Nick Verreos Attends the Unveiling of FIDM's 19th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition !

Costume Extravaganza!

Cassiopeia Nick: Nick Verereos poses with "Clash of the Titans" Costume Tableaux, FIDM Museum & Galleries "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last Saturday evening was the Gala Party for the unveiling of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries here in Los Angeles. Of course, being that I am a FIDM Grad (don't even try and look up the year!), Instructor, and the College's Official Spokesperson, I was invited to this grand annual party to get a "sneak peak".

Armour and Plisse: "Clash of the Titans" Costumes Designed by Lindy Hemming, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition features over 100 costumes from over 20 films of 2010, including ones nominated for this year's Oscars "Best Costume Design".

Costume Royalty: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Speaking of Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominations...Included in this exhibition are these 2011 Academy Awards Best Costume Nominees:

"Alice In Wonderland" Costumes by Colleen Atwood (yes, that's Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter ensemble as well as Mia Wasikowska's Alice Dresses!)

"True Grit" Costumes Designed by Mary Zophres

"The Tempest" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (who won last year's 2010 Academy Award for Costume Design for "Young Victoria"), as well as...

"The King's Speech" Costumes Designed by Jenny Bevan

Other Highlights in the Exhibition (there were SO many so I had to edit!!! You will have to come and see ALL of the Costumes for yourself!) include:

"Inception" Costumes Designed by Jeffrey Kurland--above is Marion Cotillard's black embroidered sequin gown and coat

"Burlesque" Costumes Designed by Michael Kaplan--above is one of Christina Aguilera's "Showgirl-esque" sequined costumes

"Shutter Island" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (Leonardo DiCaprio's costume is on the far left--didn't realize how tall he is!)

"Coco Chanel & Ivor Stravinsky" Costumes Designed by Chattoune and Fab

As well as "The Kids Are All Right" Costumes Designed by FIDM Graduate Mary Claire Hannan

My Better Half: NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Opening Night Party" on Saturday was a HUGE success and as always FIDM Museum & Galleries know how to throw a VIP Party: A great tent was set up outside of the Museum, which featured an entire buffet of delicious foods (a mashed potato self-service bar I heard!) as well as fully stocked bars for anyone in the mood for cocktails.

Nick Hearts KCRW: DnA host Frances Anderton interviews Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Opening Night of "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Besides seeing all the amazing costumes on display, I spent the entire time doing Media/TV/print interviews with everyone from ABC-LA News to KCRW's DnA Radio Program host Frances Anderton as well as the LA Times, Daily Bruin and many, many blogs. I also got to mingle with some guests:

Momma Nick: Nick Verreos with "Momma", FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

First up, I was verklempt with excitement upon seeing Momma, the DIVA behind EC2 Costume House, the home and purveyor of Bob Mackie's Archives--LOVE her Gerber Daisy Hair Pin and Boucle Tweed with over-sized pearl necklace "Lady Who Lunches" ensemble!

Photo Courtesy of Laura Diaz

Including CBS-TV News Anchor (and FIERCE Latina!) Laura Diaz and her good friend Megan Telles (above). I just adore Laura, she was so sweet, she wrote THIS for her CBSLosAngeles.com blog write-up on the Exhibition...

I also ran into my good friend, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic Blooger, Jayne Seward (above with moi) who was "working" her chic harem-pant chiffon jumpsuit and new Prada heels (love me some Prada!).

Mini Costume Fans: Nick Verreos poses with the youngest of the 19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Opening Night Party guests

I also ran into three "Little Costume Designer Fans" at the Party. The precious one (I know, which one??) on the far right is Frances Anderton's daughter! Love her cropped pants, cap and "shrunken" blazer! Tres Mini-Chic!

You MUST come to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and check out this brand-new Exhibition. It's THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD where you will see these costumes! If you love motion pictures, films, actors, costume design and fashion...well, the FIDM Museum & Galleries is YOUR PLACE! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!!

Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Here are the Details:

What: 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Opens Tuesday February 8Th (yesterday!!!) and runs through to Saturday April 30Th.
Hrs/Days: 10am-4pm/Tuesday-Saturday Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Check out this video from KABC-TV Los Angeles featuring the Exhibit and a quick Interview I did with ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Reporter Adrienne Alpert:

Nick Verreos, Lawrence Zarian and Jen Rade: TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team": The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Episode!

TV Guide's "The Fashion Team" Goes Back To School...

Museum Chic: Jen Rade and Nick Verreos, filming the TV Guide Network "The Fashion team" TV segment, FIDM Museum & Galleries

Hello fashion darlings: Last week, I had the privilege of shooting one of my weekly "Fashion Team What's The Fashion?" segments for the TV Guide Network at my Alma Mater and the College of which I am not only an Instructor but also the Spokesperson: The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM. They asked if maybe they could film an episode there, and let's just say I might have "helped" in making it happen...

As you may know, every week, Stylist and Costume Designer Jennifer Rade and I give our expert "two cents" in the week's rundown of celeb red carpet fashion--and we have our Host-with-the-Most, Lawrence Zarian keep us in check...

Three Fashion Musketeers: Lawrence Zarian, Jennifer Rade and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

This time, we actually filmed at the wonderful FIDM Museum & Galleries Exhibition, Re-Designing History: FIDM Museum Study Collection 1850-2000, which runs until NEXT WEEK (December 17Th).

Disco Fever: Bob Mackie Design from the late 1970s, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The exhibition showcases the creations through the decades from designers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, James Galanos and Bob Mackie.

Orient Express: Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Corduroy Jacket and Wool Gabardine pants ensemble,c. 1977, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The FIDM Museum Study Collection is unique in that it is a major inspiration resource for students and research and if, for example, I wanted to pull items to show my students, THIS "Study Collection" would be fully available to me. It was at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, where Jen Rade and I filmed a little segment highlighting some of our favorite pieces from the exhibition.

Find Professor Nick: Nick Verreos (background) with students, FIDM Classroom

We also filmed at some of the fabulous FIDM classrooms. In fact, Jen, Lawrence, and I actually shot our "What's The Fashion?" segment in one of the classrooms where Project Runway Season 6 filmed in! We had actual students going about their draping, pattern making and sketching "business" in the classroom, as we commented on what the latest Hollywood A-List celebs were wearing on the red carpet.

Drawing Board: Nick Verreos Fashion Illustrations from the TV Guide Network "The Fashion Team" shoot at FIDM Campus

Speaking of Sketches...the producers asked if I could quickly do some of my fashion illustrations for "background art", for the shoot. Well, naturally, I was like "done and done"! I had such a great time shooting my TV Guide "The Fashion Team" segment at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM and I am so thankful that they were able to make it happen!!!!

Check out the latest What's The Fashion video below:

Nick Verreos and FIDM SuperLab for Alice In Wonderland: Part 2 The Exhibition

Part 2: And Now...Here Is The "Disney's Alice In Wonderland" FIDM Exhibit:Red Carpet Queens: The FIDM SuperLab Gowns designed by FIDM designer grads inspired by Disney's "Alice In Wonderland"

In conjunction with the "Media Only" Party and FIDM SuperLab Alice In Wonderland-inspired Red Carpet Gown Fashion Show thrown by Disney at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM which I recapped in my last posting, there was of course something else: This also marked the opening of the "Disney's Alice In Wonderland Costume Exhibit" at the FIDM Museum and Galleries. Underland Costumes: Nick Verreos at the FIDM Museum and Galleries "Alice In Wonderland" Exhibition

Right after Kerli's "Tea Party" performance, guests were led into the FIDM Museum to enjoy the actual costumes designed by 2-time Academy Award-winning costume designer (and special guest of the party) Colleen Atwood. For the first time ever in the US, everyone was treated to a viewing of many of the original costumes, including Johnny Depp's Mat Hatter ensembles, including the iridescent blue "frock coat", waistcoat, and plaid kilt seen above.
Helena Bonham Carter's Red Queen Dress, shown here sans the Queens BIG HEAD;Stayne, Knave of Hearts' exuberant cape and intricate armor costume (love the dramatic cape's inner lining);
And of course, several of Alice's dresses. Here is the original demure pale blue dress worn by actress Mia Wasikowska that you've seen in all the film's press photos (she's SOOOO TINY--go to the Exhibit and you'll see what I mean!);
and above is Alice's "Red Dress" from the Red Queen's Court Scenes: This is one of my favorite of Atwood's designs, very modern and reminiscent of the late Alexander McQueen's work.
In combination with Disney's Alice In Wonderland Costume Exhibit, there was the
Art of Costume Illustration exhibition, which was already on display in the FIDM Museum and Galleries. There are over 200 film and television costume illustrations on display from designers and illustrators like Edith Head, Orry-Kelly (his costume illustration for "Auntie Mame" seen above) and Helen Rose, who is famous for designing the wedding gown for Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco.Sketch by Helen Rose for actress Alice Kingsley "Washington Story" 1952

Originally I wanted to be a Fashion Illustrator (since I love to draw!), until a teacher a LONG TIME ago (in high school I think), told me there "was no business in that", so I decided to become a Fashion Designer. But I've always been an avid fan of fashion and costume illustrations, and love and respect the art so this was a HUGE HIGHLIGHT for me.
Sketch by Helen Rose for Elizabeth Taylor

If you want to check out Disney's Alice In Wonderland Exhibit, the FIDM SuperLab Red Carpet Gowns designed by FIDM grads as well as the Art of Costume Illustration, get thee to the FIDM Museum and Galleries...NOW!!!

Below is a "Sneak Peak Video I took of the FIDM SuperLab Alice In Wonderland Red Carpet Gowns (which I mentored!) on display NOW at the FIDM< Museum and Galleries:


Exhibition Details:
Where: FIDM Museum and Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue, LA CA 90015

When:
Art of Costume Illustration Exhibit runs May 18-June 19
Alice In Wonderland Exhibit runs May 27-September 30
Open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays)

Fee: FREE!!!!!

Nick Verreos Attends FIDM SF Open House...and Does Retail Damage!!

Bay Area FashionistaFashion Banner: FIDM San Francisco Campus

Last weekend, I flew to San Francisco to make a "surprise" visit to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM SF Campus, as part of their annual Open House. The Open House is when High School juniors and seniors (and their parents) get to know FIDM, tour the campus, meet the staff, see student work, and learn more about all of its 18 majors. Window Couture: FIDM SF Graduate Colleen Quen's Design on display

It's also a way to "introduce" newly accepted students to the campus. As an FIDM Instructor and Spokesperson, I love reaching out to the students, telling them about my experience, and how to get the most out of FIDM and what it has to offer.Birthday by the Bay: Celebrating my friend, Didi Simon's (left) Birthday at Lime Restaurant

My quick in-and-out, overnight visit began with meeting up with my SF friends who I grew up with while I spent my "younger years" living in the Bay Area. It was my friend, Didi's Birthday. I decided to take her out and celebrate at one of my favorite SF restaurants, Lime. I also got to do some last minute "retail damage" at what is now MY FAVORITE Men's Store in California, Sui Generis, a Consignment Men's Designer Vintage Store. We passed by it on the way to the restaurant and my SF friends said "Oh, you would LOVE this store..." Well, I don't waste time kiddies, so I went right in! Its buyers have an amazing editorial eye because everything was FAB! After meeting my "Bearded Brother", co-owner Miguel Lopez, in less than ten minutes I had found a pair of Hermes shoes, several Hermes ties, Gucci loafers and a DSquared shirt that I wanted to buy! And all at about 60-70% off their original retail prices. BTW: I didn't get everything, I had to "edit" my purchases.

But now, it was time for the FIDM SF Open House:Nick and The Ladies: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM SF "Divas in Black"

The San Francisco campus is conveniently located in SF's Union Square, near all of it's fabulous shops, such as Barneys NY, Macy's, and H & M as well as the great Westfield Shopping Plaza. They just got a new banner so now it is very recognizable to all the shoppers, business people (and potential students!) in the very busy Union Square Area. Mother-Daughter Chic: Trudy Noren, FIDM SF Director of Special Events and College Rep, with her beautiful daughter Lindsay

I also LOVE seeing two of my favorite FIDM Divas, the always stylish Barbara Cupper, Director of the FIDM SF Campus, and equally chic Trudy Noren, College Rep and Director of Special events, SF FIDM. They are my Fairy Godmothers in the City by the Bay. I was excited to see the campus' recently redone Library/Media Center which I had not seen since my last visit. On display were some gorgeous pieces from their Archival Museum Collection, including this dusty rose colored Chanel Couture Suit from the early 1960s: It was in INCREDIBLE condition and they let me touch it (OMG!). There are so many secrets to a Chanel Couture Suit that I would have been there for HOURS inspecting it--For Example: The lining had about 50 fish-eye darts and seams combined, all sewn INTO the boucle tweed outer jacket! During this visit, I got to meet a lot of the incoming students, pose for photos with them and sign a lot of their cool FIDM totebags (I even sketched an original "Nick Verreos Croquis" on one or two...or three...or fifty!)
It's always fun to do these Meet-and-Greet Open Houses, and as always, I look forward to returning to say "Hi" to my San Francisco FIDM "family"--and to do some "secret" shopping!!!

Nick Verreos Talks Academy Award Nominated Best Costumes for TV Guide Channel's The Fashion Team Show and LXTV!

And the Winner Is......
In the spirit of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, below are 2 fun videos I did talking about the AMAZING Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. This is the 18th year for the exhibit and it is the only place where you can see Academy Award nominated costumes from all the top movies this year!

Click below for segments I did with TV Guide Network and the Fashion Team TV show and LXTV. Hopefully this will inspire you to make a trip to Downtown LA to the FIDM Museum and Galleries! It is FREE and open until April 17th.

TV Guide Network's The Fashion Team Segment:


LXTV:

Nick Verreos Attends "High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture"

Haute Couture Grand DameBetsy Bloomingdale, in a 1986 Marc Bohan for Dior Haute Couture gown, stands next to the Marc Bohan "Wall" at FIDM

The Event:
This last Saturday was the Black Tie Gala Opening of High Style Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Museum and Galleries. Curators Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson spent three years scouring the hallowed closets of one of the most celebrated Grande Dames of Fashion, Betsy Bloomingdale. The Exhibit spans over 30 years of Bloomingdale's love and admiration for Haute Couture and fine fashion, ranging from her first Couture purchases in the 1960s to her last one; a black silk crepe and chiffon from the late designer Gianfranco Ferre for Dior Couture. The Exhibit runs October 21st to December 13Th.

The Scene:Glittering Tent: The Scene at the High Style Betsy Bloomindale/Haute Couture Gala

The tented party, held at the Grand Hope Park, adjacent to the FIDM campus was elegantly decorated with crystal "Chandeliers" dangling from its ceiling and greeted the VIP guests as they entered the party. In addition, exquisite white chairs, tables, mini-sofas, several fully-stocked open bars and delicious hors d'oeuvres tables "announced" to the gown-and-tuxedo crowd that this would truly be a very special event.

Seen On The Scene: Mary Stephens and Nick Verreos, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

As soon as I arrived, I spotted Mary Stephens, Director of the FIDM Advanced Fashion Design/Debut Program, looking both elegant and modern in a black ensemble. I jumped up and down (literally!) when I saw my good friend Jane Cha, Executive Producer of Project Runway. Her date was the incredible R.J. Cutler, director of the Vogue documentary The September Issue. Jane Cha and R.J. Cutler, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

Also seen were Buzz Aldrin--the second person to set foot on the Moon back in 1969 and his beautiful wife Lois--as well as philanthropists Iris Cantor and Barbara Davis. I heard that many of Betsy Bloomingdale's family came out for this illustrious event, including her two sons and one daughter as well as her grandchildren. Buzz Aldrin and James Galanos, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

I got a quick glimpse of the star of the night, Betsy Bloomingdale, who was looking fabulous in an iridescent orange taffeta gown from Marc Bohan for the House of Dior. One of the many highlights of the night was when I recognized one of my fashion idols, designer James Galanos. Of course, I had to stop him and say "hello". That moment made my night!

The Couture:
Nick Verreos at the Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit, FIDM Museum and Galleries

By the time I made my way inside the exhibit, I had only about fifteen minutes to do a mini-tour (I had another event to attend, the Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Runway Show at Universal Studios). From what I saw, it made my arms tingle with excitement, I must say. All the "masters" were there: Christian Dior Haute Couture from designers Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferre, Galanos, Adolfo, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and others. There were video montages explaining the clothes, the art of Haute Couture and exclusive interviews with Monsieurs Givenchy, Bohan, Fracois Lesage and Bloomingdale herself. Even in my quick visit, I caught juicy "Couture Dish" from the videos like how Mrs. Bloomingdale and her Couture friends like Nan Kempner and Lynn Wyatt knew their importance within the Couture Houses and how their vendeuses (sales ladies) ALWAYS gave them "the right price". Love the dish!There is also an entire section devoted to the croquis (or sketches) from the design houses that were sent to Mrs. Bloomingdale after she had made her selections. As I was leaving, I spotted one of my favorite pieces in the exhibit: A canary yellow silk taffeta Dior Couture gown that was displayed with its inner corselette turned inside-out, so the viewer can see the stunning intricacy that really makes an Haute Couture gown (photo above). I will DEFINITELY have to return to see the exhibit with more patience. It deserves two hours if not more! It is a MUST SEE for anyone who loves fashion and the art of Haute Couture. Forget going to Paris, it's all in Downtown Los Angeles at the FIDM Museum and Galleries!