Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: The Models!!

Posin' Pros...

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry: Victoria's Secret Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (how much do we just LOVE that "Upper Class"-sounding name of hers?? I have a feeling she didn't grown up in the "Projects" my dear!). She looks radiant, even if a bit wrinkled in this Burberry gown. PS: This is Burberry? Didn't know they were into silk charmeuse! And PPS: That IS a SLIT kids!

Red Bombshell: Brazilian Supermodel Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen. OK, B**ches: SIT DOWN, the Queen has arrived! If I was a girl standing within ten feet of her, I would have run for cover. Trust me ladies, you would not want to be competing with this. How do you say "fabulous" in Portuguese?

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen: Pardon me for asking but, SHE'S supposed to be FULL FIGURED???? She looks like a Runway Size 2 to me. What happened to all the "I want to be the Poster Child for 'Real Women with Curves' stuff"? You can read more about the controversy HERE. Oh well, she still looks SAVAGE in this black silk taffeta Zac Posen . Loving that hair too! One word: WORK!!!!

Valentino with model Natalia Vodianova in Valentino: Pretty and Regal. Her hair and make-up (especially the EYES!) are on-point. Love the red clutch. Yes, Valentino is a bit orange, but hey it is VALENTINO! He gets a pass.

Miranda Kerr in Marchesa: Who got in a fight at a Mexican Girl's Quinceañera? Miranda Kerr did. I know that I have said this before "Models can get away with wearing (Almost) anything!!!" Well: Exhibit A of "Almost" above.

Karolina Kurkova in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011. Question: Is she wearing Guipure Lace Pants?

Answer: Yes. Here's the gown--and matching pants from Gaultier's Spring 2011 "Can Can Couture" Collection (above). It kinda works on me! Let's just be happy she didn't add that feathered headdress (or maybe she should have!).

Elettra Wiedemann in Prabal Gurung. Elettra--in case you didn't know--is Isabella Rossellini's daughter, she's a model, darlings. And wow, is she gorgeous! Not so much for the dress. It's a RUCHED mess if you ask me. I love me some Prabal Gurung; he's one of the most talented US Designers and in Miss Anna Wintour's "Little Black Book" of Faves. But this was a bit of a miss.

Joan Smalls in Tom Ford. Three words: At A Girl. And two more: Slinky and smoldering.

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger: Next. She's going to the Met Gala not a High School Dance in 1953. I hope she didn't actually pay someone to do her hair that night...Just sayin'.

Hillary Rhoda in Alexander McQueen: Edwardian Dandy Meets Equestrian Diva. I bet she probably could ride a horse in that! Or go Fox Hunting!

Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen: This has the right amount of "Valley of The Dolls" element (the chiffon gown, the updo hairstyle) which makes me want to be pool side in some fab home in Bel Air in 1967 drinking Martinis and popping pills! Love it.

Chanel Iman in Dolce & Gabbana: Can you say Michelle Obama, size 00?? Prim, proper, almost "Diplomatic". The perfect white lace sheath dress. Chanel looks radiant.

And Last But (Certainly) NOT Least...Miss Naomi Campbell:

In Alexander McQueen. I'm sure up close this gown is a Piece of Work and incredible in fact. And I'm sure on the runway, those layers and layers of sliced chiffon did their magic. But on Naomi, she just looked like a Grecian Goddess Statue...who got stuck in a tornado, unfortunately. On a Positive Note: The hair reminds me of my Mom, Raquel in Caracas Venezuela circa 1975 at the "County Club".

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Spring 2011

Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Spring 2011

Well it looks like the Oscar de la Renta pr machine is working hard! Lots of the top ladies love themselves some Oscar. Michelle Obama might not--according to all those Washington DC/NYC tabloids--but Hollywood ladies do! Here, "Glee" actress Lea Michele--who's worn Oscar de la Renta before--hit a High note with this slinky all-over beaded gown.

It's refreshing to see Lea in a not-so-structured architectural gown (like she's worn before) and although, I liked her Golden Globes gown, many did not--including my TV Guide Fashion Wrap partner Jen Rade (we fought about that decision of mine for MINUTES!). So, I can see why maybe she took a less structural gown route this time. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the messy hair. To think that someone got payed A LOT of money (I am guessing since I know those stylists charge a hefty fee for Awards Show Red Carpet) to do that, it almost makes me shiver. But I like the gown Miss Lea!

What do guys think? Of the Gown? The hair?

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Natalie Portman in Azzaro

Natalie Portman in Custom Azzaro Spring 2010

"Black Swan" actress Natalie Portman wore a strapless white silk crepe column gown from Azzaro and its Argentine Designer Vanessa Seward. First of all, can Natalie Portman get MORE beautiful? Her make-up, hair: Absolutely GLOWING.

Now onto her gown: It looks like a combination of two dresses from the Azzaro Spring 2010 Collection originally shown two years ago on October 2009 (it still looks fresh and modern kids!). One is long and features pleated drapes originating from the bust at center front with no neckline trim-but styled with a gold sequin bolero (as seen above).

Azzaro Spring 2010

And the other is a shorter more trapeze-shaped cocktail dress which has almost the same crystal trim at the neckline as in Portman's. I like this gown on Natalie and it's nice to see a pregnant young lady wearing a fitted column gown instead of a tent-line Empire-style one. I'm just thinking it might be a little too tight on her.

What do guys think?

Kennedy Center Honors Red Carpet: Oprah, Carol Channing, Diana Ross, Gwen Stefani and more...

Washington DC Red Carpet

She Loves a Crisp White Shirt: Oprah Winfrey and her beau Stedman Graham, walk the Kennedy Center Honors 2010 Red Carpet

Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones and Country Music Musician Merle Haggard were all honored tonight at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors, which will be broadcast at the end of this month on CBS.

Even though it's not Hollywood, there still were some Red Carpet Moments, both Good and Not-So-Good:

Cool Hip Quotient Award: Goes to Gwen Stefani. She look flawless in her Canary Yellow high-neck fitted dress with waist-cinching black mini belt. Love the up-do Miss Gwen.

The No Doubt members, however get a 5 for looking too-old to be "rocking" both eyeliner and the bleach-blond thang. The ONLY bleach-blond should be on Gwen!

Red King: Gayle King looked elegant in this lipstick red one-shoulder gown. The clutch is a little big but she still worked it--Go on Miss Gayle!

Jennifer Thin: Singer-Actress, Academy Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson looked fabulous in this black cocktail number. I almost did not recognize her. Is she a size 4 now? What the He**????

Who Is The Bigger DIVA?

Carol Channing was resplendent in a Holiday Red pant ensemble featuring a billowy exaggerated Leg-o-Mutton sleeved jacket/blouse. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE her! They do not make DIVAS like this any more unfortunately. She is Old-School Red Carpet GLAMOUUUUURRRRRR!!!! However, the biggest Diva of the night was...

Yes, Miss Diana Ross. PETA WHO??? Huney, Miss Ross ain't playing. When she does Red Carpet, She DOES Red Carpet. It's 110% or she is not showing up! Like the fully sequined silver gown and jacket weren't enough. It's cold outside, huney. So, therefore, she brought out the full-length mink! At-a-Gurl! She thinks it's 1984 and I LUV her for it!

Now, onto the Worst and Best Dressed Men: Kid Rock wins the Worst; hands-down with this get up. I like it when Diana Ross does FUR, but when Kid Rock does it, he looks like a Kansas City Hooker's PIMP! I like faux-fur vests on Rachel Zoe, but NOT...on Kid Rock!

The Best Male: Goes to "Glee" actor-and Details Magazine Six-Pack ab'ed Coverboy, Matthew Morrison. Handsome , Handsome and MORE Handsome.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Kyra Sedgwick in Monique Lhuillier

Actress Kyra Sedgwick wears a simple Cabernet red/maroon strapless A-line shaped gown from FIDM-grad--and LA based designer Monique Lhuillier, from her Fall 2010 Collection shown in New York. It's simple, maybe too simple for me. The abstract clutch is a great balance to the simplicity of her gown. It's a "safe" choice for her but a HUGE improvement from last year.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Dianna Agron, another actress from "Glee" stepped onto the Emmys Red Carpet in Carolina Herrera Resort 2011. The gown, a strapless "Antique Lace" double-tiered design, is elegant and very "Spanish Contessa" for sure...But it looks a bit too "mature" for a young actress like Dianna. It's just so funny that I would have guessed the "Girls from Glee" to be all "fresh" and "dynamic" and "young" in terms of their fashion choices yet both her and Lea Michele have dressed a tad bit "too old". I should just be happy they look elegant and put together, which they both do!!

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Tina Fey

Tina Fey (LOVE HER!) is one of those celebs that either "Gets It" or "Misses It" on the Red Carpet. This time, in my opinion, she got it! She's wearing a fitted high-necked blue-gray gown featuring with black embroidery, from Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011. The cap sleeves (sleeves-on-a-gown are a trend ladies!), the Mermaid train, and waist-defining seam, all aid in giving Tina a sleek silhouette. The up-swept 'do ages her just a little bit, so I would have rather seen her let her hair down (but not as "carefree" as the models').

What Will the Nominees Wear?! Nick Verreos makes Predictions and Suggestions: Part 2

After my 1st post giving Predictions and Suggestions of what some of the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actresses should wear to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, I couldn't resist but finish out both groups and give my Nick "two cents" about what I think these beautiful and talented ladies should be wearing for their big night.
Mo'nique:
Mo'nique loves a White, Nude or Creme colored Strapless Gown. She has worn a version of this color and style time and time again. And why not?, it looks great on her. This definitely falls under the category of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!". And since she is basically assured to win the Best Supporting Actress statute, she definitely needs to make sure she is wearing a dress she will be happy to see in photos for years to come.

My suggestion is to stick with what works, but take it up a notch! This Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Gown from his Officer's Muse Spring Summer 2010 Collection would be perfect for her. It offers all the things Mo'nique loves in a gown but certainly says "I'm a Oscar Winner!"

Anna Kendrick:
Is it just me or does Anna Kendrick seem to get "lost in the mix"? Between Carey Mulligan and Vera Farmiga, sometimes I find myself saying "now which one is Anna Kendrick?" In order to put a stop to this on the Red Carpet, Kendrick needs to set herself apart from the other ladies. My suggestion is that she goes Old Hollywood Glamour. This Gown from Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2010 Collection would give her a sexy Rita Hayworth vibe. With it's black beaded overlay and nude lining with that extra high slit, this dress will be sure to make Anna a Sultry Siren at the Awards.

Meryl Streep:
Meryl Streep is the Queen of Hollywood. She has received 16 Academy Award nominations, winning two, and 25 Golden Globe nominations, winning seven, more nominations than any other actor in the history of either award! DIVA! I would love for her to embrace this title and really "Bring It" to the Oscars. Letting everybody know "I have arrived, Bow to me!"

In this wasp-waist Christian Dior Gown from John Galliano's Spring 2010 Haute Couture Collection, there would be no denying that Streep is the Actress to be revered by all the rest.

Penelope Cruz:
After winning the Best Supporting Actress Award last year, Cruz is again nominated this year for her role in "Nine". Last year she wore a Vintage Balmain Gown from 1950 and it was the perfect choice for her. She looked classic and timeless.

This year I would suggest a gown from the Versace Atelier Collection. Almost every gown from this collection has made it's way to the Red Carpet, but this dress has yet to be worn. I think it would be the perfect choice for Penelope because it evokes the feeling of last year's dress while adding a bit of sexiness and a splash of color.

Gabourey Sidibe:
And finally, for Gabourey Sidibe I have chosen a gown from my NIKOLAKI collection. I love that Gabby embraces her size and I have noticed that she has worn several draped jersey dresses and has looked fantastic in them. I think she should take a page from Mo'nique's book and wear a lighter color to really set off her beautiful skin color. She would look fantastic in this Lemon Yellow Silk Jersey Draped Grecian Goddess Gown. Whether she takes home the statute or not, Gabby would surely be a fashion winner!

Nikolaki by Nick Verreos and David Paul on Roiworld!

On The Virtual Red Carpet: NIKOLAKI Gowns Ready for their Close-up!

Recently I attended the book signing of Author and Fashion Aficionado Tom Julian. We quickly hit it off and he told me that I NEEDED to be part of a project he was doing called Roiworld. After doing a little research I discovered that Roiworld is a great sight that allows you to play "virtual paper dolls" on the computer. It combines games, shopping and some great fashion. It is something that most Girls (and some boys!) wish we had "back in the day".

Roiworld was gearing up to create a Red Carpet Closet just in time for the Academy Awards. They asked me and my company NIKOLAKI to be part of it and I, of course, said YES!

NIKOLAKI Virtual Closet: Choose Which Style You'd Wear on the Red Carpet!

They took 3 Gowns from my collection: A Black Silk Taffeta Gown, a Celedon Green Beaded Siren Gown and a Red Silk Zibeline Strapless Gown.

You can add heels, handbags, hairdos and accessories to all the looks. It was so fun to see these creations animated and I even had a great time playing with the different styles!!

Click HERE to play!

Reelz Channel Oscar Fashion Preview with Nick Verreos!

And the Academy Award goes to...
Golden Girl: Naibe Reynoso wearing NIKOLAKI at the W Hotel Los Angeles

Last week I took part in an Oscar Preview and Makeover for Reelz Channel's Show Hollywood Dailies. The beautiful Naibe Reynoso was the subject of the makeover and also the lovely hostess of the segment.
Ready for the Red Carpet: Nick Verreos and Naibe Reynoso (in Kevan Hall)

On hand at the W Hotel Los Angeles to help in the Oscar Transformation were none other than Theodore Leaf and my Victory Project partner Chantal Moore. Theodore talked Hairstyle trends and gave Naibe an Oscar worthy style, while Chantal discussed make-up and gave her a new look. I, of course, discussed Fashion and previewed gowns from my line, NIKOLAKI as well as beautiful styles from Kevan Hall.

Watch the segment Below:

2010 Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Sandra Bullock

One of America's favorite "sweethearts", actress Sandra Bullock--who clinched the Golden Globes Best Actress Award for "The Blind Side" wore a violet iridescent organza gown from the Italian brand, Bottega Veneta Spring 2010 line.

It was strapless and rather sheer. For some reason, it just wasn't one of my favorites. The fabric looked a bit cheap and I am sure it was not. Her make up--especially those "cat eyes"--looked fabulous but her hair seemed a bit "moppy"--I sure it was the result of the crazy unusual Los Angeles rain.

With all that, it might not have been the best Red Carpet moment for Sandy, but how can you not love her anyway!

Watch me Monday, January 18th @ 8pm/7c on TV GUIDE Channel: Golden Globes Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba

2010 Golden Globe Awards: Who Wore What? Marion Cotillard

French Actress Marion Cotillard is the new face of Christian Dior. So, in other words, there's no chance you will see her in a designer/brand other than Dior--at least for MAJAH red carpet events. It's in her MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR contract to wear nothing else kiddies.

For the 2010 Golden Globe Awards, Marion wore a deep hunter-green silk one-shoulder gown with a high side-slit featuring a peek-a-boo lace underslip from Christian Dior Spring 2010 by John Galliano. Nothing really changed that much from Runway to the Red Carpet as you can see above, except for the length of that slip...

Watch me Monday, January 18th @ 8pm/7c on TV GUIDE Channel: Golden Globes Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba

First Photo of Heidi Klum in Marchesa at the Emmys Awards!!!!

Pregnant and ROCKING IT!!!!!Here's Heidi Klum arriving at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles. She whispered in my ear at her recent LA Confidential Pre-Emmys Party that she would wear a "lace Marchesa" gown. And here it is! It's black, strapless; has beaded embroidered lace overlay and a fabulous train for added drama! What do you guys think? I think she looks HOT!!! Go on Miss Heidi--work the belly out!

Red Carpet Inside Dish: Nick Verreos interviewed on TLo!!

Red Carpet 101...The Interview

Recently, my favorite web boys, Tom and Lorenzo wanted to do an interview to get "all the inside dirt" on what really goes on to get your dress or gown on the Red carpet. Of course, I obliged, I got my coffee, set up a chair on my porch (why does it sound like I live in the backwoods of Arkansas?) and gave it to them!
If you REALLY want to know what goes on behind the scenes of the "Red Carpet Game", then you'll be sure to read my interview.

D-List Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Kathy Griffin, in NIKOLAKI custom gown, Bravo A List Awards

Even David--my NIKOLAKI partner-in-crime--was surprised at how candid I was and how much information I gave. This industry tends to be secretive and not very willing to give out inside dish on what goes on "behind-the-scenes" but I was very open. I spoke about stylists; the pr agencies connection; the competition with the multi-million dollar conglomerates; how if you ever see one of my dresses on the red carpet, it's like winning the lottery. It's all there.

Check out the interview HERE and hope you have your notepad and get some valuable information. Next time, maybe people will think differently when asking "Why isn't Charlize Theron wearing your gowns...she would be PERRRRRFECT!!!!!!!"