--by Japan's Riyo Mori. It had since been kept (in a Miss Universe vault perhaps?) after switching the crowns by Diamond Nexus Labs and the Diamond International Corporation (DIC). In August 2017, it was reported that the WME/IMG, the mother company of Miss Universe, sued the Czech company Diamond International Corporation for breach of contract. According to Reuters, IMG Universe canceled the contract after the company failed to make two payments. So, now, the Mikimoto crown and its 500 diamonds and 120 South Sea and Akoya pearls, is BACK!

           Photos Courtesy of Missosology Facebook Page, HO/The Miss Universe Organization



This past Monday was the 66th Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, held at the Mezzanine Level of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas, same location that the Miss Universe 2017 National Costumes Presentation was held (Check out my TOP 20 Miss Universe 2017 Costumes HERE!).







The Preliminaries are very important because this is where the contestants compete in Swimsuit and Evening Gown in front of a panel of judges who will then choose the Semifinalists who will be announced on the night's Final Crowning this upcoming Sunday November 26th. I don't really care about the Swimsuits but THE EVENING GOWNS....that's my territory!







After looking at all the 92 contestants and their gowns, there were LOTS of Nude and Golden Gowns, White Gowns, Canary Yellow Gowns (Top 3 Trends in the Pageant World!)...







One can blame the originators of the "Nude/Golden" Gown Look on Lebanese Couturiers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad but I also think after last year's Miss Universe France Iris Mittenaere won the Miss Universe  crown wearing a nude/golden gown (Click HERE!)...this year's contestants were bitten by the NUDE GOLDEN GOWN Virus. So, with that said, here is my TOP 20 GOWNS from Miss Universe 2017 preliminary Evening Gown Competition, starting with....






1. Miss Universe Thailand Maria Poonlertlarb: This was by far the most Haute Couture-looking gowns of all the 92 contestants vying for Miss Universe 2017. Miss Universe Thailand chose a white shimmering gown from Thai designer/brand Surface by Joe Surface. The strapless gown was custom made for her and featured a sequined crinoline/tulle fabrication and folded cascade drapes with a back overskirt. It was dramatic, stage-impacting and Paris Runway Fab. No store-bought polyester dress here darlings!

Score: 9.75





2. Miss Universe Venezuela Keysi Sayago: Keysi is a runway fashion DIVA! She's been posting photos of all her daily looks while in Las Vegas and has been looking STYLED huney! So I was happy to see this beautiful choice for her gown: A silver/white sequined crinoline strapless design from Venezuelan designer Alejandro Fajardo (he also designed her national costume which I loved). The dress fit perfectly, hugged every right part of her flawless figure and the shimmering white color stood out against her naturally tanned skin.  I also loved the bun and earrings as well.

Score: 9.65



*This gown--by the way-- is a version of what he designed for this year's winner of "Miss Venezuela":









3. Miss Universe Indonesia Bunga Jelitha: Another fashionista at this year's Miss Universe is the tall and fabulous Miss Universe Indonesia. Bunga chose (Thank God it wasn't NUDE, GOLDEN, or WHITE!) a pink silk chiffon draped gown from Indonesian designer Andreas Odang. I LOVED the bubblegum pink color and the "Old Hollywood Glamour"-meets-Grecian Goddess draping and style of the gown. I also liked her sleek hair. I just wished she would not have worn those tacky nude platforms: They are so NOT Haute and so 4 pm, as opposed to 9 pm darling. I wish--instead--she would have worn the silver strappy heels in the photo-shoot above. But these girls--they always want to look taller, instead of looking chic.

Score: 9.35




4. Miss Universe Ghana Ruth Quashie: Yeayyy! Another non-nude/golden/white gown! The stunning Miss Universe Ghana wore my 4th Favorite Gown from the 2017 Miss Universe Preliminaries. This canary yellow dress was designed by Pistis Ghana by Kabutey Dzietror  and Sumaiya Mohammed and it features yellow duchesse satin with hand-beaded Kente-style embellishments. I thought the color, style and fit were PERFECT! And the gown made Ruth a stand-out in a sea of Nude/Silver/Gold. I was also VERY HAPPY that she wore the correct shoes and not those platform ones.

Score: 9.20




5. Miss Universe Aruba Alina Mansur: Aruba's Alina Mansur wore this silver/white sequined gown designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza. This was another example of a more Haute-looking evening gown. From the side cascade drape to the stunning glittery fabrication, to the correct length...it was all fab! While I wished the upper torso wasn't so...sheer'ish (it was like a cross between a figure skating costume-meets-a-too-sexy-pageant contestant), I tried to overlook that and concentrate on the overall look.

Score: 9.15







6. Miss Universe Korea Sewhee Cho: This gown worn by Miss Universe Korea was one of the better shimmering silver ones...and there were A LOT! The off-the-shoulder column/fit and flare style--designed by Vietnamese designer Chung Thanh Phong--fit her BEAUTIFULLY and the silver fringe was stage-impacting fabulous. This was one of the BEST and that's why she is my No. 6.

Score: 9.10




7. Miss Universe Peru Prissila Howard: Prissila wore one of those popular "nude"/silver gowns for the Miss Universe 2017 Preliminaries. I loved the gorgeous sequined detail and how it curved around the body, really accentuating her figure. More importantly, I also appreciated that the lining went ALL THE WAY DOWN! While many may think she might have been too "covered up", I thought this was elegant and classy. I know that you can barely see those nude platforms she was wearing (Gracias a Dios!) but I wished that she might have gone with silver strappy heels, but that's just me.

Score: 9.05




8. Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers: I thought this blue sequined gown was a very nice choice for the pretty Miss Universe Australia--so much so that I placed her at No. 8 in my Top 20 Best Gowns here. The gown was designed by Australian designer Steph Audino and featured a halter neckline, straight column dress with high side-front slit and attached full overskirt. The caviar-beaded fabrication was exquisite and expensive and the overall style--especially with the side front folded draped detail--looked very "Elie Saab Lite", which I admired. And KUDOS to my dear Olivia for wearing THE RIGHT and very fab silver strappy heels!!! #ILoveYou.

Score: 9.00





9. Miss Universe Angola Lauriela Martins: Next gown on my list of Best is another nude/shimmering design, very similar to Miss Universe Peru's gown (No. 7)--this time worn by the statuesque Miss Universe Angola. The gown was by Brazilian designer Alexandre Dutra and featured golden and silver sequins over a nude tulle base, as well as shoulder details. Once again, though, I wasn't a fan of her shoes. But, overlooking those, the overall impact was very "Glittering  Pageant Queen".

Score: 8.98





10. Miss Universe Mexico Denisse Franco: The beautiful Miss Universe Mexico wore this white crepe gown with nude illusion and sequins designed by Marcela Beltran. The gown shape looked marvelous on Denisse, curving her figure perfectly as you can see above. The dress featured a center front slit and princess seams that flared the style into a full mermaid-like bottom sweep. If there was any critique, I just think that the nude illusion--paired with the rhinestone details--takes the gown into "Figure Skating Costume" territory. But other than that, this was a nice gown for her.

Score: 8.97




11. Miss Universe Nicaragua Berenice Quezada: Designed by Nicaraguan designer Erick Bendaña, this gown got my attention because it didn't fall into any of those typical Pageant Gown categories. This style was a full ballgown style and featured a very pretty mint blue color. The dress was covered in what seemed like cut velvet  and sequins, which added to the unique one-of-a-kind look. I thought it was elegant and very pretty.

Score: 8.95







12. Miss Universe France Alicia Aylies: Oh, yes, here we go again, a nude/blush/silver sequined gown! This time, on Miss Universe France. The shape and silhouette were nice and I liked the semi-sheer look (not completely see-through!). I also thought the delicate tulle capelet on her shoulders and arms was a nice detail. And in addition, a Merci to Alicia for NOT wearing those nude platform shoes and instead opting for the correct strappy heels.

Score: 8.90




13. Miss Universe Sweden Frida Fornander: Miss Universe Sweden's gown--designed by  "Crown Couture" Gaspar Cruz--featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, nude base and silver and blue sequined embellishments. The pop of color made it a little different from all those other very similar-looking gowns and at least, for me, made me take notice in a good way. It also fit her quite nicely. But...uh oh, what do I see on her feet! Oh No. Not Those. Clunky. Platform. Shoes!

Score: 8.75




14. Miss Universe Panama Laura de Sanctis: No. 14 in my Top 20 List of Best Gown of Miss Universe 2017 Preliminaries was this one worn by Miss Universe Panama Laura de Sanctis. The dress was designed by Venezuelan designer Julio Mora and featured a white iridescent full sweeping skirt with a side front slit attached to a nude illusion top with shimmering gold-and-silver sequins that looked like luxe Christmas tinsel. While I loved how the sequined "tinsel" looked on her upper torso, I could have done without it on the arms and shoulder. And once again...those nude platform pumps! (Ayyy Dios Mio!).

Score: 8.65




15. Miss Universe Guyana Rafieya Husain: Designed by Canadian designer Bobby Ackbarali , known for doing fabulous Dance Wear and Beauty Pageant designs--he created this three days before she left from Guyana to Las Vegas (!). I loved the bold canary yellow color and thought the fuller ballgown shape was pretty and Princess-like. One has to be careful though when doing such a BOLD color, since it can take you into Disney Territory very quickly. With that said, the color is PERFECT for Rafieya and she styled her hair in a very chic manner with that center front sleek look. If there was any critique, she didn't need those diamante earrings; the rhinestone trim on the dress itself was enough.

Score: 8.55




16. Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters: Rachel wore this strapless gold/nude gown from Dubai-based designer Val Taguba, who also created her "Golden Chicken" national costume which you can see HERE in my Miss Universe 2017 National Costumes BLOG. The gown featured gorgeous intricate gold sequined detail over a nude tulle base and super high side front slit. She looked Va Va Voom Super sexy--continuing her "theme" started with her also-very sexy National Costume. If there were any critiques, it would be that I wished she wouldn't have worn those nude platform pumps and instead opted for gold strappy heels; and I thought she could have bumped up her earrings to something more luxe. Also, since this style of dress has become so "Pageant Typical", there is nothing very exciting about this look.

Score: 8.50







17. Miss Universe Vietnam Loan Nguyen: Miss Universe Vietnam also wore one of those "nude" gowns (seriously, they all were bitten by the NUDE GOWN VIRUS!). This one was designed by NTK Do Long and had gold and silver sequined appliques over a nude tulle base, long sleeves and an illusion netting covered neckline. The style fit her nicely and she styled herself well (except for those nude platforms, of course!).

Score: 8.30





18. Miss Universe Dominican Republic Carmen Munos: Oh, look at that: It's NOT a nude gown! The lovely contestant from the Dominican Republic wore this dramatic black sequined ballgown, designed by Dominican Republic designer Rafael Rivero. I thought this was stage-impacting and impressive. The fabrication looks very expensive and the shape makes it stand out among a sea of skin-tight column gowns. I'm sure many people might say she's a little too "Gone With The Wind" but I like the drama and almost "Throwback" style to the Miss Venezuela SUPERGOWN days of Angel Sanchez and Guy Meliet.

Score: 8.25




19. Miss Universe Guam Myana Welch: Guam's representative looked very pretty in this white sequined gown. The dress featured "patches" of clustered paillettes over a nude tulle base. I think this was a nice gown choice and her styling was modern; I even liked those fab earrings of hers. What I didn't I like...You guessed it: THE STRIPPER PLATFORM PUMPS!

Score: 8.15




20. Miss Universe India Shraddha Shahshidhar: Last on my Top 20 Best Gowns List, I wanted to include this design worn by Miss Universe India. The gown, created by Indian designer Swapnil Shinde (who also happened to be a contestant on "Project Runway" Season 14 and has now become one of the go-to designers for Bollywood stars and Indian Pageant Queens), features silver sequins over a nude tulle base, along with a super sexy silhouette featuring a very high front "slit" opening. I would have preferred if the slit/opening wasn't there and think a closed gown would have looked more "Red Carpet Fab", but I loved the sequined fabrication. Also, because of the opening, I got to see her unfortunate choice of shoes (WHYYYY????). But on a good note: Her hair, makeup and earrings were on-point!

Score: 8.10



But wait...THERE'S MORE...






EXTRAS!!! I just wanted to include this group of Gown Ladies just because their choices of gowns were so...UNUSUAL! I wasn't sure if  I wanted to call them "Oh Dear's!" or just give them "Drag Queen" snaps for being bold enough to go there. I think it's a combination of both. These were certainly NOT my Top 20 Faves but they were "Cray-Cray-Licious"! Take a look: 





























And lastly...