Oscars Fashions Minute: Nick Verreos Sketches Designs for the 84th Annual Academy Awards Best Actress Nominees

Red Carpet Sketching...

Since the 84th Annual Academy Awards are coming up--THIS SUNDAY NIGHT!!!---I was asked about my predictions of what the stars might be wearing. So, I thought, well, why not take it a step further and actually draw MY visions of what the Academy Award-nominated Best Actresses would be wearing if I was asked (a little boy can DREAM n'est pas?) to design and create their Oscars Red Carpet Gowns.

So, without further ado, here are my designs for actresses Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Glenn Close, and Viola Davis. All of these "Dream Illustrations" are based on some of my NIKOLAKI dresses and gowns from my collection. Let's begin with:

Rooney Mara: Rooney is the 2012 Fashion "It" Girl--the Cate Blanchett of this year. I see Rooney in something that is NOT black! She LOVES the color black and so therefore I want to take her out of her "comfort zone" and have her wear RED! I also envision her in a directional statement-making dress.

This gown is based on one of my NIKOLAKI cocktail dresses from my Spring 2011 Collection (above photo) and it features an asymmetrical neckline/top section and a very architectural cascade drape in the front of the structured silk ziberline gown.

Meryl Streep: For Meryl, I wanted to see her in something softer--more "Grecian Goddess". So I sketched this gown above. She's been wearing lots of black for recent award shows and so therefore I wanted to go in the opposite direction. The color would be a vanilla creme and it would be in silk jersey.

The gown would feature a high cowl neckline and asymmetrical open back detail with side-draped cowl, just like the original gown from my collection which I based it on (above photo). There would be figure-hugging and complimentary side pleating that would fall into a dramatic side back. It would be DRAMATIC, SEXY and oh-so fab for that three-quarter I-am-holding-my-Oscar-statuesque shot! It would also be such a departure from those too-stiff 80's suits a la Margaret Thatcher.

Michelle Williams: Gorgeous Michelle. She wore a beautiful silver-blue Chanel Haute Couture sequined gown for last year's Academy Awards and I'd love to see her in head-to-toe sequins once again. But my NIKOLAKI design would be in a lilac/lavender color --very similar to this gown of mine:

However, the sequin and color detail would Ombre from light to dark/light to heavy at the hem. My design features a plunging neckline but it is delicately hidden by an attached silk chiffon capelet. The shape would be fit-to-flare and feature a sexy side slit (she was TOO covered up at the 2012 Golden Globes).

Glenn Close: For Glenn, I wanted to also take her out of her black color fashion comfort zone and create a gown in a midnight blue. I also know she loves that Mermaid Shape so I did a variation on this, based on one of my NIKOLAKI Mermaid-shaped gowns.

The gown would be in a stiffer silk ziberline or taffeta and have hand-applied Swarovski crystal embellishment at the waist and neckline--again, for that ever-so-important three quarter shot! Finally, I would semi-cover her shoulders and biceps with horizontal pleated drape accents.

Viola Davis: Finally, for Viola, I sketched this Fashion Goddess illustration. First off, I would LOVE to see Viola in a gown of this color: apple green. This is THE color for Spring/Summer 2012 and we saw it on a lot of the Paris, Milan, NY runways. If anyone can WORK this color, it's Miss Viola. The silk chiffon gown would be gathered at the bust as well as the center front, like this gown below from my NIKOLAKI Collection:

There would be a high side slit for dramatic red carpet posing and yes, her torso--and "Sistahs" (she's been displaying them a lot lately)--would be elegantly positioned, with this gown. Finally, I added a very DIVA-like 20+ yards of silk chiffon cape attached to the gown at the back. This would flow as she walked like a Spartan Empress waiting to greet her 10,000 warriors--or her Oscar statue!

I can't wait to see on Sunday night what these actresses decide to wear to the 84th Annual Academy Awards--and if my original sketches/designs were actually better...or not-so-much!

Click Below for my "Oscar Fashion" What I Would Design For The Nominees Segment with NBC-LA's Cary Berglund from the fabulous FIDM Museum "Oscars Costumes" Exhibition:

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party": The Recap!

A FAB Fabric Sale, Lots of Signed Fashion Illustrations, Free Prizes, "Project Runway" Dishing and More...

La Familia: Nick Verreos with FIDM Scholarship Store attendees, my "Twitter" Bestie Victor Padilla (holding his Season 2 Project Runway DVD!) and his mommy, the fabulously chic Olga, FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric, Draping & Sketching Party"

FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A. FIDM Campus

Last Thursday I had the privilege of hosting a fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store (voted the "Best Boutique/Store in L.A." by the readers of Downtown News BTW!). The reason for the little daytime bash was the fact that EVERY fabric in the store was priced at only $2/yard (it's ALWAYS on sale at the FIDM Scholarship Store!).

Sketching Table: Nick Verreos getting ready to sketch fashion illustrations for the shoppers

Also, besides the fact that I was hosting this event, I was there to assist shoppers on what fabrics to get, give you ideas for fashion design, and to of course, sign original fashion illustrations that I did right then and there!

In addition, we had two FIDM Graduates from the Advanced Fashion Design Program--Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez, presenting the "Art of Draping": each created a one-of-a-kind gown as guests watched (!) using fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store. Angela, who was one of my students several years ago (very proud of her!) draped a beautiful one-shoulder flowing gown with original strapping using blue satin fabric, as seen above...

And Paul (above)--shy little Paul (Not!), went "Miss Venezuela Fabulosa!" creating a plunging neckline gown featuring a hand-pleated top section and OVERSIZED gathered side "Puff's". In case you want to know how those stood up: "dotted" pattern paper! He used "Barbie Pink" poly satin--again from the FIDM Scholarship Store, of course.

Also for this "Fabric Party" was Mark Griffin, a FIDM Interior Design graduate, and one of the talented FIDM interior design students featured in the HGTV series "Design School" . He was there showing how to use fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store for home decorating ideas--such as covering lamp shades, photo frames, and table coverings.

Dishing: Nick Verreos plays host and "Project Runway Gossip Queen" to shoppers at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

The event was a big success! It was a delight to see so many people in the store shopping and getting fabric! There were lots of "Project Runway" fans which was great! The Finale was that night so I gave them a little "insight" on what to expect possibly (since I had attended the NY Fashion Week project Runway Finale show).

We Want Fabric...and a Nick Fashion Illustration: FIDM students pose at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

A special treat was meeting one of my "Twitter Besties", Victor Padilla and his lovely mom, Olga. He brought his Season 2 Project Runway DVD which his mommie had just bought for him (love her!), so naturally they both got a special "Nick Hug" , fashion illustration and signed photo! (see photo at the top of this post).

What's In The Bag: Nick Verreos and one of the "FIDM Scholarship Store Fabric Party" prize winners

We even gave out prizes--LOTS of them--to the shoppers, guests and attendees! Everyone put their name in a box and then throughout the party, I reached in and chose a winner. They got some FAB prizes (yes, I'm jealous!).

I can't wait until we have another fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store. Thank you to EVERYONE who came out and especially to all the amazing FIDM Scholarship Store staff--LOVE YA!

Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's 1st Annual Wine Women And Shoes Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home: The Recap!!!

An "Emerald Evening" in the Emerald City: Seattle!!

Seattle Chic: Nick Verreos with Seattle Diva Fashionista (and friend) Rose Dennis, Seattle Wine Women and Shoes Benefit Four Seasons Seattle

Last Thursday, I flew to Seattle--one of my FAVORITE cities in the US--to host Seattle's "Wine Women And Shoes" Event to benefit the Seattle Children's Home. This was the city's first ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Gala, and well, you can imagine, the pressure was on me, to BRING IT!

I arrived, checked in to my gorgeous Four Seasons Seattle Hotel--site of the event--and after hanging my "ensemble" up in the closet, I went straight to the event Ballroom to check out how all the preparations were going. But there was one HITCH: I realized, as I was unpacking, that I forgot to bring a tie. For now, read on...

How To Make Nick Happy? Check out the Seattle Four Seasons Welcome in my room

Now, before I get any further, I must point out the wonderful "Welcome to the Four Seasons Seattle Spread" that awaited me in my room-- bottle of red wine, shoe-and-wine-shaped cookies and a lovely "Welcome Note" from Four Seasons Seattle Director of Catering Kirk Sugamele. Now, seriously: That's a Welcome!!! I also made a "mental note" of the gorgeous bathtub in my hotel room, thinking "I will end up there after it's all over!" After going through what my duties would be as the Wine Women and Shoes Host-with-the-Most...

Pike Place Nick: Nick Verreos trench-coat'ing it in Seattle's Pike Place Market

I then headed to the iconic Seattle Landmark: Pike Place Market, for some lunch (I just knew I probably wouldn't eat for the next, well...eight hours!!!). I have been in Seattle like half-a-dozen times hosting events--but NEVER, got a chance to come here (I know, shame on me and my previous hosts!!). I did witness the "Flying Fish" guys and it was FAB!!! (those Fish Guys are kinda cute--just a bit smelly thank you very much!).

Now, I was ready to try and remedy my I-Forgot-To-Bring-A-Tie Problem...

Greek Goddess: Maria Christofilis, Founder and Creative Director of Anthousa Collection, Barneys NY Seattle

I had packed a fab suit with a lavender dress shirt but forgot to bring the TIE that went along with my ensemble!!! So, now I was in search of ONE purple/lilac/lavender tie--that would go with my shirt. I walked through Downtown Seattle near my hotel looking for a boutique/store that carried ties (the entire time angry at myself for forgetting to pack one, since I OWN about 150 TIES!!!). I spotted Barneys NY, and thought "OK, THEY will have a chic purple/lilac/lavender tie for me!". I stomped in and before I could head upstairs to the Men's Department, I heard "Nick!!!" I turned around and it was my good old friend, the ever-so-stylish (and my Greek Supermodel Sistah!!) Maria Christofilis, founder and creative director of Anthousa Collection, a luxury line of candles and Home Ambiance Fragrances which I D.I.E. for, and use in EVERY room of my house, studio...you name it , Anthousa is THERE!!!

The Man Who Saved The Night: Barneys NY Seattle Store Manager Christopher Nardi (left) and Nick Verreos, Barneys NY Seattle

She was standing next to a very well dressed man. Anyhow...after our Greek double-kisses, she asked "What are you doing here at Barneys Seattle?". I told her my predicament and before I could sprint to the upper Men's Floor, the man next to her, said "You Can Borrow my Tie...It's Hermes, it's purple-ish, and it's yours tonight!" It turns out that this man next to Maria, was Christopher Nardi, the Store Manager of Barneys NY Seattle and he told me in confidence that there were probably no purple ties upstairs (he would know!!). He was so kind that he actually TOOK OFF his hand-made lilac-colored Hermes tie and handed it to me!!!! Well, how could I not resist? I didn't!!! Now, my outfit was complete.

Lilac Hermes Tie: Nick Verreos on the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" pink carpet Step-and-Repeat, Four Seasons Seattle

The Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event was AMAZING!! I hosted a VIP pre-party--where VIP guests mingled and sampled hors d'oeuvres and champagne and got a fifteen minute (OK, maybe more!) "lecture" from moi, where I spoke of my "Welcome to Seattle Tie Incident" as well as how much I LOVE Seattle, and some DISH on Project Runway.

VIP Posing: Nick Verreos at the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event", Four Season Seattle

Afterward, I headed to the main Ball Room, where over 300 guests tasted lots of delicious wine, and sampled lots of FABULOUS fashions that they could purchase--with some proceeds going to the wonderful Seattle Children's Home.

Seattle Fierce: Nick Verreos with guests at "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" Four Season Seattle

I spent the next three hours (as guests arrived, sampled delicious canapes and wine, as well as tried on some of the participating vendors' jewelry and shoes)--on a microphone--making my "Red Carpet Commentating" on guests fab shoes, as well as their outfits--and telling them to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP--as well as partake in all the wine!!! I also judged a "Best Shoes" contest and awarded the most "Classy Classic" shoe, as well as best "Stunning Stiletto" and fiercest "Embellishment Extraordinaire" pump. I did a special "Runway Walk" with the winners (I think they loved that!).

Auction Table: A Custom One-of-a-Kind Nick Verreos Fashion Illustration

There was a special Silent Auction--and one of the items up for Auction was a One-of-a-Kind Fashion Illustration sketch by me, that I would sketch right then and there. The highest bidder/winner, a lovely and very fashionable woman by the name of Alana, was so ecstatic (and so SWEET!!) that I decided to do TWO sketches for her--as cameras and guests watched--it felt like one of those "Project Runway" Make-It-Work Moments: Do a Fabulous Fashion Illustration in Fifteen Minutes...Or Else!!

One was my "Vision for her in a Couture NIKOLAKI Gown" from my line (above). And then I decided to sketch her in the outfit she was wearing.

Winning Fashionista: The Winning Bidder, Alana Jan Koetje Morris of Mercer Island Washington...

And the second sketch I did of her

I absolutely had a blast hosting this First Ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Seattle event and I heard--from a little birdie--that the guests--as well as the clients--were also very happy. After a "good job done", I ventured up to my room, ordered in-room dining and passed out! Incidentally, I was so tired I didn't make it into my gorgeous Four Seasons Bathtub in my hotel room! Maybe next time!

*Click HERE for Team Photogenic and their exclusive video and photos of my event.

*Click HERE for more photos from Seattleite Magazine--including the Winners of the "Best Shoes" and more...

Nick Verreos' Vision for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown...Watch The Today Show TOMORROW Morning!

Project Runway Goes To A Royal Wedding...on The Today Show!!!

Don't miss the "Today Show" TOMORROW MORNING on NBC! Why? Well, you'll get to see FIVE Wedding Gown creations by Project Runway past winners--and alumni--including ME!!! Read on...

The Blushing Royal Couple: Prince William and Kate Middleton

As you may remember, about a month ago, Lifetime TV asked many Project Runway designers--including moi--to submit fashion sketches for "their vision" of Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown. The sketches were shown on Lifetime TV's Website and generated a HUGE buzz (a little Birdie told me they received OVER A MILLION hits the day the sketches came out!). HERE was my sketch.

Then, ONLY a week ago, I was contacted by the Lifetime TV Execs, to see if I would be one of the five hand-picked designers who would actually CREATE their vision of the gown, which then would be shown LIVE, on the Today Show, in anticipation of the Premiere of Lifetime's "William & Kate" movie (which debuts tomorrow night, 9pm e/p ). The other designers include Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, Season 6 Winner Irina Shabayeba, Emilio Sosa (Season 7) and Johnathan Kayne (Season 3).


Less than a week to make a full-on Custom NIKOLAKI gown? Sure. It's "Make It Work" time! And so I did. I decided to "change it up" a bit and created a brand new gown--a little different from my original sketch. My NIKOLAKI Studio was workin' OVERTIME this past week to get it done and delivered to NYC just in time (it arrived early this morning at 2:45AM! Thank You Fed Ex Same Day Delivery!!).

Here's a "Sneak Peak" at the new gown--well, in sketch form:

Tune in TOMORROW MORNING, Today Show, on NBC, between 9-10AM and see my gown--as well as the other designers' gowns.

*According to the latest update, the segment will be on around 9:30AM--(it was changed since, as of yesterday, the segment was going to be around 8:45AM--but as you know it's "TV Land" and changes happen!!)
To make sure, just DVR/TiVo the ENTIRE show if you can, I will!!!

Don't Miss the Project Runway Kate Middleton Wedding Gown "mini" Fashion Show!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts "Wine Women and Shoes" Benefit in Seattle May 5th!!!

Seattle Fashionistas: I'm Coming To Rate Your Shoes...Oh, and also to HOST a FABULOUS Party for a GREAT Cause!!

In three weeks, on Thursday May 5th to be exact, I will be in Seattle (one of my FAVORITE cities in the World, thank you very much!) to host that city's "Wine Women & Shoes" Gala benefiting Seattle Children's Home.

The Seattle Children's Home has been in existence sine 1884 , providing incredible mental health services to children and their families. I am so honored to be involved with such a wonderful organization. If you've been keeping up with my lovely BLOG here, you may know that I have a fondness for Seattle--the Emerald City--and have hosted several FAB events there. This time, I am being invited back--and I assure you, this event will be AMAZING! Why?

Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's "Wine Women & Shoes" Benefit May 5th

First of all, I am HOSTING! In other words: Watch Out Seattle! It's going to get COUTURE-Crazy! In addition, you will get to shop, nibble (yes, there will be lots of food darlings!) and taste sensational wines--and actually meet the vintners behind them! Vintners--now that's your new word of the day! (at least for moi)

Sketch Artist: Nick Verreos Fashion Illustration for Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009 "Nick Verreos Orbit Gum-inspired Gown"

You will also get a chance to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences, including an original ONE-OF-KIND fashion illustration --done by ME--right then and there!
I will also be giving prizes for the "sassiest" pairs of SHOES! Like these Louboutin's above (yep, if any ladies wear these, I might just SCREAM in glee!)

And there's more: Here's a Rundown of the Evening's Festivities:
5-6pm: VIP Reception where I will give a special discussion on current fashion trends (for VIP ticket holders only!)

6-7pm: Red Carpet Arrivals--I will be commenting on attendee's FAB pumps! (Yep, it's like me doing my Live From The Academy awards Red Carpet Show!)

7-8pm: Party Dinner--time to DISH on Project Runway and my new upcoming TV show--as well as having Katy Perry AND Carrie Underwood wear my designs

8:30-9pm: Raffle and Best Shoe Contest--and this is when I will sketch my original one-of-a-kind sketch to the Winning Bidder!!!

I am so excited about hosting this event and KNOW that it will be THE Seattle Event people will be talking about for YEARS!!!

Details:

*What: Seattle's "Wine Women & Shoes" Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home, Hosted by Nick Verreos

*When: Thursday May 5th, 5-6pm VIP Reception, 6-9pm Event

*Where: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, 99 Union Street Seattle Washington


*Tickets: For more information and how to purchase tickets, click HERE

*I just found out that we are almost SOLD OUT of the VIP tickets (and we still have three weeks to go!!!) but you can still get General Tickets---

Nick Verreos Wedding Gown sketch for Kate Middleton for Lifetime.com!!!

A Wedding Gown Fit for a (Future) Queen!

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".