Beauty Pageant Minute: The new Miss France 2012--and her "Scarlett O'Hara Gone With The Wind" Gown!

Miss Scarlett O'Hara of France Is...

Delphine Wespiser, "Miss Alsace" was crowned "Miss France 2012" and will compete in the 2012 edition of Miss Universe

This past Saturday, France crowned its 65th beauty queen. She represented Alsace, the fifth-smallest of the 27 regions of France, on the Eastern border, adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. Her name is Delphine Wespiser, she's a red-haired, 19 year-old management student and is 1.75 meters (5' 9"). The new "Miss France" was crowned at a televised show (shown on TF1) and held at the Penfeld Parc des Expositions in Brest.

Who Me? Delphine Wespiser, "Miss Alsace" reacts as her name is called out as "Miss France 2012"

She was crowned by last year's winner, the lovely Laury Thilleman--who was a favorite at "Miss Universe 2011" but didn't make the semi-finalist cut. Delphine's first and second runner-up of the event were Miss Pays de Loire, Mathilde Couly, and Miss Reunion, Marie Payet, respectively.

The Miss France pageant is an annual beauty pageant whose competitors are regional winners of local contests in Metropolitan France as well as its overseas territories like Reunion (Indian Ocean, near Africa) Guyane (South America), Martinique (Caribbean), Tahiti (South Pacific/Oceania) and so on. Last year there was a big brouhaha because it was the first year the "Miss France DIVA Doyenne", Genevieve de Fontenay was not director of the pageant and she, held her own separate "Miss France" contest.

A Kiss from Alain: French actor Alain Delon gives a congratulatory kiss to the new "Miss France", Delphine Wespiser

This year's pageant was hosted by Jean-Pierre Foucault and the General Director of the Miss France, "Miss France 2002" Sylvie Tellier. Actor--and French GOD--Alain Delon--was also on hand to crown the winner, Delphine. Speaking of the winner...

Swimsuit Delphine: Here is the new "Miss France" during the Swimsuit Competition on Saturday night. The Lycra stretch one-piece gold swimsuits featured lots of crystals, illusion front neckline panels and a multi-tiered tulle overskirt. I almost thought I was looking at photos form an ISU Grand Prix Ice Dancing Competition! I really hope they were playing Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" while they did their swimsuit runway strut! These swimsuits were extra fabulous for sure.

Mini Scarlett: "Miss Alsace" Delphine Wespiser (and future "Miss France") during the "Scarlett O'Hara"-themed portion of the night's televised pageant (don't ask, it's the French!).

Now, lets discuss the Quinceañera-like gowns the finalist wore. Please.

Sylvie Tellier (on the left) is thinking "Thank Dieu I am NOT wearing THAT!"

What Does This:


Have to do with this:

Scarlett O'Hara Queens: The Top Two, "Miss Pays de Loire" (left) and "Miss Alsace" (right) as "Miss France 2012" is about to be announced

The evening gowns of the finalists for "Miss France" is for some reason a BALL GOWN affair. It has been like this for several years now (maybe it's a crowning/finalist tradition). I just don't get it. For a country so synonymous with FASHION and Haute Couture and STYLE, for that matter, why oh why, do their beauty pageant girls wear these over-the-top, tacky-licious, "Princess"/top-of-a-wedding cake gowns. There is a complete disconnect. Seriously, take a look at the photo above: they are wearing THE SAME big tacky gown...But different color ways!

There must be a gown sponsor who provides these dresses (and therefore they have to wear them). Or maybe it is a "Princess Sissi" (above) or Scarlett O'Hara Gown theme for all the finalists. But imagine if someone like Fashion Designer extraordinaire Alber Elbaz was asked to create his interpretation of those gowns? That, I would see.

Don't Cry...you don't have to wear that gown ever again!

Oh well, maybe next year, the organization will change it's Quinceañera ways and get with the 2012 program and have the girls wear some GORGEOUS Stephane Rolland Haute Couture gowns! Anything but those polyester iridescent organza "Toddlers & Tiaras" styles would be a good change. Something tells me that Delphine won't be wearing that (above) at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant--as long as MY French Gays get to her!

Click Below for the Crowning Moment of "Miss France 2012":

Miss World 2011 Evening Gowns: The Best!

A Worldly Gown-Fest!!

Ole!: Miss Spain World 2011 Carla Garcia, Miss World 2011 Top Model/World Designer Presentation Show--one of my favorites in the evening gown "Top Model/World Designer" category. Score: 9.4

The 61st edition of the Miss World Beauty Pageant is taking place right now in London. The final LIVE telecast will be this Sunday, November 6th, 2011 at Earls Court Two . It will be broadcast in the US on E! Entertainment LIVE on Sunday morning/afternoon (check your local cable listings) and PS: I can't wait!! I'll be makin' coffee and cooking a special "Miss World Omelet for the occasion! A total of 113 contestants from all over the world will be competing, that's the highest amount for an international beauty pageant this year. The other "biggie"-- Miss Universe--had only 89 countries and territories represented.

Miss World 2011 Contestants pose in the London Eye Ferris wheel, London UK

The lovely ladies have been enjoying their time at the parties, Galas, and sightseeing throughout Great Britain. They've also been competing: part of the pageant includes something called the "Fast Track" Competitions where Finalists get placed if they do well in the "Beach Beauty", "Talent", "Sports" and "Top Model" competitions. Last week, the "Top Model" and "World Designer" presentations occurred which of course, is what I'm interested in.

Thames Beauties: Miss World 2011 Contestants pose with Big Ben in the background

For the "World Designer Award" competition, the contestants were asked to model creations by fashion designers from their native lands. It is sort of understood that they should be in evening gowns and not necessarily "Costumes" (just you wait for my "Oh NO!" posting). It's about giving a local designer their "crown" as Best Miss World Evening Gown Designer. So, without further ado: here are my "Nick Top Picks" for Best in Evening Gown. I will also do "Oh Huney, What Were You Thinking?/Miss World Hoochie Gown" and "Is That A Costume?" blog postings, so don't you worry...

But now, let's talk about the Good Ones:

Miss Hungary World 2011 Linda Szunai: Gorgeous! Subtle. Sublime. Elegant. Is it safe? Yes. But is it beautiful? Yes again. Great fit, great colors, and oh, she looks so pretty! Score: 9.7

Miss South Africa World 2011 Bokang Montjane: This strapless vanilla/light lemon yellow colored gown works all the right "pageant magic". There's nothing costume-y or tacky about it. It might be a little Wedding-and-Prom-a-licious...but on Bokang, she gives it a certain flair of elegance and "I'm one of the more Wealthy Wedding Guests" look to it. Score: 9.2

Miss Venezuela World 2011 Ivian Sarcos: Well, well, well, leave it to a Miss Venezuela to BRING IT, when it comes to evening gowns. This one-shoulder copper colored jersey design was modern and sultry enough to capture everyone's attention--especially mine! Ivian can go from this presentation to a major red carpet event and still end up on the "Best Dressed" list, the following day! Score: 9.7

Miss Canada World 2011 Riza Raquel Santos: The exotic Riza Raquel wore a structured and architectural strapless column gown in black and silver. Love the directionality of the gown and how well it fits her. And I also admire its interesting folded front detail. A stunner! Score: 9.5

Miss Puerto Rico World 2011 Amanda Vilanova: A beautifully beaded--and expensive-looking-- gown. Very "Hollywood Starlet-meets-Beauty Pageant Winner". I love how it's heavily beaded with multi-colored stones and sequins at the torso, then carefully degrades to the rest of the nude-colored gown. Thank goodness it was LINED (thank you Amanda!), otherwise it would have probably ended in my "Miss World Hoochie" section. Finally, the look on her face tells it all "I will Steal Your Man...with this dress!". Score: 9.5

Miss India World 2011 Kanishtha Dhankar: Kanishtha's gown was similar--in its tone and use of beading--to the previous one from Miss Puerto Rico World 2011. India is famous for its intricate and GORGEOUS sequin-and-beaded fabrics (I've ordered many and used it in my NIKOLAKI collections), so it makes sense for her to feature that with her choice of gown. From the waist up, she does look a little like a Figure Skater, but as you may know: I love me some Figure Skating Costumes! Score: 9.4

Miss China PR 2011 Liu Chen: As we know, in China, the color red is known for fortune, courage, loyalty, success, happiness, and so on. Liu's high-necked gown features red applique and embellishments that are heavy at the torso and then cascade down lightly to the rest of the fit-and-flared gown. It makes a strong statement and therefore, she ends up on my "Top" list here. Score: 9.4

Miss Georgia World 2011 Janet Kerdikoshvili: Finally, I wanted to add Miss Georgia World 2011 to my list. Lots of those Eastern European/former Soviet Republic girls usually tend to go "Gown Koo-Koo" (wait for my next post kids!) but Janet did not. Does it look like a Wedding Gown? Yes. It probably could be. But, at least it's not a tacky wedding gown. The Mermaid-like shape is on-trend and fits her beautifully and the beading doesn't look cheap. I wish her hair would have looked a little more modern and less crying out for a veil...but other than this, I love it! Score: 9.2

*Up Next: The Miss World 2011 Top Model/World Designer Evening Gowns: The "Huuuney, What Were You Thinking" Hoochie ladies...Stay tuned!

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

Pageant Gowns Me Likey...

Miss New York USA Amber Marie Collins: Gown Proper

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

Here are some of my Faves:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss USA 2011 Evening Gown Portrait Photos: The "Miss Messes" And Why...

Too-High Slits, Stripper Heels, Cruella De Vil Hair, Gay Pride Parade Drag Queens and Anchor Tattoos??? Seriously...It's The Miss USA 2011 Evening Gown Portraits!!!!!

Well, kids, it's Beauty Pageant Time once again! And I, for one, am THRILLED! The Miss USA 2011 Pageant will air on June 19th (PM (EST) LIVE from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. The 51 contestants have already arrived from all over the country to have their fittings, begin rehearsals, photo-ops and get generally ready for the Final Night. As always, the Miss USA website puts up photos of the contestants in their Swimsuits and Evening Gowns--the "Evening Gown Portraits". Now, these are NOT necessarily the actual FINAL Gowns they will wear on the FINAL night (A LOT, reserve a "very special" gown for that!). But still, it does give a good indication of their "taste level" and well, how "Gown-Savvy" and "Not-So-Gown-Savvy" these women are. So, even though these ARE NOT NECESSARILY the Final Gowns they will wear on the Telecast if they make it to the Top, I still have to give my "Nick Beauty Pageant Gown Two Cents"...

We will begin with "The Miss Messes":

Miss Maine USA: Bless her heart! Miss Maine USA Ashley Lynn-Marble. One question: WHY oh WHY, the Cruella De Vil Hair?? I mean, really. Also, she's so pretty (and only 27 years old) but with this "Mother-of-the-Bride" halter-style sequin-embroidered gown--plus that hair and make-up--she looks like a 42 year old "Real Housewife of Orange County"! And she HAD to add the earrings AND the TWO--not just ONE--crystal bracelet/cuffs. Overkill darlin'
Miss Massachusetts USA: The lovely Alida D'Angona, Miss Massachusetts USA, took the whole "I-Love-Me-A-Slit" thing to an ENTIRE new level! And by that, she actually TOOK her slit to a NEW LEVEL: To the Empire Waist!! Check that out in the above photo. It wasn't enough that the SLIT already goes up to her nether-regions but then, the designer--or her--decide "Nope, let's just take that slit up to my Under-Bust". At least they added a sheer-and-sequined panel to add a little more "Klass". Yes, with a Capital "K". Part of me feels like I would LOVE to have many a Di Saronno "on the rocks" with her!

Miss Delaware USA: Oh HUNEY. At a brief first glance of this photo, I actually thought Katie Hanson, Miss Delaware USA was holding up her dress and her boobie area (sorry for the Kindergarten-speak). But then, I realized, nope, she's just caressing her hair. Um...OK. But let's discuss the gown: Baby Blue, Strapless, Sequins, Shirring, Chiffon, AND FEATHERS!!! Wow. Why do I feel like she's about to take it all off and do a Dita Von Teese "Feathered Fan Dance"? Also, Ladies, Strapless gowns are NOT made for BIG BREASTED ladies. Why do you wear them? When you do, the above happens, it begins to slip down and looks far too low on the torso area. Lesson No. 56: A Strapless gown should really begin about 1"- 1 1/2" below the armpit area (at the side) NOT THREE inches (Note to Miss Massachusetts also).

Miss Arizona USA: Well Well Well. Look what we've got here on Miss Arizona USA Brittany Dawn Brannon. Correct me if I'm wrong but is her TRAIN longer than the one on the former Kate Middleton-now-Catherine Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown??? There is NO REASON for a gown like this to have a "Cathedral Train". None. There is FAR too much polyester charmeuse up in there. All I wanna do is get some Chardonnay, Artisanal Cheeses, sit down and set up a picnic on top of it!

Miss Michigan USA: One Word: Grrrrrr!!!! The UBER gorgeous (and one of my current faves-just look at that face!) Channing Pierce is not doing herself any favors by wearing this animal-print lingerie-inspired dress to her "Miss USA Evening Gown Portrait". It's very Cavalli-meets-Trashy Lingerie. The one good thing is that at least she kept the hair and make-up soft and not over-done. At least she still looked 24, not 44 (like some of the other lovely contestants).

Miss Rhode Island USA: Kate McCaughey's gown is very "Pageant 101", I've seen this one too many times in Downtown LA at those Pageant-Prom-Quinceañera shops. Nothing against it, "Safe Pageant" you might say. But what I do have a hoot-and-holler time with is...(Look up above, yes at her feet!) Is she showing us her ANCHOR TATTOO??? And why? At first I looked down there because of those over-the-top sequin strappy platforms, but then I was distracted--by THE TATTOO!! Oh Huney. Let me guess, she either:
A) loves sailing
B) her father is a Captain of a boat
C) Her boyfriend is a Marine or
D) Someone went on a Cruise to Cabo and this is what happened.
Either way, not "Miss USA Evening Gown Portrait" appropriate. Save this for your audition at "Scores".

Miss Nevada USA: I've saved the BEST "Miss Mess" for last. And the Winner is...Miss Nevada USA, Sarah Chapman!! Let's just begin with the fact that, just from looking at this photo, I think I would have a GREAT time hanging out with her! She looks so SASSY! In addition, who in their right mind would wear a MESS of a Dress like this one above? She must be crazy-fun. But still, this looks like my fellow Season 2 Project Runway contestant Santino Rice's dress for the Figure Skating Challenge!! It also reminds me of something a Drag Queen would wear atop a Gay Pride Parade float as well! And because of this, she gets my "Miss Mess of The Week" Nick Award.

I Love Me some Pageants..and Pageant Gowns...
Stay Tuned for my "Miss Best Gowns"...