SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Lebanon 2016 Evening Gown Recap: The Zuhair Murad Gown Parade!

Haute Beauty Queens: "Miss Lebanon 2016" winner (center) and contestants, all wearing Zuhair Murad--"Miss Lebanon 2016" Finals

This past weekend were the Finals of "Miss Lebanon 2016". The winner was 22 year-old Sandy Tabet originally from Bhamdoun, 14 miles of the country's capital city, Beirut. She defeated 14 other contestants for the coveted crown and will now represent her nation in the "Miss World 2016" occurring this December in Washington DC...

"Miss Lebanon 2016" Sandy Tabet

The "Miss Lebanon" pageant is one of the most stylish ones in the international circuit for one reason alone: Zuhair Murad. The Lebanese couturier--famous for dressing the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Kristen Bell, Chrissy Teigen, who is one of the organizers as well as judge of the national pageant...

Lebanese Beauty: "Miss Lebanon 2016" Sandy Tabet

The exciting part for me--as a designer and beauty pageant aficionado--is the fact that the Evening Gown portion of the pageant is comprised of ALL Zuhair Murad gowns! Yes kids, they are not playing around here--sometimes he even allows some of his $100,000+ costing Haute Couture creations to be worn by the contestants. At last year's "Miss World", Miss Lebanon in fact wore one of his Couture gowns and became a finalist:

Valerie Abou Chacra "Miss Lebanon 2015" at "Miss World 2015" wearing Zuhair Murad Haute Couture

So...Let's get to this year's Evening Gown Couture Parade! I want to start with one of the hosts of the show, Aimee Sayah:

Aimee Sayah, who also happens to be the host of Lebanon's version of "The Voice", wore this silver and gold caged gown from Zuhair Murad Couture Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The off-the-shoulder gown features hand-crafted flower-and-leaf appliques and a metallic belt. Stunning.



And now, the contestants and my Best-to-OK gowns, beginning with the eventual winner...

Sandy Tabet: Sandy wore a chic late 70's/early 80's inspired "zig-zag" sequined Zuhair Murad gown featuring long sleeves, plunging neckline and side front slit. The dress was very Studio 54 Glam Fab and very un-Pageant, which I kind of loved. I wish she would have worn different shoes, however; I would have preferred gold metallic strappy heels. But it looks as if all the contestants had to wear these shoes...poor girls--they're great with a daytime sheath dress but NOT with a $10,000+ Zuhair Murad gown.

Score: 9.05

Kathia Serhal: This gown--worn by Kathia--was the only one in such a strong golden mustard color. And I loved it! It was also the only one without any sequins or applique; it was all gorgeous, supple silk jersey. The design is sexy, Disco/70's fab and Grecian Goddess-like. Talk about making an entrance to a Gala in this...all other ladies would have to just step aside!

Score: 9.60

Reine Yamine: Loved this black Zuhair Muard gown. It's regal, entrance-making and elegant. I loved the subtle jet black sequin applique and the shape is EVERYTHING.

Score: 9.45

Andrea Haykal: Andrea was one of the Runner-ups and she wore this ivory lace and tulle fitted Zuhair Murad gown. White is a very popular choice for pageant gals and I could see this specific gown worn at an international pageant. The long sleeves keeps it "demure" for the ladies who don't want to show too much but the hint of leg through the netting makes sure it is still pageant-sexy! Also this is a two-for-one dress since if you add some white or nude lining, it could also work as your wedding gown!

Score: 9.35

Hala Merheb: Hala wore this stunning black tulle gathered ballgown from Zuhair Murad Ready-to-Wear Fall 2016 Collection. The gown features delicate gold, red and blue leaf and butterfly details slowly cascading down the dress. It is light and airy but still commands gown attention. Part of me wishes, however, that it had layers and layers of under-tulle to give it more volume and impact. But as is, it is still quite beautiful.

Score: 9.25

Tracy Rizkallah: Tracy wore this beautiful black tulle and sequined applique gown at the "Miss Lebanon 2016" Crowning Night Finals. As with all the other gowns in the pageant, it was from Zuhair Murad. And in case you have about $10,000 to spare, it's available here on Net-a-Porter; a bargain compared to his $85,000+ Haute Couture versions! The shape was classic Murad--with the full gathered overskirt and column gown underneath. But once again, I have to critique the shoes! Ladies: Please do not EVER wear nude shoes like this, with a black ball gown. Ever.

Score: 9.00

Rouba Daccache: Rouba chose (or it was chosen for her!) this black tiered gown from Zuhair Murad Ready-to-Wear Pre-Fall 2016 Collection. Normally I am not a fan of the tiered details (can look slightly Tacky Prom!) but I think it works with this design. the gown gives hints of the late 70's with its plunging neckline and sequined "stripes". It's both modern yet Retro.

Score: 8.99

Norma Darwich: Norma wore this red sequin-over-tulle fitted gown. I admire all the intricate applique work and how well it fits. The strawberry red color is also perfect for a dark haired woman and I can see this gown making an impact in the international pageant stage. The only thing I have a problem with is the placement of a specific applique right on her you-know-what. It's awkward to say the least and I doubt the lovely Norma would want the judges' (or anyone else for that matter) eyes focused there.

Score: 8.99

Michele Hajal: Michele's gown was similar in shape to the contestant I discussed before her. But here, the sequin applique was done right! It didn't focus on her you-know-what but instead, the embellishment was distributed quite evenly throughout. The raspberry color is quite pretty and the fit is perfection--notice how right-to-the-floor it is! Ladies: Take note--a long gown should always end there with no shoes visible...unless of course, it is a Hi-lo style.

Score: 9.15



Now, speaking of Hi-lo...

Frederica Abdo: I love a good Hi-lo style gown, especially when it's done right. This nude-colored gown features gorgeous silver and lilac sequin applique throughout and has a soft hi-lo cascading effect. It's pretty and lady-like. I just wish she would have not worn THOSE darn shoes; they look so CLUNKY!

Score: 8.50

Marcella Kalach: Marcella's white gown was very pretty and since it is a Zuhair Murad, I can only imagine how beautiful the intricate sequined applique is. But...it's a little "safe" and rather Bridal-looking. All she is missing is a veil and bouquet and she would be the perfect bride. Without all that, she looks like a Maid of Honor of a very high-end very costly wedding.

Score: 8.55

Pascale Dghem: I like how simple and sleek this white high-necked long sleeved gown is. But, at the same time, this is also why I'm not so sure it's impacting enough for an international beauty pageant stage. I think if it was one shoulder or strapless and then had an attached fabulous dramatic matching cape, then I would have given it higher marks.

Score: 8.45

Rita Bou Melhem: Rita wore this blue Zuhair Murad gown. It's pretty and I like the color. That's about all I can say; it's a nice gown for a wedding--a guest, a Maid of Honor, but for "Miss Lebanon", I expect a little more drama and something not so basic.

Score: 8.35

Maribelle Tarabay: The beautiful Maribelle was a Runner-up at "Miss Lebanon 2016". While she is gorgeous, this gown is so bland to me. It's a safe design and something that one can find a hundred times over at your local department store's "After Five" section. Knowing how there are HUNDREDS of more beautiful and impacting Zuhair Murad gowns, somehow she picked one that looks as if it belongs on the Sale Rack.

Score: 8.00



Finally...

Santa Metri: Sandra's gown was similar to Maribelle's (the contestant I discussed before her) in it's nude illusion with applique on top/full solid skirt at bottom. It's pretty but rather "Zuhair Murad for Macy's" (if he ever licensed his name to do a much, much, much lower priced line). It also reminds me of a figure skating costume, and not in a high-end fabulous way.

Score: 7.99

Congratulations to Sandy Tabet, the newly crowned "Miss Lebanon 2016"...I can't wait to see what Zuhair Murad Haute Couture gown you wear at December's "Miss World 2016" Beauty Pageant!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....amfAR's 22nd Cinema Against AIDS Gala Red Carpet: Model Fab!

Model Gorgeous: (Clockwise, from top) Chanel Iman, Karlie Kloss, Daniela Braga, Toni Garrn, Natasha Poly and Doutzen Kroes--2015 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala

Last night was the 22nd Annual amfAR Cinema Againstv AIDS Gala, held at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the very luxe French Riviera city of Cap d-Antibes. The 2015 gala raised millions to held find a cure for HIV/AIDS, bringing out top celebs as well as the SUPER of Supermodels...

Dancing--and posing--Queens: (Left to Right) Doutzen Kroes, Joan Smalls, Lara Stone, Kendall Jenner, Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss--2015 amFAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala

On the red carpet, models wore a variety of styles--from fabulous and very glam Haute Couture ball gowns, slinky and sexy slit-up-to-there columns, mini dresses and even a jumpsuit. Let's take a look at some of the best...

Chanel Iman in Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015: Chanel Iman wore a glorious ball gown from the Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring 2015 collection. The silk tulle nude-based gown featured a very plunging neckline, long sleeves and intricately hand sewn sequined appliques. I think Chanel looked sooooo BEAUTIFUL! This is a $100,000+ costing gown and she wore it wonderfully...and looked even better than the runway model.

Toni Garrn in Elie Saab RTW Spring 2015: German model--and former main squeeze of Leonardo DiCaprio--Toni Garrn, was right on trend with this bold printed high-lo dress from Elie Saab Spring 2015 RTW. I LOVE this dress and I also love how she wore it--from the nude heels to the slicked hair.

Adriana Lima in Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015: Brazilian bombshell supermodel Adriana Lima wore this side cut-out--and side front slit--sequined gown from French couturier Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015 collection. This is definitely one of those gowns that basically either a Supermodel or a Miss Universe WINNER--can only wear.

Doutzen Kroes in Maison Margiela Couture Spring/Summer 2015 by John Galliano: I thought Dutch model Doutzen Kroes looked quite old-school Alta Moda in this tunic shaped lipstick red halter gown from Maison Margiela Couture Spring/Summer 2015. This gown was from John Galliano's debut collection for the famed design house.

Daniela Braga in Balmain Pre-Fall 2015: Brazilian model Daniela Braga looked fabulous in this black wide legged jumpsuit from Balmain Pre-Fall 2015 collection. I thought it was a super modern way of opting out of the traditional gown or super sexy slit-up-to-there dress.

Soo Joo Park in Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2013: bleach blond model Soo Joo Park walked the red carpet at the 2015 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala in this gunmetal colored sequined slightly A-line shift dress from Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Notice that on the runway, the dress was worn with a boucle jacket over it, and a longer under-skirt plus a hip-slung wide belt. She was smart to leave all that stuff back in the Chanel Haute Couture showroom.

Gigi Hadid in Tom Ford: Gigi Hadid wore an ivory crepe column style gown from Tom Ford. The dress featured a geometric cut-out neckline, long sleeves and high side front slit. I  think the gown is super sexy but I just have a little problem with what's happening in the cleavage area and how the neckline of the dress is not sitting straight. It's obvious that there's some MAJOR double-stick tape happening to prevent any wardrobe malfunction.

Karlie Kloss in Tom Ford: Karlie Kloss also wore Tom Ford at last night's amfAR Gala. Karlie's gown was a silver sequined "tank"-style dress with plunging sides. I thought she looked both retro (kind of a 60's vibe) but still modern.

Joan Smalls in Givenchy: Model Joan Smalls wore a black knit dress from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. The dress had a plunging neckline (of course) and open shoulders. I loved the vamp-y styling including her slicked back hair and THAT lipstick! 

Karolina Kurkova in Alexis Mabille Couture: Czech Supermodel Karolina Kurkova wore a blush pink silk mikado gown from French couturier Alexis Mabille. The strapless gown featured a full gathered flared ballgown skirt, draped bustier and bow/knot tie at the Empire section. I think Karolina looked quite elegant and Grace Kelly old school. It was a nice change to see a supermodel do "Classy" with a  capital C.

Irina Shayk in Atelier Versace: Irina Shayk wore this jade green colored super sexy gown from Atelier Versace. Once again, this is the type of style that only a Supermodel--or Beauty Queen--can get away with. And I think Irina does get away with it. For sure!

Jourdan Dunn in Vera Wang: UK model Jourdan Dunn looked lovely in a blue draped silk tulle gown from Vera Wang. I loved her loose--almost effortless hairstyle to counterbalance such an intricately gathered structured mermaid-shaped gown.

The Saint Laurent Girls: (Left to Right) Natasha Poly, Lara Stone and Lily Donaldson in Custom Saint Laurent--Who looked better? I say Natasha...what do you guys think?

Kendall Jenner in Custom Calvin Klein Collection: Finally, there was Reality TV Star and UBER model Kendall Jenner. She attended last night's Gala in a mauve colored halter gown from Calvin Klein Collection. This was a custom design, made especially for Kendall and the event. I think she looked great! I love the 70's "Charlie's Angels" vibe of the style and the train gave an added sense of drama. Oh and yes, Kendall's wonderfully toned arms and tummy can definitely pull this off!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Premios Billboard 2015 Latin Billboard Awards, Las Ladies, The Muy Bien and Chonchee-licious!

 Las Muchachas Good: The "Muy Bien" White Carpet Divas of the 2015 Premios Billboard Awards/Latin Billboard Awards--Bank United Center Miami Florida

The 2015 Premios Billboard/Latin Billboard Awards were last night, televised live on Telemundo--the Spanish language sister network of NBC/Universal from the Bank United Center in Miami Florida. The awards show celebrates the best in Latino music and is one of the highest rated music programs on the Telemundo network. Naturally, a lot of the presenters and red carpet attendees are from...you guessed it...the Telemundo/NBC/Universal family.  Now, time for the good stuff: the RED CARPET. For the 2015 Premios Billboard, it was actually a WHITE CARPET and here are my Top Faves of the MUCHACHAS (the ladies) and toward the end of the blog...

The Not-So-Mucheey Muy Bueno. Or as I like to say, the CHONCHEE--2015 Premios Billboard, United Bank Center Miami Florida

Let's begin with the GOOD and the one-and-only, La JLo:

Jennifer Lopez in Zihair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2014: Leave it to Miss Jennifer Lopez to WURK it. She is SERVING it in this white silk tulle applique jumpsuit and silk crepe cape from Lebanese Couturier Zuhair Murad and his Spring/Summer 2014 collection. This complete look would probably set you back about $45,000+; it's all hand-made and yes, part of the designer's Haute Couture collection and it is FABULOUSLY chic! Everything--from the outfit, to her red nails to the clutch, rings and makeup and hair...is PERFECTO!

Shannon de Lima: Marc Anthony's wife, model Shannon de Lima wore this peach colored sequined chiffon gown with a side front slit, waistband and peek-a-boo keyhole halter neckline/top detail. The gown was very Beauty Pageant Queen--and in a good way. I loved her center-parted hairstyle and the fact that it wasn't all "Pageant pouffy"; that would have been almost redundant since she was wearing such a pageant-like gown. I also give her points for some of her accessories: I liked the simple silver clutch and silver strappy heels but I think she didn't need all those rings and bracelets but I'm sure they were very expensive diamonds loaned to her so she probably felt that she had to wear them.

Carmen Villalobos: Colombian telenovela actress Carmen Villalobos wore this pretty stunning and dramatic gown at last night's "2015 Premios Billboard". The gown is from Venezuelan designer-who-shows-at-Paris-Couture-Week Oscar Carvallo and his Oscar Carvallo Couture Fall/Winter 2013 collection. I thought the style was impacting and the fit (perfect length and the torso!) is impeccable. If you notice on the runway model, it seemed a bit short and the breasts were "peeking" out from the copper/gold torso bustier. Gracias a Dios that wasn't happening to the lovely Carmen!

Natalia Jimenez: Spanish singer Natalia Jimenez wore this ensemble above last night. It was a combination of a Balmain Fall 2015 top and a Valentino skirt that she supposedly "designed". I liked this look on Natalia. She looked chic, ethereal yet sexy. It was interesting that she combined such an UBER sexy look from Balmain and such a Boho Couture look from Valentino. Here are images I found from both...

Balmain (far left) and Valentino collections (Fall 2015 and Pre-Fall 2015, middle and far right) These pieces show you "hints" of Natalia's look. From my research, it does seem that the skirt was "custom" and while I am not discrediting Natalia's possible fashion designer future career, I am sure it was the Valentino design team of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli that suggested this look for her and she was like, "Si!".

Gaby Espino in Gustavo Arango: Venezuelan model and telenovela actress Gaby Espino wore a royal blue halter neckline gown from Colombia-born/Puerto Rico-raised designer Gustavo Arango. The actress, who was styled by Claudia Zuleta, looks quite nice in this gown. The style is simple, classic and yet still sexy-licious. I also loved her hair and makeup. Muy bien Gaby!

Silver Good: Marcia Jones and Kary Musa--these two ladies looked great in silver. Let's begin with actress, model and former Miss Colombia 2010 contestant Marcia Jones Brango (left): I thought her silver and nude gown fit her quite nice and well, this former beauty queen sure knows how to pose in that gown! I also liked Colombian actress and singer Kary Musa in this silver sequined gown; the fit was perfect and the styling--her side slicked hair and simple earrings and bracelet--were right on trend.

Cynthia Olavarria: Actress, TV host and former Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2005 looked like a High Fashion Disney Princess in this gold tulle and lame satin ball gown. I liked this silhouette and if anyone is going to pull off all that volume, it would be Cynthia! The dress seems a bit Prom-a-Licious but I still thing she worked it out. It's not a 9.9 but maybe a 8.6, which is still quite BUENO!

Maritza Rodriguez: Colombian telenovela actress Maritza Rodriguez makes my "Muy Bueno" list in this black sequins and nude gown from Abu Dabi -based designer Charbel Karam. I liked the style and fit.

Sofia Reyes: 19 year-old Mexican singer Sofia Reyes looked  quite pretty in this lime green column gown with contrast torso detail. I liked the side peek-a-boo's (not too revealing!) and the Versace-like styling. I really liked this!

Rashel Diaz: Telemundo presenter Rashel Diaz wore this canary yellow gown from designer Gustavo Arango. Rashel was styled by Claudia Zuleta, just like actress Gaby Espino. I liked this strapless gown with peplum detail. The dress fit her nicely (perfect length) and the color was a stand-out!

Roselyn Sanchez: The gorgeous Roselyn wore this asymmetrical strawberry red jersey gown and I thought it was GREAT! Supposedly, the dress was from Givenchy. I could not find a photo from a recent Givenchy collection for the life of me but I she looks fantastic.

Marta Sanchez: Spanish singer (and Donatella Versace doppelganger--sans all the surgery!) Marta Sanchez makes my "Best Dressed" because A) she looked GREAT! and B) she WURKED that White Carpet! I thought the dress itself was a bit of a "Meh"--black side slit gown with halter neckline and odd arm detail--on another person this could have gone "Vegas cheap Tacky-licious" but leave it to Marta to make it look semi-classy. Big emphasis on "Semi".

The Uh Oh!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi-Lo No: These two lovely ladies did not give themselves any Positive Fashion Points by wearing these dresses.  They both look like they went to a Sale Rack of a department store to buy these. Or a Prom Store in Ft. Lauderdale. On a positive note: I really liked their shoes! Yay for that!

Jessica Cerezo and Santaye: These two ladies were Applique No-No's. Jessica Cerezo (left) looks like a Mother-of-the-Bride and Santaye knows IT AIN'T GOOD when she has to place that clutch right around HER CHA-CHA to cover that wardrobe malfunction.

Ivy Queen: MIJA!!! What. Are. You. Thinking???? This is a Bird/Savage Queen No. The only thing I like about this is that Louis Vuitton clutch.

Isabella Castillo: Oh Isabella. What tacky Prom did you think you were attending??? I really hope that A) You didn't pay for this and B) a Freshman at some Fashion School made this....at least those are good excuses. It's a No-No.



**NEXT UP: Los HOMBRES! The Boys of the 2015 Latin Billboard Awards White Carpet