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 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:

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!