SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe Thailand 2014: Elie Saab-inspired Gowns, The Controversy

Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut 

Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

This past Saturday night, in a glitzy ceremony in Bangkok's Royal Paragon Hall in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, the representative to wear the Miss Thailand sash at this year's Miss Universe pageant was crowned; Miss Universe Thailand 2014 is 22 year-old Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut.

Stand Still Girl! Miss Universe Thailand 2013 Chalita Yaewannang crowns "Miss Universe Thailand 2014" Weluree Ditsayabut 

Swimsuit Short: The new "Miss Universe Thailand 2014" Weluree Ditsayabut

The 1.70 M (approximately 5' 6") tall beauty beat out 39 other contestants for the top title. Weluree was actually not the favorite to win, especially since she was considered short for a top "Beauty Pageant Winner" spot.

Top Three: (L to R) First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew, Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree Ditsayabut, and 2nd Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan

Above photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

Model Fab: First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew

The favorite--Pimbongkod Chankaew--actually got First Runner-Up. And in case you were wondering, she is 5' 11" (see above pics). Usually in these international pageants, it's a good bet that the taller girls win (take a look at most of the past "Miss Venezuela's" who've been 5' 10" + for example and done quite well at the "Miss Universe" pageant). But it was not to be for this tall Thai beauty; the shorter woman won. And Congrats to her! The Controversy:

New "Miss Universe Thailand not a fan of the Red-Shirts

Soon after Weluree was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2014",--as it has been the norm--people started looking on the web and internets--and it was discovered that she had made some not-so-nice remarks on her Facebook page (it's public, kids!! Hello!).

Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

The new Thai beauty queen had accused pro-government red-shirt supporters of being anti-monarchist and said that Thailand would be "cleaner" without them. Uh Oh! Weluree received a storm of negative comments with many saying she was "unfit" to be Miss Universe Thailand. This morning on Thai TV, she apologized for her "inappropriate behavior". Oh, and in case you don't watch BBC World News, you might not know that there's been a lot happening in Thailand--politics-wise. You might want to go HERE to brush up on that.

Now, let's discuss the GORGEOUS Gowns:

Sequined Semi-Couture: I have to say that after seeing the photos of the gowns the contestants wore at this weekend's Miss Universe Thailand 2014 pageant, I am beyond Gown-impressed! Whoever designed and created these gowns: KUDOS! If any one reading this from the Thai--or Beauty Pageant--community has any details on who designed these gowns, I'd LOVE to give them credit.

 Miss Universe Thailand Gown Inspired: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2013 (left) and Spring 2013 (right)

The evening gowns were VERY Elie Saab Haute Couture beautiful; well-made, well-fitting, and red carpet fab. If these were not Elie Saab, these were THE BEST Knock-Off's I've ever seen!

Fashion Divas: Miss Universe Thailand 2014 contestants, Evening Gown Competition

Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

Winner Gown: The gown that the eventual winner, Weluree Ditsayabut, wore was a blush gown with sleeves covered in sequined applique. The gown was beautiful and well-done. It was also very red carpet NOW and the new direction in Pageant Gowns. Her side-swept hair and not-too-done makeup was just right.

Right Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

First Runner-Up--and favorite to win, Pimbongkod Chankaew, looked like PERFECTION in her nude/blush sequin-over-netting cap sleeved plunging neckline gown. This was a TEN for me. Gorgeous.

Second Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan: Loved this gown as well. It was another nude/blush colored netting-over-sequined applique design with sleeves and gathered bust detail. Beautiful, elegant and chic.

Speaking of Elegant and Chic...

Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

Last year's Miss Universe Thailand, Chalita Yaewannang, looked gorgeous in this violet-gray sequins-over-netting gown. The dress was very Elie Saab Couture...and she looked every bit a QUEEN.

The Top Three: (L to R) First Runner-Up Pimbongkod Chankaew, Miss Universe Thailand 2-14 Weluree Ditsayabut, and 2nd Runner-Up Sunannipar Kritsanasuwan

Thai Miss Queens: (L to R) Miss Universe Thailand 2012 Nutpimon Farida Waller,  Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Weluree Ditsayabut, and Miss Universe Thailand 2013 Chalita Yaewannang

Photo Courtesy of thaimiss.com

Click Below for the Miss Universe Thailand 2014 Crowning Moment: