FIDM 18th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition: Nick Verreos Gets a Sneak Peak!

And The Best Costume Design Award Goes To...

Crinoline Happy: Nick Verreos at the 18Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit, FIDM Museum and Galleries

Photo courtesy of: Photos(c)Berliner Studio/BEImages

This weekend was Super Bowl Weekend, I know. However, me and football, well, not so much...I stopped watching after Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake had their now-infamous "Wardrobe Malfunction". Boy, those were the days!

Instead of going to some nacho-and-beer filled Super Bowl Pre-Party, I was invited to attend the 18TH Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit Party at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, the very school I teach at.
Where's Fergie? David Paul and Nick Verreos of Nikolaki, stand in front of the "Nine" Costumes

I always look forward to this particular exhibit since I am a big fan of movies and obviously, fashion. Also, my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul--who holds a Masters in Costume Design from UCLA and is a member of the Motion Picture Costumers Union--has educated me A LOT on the art of Costume Design and all its nuances.
Be Italian: Colleen Atwood-designed Costumes from Nine. Costume Tidbit: One Million Swarovski crystals were used on these costumes!

The exhibit, which officially opens Tuesday February 9Th, features the costumes from four of the five Academy Award Best Costume nominated films: Bright Star; Costumes designed by Janet Paterson, Nine; Costumes designed by Colleen Atwood, the Young Victoria; Costumes designed by Sandy Powell, and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus; Costumes designed by Monique Prudhomme. The only one not present were the costumes from Coco Before Chanel.Time Traveler: Academy Award nominated Costume Designer for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Monique Prudhomme and Nick Verreos

Photo courtesy of: Photos(c)Berliner Studio/BEImages

Canadian designer Monique Prudhomme was actually in attendance at the Gala last night receiving all the much-deserved praise for her Academy Award Best Costume Design Nomination. I introduced myself to her and we spoke at length on such diverse subjects as how she found one of the Corsets in the film to speaking a bit of French when one goes to France and finally we even touched on how incredibly ridiculous the hotel prices at the Vancouver Olympics are ($800 for the Best Western, I checked--trust me!).

Costume Divas: Nick Verreos, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Costume Designer Monique Prudhomme, A Single Man Costume Designer Arianne Phillips, and Andrae Gonzalo

Photo courtesy of: Photos(c)Berliner Studio/BEImages

Also present at the party was the fabulously talented Arianne Phillips, who designed the costumes for Tom Ford's film A Single Man. I was chatting with my Season 2 Project Runway contestant-buddy, Andrae Gonzalo, when I saw Arianne and of course, I had to say "hello" and give praise to her retro-chic designs which also happen to be in the Exhibit. Arianne Retro: Arianne Phillips-designed Costumes for A Single Man

Also represented in the exhibition are costumes from Inglourious Basterds, Sherlock Holmes, Amelia, as well as Pedro Almodovar's Broken Embraces (Los Abrazos Rotos) among others. A highlight of this tableaux was the authentic Chanel gold-chain-detail black dress which Almodovar muse Penelope Cruz wore in the film.
A MUST for Trekkies around the World are the Michael Kaplan-designed costumes from Star Trek, which are also in the exhibit.
It was great seeing the furry over-sized creatures from Where The Wild Things Are. Andrae and I were fascinated by the life-like nap in the faux fur.

Victorian Couture: The Young Victoria Costumes

I especially loved seeing the stunning gowns from The Young Victoria. This display is pretty grand--mirroring the costumes. It's so interesting to see Queen Victoria in something other than what we are used to: Black, drab funeral gowns.
DO NOT miss getting up close and personal (as close as you can without a security guard escorting you out!) to these "Young Victoria" gowns. The Duchesse silk satin, the brocades, the embroideries, the cartridge pleating...Absolutely stunning!
Finally: We Are Cooking with...
the Ann Roth-designed costumes for Julie & Julia. I loved this film and couldn't wait to see them. David pulled me aside, as we got in front of these costumes and pointed out the wonderful play on proportion and length which Roth ingeniously devised to make actress Meryl Streep seem as tall as the real Julia Child, who was six foot two, thank you very much!
Check out these wedges: On the left are when she was by herself in the film. The higher and much more stacked ones (right), were the ones Streep wore when she had to stand next to her co-stars. How can I get a pair of those??

*The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition runs from February 9Th to April 17Th at the FIDM Museum and Galleries, FIDM Downtown Los Angeles. And it's FREE and Open To The Public. Click HERE for more info.

Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap: Campbell's Soup Dresses are Mmm Mmm Bad!

Red, White and Soup:Tim Gunn and The Campbell's Red Dress Muses

This last week's Project Runway episode, "Design Your Heart Out", had promise of a good thing. The designers were told to create a signature dress for the Campbell's AdDRESS Your Heart Campaign, to be worn at the Red Dress Awards during NY Fashion Week by women who had been impacted in one form or another by Heart Disease. Monsieur Gunn also instructed them that the color red must be prominent in their design and the Campbell's Logo/Branding must also be present in one way or another. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was the iconic "Andy Warhol Souper Dress": I'm sure a lot of jaded fans of Project Runway scoffed at the Ain't-Got-No-Shame use of branding and I agree that there are ways in which it is used that are oh-so-tacky (NBC's Biggest Loser and the "Chew some Extra sugarfree gum and it will curb your appetite!" brand plug comes to mind). But I had no problem with the designers instructed to make a dress for Campbell's and such an amazing campaign. The designers met with their "real women" models, discussed their heartwarming stories and proceeded to design the outfit that would make everyone gasp as they walked into a room full of New York fashionistas. On hand for the runway judging was Mrs. Harvey Weinstein, the gorgeous Georgina Chapman, co-founder and co-designer of Marchesa.

Now onto the runway:Let me just begin by saying that I really hate to be a "Negative Ninny" but what I witnessed on the runway--for the most part--was a mess! I was shocked. For two years in a row, I have been privileged enough to have either hosted or judged the Macy's Seattle Project Red Dress Gala and Competition for the American Heart Association. And these dresses, which were made by local Seattle design STUDENTS (with only 16 hrs and $200 for material) were all much better than anything I saw on this week's episode (save for Amy Sarabi's winning design). Why so much shiny cheap-looking fabrics, why so many uninspiring designs and why the absence of contemporary looks? With that in mind, let's just praise the one good dress in this challenge. As one dress after another came sashaying down the runway, I thought to myself: "OK, this is not looking good for anybody". Until Amy's dress appeared. Her strapless Silk Chiffon Empire Gown looked glamorous and appropriate to create a statement at the Red Dress Awards. The fit was perfect and it was ideal for the model's body-type. Congratulations Amy! I was thrilled that the judges felt the same way and awarded her the Top Prize.

The Not-so-Good "Campbell Soupers":Anthony Williams' look made great use of the Campbell's branding (on the top) but that stiff satin fabric did not help the model, the sleeveless design is a definite no-no and the skirt was three inches too short. But, Lordy did she work that runway! She gets points for that and I loved the interaction between Miss Anthony and his muse.
Mila's red and white "Star Dress" was not a red carpet NY Fashion Week dress. It was more Fourth of July-meets-Drag Queen Bingo Night at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood! Again, why the stiff taffeta fabric? I know that this was one of the judges favorites, but it was too costume-y for my taste.

And now, let's take a trip to the Mall, circa 1985:Oh Jesee. You are everyone's new hottie boyfriend and could be a shoe-in for a Christian Bale look-a-like contest but why this dress? I know the judges somehow liked it (what are they drinking backstage?), but I just didn't get it. It was not flattering or contemporary. The cropped sloping-shoulder on his white satin jacket came straight out of the closet of a Van Halen groupie from 1985.I did like the plunging sweetheart neckline (even though the construction is questionable) which showed off her Cha-Cha's. And everyone knows how much I love me some Cha-Cha's, but was there really no other fabric than shiny satin?!
And now, let's take a drive to Laguna Beach:During his Direct-to-camera interview this week, designer Jesus Estrada told us that he was sure he would be in the top this week. I think he was drinking the same thing the judges were backstage. Too-tight and shiny red satin (again)? Diamante crystal straps? Was she competing for the Mrs. Bakersfield Pageant or going out to her anniversary dinner at the Chart House in Newport Beach? It was SO Vicki of "Real Housewives of Orange County"! Compare Jesus' face to the rest of the designers: Amy, Mila, Emilio and Anthony need "Pop Up Bubbles" saying "Oh Dear!"

I have to agree with Michael Kors on this one, saying that it was a "checklist of everything that can turn tacky...and combined into one garment ". Even his fellow designers couldn't keep their "Oh Dear what is that?" looks off their faces when his design came down the runway...Enough said. With that Jesus Estrada was out--surprised to be out--but out none the less.
See you next week kiddies!

TV Guide Grammys Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba and Nick Verreos: Video plus Photos!!

The Best, Not So Best, and Why I Have A Crush on the Jonas Brothers (their style, of course!)...The Red Carpet TV Guide Network "Choir": Jennifer Rade, Nick Verreos, Kim Vo, Carrie Ann Inaba (in NIKOLAKI) and Lawrence Zarian

On Monday, I taped my TV Guide Fashion Wrap--the Grammy Awards Edition--with hostess and Red Carpet "Moderator" and Dancing With The Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba. I just found out that it was the HIGHEST RATED Grammys Fashion Wrap in TV Guide history (yeaaay!!!). Also, you may remember that she wore a NIKOLAKI dress on Sunday when she co-hosted the TV Guide Grammys Red Carpet Show. And now for the Fashion Wrap, I decided to dress her again--in a black silk jersey cowl draped dress with leather shoulder accents. Two NIKOLAKI's in two days! Also, the entire set was donned with NIKOLAKI gowns and dresses, in case you think those dresses in the background look a bit "familiar".
Guitar Hero: Carrie Ann Inaba, wearing a NIKOLAKI silk and leather dress, with NIKOLAKI gowns in the background, TV Guide Fashion Wrap Set

As always, I had a lot of fun with my fellow panel of experts, including Lawrence Zarian, Jen Rade--who styled Carrie Ann, as well as Pink on Grammy night. Also, giving his opinion on the hairstyles of the night, was the one and only Kim Vo--hairstylist and colorist TO THE STARS! Hear (and watch) what he has to say about doing Miss Britney Spears hair for the night--as well as all our other fun and crazy commentary--including some insightful dish on designers, collections, and what the stars are wearing. Yes, I try and give some information and educate--as well as give my fun "Nick" two cents. In case you missed the show...

CLICK BELOW for the entire 2010 Grammys Fashion Wrap:

Out and About: Nick Verreos attends the Necessary Baggage Lauch Party!!!

Downtown Los Angeles Loungin'...
Last week, to take a break from 12 hours of teaching and way-too-many-hours of draping-and-making-patterns-for-Grammy-dresses, I decided to venture out in my 'hood--Downtown Los Angeles, that is... My good friend Susie Im, PR DIVA for Bebe, invited me to a fun Launch Party for a new Men's Loungewear Line, Necessary Baggage. Boxer Models: Dan Glenn, Brett Washington, Andy Bowland, Jordan Koestner

PS: Love that name! She told me that there would be male models in underwear, cocktails, hors d'oeurvres and it would be a fab location. Done and done. Posing Buddies: Designer Angelo Estrada and Model Amanda Fields (in NIKOLAKI jacket)

I decided to "drag" my good friends, Project Runway Season 3 Model Amanda Fields (who is about to leave for New York for NY Fashion Week castings!) and designer Angelo Estrada--who graduated from my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and had just returned from China. The Launch Party was held at the Crocker Club, a former Bank Vault turned supper club. Angelo had been there before and had told me that I had to "see it to believe it". The bar/nightclub has a strict "Dress Code" and you can best believe we adhered to it. In fact, I was sporting a bow tie, dress shirt and my YSL boots, Miss Amanda wore my NIKOLAKI "Edwardian" shawl-collared fitted jackets that we sold at Nordstrom. And Angelo, well, he was GIVING: Leather half-gloves, a long gray woolen scarf, blue-black pompadour hair and some FIERCE eyeglasses. Party Guests: Susie Im, Necessary Baggage Designers Carlos Martinez and Anthony Malzone (in ties), along with Nick Verreos, Kirin Bhatty, Amanda Fields and M the Movement

Angelo was right, by the way, the club has all these different rooms, semi-private booths and a "secret" area where the vault actually was. It was pretty cool (did I just say that?). All I kept thinking was "this would be a great location for a photoshoot!". The party was packed with guests who were enjoying the informal show of half-naked male models in stylish boxers. There whole "styling theme" seemed to be vibing a Bachelor Party that had occurred HOURS ago that had dissolved into a game of Strip Poker and they were all down to their skivvies! Necessary Baggage designers Anthony Malzone and Carlos Martinez with their "muses"

I think the guests all enjoyed it --whatever the "styling mood" was. There was even a sales room set up where guests could place orders and buy the latest from Necessary Baggage. It was a nice break from my non-stop work madness.

Watch TV Guide's Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap w/ Carrie Ann Inaba and Nick Verreos! TONIGHT!!

Don't forget to watch me TONIGHT on TV Guide's Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba. We'll, of course, be discussing all the BEST and WORST Dressed of the night and Miss Carrie Ann will be wearing yet another NIKOLAKI dress!!!

Tune in at 8pm/7c TVGN!

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Fergie

Fergie in Emilio Pucci Spring 2010

When Fergie first stepped onto the 2010 Grammys Red Carpet, my first intuition was to say "Oh Dear". However, after a sip of my red wine, this mini Royal Blue and Gold number from designer Peter Dundas' "sizzling sexy Spring collection" for the House of Emilio Pucci, grew on me. I really loved this collection, which was full of micro-short dresses and wonderfully chic separates all the supermodels would love. And now, also, all the "Super Singers" like Miss Fergie. The gold padded detail was a bit "space-age-y" but hey, compared to what Lady Gaga wore, this is very "down-to-Earth" kiddies.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Katy Perry

Katy Perry in Zac Posen Spring 2010

I heard that Katy Perry was trying to "vibe" India with this gown because of how "moved" she was on a recent trip there with her fiancee, I-Love-Chest-Hair Russell Brand. Unfortunately, I just don't think she ever made it NEAR the Indian Subcontinent in this gown. Maybe a little past ARTESIA! If she really wanted to "vibe" India she should have taken a look at the Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture Collection. I can find 10 AMAZING looks for her in in that collection.

The stretch nude jersey and the gold "pasties" strewn throughout just made the gown more suitable for Cher circa 1986 as opposed to Katy in 2010. Now if she said "Bob Mackie" made this, I would have at the very least given her some "old school" "Nick V Points". For sure!

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Ciara

Ciara in Givenchy Spring 2010 Haute Couture

Ciara Ciara Ciara. Why huney? I could not understand why she did this to herself. I went back and took a look at this collection by much-buzzed-about designer Riccardo Tisci--which just debuted less than a week ago!!! And darlings, there were SO MANY other G-G-GORGEOUS looks from it that it even made me more dumbfounded that she chose this one! I really hope her stylist got a nice check under the table from the esteemed House of Givenchy...or Ciara is starring in their upcoming ad campaign. There's got to be a reason. Unlike Rihanna's and Beyonce's red carpet Couture pieces seen in my previous posts, this one should have stayed on the runway and gone straight to the Archives.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Beyonce

Beyonce in Stephane Rolland Fall 2009 Haute Couture

Just like with Rihanna, I experienced one of my "I've seen that Gown somewhere before..." feelings when I saw Beyonce walk the red carpet this evening at the 2010 Grammy Awards. And yes, of course I have, it was from one of my favorite Haute Couture Collections last year, Stephane Rolland. The detail work on this gown is incredible. Love the sleeves and the plunging neckline and the soft Tulip silhouette.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez in Versace Spring 2010

Oh Miss JLo. You just gotta give her points...Attagirl Points. Somehow the gown on the right didn't translate so well on the woman who wore it on the left. Why does this gown--on Jennifer Lopez--make her look like she's going to a Prom in New Jersey? She just hasn't met a high-slit and a 6 inch Platform she didn't like...

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Rihanna

Rihanna in Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2009, the "All White Collection".

This gown also happens to be from the same "All White" Elie Saab collection in which French actress Marion Cotillard's SAG Awards dress came from. Being a "fashion guy", I always love it when I see somebody wear one of the major pieces from collections that I've only seen in photos and/or runway videos--and then usually gets put back into the designer's Archival closets.

There's always this feeling I get when I see gowns like this and scream at the TV: "OMG, they did not just wear THAT dress from that such-and-such Haute Couture Collection...I'm so excited!!". With that being said, not everyone can actually pull off wearing such statement-making, usually runway-only pieces. These collections are not for everybody. But... Rihanna can pull it off, and did!

Carrie Ann Inaba wears Nikolaki to the Grammy Awards

Architectural Carrie!
Carrie Ann Inaba in NIKOLAKI Fall 2010, hosting TV Guide Network's Grammys Red Carpet Pre-Show

Late last year, when I did my Emmys Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba, she took me aside and said "You know what? I need to wear NIKOLAKI when I host one of my upcoming Red Carpet Shows..." We decided the Grammys would be perfect. The next time I saw her while filming the Golden Globes Fashion Wrap, I brought sketches for her and her stylist extraordinaire, my fellow Fashion Wrap Panelist, Jen Rade, to see. They loved all of them but decided they should stop by my NIKOLAKI Design Studio to take a closer look and "play dress-up". And boy did she: She tried on half a dozen gowns and dresses. But her eyes began "wandering"... She couldn't take her eyes off a muslin/toile sample that we had made for our Fall 2010 line. Couture Muslin: Nick Verreos and Carrie Ann Inaba pose with the muslin/toile of her Grammys dress

She asked "What is that??" We said that it was just a mock-up (in cotton muslin) of one of the dresses in our upcoming line. "I HAVE to try it on!" she quipped. She did and both her and Jen found their dress. Done and done. My design partner, David Paul and I took her measurements and discussed length and any other minor adjustments. Now we just had to make it--custom--in just ONE WEEK!!! The final result: A strapless cocktail dress made with black Italian Silk-and-Wool Zibeline featuring Oragami-like "petal" folds up top and cascading down the bottom.
Hand Delivery: Nick Verreos at the Staples bringing THE dress to Carrie Ann Inaba's trailer for a fitting

These last few days prior to the Awards have been crazy, making trips back-and-forth to the Staples Center--site of the Grammys--for some final fitting last touches and today both David and I were at her hotel room, getting her dressed in our NIKOLAKI dress. We think she looks amazing!
Click below for Carry Ann Inaba (in NIKOLAKI) and Chris Harrison interviewing Taylor Swift at the Grammys 2010:


Click HERE for more videos.