SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2016 Finals: EVENING GOWNS RECAP! My Review of the Top 16 Gowns!

Earthly Gowns: "Miss Earth 2016" Finals Evening Gowns--"Miss Earth 2016" Crowning Night Finals, Manila Philippines

Last night were the Finals of one of the top international beauty pageants (I know! There have been several this past week--including "Miss Grand International 2016" and "Miss International 2016"), the "Miss Earth 2016" contest. What differentiates this pageant from the rest is it's environmental theme and its winner spending the year promoting global issues and specifically, environmental ones...

Ecuador Win: "Miss Earth Ecuador" is the new "Miss Earth 2016"--Manila Philippines

The winner of this year's "Miss Earth" was "Miss Earth Ecuador", Katherine Espin Gomez. Katherine is 23 years-old and stands 5' 9" (1. 76 M). She competed against 82 (wow!) delegates from all over the word, including representatives from Iraq and Palestine.

Top Four: (L to R) "Miss Fire" Bruna Zanardo from Brazil; Winner, Katherine Espin "Miss Ecuador"; "Miss Air" Michelle Gomez from Colombia; "Miss Water" Stephanie de Zorzi from Venezuela

Katherine Espin "Miss Earth Ecuador" is "Miss Earth 2016"

Ecuador Costume: Katherine Espin Gomez "Miss Earth Ecuador" in her national costume during the "Miss Earth 2016" National Costume Presentation

Gown Gals: "Miss Earth 2016" Semi-Finalists in their Evening Gowns--"Miss Earth 2016" Crowning Night Finals, Manila Philippines

Time for the EVENING GOWNS!!! So....as you know I love discussing the EVENING GOWNS of these International pageants and well, now it's time to give my "Nick Two Cents" on the "Miss Earth 2016" Finalists' Gowns:

Some photos courtesy of Rappler.com and Missosology Facebook

Let's begin with the eventual Winner--"Miss Earth Ecuador":

Miss Ecuador Katherine Espin: Katherine wore a canary yellow gown which featured a sequined fit-to-flare style with chiffon falls as well as nude illusion side torso insets. I wish those side nude insets had not been there and the entire gown was paillette covered, but other than that, it was quite an impacting gown and she did make a dramatic evening gown entrance. She was one of the favorites to win the contest and she delivered with this gown.

Score: 9.00

Miss Colombia Michelle Gomez: First Runner-up Michelle Gomez wore this lilac and silver-hued beaded gown. The style featured ivory embroidered embellishment at the top section. It fit perfectly, was the correct length and worked for her. Muy bien!

Score: 9.05

Miss Venezuela Stephanie de Zorzi: Venezuela's Stephanie de Zorzi was probably one of the prettiest contestants in the pageant. Her face was GORGEOUS! Like "Hollywood" star gorgeous. She wore this red gown from Venezuelan Pageant-and-Wedding designer Dheymid Laim Galaviz. The red organza gown had incredible sequined jeweled detail (as seen in the above photo) as well as red horsehair trim. It was beautifully made and worked perfectly with Stephanie's red-ish hair. There was one teeny aspect of the gown that I had a problem with:

The slit was SOOOOO HIGH that well, you could see her CHA-CHA (see photo above), or at least, her nude underwear covering her cha-cha. This was really distracting from such a pretty gown. I just cannot understand how anybody in Stephanie's "Pageant Team" didn't catch this. Ayyyy Dios Mio! It really brought my score down...

Score: 8.90

Miss Brazil Bruna Zanardo: I loved Bruna's acid green gown. The design was very Couture and featured multi-pleating and draping that hugged the body and then cascaded down the back of the gown. Superb.

Score: 9.30

Miss Russia Aleksandra Cherepanova: Aleksandra was probably one of the most beautiful contestants--next to Venezuela. She was tall, model-pretty and she chose a stunningly elegant gown that was simple, classic yet still impacting. No sequins, no slit, nothing tacky. Just Classic and Chic. If only she had worn strappy black heels.

Score: 9.55

Miss Sweden Cloie Skarne: Cloie looked like Swedish royalty in this royal blue strapless ballgown. The design featured silver embroidery down the front of the "base" gown, as well as an overskirt. Her elegant hair and clean makeup finished off this wonderful look.

Score: 9.35

Miss USA Corrin Stellakis: Corrin wore this halter-style powder pink gown with a front keyhole detail, center front slit and delicate sequins throughout. She looked nice but the style was a bit 1996 in its design and I wished she had done something more modern and less "Pageant Betty" with her hair; she's so pretty but all I kept thinking was how she looked like she was a contestant vying for "Miss Arkansas" and not the USA representative for "Miss Earth". Just sayin'.

Score: 8.00

Miss Vietnam Nguyen Thi Le Nam Em: I really liked this chartreuse-colored gown worn by "Miss Earth Vietnam". The color was just right for the "Miss Earth" pageant and it was made beautifully. I am normally not a fan if the iridescent fabrication but here, it worked. It also fit like a glove! This was one of the better gowns of "Miss Earth 2016" Finals.

Score: 9.15

Miss Australia Lyndl Kean: Lyndl wore this royal blue "Mikado" mermaid shaped gown with a sequined waist. The design is an off-the-rack Jovani Prom and  if you want to order it, it's Style #28124. This gown is only $640. I just cannot understand how one can manufacture a gown like this for that low of a price. I've said this before but I'm guessing it's polyester and made in China. While I am not a fan of that sweetheart neckline and illusion inset, the dress fit her nicely and looked like it cost her much more than $640.

Score: 8.75

Miss England Luissa Burton: Luissa wore this powder blur tulle and sequin applique gown. It was a cross between a tacky "Figure Skating Costume" and a Too-Sexy Mother-of-the-bride dress. The bust section seemed too overwhelming and then she styled it with that 2003-looking hairstyle and to make things worse...those darn tacky nude platform pumps!

Score: 7.99

Miss Italy Denise Frigo: Denise seemed like a lot of fun as she was doing her "Evening Gown Competition" walk at "Miss Earth 2016" Finals. She wore this hunter green sequined gown with a very high center front slit, keyhole front and crystal waist detail. I thought it was bit late 70's Disco Fab but the slit was too high and her hairstyle (especially with the curl wispies), too dated. I did love the ankle-strap gold heels.

Score: 8.10

Miss Korea Chae-Yeung Lee: One of the prettiest "Miss Koreas" in recent memory for sure and, while I liked the lipstick red color of her chiffon draped gown, I didn't like her accessories. The necklace and earrings were a bit "Tacky Prom" and the dress itself just wasn't impacting enough for such an important International Beauty Pageant stage.

Score: 8.10

Miss Macau Clover Zhou: Clover wore this chartreuse (popular color!) ballgown for the "Miss Earth 2016' Finals. The gown was unusual and impacting on stage but there was no need to have that iridescent tulle/organza back train (what the heck was that?) and the hem was--for a lack of a better word--"bunching"--as you can see in the photo above. And--just like "Miss Korea"--there was no need for her to accessorize it with a necklace and earrings. Can you say "Too Mucheey"??!!

Score: 7.99

Miss Mexico Itzel Astudillo: Oh Itzel! This was a Mess. Plain and simple. It was soooo Tacky-licious Showgirl and then that slit was dangerously too close to her "Cha-Cha". And to add insult to Gown Injury, her "sisters" looked a bit too "done". Where does one focus? I have no idea. On a good note: I liked the sequins and color of the gown.

Score: 6.00

Miss Northern Ireland Julieann McStravick: I liked this silver sequined column gown worn by "Miss Earth Northern Ireland". It was a simple silhouette and looked elegant. There was nothing extraordinary about this and generally, it was a nice, safe choice.

Score: 8.99

Miss South Africa Nozipho Magagula: I liked the color of Nozipho's gown but after that, she lost me. This look was a tad cheap-looking and off-the-rack. The fabric looked like it came from Downtown L.A. Santee Alley and it was too short where you could see her super tacky sequined platform pumps (right photo above). This gown choice was a miss, and a shame, for such a pretty contestant.

Score: 6.00

CONGRATULATIONS to the new "Miss Earth 2016" Ecuador's Katherine Espin Gomez (second from left)!!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss International 2016 Finals EVENING GOWN RECAP!

International Queen: "Miss International Philippines" Kylie Verzosa wins "Miss International 2016" title, and Evening Gowns--Miss International 2016 Finals Tokyo Japan

This week has been a busy week in the world of Beauty pageants. First, there were the Finals of "Miss Grand International 2016" in Las Vegas and on Thursday, the 56th Annual "Miss International 2016" took place at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo Japan. 69 contestants from all the world competed and the winner was Kylie Verzosa "Miss International Philippines".

Crowned: Outgoing "Miss International 2015" Edymar Martinez from Venezuela crowns the new "Miss International 2016" Kylie Verzosa--Tokyo Japan

Kylie--who was one of the favorites, is 24 years-old, stands 5' 9" (1.75 M) and besides modeling and being a beauty pageant winner, also works as a pre-school teacher. The gorgeous beauty thanked everyone who supported her and she was very happy for gaining this top international title for her nation.

Work That Cape: "Miss International 2016" Philippines' Kylie Verzosa during her Crowning Walk--Tokyo Japan

Kylie Versoza "Miss International Philippines"

Kylie is a pro on the Philippines Pageant circuit, having competed for the coveted "Binibining Pilipinas" ("Miss Universe Philippines") crown in 2015 where she placed in the Top 15, and this past year, she competed again, winning the "Miss International Philippines" crown...

"Miss Philippines" Kylie Verzosa during the Swimsuit Competition of "Miss International 2016" Tokyo Japan

Kylie Verzosa "Miss Philippines" during the National Costume Presentation in a Francis Libiran-designed costume depicting San Agustin Church carvings--"Miss International 2016" Finals Tokyo Japan

And now, time to RECAP and REVIEW the "Miss International 2016" EVENING GOWNS!!! 

I'll begin with the outgoing "Miss International", Venezuela's Edymar Martinez and then, discuss this year's winner from the Philippines Kylie Verzosa and then discuss some of the Finalists as well as some other "notable" Evening Gowns...

Photos courtesy of Missosology Facebook

"Miss International 2015" Venezuela's Edymar Martinez: Edymar wore a pink and white embroidered ball gown custom-designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. It featured built-in lighting (see right photo above). This was quite a "Disney" Cinderella-type gown and very "Miss International" in its "Princess"-like look. While this might have worked in Japan, it was a bit too over-the-top and slightly tacky Quinceañera for my taste. But...I do appreciate that it was probably (most definitely) made impeccably and sewn to perfection. 

Philippines Kylie Verzosa: Kylie wore a beautiful gown designed by Filipino designer Francis Libiran. The pastel lilac gown featured the intricate sequined embroidery that Libiran is known for. The gown silhouette was gorgeous, it fit perfectly, was the correct length and overall, a stunning gown made for a winner. Like I always say, if you're going to compete in an international pageant--no matter what country you are from--you need to "BRING IT!". This is NOT the time for an off-the-rack dress darlings...Bring on the COUTURE! And Kylie did!

Score: 9.75

Australia Alexandra Britton: 1st Runner-up "Miss Australia" Alexandra Britton also wore a lilac-hued gown for the Finals of "Miss International 2016". It was much more simple than Kylie's. The satin princess-seamed gown featured a heavily beaded bustier/top section. While the gown wasn't extraordinary, it did fit well, she wore the right shoes (no tacky platform heels, thank you very much!) and overall, she looked pretty.

Score: 8.99

Indonesia Felicia Hwang: The beautiful Felicia won the "Miss Best Dresser" Award during the entire competition, as she was very much the perfectly styled fashionista throughout the pre-finals events. Her gown for the final night was STUNNING. The royal blue and ivory halter-style gown featured intricate sequined embroidery that almost made her look like a priceless Ming Vase. To add major drama to the design, it featured a gorgeous satin cape attached to the back. Felicia was coming to win with this gown--and she almost did, since she got the 2nd Runner-up crown!

Score: 9.80

Nicaragua Brianny Chamorro: 3rd Runner-up Brianny from Nicaragua, wore a very pretty and impacting golden gown which featured nude lining and stunning criss-cross sequin details. The gown fit perfectly and the length was on-point! Well done "Miss Nicaragua"!

Score: 9.45

USA Kaitryana Leinbach: Kaitryana captured the 4th Runner-up title at "Miss International 2016" wearing this silver sequined fit-and-flare gown. The design and details were similar to "Miss Nicaragua's" but in silver as opposed to gold. The gown also featured a jeweled waistband. I think this was an elegant and stage-impacting choice, and once again, I was happy that it was classy, fit well and...the CORRECT LENGTH!!! (no tacky platform shoes showing!! Yeay!).

Score: 9.45



Some of the Top 15 Semi-Finalists-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Argentina Yoana Don: Yoana's gown featured a sequined embroidered column dress with a silver iridescent organza overskirt. I'm not a fan of the iridescent organza since to me, it looks polyester-y and cheap. I think this style of gown aged the lovely Yoana and made her look "Mumsy" and it was just Too Mucheey for her. I also didn't like those nude platform heels sticking out from the too-short gown.

Score: 7.50

Canada Amber Bernachi: The beautiful Amber wore this red mermaid-shaped gown for the "Miss International 2016" Beauty pageant. The taffeta gown which featured a nude illusion inset at the neckline and double-tiered bottom ruffles, is from Jovani Los Angeles, and in case you're wondering, the style # is 337153 and retails for ONLY $590! I don't know how Jovani can manufacture a gown like this for under $600. Seriously. I'm guessing it's polyester and made in China but still; this looks like $3,000 gown and it looked quite impressive on "Miss Canada".

Score: 9.10

Dominican Republic Cynthia Nunez: Cynthia wore a golden-nude sequined gown with long sleeves at the "Miss International 2016" Finals. The coloring worked well for the tanned-skinned beauty and I liked the center front slit and that it was "Lady-like" high (and not high!). I also give her MAJOR PROPS for wearing proper golden ankle strapped heels and not tacky platform stripper ones.

Score: 8.99

Finland Emilia Seppanen: Emilia was one of the Top 15 semi-finalists and she wore this teal-colored chiffon gown. I liked the style and especially the dramatic caped "sleeves" and silver crystal neckline. I just had a problem with the too-short length (about 6 inches too short in the front!) and then, she styled it with these nude semi-platform heels that just didn't go with this gown. The shoes are too casual and daytime for such a gown; she should have gone with either matching color or delicate metallic strappy heels with no platform.

Score: 8.00

Poland Magdalena Bienkowska: Magdalena wore this lilac colored fit-and-flare gown that looked quite pretty on her. The dress had an overlay with silver lace applique and blue sequins. There was nothing extraordinary about it in terms of a "Couture"-like design but it fit well, was the right length and worked for "Miss International".

Score: 8.45

Russia Alisa Manenok: I didn't like this gown very much. It looked like a wedding dress for a bride who's getting married for the THIRD TIME. It was a bit Mother-of-the-Bride and kind of like a "Mrs. Claus" costume if she added a red and white fur cap to finish it off. I know that for "Miss International" and its Japan-based owners, these contestants know to think more "sweet" and the farthest thing from Supermodel Sexy but this was just too Prom circa 1992-dated and "Mumsy".

Score: 6.99

Thailand Pattiya Pongthai: Pattiya wore this shimmering lilac (popular color!) sequined gown featuring a beautiful cape detail. The cape was very "Elie Saab/Zuhair Murad" dramatic, but part of me wished the dress had more beading and maybe nude colored lining as opposed to the lilac. It was also a tad bit too short as we can see above.

Score: 8.90

Extra Gown Mentions----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Puerto Rico Gabriela Berrios: Gabriela is a Pageant Pro and competed as "Miss Universe Puerto Rico" at the "Miss Universe 2014" Beauty Pageant. For the "Miss International 2016" contest, she wore this nude-and-ivory organza and embroidered ballgown. It was quite a dress and very impacting on stage. I loved the shape although I don't think it needed those off-the-shoulder straps but other than that, this was quite a gown!

Score: 9.55

Venezuela Jessica Duarte: Jessica wore a red gown designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. Espina also designed the gown the outgoing "Miss International" wore (see the "Disney Princess"-like ball gown in this blog). This was another one of those "Quite a Gown" moments, but it got little attention from the judges (Jessica didn't make the Top 15). The design featured red hand-sequined embellishment and a SUPERSIZED tulle overskirt. It was A LOT but I still liked it, especially for the "Miss International" Japanese audience.

Score 9.00

Costa Rica Raquel Guevara: Raquel wore this red sequined applique fit-and-flare strapless gown with nude lining. From the front, it was OK and quite nice but then...she turned around and she was "pooping" nude organza! (you can kind of see in photo above). Why, in the name of the Pageant Gods, she wouldn't remove that back piece is beyond me. Oh, and yeah, it looks like she wore those nude Stripper Platform heels I HATE.

Score: 7.75

China Xinna Zhou: Xinna wore this violet colored gown featuring an illusion with crystal beaded top section. It was very "Figure Skating Costume" and not original in its design. She then was ill-advised to add a big ol' necklace that was so not necessary. It all looked a bit 90's dated.

Score: 7.00

Denmark Sara Danielsen: Sara went with an ivory satin gown that had a princess seam slit, back cape/fall and beaded torso. It was very Prom-and-Pageant and very late 1990's/early 2000's. The big updo bouffant was also quite dated and those peep-toe heels were not the shoes to wear with this. At all. While she looked quite "Pageant Pretty", it wasn't Red Carpet Fabulous or giving me anything extraordinary.

Score: 7.89

Vietnam Pham Ngoc Phu'o'ng Linh: While I appreciated the somewhat original design and oversized pearl jeweled sequins and feathers, the nude lining interspersed throughout did give it a bit of a "Figure Skating Costume" look to it. I wish most of the gown had been covered in those oversized pearl jewels.

Score: 8.00

Finally...

Sierra Leone Maseray Swarray: I LOVED Maseray's beautiful face, her short-cropped hair and choice of this bright lipstick red gown. The dress--which featured a satin overskirt and beaded lace embroidered detail--was a bit Prom-and-Pageant and polyester-y but to me, that didn't matter when she displayed such joyous fabulousity.

Score: 8.00

Congratulations to the new "Miss International 2016" Kylie Versoza--and to the country of Philippines for getting this coveted beauty pageant crown! Mabuhay! Maligayang bati sa iyong pagkapanalo