Nick Verreos Gets ARTrageous! at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washignton DC

ARTrageous Nicky!
Draping Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Artist Karen LaMonte, stand next to LaMonte's sculpture, ARTrageous 2010

Last week, I flew to Washington DC to attend ARTrageous 2010, a fabulous annual gala in support of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. The event was also celebrating the recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery by sculptor Karen LaMonte. LaMonte lives and works in the Czech Republic--but made a special trip to DC for the unveiling. A very smart and eagle-eyed Smithsonian-ite recognized the similarities between LaMonte's draped glass-sculpture artwork and the tribute I pay to Grecian Goddesses in my NIKOLAKI Collection. Therefore we were both invited to be part of the unique Smithsonian American Art Museum party.Hotel Monaco Washington DC: Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fruit Plate and Classic Architecture

I checked in to the sophisticated Hotel Monaco DC, which is in a Historic restored all-marble building that happens to be conveniently located across from the Museum, where upon I was welcomed with a wonderful fruit plate, delicious brownies and chocolate cupcakes! (someone REALLY likes me at the Hotel Monaco DC!).DC Buddies: Nick Verreos and Ross Randall, Smithsonian American Art Museum ARTrageous! 2010 Party

I settled in and got dressed for the evening's gala, and headed out for the festivities. Awaiting me was Smithsonian Host-With-The-Most, Ross Randall, Development Officer of Major Gifts (love that title!) for the American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. Throughout the evening--Ross became my Superstar DC Handler/Manager/Best Friend. I have definitely made a friend-for-life with Ross!Table Setting at the ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

The evening began with a pre-dinner "Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Hour" which quickly led to a delicious dinner comprised of a Fennel Soup starter and Quail main course. Dinner Snapshot from ARTrageous! 2010

Before the dinner, Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery Curator Nicholas Bell, moderated a very lively discussion with artist Karen LaMonte and myself. Think of James Lipton and Inside The Actors Studio. Nicholas was a much more handsome and fashionable Lipton, to say the least! Smithsonian Designer and Artist Studio: Nick Verreos, Karen LaMonte and Nicholas Bell chat it up at ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

We "warmed up" the dinner guests with a fun and lively discussion of our mutual passions for Grecian Goddesses, draping and powerful women. I think the DC crowd loved my stories of my Diplomat US State Department/Foreign Service Officer father and my JLo-like mom while I spent my early childhood in Venezuela.Dinner Fashion: Nick Verreos and guests, ARTrageous! 2010

Following the dinner, guests were led into the stupendous Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium, where LaMonte's Sculpture "held" Center Court. The party was in full swing as guests danced and mingled.Atrium Chic: A view of ARTrageous! 2010 party, in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium

Of course, I did both! I had an amazing time at ARTrageous 2010 and I am humbled and honored to have been part of this great event. Rumor has it that it was a very successful night! I always have a great time in Washington DC and since this is was my THIRD visit, maybe I should start looking for a chic apartment in Georgetown! DC Beauties: Nick Verreos with guests at the ARTrageous! 2010 Party

At the end of the night, artist Karen LaMonte was so sweet that she even offered to make a one-of-a-kind sculpture out of one of my gowns. I certainly will have to take her up on that offer.

Click HERE for more fun photos from The Cotillion Online Blogsite.

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

In honor of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, I have decided to make a few suggestions on what I think some of the beautiful nominees for the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories might wear for their big night.

Now I know that these decisions have been made weeks, if not months prior to today and many of these Top Actresses have Gowns Custom Designed for their big night, but I thought it would be fun to play a bit of a guessing game as to what these actresses might choose.

Let's take a look at a few of the nominees and make a few suggestions for what they should wear to the most important night of both Film and Fashion!

Sandra Bullock:
Sandra Bullock is the front runner for the Best Actress Oscar and the entire fashion world is clamoring to dress her. Photos of Sandra will be shown across the world and pictures of Bullock in tomorrow nights gown will most likely become iconic.

I think she needs to make a bold choice with clean lines that will stand the test of time and she should definitely wear a strong color. My suggestion is this crimson red Marchesa gown from their Resort 2010 Collection. I'm sure the gown she will actually wear will be Custom Couture by a European design house, but this dress would be equally as beautiful on her.

Maggie Gyllenhaal:
Maggie is a Fashionista with a capital "F"!!! She has made strong and often unusual choices throughout her entire career and we should expect nothing but the same from her for the Oscars. My suggestion for her is this Blush Pink Chanel Haute Couture Gown from Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 2010 Collection. Only someone as risky as Gyllenhaal could pull off this fashion-forward gown and she would be wise to make another daring choice. Whether people love it or hate it, everyone will be talking about what she wore the next morning!

Helen Mirren:Helen Mirren is Hollywood Royalty and is also known as having one of the best bodies in town! Although this dress by Carolina Herrera for Fall 2010 is not a risky choice it is a rich, luxurious color and fabric and is figure flattering while having an ingenious chiffon embroidered overlay that offers just the right amount of coverage.

Carey Mulligan:
Carey is this seasons "it girl". She is the ingenue that everyone wants to dress this awards season. And it looks like she is having a great time with all the fashion and fashion choices that suddenly seem to have "fallen into her lap".

While she might also be able to pull off one of the gowns from the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2010 Collection, I have chosen for her the bright lemon yellow chiffon gown from the Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2010 Collection. The striking color along with the softness of the chiffon drape will make her a standout on the Red Carpet. Also, her new pixie haircut will really highlight the asymmetry of the neckline.

Vera Farmiga:
And finally, for Vera I have chosen a gown from my NIKOLAKI Collection (hey, why not?! This is my blog predictions after all!). I think she would look stunning in this Celedon Green silk Zibeline Column Gown with asymmetrical strap and back cascade detail. I think the silhouette would look fantastic on her and the strap and back detail would add just enough drama for the biggest night of her life....and Vera, if you have a wardrobe malfunction tomorrow, call me! I have the perfect dress waiting for you!