About .0000005 seconds after I read Jovani's new pageant line was out, I was on the website looking at their newest designs. I was actually on the site so quickly that as I looked, more dresses were added. So I waited (semi) patiently while watching Craft Wars on TLC. Side note, I'll never be as creative as those people on the show.
Back to dresses. For those unfamiliar with the pageant dress scene, there are a few main players. Sherri Hill is HUGE and has been for years now, Claire's collection is classic, Jovani is a regular on stage, MacDuggal is up and coming, and Tony Bowls is good. They are all competitors, friends, and seen all over the pageant world. First, I must say I'm very particular about dresses as I have had the blessing of owning amazing dresses from many of the designers above. New line releases are kinda like the NFL draft for me. It's serious but fun as I know I'll see these designs on stage the following year at state pageants. I know what I like, what I don't, and what should be changed. That being said, I know any of these dresses will become some girls dream and they will rock that stage, feeling like a million bucks and own it. But for now, get ready for the critiques.
Jovani's new pageant line features feathers, sky high slits, spectacular and intricate beading, chiffon, satin, and velvet (cue This is what Dreams are Made Of from the Lizzy McGuire Movie. What? Only me? Nevermind.) One of the dark haired models, Raina Hein, is recognizable from America's Next Top Model, cycle 14. Also, she went to my k-8 school and my mom taught her art. Small world.
Am I seeing double? One of the things I observed when looking at the line was how familiar some of the designs are. I can only assume this is Jovani's response to claim the sales of some of the top-selling dresses of other designers such as Sherri Hill or MacDuggal. You be the judge. Inspiration or knock off?
Back to dresses. For those unfamiliar with the pageant dress scene, there are a few main players. Sherri Hill is HUGE and has been for years now, Claire's collection is classic, Jovani is a regular on stage, MacDuggal is up and coming, and Tony Bowls is good. They are all competitors, friends, and seen all over the pageant world. First, I must say I'm very particular about dresses as I have had the blessing of owning amazing dresses from many of the designers above. New line releases are kinda like the NFL draft for me. It's serious but fun as I know I'll see these designs on stage the following year at state pageants. I know what I like, what I don't, and what should be changed. That being said, I know any of these dresses will become some girls dream and they will rock that stage, feeling like a million bucks and own it. But for now, get ready for the critiques.
Jovani's new pageant line features feathers, sky high slits, spectacular and intricate beading, chiffon, satin, and velvet (cue This is what Dreams are Made Of from the Lizzy McGuire Movie. What? Only me? Nevermind.) One of the dark haired models, Raina Hein, is recognizable from America's Next Top Model, cycle 14. Also, she went to my k-8 school and my mom taught her art. Small world.
Am I seeing double? One of the things I observed when looking at the line was how familiar some of the designs are. I can only assume this is Jovani's response to claim the sales of some of the top-selling dresses of other designers such as Sherri Hill or MacDuggal. You be the judge. Inspiration or knock off?
 Sherri Hill |  Jovani |
 MacDuggal |  Jovani |
 MacDuggal |  Jovani |
One theme of the collection this year is open backs. I've always been a huge fan of this look as it's classy, timeless, and sophisticated. However, sometimes for stage it may not be the best if there is an extremely conservative judge. For giving up a title it's a fabulous look because rules don't apply as you're not competing. The left is a blue velvet which, on the right girl could look really great but in the photos it doesn't look like fit is the best. The right dress I really love. Just enough bling paired with a fabulous and simple bottom.
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Another theme I noticed is actually a throwback to a few years ago. A lot of the dresses feature a beaded and somewhat sheer bodice with a simple bottom. I like the look as it flatters a large amount of pageant girl's figures, often seen in a halter top (left photo). It is paired with a fuller tulle bottom in the right hand picture which may be great for serious Jr. Teen competitors. Will this look come back and stick or phase out again?
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Feathers. I have mixed feelings about dresses with them. First, they molt which is annoying but they can also look really classy. The main problem is that they don't allow the figure to be seen. They add volume which is okay on a small framed competitor but can sometimes ad the illusion of pounds. Jovani debuts a few dresses with feathers in this fall's collection but I have to say I'm not in love with the designs. Props for trying to add rhinestones to the design, but I feel the feathers on these designs would distract from the girl competing.
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Two out of the three short dresses shown really amazed me. The beading on both are incredible and play with the same color schemes. The dress on the left is an amazing, classy long sleeved cocktail. The right is a heavily beaded strapless which uses details to accentuate an hourglass figure.
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And of course I have a few favorites. Both dresses below exemplify everything I love about dress shopping. Intricate top with lace and beading, exemplifying the curves of womens' bodies, and a fabulous flair bottom. What's not to love?
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And then a curve ball. Jovani throws something new and unique into the pageant arena. It's edgy, yes, but will it attract the pageant crowd? I'm not a fan of how the models' butts are hanging out of the body suits but could the idea overall hold? Sherri Hill also introduced this concept when Kendall Jenner walked the runway in a bright pink body suit with dramatic satin. This may be great for the runway, but body suits with overlay for a pageant? I'm not so sure... I guess the pageant world will wait and see. If anyone would try this look, I'm betting it's one of the Miss USA or Miss Universe girls.
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So there we have it. A quick overview of Jovani's new pageant line. I'm excited to see some of these designs on the stage but I'm a little hesitant about others. Jovani is pushing the envelope while still providing a large quantity of "safe" gowns any pageant girl will love which is a good strategy to keep your customer base loyal but give them edgy options. Overall I like the open back, not sure how long the sheer top will stay, hate the feathers, like the shorts, LOVE the details of beading but not quite sure about the body suits. I'm a little disappointed in the redesigns we see from MacDuggal and Sherri Hill but perhaps this is exactly what some pageant girls are looking for. Your thoughts?
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