Miss Universe Ximena Navarette wears Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 to FIFA World Cup Draw in Mexico City

High Fashion Universe...

Ximena Vuitton: Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarette in Louis Vuitton Spring 2011

A couple of weeks ago, the beautiful Ximena (or Jimena in some circles) Navarette, the current Miss Universe (from Mexico), traveled to her home country to announce the FIFA U-17 World Cup Draw at the Sala Nezahualcoyotl (that's a mouthful darlings!) in Mexico City. For this special appearance, Ximena wore not Tadashi , and not Sherri Hill (the official Miss Universe sponsor), but...(wait for it), Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs! She even tweeted about it, thanking the Louis Vuitton Mexico City Boutique for the dress (borrowed, I am assuming).

The cotton printed dress--Look # 26 (above photo)--was from the Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 Collection, retailing for thousands. I think it's great when you see a Miss Universe--or any beauty pageant contestant--for that matter-- wearing actual FASHION!! With a Capital "F".

She Smiles: Ximena Navarette, Miss Universe 2010, FIFA U-17 World Cup Draw Mexico City

The dress itself featured a very PLUNGING neckline, shoulder-covering details and it's length--a very NOW, below-the-knee--or "tea-Length" as they say.

Pretty With The Suits: Ximena Navarette Miss Universe 2010, FIFA World Cup Draw Mexico City

I also love that she wore the same shoes as on the runway model. Very Good Ximena--or maybe it was the Louis Vuitton Mexico Style Team. I'm sure they were the ones who were like "Um, Ximena, you're going to wear this with this...no questions asked...". It's good to listen to the professionals darling...
Felicitaciones!

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 Universe 2010 National Costume Parade of Nations Event: Nick Verreos Sizes Them Up!

Costume Drag Pageant Fashion Show!!!

Golden Eagle: Miss USA Rima Fakih plays homage to the Eagle in a costume made by the same Costume House who creates the Victoria's Secret "Wings"

This last Monday , the Miss Universe 2010 National Costume Show and Photo Op occurred at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Resort in Las Vegas Nevada. In the past, this portion of the pageant has been reserved for a grand "Competition" where experts judged the Best Costumes and gave out a prize. This never reflected or gave "added extra points" to the contestants in terms of vying for the crown; it was just for show and fun--and national pride.

Aussie Drag: Uggs, Sheepskin, and lots of leg on Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell

This year, it was done at the Hotel where the pageant is taking place and in a more informal basis; there was no "Best Costume Contest". But that doesn't mean I can't give my "Nick Verreos Costume Two Cents"...

Flora and Fauna Latina: Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Vicente shows off MORE than her leaves

I spoke last week about what we "might see" in terms of National Costumes from the 83 beauties in competition for the coveted Miss Universe 2010 crown. And yes, all those "Web Previews" giving hints of some of the CRAZEEE costumes that the ladies were going to bring...came true!

Miss Belgium Cilou Annys did end up wearing her "Tennis Ensemble" as I predicted (Is Tennis HUGE in Belgium?)...

And Miss Venezuela, Marelisa Gibson, wore her Oversized Swarovski mirrored crystal-encrusted jumpsuit inspired by the Abra Solar public sculpture located in her homeland

Miss Japan, Maiko Itai WORKED IT overtime, with her Geisha Barbie Doll-like Queen Costume, which included an over-sized fan (I need one of those!)--she definitely gets high points for "Best Costume" from moi...Speaking of Oversized:

Take a look at Miss Kazakhstan, Assel Kuchokova's traditional costume--and especially that headdress! I think she's not far behind Miss Japan in the "Girl You Worked It Out!" Best Costume Category

Also going "somewhat" traditional is Miss Philippines (a favorite for the crown), Venus Raj (love that name!) in her Manton de Manila-inspired costume...

I also loved Miss Switzerland, Linda Fah Warrior Princess Costume, especially that over-sized shield! Just wondering what the "Swiss Warrior Princess" would be protecting: Sketchy Tax-Free Multi-Billionaire Bank Accounts?

On the "Oh No You Didn't Corner", we have Miss Guyana, Tamika Henry. Either the Miss Guyana Organization had NO BUDGET to outfit her with a costume, or she just felt inspired to be a Hoochie Cougar From the Guyana Jungle. Great body. Wrong Costume.

Finally, the Sympathy Award for Best Costume goes to Miss Haiti, Sarodj Bertin and her very symbolic "Ode To Haiti" costume, featuring the national flag, photos and red roses. I'm sure when she stepped out the crowd went into a mutual "Awwwwwww!!!!!" and standing ovation! How do you say "You Go Girl!" en Creole?

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!!!!

Miss Universe 2010: Nick Verreos Previews the National Costumes!!

National Costumes Do's and Don'ts: Miss Universe Preview

She's a Star: Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson's National Costume Sketch, by Yvan Dumont and Hugo Espina

The 2010 Miss Universe Pageant has begun! The live telecast is not until Monday August 23rd but the 80+ contestants from all over the world are arriving in Las Vegas, the site of this year's contest. The international Parade of Nations or Costume "Red Carpet", is always a part of the pageant that fans and pageant-watchers always look forward to. Miss France 2010 Malika Menard shows off her white off the shoulder gown with French flag colors side drape. Don't miss the Eiffel Tower on a Beret hat design: A Do or a Don't?

People always wonder: "What CRAZY MESS did the local designers come up with now?", or "What over-sized Carnival flora-and-fauna concoction will Miss Trinidad and Tobago wear?" , or "Will Miss France go Can Can or wear the Eiffel Tower on her head (see above)?" Well, we haven't seen "officially" what the contestants are really going to be wearing during the "Miss Universe 2010 Parade of Nations" Traditional Costume segment yet, but one quick search on the Web and you can discover a "preview" of what they might show up to Vegas in...

Here's a DON'T: The new Miss Australia Universe Jesinta Campbell chose THIS to be her national costume. Let's break this down: Uggs , multi-layered overskirt with a sheepskin bolero/shrug? Aboriginal Tribal Bikiniwear Goes Cha-Cha is more like it! The Telegraph in the UK called it "a travesty". Ouch. This might have even been better:On the European Front: Speaking of National Costume Dont's...

Bless Miss Romania and Miss Belgium (left to right) pretty little costumed hearts: Above are their supposed national costumes for the Miss Universe 2010. Miss Romania's dress looks as if a 12 year old who just started their first "Fashion Class" made it. And why are there bows and arrows on her back? And Miss Belgium's costume (I am guessing) reflects her country's love of tennis (?). I wondered: "Was tennis invented in Belgium maybe?" But a quick Google search enlightened me that no, it actually came from France and Great Britain.

Miss Slovenia's supposed national costume is a strapless white gown with "Inked" printings of important Slovenian "landmarks" on it. Her longing look tells me she's probably thinking "Why Am I Wearing This Mess?".

A Little Voyage to Asia...

Shows us hints of what contestants from Korea, Thailand and Japan might be featuring as their national costume. I like how "traditional" Miss Korea Kim Joo-Ri's costume is. Love the vibrant colors and the exaggerated headdress.

Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul's costume sketch has been "released" as we can see above. It is supposedly "inspired" by the grand elephants of Thailand depicting the trunk and large ears. This should be really interesting! Can't wait for that one year when Miss Thailand's national costume depicts the drunk British kids who take over Phuket and do things very un-Thai...

Miss Japan Maiko Itai's is FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!! Go on Miss Japan! Whoever is coming up with Miss Japan's costumes for the Miss Universe pageants lately must be a FIERCE Drag Queen! This is Haute Couture Drama. Maiko: Go to Las Vegas and get your damn "Best Costume Award" huney!

The Latinas:

Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson's costume, designed by Yvan Dumont and Hugo Espina is not a Colonial Costume or a Native Amerindian concoction--these last two being the most popular choices for a Miss Venezuela. Instead, for Gibson, the Miss Venezuela Organization and it's "house designers" decided on a costume loosely based on the sculpture by Alejandro Otero, Abra Solar (see above), located in Caracas Venezuela.

Designers Hugo Espina and Yvan Domont putting the final touches on Miss Venezuela's National Costume.

Miss Dominican Republic Eva Arias looks as if she might be choosing the more sequined route for her "traditional costume". It looks like an Amazonian Carib-Indian Princess who had too much money to spend at the local Swarovski crystal store. In addition, I am scared of that whip! But I have a feeling she'll work it OVERTIME. Speaking of working overtime...

There had to be an "honorable mention" for Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Vicente and this above. If she really wears this, she will get my "Nick Award" for the contestant most giving Flora and Fauna a new name! She's got the fringe to simulate rain, the ball gown/skirt made of leaves, the sequined leotard. And if that wasn't enough, let's just throw in a bunch of flowers at the shoulder. At-a-Girl. I am LIVING for it! Me gusta.

We'll see soon what costumes these women really wear in Las Vegas, but until then, I will hope and pray that they really show up with these, all in their Do's and Don'ts Glory!!!