[caption id="attachment_6264" align="aligncenter" width="490"]The Neptune Theater in Seattle[/caption]   Back in St. Louis after a whirlwind weekend at the 2014 Miss Plus USA pageant in Seattle where Sydney's Closet was the official evening gown provider and a proud sponsor.  We were there for the highly anticipated moment when the winners were crowned on stage at the historic Neptune Theater.  Congratulations to the new 2014 Queens:

• Miss Plus USA Tara de Alicante, Miss Oregon Plus USA
• Miss Teen Plus USA Mackenzie Barnes Miss Oregon Teen Plus USA
• Miss Plus USA Woman Apriel Biggs from New York

The judges had a tough job.  Just ask Mat Librach, the COO of Sydney's Closet, who was on the panel that had to select the winners based on:

• personal interview
• personal introduction
• fitness
• evening gown competition

  [caption id="attachment_6262" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Judge and COO of Sydney's Closet Mat Librach[/caption]  

Evening Gown Competition

Must mention Mat made a fashion splash  in a black tuxedo by Ralph Lauren with scarlet bow tie and matching vest.  As the head designer everyone wanted to know if I made the color selection.  Sorry to say I can't take the credit.  Mat made his fashion savvy selection of formal wear on his own.   So Hollywood! On stage the contestants impressed the audience and judges when they walked the runway in dramatic plus size evening gowns.   Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Florida lit up the night in white gowns.  Miss California took her hue cue from the Pacific Ocean wearing an aquamarine sheath studded in rhinestones.  Miss Texas looked striking in a multi-color sequin gown with a peplum at the waist that showed off her great curves.   [caption id="attachment_6263" align="aligncenter" width="490"]2014 Miss Plus USA Contestants[/caption]   Thrilled to hear the applause when Holynde Gadson  Miss Georgia Plus USA walked on stage wearing Sydney's Closet "Obsession" plus size formal dress.  I had designed the strapless chiffon with a matching shawl.  Love how Holynde turned the shawl into off-the-shoulder straps.  So creative. What a great idea to share with everyone!   [caption id="attachment_6268" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Owner Phyllis and Miss Georgia[/caption]   The crowd said a sentimental  farewell to Tracy McNeal the reigning Miss Plus USA when she walked the runway for the last time wearing a Sydney's Closet sapphire blue flowing chiffon gown with a beaded bodice.  Kaydee Weddle, the  Teen Plus USA also opted to say "good bye" in a blue gown I designed for Sydney's Closet. She looked like a Prom Princess in a Sydney's Closet plus size ball gown in with sequin bodice, lace waistband layered tulle skirt. Highlight of the weekend getting to see so many friends of Sydney's Closet at the pageant: Chenese Lewis  looking striking in a purple one shoulder formal gown.  Tiffany Braxton, who wore a Sydney's Closet plus size wedding dress when she tied the knot, also looked stunning. Gwen DeVoe,  hostess and emcee extraordinaire , opened the pageant in an eye-popping one shoulder short white plus size cocktail dress. She made a quick wardrobe change to appear in a sunshine yellow  jersey slinky, a sexy formal that created a splash on and off stage. [gallery ids="6266,6265,6267"]