Nick Verreos's Blog, page 28

March 7, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Thom Browne Fall 2018

Thom Browne Fall 2018

WHAT: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2018.

INSPIRATION: The idea, as Browne put it, was to imagine “Vigée Le Brun painting a vision of what she wanted to be in the 21st century.” Le Brun was Marie Antoinette's official portraitist. The set looked like an artist's studio and the music: Madonna's "Vogue" dance remix.

Vigée Le Brun paintings of Marie Antoinette

Madonna "Vogue"

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Tailored vs. Feminine. Grays; padded hips; cinched waists; hourglass shapes; puffy coats.

Thom Browne Fall 2018

Thom Browne Fall 2018

Click below to watch Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2018 show:

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Published on March 07, 2018 11:25

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Chanel Fall 2018

Chanel Fall 2018

WHAT: Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2018. Karl Lagerfeld showed his latest collection for Chanel at the Grand Palais. The scene was...

INSPIRATION: A Fashion Forest:

Chanel Fall 2018

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Edwardian silhouettes; cowl-draped sleeves; shaped shoulders.

Collection Photos:

Chanel Fall 2018

Chanel Fall 2018

Click here to watch Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2018 full show:

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Published on March 07, 2018 09:13

March 6, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Valentino Fall 2018

Valentino Fall 2018

WHAT: Valentino Fall 20918 Ready-to-Wear. Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli is continuing his winning streak when it comes to putting out one GORGEOUS collection after another. This latest Fall/winter 2018 was no exception.

INSPIRATION: Romanticism. Botanical Gardens. And LOTS of archival Valentino and Jackie O references for sure.

Scarved Style: Valentino Fall 2018 and Jackie Kennedy Onassis (wearing an Hermes scarf)

Vintage Valentino Flower Couture--Anjelica Huston in Valentino, 1972

Bag Fab--Valentino Fall/Winter 2018

And, of course we know that one of the main objectives and money-makers of these historic brands is to sell accessories. Piccioli gave the Valentino woman plenty to choose from including some gorgeous bags in many shapes and sizes ready to be swooned over in boutiques across the world.

Collection Highlights:

Valentino Fall 2018

Valentino Fall 2018

Click below to watch Valentino Fall/Winter 2018 Ready-to-Wear collection:

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Published on March 06, 2018 15:27

WHO WORE WHAT? .....2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Red Carpet

Hailee Steinfeld in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted by Radhika Jones, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills CA

As we all know, the actual Academy Awards wasn't the only "Red Carpet Game" in town on Sunday night. There were several major Oscar parties and therefore, many opportunities for stars and supermodels alike to don couture and get photographed. One of the most A-list Oscar parties was of course, the Vanity Fair bash...

Ready for a Party--(L to R) Lupita Nyong'o, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zendaya, Kendall jenner and Rita Ora--Vanity Fair 2018 Oscar Party, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills

This year, it was "hosted" by Radhika Jones and held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Let's get to some of my FAVORITES from this fabulous party:

Kendall Jenner in Redemption--Supermodel Kendall Jenner utilized her best assets (her INCREDIBLE figure and THOSE loooooong legs!) by wearing this super short and superb sexy black dress with exaggerated tiered volant ruffles from Redemption, a French brand headed by designer Gabriele "Bebe" Moratti. I thought she looked AMAZING and I loved this dress: So 90's and so ON TREND!

Hailee Steinfeld in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017--Hailee has become a total fashionista in the past several years--with the assistance of her power styling duo of Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haehn. I thought this was an impressive red carpet showing from Hailee in this gorgeous silk lace and tulle black and white gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017 collection. She looked ethereal, pretty and super chic!

Lily Aldridge in Gianni Versace Spring 2018--Lily wore this gold chainmail gown from Gianni Versace's 20th Anniversary collection for Spring 2018, shown last September. This particular dress is a recreation of one of Gianni Versace's most iconic gowns from Versace's Autumn/Winter 1994 Atelier Versace collection (lower photo). The style Lily wore was modeled at the Spring 2018 show by the one-and-only former First lady of France, Carla Bruni (top photo, left).

Lupita Nyong'o in Custom Armani Prive--Lupita changed from the gold-and-black chainmail-and-sequin Custom Atelier Versace gown that she wore at the Oscars to this black sequined number from Armani Prive custom-made for her. The black color with the sparkly Swarovski crystals made the gown look like a star-filled night sky on Lupita. The fit was perfection as well.

Martha Hunt in Marina Moscone Fall 2018--Victoria's Secret model Martha Hunt looked quite elegant in this tunic-and-pants ensemble from NY-based Maria Moscone and her Fall 2018 collection. I loved how effortless this look was and still perfectly suited for a red carpet party! I especially admired the neckline drape that mimicked a sporty tied sweater, albeit much more Haute!

Zendaya in Custom Michael Kors Collection--After wearing a chocolate brown off-the-shoulder Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown at the Oscars , the fabulous Zendaya went "Princess Pretty" with this blush/golden colored sequined Custom Michael Kors Collection mermaid-shaped gown. The dress was beautiful and of course, Zendaya looked oh-so-pretty in it. Now, if I had to choose which Zendaya I prefer, it would be the more stylish Oscars version.

Janelle Monae in Custom Christian Siriano--Janelle Monae is no wallflower when it comes to fashion and making a red carpet entrance. I loved this fun--if not a bit "costume'y" look custom-made for her by Christian Siriano. The designer dressed 17 starts on Oscars Sunday so he (and his team) were UBER busy! This lipstick red colored ensemble included a sweeping hi-lo overskirt, sequined epaulet jacket, pants, and white shirt with black bow tie. This is a look only Janelle Monae could pull off!

Zoey Kravitz in Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2018--Love, Love and Love! I know some of you might say "OMG! She looks like a puffball!"(I can just hear it now!) But Zoe looks so cute, and so chic in this black mini ensemble from the French fashion house of Saint Laurent and its newly-minted Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello. From the looks of it, it seems that they "customized" it for Kravitz by taking off the sleeves, making the pouf more...pouffy!...as well as adding ostrich feathers at the bottom.

Kerry Washington in Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear--Kerry Washington showed up tot he Vanity Fair Oscar Party in this mini party dress from French designer Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2018 Read-to-Wear collection. The leather dress featured gorgeous side drapes and fuchsia-colored sequined side cascade volants. While I didn't mind the black thigh-high boots, I probably would have preferred her in super high strappy heels.

Jasmine Tookes in Jean-Louis Sabaji Couture Spring 2018--Victoria's secret Angel/Supermodel Jasmine Tookes wore this golden lame gown from Beirut Lebanon-based Jean-Louis Sabaji Couture Spring 2018 collection...and naturally she looked FLAWLESS. I mean, seriously, just look at her...that skin...that gold fabric effortlessly draped on her...Wow!

Rita Ora in Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018--Rita Ora was serving you SEQUINED and FEATHERED COUTURE darlings in this strawberry red concoction from Lebanon-based designer Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection. You could tell Rita was feeling every bit a DIVA in this $100,000+ (she didn't pay for it, kids) costing gown. The design featured hand-sewn sequins and feathered trim, a high center front slit, plunging neckline and sleeves. Everything about it was superb!

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Ralph & Russo Couture Spring/Summer 2018--I really loved this mint-colored gown worn by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The glittery sequin-and-silk chiffon gown was from UK brand Ralph & Russo Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection. First, I am sure ANYTHING looks amazing on Rosie, let's just start there...but I did like the impact of the gown and almost "Pageant fab" effect. Some pageant brand needs to copy it and re-make it for a future Miss Universe. ASAP!

Gal Gadot in Custom Armani Prive--Gal wore this red sequined gown custom-made for her from Armani Prive. The dress was simple and classic, featuring a blouson waist and side front slit. It was very 70's Disco fab.

Joan Collins--Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you THE LEGEND...THE DIVA...Miss Joan Collins, in a blue sequined lace ensemble featuring a long skirt and fitted SUPER SHOULDERED jacket. I love the not-so-subtle homage to her "Dynasty" days and her now-iconic Nolan Miller shoulder padded looks. This really made my day! Bravo Miss Collins.

Mirai Nagasu and Adam Rippon--While Adam--wearing Moschino--did not change for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (he wore this to the Oscars), Mirai did do a gown change from a blue colored Tadashi see-through gown to this blush/golden feathered concoction. Whether it was intentional or not, I kinda like the slight (or not so slight) hint of a "Swan Lake-like figure skating costume.

And finally...one more Figure Skating Red Carpet couple:

Maia and Alex Shibutani in Custom Ralph Lauren: So cute, so perfect! I really like the color blocked gold-and-black strapless dress worn by Maia. the geometric vertical seaming was smart in that it lengthens her petite body. And oh yes, Alex looked very sharp in his shawl collared tuxedo. They get the GOLD...for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party Red Carpet!

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Published on March 06, 2018 14:33

March 5, 2018

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Oscars 2018: My TOP TEN Best Dressed!

Gown Glorious--Three of my FAVORITES from last night's 2018 Academy awards Red Carpet (L to R) Nicole Kidman, Lupita Nyong'o and Allison Janney

Last night were the 90th Annual Academy Awards--the BIGGEST NIGHT in Hollywood! It was also the biggest night for the Red Carpet since naturally the Oscars Red Carpet is THE Empress of all Red Carpets! I was so EXCITED to be on KTLA's "Live From the Oscars" Pre-Show TV Special, discussing the Red Carpet, the Academy Award-nominated Costumes on exhibition at FIDM Museum as well as showcasing a special Fashion Presentation of our NIKOLAKI gowns celebrating 90 years of Oscars Style...

Nick Verreos and Megan Henderson during KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Pre-Show--I'll be doing a blog on all that soon...but for now, it is time to discuss my list for BEST DRESSED of last night's Oscars...

Allison Janney at the 2018 Academy Awards Red Carpet--Dolby Theater Hollywood

First, I was very surprised (and thrilled) that the Red Carpet was FESTIVE, COLORFUL and (kind of) Fashion Fabulousness! The Oscars has been SO SAFE and, frankly, so drab, as of late that I just assumed it would be "lather, rinse and repeat" all over again. But Thank Goodness it wasn't! (Yeaaay!)

So, without any more delay, here are my TOP TEN BEST DRESSED of the 2018 Academy Awards Red Carpet:

1. Nicole Kidman in Custom Armani Prive--Nicole Kidman is a fashion DIVA! Ever since many, many years ago (1997), she stepped onto the Oscars wearing that chartreuse-colored Chinoiserie-inspired Christian Dior by John Galliano gown, it was "Done & Done"! This year, she wore this gorgeous royal blue colored strapless gown from Armani Prive. The custom-made gown was done in a coated silk organza, and featured a perfectly fitted shape--created by all those panels--a center front slit and that statement-making bow...right in the front! I thought it was FABULOUS! I know that many people (I can just hear them now!) "Oh Nick! That BOW!! I just can't!" I have three words: "Get Over It!". I think she was a red carpet fashion goddess in this. Full stop.

2. Gina Rodriguez in Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2018 Haute Couture--When Gina Rodriguez stepped onto the Oscars red carpet, I gasped--and in a fabulous way! She definitely made an impact at this year's Oscars Red Carpet by wearing this beautiful golden/blush gown from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad and his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The gown, made in silk organza and stiff crinoline featured a plunging neckline, column base and an attached very full overskirt. The gold sequins were all sewn by hand. I thought she looked every bit an Oscars Red Carpet A-lister in this gown. In addition, everything about the styling--including her chic center-parted hair and simple jewelry--was perfection.

3. Rita Moreno in Vintage Jose "Pitoy" Moreno--I literally BOWED to the TV screen/monitor when I saw the LEGEND of Rita Moreno in this. But then when I found out that this was the same gown she wore back in 1962 when she won the Academy Award for "West Side Story"...I almost dropped to the floor! Here's the background on the dress: It was designed by Jose Moreno (no relation to Rita Moreno) who goes by the nickname "Pitoy", and was a renowned Filipino couturier. The story goes that Rita received news of her 1962 Best
Supporting Actress nomination while filming a movie called "Cry of Bataan" in
the Philippines,
and Pitoy quickly created the embroidered black-and-gold gown in no time at all. According to her autobiography, Rita tells the story that "They would release me for only three days: One day to fly over, one day for the Oscar ceremony, and one day to fly back to the jungle. I didn't care. The important thing was that I was going! I ordered a heavily brocaded dress made of special Japanese obi fabric, a gorgeous gown with a black bateau top that I still have (and can still get into, happily)." Well, she did and had it re-worked to a lovely strapless design, but keeping the gloriously printed skirt intact. The designer, Pitoy Moreno, passed away just this past January so what a wonderful tribute to him, that dress and connection to her 1962 Academy Award. Perfection.

4. Jennifer Garner in Custom Atelier Versace--One word: WOW. Jennifer Garner looked stunning in this royal blue silk chiffon draped Custom Atelier Versace gown. The gown which featured a gathered one shoulder drape and back fall, ruched bust and asymmetrical midriff/waist detail. It fit Garner to a 1/4" of her life and is a perfect example of the incredible work those Atelier Versace tailors and seamstresses can do; they are not messing around kids! Jennifer Garner was flawless.

5. Lupita Nyong'o in Custom Atelier Versace--The minute I saw the gold chainmail, the shoulder-padded Swarovski crystaled shoulder detail...I knew this was Versace and in fact it was Custom Atelier Versace. This gown and especially Lupita Nyong'o wearing it--was one of my TOP FAVORITE looks of the night. The glittering chainmail looked like dripping gold against Lupita's skin. I am sure this design was inspired by her film "Black Panther" and while it could be construed as a bit "costume-y", I loved how sexy and gorgeous Lupita looked. And once again, take a look at that FIT! I bow to the Atelier Versace petite mains.

6. Zendaya in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018--Zendaya is a FASHION QUEEN. Period. And if there was any doubt (there isn't on my end!), just take a look at her in this gown! She wore a chocolate brown silk mousseline full gathered gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The sweeping gown featured an off-the-shoulder billowing blouson sleeve that expertly blended onto the side of the gown. This was a masterful lesson in Haute Couture with its delicate hand gathering and oh-so-chic effortless and sweeping silhouette.

7. Jane Fonda in Custom Balmain--Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you the one-and-only Jane Fonda. Looking sexier and more fabulous than many, many, many women half her age. I loved this white column gown custom-made for her by the French fashion house of Balmain and designer Olivier Rousteing. The fit was perfection, the pointed neckline was great and I loved the on-trend structured "Power Diva" shoulders. And look closely...it's all done in SEQUINS! I also loved her hair and makeup. Diva doesn't even begin to describe Miss Jane Fonda in this gown.

8. Allison Janney in Custom Reem Acra: Allison Janney wore this red Custom Reem Acra gown and I LOVED it! The fit-and-flare gown fit her perfectly but the stars were that sweetheart neckline and THOSE fabulous Elizabethan-inspired hanging sleeves. The gown was dramatic, structured yet classically elegant. The minute I saw it, I thought "now THIS is a gown you win an Oscar in!"...and she did.

9. Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein by Appointment: In my No. 9 spot of my TOP TEN BEST DRESSED at the 2018 Academy Awards is Saoirse Ronan in this elegant powder pink gown. The dress is from Calvin Klein by Appointment, the U.S. fashion house's "Couture" line, only available to top actresses for big red carpet events such as the Oscars. The recently appointed Creative Director for Calvin Klein is Raf Simons who was previously at Christian Dior. The gown looks VERY Dior old school and VERY Raf Simons: The 50's-inspired shape and silhouette, the delicate hi-lo length and that dramatic back. Saoirse looked very Grace Kelly-esque in this simple and very pretty gown. But seriously...THAT BACK:

A Couture Knot Bow--Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein by Appointment by Raf Simons

Lastly...

10. Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018--To round out my Top 10 Best Dressed, I have Emily Blunt in this point d'esprit powder blue colored gown from Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The gown evoked an "Empress Josephine"-like vibe with this Empire sequined embellishment and delicately cowl-draped shoulders. I thought she looked ethereal, pretty and regal at the same time.

Who were YOUR BEST DRESSED at the 2018 Academy Awards?

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Published on March 05, 2018 14:58

February 28, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

WHAT: Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018. Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello is consistent with his vision for the Saint Laurent Gal: Legs up to the Wazooo...SUPER SEXYYYY! Short (MINI!) and Skinny!

Short & Skinny--Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

INSPIRATION: Perhaps (FOR SURE!!) Vaccarello looked to past Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture archives for some inspiration including THE MASTER'S gorgeous Abraham silk printed dresses, plunging necklines and iconic Fall/Winter 1976/1977 Ballet Russes Haute Couture Collection.

80's and 90's Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Printed and Lame Draped Dresses

80's and 90's Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Scooped Necklines

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1976/1977 "Ballets Russes" Collection

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Super short shorts, Super skinny pants; Leather Jackets; Printed and Draped Dresses; 80's Shoulder-padded Dresses; Scooped neck gowns.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018

Click below to watch Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show:

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Published on February 28, 2018 09:57

February 27, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Milan Fashion Week: MOSCHINO Fall/Winter 2018

Alien Jackie O--Moschino Fall/Winter 2018

WHAT: Moschino Fall/Winter 2018. Creative Director Jeremy Scott's latest collection for the Italian fashion show of Moschino.

Jeremy Scott of Moschino

INSPIRATION: Jeremy Scott was inspired by Jackie Kennedy, first and foremost, but also a JFK conspiracy theory. The theory states that President Kennedy had told Marilyn Monroe that aliens were real. Apparently, Monroe was about to go tell the press about it. Scott then took this to another level imagining that Jackie Kennedy was an alien herself. Yep.

Pillbox Jackie--Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Jackie Kennedy 60's Chic; pillbox hats; boxy suits; zip-up jackets and skirts; bouffants; "Alien"-colored skin on models (Jackie O. as an Alien); Pop-Art; Bold colors.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Moschino Fall/Winter 2018

Moschino Fall/Winter 2018

Click here to watch Moschino Fall/Winter 2018 Collection:

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Published on February 27, 2018 14:53

February 26, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Milan Fashion Week: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

WHAT: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018. Drones opened the show, holding mini purses.

INSPIRATION: The designers called this their “Fashion Devotion” collection. Fashion Queens, Vatican City Princesses. The collection was made of everything from exquisitely crafted Vatican City brocades and cut velvet in green, Cardinal red, Venetian pink, and embroidery.

Droned Purses--Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Elaborate; heavily decorated; lots of jacquard, brocades; Queen for a Fashion Day; Slogan T-shirts; Instagram-ready sunglasses.

Crystal Sunglasses--Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018

Click here to watch Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018 Fashion Show:

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Published on February 26, 2018 09:52

RUNWAY REPORT.....Milan Fashion Week: VERSACE Fall/Winter 2018

Versace Fall/Winter 2018

WHAT: Versace Fall/Winter 2018.

INSPIRATION: Versace Fall 1991 Tartan Collection.

Then & Now: Versace Fall 1991 (modeled by the DIVA--and "First Asian Supermodel"--Anna Bayle) and Versace Fall 2018

Then & Now: (L to R) Versace Spring 1992 (modeled by Branda Schad); Versace Fall 2018.

Then & Now Rock & Roll Tartan: (L to R) Supermodel Karen Mulder in Versace Fall 1991: Versace Fall 2018

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: BOLD Color and Prints for Fall; Tartans, Kilts; Super-tight mini dresses; Super-sized Shoulders; Head scarves and Modesty Style (a nod to their Gulf States/Middle East clientele perhaps?). British Punk.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

Versace Fall/Winter 2018

Versace Fall/Winter 2018

Click below to watch Versace Fall/Winter 2018 Fashion Show:

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Published on February 26, 2018 09:48

February 25, 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....Milan Fashion Week: GUCCI Fall/Winter 2018

Gucci Fall/Winter 2018

WHAT: Gucci Fall/Winter 2018. Creative director Alessandro Michele. The runway stage was a lab. The models showed multi-cultured, multi-human styles. And severed heads...

Macabre Gucci: Gucci Fall/Winter 2018

INSPIRATION: "We are the Dr. Frankenstein of our generation" said Alessandro Michele of where he was going with this collection. It was a people reinventing themselves in whatever they want to be--through Instagram, Hollywood, and yes, Gucci. Michelle said the lab stage was to reflect that the lab he has in his head...he's like a "design surgeon". Ummm, OK.

Alessandro Michelle of Gucci

SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Severed heads carried as bags. Eclectic mixes of Turbans, East Indian, 60's Gucci, Russian babushka headscarves, 1920's showgirl sequin jewelry, Chinese pajamas, Baseball and Paramount Pictures-branded clothing and much, much more: An Instagram Dream.