Nick Verreos Attends 2012 Costume Designers Guild Awards

Costume Designers' Extravaganza!

Black and White Fab: Angela Avanesyan and Nick Verreos, Costume Designers Guild Awards 2012, Hilton Beverly Hills

Last night, my NIKOLAKI partner--David Paul--and I were invited to a very fabulous event: the 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. This is the "Oscars of Costume Design"--where awards are give out for outstanding achievements in Costume Design in various areas of the Entertainment field--including Contemporary TV and Film, Period/Fantasy TV series, Fantasy Film, Period Film and even excellence in Commercial Design (the Carl's Jr. "Miss Turkey" commercial costume designer was nominated!!).

Model Form Centerpiece: The LACOSTE Alligator-emblazoned Costume Awards Table Display "Centerpiece"--created by the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

This grand award ceremony was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton and David and I were honored--and humbled--to be guests of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--my Alma Mater--and the College of which I am a Spokesperson. FIDM was also one of the Platinum Sponsors. They also created all the wonderful "Mini Model Forms" which were on each and every table at the Hilton International Ballroom--site of the award's show. LACOSTE was the Presenting Sponsor and each "Form/Table Centerpiece" had the iconic LACOSTE Alligator on it, of course.

Fashion Glee: (left to right) Jennifer Eve, Jane Lynch and Lou Eyrich

The Award's MC was actress Jane Lynch (in a red David Meister gown) of "Glee", and she was very funny (naturally) trying to keep the show going. Lou Eyrich and Jennifer Eve, Costume Designers of "Glee" received the "Outstanding Contemporary TV Series" Award and in addition, Eyrich (looking very Retro Chic in a bright pink semi-Watteau-back ankle-length dress) was honored with the Career Achievement in Television trophy.

Silver Pretty: Actress Kate Beckinsale was also honored with the LACOSTE Spotlight Award. She looked radiant in a silver-colored corseted gown by Vivienne Westwood.

Super Red: 90's Supermodel and actress Amber Valletta introduced the Disaronno Career Achievement in Film Award to Costume Designer Marlene Stewart--a FIDM Grad incidentally-- in a red chic sheath knee-length dress with outside dart detail by Roland Mouret.

"The Artist" Costume Designer Mark Bridges

"Hugo" Costume Designer Sandy Powell

Green Gorgeous: "W.E." Costume Designer Arianne Phillips in emerald green Lanvin by Albert Elbaz. Phillips won the "Excellence in Period Film" Award for the Madonna-directed "W'E.".

Costume High-Five: Costume Designer and stylist Trish Summerville, won the award for "Excellence in Contemporary Film" for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"---here she is above high-five'ing fellow winner Costume Designer Arianne Phillips

"The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" Costume Designer Trish Summerville (in a red version of the Alexander McQueen Pippa Dress) and actress Rooney Mara (in plum-colored J. Mendel), 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, Hilton Beverly Hills

Nick...and Rooney: I just about shook in my skinny ASOS tuxedo pants when I realized that "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" actress Rooney Mara was sitting right above me during the awards ceremony/dinner (to my right in the photo above). I went up to say "Hi" to one of my good friends, Make-Up Artist Extraordinaire Gregory Arlt and later afterward realized that Ms. Mara was seated at his table--the "Dragon Tattoo" table!!!

LA Fashion Sandwich: David Paul, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and Very Very Chic Blogger Jayne Seward, and Nick Verreos, 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, Hilton Beverly Hills

FIDM Debut Alumn Fab: (Left to Right) FIDM Debut 2008 Grad and Fashion Designer Angela Avanesyan, FIDM Spokesperson Nick Verreos, Debut 2011 Grads Ethan Bartlett and Paul Hernandez, 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, Hilton Beverly Hills

Speaking of Costumes and Costume Design: don't miss FIDM Museum & Galleries "20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition--running through April 28th...and see some of the Costumes that won!

Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos and Gayle Anderson on KTLA 5 Morning News: FIDM Museum Fun!

The Gayle & Nick "Show"...

Museum Twosome: Nick Verreos and KTLA's Gayle Anderson, 20th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition, FIDM Museum & Galleries

Yesterday, I was up very early (5 AM) to then go to Downtown LA for a 6AM Call Time to shoot a very special Morning Show--the KTLA Channel 5 Morning Show (of course!!)--with the one and only Gayle Anderson, an ICON of LA Morning TV reporting and journalism and winner of three regional Emmys as well as many many other awards (naturally!).

Gayle (or "Miss Gayle as I now like to call her!) came to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to do a entire morning full of segments on the just-opened 20th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition".

Costume Fab: 20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum & Galleries

Gayle and I filmed several TV segments for the KTLA Morning News--from 7 AM until about 10 AM--which were shown LIVE on the air and were also shown during the 1PM News as well as this coming Saturday as well. We talked about how there are 20+ films represented as well as 100+ costumes at this 20th Annual Exhibition, including the Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominees, including "Anonymous", "The Artist", "Hugo" , "Jane Eyre", and "W.E.".

Gayle Anderson and Nick Verreos, "Reel Steel" Costume Tableaux, 20th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition, FIDM Museum & Galleries

Miss Gayle also loved checking out the other costumes on display, including this silver metallic one from the 2011 film "Real Steel" Costumes designed by FIDM Grad Marlene Stewart.

This one in particular you might recognize (if you're as old as MOI!) because it's from Thierry Mugler and was featured in the UBER FAB George Michael "Too Funky" music video.

Here's another we both LOVED: a costume worn by actress Vanessa Redgrave in the film "Anonymous", costumes designed by Lisy Christl. Redgrave played the elder Queen Elizabeth I. All in all, I had such an amazing time filming my segments with Gayle. She was OUTSTANDING, such a professional---I was in awe of her stamina and how she ran the entire thing!!! She is ONE of a KIND!!!! Can't wait for the next time we get to film another TV segment!

*Click HERE for one of the videos of our KTLA 5 Morning News "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition shenanigans! And don't miss the other ones (just click in the video bar with the heading "More Gayle Anderson Video" when you go to the link above).

*Click HERE for my Recap of the Opening Night of the Exhibit plus all the details regarding the Exhibition, times, hours, etc.

Nick Verreos Attends FIDM Museum & Galleries "Fabulous!" Opening Exhibit Party!!

McQueen, Versace, Chanel, Adrian...and SO MUCH MORE!!!

Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages

Alexander McQueen "Peacock Dress" Fall/Winter 2008-09, Fabulous! Exhibit FIDM Museum & Galleries (above, at the Museum and bottom photo from the Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 Runway)

Last Saturday I was invited to the Opening Night Party of the "Fabulous!" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's Museum & Galleries. And in one word, it was FABULOUS!!! The exhibition, which opened last Tuesday September 13th, spans 200 years of fashion history 1800-2010 in addition to ten years of FIDM Museum Acquisitions, from 2000-2010. The 200-piece exhibition, co-curated by the fantastic team of Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson of the FIDM Museum, includes historical court costumes, Haute Couture garments, accessories, jewelry, textiles, as well as historical documents that give provenance to the items.

The exhibit features two main and very prominent podiums which "divide" the items into ones that have been acquired through purchases by the FIDM Museum & Galleries and ones that have been donated.

There is also a GORGEOUS "Fabulous!" Catalogue which accompanies the exhibition (and is prefaced by none other than Hubert de Givenchy) and can be purchased at the FIDM Museum Store, which is adjacent to the Museum. It's A MUST HAVE!

Some HIGHLIGHTS of the Fashion at the "Fabulous!" exhibit:

Embroidered Court Suit, belonging to composer Johann Hummel, worn in the court during the rule of Francis I, Emperor of Austria 1810-1814; It's one of the only ones in the World, and especially in such outstanding condition! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

A very rare Empire-style Silk Court Gown with gold laurel leaves brocade and an ELEVEN FOOT train worn by Ann Bloomfield Gamble Post (above) at Buckingham Palace when she was presented to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1903 during Edward's coronation. She was the wife of famous American Author Melville Davisson Post and died only 16 years later of pneumonia.

Gianni Versace: Men's and women's ensembles from the SAME Gianni Versace 1994 collection Lady Gaga has been recently going GAGA for!!! These were donated items. Can you only imagine the FABULOUS guy who wore those gold studded leather pants and silk printed shirt! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Gilbert Adrian: A draped gunmetal-colored iridescent silk taffeta halter-style gown from Hollywood designer Gilbert Adrian.

Mae West's Platform Shoes, as well as her actual foot imprint. Mae West was actually ONLY 5 FEET Tall, so you get to see what made her look SIX FEET Tall--Yep, those 10" platforms!

Also, as part of the "Fabulous!" Exhibition, there is the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection Gallery section. On view in this section is a selection of dresses, all originally belonging to European royalty! And you know how I'm a (fashion) fan of European Royalty...

Wedding Gown worn by Elisabeth of Wied, Queen Consort of Romania, in 1869: The gown is made of silk satin silk netting/tulle with cotton and paper faux flowers. It is in AMAZING condition considering it is 142 years OLD!!! You should see my gowns A DAY after an actress wears them on the red carpet!!! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Queen Victoria of Great Britain's Evening Gown, black silk faille and crepe, from 1897. (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages).

As you know, the black mourning color became popular during Queen Victoria's reign, particularly after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. She never wore anything else, just black. Isn't it AMAZING that you can see a gown worn by a Queen...from 1897 no less?

The Opening Night "Fabulous!" Exhibit Party:

The "Opening Night Party", which was held right outside the street-level FIDM Museum & Galleries, was just as great as the Exhibition itself. FIDM, as always, outdid itself with lots of food, cocktails and a tented seating and socializing area. Lots of FIDM's donors, TV and entertainment personalities and of course, fashionistas were on hand. I made sure to say "Hi" to a lot of them:

Fashion Designers Sue Wong and Nick Verreos, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibit, FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic fashion blogger N. Jayne Seward and Nick Verreos, in front of a Chanel yellow paillette "Scuba" ensemble from 1991, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries

Doris Raymond, Curator and Owner of "The Way We Wore" Boutique, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition, FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Nick Verreos, Julian Bermudez and KPCC "Off-Ramp" Host John Rabe, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Barbie Boys: Nick Verreos flanked by James Holmes and Peter Helenek of Mattel, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

The Opening Night Party was so much fun and yes, the "Fabulous!" Exhibition made me shake with "Fashion Glee". It rivals ANY top fashion and costume exhibition I've been to at The Met in NYC, Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris, or the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. DO NOT MISS IT!!!

Here Are The Details:
What: "Fabulous!", An Exhibition of 200 years of Fashion History 1800-2010

Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015

When: September 13-December 17 2011 Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm (closed Sunday, Monday)

Cost: FREE!!!!!!

Nick Verreos on NBC-LA , Local Japanese TV UTB Hollywood (KSCI-TV) and Telemundo-LA & CNN International!!

Oscars Red Carpet and Oscars Costumes--The TV Wrap Up...

A Perfect Portrait: KNBC News Anchors Chuck Henry, Colleen Henry and FIDM Spokesperson/Fashion Designer Nick Verreos, KNBC-TV 5 o'clock News

Last week was the 83rd Annual Academy Awards and I was happy to be part of the "Red Carpet Coverage" madness--as the "Fashion Guy" for TV Guide Network's "Academy Award Red Carpet LIVE Show hosted by Chris Harrison" as well as being on the "Fashion Wrap" Panel the following day with Paulina Porizkova, Tabatha Coffey and Miss Daisy Fuentes.

SKYPE Ensemble: Nick Verreos SKYPES from his office for CNN International

In the lead-up to and after I was inundated with requests to go on local TV and even SKYPE (my FIRST TIME!!!) to CNN International's "World Report with Anjali Rao" program!--and give my Nick "Two Cents" on the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet. In addition, as you know, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM ( the College I teach at and also my Alma Mater) has their fabulous "19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition showing the Oscar-nominated costumes plus many more (about 100 costumes in total!).

Grecian God-dess: Nick Verreos at the FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

The week before the Awards, the FIDM Museum & Galleries also received A TON of press requests from Local News Services (as well as all over the World) and being that I am their Official Spokesperson, I was happy to be "their guy". You can see what I did for KNBC-LA Sunday Weekend News HERE as well as Fox-LA Channel 11 "Good Day LA" HERE but there was more:

KNBC-LA Channel 4-5 o'clock News with Chuck Henry & Colleen Williams:

Discussing Fashion: Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams and Nick Verreos discussing the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet Fashions

The wonderful people at KNBC-LA invited me over (second time in a row!) to their Burbank Studios to on be on the 5 o'clock News with anchors Chuck Henry and Colleen Williams to talk about my opinions on the "Best " and "Has Room For Improvement" of the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet. I cannot say this enough: Colleen and Chuck are THE BEST! First of all, such pros and second of all, so welcoming, so sweet and may I add, surprisingly insightful with their fashion opinions (Yes, I mean you Chuck!).

The lovely KNBC staff (OK, the amazing make-up artist!), even put me in my own "Green Room" which I heard was "reserved" for bigwigs. I think since there was no Brad Pitt or Donald Trump in sight, at the time, I was the closest thing to a "bigwig" (wink wink!).

KNBC-TV Green Room

I felt so special with my own Vanity Table and mini fridge. Needless to say, I never got use the Vanity Table nor the fridge! But thank you again for having me and for the fun "Oscar Red Carpet Fashion" talk! Can't wait to do it again Colleen and Chuck!

Telemundo-LA "Acceso Total" Entertainment show:

During that week leading up to the Oscars, I did so many TV interviews with local and foreign press at the FIDM "Oscars Costume Exhibition", I lost track. There was Russian, Chinese, Korean, French, British TV interviews which I did. I haven't seen any of them but I am sure they're "out there somewhere".

But I did get a hold of one I did for Spanish-language Telemundo and an entertainment show titled "Acceso Total" where I gave a fun tour (in Spanish) to reporter Edgardo Gazcon. You can Click HERE to watch that segment.

In addition, I also gave a "TV Tour" to Japanese-language UTB (United Television Broadcasting Systems, Inc.) for KSCI-TV Channel 18. UTB is the first Japanese-language TV station based in the United States. The station first began in Los Angeles in 1971. The station covers the 16 million population of Southern California, and UTB is watched by over 3 million people, including Japanese, Japanese Americans, other Asian nationalities, and they wanted to do a TV segment on the Oscar-nominated Costumes as well as the fabulous FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition.

Click BELOW to watch the UTB Hollywood/Japanese TV: Nick Verreos FIDM Oscars Costume Exhibition:

Nick Verreos Attends the Unveiling of FIDM's 19th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition !

Costume Extravaganza!

Cassiopeia Nick: Nick Verereos poses with "Clash of the Titans" Costume Tableaux, FIDM Museum & Galleries "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last Saturday evening was the Gala Party for the unveiling of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries here in Los Angeles. Of course, being that I am a FIDM Grad (don't even try and look up the year!), Instructor, and the College's Official Spokesperson, I was invited to this grand annual party to get a "sneak peak".

Armour and Plisse: "Clash of the Titans" Costumes Designed by Lindy Hemming, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition features over 100 costumes from over 20 films of 2010, including ones nominated for this year's Oscars "Best Costume Design".

Costume Royalty: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Speaking of Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominations...Included in this exhibition are these 2011 Academy Awards Best Costume Nominees:

"Alice In Wonderland" Costumes by Colleen Atwood (yes, that's Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter ensemble as well as Mia Wasikowska's Alice Dresses!)

"True Grit" Costumes Designed by Mary Zophres

"The Tempest" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (who won last year's 2010 Academy Award for Costume Design for "Young Victoria"), as well as...

"The King's Speech" Costumes Designed by Jenny Bevan

Other Highlights in the Exhibition (there were SO many so I had to edit!!! You will have to come and see ALL of the Costumes for yourself!) include:

"Inception" Costumes Designed by Jeffrey Kurland--above is Marion Cotillard's black embroidered sequin gown and coat

"Burlesque" Costumes Designed by Michael Kaplan--above is one of Christina Aguilera's "Showgirl-esque" sequined costumes

"Shutter Island" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (Leonardo DiCaprio's costume is on the far left--didn't realize how tall he is!)

"Coco Chanel & Ivor Stravinsky" Costumes Designed by Chattoune and Fab

As well as "The Kids Are All Right" Costumes Designed by FIDM Graduate Mary Claire Hannan

My Better Half: NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Opening Night Party" on Saturday was a HUGE success and as always FIDM Museum & Galleries know how to throw a VIP Party: A great tent was set up outside of the Museum, which featured an entire buffet of delicious foods (a mashed potato self-service bar I heard!) as well as fully stocked bars for anyone in the mood for cocktails.

Nick Hearts KCRW: DnA host Frances Anderton interviews Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Opening Night of "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Besides seeing all the amazing costumes on display, I spent the entire time doing Media/TV/print interviews with everyone from ABC-LA News to KCRW's DnA Radio Program host Frances Anderton as well as the LA Times, Daily Bruin and many, many blogs. I also got to mingle with some guests:

Momma Nick: Nick Verreos with "Momma", FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

First up, I was verklempt with excitement upon seeing Momma, the DIVA behind EC2 Costume House, the home and purveyor of Bob Mackie's Archives--LOVE her Gerber Daisy Hair Pin and Boucle Tweed with over-sized pearl necklace "Lady Who Lunches" ensemble!

Photo Courtesy of Laura Diaz

Including CBS-TV News Anchor (and FIERCE Latina!) Laura Diaz and her good friend Megan Telles (above). I just adore Laura, she was so sweet, she wrote THIS for her CBSLosAngeles.com blog write-up on the Exhibition...

I also ran into my good friend, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic Blooger, Jayne Seward (above with moi) who was "working" her chic harem-pant chiffon jumpsuit and new Prada heels (love me some Prada!).

Mini Costume Fans: Nick Verreos poses with the youngest of the 19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Opening Night Party guests

I also ran into three "Little Costume Designer Fans" at the Party. The precious one (I know, which one??) on the far right is Frances Anderton's daughter! Love her cropped pants, cap and "shrunken" blazer! Tres Mini-Chic!

You MUST come to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and check out this brand-new Exhibition. It's THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD where you will see these costumes! If you love motion pictures, films, actors, costume design and fashion...well, the FIDM Museum & Galleries is YOUR PLACE! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!!

Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Here are the Details:

What: 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Opens Tuesday February 8Th (yesterday!!!) and runs through to Saturday April 30Th.
Hrs/Days: 10am-4pm/Tuesday-Saturday Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Check out this video from KABC-TV Los Angeles featuring the Exhibit and a quick Interview I did with ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Reporter Adrienne Alpert: