Nick Verreos's Blog, page 40
August 5, 2017
NICK APPEARANCES....."A Passion For Fashion" Book Event at Cypress Park Public Library
Nick Verreos and guest with his book "A Passion For Fashion"--"Reading By Design" Book Event & Appearance at Cypress Park Branch Library
Last week, I had the pleasure of making a special appearance at a Los Angeles Public Library "Reading By Design" Summer Reading Challenge Event at the Cypress Park Branch Library .
This was a nice event where I spoke about my experiences from being an avid fashion sketcher to many, many years later, following my love and passion, and becoming a fashion designer. Naturally, I also talked about my book "A Passion For Fashion: Achieving Your Fashion Dreams One Thread At A Time" . The book is available on Amazon.com as well as Barnes & Noble and selected FIDM bookstores and I just found out that it will be available in paperback beginning in February 2018. Here are some photos from last week's event:
(L to R) David Paul, Eunice Castaneda and Nick Verreos--"A Passion For Fashion" Book Event & Appearance, Cypress Park Branch Library Los Angeles
(L to R) Eunice Castaneda and Lorena Villegas--"A Passion For Fashion" Book Event & Appearance, Cypress Park Branch Library Los Angeles
Nick Verreos with attendees at the "A Passion For Fashion" Book Event & Appearance, Cypress Park Branch Library Los Angeles
Signing Nick: Nick Verreos signing a copy of his book "A Passion For Fashion"--"A Passion For Fashion" Book Event & Appearance, Cypress Park Branch Library Los Angeles
Group Pic: Nick Verreos with attendees at the "A Passion For Fashion" Book Event & Appearance, Cypress Park Branch Library Los Angeles
Thank You and MUCHAS GRACIAS to everyone who attended the fun event! And a special Thank You to Cypress Park Branch Library of the Los Angeles Public Library!
August 1, 2017
FASHION SCHOOL WITH NICK.....NEW VIDEO: Ten Steps to Creating a Garment: From Sketch to Gown
Nick Verreos on "Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube Video "10 Steps to Creating a Garment: From Sketch to Finished Gown"
Time for my LATEST "Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube Video: Ten Steps to Creating a Garment . Many viewers and fans of my YouTube Channel , leave comments (Thank You!) and one of the most popular comment is "Nick! What are the steps in creating a garment?" Sooooo....in this video, I describe step by step, the TEN steps--from sketch to finished gown--that a designer (or fashion brand) goes through to create a garment.
Sketch...Pattern: "10 Steps to Creating a Garment" Video, Nick Verreos Fashion School With Nick Verreos YouTube
Step Ten...Finished Gown: "10 Steps to Creating a Garment" Video, Nick Verreos Fashion School With Nick Verreos YouTube
Click below to watch "The 10 Fundamental Steps to Creating a Garment" Video:
July 31, 2017
SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe Thailand 2017 is Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren
Most Beautiful in Thailand: Model Mareeya Poonlertlarp is crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2017, Royal Paragon Hall
This past weekend--on Saturday night--a new Miss Universe Thailand was crowned: 25 year old half Thai/half Swedish Maria Poonlertlarb Ehren (also goes by Mareeya) bested 40 other contestants for the coveted beauty "Miss Universe Thailand" crown at the Royal Paragon Hall shopping center, the third largest in all of Thailand.
Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren Miss Universe Thailand 2017
The 1.84 M (6 feet) tall Maria is a model (naturally!) was born in Bangkok, moved to Hanoi Vietnam at age 2 and then returned to Bangkok when she was 7. She has a degree from Stockholm Business School and speaks several languages including Thai, Swedish, English and Mandarin.
Crowned Kisses: Miss Universe Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp (center) gets kisses from her First and Second Princesses--Miss Universe Thailand 2017, Royal Paragon Hall
The new "Miss Universe Thailand" won 1 million baht (about $30,000 US), a 2018 Honda Civic car, a diamond tiara, as well as a trophy. She also now has a chance to compete in the "Miss Universe 2017" beauty pageant which is rumored to occur in late November 2017 in Las Vegas Nevada.
Maria Poonlertlarp Miss Universe Thailand 2017
Photo courtesy of Missosology.org
Model Pretty: Maria Poonlertlarp, the newly crowned "Miss Universe Thailand 2017"
During Preliminaries, Maria won the "Boutique Lady" award from Bangkok Airways--she wore this gorgeous ivory satin gown with navy blue sash/bow accent
Parasol Beauty: Maria Poonlertlarp during the Swimsuit Competition at the "Miss Universe Thailand 2017" Finals
Photo courtesy of Missosology.org
Gown Fab: Maria (left) in her violet blue side draped evening gown--Miss Universe Thailand 2017 Finals, Royal Paragon Hall
Queens: The newly crowned "Miss Universe Thailand 2017" Maria (second from right) with last year's winner Chalita Suansane (in golden yellow gown) who was a finalist (Top Six) at last year's "Miss Universe 2016" beauty pageant
Congratulations Maria! Maria Poonlertlarp "Miss Universe Thailand 2017"
July 17, 2017
ROYAL COUTURE.....Queen Letizia of Spain: United Kingdom State Visit Fashion!
Style Queens: Queen Letizia of Spain with Queen Elizabeth II during the Spanish Royals State Visit to the United Kingdom
Last week, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain traveled to the United Kingdom for their first official state visit as the reining monarchs of Spain (the last one was in 1986 by Felipe's father and mother, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia). Letizia continued to uphold her reputation as one of the most stylish royals, showing off her sense of modern-day contemporary style but with enough of a nod to traditional Royal Couture. The three-day state visit was marked with various events including a couple of glamorous banquets that the 44-year-old Spanish Queen took full advantage of to showcase her fabulous sartorial style. The royals arrived in the United Kingdom in the evening and therefore, their first full day didn't begin until the day after...
Let's discuss Letizia's "Royal Couture" for this Official State Visit:
Departing from Spain Outfit: To begin her trip to London, Queen Letizia wore this Hugo Boss white suit featuring a pencil skirt and sleeveless top with fold detail. Quite modern and sleek, she was very "Head Anchor for BBC"-looking. I especially liked the python pumps and clutch. Score: 9.0/10
The following morning...
The Welcoming Committee: (Top Photo) Prince Charles and and Duchess of Cornwall welcoming King Felipe and Queen Letizia at their hotel; (Lower Photo) Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth greet the Spanish royals at Buckingham Palace
For this "Welcome to London" ensemble, Letizia wore a custom lemon yellow suit from her favorite Spanish designer, Felipe Varela . The ensemble feature Guipure lace trim at the hem of both the 3/4 jacket/coat as well as the dress. The jacket was of a light "summertime" tweed. She wore nude Prada pumps and as is protocol for a State Visit, she accessorized the outfit with gloves and a hat. The hat was designed by Maria Nieto. I liked the light/airy quality of this style and the color is perfect for Summer but I wasn't a fan of the lace trim; it just seems so "Mother of the Bride" mumsy. But I understand that for that first official meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she didn't want to come off as well, too "directional". I give her a 7.0 out of 10.
Later, she did an outfit change for a visit to the Palace of Westminster and tea at Clarence House with Charles and Camilla:
For this, she donned a red Burberry trench coat dress featuring gold buckled epaulets and belt as well as oversized double breasted lapels. This was a perfect choice of attire (and brand/designer) for attending the Palace of Westminster and being in the UK. Plus, the choice of red was double perfect! Notice the extra piece added to the hem to make it below the knee appropriate. Score: 9.9/10
That evening, there was the State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth as the grand hostess, and Queen Letizia wore another shade of red:
Gown Queens: (L to R) Prince Philip, Queen Letizia, Queen Elizabeth and King Felipe--Buckingham Palace State Banquet
For the very regal State Banquet with Queen Elizabeth, Queen Letizia wore a red sequined off-the-shoulder gown from Felipe Varela . The red custom gown featured delicate lace beaded applique on tulle layered over a silk satin gown that had a drop waist and slightly gathered overskirt.
She accessorized with the Fleur de Lys tiara--the most impressive crown that the Spanish royalty possesses originally given to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain as a wedding gift (quite a wedding gift!) by her husband King Alfonso XIII in 1906. The diadem is nicknamed "La Buena" or The Good One, by the royal family. She also wore the Order of Carlos III Grand Cross Sash and Star of the Order. Overall, she looks like a Queen, very elegant and distinguished and the Spanish Red is striking on Letizia. I give her entire look a 9.0/10.
On the subject of her favorite designer, Felipe Varela...Interesting to note the slight disconnection between what the Spanish fashion designer creates for his collections as opposed to what is custom done for the Queen. While his runway shows look like this:
Sexy Hot: Felipe Varela Spring/Summer 2017
He creates this for Queen Letizia:
Queen Traditional: Queen Letizia in custom Felipe Varela--UK State Visit
Finally, the following day, the Lord Mayor hosted a banquet for the Spanish royals at London's Guildhall in which Princess Anne was in attendance representing her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and here Queen Letizia went the most chic and modern:
Queen Letizia wore this off-the-shoulder navy blue "techno" cady side draped gown from Armani Collezioni. I LOVED this gown on Letizia; it was sexy (Ayyyy Dios Mio!), directional and Runway Fab. I really liked how it hugged her body and gave her a look of 1930's "Old Hollywood Glamour". A 9.7/10...
It also really made poor Princess Anne look like a "Dowager Duchess" when photographed together (photo above).
Muy Bien! Queen Letizia in London, wearing off-the-shoulder Armani Collezioni
July 13, 2017
FASHION SCHOOL WITH NICK.....NEW VIDEO! Padding a Dress Form For Your Size!
Form Padded--Nick Verreos "Padding A Dress Form For Your Size"--Fashion School With Nick Verreos YouTube Channel
Many, many fans of my "Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube Channel ask me, time and time again questions such as "I have a size 4 dress form but...I'm a Size 10! So...How can I make myself something?" or "My dress form is a 6 but I have to make a client something and she's a size 8...so...what can I do?"...well, Nick To The Rescue! In my latest video, I show you how to pad-up your dress form using varying sized shoulder pads and customize it to larger sizes, or measurements...
From Size 4 to...Size 8: Nick Verreos "Padding A Dress Form For Your Size"--Fashion School With Nick Verreos YouTube Channel
Save Your Shoulder Pads-- Nick Verreos "Padding A Dress Form For Your Size"--Fashion School With Nick Verreos YouTube Channel
Click below to watch "Padding a Dress Form For Your Size" Video:
July 12, 2017
TRAVELING IN STYLE.....New Hainan Airlines Couture Flight Attendant Uniforms
Welcome to First Class: Model in Paris showing one of the newest looks from Chinese designer Laurence Xu Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 show which will be part of the new Hainan Airlines uniforms
Last week was the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week where many top fashion houses the likes of Dior , Valentino and Chanel showcased their latest bespoke one-of-a-kind (or sometimes for two, three or four very,very, very rich clients around the world!) couture creations.
Laurence Xu Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Shandong China-born, Paris-based designer Laurence Xu also showed his latest Haute Couture offerings last week. His collection, shown at the the ballroom at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, combined elements of Chinese high glamour with contemporary stylings.
But it wasn't his collection that made news, it was the news that he was picked to design the latest uniforms for Hainan Airlines , People's Republic of China's largest civilian-run airline and 4th largest in terms of its fleet size. Xu showed several of these Hainan Airlines uniforms designs as part of his Haute Couture collection.
Suited Cheongsam Glamour--Hainan Airlines Laurence Xu Haute Couture uniforms
Capelet Chic: Flight attendant Couture from Laurence Xu-designed Haiana Airlines uniforms shown at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week
Normally these designs would probably cost in the high thousands (normally a true Haute Couture suit--from the likes of French fashion houses of Christian Dior or Chanel--could set a client back about $50,000 while an evening gown, $100,000), but since these will go into mass production for many flight attendants and airline staff, one assumes these will actually not be true Haute Couture--even though their origins were.
Coffee, Tea, or COUTURE: New uniforms for Hainan Airlines from Laurence Xu Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018
The uniforms that were showcased combine elements of classical, Far East aesthetics and the silhouette of a modern Western suit. Styles included the traditional Cheongsam Chinese dress, featuring 3/4-length sleeves, a print of clouds, skies and birds, as well as a knee-length curved hem. The curving style lines were also seen in the front part of the dress.
The new Hainan Airlines Laurence Xu Haute Couture-designed flight attendant uniforms will also have a fabulously chic capelet coat that is reversible--gray on one side, raspberry colored on the other (Photo above).
There is also what is probably one of the most stylish aprons I have EVER seen on a flight attendant in the design of the side-wrap draped look (model in the center, photo above).
The men don't look too shabby either in their Nehru-collar-like suits and double breasted VERY wide lapeled coats (SOOO 80's/90's Retro!).
According to the press release, Hainan Airlines and the designer Laurence Xu began discussing the designs over two years ago, eventually going through more than 1,000 designs and more than one hundred samples of garments and accessories (yikes!). I love these designs, and especially like the mix of contemporary design with traditional Chinese styling. I also like the curved mini hats.
Flight Attendant Best Dressed--Which one wins the Best Dressed Flight Attendant? (L to R) Gianfranco Ferre designed Korean Air uniform, Emirates Airline uniforms created by UK uniform manufacturer Simon Jersey, and the new Laurence Xu-designed uniforms for Hainan Airlines
I can't wait for a going-through-security FASHION RUNWAY UNIFORM airport terminal catwalk contest the next time I see those very chic Gianfranco Ferre-designed Korean Air or Emirates Airline Simon Jersey -designed flight attendant's uniforms confronted by Hainan Airlines COUTURE. I hope I am there ready with my iPhone to get some photos!
July 10, 2017
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Maison Margiela Couture Fall 2017
WHAT: Maison Margiela Couture "Artisanal Collection" Fall 2017. Creative Director John Galliano showed the Maison Margiela Artisinal collection in Paris at the design house's headquarters in a 19th-century former religious academy.
Marlene Dietrich in Jean Louis sequined illusion
Kate Moss in Burberry trench ad
INSPIRATION: Galliano said the collection was about "new glamour", using a mood board which included a paparazzi photo of Marilyn Monroe, a photo of Marlene Dietrich in that iconic Jean Louis (photo, top) sequined illusion gown (the same style as Marilyn wore to sing "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy), and one of Kate Moss wearing a trench coat (above photo). Besides this, he also liked the idea of Glamour being something one just "throws on" without a care as you go out of your house, and how that sometimes can have a surprisingly glamorous effect.
Basting stitches, raw edges: Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Shampoo Hair: Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Deconstructed Couture a la John Galliano. Gorgeous hand-made designs giving a new mood to "Just Done Up!". The very Margiela look of torn-apart and re-made trench coats, bustiers, pencil skirts, raw edges, basting stitches still on the garments...the raw side of Saville Row tailoring; hand-knitted jumpers/sweaters; silk organza coats; cowboy boots. To top it all off: Shampoo still on the models' hair...as if they literally just showered and left for a fabulous party...with their shampoo or a leave-in conditioning masque still on their hair!
Collection Highlights:
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Maison Margiela Artisanal Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Click below to watch Maison Margiela Couture Atisanal Fall/Winter 2017 FULL Video:
July 9, 2017
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2017
WHAT: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017. Jean Paul Gaultier showed his latest Haute Couture collection featuring looks that were inspired by the slopes (see below). The collection featured a "star" model in the form of Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere who was, in case you are new to beauty pageants, "Miss France"...
Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere from France--modeling at Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 show
INSPIRATION: Ski Bunny/Glamazon on the Chairlift. Gaultier--always known for naming his outfits after something rather cheeky, continued this with some of his ensembles named Gstaad the Way It Is, L'Avalanche, What You Looping At, and there was even a nod to RuPaul's Drag Race with an outfit titled Sasha Velours.
Ski Bunny Diva--Princess Bianca Hanau-Schaumburg at her Gstaad chalet, Slim Aarons photo circa 1985
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Ski Couture meets Nepal Mountain Divas...Sari-style drapes; velvets, silks, fur boots; leather and gold trims; Le Smoking gowns; ski sweater ensembles; Puffy vests; sequined suitings; Apres Ski Couture.
Collection Highlights:
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Click below to watch Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 FULL Show:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Chanel Couture Fall 2017
WHAT: Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017. 83-year-old Karl Lagerfeld had a 46-ton Eiffel Tower recreated inside the Grand Palais to highlight his "Tribute to Paris" Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 show.
Eiffel Tower a la Chanel: Scenes from the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 show, Grand Palais Paris
The 35-meter (125 feet) replica of the iconic Parisian monument, greeted guests, as it seemed to go beyond the Grand Palais' famed glass ceiling, as man-made steam created the illusion of clouds up above. It took workmen six weeks to make, copying beam for beam the columns and metal made by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition.
Vintage photos showing the progression of the Eiffel Tower construction--1887-1889
INSPIRATION: The Belle Epoque was the starting point for inspiration, specifically the period which followed the building of the Eiffel Tower. Lagerfeld also said he was inspired by a "revived Parisian woman" with shapes, silhouettes and cuts that combined essences of the late 1880's-to-early 1900's, as well as 60's and contemporary looks.
Late 1880's-to-early 1900's Belle Epoque Fashion Styles
Coco Chanel (Left) circa 1910 and with her cousin (right) wearing her boater (canotier) hat
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Curved oversized sloping shoulders; leg-o-mutton arms showed overt wink-and-a-nod to the pre-World War I fashion styles. The Chanel canotier hat which Coco wore during that same period was shown with just about every outfit. Besides this, many 1960's shapes and details were present such as mini dresses, retro batteau collars, knee-high boots and fun bows. As usual at Chanel Haute Couture, exquisitely-made tweeds highlighted this Fall/Winter collection. Leather collars, multi layered pailletes and feathers made appearances here and there. The feathers mimicking a look of fur trim.
Feathered Couture: If you look close enough, you might notice that each feather was hand cut to resemble the Eiffel Tower--Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Paillettes Motifs--Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Collection Highlights:
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Click below to watch "The Making of Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017" Video:
Click below to watch Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 FULL video:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Elie Saab Couture Fall 2017
WHAT: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017. Known for his bedazzled evening wear, Lebanese designer Elie Saab did not disappoint his customers with dress after dress (and many gowns!) of hand appliqued sequined/tulle/satin wonders to satisfy any Gulf State, Chinese and/or Russian millionaire's wife...and sister, cousin and daughter!
Inspiration Perhaps? Sansa Stark of "Game of Thrones"
INSPIRATION: The show's notes explained as such: A fictional world of "fallen kings, defeated by a fearless heroic sisterhood...bright and brave warrior queens they were, are, and forever will be". So...think of these women as "Game of Thrones" Sansa Stark Couture Divas.
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Lots of floor-sweeping gowns; capes; romantic and ethereal a la Elie Saab; velvets and silk satins; gold thread woven through the embroidery.
Collection Highlights:
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017
Click below to watch Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 FULL show:
