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

Miss Scarlett O'Hara of France Is...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Does This:


Have to do with this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pageant Minute: The new Miss Spain is Miss Barcelona Andrea Huisgen

Una Diosa Española

Olé : The newly crowned "Miss Spain 2011" Andrea Huisgen Serrano, who represented Barcelona

This past Sunday, Andrea Huisgen Serrano, Miss Barcelona was crowned Miss España (Miss Spain) 2011, at the Palacio de los Sueños in Seville, Spain. She is expected to represent Spain in the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant next year (where she will be known as "Miss Spain 2012").

Gracias Chicos: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona" being crowned "Miss Spain 2011" by her predecessor, Paula Guillo (right photo, in red gown)

Andrea, who was studying law (don't they all say that?!--or engineering or bio chemistry!) and also modeling (of course)...

Modelicious: Model photos of the new Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen (as a blonde)

Andrea Huisgen stands 1.81 meters (5'11") and is 21 years old. She was born in Barcelona Spain to a German father and Spanish mother and speaks 4 languages--Spanish, German, English and Catalan.

Feathered Gown Queen: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona"--and soon-to-be crowned "Miss Spain 2011"-- in her ivory strapless "Princess" ball gown of satin and feathers with crystal thin belt. To be honest, I am not a fan of this gown but still, she looked very "Beauty Pageant Perfect". However, the look is a bit dated and well, about five minutes away from a Quinceañera. (Keep reading below for an UPDATE regarding their gown choices...)

At first when I saw photos the beautiful new Miss Spain, I thought "Boy, she's got kind-of a "Venezuelan" air to her...(in terms of her stance, aplomb, hair, make-up...). So, it came as no shock when (after a little web research--yes kids, I do my Homework!) I learned that she was trained by Venezuelan Pageant "Trainer" and Missosologist (Pageant Expert/Fan) Ricardo Rodríguez, alias El Soplón.

The Day After: The beautiful--and newly-crowned "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, being interviewed the following day after her win

Ricardo has been preparing her with oratory, runway, make-up and hair, protocol, as well as all the other necessary "classes" needed to have a winner. It payed off, because, yes, she won! Could Ricardo be the new Osmel Sousa?? One thing's for sure, his "Day Rate" should go up.

Top Three: (Left to right) First Runner Up (Primera Dama de Honor) Miss Las Palmas Aranzazu Estévez, Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen, and 2nd Runner Up (Segunda Dama de Honor), Ana Amparo Crespo

Peineta (Spanish Hair Comb) Bathing Beauty: The new Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona", in her Official Swimsuit Photo for the Miss Spain 2011 Competition

Blush Beauties: There were Ten Semi-Finalists and they all had to model in Swimsuit as well as Evening Gowns, of course. Interestingly enough, during the evening gown portion, all the Semi-Finalists wore gowns in the same color: nude/putty/blush.

One Shouldered Señorita: Andrea (above) wore a one-shouldered draped gown with Empire-waist crystal trim detail that was very pretty and seemed to be one of those "high-low" gowns. However, I feel if you're going to show a "high-low" (short in the front/longer in the back) gown, the difference should be greater. Here, it looks like her gown is too short. She still looked gorgeous though.
**UPDATE on the Gowns: I actually heard from her fabulous Pageant Trainer--"El Soplon", Richard Rodríguez --via Twitter (the beauty of Social Media!), who told me something I already suspected: that the gowns were sponsored and that they actually were "given" their gowns the day of, the actual pageant and therefore, the girls had "little choice".

Fashion Diva:

Hostess With The Fashion Mostess: María José Suárez, co-host of the televised "Miss Spain 2011" Contest (above with Agustín Bravo). María José is a TV Presenter in Spain as well as of course, a former Miss Spain (in 1996). The Spanish Celeb Magazines just LUV her! She also wins my unofficial "Best Dressed of Miss España TV Show" Award. Wearing the same blush-colored type gown as the Semi-Finalists during the contest, she still somehow stood out for her elegance and overall "I've Won Already Ladies!" pose. This gown fits her to perfection. Note to the new Miss Spain: it's not too short...you barely see the shoes! Good job María José!

Sequined Goddess: And above (as any good DIVA TV presenter, María José had an outfit change), she looks STUNNING in a gold-and-blue ombre sequined strapless gown. She's almost looking at the new Miss Spain as if to hint to her "Mija, THIS is the gown, you should wear next time...at Miss Universe!"

Felicitaciones to the new gorgeous Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen!

Click below for video showing HIGHLIGHTS of the new "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, during the contest and being CROWNED:

Miss World 2011 is Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos--and my Miss World 2011 Finals Gown Review!

The Sixth Venezuelan Miss World!!!!

Who Me? Ivian Sarcos Miss World Venezuela 2010, wins "Miss World 2011", Earls Court London

Yes, kids, I am a week late but since I was away traveling on business, I am now back in my "Blogging Office", catching up. So let's get to my thoughts on last week's "Miss World 2011" Beauty Pageant and especially The Gowns, of course!! Last Sunday, November 6th, London crowned a new Queen. Well, a Beauty Queen, the 61st Miss World. Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, 22, from Venezuela, beat out 112 other beautiful women who were vying for one of the most coveted beauty titles in the world.

Drop The Crown: Alexandria Mills (from the USA), Miss World 2010 crowns the new Miss World 2011, Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos

Now, many of you know that I grew up in Caracas Venezuela, my sister was born there and well, needless to say, I will ALWAYS feel part Venezuelan--not to mention the fact that I LOVE Arepas!!!! So, yes, I was very happy that Miss Venezuela won.

Gown Central: The new Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela takes her throne, London's Earls Court

Ivian was one of the favorites to win and also had the total highest points--garnered from the "preliminary" Fast Track Competitions--coming into the Finals on Sunday night. Everyone knows that the South American nation of Venezuela is famous for "producing" the Most Beautiful Women on Earth--at least in terms of beauty pageants, and this win will continue the legacy.

Amazonian Warrior: Ivian Sarcos "Miss Venezuela" (and future Miss World) in her Amazonian Indian Costume, during the "Miss World 2011 Traditional Dance" segment where several contestants did national dances representative of their countries

In case anyone cares (Venezuela sure does!), this is the SIXTH "Miss World" title for that country. The most for any nation. Needless to say, Ivian is "set for life". You know how we covet, honor and look up to our Sports Stars in the US, well, same goes for the Venezuelan beauty queens who "do good" for their country.

Gracias: Ivian Sarcos, Miss World 2011 waves air kisses to the Earls Court audience, London

A little background on the new "Miss World": she was born in the State of Portuguesa, her parents passed away when she was 8, and she was raised by nuns (I know, it's like a DISNEY movie!). Oh, and there's more: she wanted to become a NUN. Obviously, something changed somewhere between wanting to be a nun and being a perfect size 2, 5' 11" gorgeous beauty who became "Miss World".

Let's discuss the Final Night's Gowns. Please!!!

Miss Venezuela (and new "Miss World 2011") Ivian Sarcos: During the Final telecast, all the 113 contestants introduced themselves and I kept seeing this BIG Ol' Krazee gown in the background and I remember thinking "Who Is That?", well, as they got to the end--alphabetically--Miss Venezuela came up to the mic and there she was! Arguably, if some actress wore this on the red carpet or to present at the Academy Awards, I can totally see people saying something to the effect of "She looks like a cross between Sesame Street's Big Bird and a Barbie Beauty Pageant Drag Queen on a NYC Gay Pride Float". But here, it's not on a red carpet or on the back of Angelina Jolie but a Miss Venezuela trying to make herself stand out amongst 113 other gowns. Did she? You betcha!!!

Bronzed Barbie: The pink iridescent organza high-low style ball gown with stiffened crinoline petticoat underneath and crystal-studded silk satin strapless bustier was designed by Pageant Go-To Designer Gionni Straccia. I was very surprised that it was one of his gowns. Although the gorgeous Swarovski crystal detail is very him, the big ball gown silhouette is not. In this interview for the Venezuelan newspaper "El Universal", he tells how Osmel Sousa, the Pageant Director of the Miss Venezuela Organization asked him to create a gown that would have "mucho show", meaning "very show-y/over-the-top". He also told him he wanted it "Barbie Doll...pink and fantasy-like".

Don't Step on my Train: Well, he achieved it. I give her TEN "Nick Points" for wearing it and for going there! Like I always say "No Should've Would've Could've Of". Ivian only had ONE chance to make a statement at the world's most important beauty pageant and she did! I can only IMAGINE what her other 112 fellow competitors thought when she all of sudden emerged from her changing area with THAT! You just know those other Latinas were like "Oh NO She Didn't! I want to CUT HER!"

Good Luck Next Year Huney...Now I Got a Plane To Catch: Ivian actually first wore the gown last month in Caracas, to crown her successor as "Miss World Venezuela". This was before she would get on a plane to London to compete in the Miss World. The photos above are from her backstage at the Miss Venezuela 2011 Pageant in October, as well as when she crowned the lovely woman who will compete next year for Miss World 2012.

The Rest of The Finalists' Gowns:

Pageant-licious: The Top 7 Finalists to Miss World 2011, in their evening gowns as they got ready for their final interviews. Standing amongst them, Ivian stood out like a Big Pink Sore Thumb as they say. The other girls might as well have been wearing bathrobes. But thank goodness they didn't. Let's review their gowns:

1st Runner Up: Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais--Gwen is half French and half Filipina and comes from an aristocratic French family (on her dad's side) that once played host to Queen Elizabeth II . The almost 6 foot tall beauty got the 1st Runner Up crown in her red chiffon gown with shirred torso and side cowl drape details and side front opening/slit. It was a very nice gown and very "Pageant 101" but something about it could have had a little more of a "Va Va Voom" sexy impact. I understand that the Miss World is the "sweet and innocent" sister to the "Sexy Goddess" of Miss Universe, so I'm sure this was a calculated move on her and the designer's part. Also, I didn't necessarily like that "Waterfall" hairstyle. But, on a good note: it makes a perfect spot to slip on a crown!

2nd Runner Up: Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Vilanova--This Caribbean Latina beauty also wore a red gown (popular color at the Miss World 2011 finals). Unlike Miss Philippine's , hers was fitted and of a stiffer silk ziberline fabrication with no slit and no flowing movement. It was, however, very sexy. I think Amanda exuded a Sofia Vergara-meets-Zuleyka Rivera Miss Universe 2006 look to her, that worked with this gown. It was a lot of gown and could have possibly done without the odd shoulder crystal trim. But darlings, when you gotta stand near Ivian "Miss Venezuela" Sarcos and HER gown, I guess, it's time to PILE on all the trim you can find!

The Rest:

Miss England 2011: Alize Lily Mounter--Alize is a model in her country and knows how to work it. I actually liked this all-over sequined ocean-blue gown. The color looked great on her and the one shoulder detail enhanced her fabulous torso and made for a great three-quarter shot--and thank goodness the slit wasn't up to her "Britney"! Is it a very "Pageant Betty"/Sherri Hill? Yes. But it works.

Miss Korea World 2011 Kyung Min Doe--Alright Girl, You Work It Huney! I thought this gown was FABULOUS! I thought she looked like a Spartan Goddess--or one of the Diva Mistresses of a Mongol King! She looked Diva-licious from head to toe. The gold fan-pleated lame gown was another one of those in the "That's A LOT" Gown category: it featured midriff crystal detail, rosette appliques in the shoulder and waist, plus a one-shoulder back "fall" drape. And if that wasn't enough, THAT HUGE necklace plus the diamante bracelets plus the 1976 bouffant hairstyle...wow! She's the Korean J Lo! And I Love It.

Miss Scotland 2011 Jennifer Reoch--Miss Scotland's black beaded strapless gown was very nice and quite elegant. It fit her just right. The length was also perfect. I admit, I'm not a fan of that choker necklace but I get why she felt she need to add it. She looks sweet but still red carpet appropriate.

Miss South Africa 2011 Bokang Montjane--Speaking of sweet, Miss South Africa takes the Sweetest Gown Crown. I liked her gown back when she first wore it at the "Miss World Top Model" fashion show. She wisely decided to wear it again. Bokang did an OUTSTANDING job at last week's Miss World 2011. She conducted herself with such class, had such aplomb and answered the final question beautifully. I was surprised she didn't place higher. The gown didn't take away from her "Baby Naomi Campbell" gorgeous looks and certainly only enhanced her "I'm a Classy Lady" demeanor. This is the girl you marry and who will be the Mother of your children, while Miss England and Miss Puerto Rico, well, those are the Mistresses!

Fabulosa y Bella: Ivian Sarcos, from Venezuela, the new Miss World, Earls Court London

Breakfast Interview: Ivian Sarcos, the new "Miss World 2011" in her first post-crowning TV interview the day after on ITV's "Daybreak" TV Morning Show, looking gorgeous in a fitted ivory lace dress with colored flower applique. Ivian doesn't speak English--as it was shown during the Final Telecast during the Interview portion of the Miss World 2011 Final. She also brought along an interpreter for the "Daybreak" interview, but I'm sure by next year, she'll be speaking it fluently--and in a British accent to boot!

Felicitaciones Ivian on becoming the new Miss World

Watch the Announcement of the Top Three, Plus the Crowning Moment of Miss World 2011:

Miss World 2011 Evening Gowns: The Costumed "Native Couture" Girls!

The Miss World Evening Gown National Costume Parade of Nations...

If you've been reading my recent posts in this blog, I've been "reviewing" the evening dresses featured in last week's "Miss World Top Model World Designer" fashion show presentation. The Miss World Finals are this Sunday and this was one of the "Fast Track" Competitions. Now, I must discuss the "Costumed" ladies of this fashion show presentation. These are the contestants who wore dresses that were a little bit "costume-y" either in its fabrication or style, "Native Couture", I like to call it. There are some fabulous creations here--as well as some "Oh No Huney!" dresses...you be the judge:

Let's begin with...

Miss Cote d'Ivoire 2011 Kohiman Kouadio: There's so many things going on in this dress: A) All those colors. B) The prints. C) The varying shapes happening--not only is there a mermaid silhouette, then there are bell-shapes to the sleeves. If there was a prize for how many design elements one can put in a dress, she would WIN! Love that smile! She's saying "You know you love my Crazee Couture!"...en francais, of course.

Miss Tanzania 2011 Salha Israel: Another one of my "Native Couture" ladies is Miss Tanzania. Now, this is what I call ORIGINAL. Miss Salha has no shame featuring this ensemble--and doing it with the aplomb of a model in a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Paris runway show!

Is it a bit "costume'y"? yes. But is it still HOT? In a CRAZY-Hot sort of way. The multi-colored beaded crochet netting, her headdress, those STACKED heels of hers. She looks likes she went out to catch some fish, then through on the netting as a dress and some heels and decided to go to a party afterward.

Miss United States Virgin Islands 2011 Esonica Veira: This Caribbean lovely went with a resort-inspired brightly printed halter-style dress that evokes a little bit of the flora-and-fauna of her islands. I like the colors, but not so sure it's THAT much of a statement-making dress. One can find this style--and even that type of print, in any Resort Boutique. She really should have gone all out and added an over-the-top Carnival-like feathered headdress to go with it.

Miss Indonesia World 2011 Astrid Elena: Speaking of feathers...How 'bout that hairstyle accessory? Don't know what it has to do with Indonesia but I'm all for it: loving the three red feathers and loving the red high-necked gown. The beaded applique is stunning and yes, it looks quite expensive. This look combines the theatricality of a costume with the three-feather accessory but, take those away, and it's a great red carpet-worthy gown.

Miss Botswana World 2011 Karabo Sampson: Yes, darling, we get it, Bostwana is in the continent of Africa. Therefore she went with a gold-and-black zebra printed strapless gown with some contrast gold metallic lamé at the bottom and a spotted animal print as well--thrown in for good "Safari" measure. It's A LOT of animal print. And somehow all I can think is that some 70's Pimp is missing his gold-and-black zebra printed RUG!

Miss Kenya 2011 Susan Anyango: Another African beauty, Susan Anyango of Kenya, also went the "Native Couture" route with this bright coral-and-black gown featuring slashed panels, godets, ruffles on the neckline and hem as well as printed applique. It's a little "Halloween-y" and "First Semester Fashion School Student" project. Again, ladies, LESS can be MORE! Oh, and I can never say this enough: stay away from the flammable POLY SATIN!

Miss Japan World 2011 Midori Tanaka: Love this Kimono-inspired creation. This is a perfect way to mesh both the "Evening Gown" and "World Designer/Native" elements. I absolutely LOVE that Kimono silk fabrication: stunning. I'm just not sure how the other gold fabrication goes with it.

Miss Barbados 2011 Taisha Carrington: Taisha went the "Avant Garde" route for her "World Designer" pick. She ends up in my "Costume-y" section because well, it's a bit on the "She's on a FLOAT at Carnival AND going to some fancy party at the Coral Reef Club in Saint James"...in the same NIGHT! I love the turquoise color and high-neck design and I actually don't mind those stiff princess-seam panels on the skirt. I wish the fitted shape would have continued as opposed to the full gathered satin bottom.

Miss Macedonia FYRO 2011 Vesma Jakimovska: What, in the name of the Fashion Gods, is this? The fully-sequined silver and black gown, the KRAZEE twisted details at the torso, shoulder and on the "arm band". AN ARM BAND!!!! And then, that's not enough: she finishes with a mini fascinator top hat! She's either going to a Gay Pride Parade in her country, or she's one of the singers at Eurovision. She gets points for even keeping a straight face through it all.

Miss Turkey World 2011 Gizem Karaca: Finally in my "Native Couture/Costume" section, I present to you Miss Turkey. First of all, I think the gown is fantastic! It looks expensive, well made and the gold-and-silver beading is OUTRAGEOUS. It's very ON-Trend with that all the top designers--from NY to Paris--are showing. And by just adding the gold trim as a headband accessory she goes into "I'm an Ottoman Empire Princess" territory. Simply Fab!