Miss Universe 2010 Final Evening Gowns: Nick Verreos and his "Pageant Red Carpet Wrap"!

AND THE WINNER IS......

Last night was the Miss Universe 2010 Live Telecast Show. And boy, was it a DOOZY! I've been blogging about the National Costumes, as well as the Preliminary Evening Gowns (just because I am a Pageant QUEEN---and a designer)--and since I have designed a gown for the gorgeous outgoing Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, in the past--I had to watch! I won't even get into how awkward and teleprompter-deficient Bret Michaels was (You're FIRED!) and how GREAT NBC Today Show host Natalie Morales was (loved her pronunciations!). You can read that stuff HERE. But this posting--and this blog--is ALL ABOUT FASHION, and specifically, what I thought of those evening gowns.

Miss Universe 2010: Jimena Navarrete

First of all: Felicitaciones to Miss Nuestra Belleza Mexico, Jimena Navarrete, who won the Miss Universe 2010 title last night. She was one of the prettiest women of the night.

The Top 5: (Left to Right) Miss Philippines, Miss Ukraine, Miss Jamaica, Miss Australia and Miss Mexico

But it wasn't until the beautiful--but not so bright--Miss Philippines Venus Raj, messed up on her Final Question (Question: What Mistakes Have You Made? Answer: Nothing!" How about the answer to THIS question!), that we knew Jimena was "in contention".

Now, here is my "Nick Verreos' The Good and The Bad" for the Final 10 Contestants in the Miss Universe 2010 Evening Gown Competition:

Lucky in Red: Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete

Miss Mexico's (and now, Miss Universe 2010) fire red gown was GORGEOUS. Just perfect. One shoulder: Check. Flowy and Grecian-Goddess: Check. Not cheap-looking and overtly tacky: Check. No Slit to show her you-know-what: Well, close but she still looked great. Last year, Stefania Fernandez Miss Venezuela, won in a red gown and well, now so did Jimena. I guess next year EVERY contestant will be wearing a RED GOWN (hopefully not!).

Lady Sings the Blues: Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillips

One of my not-so-favorite gowns was the polyester mess Miss Jamaica wore last night. Here's the Good News: I liked the shoulder-covering cap sleeves. The Bad News: I disliked EVERYTHING else. It looked like a $299 dress from "Aunt Martha's Boutique in Kingston" (if there is such a thing). The bust seaming rippled with bad construction and that inset embroidered lace SCREAMED Toddlers & Tiaras. Poor thang. The positive is that the minute Miss Jamaica took to the stage in the Opening Number, I knew she was a contender and she almost became Miss Universe. Was it the dress that did her in?!

Silver Fox: Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

Miss Philippines' silver lame gown was one of the best of the night. I loved the over-sized bow and how flowy and dramatic the entire look was. She carried it really well too (good training Venus!). The color and the small amount of sequins were ideal to make a dramatic statement on stage. If only she could answer questions...

Happy Just To Be Here: Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell

Miss Australia was a surfer girl who could not be less comfortable in this gown if you put this on a Straight Mechanic! She still somehow worked it out. You just KNOW she'd rather be in flip flops and a bikini. But this was still a good choice: V-neck re-embroidered with a nice delicate color and heck, it hit the floor and was the right length. She got "Nick Verreos Points" for that!

Sophisticated Lady: Miss Ukraine, Anna Poslavskaya

Miss Ukraine's gown was one of the best--for me--when she debuted it during the Preliminaries. It is a very classic gown featuring vanilla/creme caviar beading, an off-the-shoulder neckline and a nice dramatic sweep. She just looked a bit...well...old. Like she already had herself a multi-millionaire Russian arms-dealer husband and all she wanted to do is shop at Louis Vuitton...for an entire YEAR!

See-Through Sister: Miss Albania, Angela Martini

Miss Albania was Sex-On-a-Gown! See-through, sexy and HOT! To wear this type of gown, it's good to balance it with elegant slick hair (she did) and modern metallic pumps (she did) so I'm all for it. This is the Miss Universe Pageant after all! Would I recommend this for the Red Carpet? Never. But having your "Diva Moment" at the MU Pageant is definitely the time for this gown.

Purple Haze: Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint

Oh Miss South Africa. It looks like she went shopping at the same boutique Miss Jamaica went to. Cheap, iridescent, polyester (trust me, I know!) and way too much asymmetry going on. It's a distracting gown. I liked the color though (and she was SO beautiful!).

Golden Goddess: Miss Ireland, Rozanna Purcell

Miss Favorite To Win The Crown, Miss Ireland, went onto the Miss Universe 2010 "Runway" and OWNED IT! Like I always say: "No Should've Would've, Could've!". You only get ONE chance to be in the Miss Universe Pageant..and some of these girls sleep through it. But Miss Ireland did not! I liked her gown: It showed her fabulous curves, and gave her some elegance. I was not a fan of the up-do, or that necklace, but oh well...she still looked fabulous! I honestly think if she were styled in a more modern way she could have possibly won the entire pageant.

Sexy Senorita: Miss Guatemala, Jessica Schell

Miss Guatemala Jessica Schell: Because she was such a "dark horse", she was actually one of my favorites. I liked this gown; the high-neck, the fitted silhouette, the delicate all-over beading. It looked expensive. The fit was a tad bit too tight and her SISTERS were OUT! (and she had a difficult time walking) but other that: Good Job on your Evening Gown Miss Guatemala!

Pretty in Pink: Miss Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente

I gasped when I saw Miss Puerto Rico's light lilac/pink gown: I LOVED IT! I'm sure that many "pageant fans" might not have liked this, but I did. She gave you DRAMA and it looked very Haute Couture and the fit was just right. It was refreshing to not see ANOTHER cheap polyester rippled-seam re-embroidered lace-and-satin dress. Gracias Mariana: Viva Puerto Rico!

Winner of Miss Photogenic and Best National Costume:
Miss Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul

Finally, an "Honorary Evening Gown" mention to Miss Thailand. I was a fan of this gown when I saw it for the Preliminaries and on stage last night, it looked even more stunning. It was very Versace Atelier and looked well-made, fit her exquisitely, and the styling was on-point. Congrats to her for winning the Best Costume (it was one of my faves!) and Miss Photogenic. How do you say "Go Girl" in Thai?

Miss Mexico attends the After Party

So far so good Miss Universe 2010...loving the silver 'After Party" gown...

Click Below for some fun Miss Universe 2010 Videos:

The Top 10 Evening Gown Competition (Gowns start at 8:44):

Top 5:

Miss Universe 2010 Preliminary Competition Gowns: Nick Verreos Looks at The Good, and the "Girl What Were You Thinking?"

The Competition Is On!!! Who Will Wear The Best Gown: Last year's Miss Universe Venezuela's Stefania Fernandez

This past Thursday night was the 2010 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, the first official Competition and Judging to see who will make the Top 15 for Miss Universe 2010. It was held at the same Venue the Finals will be held at: The Mandalay Bay Events Center in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. 83 beauties from all over the world introduced themselves to a rip-roaring crowd, then displayed their well-toned bodies in the Swimsuit Round, and in their Evening Gowns. The latter of which, naturally, is what I'm interested in. Lots of the contestants changed (as expected) from the gowns they wore before--and some, like Miss Greece, Turkey and India, for example, did not, and they stuck to the same dress.

Here are my "Nick Verreos Two Cents"-- Best Gowns:

Miss USA Rima Fakih looked stunning in this fire-red strapless Princess -seamed "Mermaid" gown. It's A LOT of Gown--and I'm not sure if Rima would be the girl to pull it off. But from the photos, she did. Loved her sleeked hair as well as the fact that she didn't wear any necklace but instead opted for a big modern cuff. Another Winner...

Miss Uruguay Stephany Ortega. Love the bubblegum "Barbie" pink and the modern taffeta-stiff ruffle detail. It is very Runway, as well as Fashion Magazine Editorial. The up-swept DIVA hair and simple drop earrings are perfect: 9.95 (if I was scoring).

I also LOVED Miss Colombia Natalia Navarro. This silver iridescent embroidered one-shoulder Mermaid-style gown was perfect; all she needs is a crown. Again: Simple earrings finish it off--no need to hit the Forever 21 accessory bin ladies!

Silver and metallics were popular this year in gowns. Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul (who wore an Elie Saab Haute Couture-looking dress in the "official gown photos") wore a one-shoulder silver number that was very sexy, daring and featured an iridescent peek-a-boo back. The big 1975-esque hair-bun is a bit much for me but the gown looks fabulous!

Another silver queen was Miss Philippines Venus Raj. I like this silver lame gown with the side bow detail. One of the best in my opinion.

Speaking of Silver Queens, Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Vicente WORKED IT OUT, looking like Beyonce and Paulina Rubio's "Lovechild" here in this silver sequined "mirrored" high-slit gown. It IS Over-The-Top and stage-fabuloso; you can make sure the kids from the cheap nose-bleed seats could still see her!

I also liked what Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska wore. The 5'11" beauty looks regal in this gown. It's a simple, elegant off-the-shoulder style and fits her perfectly. The "sisters" are "out there" but I'm actually OK with that! She looks classy and not vulgar in this gown.

Miss Ireland Rozanna Purcell (who all my Pageant-loving friends think will take the crown) also wore a gown that I liked (different form the tacky panty-showing mess she wore before!) but I just didn't like her hair and that necklace. So not necessary. Here's a question: The gown looked A LOT like this one...

That Miss Albania wore. The color looks a bit different in each photo but I SWEAR it's the same dress! Are they roommates? Was Miss Ireland in need of a gown and turned to Miss Albania? Inquiring (fashion) minds want to know!

Finally, I am actually "on the fence" with Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson's royal blue satin side draped gown with jeweled neckline.

It was very similar to the gown she wore when she won her country's crown in September 2009 except that gown was a raspberry color (above and below).

I actually liked this one better--both the color and silhouette. I also liked her hair style better back then. That over-sized bun she wore on Thursday night's Preliminaries just makes her look too old. Marelisa seems like a young, "fresh" and sassy contestant, and that royal blue heavy gown doesn't parallel her personality.

Now onto The "Oh No You Didn't":

Miss China Tang Wen. The dress above is what she wore as her competition GOWN. No, it's NOT the National Costume competition. And then she adds those hideous black pumps. Go back and borrow a gown from Miss Albania huney!

For some reason, there were some serious Prom Disasters as well: Miss Sweden Michaela Savic's multi-tiered rose-pink mess was straight out of some cheap pageant-and-Prom boutique. Poor thang!

Miss Hungary Timea Babinyecz also opted for a Prom Disaster, but in black. She's very "mysterious" I guess. The side-swept 1982 hairstyle is KILLING ME!!!

Oh and poor Miss Sri Lanka Ishanka Madurasinghe. Let's just begin with how beautiful she is! Gorgeous. But the gown: I cannot stop looking at that RIPPLED seaming. Trust me, kiddies, that is NOT supposed to look like that...unless it is a cheap dress. I want to go up on stage and pull the thread down the sewing seam--to release all that tension (sorry, too much Fashion Class 101 Terminology).

Also: NEVER, and I mean NEVER, should you wear a "High Water/Flood" gown (like Miss Slovenia Marika Savsek). It needs to hit the floor ladies! It SCREAMS I-just-bought-this-from-the-store and they didn't have anything for a tall girl like me. Get the folks back at home to come up with enough money for a Custom Gown darling!

Finally, in my "Not So Good" list is the gorgeous Miss Canada Elena Semikina. She is 6'1" and only 26 years old. But she looks twice her age and might be a cast member on Real Housewives of Toronto! It's A LOT of leg and wait...are those organza ruffles added to the bottom (like the rest of the gown's details weren't enough!). Elena could win Miss Universe 2010...but not in this gown. We'll see what happens...

I can't wait to watch Miss Universe 2010 this Monday, August 23rd, and see who makes the Top 15 and REALLY see all the gowns---Good and Bad!

Nick Verreos Reviews the Miss Universe 2010 Preliminary Evening Gowns

Gownfabulous!


The Miss Universe 2010 Pageant is happening, as I type, in Las Vegas. With 83 contestants arriving last Monday from all over the World, joining in on the two-week festivities, photo op's, parties, and competitions, that lead up to the Final Live Telecast Monday August 23rd. As a beauty pageant fan (there, I "came out'!), this is a fun time for me. It is like Awards Season! Last week, I took a look at some proposed National Costumes that the international beauties might be wearing for the competition and finals. Now it is time for some Evening Gown Watchin'!
The photos are up on the web of the gorgeous ladies in their evening gowns and you just KNOW that I have my "Nick Verreos Two Cents" to give. Now, realize that these might not be the actual gowns they will wear on the final night (most of the beauties bring SEVERAL gown choices and wear a different one on the final night), but still it gives us a chance to:
A) See their taste level in evening gowns and more importantly,
B) See the Good and the "Oh Dear, What Was She Thinking?!"

Let's Begin With The Good:

Miss Albania and Miss Canada

*Miss Albania's dress is my favorite dress from all the preview photos. It has everything you would want in a gown: Elegance, sexiness and it looks expensive!! The color and beading is perfect for the Miss Universe Pageant and everything about it looks very modern. She looks gorgeous and her sexy come-hither pose is just right in the photo.
*Miss Canada also gets it right in this strapless creme and gold gown. Of course it wouldn't be a pageant without a slit up to your waist, but the the rest of the gown is elegant enough to carry it off. The beaded/print detail at the hem looks unique and intriguing. This gown in a shocking PINK or Turquoise might not look as elegant, and in fact would look more "Mrs. Tennessee" and less Miss Canada Universe.

Miss India and Miss Spain

Miss India is giving you Grecian Goddess DIVA!! I even love the beaded shoulder detail. The color is an interesting choice but I could probably do without the headband, although she definitely is "serving it up"!!! She gets a good 9.10 from me!

I give Miss Spain "Nick Points" for keeping it elegant and wearing a gown that you might see on Spanish Royalty--very Princess Letizia of Asturias. Although the color might not be my favorite choice the gown is beautifully made and I love the Spanish Lace detailing on the bust.

Runner Ups:

Miss Kosovo and Miss Turkey

*Miss Kosovo and Miss Turkey both chose "all over" beaded gowns which is a HOT TREND in Evening Gowns. Miss Kosovo looks amazing from the back (although I am not too sure about the backwards necklace) but I will have to reserve my complete opinion until I am able to see the front of the dress.
*I like the slithering silhouette of Miss Turkey's fire-red sequined gown, just not sure about the crushed velvet high-cowl neckline. It should have been silk charmeuse or maybe the same red sequin material. Also, bring that neckline down huney, she's too covered up!

The "Giving You FASHION!" Award goes to:

Miss Thailand and Miss Georgia

*COUTURE darlings!! Miss Thailand's gown is VERY Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2010. It's VERY close to one of the gowns from that collection. It is either an Elie Saab or a very good Knock-Off. I am sure that "traditional" pageant fans might HATE this gown but as a Designer, I love it's voracity, intricate detail and again, that obvious nob to Paris Haute Couture. Go on Miss Thailand! Work it OUT!
*Miss Georgia gets my "Fashion Points" because of her choice for this BOLD metallic heavily sequined shoulder-covering gown. If you follow the runway trends from both Pret-a-Porter and Haute Couture, it is all about strong defined--even Exaggerated--shoulders. So, she is on-point with that. But then of course, she's gotta add the "Pageant Slit"!

Worst Dresses:

Miss Belgium and Miss Aruba

*Miss Belgium: Two words: Oh Dear! The color is awful, that side opening is awful, the styling is awful. Well, you get it. It just looks cheap. she's like a Mail Order Bride from some obscure Eastern European country. Hope she doesn't wear this on the final night, she's too pretty!
*Miss Aruba: Really Aruba? I want to know what "red carpet" event she's going to in this, where she is not going to be ripped to shreds by the "fashion police". I understand that she represents Aruba, a Caribbean island so there's a little bit of Island Spirit in this gown (if you would call it A GOWN!). Did the designer run out of floral-printed chiffon and therefore the BIG missing space?

Miss Peru and Miss Denmark

These two ladies are giving you Transparent. And I'm not sure that's such a good idea...
*Miss Peru: She's GORGEOUS!! But all I can focus on is her you-know-what--and if it is showing! Who made this gown decision?! I actually like the silver/white almost "Space-age" fabric but why not a lining Miss Peru?
*Miss Denmark: OK, this is NOT a gown but a negligee! I'm waiting for her to have a box of Godiva Chocolates and a glass of red wine and she's calling it a night! And BLACK PUMPS??? Really? No.

Miss Ireland and Miss Panama

*Miss Ireland: One of the prettiest contestants at this year's Miss Universe 2010 and actually a favorite to take the crown. But not in this gown! The organza over-sized rosette right on her bust looks like a target. I love it when Marchesa does it, but not here darling. But let's just talk about her PANTIES!!! Seriously, she took the "Pageant Slit" to a whole other level. Why? Why? Why? Is the skirt detachable and then she's going to do a dance number only in her leotard/panties?
*Miss Panama: Oh darling. Blessed is the 19 year old "fashion student" who made this for you (I'm assuming since that is what it looks like!). Either that or now we know what Cassanova has been up to since Project Runway. The color, the cheap-looking flower petal details, the cha-cha silhouette. Oh what would Nina Garcia and Michael Kors say about this one?

Miss Romania and Miss Norway

These two ladies have themes going on with their gowns and well, I'm not sure I am enjoying the themes.
*Miss Romania is giving you animal print...as a LINING!!! Contrast Animal Print Lining are Four Words I don't EVER wanna see used in one sentence!
*And then the exotic Miss Norway (who's stunning!) looks like she's going to The Renaissance Faire! Or playing Lady Macbeth at the Oslo Dinner Theater. Now, I spoke of girls who might be showing too much (Miss Ireland, Miss Peru) but here's a case where she's too covered up!

Finally, Most Disappointing:

Miss Venezuela and Miss USA

I LOVE these two ladies. Since I grew up in Venezuela, I have--and will always have a personal affinity to the Venezuelan beauties and I am a big fan of Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih but I was, as Michael Kors would say "underwhelmed" by their choices for these "Preview Gowns". *I do like the contrast of the black and the ivory-creme in Miss Venezuela's gown , and the fit (especially at the bust and torso is exquisite) but it just doesn't scream "Miss Venezuela" the way that I would expect (you know she is "busting out" with a completely different gown for the Finals!).
*And finally, I was disappointed with Miss USA's slinky black gown in this photo. Rima is such an exotic beauty that I think I would have chosen a lighter color. It's just too strong for her and it ages her. It looks as if it fits beautifully and shows her amazing figure, I am just hoping she wears something a bit more dynamic for the finals. We'll just have to wait and see.....

Stay tuned for the Miss Universe Pageant on Monday August 23rd! You know I'll be watching and have much more to say!!!!