Nick Verreos's Blog, page 20

January 23, 2019

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture 2019: Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2019

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

WHAT: Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019.

INSPIRATION: For her Spring/Summer 2019 collection for the French fashion house of Dior, Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri was inspired by the circus. First, there was Richard Avedon's famous photo "Dovima with Elephants" photographed at Paris's Cirque d'Hiver in 1955...

As well as circus paintings from Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and others, which inspired her...

She also researched intricately gorgeous circus costumes (all hand embroidered!) from Gerard Vicaire. For the show, she literally put on a show, bringing in the London-based all-female circus acrobat troupe, Mimbre, to accomplish incredibly limber feats of acrobatic choreography as the models showed look after look of all hand-done works of couture fashion art:

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

Click below to watch the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019 show:

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Published on January 23, 2019 19:59

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture 2019: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2019

Voluminous Drama--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

WHAT: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019...

INSPIRATION: There were two inspirations for Giambattista Valli: First, it was the famous Le Bain Turc by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a painting infused with an elegant sense of erotic privacy.

The other was a Helmut Newton picture taken in Yves Saint Laurent’s Avenue Marceau salon in 1977 during one of his haute couture fittings, in which models dressed in his fabulously exquisite tenues de soirée were relaxing on gilded chaises, with an attitude of sophisticated abandon.

Inspiration: Poufs, Feathers, Lame, Fuchsia, The Fez Hat....Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture

The inspirations seemed obvious: The over-the-top pouffed sleeves, superb hi-lo skirt shapes, see-through Helmut Newton-like muses, coq feathered looks, gold lame, bubblegum pink satins....to the Marrakesh-like Fez hats....it was a definite homage to The Master, Yves Saint Laurent; his fashions, his COUTURE, and his love of Morocco, the Sevillanas, Bizet's ultimate "Carmen"...all infused into one fabulous collection!

There were plenty party and gala dresses for his Valli gals to love (if they have a couple of $100,000 to spare!)...and one or two...or TEN...gowns perfect for the Oscars (Hello Lady Gaga!)...Bring on the VOLUME and FABULOUSNESS!

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

Click below to watch video of Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019:

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Published on January 23, 2019 19:55

January 7, 2019

WHO WORE WHAT?.....2019 Golden Globes Red Carpet: Top 15 Best Dressed!

Best Dressed Ladies--(L to R) Lupita Nyong'o, Lady Gaga, Gemma Chan, Patricia Clarkson, Catherine Zeta-Jones at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California USA

The 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards took place last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. This is the year's first major awards ceremony leading up to the Academy Awards, of course, and the first big red carpet of 2019. People are always looking out for trends of the red carpet and there were several this year at the Golden Globes: Sequined Gowns, Bright Colored Gowns, Full Ballgowns, "Goddess" Dresses. All of these trends were seen on my TOP PICKS for Best Dressed. So...here we go--here are my TOP 15 BEST DRESSED of the 2019 Golden Globes:

Lady Gaga in Customized Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--Lady Gaga arrived at this year's Golden Globes to SLAY the red carpet and make an entrance. If that's a shocker then I offer: Do you know who Lady Gaga is?? Of course she showed up to give a DIVA Red Carpet moment darlings. And she did.

Train Diva--Lady Gaga in Customized Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018, 2019 Golden Globe Awards, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California USA

Lady Gaga wore a lilac/blue-hued silk gown from Valentino Haute Couture, and loosely based on a design shown at the Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. Her gown featured a strapless neckline, billowing, gathered arm-sleeves and very full skirt with a dramatic very long train. The original gown as shown on the runway, which would cost $100,000+ if you were rich enough to order it...

Featured trapunto stitching across the bust as well as an exaggerated yoke and gathered (all done by hand, by the way!) full skirt (photo above). For Lady Gaga, the gown was customized...

Customized--The trapunto stitching was gone as well as the heavy gathering. But the full arm-sleeves were still there as well as the essence of the silhouette. Overall, I thought that this was a fabulous gown, a Diva-like grand design and a great red carpet moment, especially for Lady Gaga. And yes, I LOVED that Tiffany's diamond necklace (OMG!) and her lilac/blue colored hair.

Gemma Chan in Customized Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--"Crazy Rich Asians" actress Gemma Chan was my second favorite in this (yet again!) Valentino Haute Couture gown from Pierpaolo Piccioli's Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. I cannot tell you in enough grandiose words how much I LOVED this collection so I was BEYOND excited to see TWO gowns on the red carpet from this show. The teal colored silk duchesse satin gown featured a draped halter neckline with back tie bow, full overskirt and...SHORTS!

Runway Alta Moda--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--The runway version didn't have the sassy shorts but everything else was kept the same.

Patricia Clarkson in Georges Chakra Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--Patricia Clarkson looked radiant, chic and so fashion-fabulous in this coral-orange-strawberry colored tulle "Goddess" gown. The dress is from Beirut, Lebanon based designer Georges Chakra and his Georges Chakra Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018 Collection and therefore all hand made and very, very expensive. The design had ombre dyed silk tulle, gathered beautifully with a nude illusion colored bodice hand-beaded with red and silver sequins.

Lupita Nyong'o in Custom Calvin Klein by Raf Simons--Lupita Nyong'o was one of my Best Dressed at the 2019 Golden Globes in this violet colored sequined gown from Calvin Klein. I know, I know, this dress and design may have nothing to do with Calvin Klein (check out the brand's Spring 2019 Collection HERE and see what I mean!), but I guess that doesn't matter if you are making a custom gown for a client such as Lupita Nyong'o. The gorgeous dress featured a strapless neckline and shimmering and dangling sequined bugle beads. The fit was stupendous and the color--especially on Nyong'o was sublime.

Catherine Zeta Jones in Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--Catherine Zeta-Jones gave a lesson on "Red Carpet Diva" (if there is such a class!), as she showed up to the 2019 Golden Globes in this green silk gown from Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018. The gown design was done exactly as seen on the runway with perfect side fan-pleats, a dramatic overskirt and pleated upper torso drape. Zeta-Jones looked like the Hollywood A-List Diva that she is. Perfection.

Regina King in Custom Alberta Ferretti--I loved this pink sequined gown worn by actress Regina King. The design was a Custom Alberta Ferretti strapless column gown, completely covered in shimmering paillettes. I loved the simple silhouette, the curved bust line, and the perfect fit (look at that length!).

Halle Berry in Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--One word: WOW. Leave it to Halle Berry to remind everyone how you do SEXY GODDESS. Berry wore this wine-colored gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad and his Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. The hand-made very expensive gown featured plumetis (dotted cotton/tulle fabrication), guipure lace, silk and velvet with a side drape silhouette, plunging neckline and sexy leg-revealing side slit. I loved the strappy heels and that she also wore matching merlot-colored panties (as opposed to the runway model's nude colored ones); wise choice.

Emmy Rossum in Monique Lhuillier Spring 2019--Emmy Rossum vibed a delicately glamorous look in this blush pink gown from FIDM Alumna designer Monique Lhuillier and her Spring 2019 Collection. I loved this tulle ballgown, especially the dramatic full shape and gorgeously draped bustier. The gown reminded me of something one would have seen in 1950's Couture.

Charlize Theron in Custom Christian Dior Haute Couture--Dior Spokesperson Charlize Theron wore Christian Dior, naturally. She looked elegant, chic and timeless in this black and white gown custom-made for her (naturally Part 2!). The design featured a black silk halter neckline with a beautiful tie-bow at the neck, plunging center front keyhole opening and white silk crepe fit-to-flare skirt. While the design was quite simple, it fit perfectly and on Theron, she looked like a statuesque fashion princess.

Alison Brie in Customized Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2019--"Glow" actress Alison Brie wore this frothy tulle gown customized for her from a Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2019 Collection design. The dress had a gathered lilac/blue tulle full ballgown skirt and top, black velvet bow/tie emanating from the shoulder and shimmering sequined bandeau top. The original Look Book design (right, top photo) was not as full and ballgown-like and more Empire-shaped and as you can see, Alison's crystal-covered bandeau top was originally, more of a bikini top.

Julia Roberts in Custom Stella McCartney--Julia Roberts looked chic in a jumpsuit-like design from Stella McCartney. The look featured a golden/nude gathered tulle one shoulder top with overskirt, all over black "cigarette" pants (skinny trousers). I thought the look was 50's Retro but among all these big ballgowns, seemed almost directional. I loved it! It also reminded me so much of one of our very own NIKOLAKI designs:

NIKOLAKI One shoulder silk jumpsuit

Keri Russell in Monique Lhuillier Fall 2019--Actress Keri Russell wore this silver sequined gown from Monique Lhuillier Fall 2019 Collection. The dress had a deep cowl drape neckline, shoulder pads and straight long skirt. The collection was inspired by the "Excess of the 1980's" and I can absolutely see an early 80's Disco Glam vibe in this design...and I wanted to be part of that club!

Nicole Kidman in Custom Michael Kors Collection--Nicole Kidman was one of my Best Dressed in this raspberry colored sequined column gown from Michael Kors Collection. The design was custom-made and made Nicole look sleek and column-like. While I would have loved for her to take more of a fashion risk,...she does every now and then, so I give her "basic" red carpet moments such as this. I also think it helped that she accessorized it all with a Disco Ball bag! (or is that a silver crystal "Star Wars" Death Star???

Thandie Newton Custom Michael Kors--Another client of Michael Kors' was actress Thandie Newton. She wore this silver paillette gown custom-made for her from Michael Kors Collection. While neither hers or Kidman's gowns are available for purchase at any store, that's not the point; the point is for you to remember "Michael Kors Collection" and go to Macy's or Dillard's and buy the brand's bags! On the subject of Thandie's dress: I loved the simple shape, great fit and classy-sexy criss-cross upper torso.

Penelope Cruz in Ralph & Russo Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018--Lastly, I wanted to add the beautiful Penelope Cruz and this A-line shaped gown that she wore at the 2019 Golden Globes. The design was from British design duo Ralph & Russo Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018. The dress fit her perfectly; the shape was dramatic; I loved the purple-and-black metallic jacquard fabrication...and then there was that silk velvet back bow tie. This look was so 50's Hollywood Glamour Fabuloso! Muy Bien Penelope.

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Published on January 07, 2019 23:20

January 5, 2019

ICE STYLE.....2018 Costumes Recap: Figure Skating COSTUMES 2018--ICE DANCE!

Dancing Queens...and Kings--Ice Dance Teams of the 2018-2019 Grand Prix Season: USA's Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue, France's Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, Canada's Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier

In my previous "ICE STYLE" posts, I have discussed some of the Figure Skating Costumes seen during this 2018-2019 Grand Prix Season from the top LADIES (Click HERE!), MEN (Click HERE!) as well as PAIRS (Click HERE!) skaters. Now, it's time to talk about the ICE DANCE!

Ice Dance Style--USA's Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker, Russia's Tiffani Zagorsky and Johnathan Guerreiro, USA's Madison Hubbell and Zacahary Donohue

Since it is the ICE DANCE discipline, it's almost a foregone conclusion that there will be costumes to be talked about, and this season was no exception...Here are some of them from the top Ice Dance teams, divided by their respective nations. Let's start with...

ITALY:

Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri Short (Rhythm) Dance to a Tango Medley of Miedo a la Libertad by Tanghetto, La Chanson des vieux amants performed by Kantango, Tanos by Lino Cannavacciuvolo--This season's theme of Tango meant we would see lots of black and red colored costumes for the Short Dance (which has been renamed the "Rhythm Dance" by the ISU) So with that in mind, here were Italy's Guignard and Fabbri in their best Argentine Tango looks. They involved a sleek wine-red shirt, tight black pants and suspenders look for Marco and for Charlene, she wore a sexy black jersey dress featuring an asymmetrical fishtail hem and silver crystal sequin accents. They looked strong and sensual in these costumes and did evoke a Tango Love Couple.

Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri Free Dance to The Audition (from "La La Land" soundtrack) by Justin Hurwitz, Lovely Night (from "La La Land" soundtrack) by Justin Hurwitz, Planetarium (from "La La Land" soundtrack) by Justin Hurwitz--For their Free Dance to "La La Land", they were on-point with their costumes. I loved her teal-green dress with paillette waistband and his white shirt/gray vest and pants ensemble. These were nice interpretations of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's looks and characters from the film.

CANADA:

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier Short (Rhythm) Dance to Angelica's Tango by Piernicola Di Muro--Now this is a way to get my Figure Skating Fashionista attention! Piper and Paul--always looking for new ways to show their style sense, stood out this season in these looks for their Rhythm Dance program. She wore a canary yellow-and-white halter neck dress with a bold red rose print accented by a fan-pleated skirt and sequin embellished accents. Paul looked the part of the most darkly sexy Tango partner in his double breasted suit, wine-red shirt and the prefect accessory: A mustache. Muy Bien!

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier Free Dance to Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don MacLean, Govardo--For their Free Dance, they wore these looks above, which I was a bit "mixed" in terms of my love/not-love thoughts. I liked her electric blue dress (the blue signifying the "Starry Night" music, I presume) and especially the very intricate sequined applique on the torso, but the hair and styling made her look a bit "Paris Hilton at a Mykonos Party". I was also not a fan of Paul's gray blousy shirt and black pants. He looked un-kept and in addition, I'm just not a fan of seeing sweat stains as the skaters are raising their arms for their choreography; I know they are working their you-know-what's-off, I just don't want to actually see the sweat on their costumes.

USA:

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker Short (Rhythm) Dance to Vuelvo al Sur by Juan Carlos Caceres, A los Amigo by Forever Tango--This dress on Kaitlin was by far one of the best "Tango" costume/dresses this season: I loved it! The black dress was sensuously stylish featuring a plunging neckline, asymmetrical hem and GORGEOUS sequined applique trim. In addition, her chignon hairstyle and red lipstick makeup was PERFECTO! Jean-Luc was looking very debonair in a gray dress shirt, tight black pants and red neck scarf.

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker Free Dance to Trampoline Theme by The Irrespressibles

In This Shirt by The Irrespressibles--For their Free Dance, Kaitlin and Jean-Luc wore these costumes above. I liked both their looks. They were ethereal, pretty and modern. I especially liked the ombre dying effect on her chiffon dress/skirt and his side draped top was oh-so-pretty.

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue Short (Rhythm) Dance to Alevare by Astor Piazzolla, Tangata del Alba by Astor Piazzolla--Hubbell and Donohue skated their Rhythm Dance to these "Tango"-inspired looks above. Madison wore a second-skin black-and-nude stretch lace dress with long sleeves, leg-revealing slit and open back silhouette. She looked as CALIENTE as one could get! But if you thought she was hot, look at sexy Zachary: With his v-neck skin-tight white top, high-waisted tight pants, red suspenders and slicked hair, he looked like the sexiest waiter in a Buenos Aires wine bar! Both of them did their "Costume" job in delivering the intense sensual nature of the Argentine Tango.

Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue Free Dance to Introduction to Romeo (Romeo and Juliet soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong, Kissing You Instrumental (Romeo and Juliet soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong, Kissing You (Romeo and Juliet soundtrack) performed by Desree--For their Free Dance costumes, they went romantic, delicate and old-school. And I loved them! Madison was the modern and chic Juliet in this silver dress with a slight fishtail hem at the back, triple-tiered hip-band detail and GORGEOUS sequins splattered on the torso and cap sleeves. Zachary was the dark romantic in his all-black costume of pants and button-front top with shoulder accents. There were hints of Shakespearean romance, Period costume and 21st century fashion style.

RUSSIA:

Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalopov Short (Rhythm) Dance to Verano Porteno by Astor Piazzolla, performed by Raul Garello--This "Tango" theme brought out a whole lot of sexy looks from the Ice Dance teams this season, as seen here with Russia's Sinitsina and Katsalopov. Victoria barely-there black dress provided some serious costume competition (in the "Caliente" department) to Madison Hubbell's lace look: Not only was it also backless, it had a fluttery "car wash"-like skirt, sheer sleeves and a plunging front torso panel. This was like the "Versace MTV Awards J Lo Dress" version for Pairs Figure Skating. Nikita looked like a Catholic priest compared to her--in his black jacket, dress shirt and pants look. She was ready for a party...he was on his way to a funeral.

Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalopov Free Dance to Suite in D "Air" by Johann Sebastian Bach, Praeludium and Allegro (In the Style of Pugnani) by Fritz Kreisler--First off: Did Nikita wear the same costume as his Rhythm Dance one, but with a black t-shirt instead? It kind of looks like it....so because of this, I'll just discuss Victoria: Her Free Dance costume was a gray-silver dress with delicate bust draping and silver sequin embellishments. It was pretty but verging on a bit drab.

Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin Short (Rhythm) Dance to Malaguena performed by Blast, Tango Suite Part III by Al Di Meola, Carmen's Story performed by Edith Piaf--Stepnanova and Bukin donned Versace-inspired looks (especially her) for their Rhythm Dance costumes for their Malaguena/Tango Medley. Alexandra's black straps-and-crystals costume was very 90's Gianni Versace for sure and while I like the reference, I'm not a fan of such an overt knock off. Ivan's look was sexy with the solid vs/ sheer juxtaposition on the top. I also liked the very wide batteau neck.

Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin Free Dance to Am I The One by Beth Hart--These Free Dance costumes were gorgeous! I loved both Alexandra's and Ivan's. Her silver-gray and black costume featured a mock-neck, long sleeves and "shredded" skirt with metallic silver accents. She looked sexy, chic, fashion fierce and very Rodarte-like! Ivan--with his black Toreador jacket, sheer tank and skin-tight black pants could be a great look to save if they ever skate to Bizet's "Carmen".

Tiffani Zagorsky and Johnathan Guerreiro Short (Rhythm) Dance to Besame Mucho, Selection by Astor Piazzolla--Tie-dye Tango anyone?? Tiffani Zagorsky answered "Si!". For their Rhythm Dance, the Russian Ice Dance team of Zagorsky and Guerreiro (she's English-Russian and he's Australian-Russian in case you are wondering), wore these costumes above. While Johnathan looked like a waiter at a Vegas hotel club, she was funky and hippy-dippy in her green-and-red colored knit jersey cut-out one-sleeve dress. I kind of liked her costume, only because it was a fresh change from all the other oh-so-obvious Argentine Tango Sexy-licious Divas.

Tiffani Zagorsky and Johnathan Guerreiro Free Dance to Blues for Klook by Eddie Louis--For their Free Dance looks, they went with all-black colored looks that evoked a Blues-y/Rock & Roll inspiration. Tiffani wore a shiny Lycra leotard-sleeved dress with side back sequin applique that looked great with that fiery red hair of hers. On the other hand, Johnathan, with his shiny black shirt and pants looked more like late-70's/early 80's Disco King Deney Terrio!

FRANCE:

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron Short (Rhythm) Dance to Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla performed by Gidon Kremer, Primavera Porteno by Astor Piazzolla performed by Gideon Kremer--Let's just start with the obvious: They are SIMPLY AMAZING, SUBLIME and SEAMLESS with their skating. And their costumes mirror their skating! I loved both of these looks on Gabriella and Guillaume. Her one shoulder/one sleeve asymmetrical dress was sleek, chic and fab. And Guillaume's sheer lace shirt and black pants was the perfect sexy costume partner. His plunging neckline was EVERYTHING!

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron Free Dance to Duet by Rachael Yamagata

Sunday Afternoon by Rachael Yamagata--Sporty & Pretty. I liked how clean, classic and void-of-fuss these looks were on Papadakis and Cizeron for their Free Dance. Gabriella looked liked a modern dance choreographer wearing a blush pink crop turtleneck top with long sleeves, side knot and silver side-front slit skirt and Guillaume's gray silver skin-tight shirt (with sheer back panel!) and black pants was the sexiest dance partner she could ever want to dance with. Just like their Ice Dance, there is no need for unnecessary stuff in their costumes: Just perfectly edited.

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Published on January 05, 2019 12:57

January 2, 2019

ICE STYLE.....2018 Costumes Recap: Figure Skating COSTUMES 2018 PAIRS!

Pairs Fashion--(L to R) USA's Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc, Russia's Natalie Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert and Russia's Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov

In Part 2 of my 2018 Figure Skating Costumes Recap, it is now time for the PAIRS! I have already blog'ed about the LADIES HERE , the MEN HERE , in case you missed it...Now, in terms of the PAIRS, there have been lots of exciting and, dare I say, fun costumes seen this season...

Fringe, Sparkle and Unitard Fab--(L to R) USA's Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc, Italy's Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise, France's Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres

From Medieval Warriors to Sassy Fringe to Unitard Queens...there has been enough Fashion Eye Candy for fans to indulge in. Let's take a look at some of the Top Pairs Teams--divided by their respective countries--and their Grand Prix Season 2018-2019 costumes:

USA:

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Short Program to Bella Belle by The Electric Swing Circus--For their fun and Electro Swing-inspired Short Program, Cain and LeDuc looked fab in these costumes. Timothy wore a super slim white shirt and pinstripe pants held up by suspenders; he looked like a sexy Speakeasy bartender. To contrast his masculine outfit, Ashley went "Pretty in Pink" wearing a pink fringed design with a "plunging" neckline accented by a faux beaded necklace down the front. Her center parted hairstyle continued the 20's flapper-like aesthetic very well. Above all, I especially liked how the fringe of her costume really highlighted her spins in the air. These were great costumes, perfect for the program.

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Free Skate to W.E. (soundtrack) Abel Korzeniowski--You wouldn't know it by looking at these costumes but they skated to the "W.E." film soundtrack about Wallis Simpson and England's Edward VIII...

Obviously these were more of a modern/figure skating costume take on the glorious clothes worn by those two iconic fashionistas of the time ("W.E." costumes by Costume Designer Arianne Phillips above). I can see some inspiration in the silver color as well as sequined applique placed in the front of Ashley's unitard, which was an obvious nod to the Schiaparelli-inspired gown in the above photo. I thought that Cain and LeDuc's looks were sleek but I felt that Timothy's could have benefited from a super-fitted vest with the beaded applique.

Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim Short Program to Castle by Halsey--If you are wondering where these armor-like costumes come from...look no further than...

"The Huntsman: Winter's War" (above costumes). I liked these black and gold costumes worn by Alexa and Chris. As you can see, she's continuing the Unitard Costume Trend that we've seen in the last few years in her outfit, and I especially admired all the metallic-like panels interspersed with the iridescent nude color. While they were slightly "Tron"-like, I did get the "Evil Queen" Medieval Fantasy inspiration.

Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim Free Skate to Wicked Game by Chris Isaak, covered by James Vincent McMorrow--For their Free Skate to "Wicked Game", they went softer and more "Classic" Figure Skating Pairs Costumes with their looks. Alexa looked ethereal in her lilac colored costume featuring tie-dye-like coloring with an effect of "splattered paint" plus crystals strewn throughout. Chris, on the other hand went clean and male-basic with a deep purple turtleneck and black pants.

ITALY:

Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise Short Program to Never Tear Us Apart by Joe Cocker--Hello Unitard! Yes kids, the Unitard is BAAACK! And this time on Italian Pairs skater Nicole Della Monica who pretty much never met a Unitard she didn't like. Along with her Pairs partner, the sexy-licious Matteo Guarise, these two skated their Short Program in these black with silver crystal embellished costumes, looking quite sensuous, lithe and passionate. I really loved the asymmetry of Nicole's costume, the silver bandeau, and skin-revealing panels as well as oversized jeweled sequins.

Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise Free Skate to Tristan and Isolde by Maxime Rodriguez--For their Free Skate to "Tristan and Isolde"--a 12th century story involving an adulterous love affair between a Cornish knight and Irish princess. These costumes definitely went along with the story and theme, using Costume Period details such as the criss-cross ties, gold scroll-like applique, armor-like accents. I thought it was interesting to pretend to show skin on Matteo with those side panels and "nude" sleeves and in addition I liked the lilac-and-wine color story between the two.

CANADA:

Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro Short Program to The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Leona Lewis--For their Short Program, Kirsten and Michael went with a classic figure skating costume style. For her, this involved a lilac colored look featuring a sheer center front panel encircled by silver sequins and watercolor-like printed bottom skirt section. It was pretty and romantic, like the musical theme. Michael's outfit was on par with a male pair's typical and safe long sleeve stretch top and matching colored pants.

Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro Free Skate to Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd, The Happiest Days Of Our Lives by Pink Floyd, Another Brick In The Wall by Pink Floyd--For their Free Skate, their costumes got slightly more elaborate (Thank goodness!) being that the music involved the words "Shine" and "Diamond". The costumes shone with diamond-like crystal sequin details, nice criss-cross accents on her torso and even some sparkles on HIM (Yeay!).

FRANCE:

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres Short Program to Uninvited by Alanis Morisette (from "City of Angels" soundtrack)--Vanessa and Morgan skated their Short Program wearing these costumes above. For Vanessa, it involved a gold and jeweled sequined top and red ombre shaded draped skirt. She looked like a Middle Eastern Sheikha in an Hollywood film set. Morgan looked the part of the sexy male counterpart with a fitted top featuring sheer-and-solid details (especially loved the SHEER shoulders!) and black pants. The movie the music is from involves an angel falling in love with a mortal. In these costumes, I can't tell which one is which...which is OK by me!

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres Free Skate to Wicked Game by Chris Isaak, performed by Ursine Vulpine ft. Annaca, The Last Feeling by Maxime Rodriguez--Vanessa is another skater who never met a Unitard she didn't like and for their Free Skate, she wore a super sexy one in this deep gray costume with front torso draping and low waist sequin detail. The top section was Couture-worthy but I just wasn't sure if I liked how the pants extended way down to the skates. For Morgan, I absolutely loved his look, especially the top. Look at the photo above and how the lose panels twist while he spins: Fabulous!

In addition, I also appreciated how the deep gray colors in the costumes mirrored the sepia-toned black & white video with Chris Isaak and supermodel Helena Christensen (above photos).

CHINA:

Cheng Peng and Yang Jin Short Program to Ophelia by The Lumineers--These costumes worn by Peng and Jin were pretty with hers being the (literal) Star of the two. I loved the fireworks-and-stars-like beaded details in her costume making her look like a beautiful star in the night sky. Not to leave out her partner Yang Jin; his costume is a perfect example where designers can actually GIVE the GUY something in terms of detail as opposed to the same old/same old black top and black pants: I really liked that subtle gorgeous beading on his top.

Cheng Peng and Yang Jin Free Skate to La Vie en Rose--For their Free Skate, China's Peng and Jin skated in these costumes above. I liked her magenta colored look featuring a sheer crystal embellished front panel and off-the-shoulder design. I thought the use of the spaghetti straps/ties added nice interest in her costume. And once again, I appreciated that his black top had some subtle crystal accents so it would at least look as if someone cared about him, costume-wise. Although it would have been costume-perfection if his beading included some magenta and silver stones to really unify their look.

RUSSIA:

Alisa Efimova and Alexander Korovin Short Program to Human by Rag'n Bone Man--I really liked these costumes worn by Russia's Efimova and Korovin for their Short Program to "Human". They looked chic, modern and skate-stylish. I loved the asymmetrical panels, the silver sequins accenting the seams and I especially appreciated how his costume was a nice match to hers.

Alisa Efimova and Alexander Korovin Free Skate to La Strada by Nino Rota--The minute I saw her bold striped costume, I just knew they were skating to "La Strada". I actually liked the black, white and red costumes overall, since they were right for the music, and stood out on the ice "stage". There is a fine line between flashy figure skating costumes that work and ones that just look like cheap Cirque du Soleil ones. here, they worked.

Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert Short Program to Alexander Nevski by Sergei Prokofiev--In case you are wondering why Zabiiako and Enbert are looking like 13th century Knights, it's because the music is based on a movie score Prokofiev did for a film about...Knights, a Russian Prince and victory over crusaders in the 1200's. While it was great that the costumes were so closely related to the story of the music, I still thought they were a bit too "costume'y" and looked a bit more "Medieval Times Dinner Theater" rather than appropriate for the world stage of international figure skating.

Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert Free Skate to Toi et Moi by Igor Krutoi--Zabiiako and Enbert redeemed themselves--in terms of costumes--with these elegant Free Skate looks. I thought the designs were elevated, chic and more stylish (and less Halloween costume'y) than their "Knights of the Round Table" Short Program ones.

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov Short Program to I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown--Tarasova and Morozov skated their Short Program to James Brown in the costumes above which included a shimmering red dress for Evgenia and black outfit for Vladimir. At the start of the 2018-2019 Grand Prix season at 2018 Skate America (photos above) , he wore this oh-so-boring, unexciting and non-costume of a black t-shirt, black pants and a "Ross Dress-For-Less" black belt. I get that they were trying to give a "Soulful"-Dancing-at-the-Club vibe but I just wished they gave him something...

Costume Change Alert: My wish was granted later in the season (at the 2018 Grand Prix Finals, photos above) when they finally gave him a bright, shiny iridescent red lame shirt to better compliment her red dress. But....did they go TOO far? All that red with his red hair might just be a bit "Too Muchee" for my taste.

Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov Free Skate to The Winter by Balmorhea--Evgenia and Vladimir wore these beautiful costumes above for their Free Skate. I loved her white with light silver ombre dyed costume featuring a gathered draped top with beautiful jeweled sequin embellishment at the neck and back. She looked angelic and like a fashionable "Queen of the Winter". In terms of Vladimir, it was nice to see a touch of silver in his costume which included a sheer-and-solid stretch chiffon top and black pants.

**UP NEXT: My Final 2018 Figure Skating Costumes Recap BLOG...THE ICE DANCE costumes!!

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Published on January 02, 2019 10:08

December 30, 2018

ICE STYLE.....2018 Costumes Recap: Figure Skating COSTUMES 2018 MEN!

Costume Men--(L to R) Japan's Shoma Uno, Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu, USA's Jason Brown, and USA's Nathan Chen

In my last "Ice Style" post HERE, I discussed what I thought were the Costume Highlights of 2018 Figure Skating Costumes during the Grand Prix Season for the LADIES...so now, it is time to talk about THE MEN! Normally, there are two Costume Camps when it comes to Men's Figure Skating: 1) The Costume Guys, and the 2) The "Ross-Dress-For-Less" Guys; in other words, the ones who actually wear costumes and ones who well...DON'T (guess which ones I like?)...

It's All About The Top--(L to R) Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu, Russia's Mikhail Kolyada, USA's Jason Brown, Japan's Shoma Uno

Just like the LADIES, I am dividing this by the countries the skaters represented. Here are some of the costumes that were worn by some of the top MEN of Figure Skating in 2018, starting with...

JAPAN:

Shoma Uno Short Program to Stairway to Heaven by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant performed by Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ppa by Rodrigo y Gabriela--Shoma wore this purple costume for his Short program during the Grand Prix Season and it featured stretch velvet details. I don't know what a cropped bolero and harness-like accents has to do with "Stairway to Heaven" but I don't care; I liked this look on Shoma, from head to toe. It fit well, looked nice and I loved the contrast velvet details.

Costume Change Alert! For the recent Japanese Nationals, Shoma switched it up and did a costume change. This time it was a black and gray look with rose gold beading and a "plunging" neckline. Of the two costume choices, I definitely prefer the purple velvet look the best. It is more elegant and streamline with a modern twist.

Shoma Uno Free Skate to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy--I am a big fan of draped costumes on men. This was a beautiful example of this style on Shoma Uno. He wore this teal-green sequined costume for his Free Skate and it was both pretty and delicately fabulous, especially for this classic music. I loved the side wrap-draped detail, the minuscule crystal sequins and overall look.

Yuzuru Hanyu Short Program to Otonal by Raul di Blasio--We all know Yuzuru loves this baby blue color so it wasn't a surprise to see this look on him. In fact, I almost thought this was an old costume he was bringing back (it wasn't). I liked the sequined "X"-like accents and ombre-dyeing effect. I also liked how the crystals flowed onto the black pants. I just wasn't a fan of the tulle ruffled neckline and all those necklaces. I'm sure they all have great significance to him on a personal level, but with the costume they are distracting.

Yuzuru was also paying tribute to Johnny Weir with this program and he carried it through thoughtfully with his costume. Above is what Johnny wore back in 2005 when he skated to the same music.

Yuzuru Hanyu Free Skate to Origin ("Art on Ice") by Edvin Marton--Now THIS is FABULOUS! I loved this leaf-inspired costume worn by Yuzuru for his Free Skate. The design--especially that intricately beaded top section--looked very expensive and very Alexander McQueen-like. Yuzuru and his costumes always walk a very thin line of looking a bit too cheap and too-muchey but this was the opposite. In addition, it's always very important for figure skating costumes and figure skating costume designers to keep the interest up at THE TOP and this costume did just that. Absolutely beautiful.

ISRAEL:

Alexei Bychenko Free Skate to Bram Stoker's Dracula (soundtrack) by Wojciech Kilar--When I first saw this costume on Alexei, I noticed the blood dripping from his shirt. I'll be honest: I thought it was it bit macabre to say the least but then I knew he was skating to "Dracula" so I guess it was part of the theme. In keeping with the theme, he also donned a white Period-like ruffled blouse and sleek black trousers. I kind of wished the sleeves were less blouson-y and overpowering and maybe the blood was more Swarovski crystal refined.

CZECH REPUBLIC:

Michal Brezina Short Program to Who Wants to Live Forever by Brian May, performed by Queen--Oh Michal. There's really not much I can talk about since this is not really a costume and more a look something a bouncer would wear at a Vegas club--or a kid in 1992 would wear TO A Vegas club! It's QUEEN after all that you are skating too! QUEEN! Try better next time.

Michal Brezina Free Skate to I'm a Man performed by The Spencer Davis Group

Thunderstruck performed by AC/DC--I guess this is Michal trying something that best resembles a costume. But it was still somewhat of a #Fail. For his Free Skate to AC/DC, he wore a white t-shirt, a see-through black long sleeve top over it and black pants. Oh, and that tacky 90's necklace. If there's something nice to say, I did like the sequined trim on the cuffs and bottom of the black top.

KOREA:

Junhwan Cha Short Program to Waltz-Koda-Attaca (from "Cinderella") by Sergei Prokofiev

Midnight (from "Cinderella") by Sergei Prokofiev--For his Short program to "Cinderella", Junhwan wore this outfit of a black shirt and black pants. It was rather a disappointing excuse for a costume but at least there was a little bit of embellishment at the shoulder yokes of the shirt.

Junhwan Cha Free Skate to Romeo and Juliet (soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong--For his Free Skate, he wore black Tuxedo pants and a purple lace and sequined shirt. There were hints of the "Rome and Juliet" vibe with the intricate shirt but it was still a lackluster show of costume; he looked very dated and Junior-like.

RUSSIA:

Sergei Voronov Short Program to Prelude No. 5 in G minor op. 23 by Sergei Rachmaninov--Sergei wore this look of black pant (how not original!?) and a color-blocked sweater top. Even though it wasn't much of a costume, it did look modern for the classical music choice and the colors stood out on the ice stage.

Sergei Voronov Free Skate to Way Down We Go (from "Logan" trailer) performed by Kaleo--At first glance, I was a bit taken aback by the "gash" detail across his torso in his costume. I knew he was skating to "Logan" but didn't put it all together until I Googled the film and saw this image:

Now the costume made some sense. Even though the film isn't "Period" necessarily, his costume looked a little Medieval in its coloring and design.

Mikhail Kolyada Short Program to I Belong to You - Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta voix by Muse--Mikhail looked quite sleek and modern in this black, silver and white outfit worn for his Short program. It was graphic and really highlighted his perfectly fit little body: It's wise to keep Mikhail's costumes very close and fitted.

Mikhail Kolyada Free Skate to Adagio from Carmen Suite by Georges Bizet, Rodion Shchedrin

Habanera from Carmen Suite No. 2 by Georges Bizet--I LOVED this "Carmen" inspired costume on Mikhail. It was strong, powerful and sleek. Mikhail was a sexy Toreador in this blood-red bolero-like jacket with black embellishments; it really evoked Spain and Bizet's classic opera. I also loved the mini cummerbund and super tight black pants. This was a TEN for me!

CANADA:

Keegan Messing Short Program to You've Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman performed by Michael Buble--Keegan wore this costume for his Michael Buble Short Program. He looked cute and nicely put-together. I just wished the colors weren't so drab; that gray was the opposite of costume-inspiring!

Keegan Messing Free Skate to The Sober Dawn (from "City Lights") by Charlie Chaplin

The Reel Chaplin: A Symphonic Adventure, Pt. 2 by Charlie Chaplin--Keegan reprised his "Charlie Chaplin" shtick--and costume!--for his 2018-2019 Season Free Skate. The costume is spot-on with Chaplin and while I know he's supposed to look a bit "un-kept" (ill-fitting jacket, etc.), I just wished his grooming (hair) was tighter and sleeker.

USA:

Jason Brown Short Program to Love Is a Bitch by Two Feet--I really liked this sleek look from Jason Brown, especially since he's more known for More Is More when it come to his costumes. The design seemed edited and right for his skate and music. It was as if after he cut his hair, he also wanted to "cut" some of the over-the-top costumes as well. In regards to this look, I loved the "slashed"-like color-and-sequined details on his turtleneck top especially.

Jason Brown Free Skate to Old Friends by Paul Simon, performed by Simon & Garfunkel, Bookends by Paul Simon, performed by Simon & Garfunkel, A Hazy Shade of Winter by Paul Simon, performed by Simon & Garfunkel--The music is mid-sixties and so was this costume worn by Jason for his Fee Skate to Simon & Garfunkel. I liked the strong blue colors and stripes on this shirt, adding interest to an otherwise not-so-exciting outfit. Not sure what else I would have done here but part of me wishes there was (Uh Oh, here we go!) MORE!

Vincent Zhou Free Skate to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (soundtrack) by Tan Dun

Rising Sun by Kiyoshi Yoshida--For his Free Skate to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", Vincent naturally went with a Chinese traditional look, albeit in a costume interpretation. I liked the white wrap-like jacket with slightly flared sleeves and black waist tie. I also thought it was a nice addition to include the web-like black crystal sequins to add interest to the ensemble.

Nathan Chen Short Program to Caravan by Duke Ellington performed by Boston Brass--Skating to this American Jazz standard "Caravan", Nathan decided that he would don a non-costume in this white dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves, gray vest and black pants. I get it: he's skating to jazzy music and perhaps he just wanted to look like one of the members of the jazz band. But it seemed as if he just went into his closet and looked for the closest thing he had resembling a "I'm-going-to-a-dress-up-event" outfit. I wished the shirt looked nicer and that there was some resemblance of a "Custom" vest; it was just so boring.

Nathan Chen Free Skate to Land of All by Woodkid--The music comes from the soundtrack of a movie called "Desierto" . I had to look it up because frankly, I just didn't understand the whole tie-dye shirt look on Nathan. Once again, this was a non-costume costume and I guess that's how Nathan likes it. Even when there was such hullabaloo about Vera Wang designing his Olympics costumes , there were still a slight let-down--especially for Fashion Watchers such as myself. I know no one (except me!) is looking at Nathan for costume but rather his quads but....it would be nice to see something.

**NEXT UP: 2018 Figure Skating Costumes of THE PAIRS!!

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Published on December 30, 2018 20:13

ICE STYLE.....2018 Costumes Recap: Figure Skating COSTUMES 2018 LADIES!

Skating Costume Divas--(L to R) Russia's Alina Zagitova, Japan's Rika Kihira, Korea's Eunsoo Lim, Russia's Sofia Samodurova

This past Season/Year of Figure Skating has been very exciting, much due to the manner of which Ladies Figure Skating is stepping up its QUAD (yes QUADS!) and Triple Axel game between Russia and Japan. But, more importantly, this Season of the Grand Prix 2018-2019 did not disappoint in terms of costumes...

Sparkle Ladies--(L to R) Russia Elizavveta Tuktamysheva, USA's Starr Andrews, Japan's Satoko Miyahara, USA's Bradie Tennell

I will be recap'ing some of the Top 2018 Figure Skating Costumes for all the disciplines, including LADIES, MEN, PAIRS and ICE DANCE here on my "Ice Style" blog. First up, it's time for the LADIES to shine. Here are some Costume Highlights of 2018 seen on the LADIES, divided up by their respective countries, beginning with...

RUSSIA:

Alina Zagitova Short Program to The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber--I really liked this costume worn by Russia's Alina Zagitova giving a new spin on the rather tired musical/costume theme of "The Phantom of the Opera". The design featured an off-the-shoulder white beaded chiffon draped top with a fitted corset that had the look of washed denim (although it obviously isn't denim! but just dyed to have the effect). The corset was also sprinkled with crystals flowing into the skirt section. There was a hint of the Period of the musical but done in a modern (and almost Country Music-like) manner.

Alina Zagitova Free Skate to Carmen Suite by Rodion Shchedrin--For her Free Skate to (yet another been-there-done-that musical choice!) "Carmen", she wore this red and black costume also featuring lots of crystals. The black lace top came down to the mid-torso, giving a nod to the cropped Spanish Bolero and the skirt was gathered at the side, mirroring what one would see from a Gypsy and her off-kilter garments. The entire look was impacting on the ice but I wished maybe it looked a bit more refined; less beaded lace and less crystals perhaps. It looked a bit Junior-like.

Evgenia Medvedeva Short Program to Orange Colored Sky by Natalie Cole--This blue colored costume evoked the essence of the "sky" theme of the music (even though its titled "Orange Colored Sky"). I liked the sleek and modern silhouette and star-like shape created by the crystals. I also liked the 3/4 length sleeves and "car wash"-like flaps at the hem of the skirt. I wouldn't say that it's one of my favorite costumes that she has worn, but it was nice.

Costume Change Alert:

For the recent 2018 Russian Nationals, Evgenia changed her costume to this red and black one above. She also skated to different music, E lucevan le stelle from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini to a program choreographed by the late Misha Ge. I liked this costume in that it evoked the same emotions one would expect from the powerful "Tosca" Opera. The spaghetti binding around the midriff suggested a corset shape which was great. I also liked the well-placed crystal sequins throughout.

Evgenia Medvedeva Free Skate to Mumuki by Astor Piazzolla, Sur Regresso Al Amor by Astor Piazzolla, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla--This costume was Evgenia's answer to a "tango" look. And it was effective. The black ensemble featured see-through illusion, chiffon, wide stretch netting and a side-slit skirt. I thought it was sexy and moody. I also liked the fuchsia and violet colored rose sequin appliques on the torso.

Costume Change Alert:

For the recent 2018 Russian Nationals, Evgenia also changed her costume for her Free Skate to the one above (this time, she kept the same music). I actually loved this all-black costume much better than the previous one she had been wearing; it looked more elegant, more expensive and certainly had more of a "High Fashion" quotient.

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva Short Program to Assassin's Tango (from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith") by John Powell--Elizaveta is going for an sexy and aggressive vibe this season. This look which featured a tank-top shape, flowy skirt and drop-waist belt, was modern and sleek.

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva Free Skate to You Don't Love Me by Caro Emerald, Petite Fleur by The Hot Sardines, Cat Groove by Parov Stelar--I really liked this costume Elizaveta wore for her Free Skate. This costume was more in line with what I would expect from her. It featured a black base with golden sequin applique at the torso and fringed hem. The black gloves added a finishing touch to it. I almost wished she would have added one more finishing touch--as in a hair accessory.

Sofia Samodurova Short Program to Nyah (from "Mission Impossible 2" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer--Portraying Tom Cruise's femme interest in "Mission Impossible 2" (played by Thandie Newton in the film), Sofia donned a black and red costume with sequined rose details. The costume was pretty yet a bit "basic" for my taste. I did, however, like the rose embellished nude gloves.

Sofia Samodurova Free Skate to Welcome to Burlesque (from "Burlesque") performed by Cher

Show Me How You Burlesque (from "Burlesque") performed by Christina Aguilera--Hello Costume Fab! I loved this fabulous purple and silver costume worn by Sofia for her Free Skate. It was very much on the theme of the "Burlesque" music with its flash, sparkle and that amazing fringe. I loved how the sequins radiated through her torso and the look of a white satin inner vest.

JAPAN:

I want to start with Satoko Miyahara and she did several costume changes throughout the season, for both her Short Program and Free Skate...Starting with her Short Program to Song for the Little Sparrow by Abel Korzeniowski, performed by Patricia Kaas...

At 2018 Skate America, she wore this above, which was quite pretty and delicate. The blue costume featured a v-neck strappy neckline with silver sequins and a pointed gored skirt.

At 2018 Grand Prix Final and 2018 Japanese Nationals, Satoko wore this off-the-shoulder ivory colored costume which was still quite pretty but almost like an 80's bride. I liked the blue costume better.

For her Free Skate to Invierno Porteno by Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Vivaldi...

At 2018 Skate America, she wore this black one shoulder costume with one sleeve, an asymmetrical skirt and red rose. It was modern and almost "Carmen"-like.

At 2018 NHK and the 2018 Grand Prix Final, she wore a different costume (much more chic!) featuring a sexy side cut-out and more expensive-looking stone details. She also wore a black rose on her chignon hair style (as opposed to the earlier red one)...

Finally, for the recent 2018 Japanese Nationals, she stuck to the same costume she had been wearing but changed her hair accessory back to the red rose. Finally, I think, she found the perfect look!

Rika Kihira Short Program to Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy--This costume on Rika was the definition of "Doll Like" and Pretty. I liked the baby blue/almost lilac color. The fluttery cap sleeves added sweetness and the gorgeous jeweled sequins at the neckline gave a look of Pageant Pretty. This music is very iconic and invokes words such as "Pretty", "Sweet" and "Delicate". I think Rika hit all the right Costume Notes with this.

Rika Kihira Free Skate to Beautiful Storm by Jennifer Thomas--For her Free Skate, Rika donned this indigo blue colored costume featuring sharp sequins in the form of thunder and lightning, mirroring the "Beautiful Storm" music. I loved this more fashionable--less pretty and delicate--design and it was a nice contrast to her Short Program costume. I also liked the slightly asymmetrical skirt hem and ombre dye shading.

Kaori Sakamoto Short Program to From My First Moment by Charlotte Church--Kaori wore this magenta colored costume for her Short Program. I loved the gathered draping at the bust and torso as well as the off-the-shoulder silhouette. The ombre dyeing was unique and almost had a tie-dye effect. Very pretty.

Kaori Sakamoto Free Skate to The Piano (soundtrack) by Michael Nyman--I really liked this one-shoulder-like costume worn by Kaori for her Free Skate. The white and deep gray colored costume had an ombre effect and really pretty lace sequined applique enhancing her torso. It was a dramatic and stylish costume on the ice for sure.

KOREA:

Eunsoo Lim Short Program to Somewhere In Time (soundtrack) by John Barry--This was one of my favorite costumes form the 2018-2019 Season. Eunsoo wore this blue and white costume by Lisa McKinnon which featured stunning small-to-large pieces over a nude illusion torso base, encircled and embellished with varying sized crystal sequins. This is an example of a figure skating costume that could easily become a fabulous red carpet--or "Miss Universe"--gown. I almost didn't care to know what music she skated to because it was so sublime. #Love.

Eunsoo Lim Free Skate to Chicago (soundtrack) by John Kander, Fred Ebb--Eunsoo did it again: Another fabulous costume! This time she brought all the sass and shimmying fringed splendor of the "Chicago" music, to her costume. This look was sleek, fashionable and again, could easily become a stunning red carpet gown. I also loved her side-parted chignon hair style. Can we all just say Eunsoo is a Figure Skating FASHIONISTA!

USA:

Mariah Bell Short Program to To Love You More by Celine Dion--Mariah Bell wore this dark magenta colored costume by Lisa McKinnon while skating her Short Program to Celine Dion. I loved this design for its bold color, one-shoulder-like design and bias-cut spaghetti straps that wrapped her torso with great detail and style. I also really liked the nude illusion panel at the waist which broke up the design and added unique dimension.

Mariah Bell Free Skate to The Piano, Experience by Ludovico Einaudi--This costume, also by Lisa McKinnon, was another stunner, worn by Mariah. The look featured a nude illusion base, delicately ombre-dyed details and those bias-cut spaghetti straps--this time twisted in tan/skin color. The design was pretty and evoking the twisted pain and dark beauty in "The Piano". Mariah is giving Eunsoo a run for her money for the Figure Skating FASHIONISTA Gold Medal!

Bradie Tennell Short Program to Rebirth by High Finesse--Bradie wore this very ice-impacting costume for her Short Program. The look featured a black and royal blue design with peacock-like (or more tree branch perhaps?) panels swirling around her body. The costume was equal parts "Cirque du Soleil" and "Cher" in its boldness, color and design.

Bradie Tennell Free Skate to Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev--For her Free Skate to "Romeo and Juliet", Bradie went more Elegant and Classic...with a Dramatic twist. I loved the deep magenta color and juxtaposition of nude illusion with solid fabrication. But, the stars here were those multicolored jeweled sequins: WOW.

Starr Andrews Short Program to Summertime by George Gershwin performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong--For her Short Program to Gershwin's "Summertime", Starr went with a nude colored sequined costume (by Lisa McKinnon) that looked like a "mini me" of all those "Nude/Sequined" gowns that are very popular with top Pageant Queens...and I loved it! The costume featured a halter neck style, sequined covered sheer gloves and delicate ombre-like shading in the torso. It was exquisite and exquisitely gorgeous!

Starr Andrews Free Skate to Africa Tribal Xotica (from "Xotica - Journey to the Heart"), Desert Spirit by Rene Dupere, Under African Skies by John Herberman, Tribal Gathering by Vanessa Mae, Minus One by Greg Ellis--Last but certainly not least was this bodysuit costume, again by Lisa McKinnon) worn by Starr for her Free Skate. You know I had to add this to my list of 2018 Figure Skating Costumes the minute I saw it! The purple design was very "Cleopatra-on-Ice" campy, fun and had 100% stage impact...especially if your stage is the ice!

**NEXT: 2018 Figure Costumes of THE MEN!!!

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Published on December 30, 2018 11:52

December 28, 2018

SASHES AND TIARAS.....BEST OF 2018: TOP 20 Best International Pageant Gowns 2018

Best of The Best--Best Gowns of International Pageants 2018 (L to R) Miss Universe Venezuela Sthefany Fernandez, Miss International Colombia Anabella Castro, Miss Universe Canada Marta Stepien, Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green, Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle

It's that time again: The End of the Year BEST Of List! As you know, I LOVE discussing Pageants and especially, Pageant gowns here on my BLOG so, it's now time for my BEST of 2018 List of the BEST PAGEANT GOWNS from this year's top international pageants. I chose VERY CAREFULLY my Top 20 using the following criteria: Stage Impact, Elegance, Fit, Haute Couture-like Design, Fashion Quotient, Taste Level and overall Styling. It was quite difficult to narrow it down to a Top 20 but I had to do it...

Best Details--Swarovski Crystals, Jeweled Sequins, Couture-like Silhouettes, Perfect Fit...Gowns from international pageant contestants from my Best of 2018 Pageant Gowns

As it turned out my TOP 20 BEST PAGEANT GOWNS of 2018 came from the following pageants: Miss Universe , Miss World , Miss International , Miss Grand International , and Binibining Pilipinas/Miss Universe Philippines . And while in my blogs, I might have scored these various gowns differently, for this Best of 2018 List, I reassessed my previous critiques as well as scores when thinking of them all together. So...without further delay, here they are, starting with my NUMBER ONE choice:

1. Miss Universe Canada Marta Stepien--My No. 1 Best Gown of 2018 was this fabulous design worn by Miss Universe Canada at this month's Miss Universe 2018 pageant. Marta SHUT THE GOWN DOOR DOWN with this over-the-top design from Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco . She actually wore this gown for the Preliminaries but only featured the dress--and not the 5-tiered crinoline overskirt. She overtook the stage--and the Evening Gown Competition--when she stepped out in this, SLAYING everyone else in my opinion. I loved the Couture look, fabulous over-the-top effect and her You-Only-Get-One-Miss-Universe-Gown-Chance gumption. INCREDIBLY over-the-top and INCREDIBLY fabulous!

Score: 9.95

2. Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green--Tamaryn, who ended up as Almost-Miss-Universe--or 1st Runner-up--wore this silver crystal gown for the Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night. This was one of my favorite gowns of the night and in fact, at the time, I said it was MY FAVORITE. The design was from Galluzi e Gini , the same designer/brand that created her preliminary Gown (which I also loved HERE). The strapless column gown featured a side cowl drape and open side front slit and looked VERY Atelier Versace-like in its design, shape and all-over crystal fabrication. The fit and length were spot-on but unfortunately because of that side skirt panel, it had a "life of its own" and kept wanting to crawl into her walking space; it really affected her moment on the stage but luckily, later she realized what to correct--in terms of her walk--to make up for that clumsy runway mishap. Even with that, the gown itself was TOP NOTCH. And I loved the styling including her hair and the matching silver crystal strappy heels.

Score: 9.90

3. Miss Universe Indonesia Sonia Fergina Citra--Sonia Fergina showed up to pay the GOWN RENT at the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminaries in this red entrance-making gown. I loved this dress which featured long exaggerated "Elizabethan"-like sleeves, Princess seam front slits, and a sexy fitted gown with red ruby jeweled crystal embellishments. She looked DIVINE, regal and crown-worthy. If there was any critique, having both slits in the side front made for that center front panel to scoop up under her legs and was runway-awkward. But, even with that, the design, Alta Moda-like shape and overall impact is worthy of my Number 3 spot.

Score: 9.85

4. Miss Venezuela International Mariem Velazco--I absolutely loved the white pearl-sequined gown worn by Venezuela's Mariem Velazco, who eventually won the 2018 Miss International crown. The gorgeous dress, designed by Venezuelan designer Alejandro Fajardo , was THE PERFECT pageant gown for someone to win....and she did. The gown featured a beautiful fit-to-flare silhouette with sweeping train, a plunging sweetheart neckline with see-through illusion...a center front slit to show leg, and an "open back" covered in see-through illusion. It was PERFECTION, even down to the matching shoes. THE SHOES! I end with that.

Score: 9.82

5. Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle--My top favorite look from this year's Miss World was actually worn by a former Miss World and one of the presenters of the show--Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle, Miss World 2016. When she was onstage in this violet sequined-and-nude-netting gown, I gasped "Oh No She Didn't!". She did. Look at that to-the-floor perfect length. Seriously. The gown was designed and created by Carlos Alberto and was EVERYTHING, darling. Muy Bien.

Score: 9.80

6. Miss Universe Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez--Sthefany made her Evening Gown appearance at the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminaries in a silver-nude gown from Venezuelan designer Nihal Nouaihed . It was so great that she wore it to the Final Crowning Night as well. The fitted dress featured long sleeves and beautiful silver sequins in a "fireworks"-like display over a nude illusion base. It was simple and gave an almost Retro-like air of Cher and Bob Mackie, especially with her long straight hair. This year there were so many of these "Nude"-style gowns in beauty pageants and this was one of THE BEST!

Score: 9.75

7. Miss Grand India Meenakshi Chaudary--In a golden shimmering gown from Falguni Shane Peacock , Meenakshi shimmered in the Miss Grand International 2018 stage. She looked STUNNING in this sequined gown featuring a high side slit, long sleeves and sweetheart neckline. The golden color and the fit were perfection. Normally I am not a fan of seeing the bust cups on these kinds of "nude/sheer" gowns and really feel there has to be a more tasteful way of doing them (as opposed to actually SEEING THEM!) but here I almost forgot they were there.

Score: 9.70

8. Miss Grand Venezuela Biliannis Alvarez--Venezuelan beauty Biliannis dazzled in this ivory and nude gown designed by Venezuelan designer Julio Mora at this year's Miss Grand International 2018. The column dress featured nude iridescent organza panels on the side as well as throughout the top portion accentuating her perfect figure, creating a second skin look of gown perfection. The gown fit beautifully and her softly waving hair and "Latina Barbie"-like makeup worked as well. I even liked her gold platform pumps.

Score: 9.65

9. Miss International Colombia Anabella Castro Sierra--This ivory sequined dress was created by legendary Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza for Miss International Colombia Anabella Castro Sierra. This design was simply beautiful in the way it fit her, how she wore it, the asymmetrical neckline details, as well as the silver appliques that adorned the upper torso. On a pure "Taste Level", it was chic, elegant and pure gown perfection.

Score: 9.50

10. Miss Grand Cambodia Molika Dy--I was mesmerized by this highlighter yellow colored silk gown worn by Miss Grand Cambodia at the Miss Grand International 2018 Beauty Pageant. Even though she didn't make the cut of the Semi-Finalists or Finalists, her gown for me was one of the BEST of 2018. The Princess-seamed Mermaid shape, beautiful fit and fabulous gold applique detail and cultural nod to her land, really took this design to a higher level.

Score: 9.40

11. Miss Grand Japan Haruka Oda--Miss Grand Japan wore this gown designed by Filipino designer Louis Pangilinan to the Finals of the Miss Grand International 2018 Beauty Pageant. Miss Grand Japan looked every bit the perfect beauty queen in this gorgeous baby blue gown that was truly "Pageant Perfection". While some could argue that it was a bit too "Pageant Betty", for me the design was GREAT Pageant Betty: I loved the fit, the fantastic side pleated draped overskirt and beautiful sequined applique fabrication. If there was any complaint, it would be those silver clunky heels; they should have been simple silver strappy/non-platform ones.

Score: 9.20

12. Contestant No. 20 Catriona Gray, Binibining Pilipinas 2018--Catriona Gray, who eventually won the top crown at the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant (as well as Miss Universe!), wore this gorgeous gold/nude gown for the Finals. The dress was designed by Mak Tumang and was created using muted gold paillettes encrusted with more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals. The nude illusion back was inspired by the "splatter of the waves" of the Philippine Island's coasts. I thought this was a perfect gown for Catriona and very on-trend with what all the top pageant queens are wearing. The fit was superb and the golden shimmer was striking on stage.

Score: 9.15

13. Miss Universe Vietnam H'hen Nie--Miss Universe Vietnam SLAYED the runway and stage in this canary yellow gown that she wore for the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminary Competition. Not only was the walk, attitude and runway performance worthy of a standing ovation, the gown delighted me with its bright color, flourish of exuberant chiffon/georgette and torso draped sequins. Normally I am not a fan of those "button earrings"... but DARLING, she brought the Preliminaries Evening Gown Competition House DOWN!

Score: 9.13

14. Miss Grand Paraguay Clara Sosa--Maria Clara Sosa, who eventually won the top Miss Grand International 2018 crown, wore this ivory dress designed by Paraguayan designer Avelina de Maier. The iridescent organza design featured drop shoulder cap "sleeves", applique embroidery and a dramatic side drape fall on a fitted column gown. The white color was right for Clara and made a strong statement onstage; she looked like a Winner...and indeed she was!

Score: 9.10

15. Miss Grand Indonesia Nadia Purwoko--Designed by Indonesia designer Sebastian Gunawan , Nadia dazzled in this gold sequined column gown at the Miss Grand International 2018 beauty pageant. I thought the design fit her well and showed off her tall, lean figure. The heavily beaded fabrication was rich and basically made her look like a thin block of gold bullion!

Score: 9.05

16. Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green--Dressed in an off-the-shoulder ivory gown from Galluzi e Gini , Tamaryn looked like a Gown Angel! I thought she did a fabulous job on stage at the 2018 Miss Universe Preliminaries in this dress featuring an ivory colored crepe column gown (which was perfect against her skin color) with sequined details and a double chiffon cape. The gown was simple, exquisite and still had immediate impact.
Score: 9.00

17. Miss Universe Curacao Akisha Albert--This silver sequined gown worn by Miss Universe Curacao was one of my favorites of the Miss Universe 2018 Finals and therefore I had to include it here in my Best of 2018 Top 20. The fit was perfection and Akisha looked every bit a Pageant Goddess in it. I loved the radiating upper torso crystal details and how it framed her figure and the styling was on-point--including her chignon hairstyle, makeup and earrings. She was ELEGANZA defined!

Score: 8.99

18. Miss Universe Malta Francesca Mifsud--Designed by Moda Ivanka Philippines, this emerald green gown was a STUNNER on the stage, really making Miss Universe Malta look like a DIVA. She wore this to the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminary Competition and really stood out, even though not enough to put her in the Semi-finals. The design featured a sequined strapless-like dress with super high side front slit opening and full satin overskirt that added DRAMA with a capital "D" to the entire look.

Score: 8.95

19. Miss Universe Thailand Sophida Kanchanarin--I really loved this custom gown designed by Asava which featured a fitted silhouette with many panels (pattern-making marvelousness!) and gorgeous sequined jewels hand-sewn throughout. The red dress was a gown change from what she wore during the Preliminaries and therefore it was exciting to see. The design was a true example of Haute Couture in its style, hand-done detail and perfect fit.

Score: 8.90

Lastly...at Number 20:

20. Miss World Mexico Vanessa Ponce De Leon--Vanessa wore this off the shoulder blush/ivory sequined gown and it made her look like a WINNING QUEEN! The design featured a column gown with a full back overskirt and fitted top section with v-neckline. I loved everything about it and especially, that she wore the right nude heels (not some tacky "Stripper Platform" ones). It was a perfect stage-impacting, elegant design that fit well and looked marvelous.

Score: 8.85

...And Don't Forget about my "Pageant Coloring Book" where you can create your VERY OWN Evening Gown Competition using my Fashion Illustrations! Click HERE to Purchase:

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Published on December 28, 2018 17:05

December 21, 2018

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Venezuela 2018 Finals: EVENING GOWNS RECAP: My TOP 10 BEST List!

Venezuela Vestidos--Some of my BEST GOWNS of the 2018 Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant (L to R) Miss Lara Claudia Villavicencio, Miss Barinas Kelly Mejias, Miss Portuguesa Isabella Rodriguez, Miss Trujillo Karla Fermin, Miss Merida Sarai Builes--Miss Venezuela 2018 Finals, Caracas Venezuela

Last week were the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant. The Miss Venezuela Pageant has long been known as THE Beauty Pageant to end all Beauty Pageants. Because of the very sad economic situation in the country (population has to stand in hours-long lines to buy basic necessities!)--and recent controversies the Pageant has had including the fact that the organization closed temporarily over corruption pay-for-play claims of contestants receiving money for favors from businessmen , changes in management (Beauty Pageant Czar Osmel Sousa is gone!), the pageant has been downgraded in its impact and influence unfortunately.

Top Three--(L to R) First Runner-up "Miss Yaracuy" Alondra Echeverria, Miss Venezuela 22018 Isabella Rodriguez "Miss Portuguesa", Second Runner-up "Miss Tachira" Oricia Dominguez--Miss Venezuela 2018 Finals, Caracas Venezuela

This year's contest was held in Estudio/Studio 5 of Venevision TV Network and while the gorgeous women Venezuela is known for were still there as contestants, let's just say it was a much less extravagant affair than it had been in the past: Less titular musical acts, less pomp-and-circumstance, and less-than-Couture-like dresses...

Venezuela Winner--Miss Portuguesa Isabella Rodriguez is the new Miss Venezuela...to represent her nation at 2019 Miss World--Miss Venezuela 2018 Finals, Caracas Venezuela

In terms of the winner, 5' 10" (178 cm) tall Miss Portuguesa Isabella Rodriguez beat out 23 other entrants for the top title. Rodriguez is an Industrial Security Student and hails from Petare , one of Venezuela's (and South America's) largest slums. Many hailed her winning as a notice of change within the "new" Miss Venezuela in a pageant known for choosing more winners from the higher echelons of society as well as having more European backgrounds.

Queen Isabella--Miss Portuguesa Isabella Rodriguez at the 2018 Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant

For some reason, Isabella will now represent Venezuela at the 2019 Miss World instead of representing her nation at next year's Miss Universe; a separate pageant will be held to choose the beauty who will go on to Miss Universe sometime next year. So...in essence last week's pageant was Miss World Venezuela even though it was touted as being the official MISS VENEZUELA.

Now, let's discuss THE GOWNS! Here were my TOP TEN FAVORITES:

1. Miss Trujillo Karla Fermin--Karla wore this chartreuse-and-gold-colored Mermaid-shaped gown during the Finals of Miss Venezuela 2018. I really liked the colors and strong shape. Her gown had a Cleopatra-like neckline like the winner's, but hers being all silver crystals (as opposed to pearls). I thought the design was impacting and strong enough to be worn on an international level.

Score: 9.45

2. Miss Lara Claudia Villavicencio--Miss Lara 2018 wore this champagne-colored
silk gown from designer Cesar Santana . I loved the side
drape detail, perfect fitted shape and Haute Couture-like silk
gazar-with-golden-sequins side overskirt. It was quite a dramatic look, harking
back to the "Good Ol' Days" of Venezuelan Designer Alta Moda of Guy
Meliet.

Score: 9.35

3. Miss Barinas Kelly Mejias--Blush pink sequins were in order as the gown choice of Miss
Barinas Kelly Mejias. The dress featured pink and silver beads completely
covering a dress over nude illusion, with a leg-revealing side slit and full
lower half silhouette. While the upper portion of the gown was fairly simple,
the drama of the skirt made the dress a “wow” and the overall impact was stage
impacting and looked expensive.
Score: 9.20

4. Miss Merida Sarai Builes--Sarai wore one of the most elegant gowns of the night in this strapless red silk ziberline design. The gown had a squared-off bustline with nude illusion panel, paillettes hand-sewn onto the neckline of her bustier and sprinkled delicately on the body and side draped skirt. She looked regal, above-it-all and chic.

Score: 9.10

5. Miss Portugusa Isabella Rodriguez--Isabella, who became the eventual winner, and
wore one of the best gowns of the night. The ivory column dress--designed by Franco Montoro --featured a
Cleopatra-like neckline of pearl embellishments, a "backless" panel
of nude illusion and gown detailed with silver sequins. The design fit Isabella
perfectly and the white color was perfect against her naturally tan skin.
Score: 9.05

6. Miss Monagas Anaid Fuentes--Anaid wore this pale pink silk crepe off-the-shoulder gown that was actually quite beautiful and Alta Moda in its design and details. I loved the scroll-like drape of the neckline as well as the multicolored beading. It was also great that this designer took the DESIGN 101 lesson of FOCUS ON ONE AREA by concentrating the details in the torso although the draped chain detail on the sleeves was a bit TOO MUCHEE.

Score: 9.00

7. Miss Bolivar Maria Jose Hernandez--This violet colored sequined gown made my TOP FIVE spot of the Miss Venezuela 2018 Evening Gowns for its shape, simplicity, elegance and impact. The fit was perfect, I loved the golden sequin waistband and soft fit-to-flare skirt shape, ending in violet-like petals from knee to hem. She looked like a GLAM Violet Orchid.

Score: 8.99

8. Miss Sucre Annabella Alsamarrai--Designed by Moniz & Fornes, This was a gorgeous gown modeled by Miss Sucre 2018 Annabella Alsamarrai. I loved the fit, the royal blue color, silver sequin applique and elegant shape featuring a strapless neckline and soft back overskirt.

Score: 8.95

9. Miss Anzoategui Maria Eloina Hurtado--Maria Elonia wore this strapless ivory shimmering gown from designer Edgar Alfaro . The dress had this GORGEOUS side drape at the bust, chandelier crystal sequins covering the entire body, creating an impacting column-shaped design. The overall effect was very "Cher"-like which I loved. If there was any critique, I wasn't a fan of the white panties/bodysuit showing from underneath.

Score: 8.60

Lastly...

10. Miss Zulia Maria Eugenia Penoth--Eugenia Penoth wore this pink gown for the Finals of Miss Venezuela 2018 and I thought it was pretty enough to make it into my Top 10 Best Gowns. The dress had flower-like appliques as well as thousands of crystals embellishing the design, set over nude tulle. It also had a dramatic silk ziberline overskirt. While it was very late 90's "Miss Venezuela" Pageant Betty, it was done well and pretty enough to make my BEST List.

Score: 8.40

CONGRATULATIONS and Felicitaciones to Isabella Rodriguez, Miss Venezuela 2018--Good Luck/Buena Suerte at next year's Miss World!

And if you LOVE Beauty Pageants and Pageant Gowns, check out my "The Pageant Coloring Book" on Amazon.com, allowing you to make your VERY OWN EVENING GOWN competition via fashion sketches--Click image below:

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Published on December 21, 2018 10:54

December 19, 2018

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2018 Finals: Winner + TOP 10 EVENING GOWN RECAP!

Best in Gown--(L to R) Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Venezuela Shefany Gutierrez, Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green, Miss Universe Vietnam H'Hien Nie, Miss Universe Thailand Sophida Kanchariran--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

This past Sunday night (Monday morning in Thailand), were the Finals of the 67th Annual Miss Universe Beauty Pageant . The pageant took place in Thailand with a record number of 94 contestants from all over the world vying for the coveted crown. The winner was PHILIPPINES: Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray--a big favorite to win from the beginning--took the top crown. The 1.78 M (5' 10") tall beauty was born in Australia from a Scottish-born Australian father and Filipino mother...

Crowned Beauty--Miss Universe Philippines gets her crown from outgoing Miss Universe 2017, South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

And The New Miss Universe Is--(L to R) Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray holds hands with Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

Catriona Gray's First Runner-up was Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green, another top favorite to win the crown. Many thought that South Africa would have a back-to-back Miss Universe but it was not to be and last year's Miss Universe, South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters ended up crowning the Philippines contender as opposed to her home country's beauty pageant holder.

Pageant Queen--Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

This marks the fourth time the country of Philippines has won Miss Universe, only three years after Pia Wurtzbach was crowned in Las Vegas during the infamous Steve Harvey-named-the-wrong-winner year. Catriona did a fabulous job at Miss Universe, from her FIERCE Swimsuit catwalk to the Gown (in my opinion, her walk was better than the gown....more on that below). To many in the pageant world, she had all the qualifications of being a Miss Universe and she did everything right.

Swimsuit Fab--Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray during the Top 20 Swimsuit Competition--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

Catriona Crown--Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, from the Philippines

The model-singer and TV host is not a stranger to beauty pageants, having won several including...

Miss World Philippines 2016

And then going on to the Miss World 2016 Beauty Pageant where she placed Top 5

Afterward, she went on to compete on the Binibining Filipinas/Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Beauty Pageant where she won (above photo)...and the rest is Miss Universe history.

Now, it's time to discus the TOP TEN Miss Universe EVENING GOWNS:

Gown Ladies--Miss Universe 2018 Top Ten in Evening Gowns--Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night, Impact Arena, Thailand

Let's start with the winner:

Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray--Catriona wore this sexy red beaded gown from Filipino designer Mak Tumang, who also created her Preliminaries dress . The gown, entitled "The Mayon Gown", was inspired by the iconic Mayon Volcano (the most active volcano in the Philippines) which features a perfect symmetric conical form at the top. According to folk tales, it was named the "Mayon" volcano after the mythological heroine Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Lady). The designer said that Catriona can be considered as the modern-day Daragang Magayon...

My Critique: The dress was covered in thousands of multicolored crystals creating an effect of molted lava covering her figure and featured sculptural nude illusion panels showing almost a sliding-like path of the "lava" crystals. The design also had a super-high side slit showing off her long legs. While it wasn't my favorite gown of the Top Ten to be honest (it was a little too-mucheey in terms of leg for my taste), I liked the inspiration and it definitely had stage impact. Also, I just wished she wouldn't have worn those platform nude heels because they were distracting and, frankly not right with that gown (red strappy non-platform heels might have been a better choice, style-wise).

Score: 8.95 (out of 10)

I did, however love that she wore the earring accessory that she also wore back when she won Miss Universe Philippines earlier this year...

Catriona's "Three Stars and the Sun" earring cuff, created by Tessara Jewelry. She said that she wanted to add a "patriotic" touch to her look: The earring accessory is inspired by the stars and sun in the Philippine flag.

Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green--Tamaryn, who ended up as Almost-Miss-Universe--or First Runner-up, wore this silver crystal gown for the Miss Universe 2018 Final Crowning Night. In all honesty, this was my Top Favorite Gown. The design was from Galluzi e Gini , the same designer/brand that created her preliminary Gown (which I also loved HERE). The strapless column gown featured a side cowl drape and open side front slit. The fit and length were spot-on, unfortunately, because of that side skirt panel, it had a "life of its own" and kept wanting to crawl into her walking space. It really affected her moment on the stage but luckily, later she realized what to correct--in terms of her walk--to make up for that clumsy runway mishap. Even with that, the gown itself was TOP NOTCH. And I loved the styling including her hair and the matching silver crystal strappy heels.

Score: 9.90

Miss Universe Canada Marta Stepien--My No. 2 Best Gown at the 2018 Miss Universe Finals was this fabulous design worn by Miss Universe Canada. Marta SHUT THE GOWN DOOR DOWN with this over-the-top design from Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco . She actually wore this gown for the Preliminaries but only featured the dress--and not the 5-tiered crinoline overskirt. She overtook the stage--and the Evening Gown Competition--when she stepped out in this, SLAYING everyone else (except Miss Universe South Africa's dress). I loved the Couture look, fabulous over-the-top effect and You-Only-Get-One-Miss-Universe-Gown-Chance so...

Score: 9. 89

Miss Universe Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez--Sthefany wore this same gown for the Miss Universe 2018 Preliminaries and while it would have been nice to see something different, it was a strong design to show--especially for those viewers who had no knowledge of what she had already worn at the Preliminaries. The gown was from Venezuelan designer Nidal Nouaihed and featured silver sequins over a nude illusion base...

Sthefany's gown was THE definition of the popular "Nude--or Naked-Dress", inspired by the one-and-only Cher, and designer Bob Mackie at the 1974 Met Gala (above photo). I thought Miss Universe Venezuela looked great.

Score: 9.35

Miss Universe Curacao Akisha Albert--My 4th Favorite Gown of the Miss Universe 2018 Finals was this silver sequined one worn by Miss Universe Curacao. The fit was perfection and Akisha looked every bit a Pageant Goddess in it. I loved the radiating upper torso crystal details and how it framed her figure and the styling was on-point--including her chignon hairstyle, makeup and earrings. She was ELEGANZA defined!

Score: 9.25

Miss Universe Vietnam H'Hien Nie--Next up is Miss Universe Vietnam in this silver sequined gown. I thought she looked marvelous, elegant and exuded Pageant Royalty in this shimmering custom gown by Linh San Couture . The column fitted dress had an open-scoop neckline, center front illusion panel, side front slit, long sleeves. The length was perfect and the fit was 100 %. I just wished she would have worn silver strappy heels.

Score: 9.20

Miss Universe Thailand Sophida Kanchanarin--Miss Universe Thailand changed her gown from the Preliminaries to the Finals. And I was a happy Gown Blogger for it: I really loved this custom gown designed by Asava . The design featured a fitted silhouette with many panels (pattern-making marvelousness!) and gorgeous sequined jewels hand-sewn throughout. It was a true example of Haute Couture. I just wished that it was a teeny bit longer and more sweeping-dramatic.

Score: 9.10

Miss Universe Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega--Kiara wore this silver/nude gown from Sherri Hill (I was a bit surprised she didn't wear a design from a Puerto Rican designer, but "oh well", as they say) for the Miss Universe 2018 Finals. The column/fitted dress featured a lunging v-neck and mini cap sleeves. She looked sweet but Pageant Impacting. It was very beautiful, and "gown safe"--nothing too "fashion'y" or daring.

Score: 8.50

Miss Universe Nepal Manita Devkota--First off, a big Congratulations for Miss Universe Nepal for making the Top 10 of the 2018 Miss Universe; not sure when the last time that her country made the cut. This gown was not my favorite. The one shoulder silver sequined design had a salmon pink ombre skirt lining that was a bit weird, to be honest. But more awkward was how the waist lining stopped and was so blatantly on display. The beautiful Manita would have been better served with an ivory sequined column gown that had no "break" in the line as this one did.

Score: 7.99

Miss Universe Costa Rica Natalia Carvajal--Last on my Top 10 Gown List from this year's Miss Universe, is this royal blue design worn by Miss Universe Costa Rica. I am going to be honest here: While it fit her very well and showed off her figure perfectly, this off-the-shoulder sequined/lace applique dress was too 1998 Pageant Betty for my taste. And then, she styled it with those silver platform "Stripper Heels" (NOOOO!!!). It was all a bit to dated, except for her hair and makeup, Gracias!

Score: 7.95

Now, speaking of Fashion, while we're at it...Did anyone else notice What DESIGNER Host Steve Harvey was wearing???

I'm Wearing Who?? Miss Universe 2018 Host Steve Harvey made it a point to single out his custom-made suit featuring hundreds of crystals, saying the larger stones represented the 94 nations competing in the Miss Universe Competition. He then proceeded to show the fab lining featuring the names of the countries...One had to pay close attention to the end credits to find out it was designed by none other than Dolce & Gabbana:

Hmmmmmmm....Very interesting. Especially since, well...considering all that has recently occurred with the brand: The cancellation of their Shanghai show because of alleged racist comments made on Instagram by Stefano Gabbana, as well as the controversial videos advertising the show highlighting an Asian model trying to eat pizza with chopsticks...let's just say I was a bit surprised that a fashion industry watchdog like DIET PRADA didn't notice this and put it on their Instagram.

Moving on!!!...