Pageant Minute: Best (and Not So Best) Evening Gowns of 2011--The Beauty Pageant Edition!!!

Beauty Pageant Gowns--A 2011 Look Back at some of my Favorite, The Hoochies, and The Oh-Dear What Were You Thinking?

This past year has been a "mixed" year in terms of evening gowns in the beauty pageant world. There have been some really good ones that displayed modernity, directionality, and a nod to the red carpet and what actual stars like Angelina Jolie or Charlize Theron would wear for an event such as the Academy Awards or Cannes Film Festival. However, for some reason, there still have been plenty of tacky-licious Hoochie Mammas, with plunging tops that reveal too much of the "sisters" and slits so high that well, one would be quite confused whether or not these ladies were running for Miss Universe or attending the Exxxotica Expo LA Adult Entertainment Show and Convention! Since I love discussing beauty pageants and especially the evening gowns here, I thought it would be fun to give you guys my List of the Top--and the Not-So Top Gowns, from some of the most important international beauty pageants, like Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Venezuela, Miss USA, etc., of 2011. So without further ado...

The Best:

Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, from Angola: Simply perfect! One of my favorites of 2011. Leila wore a gold-colored strapless lace sequined gown with feathered detail. Now, I know that all of those details sound like a lot, and in the wrong hands it might have come out a MESS. But it did not. The gown was elegant and perfect for her skin color. She accessorized it with those gold stacked-heel pumps and kept it very modern with little-to-almost no jewelry. All these style ingredients helped her clinch the Miss Universe crown.

Miss Mexico 2011, Karin Ontiveros, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Karin did not make the Semi-Final Round during the Miss Universe Pageant this past year but she did, in my opinion, wear one of the Top Gowns of the Year. This off-the-shoulder lilac metalized satin draped gown was modern and had a nod to the Grecian-Goddess trend. It didn't overwhelm her or take away from her beauty and looked "Red Carpet Hollywood Star" appropriate.

Miss Venezuela 2011-2012 Irene Esser: This gown, by Venezuelan Beauty Pageant Designer KING Gionni Straccia, was fit for a QUEEN. A Venezuelan Queen. The gown looked like something one would see from an Armani Prive Haute Couture Collection--the silk lame, the hand-sewn Swarovski crystals and the perfect fit. I also loved it in that she won with a gown that had (GASP!) NO SLIT! A Beauty pageant Winner wearing a gown with NO SLIT?! Who would have thunk it? I would have.

Miss New York USA 2011, Amber Marie Collins, Miss USA 2011 Pageant: Another one of my Top Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns of 2011 was this gown worn by Miss New York USA at the Miss USA 2011 Pageant. She didn't make it into the Semi-Final Round but with this gown alone, she should have! The gown was designed by the same designer who created Miss Venezuela's--Gionni Straccia. I love it's simplicity, lack of too-high HOOCHIE slit, and delicate and beautiful shoulder, underbust and torso sequin trim. This is "Pageant Gown Lite" and the direction most pageant gowns should be going.

Miss Merida 2011 Yasmeira Gutierrez: Shimmering and simply stunning! This was one of my other favorite gowns from this past year's Miss Venezuela Pageant and well, one of my Top of the Year. It was a strapless silver-and-gold sequined silk organza gown from, yes, Venezuelan designer Gionni Straccia (he's on a roll here in my End-of-The-Year List). This is how I know a gown is good: I can see it on any top actress at the Oscars and see it end up in the "Best Dressed List" the day after.

Miss Hungary 2011, Linda Szunai, Miss World 2011 Pageant: I absolutely loved this simple baby blue and turquoise strapless gathered bust empire-style gown, worn by Miss Hungary 2011 at the Miss World 2011 "Top Model" Presentation. This gown shows how you can do Elegant without any be-dazzler machine. It has CLASS written all over it. It's safe, yes, but still impacting.

Miss Ghana 2011, Erica Nego at the Miss Universe 2011: Erica wore this during the Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition and I touted it then as one of my favorite gowns of the Prelims. She didn't make the Semi-Finalist cut but to me, she still made an elegant impact with this strapless fuchsia and royal blue split-front empire style gathered bust gown. Gorgeous.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011 Pageant: Alyssa, who was Miss California USA, wore this emerald green gown--from Pageant-and-Prom Fave Sherri Hill--for the Miss USA 2011 Live Telecast. And she won! As everyone knows, red-heads should wear this color like, ALL THE TIME! It suited her well and the gown, was yes, five minutes away from looking a bit "Pageant Betty Perfect" but somehow it still had enough Runway Couture in its fit and structure to deem it one of my favorites of 2011.

Miss India Earth 2011, Hasleen Kaur, Miss Earth 2011 Pageant: In summing up my Top Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2011, I thought I should add a couple "Ball Gown/Princess" styles, since this almost became a trend of this past year. I really loved this pale blue-and-ivory gown worn by Miss India Earth during the Miss Earth 2011 Evening Gown Presentation. It was very Dior Haute Couture in its silhouette and Hasleen carried it well. I'm sure in the eyes of many pageant observers, it might not have been a favorite. But to me, it stood out as a vision of (semi) Haute Couture Fab-u-locity.

Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela, Miss World 2011 Pageant: Finally, I had to add the Gianni Straccia gown Venezuelan beauty Ivian Sarcos wore when she won the Miss World 2011 title. To be frank, I wasn't a total fan. But...there was something about it that well, I still liked (the top section I think), and yes, the way the almost 6-foot-tall beauty carried it off. When she walked on stage there was no denying she was "in it to win it" and she made all the judges focus on her! If a Hollywood starlet wore this at the Oscars, she would get SLAMMED the next day and be on the Worst Dressed List. But for Miss World and their vision of the "Disney Princess Beauty", it was just right.

The Oooh Girl What Were You Thinking?

And now, I present to you my "Oh Dear" List. These gowns should be banned forever from beauty pageants, red carpet events,..heck even tacky Quinceañera's. A Note to any women wanting to enter a major beauty pageant and thinking about what evening gown style to wear: please don't EVER wear these.

Miss Falcon 2011 Haydee Castillo, Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant: designed by Luis Perdomo, this ivory satin gown was a mess. The too-high gathered halter-bust sections, the attached petal skirt, then a silver crystal trim waist tie? No, huney. Poor thang, she HAD to know she wasn't even going to be in the Semi-Semi-Semi Finals in this; she must have done something to make Osmel Sousa (Miss Venezuela Pageant Director) mad at her and therefore, she got this gown.

Miss Turkey Earth 2011, Merve Saribas, Miss Earth 2011 Pageant: There is something SO TACKY about this concoction above that makes me want to go have many, many Martinis with her! Seriously. It's BAD! Poor Merve--who is just stunning--she was somehow coaxed into wearing this during the Miss Earth 2011 Evening Gown Presentation. Doesn't she have any fashionista gay friends in her homeland who should have advised her against this? It's so bad that the woman (on the left side, front row) in the photo is actually LAUGHING at what a mess this dress is!

Miss Colombia 2011, Maria Catalina Robayo Vargas, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Oh Miss Colombia. You did it this time. You and this gown (if you would call it that) will enter you into the Drag Queen Hall of Fame. Ru Paul should be wearing this. Not Miss Colombia! It's a Halloween Orange strapless fan-pleated gown and...

A gold and bronze stretch sequined jumpsuit. At the same time! It's sooo tacky and bad, it's Drag Queen Good! I need to see this on the female partner of a Figure Skating Ice Dancing Couple from Russia. Like TOMORROW!

Miss Dominican Republic 2011, Dalia Fernandez, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: Dalia thought she was entering the "Stripper of the Year" contest as opposed to the Miss Universe Pageant in this gown. That slit is SO high that well, I feel like she's about to see her gynecologist. Slits that high--up to the you-know-what--should be banned. Period. But then, if that wasn't enough, throw in the polyester satin fabrication and that too-plunging neckline. No Mija. No.

Miss Mongolia 2011, Buyankhishig Unurbayar, Miss World 2011 Pageant: Speaking of plunging necklines. This is what I said about this dress back in my Miss World 2011 evening gown post: I can't even focus on the rest of the dress when THOSE things are so propped up and on full display; it's like "Here they are! Y'all want them?" How do you say that in Mongolian? Oh, here's a positive: I LOVE that sequined Disco headband!! So Olivia Newton-John "Let's Get Physical"! Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

Finally here are my Top Three Worst:

Miss Austria 2011, Julia Hofer, Miss World 2011: Julia Julia Julia...what bad curtain from your grandma back in Vienna did you use to make this gown? She's such a cute girl, why this awful 1984-looking dress? It was bad in 1984...and it's bad in 2011.

Miss Belize 2011, Kadejah Tunn, Miss World 2011 Pageant: She is a Cha-Cha Queen, a Mambo Dancer and a come-hither stripper, all in one tacky dress. The low-rent fabrication, the side cut-outs, those tiered Carmen Miranda ruffles, then the open-toe gold pumps. Oh huney, I'm sure you're a sweet, sweet woman, but you have just made my "Oh Dear! Pageant Gown List" of 2011.

Miss Belgium 2011, Justine De Jonckheere, Miss Universe 2011 Pageant: The very pretty Justine takes the prize as the WORST of Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2011 in this baby blue and ivory concoction. This is like Scheherazade got attacked by a tacky fabric store in Alabama! The slit, the one blouson sleeve, the connecting midriff trim, those tacky shoes, a CUFF (?), oh and that 1992 French Twist Up-Do? What. Were. You. Thinking? For all that, you get the "Nick V. 'Oh Dear!' Evening Gown" Crown for 2011.

What did you guys think? What were your favorite--and not-so-favorite Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns of 2011? Did I miss any? Let me know! I'd LOVE to know your thoughts!!! And...
Happy 2012!!! I'm looking forward to more Good and BAD Pageant Gowns in 2012!

Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela: Radiant in Yellow!

Welcome Home Bella!

Latina Victoria Beckham: "Miss World 2011" Ivian Sarcos, in Venezuela at a press conference--looked chic in a fitted mustard yellow dress

The newly-crowned "Miss World 2011", Ivian Sarcos returned to her native land, Venezuela, on December 3rd this past weekend--to a "Heroes Welcome". Ivian's schedule in Caracas was filled with lots of press conferences, TV appearances and official visits.

Pink Queen: Ivian Sarcos, "Miss World 2011" right after she was crowned in London

After being crowned the 60th Miss World (and SIXTH from Venezuela) in London in a televised gala watched by millions of worldwide viewer, she traveled home with Miss World Organization Co-Chair Julia Morley, to be congratulated, say "Gracias" (Thank You) and "Te Quiero" (I Love You) to her country...

"Miss World 2011" Ivian Sarcos and Miss World Organization "First Lady" Julia Morley, Caracas Venezuela Press Conference

Besides her many appearances, she was also there to discuss her "Beauty With A Purpose" schedule as the new Miss World for the upcoming year.

The 5' 11" beauty look radiant for her Venevision (Venezuelan TV Network) Press Conference this week, wearing a mustard yellow fitted below-the-knee drop-shoulder dress accessorized with royal blue and crystal stacked peep-toe pumps. She looked like a Latina Victoria Beckham!

Much better than that strapless pink "frothy" organza-and-sequins gown she won the title in: she looked modern, directional, and yes, MUY Chic! Me gusto!

Poppa Beauty: Miss Venezuela Organization Director Osmel Sousa (Left) with "Miss World 2011" Ivian Sarcos, Venevision Studios, Caracas Venezuela

Ivian also reunited with Miss Venezuela Organization President and Pageant Guru Osmel Sousa, who lavished her--and Julia Morley with gifts from the House of Cartier (must be nice!). As the new "Miss World", she will travel to many countries to spread the "Beauty With A Purpose" message as well as crown various national pageant winners. After Venezuela, Ivian is scheduled to go to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Australia New Zealand, Peru , Mongolia, China, Indonesia and the Philippines, among others. I am SO jealous of the Frequent Flyer Mileage she is going to rack up!! Buena Suerte (Good Luck) y Buen Viaje (Bon Voyage) Ivian!!!

Miss World 2011 is Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos--and my Miss World 2011 Finals Gown Review!

The Sixth Venezuelan Miss World!!!!

Who Me? Ivian Sarcos Miss World Venezuela 2010, wins "Miss World 2011", Earls Court London

Yes, kids, I am a week late but since I was away traveling on business, I am now back in my "Blogging Office", catching up. So let's get to my thoughts on last week's "Miss World 2011" Beauty Pageant and especially The Gowns, of course!! Last Sunday, November 6th, London crowned a new Queen. Well, a Beauty Queen, the 61st Miss World. Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, 22, from Venezuela, beat out 112 other beautiful women who were vying for one of the most coveted beauty titles in the world.

Drop The Crown: Alexandria Mills (from the USA), Miss World 2010 crowns the new Miss World 2011, Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos

Now, many of you know that I grew up in Caracas Venezuela, my sister was born there and well, needless to say, I will ALWAYS feel part Venezuelan--not to mention the fact that I LOVE Arepas!!!! So, yes, I was very happy that Miss Venezuela won.

Gown Central: The new Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela takes her throne, London's Earls Court

Ivian was one of the favorites to win and also had the total highest points--garnered from the "preliminary" Fast Track Competitions--coming into the Finals on Sunday night. Everyone knows that the South American nation of Venezuela is famous for "producing" the Most Beautiful Women on Earth--at least in terms of beauty pageants, and this win will continue the legacy.

Amazonian Warrior: Ivian Sarcos "Miss Venezuela" (and future Miss World) in her Amazonian Indian Costume, during the "Miss World 2011 Traditional Dance" segment where several contestants did national dances representative of their countries

In case anyone cares (Venezuela sure does!), this is the SIXTH "Miss World" title for that country. The most for any nation. Needless to say, Ivian is "set for life". You know how we covet, honor and look up to our Sports Stars in the US, well, same goes for the Venezuelan beauty queens who "do good" for their country.

Gracias: Ivian Sarcos, Miss World 2011 waves air kisses to the Earls Court audience, London

A little background on the new "Miss World": she was born in the State of Portuguesa, her parents passed away when she was 8, and she was raised by nuns (I know, it's like a DISNEY movie!). Oh, and there's more: she wanted to become a NUN. Obviously, something changed somewhere between wanting to be a nun and being a perfect size 2, 5' 11" gorgeous beauty who became "Miss World".

Let's discuss the Final Night's Gowns. Please!!!

Miss Venezuela (and new "Miss World 2011") Ivian Sarcos: During the Final telecast, all the 113 contestants introduced themselves and I kept seeing this BIG Ol' Krazee gown in the background and I remember thinking "Who Is That?", well, as they got to the end--alphabetically--Miss Venezuela came up to the mic and there she was! Arguably, if some actress wore this on the red carpet or to present at the Academy Awards, I can totally see people saying something to the effect of "She looks like a cross between Sesame Street's Big Bird and a Barbie Beauty Pageant Drag Queen on a NYC Gay Pride Float". But here, it's not on a red carpet or on the back of Angelina Jolie but a Miss Venezuela trying to make herself stand out amongst 113 other gowns. Did she? You betcha!!!

Bronzed Barbie: The pink iridescent organza high-low style ball gown with stiffened crinoline petticoat underneath and crystal-studded silk satin strapless bustier was designed by Pageant Go-To Designer Gionni Straccia. I was very surprised that it was one of his gowns. Although the gorgeous Swarovski crystal detail is very him, the big ball gown silhouette is not. In this interview for the Venezuelan newspaper "El Universal", he tells how Osmel Sousa, the Pageant Director of the Miss Venezuela Organization asked him to create a gown that would have "mucho show", meaning "very show-y/over-the-top". He also told him he wanted it "Barbie Doll...pink and fantasy-like".

Don't Step on my Train: Well, he achieved it. I give her TEN "Nick Points" for wearing it and for going there! Like I always say "No Should've Would've Could've Of". Ivian only had ONE chance to make a statement at the world's most important beauty pageant and she did! I can only IMAGINE what her other 112 fellow competitors thought when she all of sudden emerged from her changing area with THAT! You just know those other Latinas were like "Oh NO She Didn't! I want to CUT HER!"

Good Luck Next Year Huney...Now I Got a Plane To Catch: Ivian actually first wore the gown last month in Caracas, to crown her successor as "Miss World Venezuela". This was before she would get on a plane to London to compete in the Miss World. The photos above are from her backstage at the Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant in October, as well as when she crowned the lovely woman who will compete next year for Miss World 2012.

The Rest of The Finalists' Gowns:

Pageant-licious: The Top 7 Finalists to Miss World 2011, in their evening gowns as they got ready for their final interviews. Standing amongst them, Ivian stood out like a Big Pink Sore Thumb as they say. The other girls might as well have been wearing bathrobes. But thank goodness they didn't. Let's review their gowns:

1st Runner Up: Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais--Gwen is half French and half Filipina and comes from an aristocratic French family (on her dad's side) that once played host to Queen Elizabeth II . The almost 6 foot tall beauty got the 1st Runner Up crown in her red chiffon gown with shirred torso and side cowl drape details and side front opening/slit. It was a very nice gown and very "Pageant 101" but something about it could have had a little more of a "Va Va Voom" sexy impact. I understand that the Miss World is the "sweet and innocent" sister to the "Sexy Goddess" of Miss Universe, so I'm sure this was a calculated move on her and the designer's part. Also, I didn't necessarily like that "Waterfall" hairstyle. But, on a good note: it makes a perfect spot to slip on a crown!

2nd Runner Up: Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Vilanova--This Caribbean Latina beauty also wore a red gown (popular color at the Miss World 2011 finals). Unlike Miss Philippine's , hers was fitted and of a stiffer silk ziberline fabrication with no slit and no flowing movement. It was, however, very sexy. I think Amanda exuded a Sofia Vergara-meets-Zuleyka Rivera Miss Universe 2006 look to her, that worked with this gown. It was a lot of gown and could have possibly done without the odd shoulder crystal trim. But darlings, when you gotta stand near Ivian "Miss Venezuela" Sarcos and HER gown, I guess, it's time to PILE on all the trim you can find!

The Rest:

Miss England 2011: Alize Lily Mounter--Alize is a model in her country and knows how to work it. I actually liked this all-over sequined ocean-blue gown. The color looked great on her and the one shoulder detail enhanced her fabulous torso and made for a great three-quarter shot--and thank goodness the slit wasn't up to her "Britney"! Is it a very "Pageant Betty"/Sherri Hill? Yes. But it works.

Miss Korea World 2011 Kyung Min Doe--Alright Girl, You Work It Huney! I thought this gown was FABULOUS! I thought she looked like a Spartan Goddess--or one of the Diva Mistresses of a Mongol King! She looked Diva-licious from head to toe. The gold fan-pleated lame gown was another one of those in the "That's A LOT" Gown category: it featured midriff crystal detail, rosette appliques in the shoulder and waist, plus a one-shoulder back "fall" drape. And if that wasn't enough, THAT HUGE necklace plus the diamante bracelets plus the 1976 bouffant hairstyle...wow! She's the Korean J Lo! And I Love It.

Miss Scotland 2011 Jennifer Reoch--Miss Scotland's black beaded strapless gown was very nice and quite elegant. It fit her just right. The length was also perfect. I admit, I'm not a fan of that choker necklace but I get why she felt she need to add it. She looks sweet but still red carpet appropriate.

Miss South Africa 2011 Bokang Montjane--Speaking of sweet, Miss South Africa takes the Sweetest Gown Crown. I liked her gown back when she first wore it at the "Miss World Top Model" fashion show. She wisely decided to wear it again. Bokang did an OUTSTANDING job at last week's Miss World 2011. She conducted herself with such class, had such aplomb and answered the final question beautifully. I was surprised she didn't place higher. The gown didn't take away from her "Baby Naomi Campbell" gorgeous looks and certainly only enhanced her "I'm a Classy Lady" demeanor. This is the girl you marry and who will be the Mother of your children, while Miss England and Miss Puerto Rico, well, those are the Mistresses!

Fabulosa y Bella: Ivian Sarcos, from Venezuela, the new Miss World, Earls Court London

Breakfast Interview: Ivian Sarcos, the new "Miss World 2011" in her first post-crowning TV interview the day after on ITV's "Daybreak" TV Morning Show, looking gorgeous in a fitted ivory lace dress with colored flower applique. Ivian doesn't speak English--as it was shown during the Final Telecast during the Interview portion of the Miss World 2011 Final. She also brought along an interpreter for the "Daybreak" interview, but I'm sure by next year, she'll be speaking it fluently--and in a British accent to boot!

Felicitaciones Ivian on becoming the new Miss World

Watch the Announcement of the Top Three, Plus the Crowning Moment of Miss World 2011:

Miss World 2011 Evening Gowns: The Costumed "Native Couture" Girls!

The Miss World Evening Gown National Costume Parade of Nations...

If you've been reading my recent posts in this blog, I've been "reviewing" the evening dresses featured in last week's "Miss World Top Model World Designer" fashion show presentation. The Miss World Finals are this Sunday and this was one of the "Fast Track" Competitions. Now, I must discuss the "Costumed" ladies of this fashion show presentation. These are the contestants who wore dresses that were a little bit "costume-y" either in its fabrication or style, "Native Couture", I like to call it. There are some fabulous creations here--as well as some "Oh No Huney!" dresses...you be the judge:

Let's begin with...

Miss Cote d'Ivoire 2011 Kohiman Kouadio: There's so many things going on in this dress: A) All those colors. B) The prints. C) The varying shapes happening--not only is there a mermaid silhouette, then there are bell-shapes to the sleeves. If there was a prize for how many design elements one can put in a dress, she would WIN! Love that smile! She's saying "You know you love my Crazee Couture!"...en francais, of course.

Miss Tanzania 2011 Salha Israel: Another one of my "Native Couture" ladies is Miss Tanzania. Now, this is what I call ORIGINAL. Miss Salha has no shame featuring this ensemble--and doing it with the aplomb of a model in a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Paris runway show!

Is it a bit "costume'y"? yes. But is it still HOT? In a CRAZY-Hot sort of way. The multi-colored beaded crochet netting, her headdress, those STACKED heels of hers. She looks likes she went out to catch some fish, then through on the netting as a dress and some heels and decided to go to a party afterward.

Miss United States Virgin Islands 2011 Esonica Veira: This Caribbean lovely went with a resort-inspired brightly printed halter-style dress that evokes a little bit of the flora-and-fauna of her islands. I like the colors, but not so sure it's THAT much of a statement-making dress. One can find this style--and even that type of print, in any Resort Boutique. She really should have gone all out and added an over-the-top Carnival-like feathered headdress to go with it.

Miss Indonesia World 2011 Astrid Elena: Speaking of feathers...How 'bout that hairstyle accessory? Don't know what it has to do with Indonesia but I'm all for it: loving the three red feathers and loving the red high-necked gown. The beaded applique is stunning and yes, it looks quite expensive. This look combines the theatricality of a costume with the three-feather accessory but, take those away, and it's a great red carpet-worthy gown.

Miss Botswana World 2011 Karabo Sampson: Yes, darling, we get it, Bostwana is in the continent of Africa. Therefore she went with a gold-and-black zebra printed strapless gown with some contrast gold metallic lamé at the bottom and a spotted animal print as well--thrown in for good "Safari" measure. It's A LOT of animal print. And somehow all I can think is that some 70's Pimp is missing his gold-and-black zebra printed RUG!

Miss Kenya 2011 Susan Anyango: Another African beauty, Susan Anyango of Kenya, also went the "Native Couture" route with this bright coral-and-black gown featuring slashed panels, godets, ruffles on the neckline and hem as well as printed applique. It's a little "Halloween-y" and "First Semester Fashion School Student" project. Again, ladies, LESS can be MORE! Oh, and I can never say this enough: stay away from the flammable POLY SATIN!

Miss Japan World 2011 Midori Tanaka: Love this Kimono-inspired creation. This is a perfect way to mesh both the "Evening Gown" and "World Designer/Native" elements. I absolutely LOVE that Kimono silk fabrication: stunning. I'm just not sure how the other gold fabrication goes with it.

Miss Barbados 2011 Taisha Carrington: Taisha went the "Avant Garde" route for her "World Designer" pick. She ends up in my "Costume-y" section because well, it's a bit on the "She's on a FLOAT at Carnival AND going to some fancy party at the Coral Reef Club in Saint James"...in the same NIGHT! I love the turquoise color and high-neck design and I actually don't mind those stiff princess-seam panels on the skirt. I wish the fitted shape would have continued as opposed to the full gathered satin bottom.

Miss Macedonia FYRO 2011 Vesma Jakimovska: What, in the name of the Fashion Gods, is this? The fully-sequined silver and black gown, the KRAZEE twisted details at the torso, shoulder and on the "arm band". AN ARM BAND!!!! And then, that's not enough: she finishes with a mini fascinator top hat! She's either going to a Gay Pride Parade in her country, or she's one of the singers at Eurovision. She gets points for even keeping a straight face through it all.

Miss Turkey World 2011 Gizem Karaca: Finally in my "Native Couture/Costume" section, I present to you Miss Turkey. First of all, I think the gown is fantastic! It looks expensive, well made and the gold-and-silver beading is OUTRAGEOUS. It's very ON-Trend with that all the top designers--from NY to Paris--are showing. And by just adding the gold trim as a headband accessory she goes into "I'm an Ottoman Empire Princess" territory. Simply Fab!