NICK APPEARANCES.....Judging the "Battle of the Strands" 2013 Finals Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas: The BLOG RECAP with LOTS of Pics!

This past week--last Monday--I flew to Las Vegas to judge for the second year--the fabulous "Battle of the Strands" hair, makeup and style competition. This year's competition was held at Pearl Theater in the Palms Casino Resort...





The contest featured many salons from all over the Continental United States--as well, as abroad (from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama). I arrived in Vegas, checked in to the Palms Casino Resort and then made my way to the Pearl Concert Theater, site of the Finals...to check out the "scene":












WM Squad Carolina Puerto Rico: Their inspiration was Madonna and Marie Antoinette (Hello!!) and I think they did a fabulous job! Look at that hair: UNBELIEVABLE! The costume was also very good. I'm usually not a fan of so much iridescence but here it totally worked.




L'Occoco Team, Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico: L'Occoco was inspired by Cher. I also think their entire ensemble had some touches of the iconic Aztec Calendar and Native influences. I was blown away by all the use of real human hair--and that CRAY-CRAY crystal-encrusted head atop the model's hair. Muy Bien!





Angel Rosario Salon San Juan Puerto Rico: Madonna was their inspiration and they took the "Vogue" theme to a more directional and not so overtly referential level. The heart-shaped hairstyle was amazing! In terms of fashion, I loved the bodysuit...and yes, the no-shirt boys :)





Miranda Beauty Group San Juan Puerto Rico: This team were influenced by Cher and a Sea Goddess.  The costume was STUNNING; so intricate, so much detail, so COUTURE. I loved it. This should definitely qualify to be the next National Costume for "Miss Puerto Rico Universe". For sure. The star fish-accented bouffant hairstyle was also very, very good!





House of Style Henderson Nevada: House of Style was inspired by Lady Gaga and her recent love of 1990s Versace. The black leather and gold studded vest and skirt were definitely an homage to that. The model also had a big ol' ship on her head as part of her hairstyle/headdress. I appreciated it all.





Peter Cardon Salon Guaynabo Puerto Rico: The Peter Cardon Salon created a whole look that was very Tango/Argentine Diva. I loved the peplum bustier and rosette-covered organza mermaid-shaped skirt. She was a definite "Red Carpet" Reina! So much so that I actually handed them an award as a result, for their fashion and style.




Charlie's Place Republic of Panama: This team gave it their all--when it came to the hair, makeup and fashion. It was so overwhelming that it was almost too mucheey. And I told them so. They were my "sentimental" favorite because my mommie is from Panama.



And The Winner Is...



Clark Russell Salon Lafayette California: The winner, Clark Russell Salon created such an incredible overall look--from the over-the-top hair to the spot-on costume that was obviously inspired by Cher and that Bob Mackie ensemble she wore at the 1986 Academy Awards. In case you didn't know, Cher asked Mackie to make her this over-the-top ensemble when she was asked to present an award at the 1986 Academy Awards. She had been snubbed by the Academy for a Best Actress award and well, she wanted to "Give It To Them!" when she appeared onstage.




Clark Russell "Battle of the Stands 2013" Winning Creation...and Cher at the 1986 Academy Awards--Clark Russell's creation was 110 % fantastic and the obvious winner. All the judges--including myself--were like "Done & Done!".





















Congratulations to the "Battle of the Strands 2013" Winner and See You Next Year!