Nick Verreos Has Landed....In Washington D.C.!!

It's COOOOOOOOOLLLLLDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!

Chillin' In DC: Nick Verreos standing outside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

On Thursday evening, I landed in Washington D.C. and after getting my luggage, stepped outside and almost froze my fragile Southern California used-to-85-Degree-weather body. It was a chilly 18 Degrees. Yep. Cold. Really cold. I praised the Fashion God of Marc Jacobs for making the knee-length parka coat with fur-lined attached hood that I brought with me---as well my my friend, John Wade, who works for Marc Jacobs and convinced me to buy it, even though I was in LA at the time and it was 75 Degrees!
As you may know, I was invited to the Nation's Capital, to host and showcase my "First Lady" inspired gowns at the California State Society and FIDM presents the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show, which is tomorrow Sunday January 18Th. I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow's event since finding out that many illustrious guests , including California Senator Diane Feinstein and San Francisco's Mayor, Gavin Newsom as well as former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, have confirmed their attendance.
So far David and I have been busy with rehearsals, fittings and some sight-seeing (even though it really is too cold to be outdoors sightseeing unfortunately). We did get to visit the phenomenal Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the nearby Museum of Natural History (I know, I was feeling "cultured"). I will have fun photos and even video after I return to LA.
Several web blogs have already posted some press regarding the event tomorrow, including the CaliforniaApparelNews.net and Loreen's Blog of Celebrities/OK!
Click HERE and HERE to read more...

Nick Verreos attends LA Confidential Mickey Rourke Party

Nick ConfidentialPlaid Happy: Nick Verreos at LA Confidential Party for Mickey Rourke

Monday night, my good friend Jane Cha, executive producer of Project Runway and Fashionista invited me to come along with her to the L.A. Confidential Party Celebrating cover-boy Mickey Rourke at The London Hotel West Hollywood. Just a day after Mr. Rourke winning his Golden Globe for Best Actor in Motion Picture Drama, the party was a timely way for Hollywood to congratulate the actor.Oh Mickey...You're So Fine: Golden Globe-winning actor Mickey Rourke

I had not been to the all-suite London Hotel since it had been re-done. It was formerly The Bel-Age and during its hey-day, I had been to many a party there. This particular party was thrown by Niche Media's Jason Binn, famous for publishing Ocean Drive Magazine. It was an intimate affair held at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant in the London. As we walked in, we were immediately greeted by a sharply-dressed waiter with a plate full of flavored Martinis, white wine and Champagne. We chose a little bubbly naturally. Soon after taking a sip, I spotted actress (and constant Worst-Dressed List Icon) Bai Ling, in a FULL-LENGTH GOWN!!!! When In Doubt, Dress Up: Bai Ling in full-on gown...even though it was NOT a black-tie event

And not just any gown, but light dusty rose satin with tulle and organza overlay and beaded trim! At first, I thought that maybe the Champagne was taking a much-too-sudden affect on my mental condition. But no, I was still pretty sober. I couldn't help but think that THIS WAS NOT A GOWN EVENT...but more of, say, cocktail/after-work attire. In fact, most of the men (and women) present were more "William Morris-agents-who-just-drove-in-from-their-day-in-Century City" as opposed to "Oh-look-at-all-those-Badgley-Mischka-Gowns!" Gotta luv Miss Ling...London In Los Angeles: Chef Gordon Ramsay at LA Confidential Party

Besides the party's Star, Mickey Rourke (looking VERY Mickey Rourke!), and Chef Gordon Ramsay himself (in a tight grey t-shirt), I also spotted actor David Arquette (looking very casual in a lumberjack-style plaid shirt) , and jawline-of-steal Ken Doll-looking actor Aaron Eckhart. But my highlight was actually when I was very warmly greeted by the host himself, publisher Jason Binn, ever the classy gentleman. As the delicious-looking hor d'oeuvres were passed around, I made a mental note to make sure to return to this chic restaurant and actually have a nice dinner!!

HELLO KITTY FOR MAC! :-)

OK, so I know that everyone has heard about the HUGE collaboration between MAC cosmetics and Hello Kitty (Sanrio Co). I am so excited to check out the line as I missed the Barbie Loves MAC collection in 08. But anyway, Here is some preliminary info and photos.

WHEN IS THE LAUNCH?

North American stores on February 12th, 2009 and in overseas stores in March, 2009. However, a waiting list will go live on January 7th on maccosmetics.com.

1 - HELLO KITTY COLLECTION

The Hello Kitty color collections from MAC offers the following in shades ranging from pinks to turquoise to lavender to green. This collection will be available in all MAC Cosmetics stores and counters in the Unites States.

Six lipsticks shades ($14 each) in colors like "Fashion Mews" and "Strayin"
Six coordinating Lipglass shades ($14 each)
Two lip conditioners ($14.50 each)
Two eyeshadow palettes, each with four Spring 2009 eyeshadows ($38 each)
Two shades of MAC Pigment ($19.50 each)
Two Reflects Glitter units - one pink and one blue ($17.50 each)

Rounding out the Hello Kitty Color Collection part of the two Hello Kitty are:
Four glitter eyeliners ($16.50 each)
Two shades of Beauty Powder ($22 each)
Three nail lacquer colors ($11 each)
Two pairs of false eyelashes ($12 each)

2. HELLO KITTY KOUTURE

Hello Kitty Kouture Color Collection

Making the launch of the MAC and Hello Kitty collection even more exclusive is the higher end Hello Kitty Kouture set. MAC Cosmetics has again partnered with Swarovski to create makeup compacts adorned with their signature jewels for luxury appeal. This set is more high-end in both design and price.

The following pieces are available in this collection:
Two shades of Dazzleglass ($28 each) featuring a reusable silver chain pendant with Hello Kitty outlined in Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background.
Sheer Mystery Powder in three shades ($90 each)packaged in a silver compact with Hello Kitty outlined in Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background.

The Hello Kitty Color collection will also include accessories:

A petite makeup bag ($22)

A medium makeup bag ($35) ***will be available at all MAC counters and stores, including the counters at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's, as well as the freestanding MAC Stores.

A plush doll ($42)

A purse mirror ($22)

Three-brush collection ($49.50) ****will be available at MAC stores, Nordstrom counters and via the MAC Cosmetics website only.

A mirrored key ring ($16) and beaded bracelet ($34) ****will be sold in MAC retail stores and through the website only.

A tote ($45)

Soft vanity kit ($55) ****will be on sale exclusively through the MAC Cosmetics website, as well.

Nick Verreos DISHES on Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion

The US Economy may be in a Slump....but IT'S AWARDS SEASON !
Nick Verreos and Lisa Rinna dish, post Golden Globes Red Carpet

Hi guys, well, it is Awards Season and the Golden Globes is the first show of the new year. And I am back doing my post-show red carpet dishing on the TV Guide Network's Fashion Wraps With Lisa Rinna. Watch me, along with the resident style expert TV Guide "crew", comment on who makes our list for "Best" and "Worst". I always love doing these and this time, it should be a "hoot" and a half---it always is when we get together. Watch and see how much my "T-zone" will act up from how hot those studio lights are!
Check your local TV/cable listings but it is scheduled to air Monday January 12Th, beginning at 7 PM and re-airing at 8, 9, and 11 PM.

Mr. Verreos Goes To Washington

Happy New Year!!!President and First Lady-to-be Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

It's January 2009 and the Presidential Inauguration is coming up of course. Recently, I got word that I would be going to Washington D.C. to the California State Society's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. Nick Verreos to host and show his Gowns at the California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show

For several of the last US Presidential Inaugurations, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has showcased the designs of their top Fashion and Costume Design students at a fabulous fashion show as part of the illustrious California State Society Presidential Luncheon. It's like one of those Inaugural Balls we've all heard about--but with food, fashion and in the daytime! This year I was honored to be invited by FIDM to not only host the event but also showcase some very special gowns from my NIKOLAKI Collection, as part of the fashion show. An added bonus to the show, will be the one-time-only exclusive runway showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner, Leanne Marshall's (a graduate of FIDM) Bryant Park Collection. Bryant Park to Washington D.C.: Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Season 5 Finale CollectionVIP Invitation: The California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show Date: Sunday, January 18Th Location: Ritz Carlton Hotel

Washington D.C. is not necessarily a "Fashion Capital", the likes of New York, Milan and Paris. But it will be on Sunday, January 18th. Michelle Obama has become somewhat of a fashion icon herself and for weeks now, everyone has been a buzz about what she will wear for the Inauguration and all the Balls. I would love for Mrs. Obama to wear one of my designs, but I am sure I will have to fight Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez and her favorite Chicago designer Maria Pinto. Lets just say every designer in the world is dying to dress the First Lady to be!

I am beyond excited to be going to Washington D.C. for many reasons. My father was a Diplomat working for the State Department and he lived in D.C. for a long time and spoke of it very fondly. My week in D.C. will be filled with fittings, rehearsals and doing press interviews for the event but I hope that maybe I will get to visit one or two of the historic Washington D.C. attractions, such as the Lincoln and Washington Memorials or the Smithsonian Museum or maybe get a photo of the White House.
Click HERE and HERE for great articles from the Washingtonian.com and The Faux Socialite regarding the event. Hope to see you there!