Miss USA 2011: The "Evening Gown Portraits"...The Best!

Pageant Gowns Me Likey...

Miss New York USA Amber Marie Collins: Gown Proper

In my previous post, I discuss my "Nick Pageant Two Cents" on which gowns made the "Nick Miss Mess" List from looking at the new Miss USA 2011 "Evening Gown Portraits". So, for the sake of having "Positive Pageant Gown Karma", allow me to discuss the Good (yeayyyy!!!) and the ones I did like. Now, remember these may or may not be the gowns these lovely women will wear in the Final Telecast but still, since they are gowns nonetheless, I'll do my "Nick Two Cents" Review.

Here are some of my Faves:

Miss California USA: Already one of the favorites and top contenders (in pageant fan forums) for the Miss USA 2011 crown, Miss California USA Alyssa Campanella is a REAL model by profession (you know how most of these girls say they are "models" but posing for your Local Mall Calendar doesn't give you that title), and therefore, knows how to really work it! She's simply stunning, very Rita Hayworth. For her official "Miss USA Evening Gown Portrait", she wore a black (or dark navy?) jersey gown with sequin accents. It's simple and elegant. I am SURE she'll bust out with a more impacting gown for the Final Night if and when she makes it to the Top 10. But because of its simplicity, modernity and OMG, there's NO SLIT-up-to-THERE, she get's "Nick Happy Points".

Miss District of Columbia USA: Heather Danelle Swann, went elegant, all-over sequined and white for her gown choice in the Official Evening Gown Portrait. I'm happy that she--and her gown-- didn't look as if it came from a pageant in 1991--as opposed to 2011!! Thank you Heather Danelle. I think she looks wonderful and so does the gown. Yes, it's plunging, but Thank God, she didn't do PLUNGING AND a high slit. Well done Miss District of Columbia USA!

Miss Illinois: OK, huney: WORK...that sweet look of yours--in an all-over sequined-and-applique gown! Yes, the gown is a bit on the "heavy" side, in terms of all that embroidered sequin applique, but see, this girl knows. She softened her hair, her make-up, her absence of accessories (just the earrings and a little ol' ring) and Hello: No Slit again! It's not that I dislike SLITS--don't get me wrong--it's just a slit UP TO THERE PLUS an all-over sequined and feathered gown AND Clear Lucite Stripper Heels--well...No. Anyhow, Miss Illinois USA looks FAB and I like the silhouette of the gown. It fits beautifully.

Miss New Jersey USA: Now speaking of slits, this is how you do slits right! Julianna White chose to wear a bubblegum pink crepe strapless gown with crystal sequin detail at the midriff, cascading down to the hips. I LOVE this gown and the COLOR, and see ladies: The Strapless section FITS; it's not 3 inches below her armpit at the sides. I also like how the peep-toe pumps match. Julianna and her gown are SOOOO Miss "Name a South American Country"! And that means one thing: She's got EXCELLENT Pageant Advisers behind her.

Miss North Dakota USA: When I first saw Brandi Lynn Schoenberg, Miss North Dakota USA, and her gown, I must say, I smiled. The strapless gold/nude gown covered in turquoise jeweled sequins was actually really GOOD! THIS is a quality--and probably expensive gown. I love the heavy-to-light cascading effect of the jeweled detail on the dress and I also love the nude horsehair trim at the bust neckline and hem. I just wished she would have "lightened" up on the hair style and make-up department. Again, from the neck up, she falls into the "I look like a 46 year old Real Housewives of Orange County" Miss USA malaise...

Miss Connecticut USA: Last but not least, there was Miss Connecticut USA Regina Turner. Regina TURNED it out with an original stunner of a gown, in what looks like laminated "patent leather"-looking fabric. It's very Armani Prive-esque--in terms of the fabrication (I know it's not since A) It's not in the Runway Photo Look Book and B) An actual Armani Prive custom-made Haute Couture gown can cost about $45,000-$100,000---I doubt Miss Connecticut USA has that kind of budget...). The strapless section fits; there's no overt I-like-dirty-Twitter-photos cleavage, and the silhouette and length are just right! You Go Pageant Girl!

Pageant Fashion: Miss Uruguay Universe 2011...and her "Toddlers & Tiaras" Iridescent Poly Organza Gown...

Uruguay Pageant Gowns...Uh Oh!!

Pretty Girl...BAAAD gown: Miss Uruguay Universe 2011 Fernanda Semino, and her baby blue iridescent poly organza and sequin gown

On May 28th, the very pretty Fernanda Semino was crowned Miss Uruguay Universe 2011 in the resort/beach city of Punta del Este. Uruguay is not known for its winning pageant girls--but rather for having some GORGEOUS beaches (Hello, Punta del Este!!), as well as being a very "Euro" enclave of South America (Approximately 9o% of the population is either of full Spanish or Italian descent).

Gown No-No: Miss Uruguay Universe 2011 Fernanda Semino, (center) and her baby blue iridescent poly organza gown

This year's winner was a gorgeous dark-blond haired beauty. She won, despite the fact that well, she wore a baby blue iridescent poly organza and sequin gown that, even some Drag Queens would consider OFFENSIVE. And by the looks of the other contestants gowns, it looks like a Caché boutique Nightmare--or Dream, depending on how you see it!!! In addition, it was SOOOO TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras", the adult version (I'm also a bit scared of the gown on the girl on the far right!).

Her First Runner-Up was Belen Sogliano (above, in black gown) who was crowned Miss Uruguay World 2011 (she will represent her country in this winter's Miss World Pageant to be held in London this November) and she didn't fare any better in the Gown Department. Belen wore a black one-shoulder "Mermaid"-style gown that featured cut-out's (yes, CUT OUT'S!) and very tacky applique. I guess, what is considered Haute Couture or HAUTE Gown Style may be different in Uruguay but frankly, these gowns needed help. When will Beauty Pageants evolve in terms of the Gown Department and grow up from tacky Prom Nightmares to looking like actual red carpet gowns Hollywood starlets would wear? Let's just hope, when these two very lovely ladies get to their respective Miss Universe and Miss World competitions, they get better Gown Advice. Word has it that they are both going to Colombia for some Pageant Coaching...maybe Colombia has better gowns for them.

And remember Ladies: Lo Barato Sale Caro! Translation: The Cheap Comes Out Expensive. In other words: PAY the BIG money for the real red carpet pageant-winning gowns! Just sayin'

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!

Miss USA 2010 Evening Gowns; Nick Verreos Gives His "Pageant Red Carpet" thoughts!

Pageant Red Carpet Dish...and Johnny Weir? Miss USA Rima Fakih

Last night, Miss Michigan USA Rima Fakih was crowned Miss USA 2010. She was gorgeous, exotic and her answers to the Interview questions made her very natural--at least within the pageant world. Now, let's discuss those gowns...
Final 3-All in White: Rima is the first (reportedly) Muslim-American woman to have won the Miss USA pageant. The Lebanon-born beauty wore a white strapless gown with a silver crystal trim. She tripped on it several times (bless her heart!) which led me to think, "GIRL!, learn how to kick a gown!" but that's a whole other issue! Her gown, to be honest, seemed cheap, but obviously, the judges did not mind. The bust corset stood out and was ill-fitting and that hem was too long (hence the tripping). Her personality and beauty stood out above that "I just bought this from David's Bridal" gown. It was inferred that she barely had enough money to compete at all, so Congratulations Rima for winning the crown on a budget...now have the Miss Universe Organization buy you some better gowns!On the complete opposite end of the spectrum was Miss Oklahoma USA, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard who wore a gown designed by Gionni Straccia (who created the dress worn by Stefania Fernandez when she was crowned Miss Universe) as well as...the current Miss Venezuela 2009, Marelisa Gibson, who was crowned last September in a Gionni Straccia silk Zibeline crystal-encrusted gown. As I said in my previous blog posting, I was "on the fence" with this 1980s off-the-shoulder gown. I had only seen internet photos but I must say, on air, it was more impacting. It was definitely the most polished look of the night. The funny thing is that the minute she stepped on stage with the gown, I remarked "She looks like a Miss Venezuela!". Well. of course, because she was wearing a gown--and matching earrings--from a Venezuelan designer who outfits all those South American beauties! Just one problem: she looked SOOOOOO much like Heidi Montag !
Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson, wore the same one-shoulder gown she wore in the Preliminary Competition. It was a 7 out of 10 in my book. She just didn't "work it" the way she should have. Runway Coaching Alert!
Third Runner Up Miss Virginia USA, Samantha Casey also wore a white gown (a theme this year!), a jersey high-neck key-hole number featuring a shirred waist and rhinestone detailing. This gown was OK in my book; it did not re-invent the pageant gown wheel and honestly, didn't make me say "You Go Girl!". It did, however, have a great back which she made sure to feature as much as possible.
Miss Tennessee USA Tucker Nicole Perry's gown was a silver beaded strapless one-- which stood out from all the ubiquitous white ones. It had a sense of drama, looked expensive and fit well.
Miss Mississippi USA, Breanne Ponder, made a lot of STRAIGHT MEN happy , wearing this stripper cut-out high-slit almost-showing-her-business red gown on the Final Telecast night. She wore this to the Preliminary Evening Gown Competition, as I discussed and I was not a fan. I could just imagine Judge Johnny Weir thinking "GIRL, do you realize you are NOT accepting an AVN AWARD!!???". Just sayin'-- I'll leave it with that. Speaking of Miss Johnny Weir...
LOVE HIM!!! He gets "Nick Verreos At-A-Girl" points for this ensemble above--and for the fact that he had TWO outfit changes while judging the Miss USA 2010 Pageant! A first! Obviously, people will HATE this but would you really want Johnny to wear anything else?!? Hope you guys enjoyed this year's Miss USA pageant and my Nick Verreos Pageant Gown Red Carpet. Until next time: No Stripper Heels and keep the "cut-out's" to a minimum!

Miss USA 2010 tonight! Here are some Best and Worst of the Preliminary Evening Gowns

Pageant Queens!Miss Texas USA, Kelsey Moore, in a feathered golden-beige gown reminiscent of the one Stefania Fernandez won her Miss Universe 2009 title in

Well kiddies, the Miss USA 2010 Pageant is on tonight, LIVE from Las Vegas. I was not commissioned to design any of this year's contestants gowns in case you were wondering (too busy of a schedule right now unfortunately!) but in the past, I have had the pleasure of designing the Final Gowns for... Miss California USA 2007, Meagan Tandy and... Miss Alaska USA 2008, Courtney Carroll, whom won Third Runner Up and Miss Photogenic Titles respectively (in my gowns!). So of course, as a fashion designer (and pageant fan), I will be watching for one thing, well...TWO: 1)What gowns these girls wear? And 2) Which one will not know where Iraq, Afghanistan or who our Vice President is and whether or not President Obama was born in Hawaii or Kenya. Hopefully they also studied up on what Goldman-Sachs is. Here's a hint: It's not a brand of shoes. Hopefully, Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir who is one of the judges (yes, he is this year's Perez Hilton I guess!) will ask a "controversial" question--Can't wait! Bring it on Johnny!
As always the Preliminary Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competition already occurred earlier in the week and in lieu of tonight's pageant, here are my "Nick Verreos" Highlights and Low-lights of those gowns:There were several "Color Trends" this year with contestants choosing White, Royal Blue or Red as the most popular colors. In the White Gown Category, Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson featured a strong gown with side lace re-embroidery. Not too "racy" and somewhat elegant (pageant girls LOVE the white, it makes them look "pure" I guess).Miss Ohio USA, Amanda Tempel's was one of my favorite White Gowns. Simple elegant, silk charmeuse cowl draped gown with not-too-bold crystal details. Very "Hollywood Glamour".Miss Oklahoma USA, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, also chose white, with coral and multi-colored beaded embroidery. She looks like she has a great figure and the sculptural gowns shows it off. I'm just not a fan of that sweetheart neckline and the off-the-shoulder design; very 1986 for my taste.Another "White Gown" girl was Miss Washington USA, Tracy Turnure. She's over 6 feet tall and again, was wise in opting for a fitted and column silhouette. The gown was OK, I just wanted to remove that damn feather! It's like someone went to Michaels and really thought she needed an "accent"!Finally, for the White Gown Section, Miss North Carolina, Nadia Shirin Moffett (love that name, is she part Persian?) just gets "Nick Verreos Points" for giving "Drama" with that back "over-piece". That is so Fashion School 101, and I could just see the designer thinking "Oh, it will be FABULOUS to have that back piece...you will WORK IT, on the stage huney!".In the Royal Blue Color Trend, Miss Delaware stood out as one of my favorite. I like the top with the fanned criss-cross "bow" and crystals; I even like the slit. Not too bad. Go Miss Delaware!Miss Arkansas USA, Adrielle Churchill's royal blue gown was just right. Strapless, elegant, draped beautifully and the crystal brooch was perfect.In the Scarlet Gown Trend Category, Miss Florida USA, was probably the best. Again, fitted, strapless, elegant Duchesse satin and very "red carpet" worthy. I like how the back train looks here (as opposed to on Miss North Carolina USA). It's "organic" to the gown, not something that looks like it could be snapped on and off in a HOT MESS minute!
Speaking of HOT MESS:Oh Miss Mississippi USA, Courtney Breanne Ponder. You are soooo pretty! GIRL, why this gown? Like the high slit wasn't enough, you had to then have half your gown cut off on the side (of course, to reveal that 6-pack ab you've been working so hard for--but that's what the Swimsuit Competition is for!!!). Then I almost fainted when I looked down and saw them heels! Ladies, you are not STRIPPERS or ex-wives of Lorenzo Lamas! leave those to Shauna Sand!
Some of the contestants wear the same gown for the Final Telecast and some do not (they want to "Bust Out" with that "stunner" of a gown if they get picked as a Finalist!). We'll see!
Well, have fun watching--you know I will! Happy Miss USA 2010 Viewing!