Nick Verreos's Blog, page 35

ICE STYLE.....SKATE CANADA International 2017 COSTUMES REVIEW: LADIES

Black Swan Fab: Canada's Kaetlyn Osmond performs her Free Skate--Skate Canada International 2017, Regina Saskatchewan, Canada


This past weekend was the second event of the 2017-2018 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition: 2017 Skate Canada International . This year's event was held in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada. Last week, I discussed the costumes for the first event of the series--the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia competition (Click HERE for Ladies, HERE for Men and HERE for Pairs & Ice Dance) so now, it's time to talk about the Costumes of Skate Canada 2017! First up, it's the LADIES!






Which One Is NOT a Costume Repeat? (L to R) Canada's Kaetlyn Osmond, USA's Karen Chen, Russia's Maria Sotskova and USA's Ashley Wagner--Skate Canada International 2017


Now...not sure why but it seems like GROUNDHOG'S DAY in the Figure Skating Costume World for this 2017-2018 season. Lots of the figure skaters--whether Ladies, Men, Ice Dance--are repeating programs of the past. Many figure skating fans and commentators speculate that since it is an Olympic Season, many of them are going back to their "tried and true" programs from past seasons that were successful and are now reprising them in hopes of recreating their previous success and winning that elusive Olympic Medal. With that said, you'd think they would at least do a "costume refresher". But NO... Maybe these skaters are on a VERY TIGHT costume budget? BUT... what about the skaters that are repeating costumes from past programs skating to NEW programs! OK, now I'm really thinking that they are either being cheap or (let's hope!), it is just the beginning of the season and their actual costumes are still being created, so they're just repeating these because they have nothing else--for now! We'll see...



With all that in mind, let's discuss the LADIES of Skate Canada International 2017:





Ashley Wagner USA: Short Program to Hip Hip Chin Chin performed by Club des Belugas (same Short Program from 2015-2016 Season). The costume--well, it wasn't much of one--it was a rather drab black leotard with simple crystal beading accented by a ragged hem skirt thang. I know that sounds so un-fashion-y but seriously what was that? I wasn't a fan; it just didn't look refined, ISU Grand Prix competition level and almost seemed store bought (Mon Dieu!)...Since Ashley has done this program before (Yes, it's Groundhog's Day kids!), I wanted to see what costume (or costumes) she wore to this before... 











HELLO FABULOUS!!! OK, now I'm REALLY MAD! Ashley wore these TWO styles during the 2015-2016 Season Short Program and it baffles me that she just didn't re-wear one of these!!!! Instead of that black "thang" with the raggedy hem. Will someone PLEASE find these in Ashley's closet and stuff them in her carry-on bag for her next competition??!! Pretty please?









Free Skate to Diamonds, One Day I'll Fly Away, The Show Must Go On (from "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack): Ashley decided at the last minute to drop her "La La Land" Free Program and go back to this one which she skated to back in the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 Seasons. So, while the program is a repeat, the costume, thank goodness is not. This red sequined style is new and pretty on Ashley. The costume hints at a corset silhouette in the front as well as in the back with the criss-cross looping. While this was a nice costume, it still didn't have the stage appeal and Haute Costume look of these:








  Ashley's Moulin Rouge Chic--These costumes above were ones worn by Ashley Wagner in previous seasons while skating to "Moulin Rouge!'.






Kaetlyn Osmond of Canada: In case you are thinking you may have seen this costume on Kaetlyn before, it is because...YOU HAVE! Not only has Osmond gone back to her Short Program to Sous le ciel de Paris, Milord performed by Edith Piaf from the 2016-2017 Season, she is using THE SAME COSTUME as well. The costume features a tie-neck design, midnight blue sequined chiffon with applique details, all giving a nod to Parisian Chic. I liked the costume then and still do but... really, I just wish she would have worn something new. Just because well...I HAVE ALREADY SEEN THIS BEFORE!







Free Skate to Andante Allegro (from "Swan Lake") and No. 24 Scene: Allegro (from "Swan Lake") by Petr I. Tchaikovski, Stumbled Beginnings (from "Black Swan") and Nina's Dream (from "Black Swan") by Clint Mansell--OK, now I'm HAPPY!! This "Black Swan" costume was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! The design was exquisitely made, looked Ballet-perfect, refined, elegant...Kaetlyn looked like Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Ballet with this costume, Prima Ballerina makeup and that top-knot...SUPERB! I also LOVED how the sequins/crystals were peeking over the shoulders...








Coming from the beautifully studded illusion-and-crystal back (photos above). Well done!




Marin Honda of Japan: Honda skated her Short Program to The Giving by Michael W. Smith in this sublime costume above. I thought this nude/blush colored costume was so pretty and delicate and right for the music and the skater. The sequin work over nude illusion also included random feathers and some amethyst colored jeweled crystals as well. 









Free Skate to Turandot by Giacomo Puccini: For her Free Skate, Marin wore this scarlet red colored design featuring gold sequins in a very intricate pattern highlighting her upper torso. Once again, this was an exceptional costume from the young 16-year-old Japanese skater. 





Courtney Hicks of USA: I always look forward to Courtney Hicks and her costumes because she "brings it"! This costume for her Short Program to Nocturne (from "La Califfa" soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone, performed by Yo Yo Ma made me smile. I LOVED the feather-like sequin detail in the front and off-center "plunging neckline". The ombre-dye-looking blue coloring was pretty and I also liked the handkerchief-hemmed skirt section. Her braided top-knot was so chic as well!





Free Skate to Amazing Grace performed by The Tenors, ft. Natalie Grant: For her Free Skate, she also made me a Happy Figure Skating Costume Commentator! This costume was so gorgeous--I loved the lilac-to-violet color, the EXQUISITE gold and silver sequins perfectly placed in her upper torso thereby bringing attention to that area. This was a great example of a finely-made expensive costume. If I was a skater and the designer told me this cost $5,000, I'd ask "To whom do I write the check?". Now, I have to say that I have no idea who designs Courtney's costumes--but they are gorgeous! And I wonder if...





her coach Todd Sands and his wife Jenni Meno-Sands had a hand in helping her style her looks.  I remember Jenni's costumes ALWAYS being SUBLIME, elegant and Stylish. I wonder if Jenni had something to do with Courtney's costumes??? Inquiring minds want to know (i.e. ME!).







Karen Chen of USA: Karen skated her Short Program to El Tango de Rozanne (from "Moulin Rouge!") and in case you are having another one  of those "Figure Skating Groundhog's Day" feelings...you are correct: She has worn this costume before (Seriously: What is going on???). This is the same costume she wore for her last season's Free Skate to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade. Well, at least it was a Free Skate and different music. I liked it then and I still think it's SOOO Tango Fab! But yes, it would be nice to see something new. 









 Free Skate to Slow Dancing in the Big City (soundtrack) by Bill Conti: Speaking of new, this is! Karen skated her Free Skate in this blue crystal studded costume. The program was new (originally, it was supposed to be "Carmen" so...I wonder if she just would have worn the SAME costume for her SP and Free Skate??!! Two-for-One!). Glad she didn't because then it would have REALLY looked as if she was under MAJOR budget constraints. This costume was nice and I did like the heavy-to-light display of crystals but I can't help but think it just lacked that certain "Figure Skating Bespoke Costume" look. In other words, there was really nothing extra special about it.





Maria Sotskova of Russia: Oh here we go AGAIN: Another Costume Repeat Offender! Maria wore this powder pink colored costume for her 2017-2018 Short Program to Swam Lake by Tchaikovsky. And yes, if you think you saw this before...you're right again! This is the same costume she used last season for her Free Skate to different music, At the Manilovs (from "Dead Souls") Addagio by Alfred Schnittke. If it worked for that, I guess (her team) thought it could work for "Swan Lake"???? OK, it's official, these people are being CHEAP...or shall I say "thrifty"--or I.S.U. or their countries figure skating associations aren't giving these kids enough funds. The costume is pretty and that back is gorgeous and yes, this would be so fab as a gown for a future "Miss Universe" but....Can I See A NEW COSTUME!!





Free Skate to Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy: Oh GOODIE: A new costume! Russia's Maria Sotskova skated her Free Skate wearing this deep lilac-hued costume featuring intricate gathered-and-braided details embellishing the bust and midriff sections of her torso. I liked the "different" take on a gathered/draped costume and I thought that--overall--it worked with the iconic music and program, but it all seemed a little heavy and bulky....and dare I say....polyester-synthetic! Ye Gads! 







Anna Pogorilaya of Russia: Anna skated her Short Program to Esperanza by Maxime Rodriguez. The music is a classical flamenco style and therefore, her red and gold costume works. The look was a mix of "Scheherazade Meets Madrid". The fit on the upper torso was a little odd and loose and I feel she needed something to accentuate her waist. It was a dramatic look, but made her look a bit square-shaped.





Free Skate to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski: For her Free Skate, she wore this "Black Swan"-like costume. It wasn't as refined or high-end chic as Kaetlyn Osmond's but it was OK. I liked that the silver crystals in the front gave the illusion of a slimming look with the design. And I also didn't dislike the gloves (I am usually not such a fan of those gimmicky gloves!). But poor Anna...





This is not part of her skate, kids! Anna fell several times and naturally, photographers were there to capture it. I added these photos because I was just excited to see close-up's of the crystal detail (seriously!). But, yeah, if you think this is just a fluke. Google "Anna Pogorilaya". Literally, the second name search that comes up is..."Anna Pogorilaya Falls". If you think I'm kidding, look HERE . It seems to be her "thang".









Rika Hongo of Japan: Japan's Rika Hongo is a skater who I also look forward to--in terms of costumes. She seems to understand the power of fab costumes as integral to her program. This season, she did not disappoint. Hongo skated her Short Program to O Fortuna (from "Carmina Burana") by Carl Orff wearing this eccentric and striking red design featuring multicolored jeweled sequins, a nude illusion shoulder/neckline/sleeve section ad black crystals that almost looked like Tribal Tattoos. Me LIKEY it!









Free Skate to Frida (soundtrack) by Elliot Goldenthal: Lastly, Rika skated her Free Skate to "Frida" and she delivered another wonderful costume! I LOVED the black oversized netting...the bold and colorful flower designs...her center-parted hair and on-point makeup! It may be the second Grand Prix event of the 2017-2018 season but this is already one of MY FAVORITE LADIES COSTUMES!



**NEXT UP: The MEN and their COSTUMES of 2017 Skate Canada International!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 1: My TOP 10 BEST List!

Gown Divas--The Winners of the "Miss Earth 2017 Group 1 Long Gown Competition" (L to R): "Miss Earth Netherlands" (Bronze/Tied) Faith Landman, "Miss Earth Panama" (Bronze/Tied) Erika Parker, "Miss Earth Venezuela" Ninoska Vasquez (Gold), and "Miss Earth Thailand" (Silver) Paweensuda Drouin

Photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook Page


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.








Gown Show: Contestants from Group 1 of "Miss Earth 2017"--Versailles Palace Philippines


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.











6. Miss Earth Wales Sophie Bettridge: Sophie wore this red sequined strapless gown and it was stunning enough to make the 6th spot in my Top 10 "Miss Earth 2017 Group 1 Long Gown Competition". The fit was perfect and so was the length. The elaborate flower-like paillette beading was exquisite! I also loved her sleek and clean hair and makeup.








7. Miss Earth Czech Republic Iva Uchytilova: Iva went with the Golden Gown Trend but her choice involved a cheetah-like "print"--and I liked it! The halter-style fit-and-flare gown fit her very well and she looked amazing. Her hair and makeup were also A+.







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.









 

10. Miss Earth Netherlands Faith Landman: Faith and her gown actually tied for the Bronze medal in the "Miss Earth 2017 Group 1 Long Gown Competition", which means she was Number 3...or 4! But in my list, she was Number 10. There are soooo many of these golden sequined gowns, you REALLY need to be OUTSTANDING to...STAND OUT. This was a bit "Scheherazade" Tacky-licious. From the Too-big earrings to the wrist/hand jewelry...to the hair and makeup...it was like a Moroccan Belly Dancer at a fancy restaurant.


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!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 3: My TOP 10 BEST List!

Gown Winners--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Winners/Group 3: (L to R) Miss Earth Vietnam (Bronze) Le This Ha Thu, Miss Earth Puerto Rico (Gold) Karla Aponte and Miss Earth Mexico (Silver) Karen Bustos.

Photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook Page


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.






Glamour Time: Bronze, Gold and Silver "Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Group 3" Medalists (L to R)  Miss Earth Vietnam (Bronze) Le This Ha Thu, Miss Earth Puerto Rico (Gold) Karla Aponte and Miss Earth Mexico (Silver) Karen Bustos






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 Colombia Juliana Franco: Juliana 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". Gracias Miss Tierra Colombia!





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!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Grand International 2017 Finals: Winner Miss Grand Peru + The Gowns Recap!

Grand Beauty: The newly crowned Miss Grand International 2017 "Miss Grand Peru" Maria Jose Lora (center) flanked by her Runners-up (L to R) 4th Runner-up "Miss Grand Czech Republic" Nikola Uhlirova, 2nd Runner-up "Miss Grand Philippines" Elizabeth Durado Clenci, 1st Runner-up "Miss Grand Venezuela" Tulia Aleman, 3rd Runner-up "Miss Grand Puerto Rico" Brenda Jimenez

Photos courtesy of Miss Grand International Facebook, Sash Factor Facebook


This past Wednesday night was the Finals of the "Miss Grand International 2017" Beauty Pageant, taking place at the Vinpearl Convention Center  in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. 77 contestants from all over the world competed for the coveted title in a MARVELOUS production. The winner was "Miss Grand Peru" Maria Jose Lora.








Maria Jose Lora "Miss Grand Peru"--in swimsuit and in her "National Costume" (worn during the "National Costume Competition") as well as during the Opening Number of the "Miss Grand International 2017" Finals




A favorite to win the crown by many pageant observers, the 27 year-old, 180 cm (5' 11") tall model bested all the other contestants with her beauty, confidence, intelligence, perfect English (it helps in an international beauty pageant), sexiness, her OUT OF CONTROL figure and THAT WOW of a gown (which I will discuss below).






The Winner! Maria Jose Lora "Miss Grand Peru" wins "Miss Grand International 2017" title in Vietnam


Maria Jose was originally scheduled to compete in this year's "Miss Universe Peru" contest but eventually the pageant's organizer--a former "Miss Peru", Jessica Newton --chose her to be "Miss Grand Peru" instead. Good thing she did because...SHE WON! The beauty--who actually resides in the US and represented the "USA Dept." (Peruvians living abroad in the USA) at the "Miss Universe Peru" pageant--will now travel all over the world promoting the "Creating Peace and Stopping War" message of "Miss Grand International". The actual "Miss Universe Peru 2017" pageant never happened and instead the national director designated a Runner-up to last year's pageant to be the new "Miss Universe Peru 2017".



Before I discuss my FAVORITE GOWNS from the Top 10...I have to give props to the PRODUCTION and "Miss Grand International" Pageant as a whole:






Opening number of "Miss Grand International 2017", Vinpearl Convention Center Vietnam


The show was SUPERB! I was VERY IMPRESSED by the production value, the way the final show was done, the fabulous stage design, the graphics, the lighting, the top-notch level of the contestants...I could go on and one and on. The pageant--which is based in Thailand--and has only been in existence since 2013--is ON PAR with "Miss Universe" and "Miss World" (the Top 2 International Beauty Pageants in the world). The President of "Miss Grand International" is a gentleman by the name of Nawat Itsaragrisil. He's a TV host, producer, traveler (according to Wikipedia). KUDOS to him for creating such an A-List-looking international beauty pageant!






Sequined Ao Dai's: During the final night, the ten semi-finalists came out in DAZZLING Vietnamese Ao Dai-inspired ensembles designed by Huy Quy Ngo. This was a GORGEOUS portion of the show which literally took my breath away. The segment showcased each of the 10 semi-finalists speaking about war, peace, giving powerful and personal speeches on the subject. In regards to the dresses, they were made of chiffon and stretch satin, each of them showed a dove--the symbol of peace--with wings spread
flying. The white background signified the sky and there were blue pigeons throughout the dress that were made with more than 1,000 Swarovski
crystals...









Ao Dai Beautiful: The 10 "Miss Grand International 2017" semi-finalists in their Huy Quy Ngo designed "International Peace" Ao Dai's--Miss Grand International 2017 Finals


Best Costume Award went to...





Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita won the Best Costume Award at the "Miss Grand International 2017" Finals. Her EXTRAORDINARY costume--designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih--was also MY TOP CHOICE for Best Costume in my blog HERE . Well deserved!



Best in Evening Gown Award went to...





Miss Grand China Xuejia Chen: This was also a VERY GOOD CHOICE from the judges. This golden/nude/blush colored sequined gown featured a dramatic sequined feathered cape and was modeled by the six foot tall "Miss Grand China" like a Runway Diva! I LOVED it so much that it was MY SECOND BEST Gown in my blog HERE!





Now, time to discuss MY TOP TEN Best Gowns list--from No. 1 to No. 10--from the ten semi-finalists of "Miss Grand International 2017"...beginning with MY NUMBER ONE...









1. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora: It isn't normally the case that the eventual winner of the entire pageant wears MY FAVORITE gown but...it happened here at "Miss Grand International 2017"! IN my blog HERE where I discussed the Preliminary Evening Gown Competition and my Top 20,  I placed Maria as my NUMERO UNO. And Thank Goodness she didn't do a "Gown Change" (as a lot of the contestants do once they get to the Semi-Finalist/Finalist round) because it was FAB at Preliminaries and it was SUPER FAB on Final Night. The golden/nude/blush sequined gown was designed by Maritza Mendoza Atelier of Lima Peru and fit her to PERFECTION, skimming her figure like a very thin second skin. It looked effortless, sexy, well-made and the stage impact provided by the stunning Maria Jose was the icing on the gown cake!







2. Miss Grand Czech Republic Nikola Uhlirova: Nikola did a Gown Change from what she wore during the Preliminaries and boy oh boy was it a FAB change! This golden nude shimmering gown was STUNNING! The dress was designed by Juan Carlos Collazo of Puerto Rico and featured a softly flared shape in nude crinoline with gold and silver sequins splattered like fireworks. The gown had a striking fitted bodice hugging her torso wonderfully. I also LOVED her modern and chic swept-back hairstyle.







3. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen: Huyen My Tran was another contestant who did a Gown Change during the Finals of "Miss Grand International 2017". I liked what she wore for the Preliminaries and she made MY Top 20 List HERE but I also liked this stunning red creation from the same brand--Joli Poi Haute Couture of Ho Chi Minn Vietnam. The red mermaid shaped gown was beautifully sequined, featuring scroll-like detail and handwork, as well as a full crinoline skirt with a horsehair-trimmed hem. She looked DIVINE and oh-so-pretty. Pretty enough to make my No. 3!





4. Miss Grand Ukraine Snizhana Tanchuk: Snizhana wore the same gorgeous golden gown she wore for the Preliminaries which was VERY GOOD!  I loved this gown then and it was fab at the Finals as well. The dress featured a column gown with full overskirt in gold/nude satin organza with sequin detail and was created by Crystal Design Ukraine. It was very "Zuhair Murad/Elie Saab Haute Couture-like and looked regal, elegant and super Haute during the "Miss Grand International 2017" Top 10 Evening Gown Competition.







5. Miss Grand Puerto Rico Brenda Azaria Jimenez: I absolutely adored this golden shimmering gown that Miss Grand Puerto Rico wore It was designed by Juan Carlos Collazo  who also created "Miss Grand Czech Republic's" gown as well. The fit was incredible; I loved the perfect length and how it gave an "illusion" of seeing her legs but not too much. Brenda looked like a Perfect Queen in this. Bravo to her and Juan Carlos.





6. Miss Grand Thailand Pam Premika Pamela: My sixth BEST GOWN of the Top 10 "Miss Grand International 2017" Semi-finalists was this stunning dress worn by "Miss Grand Thailand". The dress featured elaborate black sequined applique over nude crinoline with a center front slit, long sleeves and horsehair-trimmed hem. The gown design was elegant yet impacting enough for an international beauty pageant and fit her very well! Oh, and by the way, this was also another 'Gown Change"; she wore a different one during the Preliminaries. I LIKED that one too!







7. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabbeth Durado Clenci: Elizabeth changed her gown--naturally!--from what she wore during the Preliminaries (a golden/nude/blush sequined one I REALLY LIKED). The Finals gown--designed by Filipino designer Val Taguba --featured a nude base with lots of emerald and silver colored paillettes. The strapless gown was my 7th (out of the Top 10) favorite. While it was a bit "Razzle Dazzle Showgirl at the Lido"-looking and to be honest, I liked the Preliminaries one more...this was still a GOOD impacting gown.









8. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer: The super gorgeous Tulia almost got the Top Crown by getting the 1st Runner-up title (and well deserved!). She changed her gown from what she wore for the Preliminaries to this white and red sequined design above from Indonesian designer ANAZ, who created the gown for Miss Grand South Sudan as well as the outgoing "Miss Grand International 2016". It was my 8th favorite of the Top 10. While I liked the stage impact of that cape (Oh Sooooo popular right now with Pageant Girls!), the overall design seemed a bit Too-Mucheey. All that Asian-inspired red sequined applique seemed forced and in addition, it didn't need the silver ones on the column gown; that could have remained a simple elegant white silk crepe column gown. It would have served as a better highlight to the cape and red sequins down the front of the dress. With that said, Tulia did "make it work" and the "Too Mucheey" overdesigned gown was saved...by her STUNNING beauty.





9. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita: I liked this gown during the Preliminaries even though I did have a couple of critiques: The nude mini dress underneath and the silver platform "Stripper" heels. Well, nothing changed. The nude lining dress was still there and she still wore those pumps. I just wished the under-dress would have been of the same color as that GORGEOUS sequined netting...and yes, she would not have worn those tacky pumps. Oh well, at least that outer sequined fabric is just OUT OF THIS WORLD beautiful AND she won the Best National Costume Award!





10. Miss Grand South Sudan Eyga Mojus: The SUPER STUNNING Eyga was my No. 10 in terms of Gowns from the Top 10 Semi-finalists. This was my least-liked. I'll start with the good: She WORKED this ANAZ Indonesia design overtime on the stage during the Finals as well as the Preliminaries (she wore the same gown) and she IS STUNNING (I have to repeat that!) but...I just don't like seeing the nude under-dress in these see-through gowns. It looks tacky. I get this whole trend of "see through/nude" gowns for pageants, etc. but I just wished the under-dress was the same color as the gown. Or just NOT NUDE; it looks as if she's wearing SPANX undergarments and well, we are NOT SUPPOSED TO SEE THEM!








CONGRATULATIONS and Felicitaciones to "Miss Grand Peru" Maria Jose Lora for winning the "Miss Grand International 2017" title! You were MY FAVORITE! 

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: PAIRS and ICE DANCE!

Cha-Cha King and Queen: Alex and Mai Shibutani of USA during their Short Dance--2017 Rostelecom cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating, Moscow Russia





2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia, Moscow Russia


In my last "Ice Style" blog posts, I discussed the COSTUMES from this past weekend's 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia including the MEN HERE , and the LADIES HERE so...now it's time to give my Costumes Recap of the Pairs and Ice Dance! This is going to be a fun costumes season, especially for Ice Dance since the theme is Latin American dances (including Rhumba, Samba, Mambo,
ChaCha, Meringue, Salsa, and Bachata), so you know it's going to be HOT HOT HOT South of the Border Looks.With that said, let's begin with the Pairs and I'll end with the "Hot Hot Hot!" Ice Dancers:



PAIRS:





Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia: For their Short Program to Tango de Besame performed by Benise, the Russian pairs of Stolbova and Klimov, went with dramatic and sleek black-and-white looks. Fedor wore a white dress shirt and super tight black pants and Ksenia donned a black mini dress with an open back and bejeweled high neckline. They looked like Tango Experts showing a lesson in Buenos Aires which I guess was the point. 









Free Skate to Carmen Suite: For their Free Skate to Bizet's iconic music, they continued with the sleek and un-fussy costuming. She wore a fire-red mini-dress "Carmen" costume with black and red sequin applique at the bust, as well as nude illusion neckline/yoke. It was sexy yet kind of a snooze-fest. The placement of the lace applique over the bust was a bit odd for me. Since she is so tiny it wasn't too distracting, but I feel the blace lace could have been better integrated into the costume. Klimov donned a "Matador"-like ensemble consisting of black pants and a Toreador-inspired shirt. I liked the lace appliques on his shirt that mimicked a bullfighter's iconic jacket. But what was really interesting was...









His back...I really loved that detail, which again, is a nod to the traditional bullfighter costume, but slightly more sleek and modern. While I'm a fan of all that, I'm still NOT a fan of his Man Top Bun; it's SOOOO Hipster Douchey circa 2014. CUT IT OFF.













Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of Russia: Tarasova (aka Claire Danes Doppelganger!) and Morozov skated their Short Program to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov in these costumes above. I thought they were quite unique and fabulous. I loved the wrapping-around red ties and black background. these were PRIME examples of well designed costumes for a Pairs couple that look expensive and Pair-Perfect!











Free Skate to Candyman by Christina Aguilera: For their Free Skate, they decided to go Kooky! While I guess there were hints of the WWII 40's Milk Shake Diner Style to these looks, they were still more "The Mask" than "Candyman". And boy oh boy, could these really work for a random Ice Dance pair, dancing to a Swing or Jitterbug! For this, it just looked comical and Junior-ish.

















Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran of USA: Americans Castelli and Tran wore these costumes to their Fallin' by Alicia Keys Short Program. If these seem familiar, it is because they are: They are the same costumes from last season (same program music as well). It seems that this is the season of programd and COSTUMES REDUX with several skaters like Yauzuru Hanyu, Mirai Nagasu and now Castelli and Tran...wearing the same costumes they have worn before (are they under budget constraints??). Anyhow...I thought these were one of THE BEST of last season and they still hold up now. Gorgeous styling, expensive beading...LOVE her one shoulder-like design and especially how draped and beautiful Mervin's costume is. So happy when a costume designer thinks about the guy as well (and the guy allows themselves to NOT be given a BLACK SHIRT and BLACK PANTS from Nordstrom Rack!).











Free Program to Women by Shawn Phillips: I was also a big fan of these costumes worn for their Free Skate. I loved the subtle color pairing of Castelli wearing blush pink and Tran donning more of a magenta-like color. His gray pants were on-point with his shirt color.  And Marissa's sequined dress...well, someone needs to lengthen it to the floor and turn it into a fab red carpet gown! ASAP! It is beautifully done!



ICE DANCE:





Betina Popova and Sergey Mozgov of Russia: Russians Popova and Mozgov skated their Short Dance to Cha Cha; Rhumba: Formidable by Stromae and Samba: Batacuda Mixes performed by D.J. Dero. The costumes were fun, kooky and right for the Cha-cha/Rhumba/Samba music. Her costume utilized the beaded fringe to add flutter and cha-cha movement to their dance and the polka dots--while being a little distracting--were bold enough to compete with the music and dance. I especially liked his top, especially the subtle baby blue colored piping that referenced to her kooky-and-crazy look.









Free Dance to Carmen Suite by Georges Bizet: Yes kids it's "Carmen". How could you have guessed?! Her dress had slight sequined applique nods to Toreador jackets (on her shoulders) and a ragged-looking handkerchief hem. He donned a Officer-like costume reminiscent of Don Jose, the Corporal of Dragoons from the opera. I've seen better. These were like "Carmen On a Budget".





Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada: Gilles and Poirier of Canada wore these costumes for their Short Dance to Bossa Nova: Bossa Cubana and Mambo: Gopher Mambo. Piper wore an aquamarine and black Devore velvet-like dress with an open back and GORGEOUS gold jeweled sequins on her upper torso. And Paul...well, he started with a been-there/done-that boring all black look but then...halfway through their skate, she ripped his sleeves, revealing Cha-cha ruffles of a similar fabrication to her dress. While it was gimmicky, I liked it! He definitely needed a style element of fun and the ruffles did it. I liked these overall however, I wished they were more BOLD in color. 













Free Dance to Stolen Hearts, Perry Mason Theme by Fred Steiner, Smokey Sax Perry, Mason Theme by Fred Steiner: I'l be really honest: I am usually a BIG FAN of Gilles and Poirier when it comes to their costumes through all these years, however...these are TERRIBLE! I'll (kind of) excuse his black shirt/black pants and suspenders look (I guess he's supposed to be Perry Mason or maybe a private investigator?) but Piper's dress leaves me perplexed. I am so surprised this dress made it to the ice. It fits odd (no swing to her skirt and it needs more flare), the oversized scroll pattern is jarring and it just does nothing to the pair or the dance. It was so distracting, I could not concentrate on their great skating. I can think of a million more creative ways to incorporate that scroll like pattern into her costume. I love this pair and hope somebody rescues them from these costumes. Please change this ASAP! 







Rachel Parsons and Michael Parsons of USA: Brother and sister Ice Dance pair Parsons and Parsons skated their Short Dance to Rhumba: Mambo Molly by Mambo Molly ; Slow Rhumba: Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime by Zuchero and Mambo: Congo Crazed by Mambo Molly. While these costumes weren't Latino Bright and Bold, they were sleek and still HOT HOT HOT! I liked her asymmetrical hem'ed dress featuring silver sequins in her neckline and sides. I especially loved the costume tie-in in his look and especially his v-neck shirt--which featured similar silver crystal embellishment. 





Free Dance to Ghost Dances: La Partida by Victor Jara; Sikuriadas by Inti Illimani and Quiaquenpita by Inti Illimani. This was an odd dance and odd music choice. The music was neo-folkloric from Chilean artist Victor Jara Latin American folk music style from Inti Illimani. It was just unusual since one doesn't normally hear this type of music in Ice Dance. I love this music but maybe not in this kind of stage. The costumes reflected a "South American Indigenous Tribe" look to them but to see them on two VERY WHITE kids from the US, well...it just seemed almost too "Halloween Costume"-like.









Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev of Russia: Russians Bobrova and Soloviev skated their Short Dance to Rhumba: Latin Lover by Joao Bosco; Samba: Dance by DJ Maksy and Samba: Quand je vois tes yeux by Dany Brilliant, and they looked Muy Caliente! She wore a very "Dancing With The Stars" barely-there asymmetrical dress in royal blue/deep purple featuring gold sequined detail at the bust and dress. The dress was also packed with fringe! And if that wasn't enough, she added a bicep bracelet and fringed earrings! Ekaterina was straight out of a Russian Ballroom Competition and looking fabulosa! Dmitri also looked sexy and hot with his black costume featuring a plunging neckline. I love the irony of the fact that even though they both OOZED the definition S.E.X. in these costumes, they still felt the need to wear those crosses on their neck. Ayyy Dios Mio.









Free Dance to Oblivion performed by Two Cellos and Beethoven's Five Secrets by The Piano Guys: For their Free Dance, Bobrova and Soloviev left the SEX back with their Short Dance and went more elegant "Period"-like with these costumes. She wore a pink-hued dress with a draped cowl neckline and dip-dyed skirt. He wore a white dress shirt, black pants and double breasted gray vest. They looked fine but both were very uncreative. They lacked any of the costume pizzazz they had in their Short Dance. Somehow I missed that.















Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin of Russia: Russia's model-looking Ice Dance couple of Stepanova and Bukin skated their Short Dance to Rhumba: Espérame en el Cielo by Mayte Martin, Samba: L'Ombelico Del Mondo by Jovanotti, Rhumba: Chandelier (Dj Maksy Rumba Remix) by Sia and Samba: Samba Do Brasil by Bellini. Once again, she followed the costume lead of her Ice Dance compatriot of  Ekaterina Bobrova and went super sexy! She wore a completely open back dress in nude with purple sequined appliques. Oh, and a fringe skirt that would make Bob Mackie blush! If anyone is going to get away with this look, it's Miranda Kerr-lookalike Alexandra Stepanova. Her partner wore (wait for it!)...an all black outfit. At least it had a plunging neckline and an asymmetrical hem on his shirt. At least. 









Free Dance to Love Story Theme, Love's Dream by Rick Wakeman, Liebestraum No. 3 in A-Flat Minor, S. 541 by Franz Lizst, performed by Martin Jones: These costumes were pretty, and right for the music. The delicate blush pink color story hinted at love. At first I was worried that the color should have been stronger since their own skin color isn't too far away from that blush muted pink!, but I  surprisingly it worked on them. I also loved the intricate, yet beautiful sequined flower applique on her torso which, once again, gave a nod to romance. His soft blouson-sleeve shirt (with a plunging neckline!) also gave a feel of Romanticism and Love. These two needed to get a Hotel Suite. After their Free Dance.  







Finally...









Maia and Alex Shibutani of USA: How do you say AMAZING in Ice Dance?? The Shibutanis, that's how! I LOVED their Short Dance to Mambo: Mambo No. 5 by Perez Prado; Cha Cha: Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White by Perez Prado and Samba: Mambo Jumbo/Mambo No. 8 by Perez Prado, and I especially ADORED their costumes. These were BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!! They looked so fabulous, I almost wanted to jump through the TV and be in Moscow dancing with them! I thought her bubblegum pink with gold and silver crystals dress was A STUNNER. And Alex was no Costume Chopped Liver huney! I thought his nude bedazzled shirt with black pants look was sexy and a perfect costume partner to her colorful eye candy costume. And if that isn't enough in terms of my compliments, Maia's hair and makeup were Latina Fab!







Free Dance to Paradise by Coldplay: For their Free Dance, they went much more subdued--keeping in mind their emotional and modern music. I liked the red and black colors and I especially liked her softly draped chiffon dress featuring subtle hints of ombre dying. I also appreciated how his shirt perfectly matched her dress coloring. This might not have been as impressive as their Short Dance costumes but they were beautiful and appropriate for this Free Dance.  



Next Up: Skate Canada International!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary EVENING GOWNS: My Top 20 + 5 "Oh Dear!"

This Wednesday night are the Finals of the 2017 Miss Grand International Beauty Pageant, taking place on October 25th in Vietnam. Sunday night was the very important Miss Grand International Preliminary Competition, done in advance of the Finals in a very "Miss Universe"-like manner, showcasing all the 77 contestants from around the world competing in Swimsuit and Evening Gowns in front of a panel of judges. Last week, I discussed my TOP FAVORITE National Costumes of 2017 Miss Grand International which in case you missed, you can check out HERE . Now it's time for my TOP 15 BEST Gowns from the Preliminaries of 2017 Miss Grand International.






Asian Gown Divas: (L to R) Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Clenci, Miss Grand China Xuejiao Chen, Miss Grand Malaysia Sanjeda John and Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita--Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition

Photos courtesy of Miss Grand International Facebook





Latina Gown Fab: (L to R) Miss Grand Bolivia Mariem Suarez, Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora, Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore, Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer--Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition


I have to say that I was VERY IMPRESSED with the STRONG batch of contestants this year at the 2017 Miss Grand International pageant. In regards to the gowns, I was impressed at how UBER FAB a lot of them were. While there were some clunkers/Oh Dear's--for many of them, these were gowns that one would normally only see at a TOP TOP Pageant such as Miss Universe, full of DRAMA, Diva-like back capes, mostly well-fitting and expensive-looking sequin work.










Africa and Europe Gown Queens: (L to R) Miss Grand South Sudan Eyga Mojus, Miss Grand Ukraine Snizana Tanchuk, Miss Grand Sweden Maja Westlin, Miss Grand Belarus Panova Maria Desinovna--Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition




The See-through trend was EVERYWHERE and it is obviously here to stay. Some did it right and some well, showed too much Boob Cups! Also, some of these gowns looked better in video as opposed to photos, but you'll have to watch the Preliminaries (at end of this post) to judge for yourself...

So with all that said, here are my TOP 15 BEST and some of my "Oh Dear!' beginning with my Favorite...









1. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora: My NUMBER ONE BEST GOWN choice is Miss Grand Peru in this golden/nude shimmering gown from Maritza Mendoza Atelier. When Maria Jose walked out, I think I lost my breath...for like ONE ENTIRE MINUTE! In fact, I almost became STRAIGHT! OK, not really! But seriously, she looked STUNNING. The gown fit her to perfection, she looked super sexy but not vulgar and the gold and silver jeweled sequins were luxe and expensive...





The gown reminded me of the dress worn by "Miss Universe France" Iris Mittenaere when she won "Miss Universe" (photo above). Will Maria Jose win "Miss Grand International" in this golden/nude sequined gown now? We'll see..

Gown Score: 9.99










2. Miss Grand China Xuejiao Chen: My second BEST GOWN of the night was worn by the statuesque Miss Grand China. This was a SUPER impacting gown--also in that golden/nude color scheme as "Miss Grand Peru", but this one was ALL about stage presence and "Working The Runway"! The design featured a gold sequined column gown with a dramatic feathered-and-sequin cape. It was all fabulous. Including her modeling and chic center-part hairstyle.
Score: 9.97







3. Miss Grand Malaysia Sanjeda John: One word: WOW! First off, Sanjeda is just so exotically GORGEOUS! Now, onto the gown: I loved how the canary yellow color of this gown--designed and created by Javier Ramos Monteron/JRM Couture--looked against her skin tone. The mermaid shaped gown fit her to an 1/8th of an inch of her body and she ooozed sensuality as well as Pageant Gown Perfection.

Score: 9.97







4. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Durado Clenci: Elizabeth wore my 4th Favorite Gown of the night. I thought this was elegant, modern and super chic! The gown was designed by Benj Leguiab and featured that very on-Pageant-Trend golden/nude/blush coloring, beautifully placed vertical "striped" sequins and hugged her perfect figure. The sleek hairstyle mimicked the sleekness of the gown. Well done!

Score: 9.5 







5. Miss Grand Lithuania Irmina Preisegalaviciute: This was another "WOW" moment during the Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition. Irmina walked onto the stage and literally SHUT IT DOWN! She wore this fit-and-flare ivory colored column gown which featured a vertical nude illusion panel down the center front of the dress strewn with a gorgeous array of crystals. From head to toe, she looked like a contestant of a "Ru Paul's Drag Race" Pageant Challenge...and one that she would have won--wearing this!

Score: 9.45 



If you think you may have seen this gown before? You are correct:





The Gown That Goes Around The World: The same white Valentina Cedeño gown design as seen on (L to R) Miss Apure 2014 Skarliz Coa in the Miss Venezuela 2014 competition; Miss Rhode Island USA 2015 Anae Garcia competing at the Miss USA 2015 contest in Baton Rouge Louisiana, and Isabella Santiago Miss Gay Venezuela, who won the Miss International Queen 2014 title in Thailand







6. Miss Grand Myanmar Aye Chan Moe: On my 6th Best Gown Position, I placed Miss Grand Myanmar. I loved this white sequined gown. It was elegant, not Hoochie (no super high slit or cha-cha breast cleavage in sight!) and fit her well. The gown featured beautiful sequin applique in leaf-like motifs as well as bugle beaded fringe. It was a Razzle Dazzle of a Pageant Gown!

Score: 9.40









7. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita: Miss Grand Indonesia made my Top 20 Gowns of "Miss Grand International 2017 preliminaries" in this deep violet colored bespoke gown from MaisonMet  by Mety Choa of Jakarta Indonesia. The design featured unusual and very intricately hand-sewn sequined lace work curving her figure over a nude mini lining dress. I'm not necessarily a fan of seeing those nude under-dresses and instead I would have loved it if it was the same color as the outer fabrication. In addition, I would have rather seen her wear simple strappy heels as opposed to those clunky silver platform ones. But overall, it was still one of the best dress styles of the night.

Score: 9.30





8. Miss Grand Ukraine Snizhana Tanchuk: Ukraine's Snizhana looked like an A-List actress at the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet in this beautiful gown! The golden silk satin organza design---custom created for her by Crystal Design Ukraine--was elegant and chic, reminding me of those gowns from the Lebanese Couturiers like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. It looked expensive and well-made.

Score: 9.28









9. Miss Grand Sweden Maja Westlin: Simple. Sweet and Pageant Pretty. These were words I thought of when trying to describe this gown. I loved how un-Pageant Betty it was and I especially liked the rich-looking lace sequined applique and capelet style. Her styling (sleeked hair, makeup, earrings) were on-point as well. She looked like a Crown Princess...of Sweden!

Score: 9.15







10. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen: The hometown girl (the pageant is taking place in Vietnam) wore this golden/nude (of course!) colored gown from Joli Poi Wedding Studio Vietnam. This design featured intricate and very pretty sequin work over nude illusion, ending in a flourish of feathers and crystals in a mermaid-like silhouette. The dress looked expensive, fit well and was impressive onstage. I also loved her hairstyle and makeup, especially her golden shimmering eyeshadow that matched her gown.

Score: 9.10.







11. Miss Grand Thailand Pam Premika Pamela: Miss Grand Thailand made my Top 20 with this emerald-and-nude colored gown. Though simple in shape and not so dramatic (no Diva-like capes or thigh-high slit, etc), this gown still made a strong impact: Those STUNNING emerald-colored sequins did ALL THE WORK! And can we discuss that AMAZING fit??? Superb.

Score: 9.05







12. Miss Grand Sri Lanka Visna Fernando: Speaking of DIVA DRAMA...Miss Grand Sri Lanka takes the crown for her gown "flip" during her stage entrance at the Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminaries. She started her walk in this striking red dress quite elegantly enough, but then when she stopped and flipped the overskirt (and Thank Goodness the photographer captured it above!), I think EVERY Drag Queen, Gay Boy and Pageant fan from Brooklyn to Hanoi, must have fallen off their living room couch! DEEEEEVA!!!! Now, speaking of the gown--it was a great design, fab color, and I loved the slight touches of East Indian "Sari"-like details such as the lace sequin applique and satin hem band.

Score: 9.00 (and a TEN for that Overskirt Flip!)









13. Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore: Another Gown Diva was Paraguay's Lia Ashmore. Lia wore this canary yellow chiffon gown featuring a super high slit, silver and gold sequin appliques and dramatic back "capes". Normally I would think this type of gown would be Too Mucheey (the too-high slit, the bright color, the back capes, the sequins on her cha-cha's!) but she WORKED it OVERTIME onstage and I ended up LOVING IT: She looked like a Sexy Scheherazade Princess and I wanted her to take me to her Casbah Party!

Score: 8.99













14. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing: Miss Grand Laos's gown ended up as my No. 14 in my Top 20 List. I thought she looked quite regal and red carpet fab in this ivory gown. The mermaid-shaped gown featured gorgeous silver sequins and crystals throughout the torso and body of the dress and ended in shimmering pleated crinoline at the skirt. I especially loved the "necklace"-like crystal details in the back (seen in photos above). This was an excellent showing from a Miss Grand Laos.

Score: 8.90





15. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain: India's Anukriti Gusain wore this carmine red gown designed by Falguni Shane Peacock India. This design was perfection from head to toe. Was it dramatic and "Diva"-like? Not necessarily, but it was a gorgeously safe and pretty gown. The off-the-shoulder style featured beautiful sequined applique, a fit-and-flare shape and dramatic train. If this was worn at a major Awards Show red carpet event by an A-List actress, it would DEFINITELY be on the Best Dressed List. And as a result, Miss Grand India ends up in my Top 20 here!

Score: 8.80









16. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer: Tulia wore this white gown from Venezuelan designer Nidal Nouaihed. Nidal is famous for creating lots of gown for lots of Miss Venezuela contestants and winners. When Tulia first appeared onstage, she had the entire front bottom section of the gown covered--using the white georgette overskirts--hiding the thousands of crystals that enveloped the gown. Soon enough, she did a "Pageant Reveal". While I thought the color was perfect for her and the stage impact was GREAT, I wasn't a fan of the pointed bustier neckline; it was a little too Las Vegas Showgirl Costume-y for me. But, overall, the gown still was fab enough to make my Top 20.

Score: 8.75





17. Miss Grand Belarus Panova Maria Denisovna: I wanted to include this black sequined-and-tulle gown worn by Miss Grand Belarus in my Top 20. I thought the gown was stunning, especially the jet black sequin work. The style was perfect for her porcelain skin tone...I just wished the bottom tulle would have been slightly more "pouffed".

Score: 8.50







18. Miss Grand South Sudan Eyga Mojus: Miss Grand South Sudan was another one of the Pageant Divas at the Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminaries. When she entered the stage and did her runway walk, she looked like a SUPERMODEL on the Paris runways! The gown she wore--a design from ANAZ Indonesia -- featured sequined white applique strategically placed in the torso as well as hem of a tulle base as well as dramatic georgette back capes. Eyga worked the capes FLAWLESSLY and I gave her major points for that. I just wasn't a fan of that NUDE mini dress underneath. I get that it's a trend of these see-through-like pageant dresses but it is definitely a hard task to achieve the right nude color. It is one of the most difficult things to get right and if not done properly, can look tacky and in fact, look like we can see her undergarments. But...boy oh boy did she WORK those back capes DAHHHHLING!!!!

Score: 8.30







19. Miss Grand Bolivia Mariem Suarez Cuella: Miss Grand Bolivia's gown made my Top 20 because it was dramatic, well made and had stage drama. The design featured gold paillete sequins throughout over a vanilla colored duchesse satin base. The column style dress had a front side slit, attached overskirt and an off-the-shoulder neckline with sleeves. it was A LOT but...it worked for me. She looked regal, exuding a "Don't Mess With Me" air of Gown Attitude.

Score: 8.25









20. Miss Grand Nicaragua Martha Meza: Finally, Martha makes my Top 20 gowns with this violet-hued design. the gown featured a fit-and-flare shape, fan-like tulle embellishment as well as beautifully applied sequin applique. I thought she looked like the Evening Gown version of a Ming Vase. It was an impacting and unique design which I thought deserved a spot in my Top 20 Best Gowns List.

Score: 8.20





My Top 5 "OH DEAR"...


Miss Grand Nigeria Princess Omowunmi Agunbiade: Well, well, well. let me start with the Good: Overall--if you just quickly look at the photo above--it's not bad. In fact, the gold and canary colors are great, the ball gown style is dramatic and she looked quite pretty. But then...





OH NO THE BUST CUPS!!! Under no circumstances do I want to see these. this is just TACKY. I've seen this before on pageant girls and i just DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT. How on Earth do they think this is OK? Of course, you don't just go pad-less and show your nipples, etc. but...what you actually do is ADD A FULL top lining!!! Or at least partial. This above is unacceptable. Bless her heart.





Miss Grand Estonia Susanna Lehtsalu: So....Let's just start with the "Pick-up" Gown. I am not a fan of the "Pick-up" Gown. In case you don't know what a "Pick-up" gown is well, look at the photo above. It's when the gown gets 'picked up" like curtain drapes. It's Prom tacky and harks back to an 80's Quinciniera Dress. If that wasn't enough, I began to focus on the top bustier section and noticed...






Are those Crystal Sequins on on her boobies where her nipples should be??? Seriously. No.




Miss Grand Brazil Caroline Venturini: The shape is fine. It's the coral-like sequin applique that's a bit on the "Oh Dear" side. This gown looks cheap and an unfinished costume for a "Miss Aruba" or "Miss Curacao".









Miss Grand Portugal Diana Sofia Santos: Oh Miss Grand Portugal. How did she get stuck with this? And some of those other misses give you Gown Diva Drama fabulousness??!! This reminds me of a figure skating costume for a Junior Ice Dance team--or like the Wedding Guest of a super tackylicious Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.







Miss Grand Sierra Leone Nyallay Sia: To finish my 5 "Oh Dear's", it's Miss Grand Sierra Leone and this concoction above. While I excuse her for possibly not having the budget of a "Miss Venezuela" or "Miss Indonesia" and I get that Sierra Leone is a war-torn country...but Oh Dear. On a good note, Nyallay actually WORKED the stage and gave her all! But...she had to model this red lace tablecloth...over a white cocktail dress. Ayyy Dios Mio.



And my AT A GIRL AWARD Goes To...





Miss Grand Serbia Maja Smiljkovic: Last but not least, I wanted to give a special 'At-a-Girl" Award to Miss Grand Serbia...for having the gumption to wear THIS. Seriously, she's featuring a tulle caplet with bird feather-shaped trim...and silver sequins...and see-through panels. One word: Wow. OK, three words: At A Girl.



WHO do YOU think wore the BEST GOWNS of the Miss Grand International 2017 Preliminary Competition? Let me know!



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!







Click below to watch the 2017 Miss Grand International Preliminary Evening Gown Competition (it begins with "Miss Grand Bulgaria" therefore unfortunately missing 7 contestants from Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia and Brazil):

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Announcing the RELEASE of my NEW "THE PAGEANT COLORING BOOK"!!

I Love Gowns...I Love Fashion Sketching...and I LOVE Beauty Pageants!! Nick Verreos with his new book "The Pageant Coloring Book"


I am SUPER SUPER EXCITED to announce the launch of my NEW BOOK "THE PAGEANT COLORING BOOK" ! This has been a DREAM OF MINE since I was a little boy growing up in Caracas Venezuela watching and idolizing all those "Miss Venezuela" beauty queens and I would have LOOOOOOVED to have gotten a coloring book just like this back then!










  Pageant Sketch Fab--Sneak peak illustrations from the NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book" by Nick Verreos and David Paul


Along with my NIKOLAKI partner and co-illustrator, David Paul, we sketched out TWENTY-FIVE EXTRAORDINARY Beauty Pageant Divas in FABULOUS evening gowns for you to COLOR! We also included 6 Beauty Pageant Croquis (fashion poses) for you to use to design YOUR VERY OWN Fab Pageant Gowns!






"The Pageant Coloring Book" by Nick Verreos and David Paul, available on Amazon.com 


Get my book "The Pageant Coloring Book" RIGHT NOW on Amazon.com! Click HERE to order!



Click below to watch my "The Pageant Coloring Book" Launch Video:

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: THE LADIES!

"Please Let Me Win Gold!'--Russian figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva closes hers eyes as she begins her Short Program at this weekend's 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition, Moscow Russia


It's Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season!!! (as well as International Pageant Season! What a coincidence!). The first one is the 2017-18 Rostelecom Cup of Russia, held in Moscow over the weekend. In my previous post HERE , I discussed my thoughts on the MEN'S COSTUMES--and Yuzuru Hanyu's (almost) Costumes Repeats. Now, it's time to review the LADIES!






The Necklines Win!--Bedazzled necklines of some of the ladies' costumes seen at the 2017-18 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating: (Clockwise, L to R) Mirai Nagasu(USA), Mariah Bell(USA) and Wakaba Higuchi(Japan) 






Carolina Kostner of Italy: Italy's Carolina Kostner is BAAAACK! And kids, she is looking quite good! For her Short Program to Ne me quitte pas by Jacques Brel, performed by Celine Dion, she wore this Cabernet red colored costume which was simple, romantic and right for the iconic song. The red evoked passion, heart (notice the sweetheart neckline!)...while the oversized jeweled "straps" have a slight look of a delicately detailed gown. This costume was beautiful. in it's sublime qualities.







Free Skate to L'apres-midi d'un faun by Claude Debussy: For her Free Skate, Carolina wore this lilac-hued costume which honored the music and Nijinski ballet. I LOVED the leaf-like gathered tulle details and crystals that highlighted the upper torso. Nicely done Carolina!









Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia: Evgenia is an INCREDIBLE skater. SUPER INCREDIBLE. No one can touch her. She has matured with her skating and she has matured with her costumes. For her Short Program to Nocturne by Frederic Chopin, she wore this gray, blue and ombre lilac costume. I thought this was just gorgeous; it looked as if it cost $5,000 if not more! 









Free Skate to Anna Karenina (soundtrack) by Dario Marianelli: I also loved this costume which Evgenia wore to her "Anna Kerenina" Free Skate. The design was chic, sexy and different. I liked the black and silver sequin applique highlighted throughout the costume and I especially liked the see-through stretch chiffon in the back, sides and skirt. I am usually not a fan of those finger-less gloves but here, it worked--both with the "Period" theme of the music and the rest of her costume.







Mariah Bell of the USA: Mariah skated her Short Program to Roxie (Chicago soundtrack) performed by Renee Zellweger and All That Jazz (Chicago soundtrack) by John Kander, Fred Ebb. This was the same music and costume Mariah wore for last year/season's Short Program which I LOVED in my Costumes Review of 2016 Skate America HERE. So yeah...I still love it! It's jazzy, excellent for the music and really gives extra vibrancy to her skate. The silver jeweled sequins + the skirt fringe=FABULOUS!









Free Skate to West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein: For her Free Skate, she went "Sequined Maria" in her costume. And I loved it! The halter neckline costume featured a red base fabric with lots of multicolored sequins that looked AMAZING especially near her neck. I love the dripping bugle beads from the neck and the combination of red and purple. This was a very nice costume and well designed. 








Mirai Nagasu of USA--Mirai skated her Short Program to Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin. This was the same music as last season's Short Program as well as the same costume...





Mirai Nagasu at 2016 Skate Canada International (above photos)--I really liked this costume then and naturally, I still do. Would I have wished she might have "changed" the costume just a teeny-tiny bit? Maybe. But, this is so outstanding that heck, why not? Give it a second run! Since is the first event of the season, I'm kinda hoping these repeat program gals and guys will at least give us a switch in costumes. One can only hope!







Free Skate to Miss Saigon by Claude-Michel Schönberg: The minute I saw this red costume, I just knew it was "Miss Saigon". The red cheongsam silhouette, the Mandarin collar, the intricate silver and gold crystals...all added up to a very pretty costume perfect for this music. I especially liked how the sequins were put on to highlight her upper torso as well as almost "draw" a sweetheart neckline bustier.







Kaori Sakamoto of Japan: Kaori skated her Short Program to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven and wore this blue ombre-dyed costume. the design featured a gathered one shoulder-like design plus lots of silver sequins throughout the garment. It was pretty and expensive-looking.









Free Skate to Amelie (soundtrack) by Yann Tiersen: For her Free Skate to "Amelie" she wore this olive-colored design. It was drab as drab can be. I get the connection to "Amelie" with the color and mini "Peter Pan" collar but this just didn't have enough of that figure skating costume "razzle dazzle" needed to make an impact and this is one of the most unflattering colors one could possibly choose. It was SAD; she looked like she was playing a refugee from a war-torn land.







Wakaba Higuchi of Japan: Japan's Wakaba Higuchi wore this costume for her Short Program to Gypsy Dance by Leon Minkus and I loved it! The strawberry red costume featured gold, silver and emerald jeweled sequins as well as feathers which framed her shoulders and upper torso beautifully. I especially loved the jeweled sunburst in the center front bust. Wakaba did look like a gypsy...and a very fashionable and fabulous one!







Free Skate to Skyfall (James Bond soundtrack) performed by Adele: For her Free Skate, she also made me very happy with this indigo blue colored costume as she skated to "Skyfall". LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the entire look--from her sleek chignon, the silver crystal neck...to those AMAZING oversized jeweled stones on her upper torso. Her costume literally looks as if the stars in the sky...fell! 









Mae Berenice Meite of France: France's Mae Berenice Meite is know for her costumes, and also, being a lover of jumpsuits/bodysuits. She did not disappoint for what she wore for her 2017-18 Season's Short Program to Halo by Beyonce, cover version by Jasmin Thompson

Who Run the World by Beyonce. The halter neckline jumpsuit featured a STUNNING display of gold jeweled sequins on her upper torso which really gave me goosebumps! Seriously...take a look at those photos above! THAT, my dear readers is what a top level figure skating looks like! The costume--I assume--was inspired by these looks from Miss Beyonce:






Beyonce in DSquared2 at the Super Bowl Halftime Show (Left) and in Roberto Cavalli for her "Formation" Tour




Free Skate to Les Nocturnes de Chopin and Happy by C2C: For her Free Skate, Mae Berenice wore this black and white costume featuring a very "Lady-like" Peter Pan collar, and tuxedo-like shirt and cummerbund ensemble. I thought this was pretty "safe" especially knowing what Mae Berenice has worn before. It was very un-Mae Berenice. I was like "OK, this is soooooo not her!". And then, halfway through her program...








She did an "outfit change" of sorts and flipped her wrap skirt flap and exposed multi-colored jeweled shorts! While, yes, it was arguably a bit gimmicky and possibly semi-tackylicious...I still LOVED IT! Now THAT'S the Mae Berenice Meite I was looking for!


NEXT UP: The 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW for PAIRS and ICE DANCE!!!

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: The MEN!

A Costume Repeat? Maybe...Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Moscow Russia




This past weekend was the first of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season 2017-2018 international competition events: The Rostelecom Cup of Russia. It was held at the Megasport arena in Moscow Russia. Disciplines in Ladies, Mens, Pairs as well as Ice Dance were on display and the winners of these disciplines earn points to qualify them for the 2017-18 Grand Prix Final...





GOOOO JAPAN!!! Even though the Grand Prix of Russia was held in...Russia, the Megasport Arena was PACKED with the very supportive Japanese fans. Thousands traveled to Russia to cheer on their Japanese skaters, especially Yuzury Hanyu. God bless the Japanese fans, they seem to be keeping the ISU and figure skating afloat many, many thousands of fans at a time!





Now, let's get to the IMPORTANT STUFF: THE COSTUMES!!! As you may know, I love discussing and reviewing the figure skating costumes here on my "Ice Style" blog so let's get started with my Recap of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Costumes: MEN. I will follow with separate blogs on LADIES, PAIRS and ICE DANCE...



MEN:





Nathan Chen of USA: First of all: Nathan is a QUAD wunderkind!! What I am not so impressed with are his costumes. This all black dress shirt and pants look is what he wore as his "costume" for his Short Program to Nemesis by Benjamin Clementine. I get that the music is sweeping, jazzy, modern...so a sleek all black costume is appropriate but...THIS? Nathan looks like...





The WAITSTAFF at a party!! It's not particularly the all black that I have a problem with, if done right, it can be quite beautiful and interesting...take a look at these examples:





BETTER: (L to R) Jeremy Abbott at 2011 Cup of China, Evan Lysacek at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Max Aaron and his "Carmen" costume at 2013 US Championships--Nathan doesn't have to look like the "hired help" at a party. Just saying.







Free Skate to Mao's Last Dancer (soundtrack) by Christopher Gordon: And kids, it didn't get any better for his Free Skate costume. An indigo blue colored dress shirt (Oh, what a shock!! Color!!). The music is this sweeping score from the film depicting a ballet life of Li Cunxin taken from his early life in rural China to end up defecting to the US. Even the "costume" in the movie's poster is more exciting:





I REALLY REALLY HOPE that these are just "in transition" looks and that his REAL COSTUMES are being made as I type this. PLEASE I hope I am right! I am in AWE of Nathan Chen's multi-quads. His "costumes" leave A LOT to be desired.







Mikhail Kolyada of Russia: Russia's Kolyada skated his Short program to Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Tango. I loved this. Now, this is something I wished Nathan would have worn. It was sleek, fit him well and had enough "costume" excitement but not too much. 









Free Skate to Steamroller Blues, Can't Help Falling In Love, Rip It Up by Elvis Presley--Mikhail did Elvis proud with an interpretation of one of his famous costume looks (seen above from his 1972 concert). I liked the details, the obvious homage to the original costume with the front torso details. This was another nice costume for the young Russian.







Denis Ten of Kazakhstan: Denis skated his Short Program Tu Sei by Vittorio Grigolo in this look above. The outfit consisted of black pants and a wrap-style white embroidered shirt. It gave hints of a classical opera tenor with a little bit of funky style. I especially liked the caviar beaded-like "thread" applique seen in the lower photo above.







Free Skate to SOS d'un terrain by Dimash Kudaibergen: Denis skated his Free Skate to his famous song done by a fellow Kazakh artist. Ten's costume was a sleek, modern look that included silver sequin embellishments as well as chiffon volants/mini-ruffles. Overall, it was a good costume for the beautiful and deep-meaning song. If there was any critique, I don't think he needed the crystal-detailed waist. Otherwise, it was just fine. 





Grant Hochstein of USA: Grant skated his Free Skate to Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber in this midnight blue costume featuring violet, blue and silver crystals highlighting his upper torso. I liked that this was not so overtly a reference to Phantom and that he didn't have any gimmicky faux mask anywhere... 







The slight peeking of white ruffles gave enough of a nod to the Phantom's blouse (seen on actor Gerard Butler above with director Joel Schumacher in the 2004 movie version ) which was nice.





Misha Ge of Uzbekistan: Misha Ge wore this lilac top and black pants costume for his Free Skate to Meditation (from "Thais") by Jules Massenet. The look was a bit "subdued" from some of Misha's past costume looks but it was lovely. The color added delicacy to his skate and I liked the ruffled sleeve cuffs. I just wish the neckline didn't have that mini panel of nude illusion (WHY??) and I would have rather seen a more plunging neckline. Maybe not Max Aaron plunging but a little more than that above. It seemed a bit "Junior Skater" to me.











Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Yuzuru skated his Short Program to Ballade No. 1 by Frederic Chopin. If this sounds familiar, it is because it's almost like "Groundhog's Day: The Figure Skating Edition" when it comes to Hanyu, his Short program AND his costumes. For this 2017-18 Olympic Season, Hanyu has gone back to the same Short Program Music and (almost) the same Costume that he used for the 2014-15, 2015-16 Seasons...







Costume Adjustments: MINOR adjustments to the same costume--(L to R) 2014-15, 2015-2016 and now. The "new & Improved" version includes basically the same ombre-dyed blouson top with crystals but gold beading was added to the mock-neckband. He also used the same gold cummerbund as in the previous season. I think this is kind of lazy costuming if you ask me. It's an OK costume but it would have been WONDERFUL to have seen something COMPLETELY NEW! As a Fashion Designer and costume enthusiast, I selfishly want something NEW and EXCITING!













Free Skate to Seimei (soundtrack) by Shigeru Umebayashi: For his Free Skate, Yuzuru also went back to a previous Free Skate Program from a couple of seasons ago. He also used the (almost) same costume but with minor sequin adjustments. 








Yuzuru Hanyu's costume for his 2015-2016 Season Free Skate


Once again, I liked the original (above photo), especially with the music but I am just baffled why he didn't just have a BRAND NEW design and style made??!! We all know he has the MILLIONS to get it done so why??!! Maybe he is superstitious and somehow feels that he should wear the same (or almost the same) to bring him luck??? Who knows...






I know that I probably would have rather seen him in a cute Pooh Bear Costume instead...or this fab little stretch velvet number on this darling little Russian boy!


UP NEXT: The LADIES COSTUMES REVIEW of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia!

FIDM MUSEUM....."Fashion Philanthropy" Exhibition, from The Linda & Steven Plochocki Collection

Golden Dress: A Boue Soeurs Paris France Silk Tulle and Silk Satin "Presentation Dress"--The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles


Even though the 11th Annual Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition  closed earlier this month, if you are a FASHION COUTURE ENTHUSIAST, you still have plenty of time to swing by the FIDM Museum in Downtown Los Angeles to enjoy the beautiful "Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection".







           The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los                                                                                     Angeles



The Exhibition showcases collected, purchased and donated items--both garments and accessories--from the Plochocki's collection, and explores Linda's fascination with all things floral and embroidered. In addition to 19th and 20th century pieces, the show also highlights contemporary designs by Prada, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Raf Simons for Christian Dior. FIDM Museum Creative Director Peter Lam's hand-crafted paper flowers adorn the walls and accentuate the blush and grey color scheme. 








Linda and Steven Plochocki (Center), with Barbara Bundy (Far left) FIDM Museum Director and Vice President of Education and Tonian Hohberg, President of FIDM--Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection at FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles


Here are some photos of the GLORIOUS COUTURE on display:




Couture Garden: Historical Ladies Garments from the Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection--on display at "Fashion Philanthropy Exhibition: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles









(Left to right): Evening Dress c. 1837-40 evening dress of silk brocade and a 1908 "Afternoon Gown" of gray silk satin and silk chiffon trimmed with embroidered silk flowers from "Liberty and Company" LTD London...





The front bodice of the 1908 "Afternoon Gown" simulates a jacket as seen in the close-up above--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles





Chic Debutante: A 1928 presentation dress worn by Miss Sallie Bell Gaston at the Dallas Country Club. Made by Boué Souers in Paris. The dress is of silk tulle, silk satin, lamé, metallic floss and silk ribbon embroidery--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles







Glam Winter Coat: Charles Worth c. 1885 silk velvet brocade coat, trimmed in sable--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles





Pouffed & Cinched: A jacket-bodice c. 1898 by Jaques Doucet. Iridescent silk taffeta, silk chiffon, silk satin ribbon, silk lace, and silk chenille (notice how TEENY-TINY the wearer must have been back in that era)---"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles







Asiana Fab: Andrienne Landau velvet & fur coat, c. 2000--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles







Raining Flowers: Raf Simons for Dior Spring/Summer 2016 coat/parka--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles







Alta Moda: 1965 Valentino Garavani silk crepe coat with glass beads, rhinestones, metallic and silk thread and synthetic raffia--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles











Nuptials Couture: Wedding Gown c. 1878 by Emile Pingat made of silk faille, netting, chiffon, floss, satin, cotton and lace. Orange blossoms made of colored wax detail the gown.  The dress is 139 YEARS OLD and in PERFECT CONDITION; better than some of my NIKOLAKI gowns that are worn on the red carpet after one night's event!-- "Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles


Here are the DETAILS of the fabulous exhibition:

WHAT: Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection 



WHEN: Runs through December 22, 2017



WHERE: FIDM Museum & Galleries 

                919 South Grand Avenue, Ground Floor 

                Los Angeles California 90015

                Entrance on Grand Hope Park side



COST: FREE!