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December 20, 2012

The Most Memorable Gowns From the Miss Universe Pageant

By Diana Tsui

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Photo: David Becker/Getty Images

Normally Miss Universe is a welcome break during the madness of New York Fashion Week. But for some inexplicable reason, pageant organizers decided to hold it right before the holidays. Sadly, any hope for an over-the-top Christmas spectacle featuring dancing elves and a rousing rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” were dashed the moment the opening sequence began. In an array of pastel-hued Sherri Hill bandage dresses and glittery Chinese Laundry platform sandals, the contestants paraded across the stage as the introduction voice-overs failed: Apologies to any contestants who had the unfortunate luck of being at the beginning of the alphabet, no one knew your name!

If that wasn’t a cue that the producers were phoning it in before heading out on vacation, the subsequent slow interpretative dance to Avicii’s “Levels” while the girls wore bikinis cemented the fact. Thankfully, the evening-gown competition did not disappoint, with festive dresses that featured everything from green tinsel to sparkly bodysuits. In the end, Miss USA’s Olivia Culpo, wearing a plunging red-velvet creation by Georges Hobeika Couture, claimed the crown over Miss Phillipines, Janine Tugonon. Congrats to the new Miss Universe, may you wear more spectacular themed gowns. For the rest of us, click ahead to see the gowns of the top ten contestants, plus a bonus photo of quite possibly the best-dressed attendee in the entire universe.

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1 / 12 Photos
Miss France, Marie Payet Taylor Swift is probably reporting a theft from her closet right now. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus Or maybe it was a joint heist, Bling Ring - Beauty Queen Edition. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss South Africa, Melinda Bam Fashion commentator Jeannie Mai was quick to point out that these were no ordinary sequins, they were actually lea... Miss South Africa, Melinda Bam Fashion commentator Jeannie Mai was quick to point out that these were no ordinary sequins, they were actually leather pailettes. Edgy! Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss Australia, Renae Ayris No evening gown competition would be complete without at least one bridal-esque concoction. Simply add a veil an... Miss Australia, Renae Ayris No evening gown competition would be complete without at least one bridal-esque concoction. Simply add a veil and voilà, instant New York Times announcement.
Miss Hungary, Agnes Konkoly The theme of the night should have been "Cut a Slit in It." Photo: Marcel Thomas/2012 Marcel Thomas
Miss Russia, Elizabeth Golonova When in Vegas, no amount of sparkle and skin is enough.  Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss Mexico, Karina Gonzalez It's always so awkward when you're wearing the same dress to a fancy party. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Im... Miss Mexico, Karina Gonzalez It's always so awkward when you're wearing the same dress to a fancy party. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss Venezuela, Irene Esser For a mere $33.24, your Christmas tree can look identical. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss Phillipines, Janine Tugonon Talk about commitment to a look: Even her shoes are the same icy blue shade! Photo: David Becker/2012 Get... Miss Phillipines, Janine Tugonon Talk about commitment to a look: Even her shoes are the same icy blue shade! Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo Mrs. Claus goes haute couture. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network's How Do I Look? It's only appropriate for the fashion commentator to wear the biggest trend of the night: Th... Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network's How Do I Look? It's only appropriate for the fashion commentator to wear the biggest trend of the night: The bodysuit-meets-sarong gown. Quick, start a Pinterest board on how to DIY now! Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
Lisa Vanderpump's dog, Giggy Clearly, the true winner of the night. Photo: David Becker/2012 Getty Images
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Tags:

  • miss universe 2012
  • fancy pageant walking
  • other kinds of queens
  • olivia culpo

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