Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss Belarus 2012

Belarus Queen...

All Smiles: Yulia Stankovich, the new "Miss Belarus 2012" for "Miss World 2012"

On May 4th--last week--a new Belarus Queen was crowned--Miss Belarus 2012---and the winner was brunette,  20-year old Yulia Skalkovich. Yulia is from Brest, stands 178 cm (5' 10") tall and will now be representing her country at the Miss World 2012 in Inner Mongolia China (unless naked photos of her are found, or it is discovered that she is married a la Miss Dominican Republic 2012).

Crowned: The new "Miss Belarus 2012" Yulia Stalkovich (left) being crowned

The "Miss Belarus" pageant takes place--unusually enough--every two years. I guess within those two years, they use up those girls throughout various 2012 and 2013 international beauty pageants. That's my only reasoning for this--or it's too expensive to hold the contest every year. I'm sure it's not for a lack of beautiful girls. From the pics, they seem to have plenty.

Accessorized: Yulia Stalkovich "Miss Belarus 2012", during one of the costume/fashion segments of the pageant

During the evening festivities, Yulia also won the "Miss Photo" title, recognized as the most photogenic of all the contestants. Her prize award for winning "Miss Belarus 2012" was equivalent to a little over $6,000.  It might not seem like a lot (in terms of an international pageant prize money award) but maybe in Belarus it's like winning the Belarus Lottery!

The new "Miss Belarus 2012", Yulia Stalkovich (center) and her two runner up's

28 girls from different regions of Belarus participated in the contest. First Runner-Up and "Miss Sports" was 20-year-old Victoria Shavel from Homel, and the the Second Runner-Up was 21-year-old Anastasia Pogranichnaya. In case you are geographically-challenged, Belarus is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe and a former Soviet republic. It's neighbors are Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Now, let's discuss the FASHION: The pageant had LOTS of Fashion segments in which contestants showed their best in High-end Gowns, what looked like Prom-like Gowns, quirky casual wear, and well even-quirkier "fashion wear". Take a look at these looks form the eventual winner, Yulia wore throughout the night:

Yulia Stalkovich "Miss Belarus 2012" during the pageant in different fashions--from gowns...to funky "daywear"

The contestants also had to don a "Belarus Fantasy" ensemble at one point, which had them all in high-low over-skirts, too-short mini dresses, head jewelry, and for some reason, lots of shoulder ruffling and tulle detail that was waaayyyy to 1998 for my taste:

Belarus Exotic: Contestants during one of the costume-change portions of the "Miss Belarus 2012" pageant

Speaking of 1998...Let's go even further to 1986--The Final Evening Gowns:

It was Disney Princess Heaven: Where's Mickey Mouse and will he be wearing a Boutonniere?

Check out a couple of these strapless fitted bustier-and-full gathered skirt dresses from a couple of the contestants:

I don't even know where to begin in terms of commenting on these. I feel as if I've been put in a time traveling machine and transported back to 1986 and I am at my high school prom! I want this to STOP!!! The whole pageant-girls-wearing-1986-Prom-gowns thang. It's tired, dated and oh so not fashion-forward. If any of these women wore these to a black-tie red carpet event, there would be a big "X" on them. I'm sure these girls had no choice so I am not judging them. But please, pageant organizers and pageant stylists...get it together!!! And show something more 2012, and NOT 1986.

 

Other than that--Congratulations to the newly crowned "Miss Belarus 2012" (above). You're gorgeous darling. Just don't wear a 1986-type gown to the "Miss World 2012" Finals. How do you say "pretty please?" in Belarusian and Russian??

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss Equatorial Guinea 2012

  
A New African Queen...

Gorgeous in Purple: Jennifer Riveiro Ilende, Miss Belleza Guinea Ecuatorial 2012 (Miss Equatorial Guinea)

Last week, on April 27th, the tall and very beautiful Jennifer Riveiro Ilende was crowned Miss Belleza Guinea Ecuatorial 2012 (Miss Equatorial Guinea) at the Sipopo International Conference Centre in Malabo.

Jennifer made it into the "Pageant Record Books" as she will be the first ever representative of that African nation to compete in the 62nd edition of the Miss World pageant, which will take place on August 18, 2012 in Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China (yes, not Miami, not Sao Paulo, not London...nope...INNER MONGOLIA!!!)

Crowning Moment: Jennifer Riveiro Ilende gets her "Miss Belleza Guine Ecuatorial 2012" crown

In the event that you may be "Geographically-challenged", Equatorial Guinea is located in Middle Africa. The independent nation is made up of two parts--a section in the continent and another section made up of islands offshore, one of which contains its capital city, Malabo. It is one of the smallest countries in continental Africa and also one of the richest per capita. But of course, it is no surprise that the wealth is very unevenly distributed. It is also THE ONLY nation in Africa that has Spanish as one of its official languages (French and Portuguese are the others).

Now, onto the pageant and the winner. The pageant is organized and run by Agencia Mogue, a model agency in Equatorial Guinea, with the help of Constancia Mangue de Obiang, first lady of the nation.

La Mas Bella: The new "Miss Belleza Guinea Ecuatorial 2012" Jennifer Riveiro Ilende is 21 years old, 1.80m tall (about 5' 11" tall) and is a model. She could do well in August at the Miss World 2012 pageant. Now, onto the GOWNS:

The gowns were FABULOUS, chic and  modern. Take a look tat the three Finalists above. At least with these three: not ONE tacky, bedazzled, too-high slit mess in sight! The winner (middle), wore a purple-colored chiffon gown with gathered bust and one-shoulder satin strap detail; clean, elegant and oh-so-right. Her "Damas" (Runners-Up) look resplendent as well. The one on the left, looks THE DEFINITION of CHIC in her red gathered-halter neckline gown and the one on the left, looks VERY Spring/Summer 2013, in her lilac-and-purple watercolor flower-print gown.  How could a tiny African nation pageant get it SO right? Is it because a modeling agency is running the pageant? Is their "Official Stylist" ON IT, when it comes to what Beauty Pageant contestants should be wearing in 2012, and is referencing Fashion Magazines, the International Red Carpet, and not "Toddlers & Tiaras"? Whatever it is, they are YEARS ahead of some of these much bigger international pageants and what their pageant girls are wearing:

Miss COOCHIE SLITS:

Yes, You Might See My Underwear: "Nuestra Belleza El Salvador/ Miss El Salvador Universe 2012" Ana Yancy Clavel (left) and "Miss El Salvador World 2012" Maria Luisa Vicuna

Oooh Huney, That is a HIGH Slit: "Miss Brasil World 2012" finalist (left photo, on the right) Camilla Serakides and "Miss Slovak Republic Universe 2012" Lubica Stepanova (right photo)--These two ladies were ill-advised for sure. There are elements which are good in each of these gowns, however, the TOO HIGH slits, negates any of those good elements and deems the ladies--and their gowns--two minutes away from a stripper pole.

 Pageant Betty's:

Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2012 Pageant: Above are the Finalist in this year's pageant--and their bedazzled, be-organza'ed, be-high slit'ed gowns...If someone went back in time to well, 1992--I would NOT be surprised to see this photo--and more importantly--these same gowns!

 Miss Binibining Pilipinas Miss Philippines Universe 2012 Pageant: See comment above.

Uh NO: Let's just hope that NO ONE follows the fashion advice of this pretty woman, Fernanda Semino, and what she wore--and head-scratchingly won in!--at last year's "Miss Uruguay Universe 2011" pageant. Sequined Applique Halter and iridescent POLY organza. Enough Said.

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss Dominican Republic 2012 is Crowned Plus Evening Gown Pics!

I'm About To Win, Ladies: Carlina Duran, "Miss La Vega" competes in the Swimsuit Portion of Tuesday night's "Miss Dominican Republic 2012" pageant

Tuesday night, the Caribbean nation of Dominican Republic crowned a new beauty queen. Miss República Dominicana 2012 Carlina Duran hails from the La Vega Province, 25 years old , and stands 5' 11" tall (yep, she's an Amazonian Goddess!). The pageant took place in Renaissance Auditorio de Festival del Hotel Jaragua in Santo Domingo, the nation's capital. Here's a SHOCKER: Carlina is a Professional Model!!! No, not a nurse, not a doctor, not a student of Political Science...she is a MODEL, and admits it!!

Gracias a Todos: Carlina Duran, the newly-crowned "Miss Dominican Republic 2012"

As the new "Miss Dominican Republic 2012", she will get to compete in the "Miss Universe 2012" beauty pageant, representing her nation, in December (at a yet-to-be-determined location). Carlina is no stranger to beauty pageants...

Carlina Duran, representing "Dominican Republic" in the "Miss Tourism Queen International 2011" beauty pageant in December 2011

In December of last year, she represented her country in the "Miss Tourism Queen International 2011" held in China. She didn't place unfortunately, but this didn't deter her.

Dominican Republic's ethnic population (according to the State Department) is made up mostly of Mixed Black-Euro-Indian (73%), European (16%), and of full African origin ( 11%) and so it's been a point of contention that the country (for the most part) only chooses those girls from the "White" populace to represent the Caribbean island nation. It is rare when a girl of color has won this pageant. And nothing changed this year. Moving on...as it is custom with these pageants, the runners up also get to compete in "lesser" but still prestigious international pageants: the First Runner-Up of the beauty pageant was "Miss Distrito Nacional", Dulcita Lieggi (seen above during the "announcing of the winner" moment) who will later be competing in the "Miss Continente Americano 2012" in Ecuador. The second runner-up was "Miss Santiago", Carolyn Hawa, who will travel to Bolivia to the "Reina Hispanoamericana" competition.

Speaking of  "Miss Universe", well, she was there:

Leila Lopes, the current reigning "Miss Universe 2011" (from Angola) was on hand to crown and give the sash to the new queen.
 
Leila wore an "interesting" black one-shoulder gown that had a very scooped bust-line, sequined applique and front gathered draping. It was a busy dress to say the least. Not sure if she had a choice in wearing this gown, but next time, my suggestion is that she keep it elegant simple and without all the "wickety-wack"!

Now, onto the rest of the evening gowns--the finalists and winner:

The Top Five (left to right) "Miss Peravia", "Miss San Jose de Ocoa", "Miss La Vega" (winner), "Miss Distrito Nacional", "Miss Santiago" : The gowns worn by the Top Five ladies were very "Pageant-Prom Dresses on Steroids! They were all bright, candy-colored gowns; some in stiff satins, featuring lots of applique and bead work. "Peravia's" light blue merengue'd organza's mermaid-shaped strapless gown is like a "Latina Barbie Come To Life" for better or worse; very "Sofia Vergara 2.0"! Of course, a too high-slit made an appearance ("San Jose de Ocoa") worn with the wrong style shoe (nude or silver strappy, ladies!!!). My fave here was "Santiago", only for its simple column shape, FAB melon color and not-too-overworked sequined neckline trim.

Winner's Gown: Carlina's gown was designed by Dominican Republic fashion designer Leonel Lirio. It was a coral/orange colored chiffon halter-style gown with encrusted applique covering the bodice, hips and  thighs then separating down the length of the dress. It also had a gathered "X" detail topped off by a sequined applique piece at center front bust. I didn't think that "X" detail was necessary--some designers may not know when to "edit". However, overall, it was a nice silhouette and color for the super tall and super gorgeous Carlina. Fun Designer Fact:

Applique Miss: Leonel Lirio, the designer of the gown worn by the new "Miss Dominican Republic 2012", is very well known in his homeland and has designed many an evening gown--as well as national costumes--for his country's representatives at "Miss Universe". In 2009, Ada Aimee de la Cruz Gonzalez (I know, it's a mouthful!) seen on the far left in photo above, wore one of his designs when she almost won the "Miss Universe 2009" title (she was "First Runner-Up"). And in fact, got the highest gown competition score of the night at 9.428.

Caribbean Queen: He also designed the National Costume worn by Amelia Vega in the "Miss Universe 2003" competition. It was a tribute of sorts to the Caribbean sea that surrounds her island nation; featuring sequined-encrusted coral, starfish, and a multicolored  back overskirt. In case you didn't know, she won the "Miss Universe 2003" crown that year.

Beauty Pageant Minute: Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) 2012 Crowned, Evening Gowns Pics

A New Philippine Queen...

Crowning Smiles: Janine Tugonon (center) was crowned "Miss Universe Philippines 2012" Sunday at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Nicole Schmitz (left) took home the title of "Binibining Pilipinas International 2012" while that of "Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2012" went to Katrina Dimaranan (right)

Last night, a new beauty queen was crowned--"Binibining Pilipinas 2012" ("Bb. Pilipinas")--or "Miss Philippines". This was the 49th edition of the pageant. The grand coronation took place at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Thirty ladies competed for the ultimate Filipino beauty title and for the three main titles of "Miss Universe Philippines" (who would go on to "Miss Universe 2012"), "Binibining Pilipinas-International" (who would compete in "Miss International 2012") and "Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism" (who would compete in "Miss Tourism Queen International 2012") . Hope that's not too confusing for any pageant newbies reading this blog...

Put It Down: Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Shamcey Supsup lowers the crown on "Binibining Pilipinas 2012", Janine Tugonon at last night pageant, Cubao Quezon City Philippines

The top winner was the very beautiful Janine Marie Tugonon (above). At 22 years old, she stands 5' 7" and is originally from Bicol. According to the pageant officials--and herself--She is a Pharmacy graduate of University Sto. Tomas and works as a clinical specialist. I have a feeling she's really a "Model/Wants to be a TV Show Presenter" (as she should be!). She will now have the chance to go to the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant which according to some, is taking place in December (very unusual, since for many decades it has taken place in the late Summer months) in a yet-to-be-determined location. Rumor has it that it will be South Africa, but no formal announcements have been made by Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization.

Girl...I'll be Back: Last Year's Winner, "Binibining Pilipinas 2011" Shamcey Supsup (center) and THIS YEAR'S winner--Janine Tugonon (far right) as "First Runner Up Binibining Pilipinas 2011", at last year's pageant

This year's winner is not a "Pageant Virgin"--Janine previously placed "First Runner Up" in last year’s pageant. Gotta give her "Pageant Points" for coming back and trying again! Perseverance Ladies. Perseverance! I'm sure the pageant officials whispered "Come back next year...I think it will be YOUR Year darling!". And good for her that she did. Now, let's look at the Evening Gowns...

The Top Five Gown Color Story: Runners Up (far left and right) plus the Top Three (middle) Bb. Pilipinas 2012 Pageant

The gowns the top five wore on the final night were nice enough but they were very "Prom-like" in their silhouettes,fabrications and color-story (bright colors or white's and off-white's).

Second Runner Up, Annalie Forbes (far left) wore a lipstick-red embroidered gown that was straight from a Prom Boutique sale rack--nothing special about it. I LOVED the apple green color of Nicole Schmitz' strapless gathered gown (second from left). It still didn't scream "Paris Haute Couture". "Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012" Katrina Dimaranan's (second from right) ivory beaded gown was more "Elie Saab" fab and therefore, I was a fan! And Elaine Kay Moll (far right) who took home the "First Runner Up" title wore a baby blue organza tiered concoction featuring petals (or was it Fish Scales?) that cascaded down to the floor, with a few crystallized petals here and there.

The winner, Janine, wore an off-white taffeta gown featuring a gathered fitted torso down to the upper thigh, which then flared out. There were diagonal gathered ruffles at the top and bottom areas of the gown adding dimension and interest. It was very Oscar de la Renta circa 1987. And somehow, I still kinda liked it! She wisely put her hair up and added those big ol' earrings to finish her look. Basically, all she needed was a crown...Oh yeah, she got that! Eventually.

Last year's winner, Bb. Pilipinas 2011 "Miss Universe Philippines 2011" Shamcey Supsup, wore a rather tacky gown: it was a short beaded blue and ivory cocktail dress that featured a blue overskirt attached at the hip and matching one-shoulder diagonal strap. I almost thought it was 1988 all over again! Seriously ladies/designers: pick up an "HOLA" Alta Moda Magazine, look at this year's Academy Awards/Cannes/Emmy's/SAG Awards and see what an evening gown should look like.

Winner of Best in Long Gown: Angelee Claudett de los Reyes (center, above ) won the "Special Award" of "Best in Long Gown"--a blue strappy number with a fitted bust and flared gown-skirt.

Rising from the Philippine Waters, Nicole Schmitz, winner of "Binibining Best in Costume Award 2012"

Finally, I had to include the beautiful half-German half-Pinay Nicole Schmitz (above) for her win in "Best in National Costume". Her costume--designed by Filipino fashion designer Edwin Uy--looked like a fantasy island Goddess. She also won "Nestle Fitnesse Best in Swimsuit" (at-a-girl!). What did you guys think of the gowns? Let me know. 80's Prom-and-Pageant throwback or...Couture Fab??

Click Below for Part One of Binibining Pilipinas 2012 Evening Gown Competition--Part One:

Click Below for Part Two: