Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2015! XO Nick

Christmas 2015 NIKOLAKI Fashion Diva (and our little Benny!)--Sketch by Nick Verreos

Wishing you and your loved ones a Wonderful and Fabulous Holiday and Stylish New Year!

XO Nick Verreos

SASHES AND TIARAS.....MISS WORLD 2015 Finals EVENING GOWN Recap!

Miss World Pretty: Miss Spain Wins Miss World 2015--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

Over the weekend, the day before that other international pageant that had the ESCANDALO crowning...the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant happened. Miss World is considered the "Granddaddy" (or Grandma) of International beauty pageants because it is older than Miss Universe (by one year) and usually has more contestants; this year, Miss World 2015 boasted 114 contestants, as opposed to "just" 80 for Miss Universe. I do have to say, 114 is out of control for a pageant and kudos for the Miss World Organization for being able to achieve that.

Crowned Bella: Last year's Miss World, South Africa's Rolene Strauss (middle, in red) crowns Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna as the new Miss World 2015 with 1st Runner-up Miss Russia (left) and 2nd Runner-up Miss Indonesia (right) looking on--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China 

Because of these reasons primarily, a lot of pageant fans (and some national pageant directors) consider the London-based Miss World pageant more important. But, many of those same fans say the international beauty pageant has lost its "Wow Factor"; while Miss World's are regarded as very pretty and sweet, and perfect to be the face for charitable causes, the Miss Universe winners are the sexier "sister" (as of late) to Miss World. Now that we got that out of the way, time to discuss this year's very pretty and sweet-looking winner...

Ole! Miss Spain World Mireia Lalaguna stands 1.77 m (5' 10"), has blond hair and sapphire blue eyes. The 23-year old actress/model is from Barcelona and is the first contestant from Spain to win Miss World, in the pageant's 65 year history. None of the big "pageant fan sites" had this lovely beauty as one of the favorites to win the crown, so as you can imagine it was a big surprise...even to Mireia herself:

Spanish Shock--When her name was called as "Miss World", she was genuinely, in shock--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

The Pageant:

Dances of The World: The Miss World 2015 Finals were telecast live here in the US on the E! Entertainment Network on Saturday morning and one of the highlights were the "Dances of the World" segment, featuring the contestants wearing their national costumes and showing some of them doing dances from their native lands

The Top Five Finalists in Evening Gowns (L to R) Miss Spain, Miss Russia, Miss Indonesia, Miss Lebanon, and Miss Jamaica--Miss World 2015 Finals, Sanya China

The Evening Gowns--Now, it's time to discuss the Miss World 2015 Finals Evening Gowns, since naturally, that's ALL I really want to talk about so...let's get to it, beginning with the eventual winner...

Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna: Miss Spain wore a sapphire blue (matching her eyes!) sequined gown, with a sweetheart neckline and nude and sequined applique detail. It was a nice gown but rather "pageant Safe" and slightly dated. This was definitely not Red Carpet Fab but it was fine for her and looked beautiful. It also fit quite nicely.

Score: 8.90

Miss Russia Sofia Nikitchuk: The Russian contestant, who got 1st Runner-up, wore a red silk satin strapless ball gown with a drop waist and delicately pretty sequin detail. The gown looked expensive and had hints of something seen on the Elie Saab Haute Couture runways (but it wasn't). I liked it but...I wasn't a fan of the "Pageant Betty" accessories--earrings and necklace. Those took her to "Much Younger Wife of a 50-something Russian Oil Magnate".

Score: 8.80 

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Miss Indonesia wore a strapless mermaid shaped ivory sequined gown. The dress featured white gathered tulle neckline detail. It was nice enough but nothing Couture Extraordinary; I can see this at a Pageant-and-Prom store anywhere in the world. And once again: what is up with the necklace and earrings??? So late 90's tacky. These ladies should learn: when a gown is this busy and this full of sequins...there's no need for a necklace or earrings like the ones above. Period. No. When will they ever learn?

Score: 8.70

Miss Lebanon Valerie Abou Chacra: GORGEOUS. Yes, I said it! Miss Lebanon was one of the favorites to win the crown and I can see why. This gown was STUNNING. Oh, and yes, it was a design from Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection. The gown featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, nude silk tulle with hand-sewn ivory beads and crystals and a full gathered overskirt sewn onto a column gown. This gown probably retails for about $100,000. I am sure she didn't pay that and it was borrowed. But wow, I hope she really was careful with getting any makeup on it. I loved everything about this look except...yes, THE NECKLACE. Seriously!!?? You're wearing a gown that costs as much as a Mercedes-Benz...and she thinks it was necessary to throw on a necklace? No.

Score: 9.90

Miss Jamaica Sanneta Myrie: Miss Jamaica was a lovely contestant and I loved her hair. But this satin gown was too Prom-a-Licious. The satin looked very polyester and the lace/sequin applique was a bit standard. It didn't help that the baby blue color also took it to a Prom-and-Pageant place. On a positive note: the dress fit her nicely.

Score: 7.5



The Rest of the Top 20 Evening Gowns...

Miss Australia Tess Alexander: Silver sequined ball gown. She looked pretty and nice. But very Debutante Ball. I would have liked a little more Fab Ball Gown.

Miss France Hinarere Taputu: Miss France is originally from Tahiti and oh so exotically gorgeous. I liked the black and white contrast of this gown but I could have seen the exact same gown at a pageant in 1998. I'd love to have seen her in something more modern, chic and sexier.

Miss Guyana Lisa Punch: Miss Guyana shined onstage, especially when winning the Talent Competition with her amazing singing. This lady is a star! In terms of her gown, she wore an ivory one sleeved gown with modern gold sequin detail. I liked this gown; it was directional, sleek and perfect for her.

Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Off the shoulder light blue sequins and feathers. It's A LOT of gown. But I think it works. I'm not a fan of the off-the-shoulder look (so Pageant Betty and 90's)  so I wished it wasn't that way. But other than that, this was a nice, very pretty choice for Miss Philippines.

Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie: Miss South Africa's gown was an ivory satin column with a back overskirt. The dress featured gold sequined trim accents in the torso. I think this was a nice, elegant choice for her. It may not have had the "Gown Wattage" of a Fab impacting look but, it was pretty good!

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Vietnam's contestant wore this iridescent violet/blue mermaid shaped gown. The fit was perfect and style was nice. I think this look worked for the gorgeous Miss Vietnam and made her stand out.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Miss Brazil was one of the favorites to win the Miss World with her Korean-Brazilian background. She wore a red satin, chiffon and sequined applique gown. The dress was very typical and not directional or chic enough for my taste. It looked fine on her but yet, this could have been 2002.

Miss China PR Yuan Lu: Miss China PR wore this ivory and silver sequined mermaid style gown. This was a very nice style. I liked the torso section and wished the silver sequin work would have continued through to the bottom of the gown. I also liked the shoulder sequin detail. But because there was already so much going on with the dress, she DEFINITELY did not need those earrings.

Miss Ecuador Camila Maranon: Pretty, cute and right for Miss Ecuador. This baby blue satin gown with a "fringed" overskirt was a bit Haute Debutante...and I liked it. The color was great for her and so was her styling and side-swept hair. Bless Her (Gown) Heart.

Miss Kazahkstan Regina Vandysheva: GURL! One word: SMOOSHED. Her sistahs (breasts) look uncomfortable. This would have been an OK gown if it was one size bigger. And the torso was about two inches longer; the top made her look short waisted.

Miss Netherlands Margot Hanekamp: Miss Netherlands wore this ivory and silver crystal sequined gown. The satin dress was in a mermaid shape and had an organza bottom half. This was nice for her but once again, am I the only one who thinks this looks very 1998??? Can we have these ladies wear something a bit more Gown Modern??? Are they looking at the Oscars? Are they looking at Vogue Magazine???

Miss New Zealand Deborah Lambie: Miss New Zealand got my attention with this royal blue color. But then, she failed me with the "Pageant Betty" off-the-shoulder look and the lace at the hem, and THAT hair bun...and THAT necklace...Yeeeez!!! It's just TOO-MUCHEEY! Edit. Edit. Edit. Ladies. PUHLEEASE.

Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell: Her pale violet/blue gown was very pretty (is this a theme?). The delicate sequin applique was subtle and elegant. Her hair, makeup and earrings were very on-point as well.

Miss Poland Marta Palucka: One of the favorites to take the Miss World 2015 crown wore this red satin gown which featured a side front slit, and gold metallic lace underskirt and trim detail. It was a pretty and impacting gown. Once again, I would have wished that it wasn't off-the-shoulder. But, overall, she looked beautiful.

Miss Scotland Mhairi Ferguson: Miss Scotland wore a lilac colored sequined crepe gown with back chiffon "falls". This was very "Mother-of-the-Bride" and slightly early 2000's. I'd like to have seen something a bit more modern and chic on her.

Miss South Sudan Ajaa Monchol: Speaking of chic--Hello! It's Miss South Sudan. This super tall model fab woman looked statuesque and runway-ready in this gown. I liked the bias-cut cowl drape in the front and simple style. I wished that flower-like sequin applique was not there but I did like the crystal trim down her arm.

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Here are some Gown Greats that didn't make the Top 20:

Miss Cote d'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: Love this gown on the beautiful Miss Cote d'Ivoire. The black and white sequined style was chic and sexy. I also loved the gold earrings styled with it.

Miss Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Stunning. This red column gown with gold "necklace"-like neck trim was sublime. I wish I had a photo of her back because it was FABULOUS!

Miss Gabon Reine Ngotala and Miss Georgia Nino Karalashvili: Both of these gowns were great! Love them both. Miss Gabon was Mermaid Fab ad Miss Georgia's metallic column was ready for the red carpet.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: I loved this strapless red lace and organza gown. It was very "Met Ball" dramatic and unique. She really was "Done" from head to toe! Muy Bien Puerto Rico.



Maybe/Maybe Not:

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: I was a bit on the fence with Miss Mongolia's gown. I liked the mermaid shape and it looked very well made and I did appreciate the ombre/degrade of the royal blue sequins into the organza ruffled bottom skirt section. But, I think I would have liked it more if she hadn't added the necklace and all that jewelry; it was so unnecessary.

Miss Venezuela Anyela Galante: I thought this was a fun impacting gown; you've got the shimmying sequin fringe, the shoulder/neck piece...but, there was still something about it that was a bit Too-Mucheey. And yeah, I didn't like the sweetheart neckline. But, it sure looked like a fun dress.



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Felicitaciones and Congratulations to the new Miss World, Spain's Mireia Lalaguna! 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Finals: EVENING GOWN Recap + the AY DIOS MIO/Oh My God! Moment

Miss Universe 2015 Finals Evening Gowns and Mis-Crowning--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

So...you might have heard about what happened last night:

Ummm, Ladies, get closer because...

Ayyy Dios Mio: Miss Colombia, I gotta take your crown and put it on...

The real winner, Miss Philippines--The outgoing Miss Universe, Colombia's Paulina Vega, crowns Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

During the crowning of Miss Universe 2015, the show's host Steve Harvey announced the winner as Miss Colombia....but then, after exiting, he was approached by the stage manager and was huddled in a grouping at the back of the stage. Meanwhile, Miss Colombia, the supposed new Miss Universe, was waving, crying and thanking the rest of the contestants behind her (as well as the audience).

The Final Card--Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!

Steve Harvey then returned and announced he had made a "mistake"--and the Announcement That Was Heard Around The World occurred: He had announced THE WRONG WINNER! The gorgeous Sofia Vergara doppelganger Miss Colombia Universe Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo was not the winner but instead, it was Miss Philippines Universe, the equally beautiful Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Miss Universe 2015 "Miss Philippines" Pia Wurtzbach

My better half David Paul and I were actually AT THE PAGEANT! yes, kids, we attended the Miss Universe 2015 Finals at The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort& Casino in Las Vegas. Knowing how much of a pageant fan I am, David got me an early Christmas present and bought tickets to attend Miss Universe. We are both still--24 hours later--speechless over what we witnessed. Check out my Instagram HERE--I even uploaded a video of the Colombian fans' reaction the moment Steve Harvey made his announcement OOPSIE. If you think it was cringe worthy watching it on TV, I can only tell you to trust me when I say, that it was TRIPLE the "OH MY GAAAWDDDD!" feeling when you are there live.



This is the same face and hand-over-mouth look that EVERY SINGLE person in the sold-out theater had:

What The ???!!!!! Yeah, if the lovely Pia felt this way, we were there with you huney!--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the 26-year old 5' 8" half German half-Filipino model/actress/host/TV personality, born in Stuttgart Germany was crowned Miss Universe 2015. It may not have been the most ideal vision she--or the entire nation of the Philippines--had in mind, but she was crowned nonetheless.

Gown Gals: Top Ten and Top Five Miss Universe 2015 contestants--in their Evening Gowns--Miss Universe 2015 Finals, The Axis Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

And now, time for the really important stuff: THE GOWNS! Here's my Review of the Top Ten Gowns, with my Scores...



I'll start with the eventual winner...

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: Pia wore a different gown for the Preliminaries (which I wasn't a 100% fan of, it was a bit dated and not so SUPER-fab). Well, thank goodness, she changed. For the Finals she wore a royal blue silk gazar gown designed by Filipino designer Albert Andrada. His inspiration for Pia’s evening gown was "The Pearl of the Orient". The mermaid gown has a very simple front and the back revealing opulent details of sun rays made of beads, sequins and crystals, which represent the sun rising in the middle of a serene blue sea, according to Andrada. He said this of the gown: "Tiny sapphire colored crystals are mixed with the bead work and cascade towards the front of the gown, representing beautiful sands of our beaches...the gown has a hem of draped multiple folds at the back, which are like fins of the different beautiful fishes found in Philippine waters. The color blue represents the tranquility of the deep blue Philippine seas as well  as a tribute to Pia’s queenly beauty. Blue was also her choice of color to wear to Miss Universe." It was a gorgeous and impacting gown. 

Score: 9.5

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo: I absolutely LOVED this gown! It was one of my favorites from the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and it was probably THE BEST one of the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. It was exquisitely made, fit UBER perfect, the crystals looked INCREDIBLE on stage; it reminded me of a $100,000 Atelier Versace-like gown. This strapless column design was both Pageant Perfect as well as Red Carpet Fabulous (Take note Miss Venezuela Organization!). Every national pageant in the world should take note of what a pageant girl should wear. Oh, and notice, there is no HOOCHIE too-high slit, and we can't see the platform heels. What a novel evening gown idea! Score: 9.9

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Olivia looked absolutely beautiful onstage and was definitely one of the stronger contestants at this year's Miss Universe. In terms of her gown, I have a couple of thoughts: First, it was nice to see Olivia not wear a big ol' ball gown (she seemed to have a penchant for big "Southern Belle"-type gowns). But for the finals, she wore this white lace and sequined fitted gown with a dramatic chiffon and lace applique-trimmed cape. I wasn't a fan. She looked very "Boudoir Southern Belle". I got the concept of the gown and cape--it's very post-Tom Ford Gwyneth Paltrow-at-the-Oscars but....this look seemed too Prom-and-Pageant; the lace applique trim on the cape edge took it to a cheap level in a hot minute. And then, the not-necessary plunging torso/neckline display of her "sistahs" took it to a slightly questionable taste level. Score: 8.9 

Miss France Flora Coquerel: Flora looked stunning onstage at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. When she walked out in this red strapless gown, she literally took my breath away. Especially with the clean styling and chic swept-back hair. The gown fit her beautifully and looked architectually perfect on her. I also LOVED that she chose NOT to wear those tacky ubiquitous Stripper Platform Heels. Merci Flora. She knew better and instead, opted for modern strappy heels. I feel this gown and styling clinched her spot in the Top 5. Score: 9.5

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika wore the same gold sequined gown with super-high center front slit that she wore at the preliminaries. I liked the overall design and impact of the gown but I had a problem with two things: that SUPER HIGH front slit/opening (it was WAAAY too close to her you-know-what) and then, she ruined the entire look with those platform heels. Score: 8.5

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Wow. I loved this gown when she wore it for the Miss Universe 2015 Preliminaries and I still loved it at the Finals. This ivory satin and silver crystal embellished gown was EVERYTHING. This, by the way (note to Miss USA Olivia Jordan) is how you "do" a cape! If there was any critique, it's the shoes she wore; not a fan. Strappy heels Aniporn: You're almost six feet tall! There's no need for those platform heels. Score: 9.7

Miss Dominican Republic Clarissa Molina: I thought Clarissa looked beautiful in this white gown at the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. The fit was great and the stage impact was grand and sweet at the same time. The gown didn't scream Elie Saab Haute Couture-level ball gown Fabulousness, but it was great nonetheless. Score: 9.4

Miss Japan Ariana Miyamoto: I love Ariana and the fact that as a hafu (half Japanese/half African American), she won the Miss Universe Japan contest and quietly gave a middle finger to all the bigoted/racist/ignorant people who gave her such pain as she grew up in Japan. But this "Star Trek"-like mess of a gown did not help her status during the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. I just do not understand the gold faux leather with the black piping and what is with the black and white printed chiffon back cape detail? It looks like a design from a first semester Fashion design student.  

Score: 7.5

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: As a designer who grew up in Venezuela, I cannot lie and say that I wasn't rooting for Mariana. But she failed me with this choice of a gown for the Miss Universe 2015 Finals. This was disappointing. I do not know what is going on with the Miss Venezuela Organization and their choice of designers but...this was not Miss Universe fab. The white dress with silver crystals was designed by Venezuelan designer Raenrra--who did a wonderful job of her "National Costume"--but this look was not exciting and the only thing it did was age her. It was also very off-the-rack looking. I just don't understand what happened between the Angel Sanchez/Gionni Straccia days...and now. Many people think the Evening Gown portion is not important. Well kids, I feel that Mariana DID NOT get to go on to the Top 5, solely based on this gown. Talk amongst yourselves...Score: 7.99

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: Kanisha was a big surprise, in terms of making it to the Top Ten. I was not surprised but it has been a long time since her island has made it this far (almost twenty years!). Her red sequined lace and feathered gown was nice but a bit dated and late 90's in its styling. On a good note, it fit perfectly and she did look regal. But, as a pageant gal, you have to be very careful wearing a Sweetheart neckline gown AND doing a pouf bouffant hairdo; it's two seconds from looking "Pageant Betty". Score: 8.5

Congratulations to the new Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach "Miss Philippines"!! Gorgeous woman, beautiful gown. You deserve the WIN!!!

Check out the "Uh Oh" Miss Universe 2015 Crowning Moment: