Advice to Fashion Students:Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos during one of his Workshops/Classes
CNN just published a very informative article about Fashion Students, the fabulous and very respected Savannah College of Art and Design, and the tough times that may be ahead for fashion design students--current or recently graduated ones. It is a "must read" for all Fashion Design students. Designer Isabel Toledo was at the illustrious school to receive the Andre Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award from the school and spoke about dressing First Lady, Michelle Obama, as well as gave out very important advice to the students at SCAD /Savannah College of Art and Design. PETA Would Not Likey: Andre Leon Talley giving you Fur!
Editor at Large for American Vogue, the "larger-than-life" Andre Leon Talley, holds an Honorary Doctorate from SCAD and is on the Board of Trustees, and therefore had this Award named after him. Click HERE for the entire CNN article. Husband and Wife Design Act: Designer Isabel Toledo and Illustrator/Artists Ruben Toledo There is also a great accompanying video with wonderful advice from Andre Leon Talley, designer Isabel Toledo and her talented husband, illustrator and renown artist, Ruben Toledo. Here is the video:
Today is so yucky and grey. Time for some retail therapy! ;)
I'm going to the mall with Ben today to get him some cute summer stuff. Yesterday was his birthday! Yippee!
Anyway- This is what I'm wearing. I found these Chanel shoes at a sample sale (YAY) and Stella thought they looked delicious I guess. I tried to explain to her that if she was going to start chewing shoes, we would have a big problem.
(jeans- JBrand, cardigan- Urban Outfitters, tank- BP, rose ring- F21, shoes and necklace- Chanel)
Nick Reunites with Tim Gunn--and Zoe Glassner!Judges Get Your Pad and Pencil! Nick Verreos, Zoe Glassner and Tim Gunn at the LA Project Runway Season 7 Castings, W Hotel Los Angeles
This past Monday--yes, on Memorial Day--was the one and only Los Angeles Casting for next season's Project Runway. I know, we haven't even seen Season 6 and we are casting Season 7? Yep, that's how TV works kids! I was privileged enough to have been asked to join Fashion Mentor GOD, Mr.Tim Gunn, as well as the stylish and infectiously friendly Marie Claire shopping editor, Zoe Glassner for another run at finding America's Next Great Designer!The castings took place at the chic W Los Angeles Hotel in Westwood. Soon after I arrived at 9:30 AM, I made the mistake of grabbing my coffee and walking out into the gorgeous W Hotel pool area. It was a mistake because, of course, all I could think of was "Oh wait, I can't use the pool, I've got to work!" Not for Nick: The W Hotel Pool
It certainly was "all work and no play" as Tim, Zoe and I proceeded to see a day's full of aspiring Project Runway contestants, who came as far as Hawaii and Oregon (as well as LA, Palm Springs and the SF Bay Area) for "a chance of a lifetime" at this final LA Castings. Kicking Under The Table: Nick Verreos, Tim Gunn and Zoe Glassner prepare to see the aspiring designers
We saw many talented designers, assistant designers, store owners as well as fresh-out-of- fashion school students--some even from my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. There was DRAMA, snippy verbal fights and amusing adulations. I hope they caught it all on film--oh wait, I think there was a camera!! Could there be another "Road To The Runway: Season 7"? If there is, I hope it didn't catch Tim and I kicking each other under the table. Now, speaking of that W Hotel pool, I never got to use it, but Tim, Zoe and I did end our day with some yummy cocktails and spicy nuts at the adjacent W Hotel Whiskey Blue Bar. It was a perfect ending to a productive Memorial Day of Project Runway Season 7 castings.
A Fashionable Protest: Nick, Brook Lee and actress Amy Hill in West Hollywood Our Best "We're Angry" Smile: Former Miss Universe, Brook Lee and Nick Verreos march in West Hollywood
Last night, David and I trekked it ALL THE WAY from our "bat cave" in Downtown LA to West Hollywood to join my Hawaiian sister, thegorgeous former Miss Universe, Brook Lee at the Marriage Equality March. What a Couple: NIKOLAKI designers David Paul and Nick Verreos
In case you were in your own cave and didn't hear, the California Supreme Court decided to uphold the ban on same sex marriage and within hours a protest march was organized. I was invited to join in by the NO H8 Campaign founders, photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley who sent out a "mass email" to come and march. Can We Have an Interview? Brook Lee and Nick Verreos get interviewed by the local media
We arrived into West Hollywood and met up with Brook at our "meeting point", the Santa Monica Blvd. restaurant and bar, Fiesta Cantina. I spotted actress Drew Barrymore, and said "hello". Before I could even finish my hugs and kisses, the No H8 Campaign "march organizers" were just walking out of the bar/restaurant, along with former Miss USA (and No H8 supporter) Shanna Moakler, Miss California USA pageant director Keith Lewis, and celeb blogger Perez Hilton. That's Drew: A partial view of the lovely Drew Barrymore getting interviewed by the media
The only reason we knew is because we immediately saw the photographers go crazy and realized A) It's either Britney coming out of Fiesta Cantina (Nope) or B) The Miss California/Miss USA brigade must be making their exit (Yes).Actress and Comedian, Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope
Along with Brook, I was happy to see the ever-so-fabulous Amy Hill, actress from "All American Girl", "That's So Raven" and so much more. She's Brook's very good friend and was there to march--along with her daughter Penelope. The five of us made our way to the "Starting Gate" of the March and listened to LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "Star Trek" actor George Takei as well as other notables give wonderful "Go Get 'Em!" speeches. I Do! Scene from the March in West Hollywood
All of sudden, from behind us came a shuffle and a push, and before we could slap someone for being rude, out from the crowd came comedian Kathy Griffin pushing her mom Maggie on her wheelchair--as well as her assistant, photographers and cameramen in tow. Miss Kathy never misses a good "press op", especially when it involves supporting "her gays"! Thanks Brook, Amy and Penelope for the serene and funny company and for adding to what became a powerful night! Click HERE for "Access Hollywood's" take on the "celeb factor" of the March and the night. And below is the latest PSA/Public Service Announcement from the No H8 Campaign, which incidentally features Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope, as well as Brook Lee and her son Fynnegan:
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart on June 2009 magazine covers of Life & Style and Girlfriend Australia Left: Bar Refaeli for Elle Italy June 2009 Issue Right: Reese Witherspoon in Elle UK June 2009
Left: Renne Zellweger in Marie Claire Czech Republic June 2009 Cover Right: Beyonce Knowle in Glamour Russia
Left: Elizabeth Hurley in Tatler UK Right: Edita Vilkeviciute in Vogue Autralia
Years ago, women were fond of accessorizing their wardrobe by wearing accents to match the pieces of their outfits. It has been noted that during 1950s, women acquired bags, belts, gloves, hats, shoes, jewelries and cosmetics in matching colors. They became so obsessed of this mix-and-match fashion statement that the legacy still lives on in today’s fashion trends. In addition, fashion styles in complementing colors is also a big hit nowadays.
Here's some of the perfect mix-and-match of bags and shoes and sunglasses for this summer!
Just wanted to invite you to this fun New York weddings event at The Wedding Cafe NY this Thursday. All are welcome to a fun evening of cocktails, sushi, music with top NYC wedding vendors and raffles.
One more group! This one is actually my favorite, but I decided to take it in a slightly edgier direction, so really... it won't look anything like this so I can show you guys.
This is my Vintage Lingerie inspired group. Think petticoats, bloomers and garter straps! :)
So right now I'm busting my ass trying to finish the REAL sketches for the Spring 2010 collection. I have to finish by Friday so I'm a little more than a little stressed. I'll make it happen though. And I'll keep you all updated. ;)
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 JonathanWeedman. 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.
Well, part of it anyway. I can't show you the stuff we are using from it cause, well obvs I can't show you stuff that will be made THIS early on. ;)
This was a group I did that Betsey said she liked, but that was too "fashioney" for Betsey and not girly enough? Which is fine... cause now I can show you it. ;)
So there you have it. :) The rest of the presentation was 4 other groups with a theme, inspiration tears, and sketches. It was a lot of work and I felt like I was in school again, but I was really happy with the final result and Betsey liked it so- YAY!
Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos during one of his Workshops/Classes
PETA Would Not Likey: Andre Leon Talley giving you Fur!
Husband and Wife Design Act: Designer Isabel Toledo and Illustrator/Artists Ruben Toledo
