Nick Verreos Attends "A Celebration of Valentino"/Paper Bag Princess Fashion Show!!

Vintage Couture at Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week Nick Verreos with Leanna Lewis (in Elizabeth Mason Couture)

Last Thursday night, I was invited to a very special fashion show presentation as part of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week. The show, entitled A Celebration of Valentino, The Last Emperor was "curated" by Elizabeth Mason, stylish owner of vintage couture boutique The Paper Bag Princess and designer of her namesake Elizabeth Mason Couture line. The event was the official presentation of the Los Angeles Spirit Award For Style & Substance to actress and humanitarian (and style DIVA) Maria Bello.

Hourglass: Actress Maria Bello (in Elizabeth Mason Couture) at the "A Celebration of Valentino, the Last Emperor"

As we entered MOCA, I spotted my friend, Christopher Ciccone as well as LA City Department of Cultural Affairs and Style Ambassador, Cynthia Ruiz, my friend Raymundo Baltazar and Downtown LA Fashion Week co-organizer, Leanna Lewis (wearing Elizabeth Mason Couture, she confided). City of LA Lady In Red: Cynthia Ruiz flanked by Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos

We chatted and enjoyed some yummy cocktails before the show. As my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul and I sat down, I realized I was seated two seats away from actor Lukas Haas and spotted the "Latin Fabulous" Daisy Fuentes (I said "hello" and she was so beautiful and so sweet!) as well as actress Garcelle Beauvais, whom I co-hosted the Gen Art Fresh Faces of Fashion a couple of years back, across the runway.Justin Timberlake Who? My new obsession, singer Matt Goss, opening "A Celebration of Valentino, The Last Emperor"

A surprising highlight of the entire show was a show-stopping performance by my new favorite HOTTIE, singer Matt Goss, who has been dubbed "The New Frank Sinatra". He also just happens to be Daisy Fuentes' fiance (that's why she was there!). He poured his heart, soul (and singing pipes) into his show, backed by Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls Las Vegas Dancers. The jaded LA fashionista audience barely blinked an eye when he finished but Lord knows I was hootin' and hollerin'. I didn't care. This guy is really good! You are one lucky girl, Daisy!A Vodka Martini, please: A 1960s chic one shoulder black silk chiffon caftan gown with feathers

The fashion show began, and curiously enough, there were no Valentino gowns in this fashion show. Elizabeth Mason explained in her run-of-show notes, that "after my 15 years as a couture vintage purveyor, I have less than a handful of vintage Valentino gowns...once acquired, they are forever cherished and rarely, if ever dispensed of". LA-Greek God: A 1980s James Galanos blouson sleeved gown

The show was her ode to Signore Garavani and his creations--and love of red. There were great vintage dresses and gowns--mostly in black --spanning the 1930s, 40s and 80s, featuring the creations of Irene, Adrian, Nolan Miller, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, and one of my favorites, James Galanos. Walk Slowly: Spring/Summer 2010 Elizabeth Mason Couture red "Maria" gown

Included in the show were pieces from Mason's own line, Elizabeth Mason Couture, such as red silk taffeta wraps, and some VERY fitted (like a glove!) siren gowns (Maria Bello was wearing one). I can't imagine the knee sweep (Advanced Fashion School terminology, sorry kiddies) on them but trust me, these are gowns to stand and hold Martinis in--not to sit. Which is how it should be!

Click BELOW for a video of the final model exits, Elizabeth Mason Couture/Paper Bag Princess Fashion Show:

Nick Verreos Has Breakfast with the Mayor of Los Angeles?

Not so much...but...Fashion Podium: Mayor Villaraigosa, Max Azria of BCBG and Herve Leger, and Cynthia Ruiz of the LA Mayor's Department of Cultural Affairs

This week, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a press conference at the California Market Center in support of LA Fashion Week and the Los Angeles Fashion Industry. Barbara Graff, organizer of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week and Cynthia Ruiz from the Department of Cultural Affairs, invited me to be part of this event--and I was happy to oblige.Family Portrait: Fashion Angel Awards Judges Nick Verreos, Louis Verdad, Vanessa Gonzalez and Randolph Duke, along with other LA designers pose for the press

This event also marked the official announcement of the Fashion Angel Awards, a contest generously sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. About a month ago, I was invited to judge this contest along with other LA fashion notables such as Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia, Jeffrey Sebelia (winner of Season 3 Project Runway and designer of Cosa Nostra, designer Louis Verdad, former MOCA Director of Events, Vanessa Gonzalez and Randolph Duke. The Winners Are: Phong Hong, Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry, Fernanda Carneiro and their winning designs (and models)

Today marked "The Big Day" as head judge, Randolph Duke--flanked by Max Axria, the Honorable Mayor Villaraigosa, Cynthia Ruiz and Ilse Metchek, the chic director of the California Fashion Association/CFA--announced the three winning designers (four, actually, since one is a design team).Project Runway Meets LA City Diva: City of LA's "fashion ambassador" Cynthia Ruiz, with designers Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos

The Winners were Phong Hong, Fernanda Carneiro (a Graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM), and design team Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry. Each will get to participate in their own fully-funded runway show on October 13th at the Geffen Contemporary MOCA as part of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week. I remember that they were my favorites during the judging. Hong's designs were flirty and oh-so-feminine and Brazilain-born Carneiro's designs were wearable but still had pretty and unique details. Petro Zillia already carries her line and Nony Tochterman, its owner, says her clients "just love" her dresses. Lock and Key: Designers Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry with their key-and-belt top and wooden door skirt

Finally, I loved O'Dell and Henry's conceptual wooden designs, they were very Hussein Chalayan and I felt it would be great to show the rest of the World that LA wasn't just about jeans and t-shirts but we also had "artiste" designers. At the press conference, I was happy to run into one of my best friends, designer Raymundo Baltazar and Alison Nieder of California Apparel News, who was there to cover the event. I also said "Hola" to former Miss International 2007, Priscila Perales, from Mexico. Las Misses: Nick Verreos, Miss International and Miss Mexico '07 Priscila Perales, and Raymundo Baltazar

Of course I will be there next Tuesday to check out the four outstanding up-and-coming LA designers who will show at the Fashion Angel Awards Fashion Show. I think Mayor Villaraigosa summed it up best during his press conference, "Our city is no longer just the fashion capital of the West Coast; LA is one of the major fashion capitals of the world". See you at LA Fashion Week!

Click HERE for more info. on all the LA Fashion Week Events at ApparelNews.net
Click HERE for the schedule of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week.

Nick Verreos attends "Bienvenido Gustavo": Gustavo Dudamel at the Hollywood Bowl

Viva Venezuela...and Los Angeles!Miss Venezuela 2010: Nick Verreos, model-actress Patricia Velasquez, and Raymundo Baltazar, Hollywood Bowl

Over the weekend, I was privileged to have been invited by my very good friends, Raymundo Baltazar (fellow Project Runway alumn) and Jonathan Weedman, an esteemed member of the LA Philharmonic's Board of Directors to Bienvenido Gustavo, a concert, sponsored by Target at the fabulous Hollywood Bowl. The event was free but tickets were "sold out" a LONG TIME ago so when Raymundo called me to ask if I wanted to join them, I had my outfit picked out in less than two minutes! I was raised in Caracas, Venezuela and have followed my compatriota even before the infamous "60 Minutes" special let all the Gringos know the young genius of Gustavo Dudamel.
Hollywood Bowl VIP: Enjoying "Bienvenido Gustavo" at the Hollywood Bowl

This concert was the "official" way of welcoming "the world's greatest conductor" Gustavo Dudamel to the LA community. As we arrived, we were greeted by a charming all-women Mariachi band, unusual since Gustavo is from another continent, but oh well. Maybe it's difficult to find Venezuelan harp and cuatro musicians, but I know a few Venezuelans here in Southern California that would be happy to break out in a folkloric joropo--for a fee of course (wink wink!). Once inside the auditorium--and making our way to our reserved VIP box section--I spotted former Miss Venezuela 1989 finalist and Isaac Mizrahi and John Galliano muse, the gorgeous Patricia Velasquez. We posed for photos of course.Is Kylie Minogue Performing? The crowd at the Hollywood Bowl's Bienvenido Gustavo Concert

We enjoyed the entire FIVE HOUR concert from our AMAZING seats (love you Raymundo and Jonathan!) beginning with Quincy Jones introducing Cuban piano prodigy Alfredo Rodriguez to Andrae Crouch and his singers to Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and his Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble. Symphonic Architecture: Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl

During the "intermission", we enjoyed a delicious Patina dinner of chicken and vegetables, as well as snacked on cheeses and yes, had several cocktails. Then came the "big event": The 11Th Musical Director of the LA Philharmonic was introduced to the 18,000 screaming fans (you'd think it was Miley Cirus!) as he conducted Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" with the YOLA Expo Center Youth Orchestra; an orchestra made up of young South LA kids who had never even picked up an instrument--until 2 years ago. Curly Venezolano: Gustavo Dudamel conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, The Hollywood Bowl

After changing from a sporty black t-shirt and into the requisite white dinner jacket tuxedo, he then brought the entire Hollywood Bowl house down, conducting one of my favorite pieces of music: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The night ended with a stunning display of fireworks which lit up a huge sign atop the Hollywood Bowl structure which read "Bienvenido Gustavo". Yes, indeed, what a welcome! And to top it off, when I got home, I found out that we were even blogged about in the Los Angeles Times.

Click BELOW for two fun quick videos I captured from the day's festivities:

Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble:

Gustavo Dudamel introduced at the Hollywood Bowl:

Nick attends the Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Gala

Josh Groban, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, William Shatner, Priscilla Presley, and Dame Edna: Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009Josh Groban performing at the Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009

Last Friday, I was invited to see a once-in-a-lifetime event: The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009 Hall of Fame Gala. I have been to the Hollywood Bowl many times, but never as a "VIP" and certainly never had the chance to attend one of their much-sought after Opening Nights. As you may recall (if you have been keeping up with my blog), I was invited to be on the Opening Night Hollywood Bowl 2009 Official Committee by my good friends, Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar, who were one of only three illustrious couples that made up the Gala Co-Chairs. The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009 Co-Chairs and Commitee Members (I'm on the top left)
I received my invitations and almost needed a crow bar to close my jaw as I realized that my partner David Paul and I would have our own BOX (I know!!!) and we would be sharing it with my other Committee "girlfriend", the stylish and always charming, Alison Nieder, Editor of the California Apparel News, one of the events' sponsors. Opening Night Virgins: Nick Verreos and David Paul, designers of NIKOLAKI

Private VIP reception, three course dinner catered by the world-renown Patina, our own waiter, Gallo wines. It was almost too much to take. As we arrived, we headed to the VIP cocktail reception and immediately, we were handed a Champagne and Pomegranate concoction which we could not refuse. We also sampled the fabulous-tasting tapas of spicy beef mini empanadas, tortilla Espanola, sausage paella and ceviche. Commitee Hall of Fame: Nick Verreos and Raymundo Baltazar, pose with Alison Nieder (of the California Apparel News) and friend

I was also on a mission to taste the cheeses that were strewn throughout the cocktail reception--ask Raymundo! Needless to say, we found it, and they were delicious. I also got a chance to pose at the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Wall. Naturally, I went right to Liza Minnelli. Nick with a K: Nick poses next to the Liza Minnelli photo at the Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Hall Of Fame Wall, VIP cocktail reception

About 30 minutes later, we were whisked towards the Hollywood Bowl auditorium to get to our boxes, since dinner was about to start! As we got to our box, I spotted many a celebrity all around me. It was a "Who's Who" of the Hollywood, TV and music industry. Priscilla Presley was in a box just in front of us (I was DYING!), William Shatner sat in THE SAME BOX with our Co-Chair friends Jonathan and Raymundo not too far away. Hollywood Legends Meets Project Runway: Ann Rutherford and Anne Jeffreys pose with Nick Verreos and Raymundo Baltazar

Along with William Shatner, they also had a couple of distinguished guests in their box, including Hollywood actress (and DIVA) Anne Jeffreys, who has been in everything from Daytime Drama "Port Charles", to "Baywatch" and "Fantasy Island", as well as hundreds of other TV and film projects. The stunningly beautiful Ann Rutherford -- who is the last living actress from "Gone With The Wind", besides Olivia de Havilland-- was also their Hollywood Bowl box seat companion. NIKOLAKI fan: Nick Verreos and actress Melora Hardin of NBC's 'The Office"

"Dancing With The Stars" Chilean actor/hearthrob Cristian de la Fuente was also in front of us, along with his beautiful wife, TV presenter and actress Angelica Castro.
Behind us, I also noticed a tall gorgeous woman who looked familiar. Well, of course she did, because she's actually worn my dresses! Actress Melora Hardin in NIKOLAKI, hosting an Elle Magazine event in NYC

It was Melora Hardin, the stunning actress of NBC's "The Office". I approached her and after I introduced myself (I had never met her since I only worked with her stylist), I had to tell her how gorgeous she looked in NIKOLAKI.Melora Hardin in NIKOLAKI, on the "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet", NYC

Now onto the concert: It was out of this world! Kiwi Opera star Kiri Te Kanawa was incredible. Her voice was perfection! When she sang the first notes of Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro", I think I stopped breathing! Josh Groban was amazing, with his perfectly pitched voice which never faltered, as he sang "Pearls" , "Anthem" from the musical "Chess" and "February Song", a duet with Benin-born chanteuse Angelique Kidjo. I loved how uniquely different the two new 2009 Hall of Fame inductees were and yet how similar they were in their desire for reaching perfection in their music and voice. It was also fun to see the "Grobanites" and the "Te Kanawa-ites" fans converge at the Hollywood Bowl for the sheer enjoyment of their most beloved idols.Queens: Dame Edna and opera legend (and 2009 Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee), Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, share the stage

One of the highlights of the entire night was when Dame Edna came out on stage in a red sequined gown and almost brought the house down with her hysterical sassy humor. Every gay in the Hollywood Bowl was on the floor laughing (so was Priscilla Presley!) The night ended with John Williams conducting the Hollywood Bowl LA Philarmonic. They performed the iconic "Star Wars" overture and a stunning fireworks display over the Hollywood Hills. It was truly a magical night and I thank my hosts and Co-Chairs, Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar for making it happen.

Click HERE for a great Review from the Los Angeles Times.

Below is a youtube video of the Finale duet between Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Josh Groban with a special appearance by none other than Dame Edna!!!

Opening Night 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl !!

Music Gala Under The Stars!!!The Style Committee: Gala Co-Chair Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos at the Official Breakfast Opening Night 2009 Photo Op, the Hollywood Bowl

Recently, I was invited to be part of the Official Opening Night 2009 Hollywood Bowl Committee by my good friends Raymundo Baltazar and Jonathan Weedman. Raymundo and Jonnathan are one of only three couples to have the utmost honor to be the Gala Co-Chairs and naturally, I was beside myself to be part of this exclusive club spearheading the amazing fabulosity (to coin Miss Kimora Lee) that is to be the Opening Night at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
These Boots Are Made For Singin': Liza Minnelli at Opening Night 2008 Hollywood Bowl

Last year's Opening Night 2008 was spectacular, to put it mildly, which featured such stars as Liza Minnelli, B.B. King and an amazing fireworks display that lit up the Hollywood Hills like no other night! This year will be just as unbelievable! Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame 2009: Josh Groban and Kiri Te Kanawa

The first-ever inductees into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, Garth Brooks and John Williams, return to host as legendary opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the man with the angelic voice, John Groban, join their ranks---and get inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Opening Night 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl will be Friday June 19Th. The night will be a star-studded event with lots of special guests and even more special surprises! I am so proud to be part of this amazing committee and excited to make 2009 even "bigger and better" than last year's Opening Night. Tickets have sold like CRAZY! Fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl

The Grobanites--fans of Josh Groban in case you didn't know--are very faithful fans and will travel to the ends of the Earth---or Hollywood Hills--to see their one and only Josh (myself included!). But I am sure Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is bringing in her "Te Kanawanites" as well! Watch out , it will be a battle of the Grobanites vs the Te Kanawanites! I, for one, can't wait to be there to witness it!
Speaking of cutie--and very talented Josh Groban--click HERE for a very fun interview he just did for Good Day LA, the very popular Los Angeles Morning TV Show on Fox 11.
Hope you can join me!
Click HERE for ticket information.

FIDM Debut Judging Night with Nick Verreos

Speed Judging... FIDM Debut 2009 Style!Judges Ready? NIKOLAKI designer, David Paul, Swarovski West Coast Showroom Manager, the stylish Lisa Beckenholdt-Owers, Solstiss Executive Jane Burge (in her own design!), Nick Verreos and jewelry designer Tori Hartman

Earlier in the week, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM held their annual Debut 2009 Judging Night at their Downtown Los Angeles Campus. The annual Debut Judging night occurs a couple of weeks after the 11 students of the Advanced Fashion Design Program showed their collections at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar in the Debut 2009 Fashion Show to a 3000 plus crowd. The Judging Night is done in a form similar to "speed dating" in which a group of judges sit in while the student designer presents their collection to them in only 7 minutes. This is done until all the judges have "sat in" on every designer, which usually takes over an hour. As one of the Debut 2009 Instructors/Mentors, I just made sure that every things ran (somewhat) smoothly and that the kids were prepared and that their collections, portfolios and resumes were on the mark.
Street Style: Fashion Illustrator extraordinaire Angelo Estrada (giving you Run DMC!), Nick Verreos (sporting Philip Lim and Marc Jacobs Collection) and designer Raymundo Baltazar (in sunglasses and stripes)

This year, approximately 30 industry professionals showed up at the the fabulous FIDM Museum and Gallery which currently houses the 17Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design ( featuring costumes from 2008's best films, including the Academy Award winning "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") for this year's Debut 2009 Judging Night. Some of the judges included Hollywood red carpet and QVC designer and author Bradley Bayou, FIDM graduate Patricia Nevil of L'ezu Atelier of Beverly Hills, celebrity stylist Niki Shadrow and Jewelry Designer Tori Hartman.

Also in attendance were Fashion Illustrator and designer (and current Hip-Hop Diva) Angelo Estrada, Swarovski West Coast executive, Lisa Beckenholdt-Owers, Solstiss (Couture Fabrics from France) Executive Jane Burge, and even my Project Runway Season 2 buddy, designer Raymundo Baltazar. They sampled delicious hors d'oeuvres of dumplings, pizza and spinach dip as they waited to judge. A well-fed judge makes for better judging.
Most Creative: Charles Ryan Sands stands by his winning collection

After the judging had been completed, prizes were handed out in three categories: Most Creative Collection went to Charles Ryan Sands for his gas mask-printed (you read right!) pants, hooded cowl-draped hooded men's and women's jerseys and intricately tailored leathers and suitings. Most Cohesive: Lacey Osberg strikes a pose by her collection

The Most Cohesive Collection prize-- in terms of use of styling, color and fabrics--went to Lacey Osberg, designer of Lacey Elizabeth, for her elegantly tailored and feminine pieces ideal for the Upper East Side socialite who likes to have a little bit of romantic fun with her wardrobe. Most Marketable: Liz Sandhefner poses with one of her over sized collar printed denim coats

Finally, the Most Marketable honor went to Liz Sandhoefner, who designed a very sellable printed-and-solid denim collection of jumpsuits, jumpers, separates and fitted dresses, perfect for the less expensive Junior Market. Congratulations to all the Debut 2009 Designers and of course, especially to the three winners. Now, go out there and get a job...and make "Instructor Nick" proud!