Nick Verreos's Blog, page 55

NICK APPEARANCES.....The Actors Fund 2016 Looking Ahead Awards: RECAP

Nick Verreos--The Actors Fund 2016 Looking Ahead Awards-Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood


This past week, I had the pleasure of attending The Actors Fund 2016 "The Looking Ahead Awards" at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood. The "Looking Ahead Awards" is an annual fundraising gala that occurs every December to raise support and awareness for the Looking Ahead program services for the young performer community. I have always been a big supporter of The Actors Fund and so I was very humbled to be invited to this annual fundraising event.






Suit Boys: (L to R): Michael Turchin, Nick Verreos, and Lance Bass--The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood


The 2016 Gala was hosted by Ashley Argota and Fred Savage (I know!) and honored Lance Bass, The young stars of ABC's "black-ish" as well as Jordana Brewster and  Paul Petersen . The event also featured the lovely "Judy and Hilary Swank Award" which went to Wilmer Valderrama's mom and dad (which was accepted by his mom, Sobeida Valderrama). The entire evening was wonderful and here are some photos recap'ing it:






Venezolanos: (L to R) Nick Verreos, Sobeida Valderrama and Wilmer Valderrama--The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards Gala, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood





Wilmer and Lance: (L to R) Wilmer Valderrama and Lance Bass onstage at The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood





Hosts With The Most: (L to R) Ashley Argota and Fred Savage The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood






Jordana Brewster--The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood





Nick Verreos--The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood







Blue Carpet: Nick Verreos The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood





2016 Looking Ahead Awards







Dinner and Dessert: The Actors Find 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood







Fundraising Dates: Nick Verreos and David Paul--The Actors Fund 2016 The Looking Ahead Awards, Taglyan Cultural Complex Hollywood

BEST WESTERN.....Go. Get. Glam. Contest: Winner #1: BLOG, VIDEO, SKETCH

Lindsay Travel Good to Glam--Sketch by Nick Verreos--Best Western Go. Get.Glam. Contest




CONGRATULATIONS to the first Winner of the Best Western Go. Get. Glam. Contest: Lindsay Pike Evans! Several weeks ago, Best Western Hotels and Resorts ran a contest looking for people who wanted to have their "Travel Style" taken to another level...by me! We asked people on social media to submit photos using the hashtag #FlauntYourBWStyle showing us their own personal "travel style" and how they wanted it elevated to a more stylish level! Along with Best Western, I chose the top three best submissions and the winners received a $100 Best Western gift card, a $100 MasterCard and personalized fashion ideas from ME! Soooo...here's our first winner: Lindsay:



Before...and After: Travel Stylish via Nick Verreos--Best Western Go. Get.  Glam. Contest Winner Lindsay and Nick Verreos' Travel Style Fashion Sketch





BEST WESTERN Go. Get. Glam.





Along with
her fun and colorful photo (loved the pink bags in the background!), Lindsay
stated several things that were important to her while traveling in regards to
travel style: Comfort is key, and especially for business, it still needs to be
stylish but cool enough that upon arrival at her destination, she doesn’t feel
“all gross and sweaty”…yet warm enough that she “doesn’t freeze”. These are all
great considerations and prerequisites when thinking of a Travel Outfit that
also works well for Business upon arrival.




There are so
many times when you have to travel, then arrive at your destination and subsequently,
go straight to a meeting and/or an event. I stopped counting all the times I
had to go right to hosting an event or an important fashion meeting after
flying so I had to be very thoughtful that my travel outfit could serve me well
on many levels.  A well thought-out
travel outfit can multitask. And this look I have styled for Lindsay is a
perfect blend of comfort, style, and business meeting appropriate (and possibly
dinner and drinks later!).




The main
theme of my style sketch for Lindsay was making her fun yet sophisticated and
on-trend…but comfortable too.



--I started with a Moto jacket...




Nick Verreos sketch for Lindsay--Best Western Go. Get. Glam. Contest Winner


*Click HERE to continue reading my "Style Travel" transformation for Lindsay E......



and below is my Best Western Go. Get. Glam. Travel Style Fashion Sketching Video for Winner #1 Lindsay:

NIKOLAKI.....Fashion Show Presentation in San Antonio Texas

San Antonio is Bringing the FASHION!




Cascade Couture: Salmon Pink Silk Ziberline Back Cascade Ruffle Gown, NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

I am SO EXCITED to announce that I will be flying to San Antonio Texas (HOPEFULLY---Read more below!!!)--along with my NIKOLAKI Design Partner David Paul--to showcase--for the first time EVER!! (do I sound like Oprah??!!) our NIKOLAKI Couture Gowns and dresses in Texas THIS Friday night at one of the hippest spots in that city!

This Friday, at the Penthouse Alteza in The Downtown San Antonio Texas Grand Hyatt, there will be a very special fashion event titled "Party in Fashion" produced by Tony Harris Productions, the UBER chic Texas fashion pr house. A "little birdie" has told me that, all of San Antonio's fashion glitteratti will be there! Need I remind you that this is the actual First Annual "Party In Fashion" event in San Antonio Texas!!??




Golden Statues: Gold silk lame one-shoulder cocktail dress and backless gown, NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

Weather Madness: Now, there is a CRAZY Storm happening right now in Texas (it's a GORGEOUS & Sunny 80 Degrees here in LA of course!) and our original flights out of Los Angeles got CANCELED! So, the "Fashion Lord" ONLY KNOWS if David, myself--and our NIKOLAKI Collection will ACTUALLY make it to San Antonio...but we just re-booked to leave tomorrow morning and arrive into San Antonio with only HOURS before the actual event-- to do fittings, steam and maybe grab a snack in between before the "Party in Fashion" begins!




Red Stunner: Crepe-back silk satin backless gown with hand-beaded Swarovski crystal straps gown, NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

So...hopefully--with no further cancellations--I can't wait to see you , meet you, and have you witness our NIKOLAKI gowns on the most GORGEOUS models from Texas this Friday night. It's an Invite Only Event and I hear it's already "Sold Out"!


Details:
What:
First Annual "Fashion Party" Fashion Show Event featuring NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Collection

Where:
Penthouse Alteza, above the Grand Hyatt, Downtown San Antonio 610 East Market Street San Antonio Texas 78205

When:
Friday February 4, 2011, 8PM

FASHION SCHOOL WITH NICK.....Draping A Basic Pencil Skirt

  Fashion School With Nick Verreos: How to Drape a Basic Pencil Skirt


Next on my "Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube Videos, I wanted to teach young and old(er) fashion draping aficionados a fun way to Drape a Basic Pencil Skirt. The pencil skirt is a very popular item in a stylish woman's wardrobe so here's a way to drape one. This approach, in particular, is a bit more "modern" than the way they would teach you in actual fashion schools, because I show you how to do it with one dart in the front and one dart in the back--as opposed to the "old school" two-darted front and back method.






 Pencil Skirt Draping 101: Drape the front--"Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube





 Marking the Dart and Waist--"Draping a Pencil Skirt" Video--"Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube





 Voila! Pencil Skirt Drape!--"Fashion School With Nick Verreos" YouTube




Click below to watch my YouTube Video of How to Drape a Basic Pencil Skirt:

PROJECT RUNWAY.....My TOP 5 OMG MOMENTS: Ep. 11

Nick Verreos breaks it down on "Top 5 OMG Moments of Project Runway" Episode 11, YouTube


This last week's episode of Lifetime's Season 15 "Project Runway" , the remaining six designers got to design a garment that was supposed to be Avant-garde using Unconventional Materials (metals and machinery) , as well as Conventional ones (textiles and notions from Mood). For my latest "Top 5 OMG Moments" video of "Project Runway", I explain how everyone--from Heidi, Tim to the Lexus guy-- told the designers to "GO BOLD!" Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough and they somehow missed the "Avant-garde" directive...



Click below to watch my Top 5 OMG Moments of "Project Runway" Episode 11 on YouTube:






So...here we go:



 #1....OMG! Go BOLD or Go HOME! OK...So even before Tim announced this
week's Challenge, Heidi greeted the designers and told them that they needed to
be BOLD and that their designs should STAND OUT. Then, the Lexus guy says that
his company's automobiles are BOLD, right before Tim tells the designers to GO
BOLD for this Challenge. If that wasn't BOLD enough, Tim announces that it will
not only be Avant-garde but also, an Unconventional Materials Challenge...






HELLOOOO DESIGNERS!!! RED FLAG!!! You better be ready to GO
BOLD!!!








 #2....OMG!
Uh Oh. This is BOLD??? When
we see the designs in the workroom as Tim gives his Critiques, Rik is doing a
Cocktail Dress. We then switch to Laurence, who's doing a....Cocktail Dress!
Then, it's time for Roberi and guess what he's creating? A Cocktail
Dress.








Not to be outdone, Cornelius and Mah-jing join the bunch
with....You guessed it! Cocktail Dresses!!! Sooooo....This is an Avant-garde
Challenge....Right??








#3....OMG! I Have a Bone to Pick. It really took all of my self control not
to hurl my bowl of popcorn at the TV screen when the judges started their
critiques. Heidi somehow thought it was a positive that several of these
so-called Avant-garde designs could be worn on the Red Carpet. I'm starting to
wonder if Heidi's life is one big long Red Carpet, because she can't imagine
any garment functioning in society, unless it's walking down one! Let me
ESSSPLAIN to you and Miss Klum the following: Avant-garde is NOT meant for the
Red Carpet--unless your Bjork or Lady Gaga (and even Miss Gaga has stopped
that!). This is NOT the function of these garments. Avant-garde is meant to
disrupt, provoke and illicit conversation, it is meant to inspire and dream.
It's the closest FASHION has to "Modern Art". While it seems that
some of the designers had questions regarding what Avant-garde was (Mah-jing
especially), it seems that the judges had little clue as well.










#4....OMG! The Winner is...ERIN? Honestly, if I was a judge, I don't even
know who I would have picked. And certainly not because there was a plethora of
fab designs to chose from. But....I'm assuming Erin secured the
WIN by being the BOLDEST?? And most Avant-garde?? I will say that, at least I
give her points for using color. I guess that counts for something??
Sooooo....Congrats to Erin for getting
the Win and being back on top!







#5....OMG! What Happened??? While I understand that the competition is
stressful and the pressure of the Finale looms ever closer, it's imperative to
realize that the Avant-garde Challenge is THE moment to express yourself and
really WOW the judges with not only your ability to step outside the design
box, but also a chance to marvel them with your technical prowess. In other
words I wanted to see a COAT that SPANS THE LENGTH OF THE RUNWAY! Made out of
CHICKEN WIRE! And...make it COUTUUUUURE! I'm starting to  worry that these
designers don't have the ability to Wow the judges , or for that matter, us. Let's
hope they can prove me wrong and end the season with a BANG!





And
now, here's my FULL RECAP on MyLifetime.com for Episode 11: "Didn't You
Hear? I Said Bold!"






Now that we have moved on from overindulging on turkey, pie and cyber shopping, it’s time to get back to more important matters: “Project Runway”! This week’s episode tried to merge the avant-garde with the unconventional as well as conventional. With all that, it had the prospect of design gold! Instead, we got aluminum, copper and a wire mesh mess. Time to recap!






Heidi greets the designers by telling them that there are only two challenges left (mon Dieu!). She then cryptically says that they better “buckle up because it’s going to be a thrill of a ride.” Before sending them off to meet Tim, she warns, “You better be BOLD and make sure your designs really STAND OUT. Go BIG or you’ll be going home.”

Heidi greets the designers by telling them that there are only two challenges left (mon Dieu!). She then cryptically says that they better “buckle up because it’s going to be a thrill of a ride.” Before sending them off to meet Tim, she warns, “You better be BOLD and make sure your designs really STAND OUT. Go BIG or you’ll be going home.”...

Click HERE to continue reading my RECAP on MyLifetime.com 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2016 Finals: Costumes and Gowns Recap!

SupraCrowned: Miss Supranational 2016 Srinidhi Shetty of India

Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook


This past Friday were the Finals of the Miss Supranational 2016. the international beauty pageant was held in Krynica-Zdroj Poland (population 11,000; known as the biggest spa town in Poland) with 71 contestants from the globe vying for the crown. Miss Supranational is in its 8th year and has quickly grown in status as one of the most important "Grand Slam" beauty pageants, along with Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International, etc.








Golden Gal: India's Srinidhi Shetty wins Miss Supranational 2016 in Poland
                                        Photos courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook



The winner was the representative from India, Srinidhi Ramesh Shetty. Shetty is a 24 year-old 1.73 (5' 8") tall model from Mangalore, who studied engineering and worked as an IT professional in the past. She becomes the second Miss India to win the Miss Supranational crown.








A Ten for Prodcution: Miss Supranational 2016 

Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook






The Production: The production of the show was top notch featuring great music, fab staging and a great array of "Outfit/Gown Changes" by the contestants--from National Costumes to Evening Gowns, Cocktail wear, Activewear to even more Gowns (in Metallic gold/silver tones!) to keep fashionistas like myself visually content. Overall, it was on par with a "Miss Universe" and some of the most recent "Miss World" productions (I say "most recent" because I can remember those epic super-drawn-out "Miss World" shows during the 90's that could have been easily cut in half and lacked any excitement and anticipation...thank goodness that kind of show has changed!).




The Top Two:




OMG...Me??!!: Miss India Srinidhi Shetty's (R) reaction after learning she won "Miss Supranational 2016", with First Runner-up Venezuela's Valeria Vespoli (L)

Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook







Miss Supranational India (and eventual winner) Srinidhi Shetty in swimsuit and white cocktailwear--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals

Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook








First Runner-up Miss Supranational Venezuela Valeria Vespoli in White and Red Cocktailwear--

Miss Supranational 2016 Finals

Photos courtesy of  Missosology/Bong Tan (L) and  Miss Supranational Facebook (R)








Valeria was one of the favorites to actually win the Miss Supranational 2016 title and she almost did. If you're a pageant fan, you might recognize her from the Miss Venezuela 2015 pageant where she was Miss Monagas. She wore this gown above which was designed by Gionni Straccia



National Costumes:






Best Costume Miss Supranational Vietnam Kha Trang 

Photo courtesy of Missosology/Bong Tan


Winning Costume: The winner of the Best National Costume title went to Vietnam and contestant Kha Trang for this. The almost 100-pound weighing costume was deigned by Vietnamese designer Le Long Dung and named "Vietnamese Golden Lotus". Supposedly, it took three months to make (I believe it!), boasts a 3.5 meter train and is inspired by the tale of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, who are believed to be the parents of all Vietnamese people. The arms are in the shape of a lotus and the headdress is highlighted by pheasant tail feathers...










Yep! I can see how it won!--Miss Supranational Vietnam national costume






SupraCostume: Miss Supranational India's costume was pretty fabulous too: The eventual winner of the Miss Supranational 2016 crown wore this costume entitled "The Fusion Bride of the Indian Tribes". The silhouette of various parts of the garment cover various regional tribes of India. The crown is inspired by the North east and Eastern Bengali tribes, the choli (blouse) is inspired by the North with tribes from Kashmiri, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh; the skirt and the mask draw inspiration from the Southern tribes, while the skirt holds in colour the Western Warli tribes of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Fusing khadi cotton, yak wool and Indian silk brocade, the garment features textiles of the country. The national animal the tiger and the national flower the lotus are symbolically represented in the garment. It was designed and created by Melvyn Dominic Noronha.






Is that Nelson Mandela on her head? Miss Suprnational South Africa's national costume               (second from left)--Miss Supranational 2016 Finals

Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook







Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook 




Pink Llanera: I also loved the costume worn by eventual First Runner-up Miss Supranational Venezuela Valeria Vespoli designed by Douglas Tapia. It was a "Fantasy" Traje de Llanera" dress featuring multi-tiered layers/ruffles. I loved it because it reminded me so much of a sketch I did years ago (being that I am a big "Pageant Fan" growing up in Venezuela), which I included in my book "A Passion For Fashion"...
                                    




Miss Venezuela Fashion Sketch by Nick Verreos--From "A Passion For Fashion"





Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook


Oh No She Didn't!: there was one other "national Costume" I wanted to highlight and that was the one worn by Miss Supranational Trinidad and Tobago Lia Djemila Ross. How do I say this politely? SHE WAS ALMOST NAKED!!!!! I think that her nipples were actually partly in view when she introduced herself on LIVE TV, in view of millions and millions of viewers! I don't know how that got through the censors but it was kind of a "Oh Nooooo She Didn't!' moment. She gets "Atta Gurl" points for that!





Now, let's get to THE GOWNS!!!:



                                              Gown Gals--Miss Supranational 2016 Finals

                                                 Photo courtesy of Missosology/Bong Tan




The Miss Supranational 2016 Finals were fabulous in many ways but especially because the contestants had two gown changes through the evening (those backstage dressers were working OVERTIME!). They first came out in their own individual gowns (after the National costumes and Swimsuits) and then they changed into Golden Gowns at the end when the Top Five were named and for the crowning when all the constants wore golden/metallic gowns which was kind of a great idea! Kudos to the pageant's producers for such a Gown-Tastic show!





Best in Gown: The Winner of Best in Evening Gown was Miss Supranational Romania Sinziana Sirghi. She wore this black design featuring over-sized ruffles, a "Mermaid Lite" silhouette and patent leather-like band details. I loved this gown and said so in the Recap of the Miss Supranational 2016 Preliminaries Evening Gown blog post HERE.


Photo courtesy of Missosology







Last year's Miss Supranational Stephanie Stegman from Paraguay did her Final Walk in this stunning white gown. I thought she looked quite glorious and I loved the drama of it and the beautiful lace-like details
                                         Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook







    Golden Beauties: Stage images of the Miss Supranational 2016 contestants during the Finale of               the pageant, wearing their golden/metallic gowns--Miss Supranational 2016 Finals

                                         Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook



Time to discuss the Top Five Golden Gowns:






Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook


India Srinidhi Shetty: The eventual winner from India, Srinidhi wore this gold gown featuring leaf-like "fringe" sequins that fluttered beautifully as she walked. I thought the design had a strong gold color and stage presence. The gown fit well and looked perfect for her.

Score: 9.45














Photos courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook (top) and Missosology/Bong Tan (lower)


Venezuela Valeria Vespoli: First Runner-up Valeria Vespoli wore this blush/nude gown with gold and silver sequined leaf (a theme of "Miss Supranational 2016" I guess!) appliques. The Alejandro Fajardo-designed gown featured dramatic cape details and was super-fitted with a dangerously high center front slit. It was a very Haute Couture-looking gown, made beautifully by the Venezuelan atelier and while I give it points for making a definite gown statement (which I love), this was still A LOT, and that center front slit was just too-close to her you-know-what which made it go into an almost Couture Hoochie territory. 

Score: 9.10



This is a photo of what she wore during the Miss Supranational 2016 Finals as her first gown:







Disco Ball Beauty Queen: Silver "mirror" sequined gown worn by Miss Supranational Venezuela Valeria Vespoli designed by Alejandro Fajardo who also designed the golden "cape" gown. I liked the gown just for its sheer audacity of "Notice Me B*tches!" but the fabrication with the long sleeves was overwhelming and I wish she wouldn't have worn THOSE shoes!

Score: 8.55




The gown is VERY "Miss Venezuela" Pageant-like and featured the same mirror effects originally done WAAAAY back in the day by Venezuelan couturier Guy Meliet:



Miss Tachira 1988--Gown by Guy Meliet




The gown is also in the same vein of this:



Miss Apure in the Miss Venezuela 2015 Pageant--gown designed by Alejandro Fajardo





Continuing with the rest of the Top Five, Miss Supranational 2016:




Photo courtesy of Missosology/Bong Tan


Suriname Jaleesa Pigot: Jaleesa got the 2nd Runner-up title at Miss Supranational 2016. She was also one of the favorites to win and she was one of my Top Gown Divas in my recap of the Miss Supranational 2016 Preliminaries Evening Gown Competition HERE. Jaleesa was so gracious that she even wrote on my Facebook HERE to Thank me for that; what a true class act! She wore this halter style gold ballgown style for the final top five moment. She looked regal and the gown fit well but the fabric in conjunction with the ballgown shape was a bit much for her tiny figure. However, I am thankful it was the right length (no pumps visible!). 

Score: 8.99








 Photo courtesy of Missosology/Bong Tan


Sri Lanka Ornella M.J. Gunesekere: Ornella was one of the most stunning Miss Sri Lanka contestants in a while. Not surprised she made it this far to be Third Runner-up. For her Top Five "Golden Gown" moment, she wore this sequined fringed dress that delicately draped to one side. The gown was OK, but I wish it didn't have that side drape detail. But that didn't bother me as much as the fact that it was about 12" TOO SHORT and showed those super tacky platform "stripper" shoes! It almost ruined the entire thing for me.

Score: 8.00








 Photo courtesy of Missosology/Bong Tan


Hungary Korina Kocsis: Korina was the Fourth Runner-up and she wore this semi-sheer blush/nude sequined gown. The dress was simple yet elegant and it had nice sequined detail. I liked that the lining wasn't too mini short but yet we could still see her legs. I also loved her semi-slicked back hairstyle; it was very red carpet movie star. One critique though: And yes, it's the shoes. While I am thankful they weren't the tacky ones Miss Sri Lanka wore, they were still the wrong style for this dress. She should have worn simple strappy heels, in gold.

Score: 9.00










Photo courtesy of Miss Supranational Facebook



CONGRATULATIONS to the new Miss Supranational from India Srinidhi Shetty!

And Thank you to the Miss Supranational organization for bringing us such a GOWNTASTIC show!

ROYAL COUTURE....."The Crown": Costumes vs Reality!

Fur, Satin and Diamonds: Actress Claire Foy playing Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix' "The Crown" TV series




In case you have been living under a rock, "The Crown" is a fabulous new drama series on Netflix. The first season premiered on November 4th. The series chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her marriage in 1947 to the present day and has been dubbed "the most expensive TV series ever!". So far, I have only watched the first seven episodes and it's followed her relationship with her husband Prince Philip, her sister Princess Margaret (and her love affair with Captain Peter Townsend), her mother, as well Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and many others. I am obsessed with the series and besides all the drama, yes, it's ALL ABOUT THE FABULOUS COSTUMES!





Gown Royals: Cast of "The Crown", Netfilx (L to R): Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret, Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II, Matt Smith as Prince Philip, Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary and Victoria Hamilton as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother


Emmy-winning Costume designer Michele Clapton and her amazing team were responsible for all the Royal Couture of "The Crown". The "Game of Thrones" costume designer (she designed the first five seasons and returned to do four costumes in two episodes of season six) combined historical accuracy as well as vintage Vogue magazine research to inspire and help her with the immensity of such an epic show, according to this Fashionista.com article.






Designer and her Designs: The Crown" costume designer Michele Clapton during a "The Crown" Costume Presentation in London back in October




As the big Royal Couture fan that I am , I was curious to check out some of the show's costumes vs. the actual fashions these real-life royals wore (if there were photos of course!). I think that Ms. Clapton did an exceptional job. I cannot even imagine having such a task. She said that over 95% of the principals costumes were custom made while many of the extras (and there were LOTS!) wore vintage garments from costume shops. Lets take a look at some of the gorgeous "The Crown" costumes for some of the main "characters" and what they actually wore:




The Wedding---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




The TV Wedding: Actress Claire Foy as Princess Elizabeth (left) and Jared Harris as her father King George VI (right)--Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip Wedding Scene--"The Crown" Netflix




The Real Thing: Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark Wedding: Her wedding gown designed by British fashion designer Norman Hartnell. Princess Elizabeth used clothing ration coupons to pay for the dress. The gown was made of ivory silk and 10,000 pearls imported from the USA. At first when I was watching the series and the wedding scene, I thought that the "costume" wedding gown was a bit too stiff and crinoline'd--as opposed to the actual photos I had seen of the wedding and the gown. In some of the photos, her wedding dress does look less crinoline'd (as if there's no tulle underskirts) while in the museum display photo, it looks more like it was made for the TV series .



Commonwealth Tour-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Polka Dot Queen: Actress Claire Foy  as Queen Elizabeth (left) in "The Crown", and the real Queen Elizabeth II (right) during her Commonwealth Tour 1952 Kenya. 




Coronation-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Coronation Gown: Actress Claire Foy as the soon-to-be-crowned Queen Elizabeth II in "The Crown




For the Coronation Scenes, costume designer Michele Clapton received a replica of the actual gown worn by the soon-to-be-Queen Elizabeth from Swarovski. The Austrian crystals company created one for an exhibition and they offered to loan Clapton the dress. At first, she declined but after realizing how much she had on her costume designing plate, she said "Yes!". 







The Coronation Gown was designed by Norman Hartnell: The silk and sequined gown took eight months to make and featured floral emblems of the countries of the United Kingdom and those of other states within the Commonwealth of Nations.



Movie Premieres----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Fur and Satin: Actress Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II (left) in "The Crown" and the real Queen Elizabeth II (right) with her husband Prince Philip at the "Neapolitan Carousel" movie premiere in 1954




Flight Style-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Travel Style: Actors Matt Smith (as Prince Philip) and Claire Foy (as Queen Elizabeth II), as they board a B.O.A.C. airplane on "The Crown"





Mink Travel: Queen Elizabeth in mink fur coat and silk dress, and Prince Philip in uniform disembarking a flight on B.E.A. British European Airways


Princess Margaret--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------






Belted Dress Princesses: Princess Elizabeth (left) and Princess Margaret (right)







  Smokey Princess: Actress Vanessa Kirby portraying Princess Margaret (top photo, left lower photo) in "The Crown", the actual Princess Margaret (right, lower photo)





Michele Clapton-designed costume for Princess Margaret character in TV show "The Crown", Netflix


Princes Margaret was Queen Elizabeth's Fashionista sister. She was like the Princess Diana of the 1950's/1960's/1970's. A devoted fashion-lover, she loved Dior Haute Couture as well as many other fashion designers. While Queen Elizabeth's creations seemed as if they took one fitting (no one can imagine the Queen having the patience for more!), Princess Margaret's fabulous creations looked as if they took FOUR fittings! Gotta love her for that (well, as a designer I do!).








Diamonds and Satin: Princess Margaret







  Princess Margaret on her 21st Birthday in a Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, 1951






 Pink Princess: Princess Margaret in pink tulle and sequins







  Fashion Diva: Princess Margaret at an event in a one shoulder Duchesse Satin ballgown, fur shawl and diamond necklace




Queen Mary of Teck------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Queen Mary of Teck--Queen Elizabeth's grandmother (on her paternal side), was very Edwardian in her style and this was seen in the costumes created by Michele Clapton (left), followed by the looks seen on the real Queen Mary of Teck (right).



Duke and Duchess of Windsor-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------








Couture Divo and Diva: Actor Alex Jennings as Edward VIII Duke of Windsor, and actress Lia Williams as Wallis Duchess of Windsor in "The Crown" Netflix











The Real Fashionistas: Wallis, Duchess of Windsor and Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor





Family Drama: Cast of Netflix' "The Crown"



I'm excited to watch the rest of "the Crown" Season One! Let me know what you think of this season and the costumes!

TRAVELING IN STYLE.....Milan Italy: Food and Shopping!

Pizza Time! Mozzarella pomodorino pachino, ricotta, crudo di parma from Pizzeria Caputo Milan Italy


In my Part 2 of my "Travel In Style" Milan Blog (click HERE for my Part 1: Milan Cathedral Sightseeing Pics) it's time for the FOOD...and SHOPPING! Here is my Photo Gallery--For my shopping, I went straight to the Piazza del Duomo and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II Shopping Center. It's not really a "Shopping Center", as we know it back in the US, but for Milan, this fits the bill fabulously! In fact, it is one of the oldest shopping malls, which originally opened in 1877 (!). It has Prada, Versace and many more international brands, as well as well-appointed restaurants...






Buonasera Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II--Nick Verreos at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II Shopping Center, Milan Italy





The glass roof/arcade of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Milan Italy





Beautiful tile floor--Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II, Milan Italy





Retail Therapy: Shopping bags from Zara and Alcott...this was the day after the US Elections and I was depressed and needed some "retail therapy". 


Foodie Milano-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




The Second Best Pizza in Milan: Mozzarella pomodorino pachino, ricotta, crudo di parma from Pizzeria Caputo





Delicious Dinner For One: Starter of Mozzarella di Bufala in Boccaccio (top photo) and Main Entree of Scialatiello Ghiotto Pasta (pasta with bacon, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes)--Bottega Ghiotta Milan Italy





THE BEST Naples-style pizza in Milan: Margherita Gialla Massimo Bottura at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo




Post-election Room Service Dinner: My hotel in Milan was having a special of a bottle of white wine, cheese, salami/prosciutto plate for 20 Euros! Naturally, I said "Si!" Usually, this would be considered Appetizers but since it was just me...it was a nice full dinner! And it was DELIZIOSO!!!!










Buongiorno Milano: This is my go-to place for morning cup of cappuccino--Morning pastries display at Caffe Carlino Milano





Bellissimo--Loved my free Croissants and Espresso at my Una Maison Milano hotel







Ciao Milano. Alla prossima...Until next time!

ICE STYLE.....2016 NHK Trophy Costumes Recap: ICE DANCE, PAIRS!

Sexy-licious: French Ice Dance team of  Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron--2016 NHK Trophy


Continuing with my ICE STYLE blog on this past weekend's 2016 NHK Trophy ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, in my last post I discussed the Ladies and Men HERE, so now, it's time to talk about Ice Dance and Pairs. Now, I must warn you that for some I have already talked about their costumes before for this 2016-2017 Grand Prix season, but I'm just including them here because, well, I just LOVE their costumes! Let's begin with some Ice Dancers I have not discussed:



ICE DANCE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac France Short Dance to Blues: The Way You Make Me Feel performed by Judith Hill and Swing: The Way You Make Me Feel performed by Michael Jackson--I get the black-and-white costume connection to Michael Jackson, of course. I think these were nice costumes that effectively showed a thru-line to the music. While I enjoyed her white godet dress with delicate sequins, I think Romain was the costume star here with his sleek look. And I LOVED the superwide suspenders and too-short tie! 





Emi Hirai and Marien de la Asuncion Japan Short Dance to Blues: I Just Want to Love by Etta James and Swing: Puttin' On the Ritz by Irving Berlin--Emi's sequined applique royal blue costume was impressive and very Ballroom Dancing. I was just a little questionable of Marien looking so "Deney Terrio Dance Fever" but he's so hunky...I almost didn't care!





Emi Hirai and Marien de la Asuncion Japan Free Dance to Kiss, Purple Rain, U Got the Look by Prince: Prince is VERY POPULAR this season for figure skaters and here, it was the music inspiration for Japan's Hirai and de la Asuncion. At first I didn't really understand the Prince costume connection--especially since there was a lack of obvious purple coloring in either of their costumes. But with closer inspection, I got the 80's-like style details and I especially loved her red jersey and gold sequined chain-like costume. 







Anastasia Cannuscio and Colin McManus USA Free Dance to Time by Billy Porter, Beyond The Sky by Karl Hugo and Time by Billy Porter: I thought these were quite pretty costumes worn by Americans Cannuscio and McManus. While her powder blue sequined dress was Pageant pretty, I LOVED his, especially the ombre dyed cowl-draped top. Not only did I admire the soft draping, I also liked the subtle gold and silver crystals that matched hers. I cannot stress this enough but it is always nice when men in figure skating let go of the whole "Manly-Man" costume schtick and embrace soft sensuality.





Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron France Short Dance to Blues: Bittersweet by Lene Riebau, Maxim Illion perf. by Club des Belugas and Swing: Diga Diga Doo by Dorthy Fields, Jimmy McHugh perf. by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy--I've discussed these costumes HERE if you want to now what I thought.







Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Canada Short Dance to Hip Hop: Kiss by Prince, Blues: Five Women by Prince, Blues: Purple Rain by Prince: I have also written about these costumes worn by Canada's Virtue and Moir but I just LOVED these photos and that is really why I wanted to put them here! Anyhow--yes, they skated to Prince (I told you he was a popular musical theme!) and you can read my comments on their costumes HERE.







Virtue and Moir of Canada Free Dance Pilgrims on a Long Journey by Coeur de Pirate

Latch (Acoustic) by Sam Smith: I have also already talked about these costumes back in Skate Canada International HERE. But seriously, I don't need a reason to show such fabulous photos and especially her SUPER CHIC beautifully pleated dress. J'Adore Tessa!



PAIRS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Meaghan Duhamel and Eric Radford Canada Free Skate to No, je ne regrette rien performed by Patricia Kaas: Back when I wrote about these costumes in my 2016 Skate Canada International blog HERE, I wasn't a big fan of her lilac/dusty rose sequined applique costume. I thought it was a bit "Toddlers & Tiaras". But, I have to admit that I kind of like it now: The sequin work is pretty nice with a closer detail photo and overall, she looks beautiful. And Eric's shirt is well-coordinated with her costume.





Wang Xuehan and Wang Lei China Short Program to Steppin' Out With My Baby performed by The Jump’ Joz Band: I thought these were fun but not perfect costume depictions of the "Steppin' Out With My Baby" music. Her red glittery costume was nice but not extraordinary and his black and white tuxedo look was a bit sloppy to be honest. Not sure who decided his shirt should be "untucked" and his overall costume be so un-sexy but it looked Junior-ish.







Mari Vartmann and Ruben Blommaert Germany Free Skate to Second Law by Muse: In a previous ICE STYLE post HERE, I discussed this German Pairs Short Program costumes to Michael Jackson so now I want to talk about their Free Skate. I really liked these looks especially her fire-red shredded sleeve and hem costume. Just take a look at how those details shine when he throws her up for the Throw Triple Twist. I also thought his black costume was modern and a nice compliment to hers.





Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea USA Short Program to Take Me to Church by Hozier: Pretty and well-done is all I can say with these all black costumes worn by American Pairs Kayne and O'Shea. I liked her black sheer with sequins look with a studded waistband.; It was very "Elie Saab"-like...for Figure Skating Costumes. 





Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea USA Free Skate to Song of India by Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov

Marche Slave by Petr I. Tchaikovski: For their Free Skate, they went a bit more Costume "Ethnic" with an obvious nod to the Near East influence of their music. I LOVED her multicolored jeweled top section and sheer midriff. And Danny's sexy faux leather arm band accessory look was good. I just wished his cummerbund had the same jeweled sequins that we saw in her costume to make them relate to each other a bit more.

ICE STYLE.....2016 NHK Trophy Costumes Recap: LADIES, MEN!

 Swan Queen: Karen Chen of the US, 2016 NHK Trophy 

Over this past Thanksgiving Weekend, instead of dining on turkey and stuffing, the top figure skaters of the world were at the 2016 NHK Trophy in Sapporo Japan, competing in the last of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competition events before the ISU Grand Prix Final happening December 8-11 in Marseille, France. In case you missed any of my previous Costumes posts for this season's Grand Prix, just click on "Ice Style" at the top of the blog here and you can see them all! So, now, let's get to the Costumes Highlights of 2016 NHK Trophy. First up...



LADIES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alaine Chartrand Canada Short Program to Sway performed by Pussycat Dolls: I liked this black costume worn by the lovely Alaine Chartrand of Canada. The star in this halter neckline style is that fabulous silver sequined neckpiece. I also liked the small fringed hem as well.



Alaine Chartrand Canada Free Skate to Rome (soundtrack) by Jeff Beal: For her FS to "Rome" soundtrack, Alaine went Gladiator Queen in this blue costume with gold and silver sequined applique detail. I think this was a nice look that didn't go too "Gladiator" costume-y. I also loved her braided hairstyle (which you can barely see here but just trust me); the style was on-point with the theme, music and costume. 



Wakaba Higuchi Japan Short Program to La Califfa by Ennio Morricone: This multicolored costume intrigued me. I liked the impacting ombre shading of blue-into-highlighter yellow. I also liked the delicate crystals in her costume but I especially loved the oversized jeweled piece down her front torso. The film from where the music is from is a 70's Italian drama and the costume has little to do with it but, I still approve. I guess one could say it's a bit 70's and "Italian"...in its bold colors and embellishment. 



Anna Pogorilaya Russia Free Skate to Modigliani Suite by Guy Farley, Le Di a la Caza Alcance by Estrella Morente, Memorial Requiem by Michael Nyman: I absolutely LOVED this dress worn by Russian skater Anna Pogorilaya. I liked the mix of washed red with gray and the caviar-beaded sequin side-torso panel was beautiful! Anna is kind of known for sometimes being too-costume-y with her looks, but this verged on Runway Ready!



Karen Chen USA Short Program to On Golden Pond by Dave Grusin: OK, when I first saw Karen in this, I thought that she was skating to "Swan Lake", "Black Swan" or "Nutcracker"...you get the picture. But no kids: She skated to "On Golden Pond"--in this! And I LOVE it. It was pretty, well made and exquisitely sequined, down to her fingertips. Gorgeous!



Karen Chen USA Free Skate to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade: Tango anyone? Well, for Karen, it was "Si!". Another very good costume for Karen Chen of the US. The silver and red crystals were beautiful, the scroll-like torso detail: pretty. The entire costume package was up to international competition levels! Don't know who is designing Karen's costumes but their worth every penny!



Maria Sotskova Russia Short Program to Butterflies Are Free by Alfred Schnittke: I actually liked this butterfly-inspired costume worn by Russia's Maria Sotskova. I know it might be a bit been there/done that to wear a butterfly costume to music called "Butterflies Are Free" but...I still think it worked. The butterfly detail in her costume was beautiful and very intricate and I liked the deep blue color as well as the look of broken butterfly wings. Also, it's not every day one sees a stiffer stretch sateen as fabric for a Ladies Figure Skating Costume so...this was a nice change of pace.



Maria Sotskova Russia Free Skate to Adagio by Alfred Schnittke: Pretty in Pink. This costume was soft, feminine and almost Junior-like in its execution. But there was still a look of demi-Couture with its delicate chiffon mini flower details and mini caviar beading. 



Choi Da-bin South Korea Short Program to Historia de un amor by Perez Prado: Sassy and Saucy! I love when a young figure skater like Choi Da-bin of South Korea, makes a fun costume expression like this. The bold red, black and silver sequined bustier screams "Hot Latina" in following with the music she skated to. You add the fringe, necklace-like embellishment and sleeve hem details...and it's FABULOSA. How do you say that Korean?



Yura Matsuda Japan Short Program to The Piano by Michael Nyman: Yura vibed the look of the mid-19th century in this black costume featuring Leg o' Mutton-like sleeves, Empire-line seaming and sequins accentuating the delicate drama behind the film. It was a pretty costume depicting the soundtrack that she was skating to.



Satoko Miyahara Japan Short Program Musetta's Waltz Song by Giacomo Puccini: I've discussed this beautiful costume HERE. And yes, I liked it!



MEN-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deniss Vasiljevs Latvia Short Program to Voodoo Child by Stevie Ray Vaughan: Funky, Rock & Roll-ish. Deniss' costume (if one could call it that) referenced the music of course, making him look like a musician from a bad cover band. The Lycra t-shirt showed an abstract 90's-like design and the addition of the grommetted belt cinched it! It was cute, I guess, but verging on a costume I would wear if I wanted to look like a VH1 rocker from 1992.



Deniss Vasiljevs Latvia Free Skate to The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, recomposed by Max Richter: I loved this look on Deniss. I liked that there was a modern look to his costume with the overlapping panels of multicolored fabrics. They created a beautifully sexy motif to his top. And I liked the sheer sleeves which added stretch to the softness of the look by showcasing his muscles (ever so lightly). This was a nice costume effort for Latvia's Deniss Vasiljevs.



Mikhail Kolyada Russia Short Program Nightingale Tango , John Gray by Matvei Blanter: I don't know about you but the color combination of bright royal blue and yellow is just a bit on the garish side. Even for me. This top looked like something a Head Waiter from a Euro Disney Buffet Restaurant would wear. 



Mikhail Kolyada Russia Free Skate to La reve de la fiancee (from "La fiancee aux yeux de bois") by Jean Marc Zelwer, A la lune (from "La Nouba" - Cirque du Soleil): When I first saw this, I thought "he better be skating to Cirque du Soleil". And yep, he was. Thank goodness. I liked the look and especially this kooky black-and-white jacket and it's asymmetrical front silhouette



Grant Hochstein USA Short Program to Due Tramonti by Ludovico Einaudi: Grant skated his Short program at 2016 NHK Trophy wearing this costume comprised of a gray ombre sequined draped top and black pants. I thought it was ethereal and delicately beautiful. I'm a sucker for male figure skaters wearing something draped. This was a change in costume from what he wore...





At Skate Canada International 2016 (photo above), the last time we saw him skate. Whoever decided that he should change his costume: Thank You!

Yuzuru Hanyu Japan Short Program to Let's Go Crazy by Prince: Yuzuru aka "Mr Costumes!" aka "2014 Olympic champion", wore this purple ensemble to skate to his Prince-themed Short Program. The look involved a purple chiffon shirt, skin tight purple pants (possibly attached to that shirt, therefore, a jumpsuit) with black sequined embellishment and paisley-like black, gray, white, silver and blue vest with crystal details. Did he look like the Master of Ceremonies for a Prince Tribute Las Vegas Concert? Totally. But I like it! By the way, in case you are a follower of Yuzuru, you obviously would have notice that this costume above was a change of costume to what he wore...



  At Skate Canada International 2016. Which one is YOUR favorite? My pick is the white one above. It's a little more...subtle. 



Which "Prince" Costume Do You Like Best?Yuzuru in purple (2016 NHK Trophy)Yuzuru in white (2016 Skate America) pollcode.com free polls

**UP NEXT: 2016 NHK Trophy Costumes: Ice Dance and Pairs!