SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 National Costumes: My Top 15 Favorites + a "Special Mention"

Best National Costumes--Miss Universe 2015

During Thursday night's Miss Universe 2015 Preliminary Competition, the 80 contestants competing for the coveted crown also presented themselves in the much-awaited "Miss Universe 2015 National Costume Presentation". They taped introductions of themselves (to be shown during Sunday night's Live Telecast) in costumes representing their native lands/culture or something "special" and/or unique about their respective countries...

Feathered Beauties: (L to R) Miss USA and Miss Venezuela onstage during the Miss Universe 2015 national Costume Parade of Nations taping--The AXIS Theater Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas

This is always one of the favorite parts of the Miss Universe beauty pageant and much loved by the fans. And as always, this year's costume couture did not disappoint. It always blows my mind, when I wonder how the heck some of these costumes get packed and sent...and WHO paid for the UBER expensive shipping costs!? Well, enough of that--time to discuss the costumes: Of all the 80 costumes, I have chosen my TOP 15 Best Costumes. And here they are--in alphabetical order. Let me know what you thought and if any of YOUR favorites made my Top 15 List. Oh, and I added one extra as a "Special Mention", just because :)



Here we go...My Top 15 Favorite National Costumes of Miss Universe 2015:

Miss Argentina Claudia Barrionuevo: Claudia's costume is supposed to be inspired by all the artists who have performed at the iconic Buenos Aires Colon Theater. It's an homage to actors, costumes, the theater and maybe a little bit of Carnival. It was very grand and made enough of a powerful impression on me to place it as one of my Top 15 favorite national costumes.

Miss Brazil Marthina Brandt: This is unmistakably BRAZIL! Yes, she's very "Carmen Miranda" but a fabulous Couture one at that! It looks amazingly well made and I especially love the sheer sequined top section in combination with the feathered and butterfly skirt. This is a Brazilian Costume Celebration!

Miss Australia Monica Radulovic: I just about fell off my chair when i saw Miss Universe Australia's costume--she went as Dame Edna Everage--the iconic character created and performed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries. I have nothing more to say than FAB-U-LOUS!!!

Miss Curacao Kanisha Sluis: I absolutely LOVE this costume on "Miss Universe Curacao". The colors, the sequined body suit, the feathers...it truly is a celebration of everything about Curacao. The design is a tribute to the local queen of art, a former Miss Curacao (1966) and Miss Amity at Miss Universe 1967,  Elizabeth "Nena" Sanchez (photo above). The main subjects of Nena's paintings are typical native cottages, tropical flowers, windows, exuberant sea views and blue goddesses.

Miss Dominican Republic Clarissa Molina: There were many of these pre-Columbian Native Empress feathered costumes at this year's Miss Universe National Costume Presentation. They were all vibing that sexy winged Victoria's Secret look I assume. Miss Universe Dominican Republic was one of the better ones; very impressive with the gold paillette details and huge red peacock-like feathers. I certainly wouldn't want to mess with her if I just arrived on the island of Hispaniola back in 1492!

Miss India Urvashi Rautela: Urvashi's costume represents an Ancient Vedic-era costume. Lots of gold and silver highlight this Warrior Goddess-like costume and it is a nice change from the Sari-like costumes one would expect from a Miss India. This was original and impacting. One of the Top 15 Best Costumes for sure, at least in my opinion.

Miss Indonesia Anyndia Putri: I included Miss Universe Indonesia's costume almost solely based on that out of control--and very fabulous--tiger-like back "winged" concoction. I cannot even fathom how she packed that and how it even traveled from Indonesia to Las Vegas! I want that for the entrance to my fantasy palace. Oh...and the rest of her costume is pretty great as well!

Miss Nicaragua Daniela Torres: One word--WOW! Here's another one of my favorite Pre-Columbian Native Goddess costumes which made an impact on me. I love the turquoise blue and violet colors, the sequins, THAT headdress and wings! It is very, very impressive I must say. I also love that no stone was left un-turned: they even thought about the shoes. Muy bien!

Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: Yes kids, here's another one of those feathered goddess costumes. Miss panama really blended the pre-Columbian theme along with some "Conquistador"-looking gold platform bootie heels! Among all the fabulous Native Empress Diva costumes, this one is particularly SuperFab. And I LOVE that "Don't Mess With Me Fellas!" look. That's the look I'd like to give every time I step out of my house!

Miss Paraguay Myriam Arevalos: Myriam is wearing a costume depicting the "Garra Guarani" or "Guarani Claw". It was designed by Alfredo Gaona and features over 4,500 crystals. The Phrygian cap that she is holding on one hand is representative of symbols in her nation's flag, representing freedom and justice while the lion represents bravery and courage. And notice the actual Paraguyan flag as her costume's cape. Gorgeous, strong and muy sexy.

Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach: This sublimely beautiful costume/gown is a Capiz terno and it was designed by Albert Andrada. I love everything about it. It blends both a gorgeous representation of Filipino tradition and beauty and it has incredible detail work. The gown alone would be one of the most impressive evening gowns at any pageant--or red carpet! The crown--by the way--is inspired by the carnival queens of the early 1900's epitomizing Filipina beauty queens. I just have one question: where can I get THAT fabulous fan??

Miss Sweden Paulina Brodd: Miss Sweden Universe's national costume is one of MY FAVORITES of all the Miss Universe 2015 costumes. It was designed by Aviad Arik Herman, who has designed previous national costumes for past Miss Universe Sweden contestants. He had the generous support of the Gothenburg Culture Festival, together with the talented fashion design students from Drottning Blanka's High School. The costume comes in two fabulous parts: a royal cape in 30 meters of fabric using flags from last year's Gothenburg Festival; and the "reveal" underneath is a traditional Swedish folk dress that honors the Swedish Royal Family. The designer said that he was inspired by the original and historic design of King Gustav III which was first introduced in 1778. Now that we have all that out of the way...it's OUTSTANDING!!!



Here's a GREAT video about Miss Universe Sweden's National Costume:

Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong: Aniporn chose to wear a costume inspired by--what else--the iconic Tuk Tuk , the very famous Thai mode of transportation. The unique costume was designed and created by cultural scholar Hirankrit Paipibulkul. The dress was made of chromium and decorated with real headlights that "Nat" can flash at her other 79 competitors. I absolutely love it! It's so George Michael video!

Miss USA Olivia Jordan: Miss USA's costume is very Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and very USA-impacting! The red, SILVER, and blue metallic-like feathered winged costume was designed and created by Adam Selman who is also famous for the "Josephine Baker"-like crystal look Rihanna wore at the 2014 CFDA's. Selman said that he was approached by IMG to create Olivia's costume with only three weeks notice. The wings span is 8 feet across. I love everything about it; she's an American Bald Eagle Diva!

Miss Venezuela Mariana Jimenez: Miss Venezuela's feathered-and-sequined costume is inspired by the Venezuelan Cardenal de lara--or Lara State Cardinal bird (seen above). The costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Raenrra. I also love this feathered costume and thought it was a perfect celebration of that colorful bird.

And Finally, I have to Give a Special Mention to...

Miss Austria Amina Dagi: I LOVE THIS!!!!! I just about gave this gal a standing ovation (in my living room!) when I saw her walk out as Eurovision 2014 winner from Austria Conchita Wurst. The beard, the Rainbow Gay Flag, the Mermaid lace gown, the AIDS ribbon...This is just about THE FIERCEST national Costume EVER!!! What a fab celebration of equality, love, respect...and FABULOUSNESS!!! Kudos Miss Austria Universe and the designer. Oh and speaking of designer, in case you are wondering, it was the same as Miss Sweden Universe, Aviad Arik Herman.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 National Costumes Highlights from Dances of the World Auditions

Costume Couture: National Costumes from the 2015 Miss World "Dances of the World" auditions (Clockwise, top to bottom) Miss Bahamas, Miss Myanmar, Miss Venezuela, Miss Turkey

All Photos here and below courtesy of MissWorld.com

The 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant kicked off last week in Sanya Hainan Island, People's Republic of China. The finals of the 2015 Miss World will be on December 19th. Coincidentally, the other International beauty pageant "biggie", the Miss Universe 2015 pageant finals will occur the following day, December 20th--in Las Vegas Nevada USA. So, in terms of beauty pageants and beauty pageant followers, that will be a big weekend! For this year's Miss World, over 100 contestants from all over the world are vying for the coveted title (minus Miss Canada World who was not allowed to enter China).

Costumed Auditions: Events leading up to the Miss World 2015 Finals on December 19th began last week with one of the first ones being the Auditions for the "Dances of the World" where many of the contestants donned their National Costumes---it's become a fun version of the traditional National Parade of Nations. Some of the contestants might change their costumes for the Final night but here is a sneak peak at their national costumes via these "Dances of the World" auditions...



South America, Central America:

Miss Brazil World Catharina Choi: Festive, very Rio Carnival-like costume with bright Igor Stravinsky "The Firebird"-like styling. She said it is inspired by the birds in her country. Of course it is. I could definitely see Catharina in a Carnival float in this costume.

Colombia Maria Alejandra Lopez: I love this bright, fun costume worn by Miss Colombia World. It was designed by Edgar Perez and represents a "fantasy" creation of the Queens of the Barranquilla Carnival. It shows images of different representations of the Colombian people, the bright carnival-like colors and the shape of the oversized skirt hints at the iconic Colombian Sombrero Vueltiao (Vueltiao Hat). Very impressive.

Ecuador Camila Maranon: Camila's costume is very traditional in terms of its folkloric styling, featuring the yellow, blue and red of her country's flag.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela's costume--also folkloric in its design--was inspired by Teresa Carreño, Venezuelan pianist, singer, composer who was a very influential figure in her country. The gown is very intricate with hundreds of sequins, pearls and layers upon layers of gathered trim--in fact 500 meters of "bobbin lace" (encajes de bolillo). The costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Nidal Nouaihed.

El Salvador Marcela Santamaria: Marcela looks quite chic and serene in her national costume featuring an emerald green tiered skirt, lace edge trim, a lace mantilla headpiece, golden midriff, ivory lace top section and lovely depictions of native women in the bottom tier of her skirt. I especially love her very model pose.

Chile Fernanda Sobarzo: Fernanda wears a Chilean costume worn at traditional Cueca dances. The dress has a full skirt with petticoat underneath; a wire satin ruffle hem; waist sash and bow plus her handkerchief as the finishing accessory. Oh, and lots of flower details. Somehow, I am not sure if those suede platform pumps are normally utilized in this dance, but I give her a pass: she's a beauty queen. She needs heels!

Panama Diana Jaen: Miss Panama World's costume represents the popular Pre-Columbian style seen in lots of Latin American beauty queens national costumes. This particular one has to do with a story of a local woman who would kill any of the Spaniards who came to her native land looking for gold, the tale is entitled "El Salto de la niña de Puerto Pilón". Diana says that the costume weighs A LOT (understandably); the headdress alone weighs a supposed eight pounds. 

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: This Pre-Columbian Nicaragua National Costume was designed by Jeff Manzanares,  The mask on her hand represents the Güegüense which was declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2005. With this outfit, Stefania presented the dance of the 'inditas', representing the mixture of Spanish culture and native Nicaraguan culture. Also represented on the outfit is El Toro Huaco which is a dance and a legend from the province of Carazo, Nicaragua.

Guatemala Maria Jose Larrana: Maria Jose also wears a Pre-Columbian type costume with feathers, sequins and a very impressive headdress. I especially like her accompanying makeup and not too distracting gold heels.

Belize Jasmin Jael Rhamdas: Miss Belize World's costume features the colors of her country's flag as well as a sequined half-moon and depictions of ocean "flora and fauna" and corals from her country. I like it for the most part; if only she would have not worn black hot pants...and instead a blue sparkle pair of shorts that matched the rest of the costume. I also think the gold heels were a little distracting. I suggest that she should have done silver, to match the half-moon.



Europe-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belgium Leylah Alliet: The colors of the Belgium flag are incorporated into this mermaid-shaped design with sequins and feathers for Miss Belgium World 2015.

Slovakia Luzja Strakova: Luzja's traditional Slovak costume represents the celebration and pride of the Slovakian people. The main focus of her outfit is that hat, which is a playful interpretation of a traditional Slovakian wedding hat. She says that her costume took over 1 year to make and every detail was handmade!

Czech Republic Andrea Kalousova: Andrea also dons a traditional costume with the flowered headpiece.

England Natasha Hemmings: Natasha's costume has color hints of the England flag but at the same time, gives nods to English Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Gibraltar Hannah Bado: Very traditional. Very Gibraltar.

Italy Greta Galassi: Greta's national costume looks a bit more "Sound of Music" Austria, Swiss Alps as opposed to Italy but she might be vibing the Northern part of Italy, I guess. She's more schnitzel and less pizza.

Hungary Daniella Kiss: Daniella's costume is very representative of the Hungarian national dress with the national colors. She says that she performs a typical Hungarian gypsy dance in this.

Ireland Sacha Livingstone: Sacha's costume is iconic Irish Celtic dance-inspired. I think its quite cute, down to the correct lace-up "Ghillie" slippers.

Caribbean------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bahamas Chantel O'Brien: Chantel is dressed as the straw doll. Together with straw, her outfit is also made with flowers, which can be found all over the Bahamas. There are details such as shells and a burlap finish which gives it a very wavy look. 

Curacao Alexandra Krijger: Miss Curacao World's costume blends colors of her island's flag as well as historical reference to the Dutch ships and the Curacao fruit of laraha

Haiti Seydina Allen: The colors of Haiti are exemplified in this costume of Miss Haiti World. The design features a knot-tied top and multicolored godet skirt and lace sleeves.

Jamaica Sanneta Myrie: Jamaica, Usain Bolt and his iconic "pose" are well represented in this costume worn by Miss Jamaica World Sanneta Myrie.

Africa------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gabon Reine Ngotala: Reine's costume is like a high-fashion version of a traditional Gabon national ensemble. Great colors, lovely leaf prints and I love the asymmetry of the top section--as well as headdress and fan. I just wished she wouldn't have worn those black heels; they distracted from her costume.



Asia and Oceania----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turkey Ecem Cirpan: Ecem is six feet tall, and if that isn't enough, she wore this gorgeous costume showing the artistic tile work. This "costume" is EVERYTHING!

Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Miss Vietnam World's costume is a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai traditional ensemble of long tunic with side slits and accompanying wide-leg palazzo-like pants.

Thailand Thunchanok Moonnilta: Thunchanok's national costume is inspired by the Northern region of Thailand. All of the materials to make the dress as well as the elaborate headpiece were crafted by the people of Northern Thailand, and represents the fusion of Lanna and Thai cultures. 

India Aditi Arya: Aditi's costume is an Indian costume with crop top and pleated skirt. She definitely looks like a Bollywood actress...during a dance number.

Kazakhstan Regina Vandysheva: Regina went a bit traditional with her a-line shaped costume and coat.

Korea Jun Eun-ju: Miss Korea World's dress is a combination of the old traditional Korean Hanbok but the addition of cutouts on the sleeve represents the modern Korea. On the skirt, there is a quilt, which represents the Joseon Dynasty. 

Myanmar Khin Thein Myint: One of my favorite "Miss World 2015" costumes; the colors, the design; the mixing of traditional and fantasy. Super Fabulous.

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' look is the same costume worn by last year's "Miss Australia World" Courtney Thorpe. The outfit was designed by Julie Sulfi of Belluccio and was inspired by the Women's Land Army, paying homage to the women who worked in agriculture during World War II.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: Aria's straw skirt, flower head crown and shell accessories pays tribute to the Chamorro Dance of Guam. I think this is both fun and very traditional. She's very pretty by the way!

Finally...

Fiji Brittany Hazelman: Brittany's costume represents Fiji’s diversity and elegance and the traditional values of Fijian people, according to her. The patterns featured in her costume represent the people of Fiji and their unique rituals, as well as the diversity of the population.



Can't wait to see the "Dances of the World" segment during the "Miss World 2015" Live Finals on December 19th. The show will be aired in the US on E! the morning of December 20th--the same day as "Miss Universe 2015".