FIDM Project Runway Website: Uncle Nicky has fun at school!!!

FIDM Video Tour a la NickWeb Star: Nick Verreos featured in the new FIDM website videos

Well, it's official: The Season 6 Premiere of Project Runway was a HUGE SUCCESS! 4.2 million viewers! Lifetime, Heidi and Tim must be very happy (and Harvey Weinstein too). After a year's absence, the fans were still interested--naturally! In case you didn't watch it, Project Runway has "moved" to Los Angeles and my Alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM is "Project Runway Central" as the designers will be using their design, pattern and sewing studios to "Make It Work".My Other Barbie: Nick Verreos Malibu Barbie, on display at FIDM

I filmed some fun videos for the official FIDM Project Runway website and the first ones are up!
There's one of me at the Barbie 50Th Anniversary Wall where I give you a sneak peak of my "other" Barbie; one of me with some students at the Media Library/Study Lounge; and one of me at the FIDM Gallery and Museum of the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design, where FIDM grad Leanne Marshall's winning Project Runway Season 5 Collection is on display!

Click HERE for all the video madness.

Nick Verreos attends FIDM 4th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Exhibit

A Costume Party!White Before Labor Day: Nick Verreos walks the red carpet for the "Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibit" Party

Over the weekend, I was invited to the exclusive Opening Party of "The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design" exhibition at the Downtown LA campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. In its fourth year, this exhibition is always an event where costume designers, academia, stylists, news media and entertainment executives get together to celebrate the costumes of TV programs shown in the past year. As my date, I brought David Paul, of course. David is a member of the Costume Designers Guild and received his Masters from UCLA in Costume Design and prior to designing with me, he worked on numerous TV shows, including NBC's Passions, MTV's Undressed and Bravo's Queer Eye For The Straight Girl. In other words, this is "his thang", as they say.
Tudor Couture: Costumes from Showtime's The Tudors

FIDM knows how to throw a party (remember the "Wizard of Oz 70Th Anniversary" one?), and this was no exception. Adjacent to the Exhibit, the Hope Park grounds were transformed into an outdoors party with several fully stocked bars (costume designers drink kids!) and hors d'oeuvres tables (they also eat!). For a change, instead of heading for the bar and the food first, I went right into the exhibit in order to take in the drama and beauty of all the clothes.
Coco Madness: Costumes from Lifetime's Coco Chanel

This year, the exhibit spans a wide range of "TV Style", from Period Dramas like Showtime's The Tudors (love those Corsets!) and HBO's John Adams as well as Lifetime's Coco Chanel (costume designers Stefano De Nardis and Pierre-Yves Gayraud did an amazing job of reproducing those iconic Chanel suits!) to more contemporary shows, such as Gossip Girl, The L Word, and Without A Trace. Polka Dot Dance Partner: Costumes from ABC's Dancing With The Stars

One of my favorites on display were the fun exuberant costumes from ABC's Dancing With The Stars. As you know, co-host Samantha Harris and judge Carrie Ann Inaba wore my NIKOLAKI gowns on the show so David and I have a special fondness for the program. We always marvel at those costumes. All that intricate beading, all those backless, illusion-mesh handkerchief hemmed swirling dresses; we always wonder if costume designer Randall Christensen must have a staff of 500 petite mains trying to get all those finished--and in one week's time! Tie that Scarf Darling! Costumes from HBO's Grey Gardens

I also loved seeing the costumes from HBO's Grey Gardens. I thought Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange's performances were amazing and so did the Emmy voters since after all, they were both nominated for Best Actress. Costume designer Catherine Thomas did a great job of showing the extremes--in their wardrobe--of "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" and their glamorous Upper East Side beginnings and their sad yet elegant latter years....And The Winner Is? Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Bryant Park Collection

A nice surprise capped this exhibit of "Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design": Leanne Marshall's winning Project Runway Season 5 Bryant Park Collection. Mannequins stood on a raised runway as if waiting for the designer to take her bow.

Next year maybe they will have a retrospective of Tim Gunn's Banana Republic suits or Heidi Klum's mini-dress outfits that she has worn on the show. I'd pay to see those! Speaking of paying: The Exhibit is FREE!!! So get thee to the FIDM Museum and Galleries, on the floor level of their Downtown Los Angeles Campus. The exhibit runs from July 29-September 6Th. Click HERE for more info.Costume Spectators: Nick Verreos and California Apparel News' Alison Nieder, enjoying the Dancing With The Stars costumes

Oh, and in case you wanted to know: Once I made it out into the party after the exhibit, the bars were closed and there was no food left. Well, just one potsticker which David and I fought for. Oh well, that's the price you pay for enjoying a wonderful exhibit!
Until next time...enjoy your favorite TV shows--and make sure not to miss the wonderful costumes!

Holiday Parties '08 Nick Verreos Wrap Up--Part II

Puppies Meet Project Runway, and then some...Benny: Look Over Here! Nikolaki designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with their dog, Benny

Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Party
Earlier this week, after returning from Miami (the SAME DAY!), I was off and running, in terms of my so-called "social calendar" (Thanks David, for keeping that calendar in check!). First, I was invited to the Beverly Hills Mutt Club "Jingle Bones" Party at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Boutique for dogs, right across from the fabulous Peninsula Hotel. Not only was I invited but so was my "son", Benny and his other "Daddy", David. This would be Benny's chance to get his "Holiday Party" on and maybe get the chance for his first "red carpet" moment.Doggie Party: Benny and his "buddies" at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Holiday Party

Even though my studio is in Downtown Los Angeles and the party was in Beverly Hills, we spent ONE HOUR driving in wonderful (I am being sarcastic, of course) Los Angeles traffic! And this was not "rush hour" but 7:30 PM! Almost two miles from our party destination, Benny threw up! Yep, I said it! He was OVER it and we hadn't even walked him on the red carpet!! Thank God we kept a towel in my car, just in case for lovely occurrences like this one. Benny's I-ain't-feeling-well mood did a 180 degree change once he saw all the puppies outside the event. He even behaved enough to pose for cameras on the "step and repeat" wall, as we made our way inside doggy couture "Heaven". Beverly Hills Mutt Club "divas": Celina Bojorquez and her mother Sandy Siegler, pose with Nick Verreos and Benny (featuring his new sweater from Pooch Outfitters)

Once inside, we greeted our host, Beverly Hills Mutt Club owner, the beautiful Celina Bojorquez and met her lovely mother as well as mingled with other dog-owning guests. Benny was having the greatest time smelling other dogs booties (what is that all about?) and enjoying all the other dogs. There were more than 50 people in this tiny boutique and the same amount of dogs. Big Ol' Dog: An Irish Wolfhound

But one specific canine caught my eye. It was an Irish Wolfhound (I later found out) and he was HUGE!!! Benny got under him and there was still about 12" of space left above him. I had never seen a dog that big up close! (I know , I need to get out more--maybe visit one or two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows)Doggie Daddies: Hair Stylist Dean Banowetz, his Irish Wolfhound Max, and Nick Verreos

His owner was the equally fantastic Dean Banowetz, hair stylist to the stars, including Ryan Seacrest and all of the American Idol contestants. He is the man behind Sanjaya's infamous faux-hawk up-do. Even after the one-hour LA traffic and the "sickies" incident, we all had a fun time. Benny even got to walk out with a stylish new cashmere sweater from Pooch Outfitters (see above photo) and his own engraved crystal-studded tag from Poochi Couture Luxury Dog Jewelry.

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique OpeningKortolicious: Designer Korto Momulu and Nick Verreos, Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening

On the same night as the "Puppy Party", I was also invited to the grand opening of a new Los Angeles clothing store, the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique. The problem was that I still had Benny and was not about to drive back home---an hour away in LA traffic--drop him off and then attend the boutique opening. So I just brought him along! Stylista: Nick Verreos poses with guests at Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening (she's wearing Jerell Scott's design)

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique is a new store carrying up-and-coming designers from LA and elsewhere, including the designs of several Project Runway designers such as Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, and finalists Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott as well. Once we arrived, the opening was in full gear, with guests spilling onto the sidewalk of the store---which is located adjacent to the Beverly Center Mall, on 3rd Street. Inside, it was like a small Project Runway Reunion. Miss Kit Pistol, from Season 4, was there, looking chic as always. I also said "Happy Holidays" to Jerell and Miss Korto, who was wearing one of her own designs, a stretch jersey bandeau dress which hugged EVERY INCH of her curvaceous body. She pointed out that the same dress was being sold at the store of course.
Winning Design: The pink dress at the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique reminded me of this one from Leanne's Final Collection

I spent a little bit of time looking at all the clothing Jane Doe/John Doe carried, but really wanted to see what Leanne Marshall, the Winner of Season 5, had designed to sell at the boutique (she was not at the party unfortunately). Right near the front, was her "section" of three or four pieces that she made for the store. My favorite was a mini bubble gum pink silk organza strapless cocktail dress which reminded me of the cream and baby blue two-piece ensemble from her final Bryant park Collection. It was priced at $2,000 which seemed a little high for a store that carries dresses in the $150-$500 Contemporary range, but it was still very pretty.Rising Talent: Nick Verreos with designer Alice Schoenau, whose line is carried at Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique

I was also intrigued by the designs of young Alice Schoenau. Hers were hanging next to Leanne's and I was especially drawn to a beautiful hammered/washed silk multi-tiered halter gown. Her line was pretty, directional yet still had that "wearable" hanger-appeal. I asked her how she ended up at the boutique and she told me that she literally answered an ad requesting for young emerging designers to be showcased at a new store...Simple as that! Next thing she knew, her mini-line was at Jane Doe/John Doe.
After spending about 30 minutes at the boutique opening, I almost forgot that Benny was with me (David was carrying him around!). He was having a grand ol' time with all the fashionistas, but it was almost 11 PM and it was time to go. Not to mention the fact that someone needed his walk and to go tinkle. Time to go kids...See you at the next Holiday Party!

Project Runway Season 5 Finale Nick Verreos Recap!!

And The Winner Is.....
Front Row and Center:As I previously wrote, I was lucky enough to have attended the actual Project Runway Finale Fashion Show at the Bryant Park tents. I even got to sit front row--almost directly across from Nina, Heidi, Michael and Season 4 Winner Miss Christian Siriano! It was a mixed blessing, to say the least: I was so excited--beyond belief--that I was sitting at such a prime spot, but then when the fashions came down the runway, the Instructor Nick in me could spot every loose thread, every last-minute made-up dart, every not-so-well sewn zipper. I was struck by the fact that there was no "Oh My God, I LOVE THAT!" moment or as a lot of people at the show were saying: There was no Christian Moment or Rami Moment or Jay McCarroll Moment, where you know there was a "Star".
I know from experience that TV makes everything look prettier than it really is (I love that--especially in my season and with a lot of the designs I did!) , and therefore was excited to see how the epsiode would pan out...

Pre-Show:
After Jerell got eliminated, it was down to an All-Girl Season 5 Finale. I figured as much because the other designers (lucky them!) who got to show at Bryant Park (as "decoys") weren't so stellar. So it was not a surprise to see Cut-and Cry Kenley, Korto and Leanne in the Finale Three. They were the best who showed that morning in New York. They had their requisite model casting (no drama there), and met with the L'Oreal and Tre Semme Make-Up and Hair experts to give their vision for their final collections.

Workroom:
In their new make-shift workroom, the designers made some good use of their limited time: Korto worked on new pieces that she felt she needed to add to her collection while Kenley looked on with disdain and some bitchy jealousy. While "Geeks Unite Empress", Leanne, just focused on her fittings (and making sure model Tia's doggie wouldn't poop on her wondrous dresses!)

The Final Show:
Kenley:Kenley's designs were nice, but not winning. The fit was good but what struck me, was a sense of "all over the place" from her. There were great fitting Edwardian sleeve dresses in fabulous prints or silk jacquards and I LOVED a black high-neck fitted dress (that model seriously must have had THE LONGEST center front neck to waist measurement I have EVER seen!) but then there were some misses. The bustier with a graphic overskirt screamed 80's back-up dancer for Toni Basil---and that's not a good thing! And the too-short Bridesmaid Dress seem to come from nowhere. Why all of a sudden, Miss I-Love-Vintage Kenley wants to do a dress I can find in David's Bridal is beyond me.
The judges thought the collection was a bit too "knock off" of Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Therefore she was eliminated.

Korto:
As I said in my recap of the Bryant Park Show, I LOVED Korto's "Sexy Girl In Liberia" vibe--my favorite looks from her were an ivory silk shantung ruffled top and wide-legged pants ensemble. I hope Korto kissed and thanked that model who wore the outfit because she WORKED IT overtime!!! I also loved the emerald green jeweled silk shantung halter gown her model, Katrina, wore. But during that final show, right as she passed the judges---and me--she flashed her g-string underwear, and I thought I had seen to San Juan Puerto Rico and back! But of course, this didn't make it into the final episode (like I said, I love TV!). Korto's collection was good but had some flaws. As I waited for Leanne's, I was still looking forward to that "Christian" or "Rami" moment of fashion epiphany.

Leanne:
As soon as the first couple of looks exited, I knew Leanne should be the winner: Her collection looked mature, sleek, cohesive and well-executed. Yes, the petal-theme was a bit redundant. But, of all the collections, it was, to me, the best. I especially loved the off-white organza top and powder-blue petal skirt ensemble, as well as her winning Wedding Gown. My only critique would be those wedge heels that were prominently featured. They were not cute. And didn't belong with the collection--or especially that gown. It was a bit of unfortunate styling. They were especially evident in that wedding dress, since the gown seemed a bit too short for the model. But other than that, I thought that Leanne's was the winning collection---and so did the Finale Judges.
Congratulations Leanne Marshall--a FIDM San Francisco Graduate residing in Portland, Oregon. Hope to see you at a FIDM event sometime soon!!!