Nick Verreos "First Ladies" Washington DC Fashion Show!

DC Fashionista
Host With The Most: Nick Verreos wearing his Tarina Tarantino-designed "Liberty Pin" onstage at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom

Beyond my "Sightseeing Day" of visiting the Washington and Lincoln Monuments as well as taking far away snapshots of the White House, not to mention my lengthy all-day excursion to the Smithsonian Museum, the main purpose of my once-in-a-lifetime visit to Washington DC was to host the California State Society and FIDM's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon as well as Fashion Show. As part of the fashion show, I was going to show a selection from my most recent NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection. While I was designing the collection, many months ago, I found out that I was being invited to Washington D.C. for this event and decided to design a group of gowns around famous US First Ladies. However, because of the secrecy surrounding this event, I couldn't say so at the time--until now.Welcome to DC Baskets: Nick Verreos in his hotel room

The night I arrived into DC--after a whole day of traveling cross-continent--I was greeted by the most INCREDIBLE basket of goodies and a GORGEOUS bouquet of roses and balloons waiting for me in my hotel room. I just about died and went to Champagne-Cookies-and-Obama Pin heaven! My gracious hosts at the California State Society were responsible for this "Welcome" and I had to capture a photo of it. Both David and I tried to pick up the one "Goodie Basket" and our non-Gym-Bunny bodies almost broke our backs! It was a wonderful way to arrive into DC.Nick and his First Ladies: Saturday Press Meet-and-Greet

The Saturday prior to the event, we held a "Press Meet-and-Greet". Various journalists, writers and reporters of local websites and newspapers, including the Washington Times, were invited to preview the gowns which I would be showing on the runway. As I noted previously, these gowns were loosely inspired by First Ladies. They included Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Louisa Adams, Mary Todd Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama. My designs were modeled by the most gorgeous Washington DC-based models, who originated from far-flung places such as Uganda, Poland, Russia, and even New Jersey!

Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Luisa Adams and Dolley Madison, as imagined by Nick Verreos

In my press "Meet-and-Greet", I explained to the press to first of all "suspend their belief" of how they remember most of these First Ladies, especially Mrs. Washington, Madison and Lincoln. I wanted to "re-invent" them, fashion-wise. This was my "Nick Verreos Make-Over" of how I would see these famous women in 2009! For example, in my research, I discovered that Mary Todd Lincoln was probably the first Fashionista and loved to shop, therefore I designed a very "high fashion" gown with an impressive back cascade and directional one-shoulder strap detail. Nick and the "Luisa Adams"-inspired silk chiffon sequined gown

Luisa Adams was known to wear bejeweled turbans (gasp!), and therefore my gown for her was a silk chiffon sequined gown with a corset, as a nod to the early 1800's fashion. For the more contemporary First Ladies, I either stayed close to how we remember them or gave them a bit f a make-over. Nancy Reagan was known for her sleek James Galanos one-shoulder gowns so I designed a black sequined one-shoulder number for her. The gown inspired by Jackie Kennedy was in ivory duchess satin and featured a Watteau back "cape-train", reminding me of the gowns she wore in her official visit to France. Hillary Clinton has always been fond of her blue pantsuits so I took some liberty with her and designed a very feminine gown that featured turquoise blue, as well as draped celadon-colored silk.

Where's The Presidential Ball? David Paul and Nick Verreos pose backstage with their "First Lady" models

Finally, for Michelle Obama, I was inspired by her tall statuesque frame and love of color. Mrs. Obama has such strong shoulders, I created a strapless architectural fitted gown in a candy-apple red. As we know now, she chose a full-skirted one shoulder design by 24-old NY-based designer Jason Wu. Of course, I have to admit, I kind of like my design just a little better...Pep Talk: Nick Verreos thanking the Dressers backstage at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom

The event, which took place the Sunday before Inaugural Tuesday at the very exclusive Ritz Carlton Washington DC, was a complete success. I wore my Marc Jacobs suit with a fabulous Tarina Tarantino "Lady Liberty" pin which she designed especially for the Inaugural. Notable guests included California Senator Diane Feinstein, as well as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Former S.F. Mayor, the always stylish Willie Brown, and many others. Nick and Leanne: Nick Verreos posing with models in Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Finale Collection

After they enjoyed their lunch and some wine and champagne, guests were "good-and-ready" for the fashion show, which besides my 9 First Lady Gowns, included the designs of FIDM's Advanced Study Fashion Design and Theater Costume students as well as an exclusive showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall's Finale Bryant Park Collection, which was bought by the school through the Bravo Website Auction. I had an amazing time hosting as well as meeting all the guests and taking photos with them-- I ran into many people that were present at the Luncheon/Fashion Show at various Inaugural parties days later and they all felt compelled to stop me to say how fabulous the event was and how much they loved my "hosting" of the show...Ahhhhh, that really made my week in DC!!!!!

Below are four great articles about the Luncheon and Fashion Show--as well as my First Lady-inspired Gowns:
Click HERE for an article on Washington DC's RollCall.com site
Click HERE for an LA Times.com article
Click HERE for the COVER STORY featured in the Washington Times
Click HERE for an article on Style.gay.com
Click HERE for a great article at the Washingtonian.com

Nick Verreos in Washington DC-Inaugural Week Recap-Part 2

OBAMAMANIA!Nick Verreos and David Paul...and The Washington Monument

Sightseeing Monday---------------------------------------

The day before the Inaugural Swearing-In, David and I decided to do some sightseeing and check out the National Mall and the Washington and Lincoln Monuments. We also thought it would be good to get the "lay of the land", in the event we decided to venture out the next day to witness the actual Swearing-In. After surveying our map of DC, and putting on about 5 layers of clothing-- we walked out of our One Washington Circle Hotel and began our trek to the National Mall. The hotel was very centrally located in the Foggy Bottom area of DC, near George Washington University, and it was about a 15-20 minute walk to the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall area. We cut right through the University, in an area which reminded me of my days back in Westwood at UCLA, and made it to one end of the National Mall. There were HUNDREDS of people there! We really did think "Oh, no one will be sightseeing today and so it will be really easy...." NOT!!! Of course, being the day before the Inaugural and Martin Luther King Day, everyone and their Mom seemed also to decide that Monday was their "Sightseeing Day".

Click above for a video I filmed when we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial

And click above for a brief video on the "frozen lake" at the National Mall

Once we got to the Lincoln Monument, it was closed for actual viewing so people were gathering at the foot of the immense building that houses the Lincoln Statue taking photos. All of a sudden, I noticed that there were throngs of people lining up and I suggested to David that we join in. Boy, are we glad we did. They actually opened it up for just one hour and we happened to be part of the lucky group who was allowed to go up.Nick and Lincoln: Nick Verreos stands in front of the Lincoln Monument

I felt almost solemn looking up at the immense statue of Lincoln, it was as if I was staring at the great Sphinx in Egypt! David and I posed for photos and as soon as we did that, scores of security began directing us to come back down and that the "tour" was over...I just felt that luck was on our side on this prodigious beginning to our "Sightseeing Day".After walking down from the Lincoln Memorial, we passed hundreds of Port-a-Potties (officials say that there were 7,000 of them in preparations for Inaugural Tuesday) and walked beside the frozen lake (yep, it was that cold) and ended up at the opposite end, at the foot of the Washington Monument. Afterward, we decided that there was only one place left in our "Sightseeing Day": The White House. On the way there , we passed by my father's old "stomping grounds", the State Department (my father was a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department) so I had to take a photo in front of one of the buildings' entrances--hopefully he's smiling right now as he sees his son in that crazy winter "get-up"!We approached the White House area and once again, there were tons of people gathered in front of the gates that overlook it. Finally, we made it to the prime "photo" area, and got our White House Photo (see above). Interesting fact: The photo you see is of the back of The White House, not the front. Not many people realize this.

Tuesday January 20th, Obama Inaugural Day 2009--------

Bundled Up: Nick Verreos and David Paul, on Inauguration Day, in the National Mall, alongside 2 million other people

The day of the Inaugural came and both David and I decided the night before that we would go to the famous National Mall and partake in history. After all, we were in Washington DC and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Believe me, we had our concerns, mainly the weather (sub-freezing). In case you are wondering, I had no "VIP" tickets, since I was not part of Beyonce or P Diddy's "posse".
Even though my former Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn-- a native of DC--recommended to "Stay Home!" in a recent PBS interview when speaking about being at the Inaugural Swear-In, David and I still did it! Was it freezing? Yep. Where there a lot of people? Yep, 2 million estimated. The minute we got outside, there were many people making the same "pilgrimage" so we followed them. Camouflaged military were stationed on every DC corner, along with Military Hummer Trucks. Once we arrived, there were even "Obama Greeters"; volunteers in red "Obama caps" who welcomed us with a warm smile, saying "Welcome to the Inaugural..Have a Fabulous Day!". I kid you not. Two Million Strong: The Crowd exiting the National Mall

We walked and walked. The farthest we could go--until it was just impossible to get through the crowd--was right next to the Washington Monument, very far away from the actual Capitol Building, but we did not care. Stationed near one of the many "Jumbo-trons", we watched the Swearing In Ceremony for the next two hours, alongside all the other million+ crowd. I cannot state this enough: It was an UNBELIEVABLE MOMENT.
After newly-sworn in President Obama finished his speech, we all began making our way out, away from the Mall. But here's the problem: There were over a million people trying to do the same! I couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes: The most orderly exit of a million people I could ever have imagined. No fights, no pushing, nothing. Later I heard that there was not even ONE ARREST. It was like people exiting the Superbowl--but without the alcohol, Thank God! I love Tim Gunn, but I am glad I did not listen to his advice to stay home. Inaugural Tuesday 2009 was an unforgettable moment.

Click Below for a video I took once we got to our "Viewing Area" of the Swearing-In:

Nick Verreos in Washington DC--Inaugural Week Recap-Part I

Nick's "Day At The Museum"

Nick as President? Nick Verreos standing at a makeshift podium at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Last week, I traveled to Washington D.C. with David to partake in the history-making Barack Obama Inaugural. In actuality, I was invited by the California State Society and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, to host and show 9 gowns from my Spring 2009 Collection, which were "inspired" by U.S First Ladies at the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon/Fashion Show occurring on Sunday.

On Friday (the day after arriving), after getting acquainted with the bone-chilling 18 degree D.C. weather and checking in with my hosts, I decided to take advantage of my "semi-day off" and went to The Smithsonian for the day. First stop: The National Museum of American History. After walking into the Museum, we realized that this was the building that housed the famous First Ladies at the Smithsonian exhibit. How apropos, since I was about to show my gowns inspired by the First Ladies of the past and present.
The exhibition, which began in 1914, if you can believe it, currently features 14 dresses-- from Martha Washington to Laura Bush- and more than 90 other objects, including portraits, White House China, personal possessions and invitations. You can only imagine how excited I was to see it all. And luckily, they allowed us to take photos.Highlights of the exhibit included Helen Taft’s 1909 white-silk chiffon inaugural gown, which was appliqued with floral embroideries in metallic thread and trimmed with rhinestones and beads—the first to be presented by a first lady in 1912 to the Smithsonian. This gown was gorgeous, and it was one of my favorites on display. Also showcased is the red Chantilly lace and silk satin inaugural gown with crystal beading worn by Laura Bush in 2001. I was surprised at how almost "off-the-rack" it was, like a gown one could see at the "Evening Dress" department at Saks Fifth Avenue or even Macy's.
Another gown that stood out for me was Jacqueline Kennedy's yellow-silk one shoulder gown. She wore this Oleg Cassini Sari-inspired gown to the first state dinner of her husband's Administration in 1961. It was a gown that could work in 2009 on the red carpet (with a few changes, like maybe more fitted around the hips).Finally, another dress that stood out to both David and I (it was one of our favorites!), was Grace Coolidge’s flapper-style evening dress, in a burnt orange silk velvet featuring asymmetrical tiers and jeweled drop-waist accents. It was so modern and again, I could totally see someone like actress Natalie Portman wearing this similar style at a movie premiere. It was really exciting to see these gowns, but I wished to have seen more in the exhibit, especially all those fabulous James Galanos gowns and Adolfo suits that First Lady Nancy Reagan wore and maybe a couple more from Jackie Kennedy would have been nice (at least for me).
Judy Judy Judy: David and the Ruby Slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz"

After leaving the First Ladies Exhibit, David and I wandered to another section, where the Museum exhibited items more famous to our contemporary "pop culture". The highlight of this exhibit were the infamous "Ruby Slippers" worn by actress Judy Garland in the 1939 MGM film "The Wizard of Oz". The magical shoes, changed from the book's silver slippers to those with an iridescent red hue, were created by Gilbert Adrian, MGM Studios' chief costume designer, and played a central role in the film. You know we had to get photos posing with those shoes--or else a lot of my Judy Garland-loving friends back in LA would not be happy!
Adjacent to the "Ruby Slippers", was a fabulous costume--completely beaded in multi-colored sequins--worn by the Cuban-born Diva herself, Celia Cruz. So, naturally, I had to pose next to this costume , or else, my Mom would have been very mad at me if I did not!

Nick and Stephen: Nick Verreos poses with the newly-displayed portrait of TV personality Stephen Colbert--on the way to the bathroom

After walking out of these two last exhibits, I saw something that made me do a double-take: A painting of TV "Conservative" host and commentator/pundit, comedian Stephen Colbert. The portrait-- actually three portraits in one-- depicts a debonair Colbert standing at a fireplace in front of a similar portrait of himself posing in front of the same mantel with a third picture of himself. It hangs now at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery in Washington for a six-week showing in what the museum considers an "appropriate place" --right between the bathroom near the "America's Presidents" exhibit. I must say, there were more people taking photos by this painting than at any other painting!

President Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat and Suit

The First Fashionista: Mary Todd Lincoln's purple-colored velvet gown

One of the other standouts at this museum was visiting the just-debuted "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life" Exhibit. It was a very somber yet impressive exhibit, displaying everything-and-anything Abraham Lincoln, from his famous top hat and suit to his wife's purple-colored velvet gown (made by her freed-slave dressmaker) to manuscripts he kept, a mask/cast made of his worn face and strong hands, plus even a piece of fence rail, said to have been split by Lincoln.

Jeweled Diva: The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian

After spending hours at the National Museum of American History, we decided to brave the cold, walk outside and go to the nearby National Museum of Natural History. My first stop was to see the unbelievable Hope Diamond. The supposedly cursed Hope Diamond is one of the largest--and most perfect-- diamonds on the world, at 45.52 carats! According to history, this blue-violet colored diamond, originated from India, and was passed on to various European rulers, including King Louis XIV. Click HERE for more of its history.

We spent a long time in this exhibit, which besides the Hope Diamond, also featured some of the rarest and most expensively gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, crowns and earrings from all over the world. In fact there were a pair of diamond earrings that were previously owned by Marie Antoinette! Besides stunning diamonds, there were also sapphires, ruby's, emeralds; you name the it, it was there. From Cartier to Harry Winston. Finally, we slowly made it to the main halls of this Natural History Museum and I began feeling like Ben Stiller in the film Night At The Museum. Right in front of me was the immense Mammal Exhibit, with animals from all over the world, from all geographical areas, as well as the exhibit featuring animals from the Sea, starring the largest Blue Whale suspended from the ceiling above us...Finally, I couldn't leave without saying "hello" to all those Dinosaurs. While I loved looking at all those priceless jewels, my nephew and niece would have really enjoyed the Dinosaur section of this museum. And with seeing the life-size skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I had to bid "adieu" to my "Day At the Museum"....
Click Below for a short video of me at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History:

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!!