Red Carpet Report: Madonna "W.E." Red Carpet Premiere at the 68th Venice International Film Festival

La Madonna...

Madonna in Vionnet, Palazzo del Cinema, 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E" Premiere

Tonight, the first day of September 2011, in the fabulous Italian city of Venice in the Palazzo del Cinema, Madonna GAVE it to them!!! The occasion: The Venice International Film Festival Premiere of her directorial debut, "W.E" the melodrama that chronicles the loves and lives of twice-divorced Wallis Simpson and Britain's Kind Edward VIII.

Actors Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy, as Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII in "W.E."

Wallis Simpson and Edward Duke of Windsor

I wrote about the Arianne Phillips-costume designed wardrobe HERE, in case you want to take a look at the fashions--as well as what THE Wallis Simpson and her husband, the Duke of Windsor, wore.

Group Couture: "W.E" Director Madonna, with actors James D'Arcy, Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish and Oscar Isaac , at the 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E." Premiere.

At tonight's Premiere in Venezia, Madonna wore a lilac-colored, armhole-cowl gown from the House of Vionnet featuring red sequined applique butterflies. She accessorized it with matching red sunglasses.

Violet Goddess: "W.E" Actress Abbie Cornish was there and wore Atelier Versace Spring 2011, a violet-colored Mermaid-shaped strapless Sweetheart-neckline Bustier gown with degrade' shading.

Atelier Back: This Atelier Versace gown--if ordered and purchased could go for $100,000. Just so you know...



Venice Ball: Andrea Riseborough, the English actress who played the part of Wallis Simpson, wore Christian Dior Fall 2009 Haute Couture--another $100,000+ gown. Incidentally, during the actual Dior Haute Couture Runway Show almost three years ago (collection was designed by the fired John Galliano), this ensemble was shown as a Ball Gown Skirt and Bra Top. A strapless draped silk bustier was added...for red carpet purposes...

Horsehair and Tulle: Madonna, Actresses Andrea Riseborough and Abbie Cornish (and Harvey Weinstein in the far top right) Palazzo del Cinema, 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E." Premiere

Other Notables Present Included:

Designer Valentino Garavani, tan--and fabulous--as always.

Joaquin Cortes--Spanish Flamenco wunderkid and former "flame" of Madonna

Compare and Contrast: Duke and Duchess of Windsor-- Madonna's "W.E" Movie Costumes & The Real Thing!

A Style Story...



For their September 2011 issue, Vanity Fair just published photos by Tom Munro from Madonna's (Happy Belated Birthday!) feature-length directorial debut "W.E".

Madonna, the Director

"W.E." is a film on the lives of Wallis Simpson and Britain's Kind Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced Simpson. She became Duchess of Windsor when they married in 1937.



Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer--and longtime Madonna style collaborator Arianne Phillips (above) designed the costumes (GORGEOUS!!!). According to Phillips, she worked with design houses such as Cartier, Dior and Dunhill for the 60+ costume changes for the actors playing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Costume Encounter: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, Costume Designer Monique Prudhomme, Costume Designer Arianne Phillips, and fellow Project Runway Season 2 Designer Andrae Gonzalo

In the film, British-born actors Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy play the Duchess and Duke respectively. I thought it would be fun to "Compare & Contrast" between the Vanity Fair photos from the film--and the actual COUTURE the Duke and Duchess of Windsor wore (as seen through available photographs, of course). Let's take a look at some of the photos from the film with actors:

Striped Daywear: Actors D'Arcy and Riseborough--Notice the impeccable mitering (stripes matching) in her dress--that is COUTURE darling!!!

Zig-Zag Diva: Actors Riseborough and D'Arcy lounging for cocktail hour

Home Sweet (Couture) Home: Actress Andrea Riseborough, wearing Dior and Cartier jewels

Hosting Pair: Actors Riseborough and D'Arcy playing the Duchess and Duke of Windsor

The Schiaparelli Jacket, ordered by Wallis Simpson: Wallis purchased 18 items from the Elsa Schiaparelli Summer 1937 Collection for her Marriage Trousseau to the Duke of Windsor, including a gown and jacket combination of carbon blue jersey (above). The Baroque scrolls on the jacket were white leather.

Wallis Simpson--in her Schiaparelli ensemble--photographed by Cecil Beaton

Wedding Day: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at Chateau De Conde France 1937; The simple crepe gown was designed and created by Mainbocher, a Chicago-born Paris Couturier and Paris Vogue Fashion Illustrator (his actual name was Main Rousseau Bocher). The Duke wore a Morning Suit. Her Trousseau consisted of almost 70 garments, including the above Schiaparelli suit-gown, many Chanel's and others. Diva.



Garden Chic: In 1937, Wallis Simpson posed for Vogue in a Schiaparelli evening gown that had a lobster printed on its skirt. Salvador Dalí designed the print, which also featured sprigs of parsley. The Vogue spread was intended to introduce readers to Mrs. Simpson, who in July of that year would marry Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor and abdicated King of England.

Lobster Couture: The Schiaparelli-designed Salvador Dalí-printed gown

Color Blocking: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor--and their dog--Miami, circa 1941--Between his ascot, her Cartier pin and turban, and their colored ensembles...well, I think this may be one of the fiercest "Holiday" photos ever!

Nipped In: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, circa 1946

Resort Wear: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor vacationing in Italy, 1953--in HIGH STYLE!!! PS: Where can I get a robe like that??

High-Low: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, early 1960's

I cannot wait to see the film and more importantly, the fashions!!! Kudos Madonna and Arianne!!!

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--Episode 6: Costume Designing!!

Can Fashion Designers Be Costume Designers?This last week's episode of Season 6 Project Runway was the "Design a Look for a Movie Genre" challenge. I was intrigued since I know several costume designers and my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion-crime, David Paul actually received his Master's from UCLA in Costume Design and his resume boasts either designing or assisting in designing the costumes/wardrobe for many different well known TV shows. We both watched very intently. Hollywood Costume Designer God: A look designed by Costume Designer Adrian

Hollywood has always had a strong tradition of having AMAZING costume designers, such as the incredible Adrian (he designed the costumes for The Wizard of Oz and many, many other films) and of course, Edith Head, who contributed to the UBER elegant look of Grace Kelly.
So with that, I thought this was the perfect challenge for the "LA Season" of Project Runway.
If you read my Recap on MyLifetime.com, I wrote a little bit about the fact that after seeing the designs come down the runway and who the judges picked--and didn't pick--I was a tad bit confused. I was also confused at the challenge itself and whether the designers were asked to be Costume Designers or just be Fashion Designers injecting "a bit" of costume design elements into their look. I loved how Tanisha worked Althea's "Film Noir" look with the handkerchief and black-and-white outfit; it was a strong "overall" showing for both Althea and her model. I also have to say that when model Lisa Blades came down the runway in Carol Hannah's "Action Adventure" design, I DID NOT even recognize her! I also thought they made a fabulous "tag-team" designer-and-model duo. My favorite, however was the same as the judges, Nicolas' Ice Queen. Designing costumes is definitely his forte!Incredible Arianne: Arianne Phillips (with Madonna) and an Arianne Phillips-styled W Magazine cover and photo spread

I also loved seeing Arianne Phillips as one of the judges. I personally know Arianne and admire her work. I am often in awe of her talent and what her incredible creative mind can cojure up. Besides being an Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer, she is also Madonna's Stylist and has styled all her W Magazine photo spreads as well as many FIERCE Vogue Italia ones. Love Miss Arianne!Michael Kors is coming BAAAACK!!!!!!

Speaking of judges: Don't forget, Michael Kors WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK!!!!! I know fans of Project Runway have been wondering where the heck he has been. Well, kiddies, someone's got to run his multi-million dollar empire! So, I am sure that it might have been a bit difficult to get out to LA for several days to judge, but by the looks of things, he finally got to sneak off and come back to LA!!!!
Click HERE for my Recap of Episode 6 and be sure to tell me what you thought. Maybe you can help me with my "confusion".

Non-Skinny Skinnies: Nick Verreos at H & M Comme Des Garcons Preview Event!!!

Does This Come In a Size LARGE????
Last week, my good friend , stylist Art Conn, invited me to come along and take a peek at the latest "Designer Collaboration" between H & M and Comme Des Garcons. Of course, I had to come along and check it out. I loved the Victor & Rolf for H & M line they did several seasons back (and bought their tuxedo jacket and pants as well as various dress shirts) so I was curious to see what the famed Japanese Design House had cooked up.

The Guest List:Polka Dot Heaven: My friends show off the H & M Comme De Garcons Men's Line

Once there, at the Sunset Blvd. offices of H & M, I was joined by Art, as well as my other friends, including Johnny Lopez, a wonderful writer for TMZ, as well as fellow US Weekly Fashion Police Commentator. I also ran into E! Daily Ten/ Style Commentator, the beautiful Amanda Luttrell Garrigus (who is like 7 Months pregnant and looking fabulous) as well as Costume Designer and Stylist Extraordinaire, Arianne Phillips. We dished on the current Project Runway Season (Arianne is a BIG FAN!!!), and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres. I also noticed some other stylists and "LA Fashionistas"(I use the term LOOSELY) , but they were giving me dirty looks and staring at me as if I was an alien from Project Runway "Outer Space", so I won't discuss who they were...

The Collection:I am not the typical Comme Des Garcons customer (that's best suited for the Gallery Owner/Sundance Festival obscure French Actor) but was surprised at how many pieces I liked from the line. The women's stuff was great. There was a black fully lined fitted "Edwardian Coat" (see above) that our H & M "Greeter" wore, which had a lot of detail and ruffle accents, but somehow it worked. It was less than $300!!! Yes, for H & M that might be pricey but let me tell you, if I tried to make that jacket, my seamstress would have charged me $200 just to sew it! Of course, it was made in China (I checked).
One of my favorite pieces from the women's line were the "Hammer Pants" (I call them that!), they were more like Harem Pants (which are BIG for Spring 2009 Ladies!!!). If I was a size 4, and 5' 11" , and a GIRL, I would work those OVERTIME!!!!As for the Men's H & M Comme Des Garcons collection, my friends and I did like several of the pieces, including a black rumpled Pea Coat, a trench coat (I am buying that when it comes out!), and most of the colored dress shirts. We especially LOVED a blue striped asymmetrically button dress shirt. We were feeling adventuresome and went ahead and began to try some of the items on---just to see how they would look. We were basically the only ones doing this. We even voiced our opinion about how "H & M sizes run rather small" and how there was no way that WE--my friends and I---could even possibly fit into there extra small sample sizes.
Well, the following day, one of my friends that was with me at the Preview, sent me an article that came out on Racked Los Angeles about the H & M Event, and there was a line at the end of the article that seemed to be referring to us...
The quote was: "We did watch a couple guys try on jackets and heard some "runs small" murmurs from the non-skinny-skinnies..."
Yep, that was us---Next time, we should use our "Quiet Voice" Ladies....