Boston Rolls Out The "Rainbow Colored" Carpet...and the Runway...
Nick Verreos is Catwalking to Boston...on Monday night!!!
Tomorrow--as you may have read HERE, I am flying to Chicago to host a "Putting It All Together" Macy's Event at Macy's State Street on Saturday. And then, I'm off to Boston Massachusetts. Why Boston, you ask? Well, kids, I've been invited by the Fashion Society of Boston's Emerson College to give a very special lecture as part of their "Fashion Week Spring 2011" festivities.
In case you didn't know--The Fashion Society of Emerson College in Boston is celebrating Spring 2011 Fashion Week with several great events--fashion shows, a 'Top Model Contest"-- with ALL PROCEEDS going to The Trevor Project, best known for "It Gets Better" campaign.
As a big supporter of The Trevor Project, LGBT issues, and lover of Fashion...I am honored to be part of the events and on Monday April 4Th, I will be at Emerson College's Bill Bordy Theater for a very special appearance and lecture, entitled (Wait For It!)..."Fashion God: Nick Verreos" (if I can only LIVE up to that!!!). Of course, I'll also pose for Facebook pics afterward--and if you come, you have a good chance you might end up on THIS little ol' BLOG of mine because....YES, I will be posting a FUN Recap of my time in Emerson College! (in other words: DRESS to Impress Emerson College Fashionistas!!)
What: Nick Verreos Lecture on Fashion, Project Runway and LGBTIssues
The FIDM SF campus is located right in the heart of Union Square, one of the BEST--and most famous--shopping meccas in the world. I always love coming to the campus because I just LOVE the entire FIDM SF team and they always "roll out the red carpet" for me.
In addition, I always love looking at the great window displays they have as soon as one gets out into the 5th Floor "lobby" area. This time around, they had a display entitled "Pop Goes The 60's", showing colorful fashions of the 60's--from the FIDM SF "vault"--including a sassy red plaid pantsuit--accessorized by a chic red hat/turban--as well as...
A lemon-yellow wrap dress and one of my favorites, the apple-green silk shantung shift dress with encrusted sequin trim seen above on the right. But enough about the chic window displays...now onto the Open House...
Speech Mode: Nick Verreos at FIDM SF Open House 2011
After an entire morning of students, parents and families taking a tour of the FIDM SF Campus and getting to meet former graduates, faculty, the FABULOUS library, and classrooms, they get a special treat: I give my "Nick Inspiration" Lecture and share with everyone my story--from growing up in Caracas Venezuela sketching my mom and flight attendants--to finally pursuing my dream of becoming a fashion designer, attending FIDM and of course, my time on Project Runway. I was taken aback by HOW MANY people showed up for my "little ol' lecture":
It was Standing Room Only kiddies! I have been here before doing my "Nick Lectures" for past Open Houses but this was KRAZEE! (good krazee of course!). I think everyone in attendance really enjoyed it (they told me so afterward) and said that "It was really informative, inspirational" and added that I was "really funny!!".
Say "FASHION!": Nick Verreos poses with a Cuppertino-based high school Fashion Club, FIDM SF Open House 2011
Following this, I took photos with anyone who wanted as well as signed FIDM tote bags. As always, it was so much fun meeting everyone--from the high school students to their mommies and daddies!!
Spell Your Name: Nick Verreos signing FIDM tote bags, FIDM SF Open House 2011
Check out That Necklace: Nick Verreos poses with guest--and future fashion designer--FIDM SF Open House 2011
After the Open House was over, I still had several hours before I had to go back to SFO to catch my Virgin America (Love the Mood Lighting!) flight back to Los Angeles, so the FIDM SF ladies decided to send me off with some delicious cocktails and nibblings at...
Kuleto's on Powell in Union Square. Well, darling, the staff there was BEYOND-gracious as they showered my "party" with complimentary Champagne and yummy signature cocktails. Who knew someone at Kuleto's was a fan of Project Runway and TV Guide Red Carpet Shows and moi!? Needless to say, it was a great "Send Off" and a wonderful way to end a very successful Open House lecture. But wait...it wasn't over:
Posing Girls: Nick Verreos and Sutan "Raja" Amrull of "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3", Union Square San Francisco
All of a sudden, as I'm about to leave, I spotted a friendly face from LA: Sutan Amrull--"Raja Gemini" from "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3" just walking with his friends. Of course, I ran out and had to say "Hey Girl!" At the same time, we both asked "What are you doing here in SF???" and I told him I was doing my FIDM SF event and Miss Sutan was emcee'ing "Soiree 9: La Dolce Vita" 9Th Anniversary of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. We then posed and caused a minor scene right there and then, much to the delight of the German tourists walking by. Love me some Raja!!
Now...I was really ready to catch my flight back home to LA--Until next time SF...
I'm excited to announce that I will be flying to Chicago this weekend to host a very special "Putting It All Together" Event and Fashion Show at Macy's State Street! EVERYONE is invited--no RSVP needed: ALL of you are VIP! Hello!
I will host a fun event where: *I will ask members of the audience to style our models in the latest for Spring 2011 for "very special" scenarios--like "How To Dress For A Night Out" to "How To Dress For Your First Date".
*Then, the rest of the audience (make sure to bring your friends and families for applause back-up!) will chose the winners and they will get $100 Macy's Gift Cards!!! (Love that!).
*I'll be giving tips on the "do's" and "maybe not's" for Spring 2011 Fashion as well as What's On Trend. *If you come out, I'll be taking all the Facebook, Twitter, MySpace pics you want afterward and you might also (an added bonus) end up on my "Macy's Chicago Photo Recap" RIGHT HERE on my BLOG in an upcoming post!!! See you Saturday! Here Are The Details: What: Macy's "Putting It All Together" Fashion Event & Contest Hosted by Nick Verreos
Nick Verreos/NIKOLAKI Design for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown
As part of a "promo" run-up to the Lifetime Network premiere of the much-anticipated "William & Kate: Let Love Rule"movie--based on the romance (of course!) of Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton...
I was asked, along with many, many Project Runway Alumni (over 50 so far!), to submit a sketch for "my vision" for Kate Middleton's wedding gown. After much thought--about two seconds--I said "Of Course!".
As you may know from reading my NICKVERREOS.COM Blog here, I LOVE me a Royal Wedding and I also love me a Royal or two. Reading one too many "Hola!" Magazines as a young child in Venezuela (and still to this day!!) leads to this syndrome I call "Royalty OBSESSED".
I sketched out my idea for Kate's perfect wedding gown which was: An ivory silk mikado fit-to-flare column high-neck drop-shoulder gown with hand-encrusted Swarovski crystals at the neckline, waist and hem of the gown. It featured a plunging back and a detachable train with stiffened cascaded folds for dramatic architectural effect.
My design also has a Chantilly Lace and silk tulle veil and of course, the same Spencer Crown worn by Princess Diana on her Wedding Day (above). White gloves and THAT engagement ring finish off the look.
Hope you like my fashion illustration and design vision for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown.
Click HERE to check out some of the other great designs the former Project Runway designers sketched for Kate's "Big Day".
Toreador Entrance: Vogue Magazine European Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles at de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Grand Opening Party
This past weekend, I flew to San Francisco to make a special appearance at FIDM San Francisco's "Open House" (soon, a BLOG post on that!). There was something else that happened over the weekend in San Francisco which I unfortunately didn't get tickets to (or get on the VIP List for--insert sad face):
The Opening Night Bash for the de Young Museum's much-awaited "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition. Even though I didn't attend (I had to fly back to LA that night), I still found photos of the FABULOUS event. The Exhibition, curated by Vogue Magazine's European Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles with assistance from Fine Arts Museum Curator Jill D'Alessandro, just opened and will run through July 4Th. It spans the couturier's life and includes 120 pieces. I am returning to the City by the Bay in late June so...YOU KNOW I will be going so I'll have a complete report of the exhibition--I hope!
And now onto the Party: Well, as expected it was a "Who's Who" of San Francisco Elite who showed up, all decked out in their finest Oscar de la Renta's, Carolina Herrera's and Ralph Rucci's. All the last names that dot the grand homes of the Marina, Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Hillsborough: Getty, Traina, Wilsey, Hale...they were all in attendance for this black tie-and-gown affair. I'm sure the gown departments at Union Square's Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue were abuzz this last week! No borrowing here kids, it's all purchased! Even Anna Wintour made the transcontinental flight from NYC to San Francisco for the opening.
Here are some highlights of the Party Guests and their Couture:
Chatting Divas:Vogue Editor Anna Wintour (in Balenciaga sequined gown by Designer Nicolas Ghesquiere) and Fine Arts Museum/FAM Board President Dede Wilsey (who also has a Museum Court named after her!) wearing Oscar de la Renta lace and polka-dotted ball gown.
SF Doyennes: Exhibition Sponsor, the ever-elegant Denise Fitch, wearing Ralph Rucci silk tunic with feathers, and SF Retail Icon, Wilkes Bashford
All In Black: (Left to Right) Rosetta Getty, her husband, actor Balthazar Getty, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom
De Young Best Dressed: Serena Perkins, wife of Alec Perkins of Perkins Investment Management, wearing salmon pink silk taffeta Carolina Herrera
Blue Blood Class: Emma Fisher (left, in Rodarte) with her grandmother, exhibition co-sponsor (and Gap co-founder) Doris Fisher and mom, Randi Fisher
Mantillas: Alexis Traina, with her husband, Fine Arts Museum/FAM Trustee Trevor Traina and singer Vanessa Carlton
Flamenco Couture: Owner of "Ricky's Exceptional Treasures" Ebay Vintage Couture Store Ricky Serbin and Nob Hill Gazette social columnist Jennifer Raiser, wearing vintage Oscar de la Renta corseted red-and-black printed silk ball-gown
Perfect Couple: Investor and venture capitalist Bandel Carano and his wife, Paula Carano ,in a vintage Balenciaga black gown that looks very similar to...
This Balenciaga flamenco-inspired evening dress from a Vogue editorial in 1951. Photo by Henry Clarke forVogue.
Juicy Feathers: Juicy Couture founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy wearing matching black feathered vests
Black Swan Beauties: Rodarte designers Kate Mulleavy and her sister, Laura Mulleavy
A-List: Actress Gywneth Paltrow with Fine Arts Museum Trustee Juliet de Baubigny
Click Below for Video of Anna Wintour being interviewed as she arrives to the Grand Opening Bash:
Kate Hudson and Drew Barrymore: Style Stars--Hollywood Royalty
Over the weekend, a brand new episode of this season's "Style Star" TV show aired on the Style Network. This episode's theme: Hollywood Royalty. And it was all about actresses Drew Barrymore and Kate Hudson.
Naturally, I was asked to be one of the "Style Commentators"--along with my good friend Marcellas Reynolds, hair guru Ken Paves, and LA Times Image Section style writer and editor, Melissa Magsaysay--among others.
Nick Verreos on Style Network's "Style Star" TV Show
I absolutely LOVE me some Drew and Kate. Not just because they ARE Hollywood Royalty...but the fact that they are FEARLESS when it comes to fashion! The episode begins with a Style History of our lovely Miss Drew--yes, Drew Barrymore and it goes from her putting daisies in her hair to "OMG! She's Giving COUTURE!"
Of course, we discuss her "Valley of The Dolls" moment at "HBO's Grey Gardens" premiere...the bouffant hair, the halter gown with attached embroidered sequined neck piece: HOT!
To her 2010 Golden Globes Haute Couture Moment, wearing that Atelier Versace champagne-colored silkgown with the "sea urchin" sequined shoulder and high-hip detail. remember, it was raining and someone forgot to put a TARP at the Hilton Red Carpet (Notice the wet hem!). Need I remind you, that gown would probably retail at about $80,000. Yes, FOUR zeros kids.
And now, onto Kate Hudson:
Of course, there is some discussion on "Style Star" regarding her Custom Chloe gown by then-designer Stella McCartney at the 2001 Academy Awards. Many style bloggers consider this one of the "All-Time Worst" of the Academy Awards Red Carpet. I don't think the gown was half-bad. The 80's "Kindness Perm" hair style was what did it for me. However...
Goldie's talented--and stylish--daughter, came back, in 2003 at the 75Th Annual Academy Awards in a gorgeous nude Atelier Versace gown that well, pretty much put her in the "Hall of Fame" of "Best Dressed at the Oscars".
To check out the Episode and when it is airing next...Click HERE!
Macy's Prom Dates: Kelly Osbourne and Nick Verreos onstage, "Material Girl" Party, Macy's Beverly Center (Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)
Last Thursday, I had the great opportunity to host a Macy's "Material Girl" Party and Event and more importantly, officially introduce to Southern California the one-and-only Kelly Osbourne as the new Face for Madonna and daughter Lola's FABULOUS--and very successful--clothing line!
The Right Color Tie: Nick Verreos on the pink carpet of Macy's "Meet Kelly Osbourne/Material Girl" Bash(Photo courtesy of Faye Sadou)
In case you didn't know--I do lots of events for Macy's, traveling across the country and Puerto Rico (LOVED going to La Isla del Encanto last year!), hosting in-store events and fashion shows (next week I'll be traveling to Chicago and the Detroit area to host TWO upcoming Macy's "Putting It Together" Events---more on that soon!!). So, I guess some of the VERY SMART (hee hee!) Macy's execs decided "Hey, let's get Nick to host Kelly Osbourne's 'Material Girl' party!" Done and done...
Look Who's Here! Nick Verreos at the entrance of the "Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne" Party, Macy's Beverly Center
I had never met Kelly officially (a close "Six Degrees of Separation" however, since her co-anchor on E! Fashion police, Giuliana Rancic just wore one of my NIKOLAKI designs on the show!) so I was beyond-excited to finally get to say "Cheers!".
Upon arriving to the Macy's Beverly Center, I headed straight to the Level One Junior's Dept. where it had been transformed into a "Material Girl" Party VIP Lounge (above and below photos) with black-and-white striped couches, flat screen TV's, bubblegum pink pillows, candy jars with lots of REAL candy as well as...
A DJ, Lipstick Reader (she can analyze you by reading your lipstick "kiss") and a High-Definition Photo "booth" rounded out the ambiance of this soon-to-be FAB event! I then went up to where Kelly was holding Media Interviews before the event to give her a hug and tell her what fun we would have together!
Pink Carpet Smile: Nick Verreos Macy's Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne Event
Finally, it was time for the party: Pink Carpet(!), TONS of photographers and press, as well as a Packed house of many many young girls--and their moms--waiting to meet Kelly and see this season's new "Material Girl" collection (exclusively at Macy's!!).
Fashionista Girl: Kelly Osbourne, Material Girl Event Macy's Beverly Center
The press went KRAZEE with flashbulbs snapping a mile a minute the second she stepped on the carpet, wearing a cropped chambray denim shirt, polka-dotted and flower-print skirt ensemble--all from the "Material Girl" line of course!
Le Smooches: Nick Verreos introduces Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center(Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)
I finally introduced Miss Kelly as the NEW FACE of the line and brought her onstage for a fun tête-à-tête (Francais for "head-to-head" or conversation). I asked her all the questions EVERYONE in the audience wanted to ask...
The Kelly-Nick Show: Nick Verreos interviews Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center
Questions like: When did Kelly first meet Madonna? What was it like when her and daughter Lola asked her to be the new Spokesmodel? Who are her Style Muses? What is she listening to--music wise--and what is her next project. This Q & A portion of the party was soon followed by questions to the audience--that had to do either with Madonna, Lola, Kelly or the "Material Girl" line--and those who answered correctly, won $50 Macy's Gift Cards!! (Hello!!!)
Denim & Flowers: A look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011
Then of course, it was time for the FASHION--and the exclusive "Material Girl" fashion show!! Ten beautiful models hit the runway showing the latest styles from the collection. In case you want to know what's HOT for Spring 2011 "Material Girl":
Paper Bag: A Look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011
Washed-and-distressed denims, "Flower Power" prints, hippie-chick meets rocker girl, neon colors, bubblegum pinks, yellows, black-and-whites, minis, leggings, patent pumps, and PILE On the jewelry! Think 1984 Pat Benatar with a little Joan Jett with a dose of Cyndi Lauper thrown in to the mix and yes, of course, some Madonna.
Material Girls: Nick Verreos and Kelly Osbourne, flanked by models wearing "Material Girl" Collection, Macy's Beverly Center(Photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)
The event was a complete success and I sure as heck ain't lying when I say: I HAD SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!! I loved and enjoyed every minute! Miss Kelly Osbourne was so sweet, so effusive with her excitement and a class act! Huney, we could have spent TWO more hours discussing fashion, the 80's and how much we LOVE Madonna and the Material Girl line!!!
Is My Tie On STRAIGHT? Nick Verreos and David Paul in the "Material Girl" Party HD Photobooth
After the Q & A, Fashion Show and Macy's Gift Card Contests were over, the party continued and... of course, my NIKOLAKI design partner--and better half--David Paul, and I were "coaxed" into the HD Photobooth, where, yes, we tried out our "Vogue'ing" as an homage to Miss Madonna. Two Material Boys workin' it! Or so we think :)
Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com
Until next time...Thank you to EVERYONE who attended!!!! And Congrats to all the winners of the Macy's $50 Gift Cards (I'm jealous!)
*ClickHEREto read all about the event--with additional great photos--on California Apparel News' ApparelNews.net BLOG
And...Click Below for videos of my Q & A with Kelly Osbourne at the Macy's Beverly Center "Material Girl" party...as well as...the madness of the Photographers/Press when Kelly hit the Pink Carpet!!!
Nick Verreos is Catwalking to Boston...on Monday night!!!
In case you didn't know--The Fashion Society of Emerson College in Boston is celebrating Spring 2011 Fashion Week with several great events--fashion shows, a 'Top Model Contest"-- with ALL PROCEEDS going to The Trevor Project, best known for "It Gets Better" campaign.
As a big supporter of The Trevor Project, LGBT issues, and lover of Fashion...I am honored to be part of the events and on Monday April 4Th, I will be at Emerson College's Bill Bordy Theater for a very special appearance and lecture, entitled (Wait For It!)..."Fashion God: Nick Verreos" (if I can only LIVE up to that!!!). Of course, I'll also pose for Facebook pics afterward--and if you come, you have a good chance you might end up on THIS little ol' BLOG of mine because....YES, I will be posting a FUN Recap of my time in Emerson College! (in other words: DRESS to Impress Emerson College Fashionistas!!)
What: Nick Verreos Lecture on Fashion, Project Runway and LGBT Issues 
