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ICE STYLE.....Yuna Kim Returns! Her Short Program Costume...aa well as other Ladies from the ISU 46th Annual Golden Spin of Zagreb

December 6, 2013, 9:22 pm
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Chartreuse Queen: Yuna Kim of Korea, Short Program Costume at 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

Yuna Kim--or Kim Yuna--the Olympic and World Champion; skated in competition today at the 46th Annual Golden Spin of Zagreb in Croatia. She got the HIGHEST SHORT PROGRAM SCORE for all Ladies competitor during this 2013-2014 season. The Golden Spin of Zagreb, by the way, is a senior international figure skating competition. A lot of lower-level skaters from many countries usually show up but in this edition, the Olympic champion made an appearance much to the delight of figure skating fans.

 Yuna Kim of Korea--2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

So far, she's only skated her Short Program so I want to discuss--naturally--her costume for that. Kim skated to “Send in the Clowns” in a chartreuse colored costume featuring stretch lace over nude illusion mesh and covered with multicolored crystal top section, long chiffon sleeves and chiffon multi-layered skirt.

Chartreuse Covered Up: From the photos above, it's obvious her costume is very well made and has a lot of intricate sequin detail. The color is a very difficult color to pull off--remember Julianne Moore in the Dior Haute Couture sat the 64th Annual Academy Awards:

 
But Yuna Kim was able to pull it off...I do like the costume and the color on her, I must admit. If I had any critique, it would be the "mumsy" aspect of the silhouette. I know that Kim is not known for anything too plunging or skin revealing but perhaps this style just seems a bit covered up and "older". I would love to know what you guys think?

Also, I must add...Yuna Kim's costume reminds me of what Nancy Kerrigan wore for her Short Program at the '92 Olympics:

Other Ladies' Short Program Costumes at the 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb:
Miki Ando of Japan: Miki also skated at the 46th Annual Golden Spin of Zagreb. She wore this costume above for her Short Program to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. In terms of her skate, she is in second place (Yuna Kim is in first of course).I like this light blue and dark navy chiffon and sequins costume for its "color-blocking" design and how the navy sequined panels wrap around her body in flattering ways. I just wish the skirt was shorter and there were several layers of it so I couldn't see her leotard underneath. But we must not forget, she just had a baby in APRIL!!!!

Anine Rabe of Norway, Short Program: Pretty color, pretty costume. I like the heavy-to-delicate crystal detail in the torso especially.  Her hair pulled back severely adds a touch of elegance as well.         
Ema Lipovscak of Croatia, Short Program to Tara's Theme (from "Gone With the Wind" soundtrack) by Max Steiner: First off, let's add Eva to my "Figure Skating Costume Trend: Gloves" blog posting, because, yes, kids, she's "rocking" the trend. For her Short Program here, she's wearing a black and bubblegum pink costume with gold applique front top detail and multicolored sequins. I am a bit "on the fence" in terms of whether I like it or not; it's a bit Cirque du Soleil and a bit Baroque in its styling details. I am guessing that the "corset" look is supposed to be a reference to her "Gone With The Wind" music. It seems more Mozart than Vivien Leigh.

Isabelle Pieman of Belgium, Short Program to "Crimson Wings": Isabelle's Short Program costume here is a bit "retro" to me; it seems rather late 90s in its mock-neck halter styling and sheer sleeve styling. I do think the crystals in the torso/bodice and sleeves are fine and work with the overall look.

Valentina Mikac of Croatia, Short Program to "Two Guitars by Paul Mauriat": Nude illusion, black jagged panels and thick deadlock-looking fringe...oh, and yes, it's a bodysuit with black attached leggings. 

**Stay Tuned for Yuna Kim's Free Skate Costume at the ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb!

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2013 is...VENEZUELA! Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich of Venezuela, Pics, Gown + Crowning Moment Video

December 7, 2013, 10:26 pm
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 Earthly Goddess: Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich from Venezuela--Miss Earth 2013 Pageant, Versailles Palace Philippines

The 13th edition of the Miss Earth Pageant Finals was held tonight at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntilupa City Philippines. Eighty-eight contestants from all over the world competed and the winner was "Miss Earth Venezuela" Alyz Henrich. This win comes on the heels of "Miss Venezuela" Gabriela Isler also winning the "Miss Universe 2013" title last month in Moscow Russia. So, it's two-for-two for Venezuela!

 Alyz Henrich, "Miss Earth Venezuela" and the new "Miss Earth 2013"

 Miss Venezuela at Miss Earth 2013 in her "Dancing Devils of Yare" Venezuelan National Costume--Miss Earth 2013 Pageant

Alyz Henrich "Miss Earth Venezuela" was one of the favorites to win the crown the entire time. During the Preliminary Competitions, she won Gold (1st prize) for her Gionni Straccia-designed evening gown; Bronze for Best Figure and Formal Wear as well as other pre-final contests.

 Alyz Henrich wins "Miss Pontefino" title during the "Miss Resorts Wear" pre-final competition--Miss Earth 2013 Pageant

 Printed Beauty: Alyz Henrich "Miss Earth Venezuela" in her "Resorts Wear" look--Miss Earth 2013 Pageant

Almost Best in Swimsuit: (left to right) Bronze (3nd Place) Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich; Gold (Winner) Miss Ukraine Anatasia Sukh; and Silver (2nd Place) Miss Brazil - Priscilla Martins

  Gold Winner in Evening Gown: Alyz Henrich Miss Venezuela in a Gionni Straccia gown (seen above with her Runners-Up in Evening Gown---Miss Nepal and Miss Philippines--Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Final Competition

The new "Miss Earth 2013" Alyz Henrich was "Miss Falcon 2012" and a Finalist at the "Miss Venezuela 2012" pageant where she got the title of "Miss Earth Venezuela 2012", therefore giving her the chance to compete in this year's "Miss Earth"...

Alyz Henrich "Miss Falcon" (middle) in the "Miss Venezuela 2012" pageant--standing next to that pageant's winner--and last month's crowned "Miss Universe" Gabriela Isler (2nd from right)

Alyz Henrich "Miss Falcon 2012" (and new "Miss Earth 2013") during the Evening Gown Competition of the "Miss Venezuela 2012" pageant
Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Her "Miss Earth 2013 Finals" Gown:
Alyz Henrich "Miss Venezuela" in her Alejandro Fajardo evening gown. The gown featured oversized ivory jeweled sequins, a plunging neckline, side "slit" opening and ombre-dyed full and flowing skirt. The gown was very impacting and looked amazing on Alyz. Her softly curled side swept hairstyle was perfect.

 Alyz Henrich "Miss Venezuela"--Miss Earth 2013 Finals
Photo Courtesy of OPMB Worldwide and Bruce Casanova


The new "Miss Earth 2013" Alyz Henrich of Venezuela (2nd from right), Katia Wagner of Austria (Miss Air) (2nd from left), Punika Kulsoontornrut of Thailand (Miss Water) (far right), and Catharina Choi of Korea (Miss Fire) (far left)--Miss Earth 2013 Pageant

 Congratulations and Felicitaciones Alyz Henrich "Miss Earth Venezuela" in winning the "Miss Earth" crown!!!

Watch the "Miss Earth 2013" Crowning Moment Video Below:

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ICE STYLE.....Yuna Kim, her Free Skate Costume at ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb + Miki Ando's Costume

December 8, 2013, 10:48 pm
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Mock Neck Yuna: South Korean skater Yuna Kim skating to her Free Skate--ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

This weekend, Olympic and world champion Yuna Kim won Goldat a minor event in Zagreb, Croatia--the ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb--with a score of 204.49 points. This total score was only beaten by one skater during the Grand Prix of Figure Skating season.

 Yuna Is Back: Yuna Kim fans--ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

Now, let's get to the really important stuff: her costumes! I discussed Yuna Kim's Short Program Costume HERE so now, it is time to talk about what she wore for her Free Skate...

Tango Kim: Yuna skated her Free Skate to "Adios Nonino", an Argentine tango composition. Her stretch jacquard costume featured a black mock-neck, very fitted long sleeves, a slit-skirt and silver-and-gray sequin detail at the torso. It was quite classic and certainly stayed within the tango theme without using any predictable red color (except for her great red lips!). While the front was very covered...

Yuna Reveal: The back was very open as seen from the pictures above. I liked this costume but wished it had just a little more "luxe" appeal; it seemed a bit too "store bought"-looking for me. I'd love to know what YOU guys think? Did you like this costume? Yeay or Nay? Let me know below in "comments".

Now, let's discuss Japan's Miki Ando and her Free Skate Costume:
Miki Ando of Japan, Free Skate: Ando skated her Free Skate to "Firebird by Igor Stravinski" in this costume above. It was a midnight blue costume featuring a multi-paneled skirt, stretch illusion with sequined top and...

Multi-colored leaf-and-feather applique (as seen in above photo). It was quite a costume, impacting and somewhat representative of the music. It was also two seconds from being a tad bit "Carnival".

Congrats Yuna and Miki--(left to right) Silver medalist Miki Ando of Japan and Gold medalist Yuna Kim of Korea-ISU 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

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ICE STYLE.....ISU 2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals Costumes Recap: Ladies and Pairs!

December 10, 2013, 7:36 pm
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 Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

This weekend the ISU 2013 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final took place in the city of Fukuoka, Japan at the Marine MesseFukuoka indoor sporting arena. This is where the six highest point-earning skaters from each discipline (Ladies, Men's, Pairs, Ice Dance) from the Grand Prix season got to show their "stuff" and compete for the top Grand Prix of Figure Skating prize.

I have discussed most of the skaters' costumes this entire season (you can check my Recaps here in this blog searching under "Ice Style") so there's not much to say but, I felt I could highlight some that made it to the Final here. And to my surprise, there was still a Costume Change (!) from one of the Ladies skaters. In fact, the eventual Gold medal-winning one! Time for my Recap...

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Short Program: For her Short Program to "Habanera" from the "Carmen" Suite by Georges Bizet, Adelina wore a deep red costume consisting of an ombre-shaded skirt, one flutter sleeve, peek-a-boo front neck, and sequin detail. I liked this different, darker and a bit more "fashionable" take on the been there/done that "Carmen" costume.

Adelina Sotnikova of Russia, Free Skate: For her Free Skate to "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saëns, Adelina wore this costume above. It featured a chocolate-colored sheer tulle layering with delicate sequins and a golden crystal-encrusted neckline. It was delicate, modern and right for the skate. I think it is incredibly unique and daring, my only hesitation is that she is just 17 years old! I wonder if it isn't just a bit too revealing for her age.

Ashley Wagner of the US, Short Program: My thoughts on Ashley's SP costume are HERE--and yes, I like it! The costume is elegant, just the right amount of "flashy" and compliments her. And I think the high ponytail is the perfect style for this look.

Julia Lipniskaia of Russia, Short Program: This costume was a "Costume Change" which she debuted at the Rostelecom Cup /Cup of Russia 2013. You can read my review HERE. Let's just say this was a very good costume change.

Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program:For her SP to “Nocturne” by Frederic Chopin, the Japanese figure skater changed her costume! She wore this ombre-shaded burgundy and lilac colored costume featuring a multi-layered skirt, nude illusion halter neckline with built-in sequin necklace and applique torso detail. I'll be honest here: I wasn't a fan. I liked this look below better:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program Costume at NHK Trophy 2013

Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate--Her Free Skate costume to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, I did like and I have talked about it HERE. This costume was not the costume she wore for her first appearance in this season's Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition at Hilton HHonors Skate America:

 Mao Asada of Japan, Free Skate at Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013--Which one do YOU guys like best?

Throwing Skating Shade: (Left to right) Julia Lipnitskaia of Russia (Silver), Mao Asada of Japan (Gold), and Ashley Wagner of the USA (Bronze) pose with their medals in the Ladies Free Skating Final victory ceremony--ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2013/2014 at Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

Pairs: I want to highlight these Pairs Costumes seen at this weekend's ISU 2013 Grand Prix Final...
Cheng Peng and Hao Zhang of China, Free Skate: For their Free Skate to "Yellow River Concerto", Peng and Zhang wore these costumes above. I really liked them--read my review HERE.

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, Short Program: For their Short Program to "When Winter Comes" by Andre Rieu, the German pair wore these costumes. While I liked the "watercolor"-like blue and sequins effect, there was also something I didn't necessary like. Read my full "Costume Critique"HERE .

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia, Short Program: For their Short Program to "Masquerade Waltz" by Aram Khatchaturian...HERE are my thoughts of these great costumes.

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SASHES AND TIARAS....."Miss France 2014" is "Miss Orleanais" Flora Coquerel...Pics, Gown, Crowning Moment Video!

December 11, 2013, 9:47 pm
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 Crowning Moment: Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais" being crowned "Miss France 2014" by the outgoing "Miss France"Marine Lorphelin

The 85th edition of "Miss France" happened this past Saturday night. Thirty-three candidates from France and its territories, islands, competed for the coveted title. The winner was 19 year-old Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais", who stands 1. 82 M (almost 6 feet!).

 Flora Coquerel "Miss France 2014"

Flora's mother is incidentally from the West African nation of Benin and this is the very first time the crown is won by a representative of the region of the city Orléans, France. Flora now gets the chance to represent France in next year's "Miss World" pageant.

 All Smiles: The new "Miss France 2014" Franco-Beninese Flora Coquerel, who represented "Orleanais"

 Flora Coquerel "Miss France 2014"
Flora's First Runner-Up was "Miss Tahiti" Mehiata Riaria (above), who (like last year's First Runner-up) might get to be France's representative in the "Miss Universe" pageant. The rest of her court included...

 Second Runner-Up"Miss Provence"Laëtizia Penmellen

Third Runner-up "Miss Cote D'Azur" Aurianne Sinacola, and...

Fourth Runner-up "Miss Guadeloupe" Chloe Deher (above). Each of these women will get to compete internationally at next year's "Miss Earth" and "Miss Supranational" international beauty pageants.

Le Fashion:
Fashion designer Eric Tibusch designed these Slavic Princess-inspired burgundy velvet gowns for the semi-finalists--sketch (left) and "Miss Orleanais"--and future "Miss France 2014" Flora Coquerel (right)

Princess Ball Gown:
Tea-Length Miss: The Finalists wore these strapless tea-length ball gowns featuring a sequined bustier and tulle/crinoline full skirt hitting at "tea-length". Above is the winner, Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais"modeling the gown.

 Congratulations to the new "Miss France" and good luck at next year's "Miss World"!!!

Miss France 2014 Crowning Moment Video:


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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss International 2013 is Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago: Fifth Time for The Philippines!

December 18, 2013, 1:49 pm
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International Beauties: Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago Miss Philippines (center) with First Runner-up Miss Netherlands Nathalie Den Dekker (left) and the Second Runner-up Miss New Zealand Casey Radley--Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall Tokyo Japan

Last night a new Miss International was crowned: Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago, beat out 66 other beauties from all over the world for the coveted beauty title. The Miss International pageant is considered one of the top four "Grand Slam" international beauty contests, alongside Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth.

 International Queen: Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago from the Philippines--Shinagawa Hotel Hall, Tokyo Japan

The new Miss International is 5' 9" (1.75 m) tall 23 year-old Bea Rose Santiago. She was born in Cataingan, Masbate, where she was raised by her grandparents. She is the eldest of the three children. At 15, she and her family moved to Canada. Santiago later became a fashion model and was signed up as the only Filipino for the Elite Model Management. In 2012, Santiago represented the Philippines in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International and placed in the Top 10.

 Bea Rose Santiago Miss International Philippines and new Miss International 2013

This was the fifth time that the Philippines won the Miss International beauty pageant since its inception in 1960. It was also the third time in a row this year that a Filipina captured an international title in a beauty contest. Earlier, Mutya Datul won the Miss Supranational in Belarus while Megan Lynne Young was crowned Miss World in Bali, Indonesia.

The First Runner-up was Miss Netherlands Nathalie Den Dekker (left, above) and the Second runner-up was Miss New Zealand Casey Radley (right, above). Colombia and Hungary completed the Top 5. Contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, Gibraltar, Iceland, Lithuania, Russia, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand and USA were part of the Top 15 semi-finalists. New Zealand won Miss Friendship, Macau was awarded Miss Internet, Lithuania was elected Miss Photogenic and Aruba walked away with the award for Best National Costume.
 Miss International 2013 Contestants--Shinagawa Hotel hall Tokyo Japan

This year's 52nd Annual"Miss International"occurred at the Shinagawa Hotel Hall in Tokyo Japan and was marred with controversy: last year’s Miss International, Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan, was not allowed to attend the finals due to her involvement in a media scandal which includes harassment accusations to powerful people in the business. She was not able to crown her successor.

 This year's winner was crowned by Miss International 2008 Alejandra Andreu of Spain(right)

Miss International 2013 National Costume Highlights:
Miss Indonesia Marisa Sarteki Maladewi

 Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker

 Miss Singapore Jia Min Chew

 Miss USA Andrea Neu

 Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago

 Miss Venezuela Elian Herrera

  National Costume Winner: Miss Aruba Erialda Croes

Miss International 2013 Evening Gown Highlights:
Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Beth Perez (left) wore a coral colored fit-to-flare sheer gown with silver stud-and-sequin detail. Very pretty and good fit.

Miss Spain Araceli Carrilero Martinez (right) wore an ivory gown with solid satin sides and front lace panel detail with a high front neckline. This was a tad "Wedding Gown"-like but a nice gown showing for Miss Spain.

First Runner-up Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: Nathalie wore a multicolored sequin gown that was quite "Carnival"-meets-Cirque du Soleil-ish

Second Runner-up Miss New Zealand Casey Radley: Casey wore a black one shoulder gown with silver scroll-like details and high side front slit. It was very "Pageant typical" and her side swept hair didn't help.

The Winner Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago: Bea Rose wore a one shoulder red stretch sequined with nude illusion side panel and crystal accents radiating from heavy to light at the sides. The gown was quite sexy, had lots of stage presence and fit her perfectly. The elegant slicked back chignon, delicate makeup and drop earrings finished the look off very well. It reminded me a little of the beautiful one shoulder gown that...

Miriam Quiambao, Miss Philippines 1999, wore at the Miss Universe 1999 pageant when she got First Runner-up

Congratulations to Bea Rose Santiago, the newly-crowned Miss International 2013!

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ICE STYLE.....Best Costumes of the ISU of Figure Skating Grand Prix Season 2013-2014: Ladies and Pairs!

December 18, 2013, 3:44 pm
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USA vs Japan: Who Has the Best Costume Gracie Gold of the US, Short Program Costume (left); Japan's Mao Asada Skate America 2013 Free Skate Costume (right)

This past ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season 2013-2014 has certainly been an exciting one--and especially for the costumes! We've seen lots of pretty, exciting as well as innovative costumes. I have been impressed for sure...

Here on my NICKVERREOS.COM blog, I have tried to cover most of the costumes seen at the Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013, Skate Canada 2013, 2013 Lexus Cup of China, 2013 NHK Trophy, Trophée Eric Bompard2013 and the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013. So let's discuss my FAVORITE COSTUMES of this year's Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season, beginning with the Ladies and Pairs...
The Ladies:
 
Mao Asada of Japan, Short Program Costume: Mao skated her Short Program to "Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2"by Frederic Chopin (for most of the season before changing it for the Grand Prix Finals).

This is what I said about this costume: "Her costume was EXQUISITE. I loved the lilac color and ombre effect as well as all the delicate gathering at the upper torso. The four-layer skirt was perfect to highlight her turns and movements and her Triple Axle! And my favorite part was that back, I'm not sure if this was an overt homage to Paris (where the composer lived the last 19 years of his life, and died) but it sure did look like the Eiffel Tower. C'est Fantastique."

Mao Asada, Free Skate (Skate America 2013): Mao wore this costume above for her Free Skate to"Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor"by Sergei Rachmaninoff to 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America (she changed her Free Skate costume for her next competition).

This is what I said about this costume, in my blog here: "Asada wore a multicolored costume in royal, midnight blues, violets and fuchsia. The design itself was masterful and looked very expensive (nothing but the best for Mao!). It reminded me of an exotic bird taking flight. I also appreciated the 3D effect of the costume and how the 'feathers' seem to be separated and jutting out from the illusion base of the costume. I know it's only the first Grand Prix but for now, it's one of my favorite costumes of Season 2013-2014"

Gracie Gold of the US, Free Skate: Gracie skated her Free Skate to Music from Sleeping Beauty by Tchaikovsky. I loved this ombre lilac costume featuring intricate crystal "necklaces" in a web-like effect throughout the top section. I also liked the drop-shoulder sleeves. This was definitely one of my favorite Ladies costumes of the season, and I have to give props to the designers: Gale Johnson and Denise Gold.

Ashley Wagner USA, Short Program:Ashely wore this black costume for her Short Program to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd. The costume featured black stretch chiffon, double-layer "skirt" and panels with silver crystal trimmed details. I really liked this costume because it perfectly reflected the theme of her music. She also could have easily worn this if she was skating to say, Tchaikovsky "Swan Lake" as well! I especially loved the various sizes of the jeweled crystals and how the neck detail looked like a built-in diamond necklace (that was probably the point!).


Akiko Suzuki Japan, Free Skate: I really liked this costume that Akiko wore for her Free Skate to Music from the soundtrack of The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It had an ombre shaded skirt section and beautiful sequined bodice. I also loved the crystal web-like neckline.

Amelie Lacoste of Canada, Short Program:  Amelie skated her Short Program to "The Feeling Begins" by Peter Gabriel from Music for "The Last Temptation of Christ" and in case you're thinking it was "Groundhog's Day" all over again, you are right: she wore the same costume and skated to the same music last season for her Short Program as well...I liked the costume then and still like it now. It's exotic, sexy and goes perfectly with the haunting Near East-like music.

Anna Pogorilaya of Russia Free Skate: For her Free Skate to "Mermaids" from the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, this was THE MOST PERFECT Costume! I loved all the water/oceanic references--from the various shades of blue to the seashell bust detail; it was gorgeous and very right for the program

Haruka Imai Japan, For her FS to Piano concerto by Saint-Preux, she wore this costume above. It was a one-shoulder-like costume consisting of nude illusion top, sequined applique torso detail and a "petal"-like multi-layered skirt. The top section was fine (although I'd like the illusion sleeves to be tighter), but it was the skirt that bothered me the most. It looked more "Wilma Flintstone" and less Figure Skating Diva.

 Kanako Murakami Japan, Short Program: Kanako skated her Short Program to "Catgroove,""Libella Swing" and "Swing Bop"and I really liked her costume. It was a lilac colored costume with bubblegum pink front, back and neckline panels, skin-colored illusion neck and sleeves, crystals throughout (naturally!) and a fringed "overskirt". I thought it was fun, colorful , yet still very well done. The fringe, especially, was very effective when it came time for her turns and jumps.

For her Free Skate to "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" from Yentl by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, Kanako wore a silver gray costume with blue and black sequined detail. The costume had nothing to do with the "Yentl" film, but really, would you rather have Kanako come out as a Yeshiva Orthodox Jewish boy??? I didn't think so...so this was good enough!

Pairs:
Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China, Short Program: For their Short Program, Pang and Tong skated to "I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables soundtrack by Claude-Michel Schönberg, which was very popular music choice with lots of the skaters this season (both Pairs and Ice Dance). I wonder if only after the film came out, did all these skaters become aware of this iconic music? Who knows. But back to the costumes...I thought hers, especially, was sublime! I loved the heavily jeweled silver crystal detail of her top section; it looked very expensive and well made.

Peng Cheng and Hao Zhang Hao China Free Skate: They skated their FS to "Yellow River Concerto".  These costumes were great. I especially loved Zhang Hao and that AMAZING blue with green and silver applique sequins on his top. Her costume was beautifully made, elegant and looked expensive! A perfect combination and connection between the two looks!

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov Russia, Short Program: Gold Medal winners Volosozhar and Trankov wore these costumes for their Short Program to "Masquerade Waltz" by Aram Khatchaturian. Now, these costumes are examples of a pair working together and being harmonious, costume-wise. Maxim is obviously the General with his army uniform featuring epaulets, gold buttons, red piping. And Tatiana is his love interest in this waltz, in a beautiful light lilac heavily embroidered and sequined costume hinting at the bodices of those late 1890s-early 1900s ball gowns. Very well done.

For their Free Skate, they skated to Music from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber, as if you couldn't tell from their costumes. I love how the bright golden yellow color of his (very tight) pants are brought into the gold banding and straps of Tatiana's costume. His loose blouse also matches her costume. It's all a perfect pairing in costumes and just right for the music. And it begs repeating: Maxim has got to be one of the SEXIEST men in Figure Skating. JEEEE---SUS is right!

***NEXT UP, Best Costumes of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013-2014 Season, the Men and Ice Dance!!
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ICE STYLE.....Best Costumes of the ISU of Figure Skating Grand Prix Season 2013-2014 Part II: The Men and Ice Dance

December 20, 2013, 9:29 am
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Classic Figure Skating Couture: Ice Dance Team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the USA...

Winged Fab: Ice Dance Team of Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev of Russia, and...

Firebird Perfect: Tatsuki Machida of Japan

FIGURE SKATING FANS: I discussed my favorite costumes from this season's ISU Grand Prix Figure Skating Costumes from the LADIES and PAIRS HERE so...it's time to talk about my Top Picks for "Best Costumes" of the MEN and ICE DANCE...

Let's start with my favorites of the Men:
Sergei Voronov of Russia, Short Program: Voronov skated his Short Program to "Two Guitars". I thought this was a good look for Sergei; clean, vibrant with the black and white and I really appreciated the designs/print in the jacket--are those peacocks? fish? abstract paisleys? Whatever it is, it is kind of a cool jacket--something I would see at Men's Paris Fashion Week.

Taksuki Machida of Japan, Free Skate: Machida skated his Free Program to Music from The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. He wore this FABULOUS costume that was all things GREAT at Hilton HHonors Skate America 2013. I loved all the color, detail, sequin work, multidimensional feathers. All in all, it was pretty outstanding and perfect for the music and skate. You knew IMMEDIATELY that he was skating to The Firebird the minute he stepped onto the ice. If you think you have seen this before on Machida, you were right: last season (2012-2013), he also skated his Free program to this music and wore THE SAME COSTUME. And for some reason, he changed this costume when he skated later on in the season at the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia to a variation of it which I didn't like as much. You can see that one HERE.

Alexander Majorov of Sweden, Short Program: Majorov skated his SP to Khorobushka by Bond. I liked the intricacy of his jacket and all the detail. He looked like a Toreador combined with a Russian soldier. It was an impressive powerful costume.

Max Aaron of the US, Free Skate: First of all, I LOVE his haircut! So 80s and so NOW! And perfect for his beautiful curls. OK, enough gushing on about his hair--now back to the costume. 2013 US Champion Max Aaron skated his Free Skate to Music from Carmen performed by Rodion Shchedrin and the Boston Pops Orchestra...and what a surprise and shocker: NO Toreador Costume! No red! No bejeweled bolero in sight! Kudos to Max and his costume designer for coming up with such a directional and modern look for his been there-done that music. If you don't know by now, I really liked this: I liked how perfectly it fit him and I loved the juxtaposition of the semi-nude stretch chiffon with the solid stretch velvet. Good job!

Joshua Farris of the US, Free Skate: Farris skated his Free Skate to Music from Schindler's List by John Williams in this Pat Pearsall-designed costume. I loved the drape of the top, the asymmetrical hemline and cowl neckline. I also appreciated the feminine vs. masculine lines of the fluid top and fitted pants.

Daisuke Takahashi Japan, Free Skate: For his Free Skate to Medley of Music by The Beatles, he wore this draped jersey cowl-neck top with black stretch velvet pants, similar in silhouette and style to Joshua Farris' costume. It's nice to see male figure skaters take on a more "softer"/feminine approach to their costumes. If this is a Male Figure Skating Costume Trend, I'm all for it!

 Ice Dance:
Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev of Russia, Short Dance: Bobrova and Soloviev wore some of my favorite Ice Dance costumes so far this season for both their Short and Free Dance. For their SD to "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" by Jule Styne, "I Will Wait For You" by Michel Legrand and "Swing, Swing, Swing My Baby", they stuck to the theme of the music--she was very Marilyn Monroe and he looked like a 50s Hollywood actor. I loved the bright strawberry red color of her dress and its feathered and sequin detail.

Free Dance:  For their FD to Music from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi and "Lacrimosa" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, they wore these spectacular bird-like costumes. If you can't tell by now, I LOVED THEM! They looked like Paris Runway Ravens ready to take off into an amazing ornithological pas des deux. They thought about everything--from her chic runway-like hairstyle to the unusual "feathered wings" that were attached through her arms and back (and how it continued onto his costume). These were simply outstanding! Unfortunately, they changed these costumes later in the season to something that was less spectacular.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the US, Short Dance: US dance team of Chock and Bates skated their Short Dance this season to "Hollywood" by Puppini Sisters, "There's No Business Like Show Business" by Irving Berlin. The beautiful Madison wore long white gloves with her shimmering and fringed costume.Fantastic!

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier Canada, Free Dance: For their Free Dance to Music from the Hitchcock soundtrack by Danny Elfman and "The Rainstorm" by Bernard Hermann, they wore these costumes. First of all: I really liked this Free Dance: it was original, creative and taking Ice Dance to a more adventuresome and directional level, I was intrigued and wanted to see what more they could do. In terms of their costumes: I liked! They were dark yet glitzy; interesting and went with the Hitchcock music.

Elena KIlinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia, Free Dance: Well I wonder what these two very good-looking Ice Dancers from Russia skated to for their Free Dance? If you answered"Swan Lake", yep, you are correct! (it's not so difficult). I thought these costumes were marvelous! She was "Classic Swan Lake" and he was "Punk Roller Disco Swan Lake". And they went together beautifully: modern, retro, classic, a little Fashion Runway. Oh and yes, it does kind of help that both of them are GORGEOUS!

Meryl Davis and Charlie White USA, Short Dance: Meryl and Charlie skated their 2013-2014 Season Short Dance toMy Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe. I thought these costumes were beautiful, elegant and just right for the music. Charlie looked dapper and very old-school luxe in his tails, vest and cravat. I would have liked his floppy surfer-boy hair to be (at the very least) slicked back, but I know I am barking up the wrong tree trying to get Charlie to put any product in that hair of his! Meryl's pink dress was so pretty. I loved the simplicity of it but it still packed a strong elegant punch with  those correctly placed silver stones in the neckline and waist.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the US, Free Dance: For the Free Dance to "Scheherazade" by Nikoli Rimsky-Korsakov, Davis and White wore these costumes above. We all know the story of Scheherazade of course and besides the fact that their FD illustrated it masterfully, their costumes were also complimentary to it. I admired Meryl's teal costume which featured a draped front section, halter wrap top and bejeweled waist; she looked very Near East Princess.

Finally, my other Top Favorite Ice Dance Costumes were worn by the US brother-and-sister team of...
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the US, Free Dance: For their Free Dance to a Michael Jackson medley, the Shibutani's wore these costumes above. Love. love, and Love! It would have been so predictable for their costume designer to go for the typical Michael Jackson look, whether it be a red leather motorcycle jacket or a Billie Jean suspenders, hi-water pants and penny loafers look, but these were anything but. I liked the modernity of Maia's sleek dress featuring black illusion and solid fabric with crystals throughout. And Alex's jacket was cool and very complimentary with Maia's dress and a fun little pop of color when he opens it up to reveal a bit of red!


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Happy Holidays and Happy 2014! From NIKOLAKI, Nick Verreos, David Paul, and Benny!

December 21, 2013, 9:44 pm
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Christmas Couture Fashion Sketch--Model and Benny: Happy Holidays! From NIKOLAKI--Nick Verreos. David Paul and...Benny!!
Fashion Illustration by Nick Verreos

I want to wish EVERYONE a very joyous Holiday and a truly outstanding New Year! I am so Thankful for this past year...so much to be personally thankful for--First and foremost having my family, my partner David and our "Prince" Benny...

 XOXO David Paul, Nick Verreos and "Prince" Benny

I am also thankful for the launch of my NV Nick Verreosdress line, myLook TV "Design School With Nick Verreos"/"Nick's Trick's"/"The Nick Fix" YouTube videos, having worked the Academy Awards Live Red Carpet Show and all the Awards Show Fashion Wrap's for TVGN, my continuing position as the Spokesperson for my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM and so much much more. I am very Thankful for all you NICKVERREOS.COM blog readers and how much you LOVE my recaps of Figure Skating Costumes "Ice Style"; Beauty Pageants "Sashes and Tiaras" and what the Royals are wearing to important events, "Royal Couture".

I and also SUPER excited for 2014, especially the Premiere of the new TV reality series I am in: "Under The Gunn" Hosted by Tim Gunn--Premiering on Lifetime January 16th. 

Happy Holidays and Happy 2014! XOXO Nick
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WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Lady Gaga in Versace Spring 2014

November 24, 2013, 6:36 pm
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Lady Gaga in Versace Spring 2014: Lady Gaga never fails to make an entrance, and she didn't disappoint tonight at the AMA's arriving on a white "War Horse" style horse:

She did, however, disappoint me a bit in the Lavender Silk ChiffonVersace Gown that she wore. I would have loved to have seen something a bit more dramatic to go along with the entrance instead of an off-the-runway style. I'm sure Donatella would have made her anything she wanted. After all she did just write a song about her!!

I would have loved to have seen a over the top Versace chain mail gown or take the Guinevere theme even further.

What do you think?!

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013: A Photo Gallery!

December 28, 2013, 2:48 pm
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 Best in Beauty Pageant Gown? Miss Zulia Everliany Ontiveros at Miss Venezuela 2013 (left) and Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez at Miss Universe 2013
(Left Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net)

Finally...It's time for my End-of-the-Year Beauty Pageant Gown Wrap-Up! As it has become tradition here, I am recapping the Best Beauty Pageant Gowns (in my eyes) of this past year. There were lots of gowns that caught my attention in a positive manner--whether it was for their DRAMA appeal, having a bit of that RED CARPET GLAMOUR aspect, or just looking ON TREND, RUNWAY FAB and FITTING CORRECTLY, these gowns--and the women who wore them--ended up here in my Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013. I am dividing the Gallery into "Pageant Sections" (keep reading and you'll see what I mean). And I am sure I might have missed some but I had only so much space here and well, there are 32 dresses/examples here so I think I pretty much covered it--at least for me! So, here we go...

Miss Venezuela 2013: Naturally, I have to begin with the Miss Venezuela Pageant. This pageant is always THE LEADER when it comes to giving EVENING GOWN COUTURE in its national beauty pageant. And this past year (in October) the pageant did not disappoint when it came to the evening gowns featured. Here were my favorites:

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Merida Leslie Barrera: Leslie wore an ivory silk crepe column gown with silver laser-cut acrylic "mirrored" accents designed by Gionni Straccia. This was one of my top favorite gowns. It was modern, effortlessand still dramatic. Very chic. The gown--and designer--also won one of the pageant's "Best Evening Gown Awards".

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Costa Oriental (and "Miss Venezuela 2013") Migbelis Castellanos: Migbelis wore one of the best gowns of the night. The minute she walked out in this strapless light pink column silk crepe gown with back organza "cascade" train, I was like "done and done"! The gown also featured beautiful silver crystal diagonal and vertical detail just to add enough "Stage Punch" but keeping it sweet and elegant. Osmel Sousa--the Miss Venezuela Pageant Czar and National Director--chooses which contestants get which gowns. It isn't just "by luck" that Migbelis--one of the favorites to win the crown from the beginning--got a REALLY GOOD GOWN. Her gown was designed by Nidal Nouaihed.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Guarico Michelle Bertolini: Michelle was crowned "Miss Venezuela International 2013". This 5' 11" (1.80 M) brunette beauty of Italian descent wore an ivory silk ziberline column gown that lightly flared out at the bottom. It featured intricate blue flower crystal applique on the sides, giving "hints" of a Ming Dynasty vase. The gown was designed by Gionni Straccia.

 Photos Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Sucre Roxanna Maruffo: Roxanna wore one of the most impacting--and unusual gowns of the night: an ivory mock-neck, long sleeved silk crepe fitted gown with a nude illusion back. The "star" of the gown was the hundreds--if not thousands--of teardrop crystals forming chains that went from the arms across the back. The gown was designed byHugo Espina. At first glance when Roxanna came onto the stage, I thought "Oh No She Didin't!!"...this is a gown that I could have seen Diana Ross wear twenty years ago--as well as a Diana Ross impersonator/Drag Queen in Las Vegas. It's pretty fabulous and I give her--and the designer--points, for not holding anything back.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Amazonas Deborah Menicucci:This was the first gown that came out in the "Miss Venezuela 2013" Pageant and it ended up being one of my favorites among all the 26 dresses. The strapless silk ziberline gown was completely covered in oversized paillettes in a circular motif. The entire design, from the silhouette to the fab crystals, made for an incredible effect on stage.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Nueva Esparta Gabriela Graf: Grabriela Graf wore a very beautiful mint-colored fully sequined fitted gown with mini cap shoulders, and silver crystals accenting the upper torso, waist and hips. The gown was designed by Julio Mora.

Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Zulia Everliany Ontiveros: Nidal Nouaihed created this FABULOUS gown. It was in my TOP TWO of BEST GOWNS hands down of the pageant and therefore my End of The Year Best Beauty Pageant Gown post. This one-shoulder ivory silk ziberline gown with gold and silver sequin detail featured an organza back full cascading gown definitely brought the Drama with a Capital "D". Bellisimo. This gown definitely reminded me of the incredible gowns of the past from Venezuelan Couturier Guy Melliet or early Angel Sanchez. Simply Fabulous.

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Miss Universe 2013: I loved both of the gowns the eventual winner--Miss Venezuela Maria Gabriela Isler--wore for the Preliminaries and Finals--and there were several others worthy enough to make this "Best of 2013" List:

Miss Venezuela Maria Gabriela Isler:"Molly" Maria Gabriela Isler--the eventual winner of "Miss Universe 2013"--wore a silver and nude sequined gown with sleeves (left photo) by Alejandro Fajardo for the Final telecast (as well the Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Photos). She looked perfect. It was impacting, classic and yes, had stage appeal. Enough to help her get the top crown.But this was not the gown she was supposed to wear.

During the very important Preliminaries (above photo), she wore a stunning silk ziberline and Swarovski-crystal Gionni Straccia off-the-shoulder gown. During her walk in front of the judges, she could barely make it down the stairs in (it weighed 15 kilos and somehow, she didn't practice moving in it) and when it came time for her to have "her moment", she failed--in that gown. I suggested she have the Miss Universe Wardrobe Department create a center back slit in it but I guess she figured that there was no time for that and that she should just wear the gown she wore for the website photo.

Miss Ukraine Olga Storozhenko: Olga looked radiant and absolutely a floating goddess in this gown. The silver sequin beaded neckline is stunning and the shirring/pleated torso draping is fab and all that chiffon "drama" is exquisite.

Miss India Manasi Moghe: I liked this salmon pink sequins-and-feathered gown when she wore it during the Preliminaries and I also liked it when she reached the Top Ten. And now, this gown is here in my "Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013" List.

Miss Spain Patricia Gonzalez: I placed Patricia as one of my "Top Three" for her Evening Gown for the Miss Universe 2013 Pageant because she looked beautiful, her gown was very pretty and just perfect. The silver and ivory sequined gown with white tulle "mermaid" godets sculpted her figure, made her look like a princess and yes, worthy of (almost) getting the top crown.

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida:  I loved Ariella's bright neon yellow/chartreuse gown from Colombian couturier Alfredo Barraza.The gown was strapless and featuredseaming that went from very fitted to flared. There were also crystals that accented the torso area. It was elegant and looked fabulous against her skin tone.

Miss Israel Yityish Aynaw: Simply perfect. A caviar-beaded ivory gown. Simple, great fit and perfect for her. It's not Couture-directional but THANK GOODNESS, it's not "Pageant Barbie" tacky either. Sublime.

Miss Chile Maria Jesus Matthei: One of my favorite gowns of all the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits. This salmon pink colored chiffon gown with copper sequined neck-piece, waistband and shirred bodice is a stunner; very red carpet, very chic.

Miss Indonesia Whulandary Herman: Love this red crepe gown with applique and nude illusion top section and fitted waist. It fits her beautifully and looks perfect for Whulandary. One of the best of the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits.

Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis: Now this is a GOWN! Mermaid-shaped black sequined applique with feathered bottom. It's a lot but...it works. Diva Fab for sure.
 
Miss Bahamas Lexi Wilson: Lexi wore a gorgeous bubblegum pink chiffon gown with a dramatic back cape and front keyhole and slit detail for the Preliminaries (she did not make it to the Semi-Finalist round). She looked SPECTACULAR, and PS: her body is OUT OF CONTROL! Loved this gown.

Miss Colombia Lucia Aldana: Lucia went the "Grecian Goddess" route with this very floaty white chiffon gown with sequined trim midriff/waist detail. She looked muy bella in this and I especially liked the shoulder "falls" of chiffon (very dramatic) and the "covered-up" center front slit. This was one of my favorite "beauty pageant" gowns of 2013.

Miss Haiti Mondiana Pierre: One word--WOW! Mondiana looked so Couture Fashion Week in this black and silver creation, I was LIVING for it! The dress was created beautifully and she worked it onstage! If there is any criticism, I just wished that it was strapless. But this is a very minor critique. C'est Superb.

Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez: My Best Evening Gown of the Miss Universe 2013 Pageant Prize goes to Monic Perez Miss Puerto Rico for this strapless chartreuse-colored gown from fashion designer Harry Robles...The gown was EXQUISITE featuring horizontal pleated body and side volants/cascade ruffles with hand-sewn sequins. It was a big surprise that both "Miss Philippines" and "Miss Puerto Rico"wore the same colored gown for the "2013 Miss Universe Preliminaries" but Monic's gown definitely WON! So much so, that it was my TOP Favorite.

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Miss World 2013: This year's Miss World did not offer many options for very good evening gowns but there were two standouts:
Miss Cote D'Ivoire Aissata Ezzedine: One word--WOW! This multicolored sequined strapless gown is one of my FAVORITES of the Miss World 2013 pageant; it was spectacular! How this gorgeous woman did not end up in the Top 20...or Top 10, if not the Final 5, is beyond me.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young Miss Philippines: Megan looked resplendent in her light rose-pink mermaid style gown in tulle with sequin applique. The gown was designed by Filipino designer Francis Libiran, who had a stint on America's Next Top Model and in fact Tyra has worn one of his designs. The gown was one of the best of the night; it fit perfectly, looked expensive and well made and yes, all that she was missing was the crown. Oh, and yes, she got it!

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Miss USA 2013: Below are my favorite "Gown Moments" from this year's Miss USA 2013 Pageant--from the website's Evening Gown Portraits and Final Telecast:
 Miss Michigan USA 2013 Jaclyn Schultz--LOVE this gown on Miss Michigan USA Jaclyn Schultz. She looks sexy...in fact UBER SEXY. And notice: not ONE SLIT or too-deep plunging neckline. I think she is right on trend with the nude under-gown with applique. Everything about this is right--from the hair to the nude pumps.

 Miss Minnesota USA 2013 Danielle Hooper--I think this is quite a stunning gown; a two-piece strapless bustier with attached peplum and fitted-to-flare floor length skirt, all in lipstick red. The star is the attached oversized jeweled neckline.

Miss Louisiana USA 2013 Kristen Girault--This gown was designed by Venezuelan fashion designer Gionni Straccia. Kristen looks beautiful in this gown. LOVE the fit, silhouette and the gold and silver sequined details; a VERY GOOD GOWN. Felicitaciones Gionni!

Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent: Ali wore on my favorite gowns of the Miss USA 2013 pageant. It was a red fitted crepe gown with a plunging neckline, sheer front panel, and featuring oversized silver and mirrored paillettes. It was designed by Venezuelan fashion designer Gionni Straccia.

Miss Alabama USA Mary-Margaret McCord: I LOVED this gown that 1st Runner-Up and almost Miss USA 2013, Miss Alabama USA wore. It was a strapless mermaid shaped dress, UBER fitted to an 1/8 of an inch of her teeny-tiny figure, with layers upon layers of gathered and fan-pleated organza at the bottom. It was dramatic and Pageant Fab. An almost "10" in my book. She also accessorized it perfectly with Emerald Green crystal drop earrings.

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Miss Colombia Universe 2013: This past monthwas the Señorita Colombia 2013 Pageant--also known as Miss Universe Colombia--the winner wore the best gown hands down:

Miss Atlantico--and eventual Señorita Colombia 2013 Paulina Vega Dieppa--the eventual winner got the highest gown competition score of 9.9 wearing this Alfredo Barraza-designed gown. The gown was a nude-backed column dress featuring jeweled sequins in a diagonal pattern, a plunging neckline and shoulder "hanging" arm accent. It was THE PERFECT GOWN! It fit Paulina beautifully, showed off her figure and the styling--including side-swept hair and only earrings as accessories were on-point. I would have also give her a 9.9.

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Miss Kosovo Universe 2013: This year's Miss Kosovo Universe 2013 winner was absolutely stunning and wore a beautiful gown. Unfortunately, she didn't get to attend the Miss Universe 2013 pageant since Russia (site of the pageant) does not recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. But I still loved her gown:


Mirjeta Shala Miss Universe Kosovo 2013: the six foot tall model-like Mirjeta wore a mermaid-shaped ivory tulle and lace-and-sequined applique gown with a high neck and drop shoulders. She looked gorgeous and Audrey Hepburn-like.

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Miss Philippines World 2013: Finally, I want to highlight two gowns from this year's Miss Philippines World Pageant here in my End-of-the-Year Best Of list:

Photo Courtesy of OPMBWorldwide.com

Karla Patricia Alas: I LOVED this gown worn by Karla Patricia Alas for the Miss Philippines World 2013 Pageant. The gown was very "Miss Venezuela"/Gionni Straccia (especially the neck jeweled detail). The fit and silhouette were very COUTURE. I'm sure if one looked up close, this gown is probably a Masterpiece in Gown-Making. Very dramatic and very good.

 Photo Courtesy of OPMBWorldwide.com

Megan Young: The actual winner of the pageant--Megan (who then became Miss World 2013)--wore  this royal blue silver sequined gown with a satin waistband. The gown fit beautifully; she looked beautiful; it was all flawless.

***Up Next: The "Uh Oh!/Ayy Mija" Worst Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013 List!
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SASHES AND TIARAS.....The "Uh Oh!/Ayyy Mija" Worst Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013: A Photo Gallery!

December 29, 2013, 3:40 pm
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 My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding Pageant Gowns: Miss Belgium Noemi Happart (left) at Miss Universe 2013 preliminaries and Miss Finland Meija Kerisalmi (right) at the Miss World 2013 Finals.

Continuing with my End-of-the-Year Lists...in my last post here on my NICKVERREOS.COM blog, I discussed my Top 30+ List of Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013 so...it's now time for the "Uh Oh!/Ayy Mija" Worst Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013. These dresses ended up here because
A) They were TACKY
B) Bad 80's/90's Prom-Meets-Quinceañera;
C) Questionable Taste Level;
D) Too cheap looking;
E) Too Much Flammable Polyester, and
F) Too Much Boobies and Too Much Sex-a-Licious Slit
Once again, I have divided it into different pageants (i.e. Miss Universe, Miss World, etc.) and I apologize if I missed some of your Top Worsts. So, here we go...



Señorita Colombia/Miss Universe Colombia 2013:
Miss Bogota Jennifer Uscategui--Oh Jennifer, what were you thinking? This gown--designed by Rafael Paez--is is a HOT MESS! This emerald green organza and sequined gown with gathered hip detail was straight out of a beauty pageant from 1995. And the dated hairstyle did not help. Oh, and then there were those shoes! Definitely an "Ayyy Mija!".

Miss Tolima Sandra Paola Arias Muñoz--Miss Tolima received the lowest gown score of the night with this pink strapless dress. And I can see why: I have seen this dress hanging on a plastic mannequin in the Downtown LA Fashion District. In other words: been there/done that--and cheap! And that hair and those earrings...are we in 1992? Ayyyy Mija!

Miss Choco Yesuli Londoño Mosquera--One word: GURL! I have to give Miss Choco points for being so daring as to wear this ivory fringed and sequined Alfredo Barraza-designed gown that looked as if it was attacked by a trim store. On the other hand...she looked as if she was attacked by a trim store.

Miss Venezuela 2013:
 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVelezolana.net

Miss Falcon Marie Claire Arcila:Gurl!Or as we say in Spanish Mija! This dress was TOO MUCHEY. It looked like a costume from "The Hunger Games" and one that may have been rejected. I appreciate all the work that probably went into this dress but it's just too costume-y and I haven't even begun to discuss those puffy 1980s "Dynasty"/Nolan Miller-like sleeves and shoulders. Even at the "Miss Venezuela pageant, they sometimes get it wrong...and tacky-licious.

Miss Universe 2013:
Miss Ethiopia Maheder Tigabe: The reason why beautiful Maheder is here is the entire package. Her hair is SOOO Pageant Betty 1998, the dress looks like it is from a Prom-&-Pageant shop; it looks cheap, and it is way too short--about 8 inches in fact. I know some of these contestants don't have the options (or money) of the Top Girls, but good styling and the proper gown length could, at the very least, make it acceptable. Definitely an "Uh Oh of 2013".
Miss Honduras Diana Schoutsen: No, no and no. From the hair style (so Prom-&Pageant 90's), the big ol' earrings to the tacky silver stacked pumps, the entire look is so dated. The dress itself doesn't do Diana any favors; it looks cheap and typical and yes, the slit just takes it over the edge. The taste level is not just questionable, it's BAD.

Miss Azerbaijan Aysel Manafova:Ayyy Mija! Where are you going in this concoction? Oversized jeweled strapless bustier attached to black panties and a see-through chiffon overskirt. While I applaud the sheer tenacity to "Just Go For It" by wearing this ensemble, I think the taste level is questionable and maybe three more layers of that black chiffon would have helped. Hoochie-licious.

Miss Nicaragua Nastassja Bolivar: This is a confusing gown for me. It has heavily sequined applique on the sides, top, sleeves and then panels of royal blue chiffon godets in the front and the back for some reason. I can just hear fashion designer--and former "Project Runway" judge--Michael Kors now: "She's POOPING Chiffon!". And then, the lining: it stops just where her bootie ends. Why? Who knows. She's like a belly dancer about to perform a dance to Ravel's "Bolero" in a questionable Moroccan nightclub.

Miss Aruba Stefanie Guillen Evangelista: Oh no.Unless she is figure skating to Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade", this gown is unacceptable. It's trashy, cheap-looking and badly designed. And really, with all that going on with the dress already, she felt the need to OVER-accessorize with the bracelet and earrings? No.

Miss Paraguay Guadalupe Gonzalez Talavera: This gown--featuring a nude-colored strapless bustier with black crystal applique and black satin and tulle full skirt--is two minutes away from a Folies Bergère show that got cancelled.

Miss Nigeria Stephanie Okwu: God bless Stephanie for even thinking that this was cute. She either asked an actual fashion designer--or saw this on a rack and said "Yep! I'll take it!". This Halloween-orange mermaid ruffle iridescent POLYESTER mess of a gown is THE definition of Bad Cha-Cha. This is a dress one wears at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival on a float...if you're a fabulous Drag Queen. Otherwise, no.

Miss Romania Roxana Andrei: This "interesting" design combines both Cha-Cha aspects as well as semi-Asian influences. There's the oversized blouson bishop sleeves and high slit (Cha-Cha) and then the red printed applique satin fabrication (a little more "Asiana"). Irregardless, the entire look is more of a "Dancing With The Stars" Hostess...in Macau.

Miss Turks & CaicosSnwazna Adams: On a positive note, I give her "At-a-Gurl!" points for being so bold as to actually wear an apple green chiffon strapless gown over matching poly-satin "cigarette"/Capri pants! And yes, kids,this is a Gown-and-Capri pant combo. And that leads me to also put her in my "Uh Oh" list because...SHE IS WEARING A GOWN-&-CAPRI PANTS ensemble! These girls have lost their (style) minds.

Miss Serbia Ana Vrcelj: When Miss Serbia came out in this white satin and chiffon gown , I thought "OK, this is not good", and then I focused on the ruffled "rosette" appliques on the hips and thought "Oh, this is really BAAAD!". Two questions: A) why would any designer place these tacky-looking things on a dress, and B) why place them on the hips?


Miss Great Britain Amy Willerton: This was an absolute MESS. I know that some of you out there on the Pageant "Web-o-Sphere" thought this was cute. But...I happen to respectfully disagree. Let me try and describe this crazy gown: it's a strapless SUPER Mermaid-shaped gown with ombre-like shadings of various lilac, purple and white colors in what looks like a bunch of hair scrunchies. I am all about DRAMA and I get that but, this was a DRAMA MISS. And on top of everything, did she really need that diamante necklace and earrings? Let me answer that: No. She looks like a Carnival Float.

Miss Lithuania Simona Burbaite: I have two words: HEFTY BAG. I cannot believe she would wear a gown made of a fabrication that looks very much like a garbage bag.

Miss Belgium Noemi Happart: Noemi's gown choice was so Tacky-licious and bad. This strapless golden colored gown featured a fitted bustier and multi-ruffled hi-lo "Can-Can" attached skirt. Under any circumstances, this is a NO. How anyone would see this on a hanger--or a sketch of it--and say "Oui! I want that!" makes me seriously question her taste level. And I didn't even begin to mention those super-tacky gold stacked pumps! Oh, and by the way, she didn't do any better (gown wise) at the Miss World 2013 Pageant (keep reading!).

Miss El Salvador Alba Delgado: There were so many contenders for the Top "Uh Oh!" Evening Gown Prize but when Miss El Salvador came out in this canary yellow chiffon and applique gown...and the camera gave a close-up on her...um..."Sistahs", I was like "Done and Done!". Take a look at what I am talking about:there are silver jeweled crystals ON HER NIPPLES!Seriously, what was Alba thinking when she picked this gown? Why didn't anyone tell her? It drives me so LOCO! This is definitely one of the tackiest and most "Uh Oh!/Ayyy Mija" beauty pageant gowns of 2013.

Miss World 2013:


Miss Belgium Noemi Happart: Noemi! What. Were. You. Thinking? This looks like something a girl from a tacky "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" TV show would wear. Pink. Satin, Cut-outs. Too short and too tight. Rippling seams. And that hair!

Miss Aruba Larissa Leeuwe: Larissa wore a red satin gown with a very busy (and very 1990s shoulder/neckline detail). The red gown plus that hairstyle screamed Prom..or at least a beauty pageant circa 1997.

Miss Chinese Taipei Cinzia Chang: Cinzia! Huney: What is this? Dirty colored tulle full skirt and a mint green satin peplum bustier. No and no. It looks like a Fashion Student's version of an old John Galliano-for-Dior dress. Oh, and yes, I can see your shoes. Not cute. Unless it is supposed to be "tea length" (it's not) or Hi-Lo (it's also NOT!), then seeing the shoes is a big NO!

Miss Malta Donna Leyland: Oh Donna, you are so cute. However, your gown is not. This ivory satin and chiffon hi-lo dress doesn't make any sense. I really only want to focus on why it is so short--and so close to her CHA-CHA--in the front. It's all a mess.

Miss Guadeloupe Sheryna can der Koelen: Sheryna...darling...please explain this dress to me? Sheryna wore a lilac colored kimono-inspired get-up as her "Miss World 2013" Final Show gown. Why? The dress looked like it was made from polyester satin, badly constructed (rippling seams!) and way too short, and then, if that wasn't enough, they had to add cheap trim on the edges. What's that saying: the Cheap Comes Out Expensive. Enough said.

Miss Finland Meija Kerisalmi: Meija--and her designer--have been watching WAAAY too many episodes of "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". This dress is just plain tacky. Maybe this is considered "red carpet fab" in Finland...but I highly doubt it. This concoction is a Big Bird Prom-a-Licious Gypsy/Romani/Traveler Wedding Mess.
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ICE STYLE.....Costume Changes at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships and 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships

December 30, 2013, 10:17 am
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 Costume Change Ladies: Akiko Suzuki and Kanako Murakami and their new costumes for their Free Skate and Short Program respectively, at the 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships

This past Holiday Week was a busy week for International Figure Skating Competitions: both the 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships and 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships took place either before Christmas or right after. After getting back from my yearly Christmas trip to visit family in San Antonio Texas, I caught up via YouTube watching them. One thing really caught my attention: there were SEVERAL costume changes for the Ladies at the Japanese Nationals and one particular of note at the Russian Nationals. Needless to say, I felt it necessary to discuss here on my "Ice Style" blog. Let's begin:
Akiko Suzuki Free Skate Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Akiko surprised everyone and won the Gold Medal skating her Free Skate to Music from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This costume above was a new costume as opposed to what she had worn at the 2013 NHK Trophy (below). This costume above was a sweeter and more delicate "Phantom" heroine, featuring a creme colored "skirt"/fitted midriff and multicolored flowered applique sequined top section.

Free Skate Costume at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014 NHK Trophy: This is what she wore for her "Phantom" Free Skate at NHK--I liked this and thought it was quite elegant and modern. For some reason, she decided to change it. Which costume do you like best for her Free Skate? Now that she will be going to the Olympics in Sochi, she has a big decision to make!

Haruka Imai Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: At last week's Japanese Nationals, Haruka Imai debuted this costume above to her Short Program Music of Song Without Words in D Major Op. 109 by Felix Mendelssohn. It was an EXACT duplicate of what she had been wearing in other 2013 Season Grand Prix but in a different color way. This one above was in pink, light dusty rose tones while...

This above is what she had worn before as her Short Program Costume--Photo above is from the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia.I like them both, but if I had to choose I would pick the darker purple in the original costume. My main issue remains the nude illusion sleeves that are too big in both costumes.

Kanako Murakami Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 JapanFigure Skating Championships: Kanako is THE Costume Change Queen...At the Japanese Nationals, she debuted this gray, magenta, black and silver one shoulder costume for her Short Program to Catgroove by Parov Stelar, Libella Swing by Parov Stelar and Swing Bop. This modern looking costume was definitely a better costume choice than what we had seen her in before for the same Short Program:

Kanako Murakami Short Program Costume 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia of Figure Skating--this black and white with diamantes costume was a bore. It also look very store bought. Glad she decided to change it. And mind you, this above was a COSTUME CHANGE from this:

Short Program Costume at 2013 Lexus Cup of China--I LOVED this colorful fringed costume. It was a bit "Cirque du Soleil"-ish, yes, but I still loved it.

Now, the Costume Changes for Kanako didn't stop at her Short Program...

Kanako Murakami, Free Skate 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Kanako wore this above for the Japan Nationals last week for her Free Skate to Papa Can You Hear Me (from "Yentl" soundtrack) by Barbara Streisand. Now, this wasn't the first time we saw this costume. She actually debuted this costume at the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia in November 2013. This costume, however was different from what she had worn before the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia for her Free Skate...

Free Skate Costume Lexus Cup of China 2013--I liked this costume above and I also like her most recent Free Skate choice. If I had to chose, I'd say I like the one above more. Which one do you guys like better? Kanako is also going to the Sochi Olympics, so I will be waiting with bated breath as to what she will choose for the big event.

Miki Ando Short Program Costume at 2013-2014 Japan Figure Skating Championships: Miki Ando wore this deep lilac with an ombre yellow-green shading at the skirt sequined applique costume at the Japan Nationals to her Short Program toMy Way by Frank Sinatra. This was a costume change from what she wore the last time she skated at...

Golden Spin of Zagreb 2013--Miki Ando Short Program Costume--I like both but if I had to chose I would say the lilac/ombre applique one from the Japan Nationals. While I like the navy blue sequined accents on this one above, I am not a fan of the length of the skirt and how she only has one layer of chiffon and you can see her unitard underneath.

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 Moving on, and now Russia and the 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships...

 Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi Russia

Alena Leonova Short Program Costume at 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships: Alena skated her Short Program to Barynia (Russian Folk music) Kalinka (Russian Folk music)--which she also skated to for her 2009-2010 Season--wearing this colorful red and white with gold trim costume above. This was a debut of this costume for Alena. And a "debut" of sorts for this Short Program. The last time we saw her skate at a Grand Prix event earlier this season, she wore her infamous...


Pirates of the Caribbean Costume--Alena Leonova of Russia at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014 NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Japan November 2013. Alena skated her Short Program to Music from Pirates of the Caribbean (which she also skated to for her 2011-2012 Season) and wore the same costume. Glad she decided to change her costume--and music. And yes, it isn't by coincidence that she is now skating to Russian Folk Music in the lead-up to the Sochi RUSSIA Winter Olympics 2014. Hello! (Unfortunately for her, she didn't make the team).

For now, I'll leave you with Russian Male Figure Skating DIVO (who skated at the Russian Figure Skating Championships) and came in SECOND. How do say "Ouch!" in Russian?

Not Happy: Russian National 2014 Silver Medalist Evgeni Plushenko (left) and Gold Medalist Maxim Kovtun (right)

Uncomfortable: Russian National 2014 Silver Medalist Evgeni Plushenko (left) and Gold Medalist Maxim Kovtun (right)

Happy Figure Skating New Year!!!
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ICE STYLE.....Kim Yuna Debuts New Costume for her Free Skate at the 2014 Korea Figure Skating Championships

January 5, 2014, 9:36 pm
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Tango Costume Change Goddess: Korean Ladies Figure Skating Star Kim Yuna at this weekend's Korea Figure Skating Championships 2014 (in her new Free Skate Costume), Goyang Oulimnuri Ice Rink in Goyang, South Korea

This past weekend were the 2014 Korea Figure Skating Championships, held in Goyang South Korea. The star of the entire event was, of course, Kim Yuna--or Yu-Na Kim--one of the World's top Ladies Figure Skaters. It is an Olympic season and she's considered to be the favorite to win Olympic Gold (but she has competition from a Russia, or two!...and of course, Japan's Mao Asada) at the Sochi Winter Olympics coming up next month in Russia. but what I'm most interested in is that Kim Yuna used the 2014 Korean Nationals as the stage to debut a new Free Skate costume:
Kim Yuna, Free Skate to "Adiós Nonino" by Astor Piazzolla--Korea Figure Skating Championships 2014 (in her new Free Skate Costume), Goyang Oulimnuri Ice Rink in Goyang, South Korea

Her new costume to the tango music of Astor Piazzolla's "Adiós Nonino" featured a black and deep purple color blocked design with long fitted sleeves, an asymmetrical "keyhole" in the front neck torso, silver-and-black sequined applique and a side front slit...

The costume had both the "air" of the Argentine tango music in its deep dark colors and applique but not being so overtly referential (the obvious red-and-black, the red rose ion the hair...). It was elegant, well-made and restrained. This was a costume change from what she had worn the last time she skated this same Free Skate...

Kim Yuna at 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb: At the obscureGolden Spin of Zagreb 2013 last month, she skated her Free Skate to "Adiós Nonino" wearing this costume above. It was OK, but not spectacular. I like the new one better for sure. Now, speaking of spectacular...nothing can beat this:


Kim Yuna and her 2012-2013 Season Free Skate costume for "Kiss of the Vampire" by James Bernard--this was one of THE BEST FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES of 2012!!! I absolutely LOVED it!

 Congrats Kim Yuna (center) on winning the Gold at the Korea Figure Skating Championships 2014 this weekend--see you at the Sochi Winter Olympics! Can't wait to see if she'll be doing more Costume Changes!

 Below is Kim Yuna's Free Skate from the Korea Figure Skating Championships 2014:

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RUNWAY REPORT.....Fall 2014 Menswear Fashion Week, London: Topman Design, Photos + Runway Video

January 7, 2014, 9:47 pm
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 Xtra Large: Topman Design Fall 2014--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Fall 2014 Menswear Fashion Week has begun and first up it's London...Let's start with Topman Design:

The Look: Punk-meets-dockyard working boys, fisherman knits, lots of rain and dreary weather ahead in Fall 2014 so...get ready--style wise--for it, if Topman design director Gordon Richardson has his way. I love Topman and well, half my closet is from there. With that said, not sure how I would incorporate--or wear--any of these items--but then again, I may not be the "market". And yes, I'm sure at the store, these items will get re-merchandized and look a tad bit different and at the same time, there will be lots of other garments to keep a loyal customer (me) happy.

Colors: Black, navy, baby blue, tomato red

Trends: Oversized coats, jackets, high-waisted pleated pants a la 1940's, chunky footwear, heavy knitwear/sweaters

 Fisherman UK:Topman Design Fall 2014--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

 Double Breasted: Topman Design Fall 2014--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

 Tomato Topman: Topman Design Fall 2014--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

 It's Raining Men: Topman Design Fall 2014--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Click Below to watch video of Topman Design Fall 2014 (edited highlights):


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SASHES AND TIARAS.....RIP Monica Spear, actress and Miss Venezuela 2004: A Gown Look Back...

January 8, 2014, 2:15 pm
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RIP: Monica Spear Mootz, former Miss Venezuela and actress--slain on Monday night in an attempted robbery

Late Monday night, Venezuela beauty queen and telenovela star Monica Spear Mootz and her ex-husband Thomas Henry Berry were gunned down by the side of a country road in Venezuela.
According to CNN, Spear and herex-husband, were driving in Venezuela's Carabobo state Monday night when their car broke down, officials said.Armed robbers opened fire, killing both of them.
Their 5-year-old daughter survived Monday's shooting, authorities said, but was shot in the leg.

 Monica Spear

Spear was Miss Venezuela in 2004 and represented her country in the Miss Universe pageant in 2005.
Her popularity opened the door to acting roles in telenovelas that eventually made her an international star. She made her home in Miami but was vacationing in Venezuela with her family when she was killed. This is a tragic loss and has brought to light--once again--the awful crime situation in Venezuela--the country in which I grew up in and called home for my adolescence. Venezuela is one of the world’s most violent nations, according to Reuters. The official annual murder rate is 39 per 100,000 people, but local activists estimate the actual murder rate is nearly twice as high. I--and Venezuela--will miss her.
As a "SASHES AND TIARAS"  homage to her, I'd like to look back at the gorgeous Monica and the beautiful gowns she wore in the Miss Venezuela 2004 Pageant as well as Miss Universe 2005 Pageant. Heaven has a beautiful angel now. RIP. Que En Paz Descanse...

Resplendent in Pink: Monica Spear Mootz "Miss Guarico 2004" (far left) at the Miss Venezuela 2004 Pageant (Top Five Finalists)--Her gown was designed by Samy Gicherman, Venezuelan fashion designer based in Florida. The gown featured pink sequined applique over a blush base with cascading fuchsia pink feathers highlighting the bottom half. Looking at the Top Five Finalists, she definitely stood out!

At Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok Thailand:
Monica Spear in her Princess of Caribay Costume worn at Miss Universe 2005 National Costume "Parade of Nations"--The Costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Jose Maria Almeida--the silver costume was inspired by the legend of the "five white eagles" and the legend of Princess of Caribay from Venezuelan writer Tulio Febres Cordero.

The Gown: Miss Venezuela 2004 Monica Spear competed in the Miss Universe 2005 Pageant and wore this gown--for her "Evening Gown Portrait" as well as for the Finals. The sexy gown was designed by Angel Sanchez...

The ivory silk crepe gown was very fitted and showed off Monica's perfect figure--as well as was an ideal "frame" for her skin color and jet-black hair. It featured cut-outs, Princess seaming and silver sequins and bugle beads that accented the bust and side-back panels.The gown was modern, chic and perfect for a top Hollywood red carpet.

Finalist Beautiful: Monica Spear "Miss Venezuela" (far right) on stage during the Miss Universe 2005 Pageant. Monica ended up as 4th Runner-Up to Miss Universe 2005. The winner was "Miss Canada" Natalie Glebova (second from right).

An Angel in Pageant Heaven: RIP Monica Spear
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RUNWAY REPORT.....Fall 2014 Menswear Fashion Week London: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Pics + FULL Runway Video

January 8, 2014, 9:46 pm
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Coat Boys: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear Collection...
The Look: Feminine and masculine looks that give an air of a London Dandy in Paris; Boho-Slacker Chic; no tie, wide mesh tank tops under coats and printed scarves tied at the shoulder.

Colors: Black, creme, khaki, beige, rust, red, silver gray, blue, goldenrod

Trends: Horse blankets as over-the-shoulder shawls, high-waisted pleated pants, big clunky shoes, printed scarves for men, no ties, no beards!

Scarf Huneys: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Mesh-ing It: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Where's My First Class Train: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Printed Boys: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear--London Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2014

Click Below to Watch Full Runway Video of Burberry Prorsum Fall 2014 Menswear Fashion Show:


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UNDER THE GUNN.....Behind The Scenes Photos of Filming The "Under The Gunn" Ad/Commercial at Siren Studios Hollywood

January 9, 2014, 9:39 pm
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 Nick Verreos on Lifetime's new TV Reality Competition Show "Under The Gunn", premiering Thursday January 16th

ONE WEEK UNTIL THE PREMIERE!!! Next Thursday January 16th...the newLifetime Network series "Under The Gunn"premieres! I am so excited since yes, I am part of this new TV reality competition show hosted by the one and only Tim Gunn.

 Nick Verreos--Under The Gunn, Season 1 Lifetime

I am one of the three Mentors which will guide fashion designers through "Project Runway"-style challenges and eventually (and hopefully) help them to the end. The other two Mentors include "Project Runway All Stars" Season One Winner Mondo Guerra and "Project Runway" Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee. We shot the promos/commercial for the new show (the commercial debuted several weeks back) at Siren Studios Hollywoodand here are some behind-the-scenes photos I took:

Black and White Threesome: Mondo Guerra, Anyya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial Siren Studios

Make It Work--Mondo Guerra shooting his lines for the new Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial--Siren StudiosHollywood

Anya Ayoung-Chee--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood

Nick Verreos--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood

Under The Gunn Mentors: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Mondo Guerra--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood
 
Mondo Guerra , Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood

Measuring Tape Snap: Mondo Guerra , Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood

La Tim: Tim Gunn with "Under The Gunn" Mentors (left to right) Nick Verreos, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Mondo Guerra--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" promo/commercial, Siren Studios Hollywood

And in case you were wondering...here are a couple of pics of the catering/food on the set:
Nosh Away: "Under The Gunn" Lifetime TV Promo Shoot--Siren Studios Hollywood

Click below for the commercial/promo:
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ICE STYLE.....2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap, Ladies and Pairs Short Program!

January 11, 2014, 2:20 pm
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 Gracie Gold at the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

This week and through the weekend are the all-important U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating--or more formally--the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I've been happy to have attended two of them in the last few years. The 2014 Championships decides who will get to go to the World Championships and so on...but it is especially important this year since it will also serve as the selection criteria for who goes to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

This year's United States Figure Skating Championships is taking place at TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts and from looking at the YouTube and TV feeds...it seems like it is an (almost) sold out event (Thank goodness--at least for the sponsors and venue organizers!). Now, let's get to the important stuff (at least for me) and that's the FASHION and Costumes.


First up, I want to discuss the LADIES and PAIRS Short Program Costumes:

Ashley Wagner, Short Program:I love Ashley's costume to"Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd". It is a black and silver sequined look with a halter neckline with black sheer panels at the neckline and sides. It looks expensive and well-made--as it should be since she is one of the top female figure skaters for the US. I especially love the sprinkle of crystals at the neck that mimic a diamond necklace.

Agnes Zawadzki, Short Program: For her SP, Agnes skated to Selections from the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack by Aaron Zigman. Her costume is designed by Pat Pearsall. If we remember, the film "sex and the City 2" is all about the girls going to Abu Dhabi and the shenanigans that ensure while they are there. It is no surprise, therefore, that this costume has an overt Near East influence with its deep lilac color, the sequin work and silhouette as well--she's like "Scheherazade of Figure Skating".

Rachael Flatt, Short Program: Rachael skated her SP to"Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. While I really appreciate the deep ombre gray/lilac color and Art Deco-like sequin work of this costume, I think it might be just a tad too short.

Hannah Miller Short Program: When I first saw Hannah and this costume, I said to myself "I hope she's skating to Firebird" and yep, she did--Music from The Firebird by Igor Stavinsky, to be more specific. The costume, which was designed by Elena Pollack, is very impacting and colorful but I do think it might be two seconds from looking a bit garish with the bright tomato red and shocking canary yellow. I think there are other ways of creating a Firebird costume but not making it look so harsh and gaudy. Take a look at Japanese figure skater Tatsuki Machida for inspiration. It might just be about toning the colors down one notch.

Gracie Gold, Short Program: Gracie Gold skated her SP to "Piano Concerto" by Edvard Grieg. The costume was designed by Gale Johnson and Denise Gold and I LOVE it! It's elegant, classic but with a sexy "red carpet' edge and also works really well with her music and program; it's like a "mini-me" gown one could see at a late 19th Century/early 20th Century Ball in Europe. I also realized that this is a COSTUME CHANGE for Gracie and her entire Short Program...

Gracie Costume Change: This snazzy "Liza Minelli on Ice" costume above is what she last wore for her previous Short Program at the NHK Trophy 2013 in Japan back in November.Many speculated that when she switched coaches and went to Frank Carroll, he would change her entire short program. And he did! Plus the costume! Obviously, since she is in 1st Place after the Short, it was a good decision all around.

Polina Edmunds, Short Program: On her debut in the Senior level, Polina skated her SP to "Pink Cherries Cha-Cha-Cha,""Besame Mucho" and "Another Cha-Cha" by Ballroom Orchestra. The costume is designed by Lilya Dukler and I think it's pretty fabulous! I love the light lemon yellow color, the "shredded" skirt and emphasis on the neckline and all those panels in the torso. I especially like how no "costume stone was left unturned" in that it is a complete look; the hairstyle, details in the hair...it is all in synch with the rest of the costume. Very nice!

Pairs Short Program Costumes:
Marissa Castelli and Simon Schnapir Short Program: Castelli and Schnapir skated their SP to "Black Magic Woman" and "Smooth" by Carlos Santana. The costumes were designed by Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes. I think these are nice and well-thought out in their execution and small details, such as her "corseting" sequins, the sheer panels highlighting her torso/midriff. And the back of her costume is Fab-u-lous! I also like that the same sequin detail that is on her costume was used in Simon's costume (in his shirt's neckline). I always like it when the pair look as if they belong together--costume-wise.

Alexa Scimeca and Christopher Knierim Short Program: For their SP to "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" by Michel Legrand (a very popular music choice this season for EVERYONE it seems!), Scimeca and Knierim wore these ombre--almost tie dye lilac costumes designed by Elena Pollack. As I said in my previous commentary on Castelli and Schnapir, I LOVE when the pairs are in synch, costume-wise and here they definitely are! I also appreciate the asymmetrical lines that are used in Alexa's costume...notice how the costume designer subtly added a similar asymmetrical line to Christopher's top.

DeeDee Leng and Timothy LeDuc Short Program: Leng and LeDuc skated their SP to "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Peter Gabriel. While these two may not have the costume budget of some of the so-called top pairs skaters, I still think their costumes were quite effective. Yes, when I saw her's up close on my super duper HD 60" TV screen, I could notice some wonkyness here and there but...I did like the overall silhouette and the strong geometric lines. I also thought the back of hers was quite interesting and liked the subtle inclusion of her royal blue/purple coloring in his costume (on his back, above photo).

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin Short Program: Denney and Coughlin skated their SP to "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini. Her red and muted orange one-shoulder costume is a bit "showgirl"/Miss USA contestant in its design. But I do think it is one of the better costumes Caydee has worn over the years and the color is fantastic on her. I also like that John's costume included subtle sequin coloring highlights that let you know he belonged with her.

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Short Program: I really liked these costumes Denney and Frazier wore for their SP to "Malagueña" by Ernesto Lecuona. The costumes are fiery, hot, sexy and hint at the Latin history of the music.  I'm especially happy just to see the guy be so "out there" in terms of his costume (trust me kids, this is "out there" when you see what the guys usually like to wear--a white dress shirt, black pants and a "Ross Dress For less" belt).

Gretchen Donlon and Andrew Speroff Short Program: For their SP to "Meditation" from Thais by Jules Massenet, Donlon and Speroff wore these costumes, designed by Yumi Barnett-Nakamura. It's not every day one sees a bodysuit/jumpsuit on a woman in figure skating and normally it's not well-received. I like the fact that they look different from everyone else. The sequin applique work looks interesting on her costume and I appreciate that he also has the same type of sequin work on his costume, at the V-neck.

***NEXT UP: The MEN and ICE DANCE Short Program Costume Highlights of the 2014 U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating.
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ICE STYLE.....2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap, Men and Ice Dance Short Program!

January 12, 2014, 12:54 am
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Jeremy Abbott practicing at the TD Garden Arena, 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships Boston Massachusetts

Continuing with my Costume Recap Highlights of the costumes from the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships happening right now in Boston...I talked about the LADIES and PAIRS Short Program Costumes HERE and now it's time to discuss the Men and Ice Dance Short Program/Short Dance Costumes...

Richard Dornbush Short Program: For Richard's SP to The Sons of Italy by Henry Mancini, he wore a wine-colored stretch velvet  fitted jacket with gold buttons, a ruffled shirt and skin-tight black pants. I like that the pants have the pin-tuck down the front of the leg and that there's a nod to a Shakespeare-era costume.

Scott Dyer, Short Program: I couldn't find what music Scott skated to--or a YouTube video showing it (so if anyone knows, I'd be most grateful to include it in here!). However, I still wanted to comment on this costume; it was very "Blades of Glory" old-school 80s Figure Skater...and I'm not sure if that's a good thing. From the revere collar, the blouson sleeves to the coloring and crystals...it was veering on a hot mess.

Brandon Mroz, Short Program: Another skater whom I couldn't find what music he skated to for his SP or a YouTube video showing it...but once again, I wanted to discuss this costume. It was a multicolored printed shirt--tie-dye/Disco-esque. Plus black pants and a "Ross Dress For Less"-like belt. Not a fan. This is only acceptable if he skated to "KC and the Sunshine Band". And I doubt he did.

Jason Brown, Short Program: Jason skated his SP to "The Question of U" by Prince. His costume--designed by Elena Pollack--featured a purple velvet vest, sheer blouse with ruffled cuffs and silver studded black pants. the whole ensemble is VERY prince...and a bit tacky-licious. But then again, so is Prince. Overall it suited the program, music and personality of Jason.

Jeremy Abbott, Short Program: Jeremy skated his SP to "Lilies of the Valley" from the Pina sountrack by Jun Miyake. His costume--designed by Elise Fife--featured a deep plum shirt with sequin accents and black pants. I like it but I'm not jumping up and down for it. Jeremy is not known to "bring it" when it comes to costumes and part of me wishes he would but, the fact that there's even sequins on his shirt, is a big jump for him. He wore this same costume for NHK 2013 in November for his Short Program which is when he debuted it. Before, he wore this:

At Skate Canada 2013 in October--which one do we like better?

Ice Dance Short Program Costume Highlights:
Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Short Dance: I love these costumes that Davis and White wear for their Short Dance to My Fair Lady by Frederic Loewe. I've discussed them already HERE.

Alexandra Aldridge and Daniel Eaton, Short Dance: For their SD to Quickstep: Man with the Hex; Foxtrot: The Business of Love (from "The Mask" soundtrack); Swing: Hey Pachucco (from "The Mask" soundtrack), Aldridge and Eaton wore these costumes above. I liked her sexy black halter dress and how the sequins were concentrated at the shoulder/neck. I especially liked his high-waisted pinstripe pants and suspenders. The costumes were designed by Tatiana Noll, Lynn Martin, Massimo Scali, Luanne Williams.

Pauline Bynum and Jason Deveikis Short Dance: I couldn't find what Bynum and Deveikis skated to for their SD (or a YouTube video of it) but I LOVED these costumes! Her black and white dress, especially, was GORG! It looked like a Dior Haute Couture collection dress. And he looked dapper and very elegant.

Lynn Kriengkrairut and Logan Giulietti-Schmitt, Short Dance: Kriengkrairut and Giulietti-Schmitt (say that three times!) skated to "That Man" by Caro Emerald, "Jolie Coquine" by Caravan Palace and I thought these costumes were fun and sassy. I like the fringed detail on her silver costume and normally I wouldn't endorse a headband but here, it was right. This is an example of Good Kooky Ice Dance costumes. The costumes, by the way, were designed by Valentina Barsukova, Lynn Kriengkrairut.

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani, Short Dance: The Shibutani's skated their SD to a Michael Bublé medley. Their costumes were elegant and very "Dace Hall" in style. I liked her deep purple sequined and chiffon dress and Alex looked sharp. I just wish he wore the black bow tie and not looked as if the dance hall night club was closing down already.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Short Dance: Chock and Bates skated their SD to "Hollywood" by Puppini Sisters, "There's No Business Like Show Business" by Irving Berlin. I LOVE these costumes, so much so, that they ended up in my "Best Figure Skating Costumes of 2013" blog HERE. The costumes were designed by Madison Chock and were PERFECTION. Now, if you notice, Evan's gold cummerbund and pocket scarf are a new addition...

Here (in above pic) is Evan at the 2013 Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia in November, in their Short Dance--without the gold cummerbund and pocket hankie.

***UP NEXT: Long/Free Program Costume Recap/Highlights from the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships
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