Nick Verreos's Blog, page 7

ICE STYLE.....2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES RECAP: PAIRS and ICE DANCE!

ICE DANCE and PAIRS STYLE--Collage of Ice Dance (top photos) and Pairs (lower photos) skaters from the 2021 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Las Vegas Nevada
Wrapping up my 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES BLOGS--it's now time to discuss the ICE DANCE and PAIRS COSTUMES--*If you missed the LADIES, click HERE....and the MEN, click HERE!
Let's start with the PAIRS: Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc Free Skate to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov--Classic, chic and effective--those are the three words I would use to describe these costumes worn by Ashley and Timothy for their Free Skate. I love when Pairs' costumes look like they belong with each other (sometimes they DO NOT!), and here is a case when they do. They are both featuring turtlenecks, both have similar light-to-dark shading at the top. The ombre shading of silver, blue-gray, along with the deep midnight blue is elegant and I absolutely love the silver crystals on their costumes. SCORE: 9.65

Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier Short Program to In the End by Tommee Profitt and Too Far Gone by Hidden Citizens--For their Short Program, Alexa and Brandon wore these costumes which featured red and black tones and some interesting sequin applique work. Alexa's halter neckline dress had an asymmetrical hem, slits throughout, and great back sequin and nude illusion detail. Brandon's black-to-red shaded sleeves and delicate crystals matched her design but in a more subtle manner. Both could have been slightly more elevated in terms of design but that would be my only critique.SCORE: 8.75
Knierim and Frazier Free Skate to Fall On Me by Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli--For their Free Skate, Knierim and Frazier went with what we would consider the more "traditional" costume-route for figure skating--pretty, shimmering (lots of sequin overlay), and the always present ombre dyeing. Even if these didn't venture into Fashion with a capital "F", they were effective and they looked good together. I liked Alexa's "off the shoulder" design (with nude illusion) and heavily sequined top, and in addition, I thought Brandon's ombre shaded top looked very nice and complimentary with her skirt.SCORE: 8.75

Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson Free Skate to Who Wants to Live Forever performed by The Tenors ft. Lindsey Stirling--One word: LOVE! From the moment they stepped onto the ice, they commanded my attention, especially Jessica! She the Costume Star here, with this gorgeous look featuring royal blue and deep purple colors, an asymmetrical front top design, and stunning separated sequined panels at one side of the torso; I just couldn't take my eyes off her, and her costume! Oh, and not to leave Brian far behind, his costume--even though it was mostly a black top and black pants, still had just the right amount of color and crystal detail up at the shoulder. SCORE: 9.80

ICE DANCE: Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker Rhythm Dance to Swing: Staying Alive (from "Saturday Night Fever") by Bee Gees; Swing: Night Fever (from "Saturday Night Fever") by Bee Gees; Swing: Boogie Shoes (from "Saturday Night Fever") by Bee Gees; Swing: You Should Be Dancing (from "Saturday Night Fever") by West End UK Production--I am a big fan of the Bee Gees (Yes, I may be aging myself) and I was also a big fan of these great costumes. Kaitlin's costume is one of the most gorgeous designs I have seen on the ice in a while. She looked like she stepped out of an Elie Saab runway show; I loved the multicolored sequined bodysuit with a plunging neckline, and the sheer black chiffon and sequins skirt over it. I secretly want to see this as a long red carpet gown! Jean-Luc was Disco Hot in his purple liquid satin shirt--opened a la John Travolta down to his navel--and sexy 70's-inspired skin-tight pants. If I was taking disco lessons from these two, dressed like this, I would show up EVERY SINGLE DAY!SCORE: 9.75
Hawayek and Baker Free Dance to Heart of Glass (Crabtree Remix) by Philip Glass & BlondieFirst Movement by Philip Glass--While the music was "vintage" Disco Blondie, it was remixed for a more moody modern dance vibe, and these costumes evoked more of the latter as opposed to the former. Kaitlin wore a simple "wrap dress" with brick-red ombre shading at the waist, midriff, and sleeves. It had an open back and looked like something a dancer wears while rehearsing as opposed to the actual performance. Jean-Luc was the epitome of the "Modern Dance" guy in an all-black turtleneck "Bob Fosse"-like look. I guess these were fine costumes for the music, but they could have been possibly more creative or avant-garde lite. SCORE: 8.45 
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons Rhythm Dance to Foxtrot: I Turned The Corner (from "Thoroughly Modern Millie") by Gavin Creel, Sutton Foster, and Quickstep: What Do I Need With Love? (from "Thoroughly Modern Millie") by Gavin Creel--For their Rhythm Dance to the Broadway musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie", Green and Parsons looked as if they could have just stepped off of a Broadway stage and onto the ice. Michael was dapper in this double-breasted waistcoat, purple tie, and pants, and Caroline was a Pretty Flapper Queen in a matching purple dress with silver lace-like metallic applique. The applique as well as her 20's headdress were effective and impacting.SCORE: 9.00
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue Rhythm Dance to Express (from "Burlesque") performed by Christina Aguilera; A Guy Who Takes His Time (from "Burlesque") by Christina Aguilera; Tough Lover (from "Burlesque") by Christina Aguilera--If there was any doubt that Hubbell and Donohue were skating to Christian Aguilera's "Burlesque", well, then just take a look at these sexy-as-all-you-know-what costumes! Let's start with Zachary who looked like a hot Broadway dancer in his all-black muscle-revealing look of skin-tight black pants, sheer sleeveless top, and vest...and an armband to accentuate that bicep. And then there was Madison: I loved this black sheer jumpsuit featuring a gorgeous display of sequins, crystals, and fringe hip details. If all of that wasn't enough, the bedazzled bra-top put a fabulous costume exclamation point on her entire look. SCORE: 9.90
Hubbell and Donohue Free Dance to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley; Pray Gently to the Light by Karl Hugo; and Hallelujah by KD Lang--These romantic, subtle, lovely costumes for their Free Dance were quite the appropriate departure from their Rhythm Dance costumes. While Zachary stayed within the black-deep gray color story, he was more fashion-forward with that top featuring sheer, shiny and contrasting matte panels throughout. Madison evoked delicate love and passion in this dusty rose halter-neckline-like dress with a nice display of silver crystals. She was feminine, fluid, and lovely...while he was strong and linear making for a nice costume couple.SCORE: 9.15
Madison Chock and Evan Bates Rhythm Dance to Blues: Too Darn Hot by Cole Porter (original cast recording); Quickstep: Too Darn Hot by Cole Porter (original cast recording); Swing: Too Darn Hot by Cole Porter (original cast recording)--Chock and Bates skated to the same music/programs that they did in their previous season for both their Rhythm and Free Dance. For their Rhythm Dance, however, Madison wore a different costume than last season; Evan's stayed the same except for a change in pocket square color (which perfectly matched her lipstick!). Since his black suit with unbuttoned white shirt were the same as last year's, I'll just discuss Madison's: She wore a sequined-and-nude razzle-dazzle dress a la Cher/Bob Mackie. The look had some exquisite and very expensive-looking crystal work throughout the torso culminating in white sequined fringe. It was gorgeous and she was as the song says, "Too Darn Hot!"SCORE: 9.75
BTW: This is what they wore last season, to the same program: Too Darn Hot Chock and Bates 2019-2020
And finally... Chock and Bates Free Dance to Egyptian Snake Dance: Yearning by Raul Ferrando; Sahara Nights by DJ Quincy Ortiz; Layali Al Sharq performed by Al-Ahram Orchestra--Speaking of hot...I LOVED these costumes that Chock and Bates reprised for their "Egyptian Snake Dance" Free Dance. I was a big fan of these outstanding designs last season and was happy to see them again. She looked like a high fashion Cleopatra while Evan vibed a very sexy Pharoah/Mummy. The sequin work on her costume should be at the Cairo Museum, and I also loved the skeleton-like details of bias tubing looped throughout Evan's shirt and sleeves over sheer panels. Fashionable, elevated and EXPENSIVE-looking: Definitely HAUTE Fashion Skating Costumes!SCORE: 9.95
The one new addition Madison added to her costume was very 2020/21. Always the fashionista, Chock added this FABULOUS matching mask to her off-ice costume:
Click below to watch Chock and Bates "Egyptian Snake Dance" Free Dance form the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships:

ICE STYLE.....2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES RECAP: The MEN!

BEST IN COSTUME?--(L to R) Vincent Zhou, Nathan Chen, Yaroslav Paniot, Vincent Zhou--2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Las Vegas Nevada

In my last post HERE, I blogged about the LADIES at the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and their COSTUMES. So now, it is time to discuss THE MEN...

Let's begin with Vincent Zhou:Vincent Zhou Short Program to Vincent (Starry Starry Night) performed by Josh Groban--Let me start off this MEN'S COSTUME blog by saying that I actually really liked this costume on Vincent Zhou. I am a big fan of a complete costume look--especially on MEN! (normally the top is the costume and then, they put oh-so-predictable black pants to go with it!). Vincent's costume was a complete look. It's so nice to see the sequin details continued seamlessly onto the pants giving that complete costume look, as well as on the shoulder. I also love (what traditionally would be considered) "feminine" details--such as the draped cowl neck, here on Vincent. Altogether, this was a beautiful costume for him and for the program.

SCORE: 9.75

Vincent Zhou Fee Skate to Algorithm by Muse and Algorithm (Alternate Reality Version) by Muse--Vincent continued his Good Costume Streak for his Free Skate costume choice. While this design wasn't a "complete costume look", it was creative, designed, and worked with the music. The floaty top featured various layers that enhanced his turns, the sequins weren't overbearing and I also loved the delicate hues of plum, grape, lilac. The pants, if you notice, were done not in black but in a darker plum color to match the top. And also, notice that they weren't just any pants...they had a DESIGN aspect with the front leg detailed panels. Thank you.SCORE: 9.65

Jason Brown Short Program to Sinnerman by Nina Simone--Sleek in Black. Jason wore this elegant look for his Short Program to Nina Simone. The design accentuated his lithe body and the delicate sequin accents added an elegant and luxe aspect to the look. If Tom Ford were to design a figure skating costume for a male skater, I think this would be it!SCORE: 9.25

Jason Brown Free Skate to Slaughter on 10th Avenue by Richard Rodgers and New York Philharmonic--Originally from a ballet by Richard Rodgers from the 1936 Broadway show "On Your Toes". The ballet involves a dancer and two gangsters who want to shoot him. It originally was performed on TV in the early '50s...therefore possibly the provenance of Jason's look here. He wore a fuchsia berry-colored skin-tight Lycra top with leg-hugging black pants--and a thin black belt. Normally I am not a fan of the whole belt-and-pants look for skating but with this ensemble (and the music), it worked; he looked like he belonged in a George Balanchine-choreographed ballet. SCORE: 8.90

Yaroslav Paniot Free Skate to Heartbreak Hotel, Can't Help Falling In Love and Hound Dog by Elvis Presley--If it isn't evident from the photos, Elvis is in the House! Yaroslav skated to an Elvis Presley medley of hits in a perfectly suitable costume. I liked the bold lavender color of the top, the "plunging" neckline, the low-waist silhouette--so vintage 70's Elvis. All that was missing was the sweat dripping from his face and him being slightly overweight! The crystal sequin accents and that ever-so-fabulous belt took it to a purposely gaudy level. Also, inquiring minds (me!) want to know if he dyed his hair a deep black on purpose to be even more Elvis-like? I hope it's a "Yes"!SCORE: 9.65

Maxim Naumov Free Skate to Unstoppable by E.S. Posthumus and Stabat Mater by Woodkid--Two words: Exposed Shoulder. Maxim skated his Free Skate wearing this look, which consisted of black pants and a red-and-black sparkly top. Nothing about that was unusual...until I noticed the "exposed" shoulder detail with a nude illusion panel and black strap across the neck. It was daring and certainly not the typical detail one would see in a men's costume, and overall, I liked it.SCORE: 9.50

Camden Pulkinen Free Skate to Close Your Eyes by Rhodes--Camden wore skin-tight black pants and this tie dye-like deep lavender top with a criss-cross looped neckline and crystal neckline and hem trim. Not sure what this Pirates of The Caribbean-meets-Mamma Mia look has to do with the music of his skate (FYI: NOTHING!) but...it was Boho Cute.  SCORE: 8.99

Nathan Chen Short Program to Asturias, Canción del Mariachi (from "Desperado") performed by Los Lobos, Antonio Banderas--While we know Nathan is more famous for his Quads than his costumes, it was nice to see him wearing what could pass for a costume (kind of) for his Short Program to "Desperado". The white shirt, black pants with subtle Mariachi metal details were almost an EXACT replica of what Antonio wore in the 1995 film. While it may not have been very creative in terms of thinking differently than what Antonio actually wore, this look evoked the character just right.SCORE: 9.00
Nathan Chen Free Skate to Selections from Philip Glass--For his Free Skate, Nathan wore a more "typically" Nathan look of black pants and an un-costumey top. The top had small sheer panels at the shoulder and neckline, and a looser elongated shape; it could have easily come from Rick Owens or a brand such as Helmut Lang. While I get that he's not a "costume" skater and this is more his style....it just gets rather repetitive and visually boring. But at least, he's THE BEST MALE FIGURE SKATER IN THE WORLD! So....there's that. I was actually more excited about the NIKE sweatshirts he wore in the "Kiss & Cry". Maybe since he is a spokesperson for NIKE, they can design some costumes as interesting as his after-skate outfits! Pretty Please!SCORE: 8.25

Click below to watch Jason Brown's FREE SKATE at the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships:

ICE STYLE.....2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES RECAP: The LADIES!

  LADIES COUTURE--(L to R) Mariah Bell, Bradie Tennell, Gracie Gold, and Alyssa Liu--2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Las Vegas Nevada

This past week was the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships--the ever-so-important U.S. Nationals for THE BEST OF THE BEST from the U.S.A. in figure skating. The event occurred with all the COVID protocols including no audience, cardboard cut-outs of fans/attendees, correctly worn face masks on everyone (Take NOTE Russian Figure Skating!). It all took place at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas Nevada. It was nice to see the skaters competing at this year's U.S. Nationals and for me, of course, even better to check out their costumes...

Let's take a closer ICE STYLE look:Bradie Tennell Short Program to Moderation by Florence and the Machine-- Bradie skated her Florence and the Machine Short Program wearing this black jumpsuit costume. The design featured a boat-neck neckline, sheer plunging v-neck, nude illusion "cut-outs" at the midriff with Art Deco-like geo patterns. It was a sleek and modern look for Bradie, more known for "pretty" and "feminine" vs. "sleek" and "sexy". While I think this was a nice change for Bradie, it was a bit of a misstep with her hairstyle choice; the hair was more "Glamour Photo from the Mall", while the costume was more...NOT THAT!

SCORE (for Costume, not the Hair): 9.00
Bradie Tennell Free Skate to Sarajevo by Max Richter and Dawn of Faith by Eternal Eclipse--I liked this costume worn by Bradie for her Free Skate. It was chic, fashionable, and (again) quite a departure from what we are used to seeing from Bradie. The design featured an ivory base with ombre-like black shading, black bands, and quite fabulous crystal details with varying gradations of sequin sizes. The design reminded me of the typical understructure one may have seen in vintage Christian Dior Couture 50's ballgowns; it definitely had Couture-adjacent inspirations.SCORE: 9.85

Karen Chen Short Program to Rise by Katy Perry--Karen looked pretty in this lilac-hued costume for "Rise" by Katy Perry Short Program. While there were many things about this costume that were typical Figure Skating Costume riffs--the nude sleeves, the pointy handkerchief hem...it was still fine, especially for Karen. I especially liked the sequin work on the torso with all the varying hues of lilac, purple, deep violets.SCORE: 8.40
Karen Chen Free Skate to Butterfly Lover Concerto by Takako Nishizaki--For her Free Skate to "Butterfly Lover Concerto", Karen went with another lilac-hued costume, but this time, more on the pink tone. The costume featured elaborate sequin flower applique work in the front torso that reminds me of the exquisite camelia sequin applique seen in Chanel Couture dresses and suits. The applique here is placed lengthwise and then toward the side, at the low waist, giving the illusion of a longer torso. The combination of the color plus the applique gave me a slight "Madam Butterfly" moment (minus the kimono sleeves) as well.SCORE: 9.00

Alysa Liu Short Program to La Strada by Nino Rota--Alysa's costume for her "La Strada" Short Program pays homage to the Chaplinesque "Gelsomina" character in the Fellini film. As the design shows, it is circus-inspired (in following with the circus subtheme of the film), featuring a sleeveless notched-collar double-breasted jacket-vest design in a bold red color with colorful sequin applique work. The design, if you notice, looks unfinished at the bottom, as if it was second-hand, or worn, with "ripped" pieces of fabric that have the red color "bleeding" on it. While on face value, the costume may look a bit "childlike" but in actuality, it's quite detailed and labor-intensive. I also liked the accessories including the gloves, striped tank underneath, and her teardrop makeup that finished it all off; she told the story of the film's character....in one costume.It was designed/created by Lisa McKinnon: SCORE: 9.50
Alysa Liu Free Skate to The Storm by Balzas Havasi--This was quite a beautiful costume on Alysa for her Free Skate to "The Storm". The design looked elegant, expensive, and delicately pretty. Alyssa reminded me of a fashion-forward nymph in a fantasy forest in this purple and silver-hued look. I especially liked the wrap-around ties in the torso, as well as in the one-sleeve. Very nice costume.SCORE: 9.70 
Mariah Bell Short Program to Glitter in the Air by Pink--If you want to get noticed on the ice...WEAR THIS Ladies! To her Short Program to Pink's "Glitter in the Air", Mariah Bell wore this fabulous multicolored and multi sequined costume that gave me Liza with Z-meets-Showgirl Firebird! The look was very 70's Vegas Razzle Dazzle with its hundreds (if not thousands!) of crystals, multicolored panels, pointed-hem edges, nude illusion, and Bob Mackie-like inspiration. In a downright awful past year, it was nice to smile about something...and this costume did it for me!SCORE: 9.75
Mariah Bell Free Skate to Dancing Queen by ABBA, The Winner Takes It All by ABBA, Mamma Mia by ABBA, and Thank You for the Music by ABBA--Speaking of the '70s...Mariah skated her Free Skate to a Medley of ABBA hits. She wore this light blue costume that evoked (slightly) a bit of a 70's free spirit/Boho vibe (the flutter sleeves, peek-a-boo nude illusion paneling). While the color shading was nice, and I liked the silver crystal diamond-shaped applique throughout the torso, I would like to have seen a more "High-End Fashion" design sensibility to the overall look.SCORE: 8.99

Gracie Gold Short Program to Survivor by 2WEI (feat. Edda Hayes)--While the music is from the Lara Croft action-adventure film "Tomb Raider", Gracie is giving me BEYONCE here with this Streetwear-meets-High Fashion-meets-Figure Skating look. That multi-sequined top is EVERYTHING...and could easily be in a Balmain Runway Show! Pairing the "Star" of a top with a simple double-slit skirt was a good idea, making sure to keep the eye on THAT FABULOUS TOP. The overall look was not typical of what one sees in figure skating and I appreciated taking the fashion to a more updated level. Even though this has nothing to do with the fashion, I also liked her hair (I Googled it and I guess "the kids" call this a "Balloon Ponytail" LOL!).SCORE (for the costume): 9.80

Gracie Gold Free Skate to War In My Mind by Beth Hart--For her Free Skate, Gracie wore this elegant black sequined number. The look was more on the "traditional" end of skating costume designs with its high neck, silver sequins, and absence of "tricky" details; it was almost vintage "Grace Kelly/ Gracie Gold". With that said, it was still a beautiful costume that looked expensively made.SCORE: 8.99
Amber Glenn Free Skate to Rain in Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso, arranged by Misha Ge with Opera Vocals and Orchestra--Amber wore this lavender colored costume for her Free Skate. The sequined design featured long sleeves, a pointed torso/midriff, ombre shading, and a "plunging neckline" (masked by nude illusion). It was more on the "traditional" side of figure skating costumes and to me, a bit uninspired. Also, I understand that the nude illusion panel is necessary (even if I am NOT A FAN), it could have been done better here; I did not like how there was a section of the nude illusion at the shoulder/neck area as well--it should have just gone to nothing at the shoulder.SCORE: 8.20
Starr Andrews Short Program to It’s A Man’s Man’s World by Jurnee Smollett-BellJoke's On You by Charlotte Lawrence (from the "Birds of Prey" soundtrack)--Starr wore this Lisa McKinnon-designed costume for her Short Program. The look was VERY Starr with its fashionable, directional details, such as plunging outer top, the "bra/bustier top" underneath, the back pointed yoke, silver "stud" sequins, split-skirt...it was sassy and rock & roll impacting. This was a "Don't Mess With Me" costume!SCORE: 9.25
Starr Andrews Free Skate to Finally by Fergie--Starr wore another Lisa McKinnon design, this time for her Free Skate. The mauve-colored look had a triple-layered skirt, sweetheart neckline, daring open back, and silver scroll applique. It was a nice contrast to the more "Rock & Roll" Starr from her Short Program. I also commend the designer for using the right shade of nude for Starr! So many other costume designers/costume makers get this wrong.SCORE: 8.99

Click below to watch Bradie Tennell's SHORT PROGRAM at the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships--wearing her black jumpsuit costume:

NICK VERREOS FIDM.....Behind The Scenes Filming at FIDM for "LA This Week" Promoting "Vote! It's In Fashion" Campaign

READY...SET...FILM!--Nick Verreos at FIDM, filming with the crew of "LA This Week", LA Cityview Channel 35, promoting the FIDM "Vote! It's In Fashion" Campaign--FIDM Los Angeles
There was a lot of buzz involving the presidential elections--and voting--this past November. In the lead-up to all of this, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM came up with this great nonpartisan voting campaign entitled "Vote! It's In Fashion" to encourage our students to vote...as well as the general public. Being that we, at FIDM, are a Fashion College, there was a "Fashion" spin. For our NIKOLAKI fashion line, my design and FIDM Co-Chair partner David Paul, designed a very special "VOTE" ensemble look for the moment, to encourage our students at FIDM, how they would make VOTING...FASHIONABLE!

NICK IN THE CLASSROOM--FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair Nick Verreos, at the FIDM classroom, filming a segment for Cityview Channel 35's "LA This Week" TV Show--FIDM Los Angeles
I was excited to be part of a special TV segment that we filmed at one of our FIDM classrooms, for Los Angeles Cityview Channel 35's "LA This Week" program, highlighting our very special Get-out-the-Vote Campaign. Here are some Behind-the-Scenes pics from filming the segment:
VOTE NICK--FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair Nick Verreos, filming a TV segment with Channel 35's  "LA This Week" Program, promoting the FIDM "Vote! It's In Fashion" Get-out-the-Vote Campaign--FIDM Los Angeles
FIDM VOTE! IT'S IN FASHION--Nick Verreos holding up the "Vote! It's In Fashion" sign, during the filming with Channel 35's "LA This Week" program--FIDM Los Angeles

FIDM CLASSROOM--View of one of our FIDM Fashion Design workroom/classrooms, set up for the TV shoot--FIDM Los Angeles
Fashion Sketches and Patterns--Classroom environment at FIDM Los Angeles
In addition to filming with "LA This Week"...it was wonderful seeing an article promoting our "Vote! It's In Fashion" campaign in the California Apparel News...
Click HERE to read the article!

Click below to watch the segment that aired on "LA This Week" on the FIDM "Vote! It's In Fashion" Campaign:

VOTE IT'S IN FASHION.....Photos from FIDM's Campaign to Encourage Voting "Vote! It's In Fashion"

  FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos--FIDM "Vote! It's In Fashion" Non-partisan Get-out-the-Vote Campaign Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages
Last November, in time for the U.S. Elections, David and I took part in a great campaign, organized by the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM , to encourage our students--as well as the public--to VOTE! Because of our positions, as Fashion Designers as well as the , we wanted to make the campaign a little more "fun" and bring in the fashion aspect, especially to highlight the importance for the "younger generation" to exercise their right to VOTE. Well, you might ask "What's The Fashion Aspect in Elections?" Our answer was "Vote! It's In Fashion", a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign to get our FIDM students--and the general public--to vote, especially during this past very consequential election. David and I did a fun photoshoot with different photos that were released through the FIDM social media channels in the weeks leading up to the November 2020 Election...
Since it's Inauguration Time, I thought it would be a perfect time to do a BLOG about the Campaign that we did and the photos from the photoshoot--Enjoy...and Happy (and Safe!) Inauguration!

In English & Español--Red, White, and Blue--Nick Verreos FIDM "Vote! It's In Fashion" Get-out-the-Vote Campaign Photos courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

VOTE STYLE--FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos, with their own "Vote"-inspired Design from their NIKOLAKI line, a black knit jersey draped top with hand-applied Swarovski crystals "VOTE" and a black silk charmeuse bias-cut asymmetrical skirt Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages
VOTING PARTNERS--David Paul and Nick Verreos Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

MESSAGE COUTURE--Design by NIKOLAKI/Nick Verreos & David Paul, of a black knit jersey draped top with hand-applied Swarovski crystals "VOTE" and a black bias-cut silk charmeuse asymmetrical skirt Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

BLING'ED VOTE--Detail close-up shot of black knit jersey draped top with Swarovski crystals "VOTE", top by NIKOLAKI

Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

Black Tie Election--Nick Verreos and David Paul, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs, posing for the "Vote! It's In Fashion" FIDM Get-out-the-Vote Campaign Photo courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

VOTE FASHION SKETCH--As part of the "Vote! It's In Fashion" FIDM Campaign, I sketched a fashion illustration with a dramatic "VOTE"-emblazoned cape Top Photos courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

ELEGANT VOTERS--David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs, in a photo shoot for "Vote! It's In Fashion" FIDM Get-out-the-Vote Campaign Photos courtesy of Alex Berliner/ABImages

NIKOLAKI GOWNS.....NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation for KTLA "Countdown To The Emmys" 2020 Pre-Show

  Gown Beauties-- (L to R) Models Jayden Robinson, Amanda Fields Bennett, and Bianca Palmerin in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul gowns, "Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Back in September, I was invited by KTLA to give my "Red Carpet Commentary" for the 2020 Emmy Awards for their "Countdown To The Emmys" Pre-Show . You may remember that because of the pandemic, most of these Award Shows changed to be "Remote" and/or Virtual; in other words, there was actually to be no traditional Red Carpet but...the stars were still asked to "Dress Up" or look at least, slightly "Glam". So I was tasked to give my predictions to what some of the stars would wear, even though it would be on ZOOM...

Designer and Models--Nick Verreos, NIKOLAKI Co-Designer and Co-Chair of FIDM Fashion Design with models Amanda Fields Bennett, Bianca Palmerin, and Jayden Robinson wearing NIKOLAKI designs at the "Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
I brought three of my top favorite models wearing my NIKOLAKI gowns to show some examples of what starts might wear, during this new "Remote"/ZOOM Emmy Awards. I chose "Trends" such as "Color", "Interest at the Top" (because of ZOOM), "Full-on Glam", and because of the run-up to the elections, "Making a (political) Statement" (with fashion)...Here's my Photo Gallery BLOG RECAP of the day...

My Friend Gayle--During our prepping for the live hit on the show, the WONDERFUL Gayle Anderson--KTLA ICON! and Award-winning reporter, stopped by our "dressing room" to say "Hi" and chat. It was fabulous seeing her!--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Jewelry and Gowns--View of the set-up in our dressing room at KTLA--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Glam Selfie--Model Jayden Robinson taking a selfie wearing NIKOLAKI ivory sequined cocktail dress--Backstage at KTLA Studios, Hollywood

The New (Makeup) Normal--Getting the "Glam" Treatment with Covid-19 safety precautions outside in they KTLA Studios parking lot--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Nick Verreos Emmys Red Carpet--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Live from KTLA Studios Hollywood--Nick Verreos with KLA's Megan Henderson--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Fashion Show Presentation showcasing the Red Carpet Trends of "Interest at the Top", "Color", "Making a Statement", and "Full-on Glam"--Behind The Scenes Photos:
Model Jayden Robinson wearing NIKOLAKI ivory strapless sequined cocktail dress with raspberry-colored silk satin organza cape--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI printed silk gazar hi-lo gown with side pockets and sequined yoke--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Model Bianca Palmerin in NIKOLAKI Custom "Vote" Knit Jersey Draped Top with Swarovski crystals, and bias-cut silk charmeuse asymmetrical skirt--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Model Bianca Palmerin in NIKOLAKI printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with jeweled trim--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Model Jayden Robinson in NIKOLAKI teal colored silk chiffon gown with draped cross-front, side slit, back capes and jeweled waist trim-- "Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Model Amanda Fields Bennett wearing NIKOLAKI seafoam colored silk gown with crystal sequin overlay, silk satin waistband and silk chiffon back capes--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
TEAM GLAM--NIKOLAKI designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with models (L to R) Bianca Palmerin, Amanda Fields Bennett and Jayden Robinson in NIKOLAKI gowns--"Countdown To The Emmys" Red Carpet Pre-Show KTLA Studios Hollywood
Watch our NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Fashion Segment on KTLA's "Countdown To The Emmys" Red Pre-Show TV Special--Forward to 45:00 and 1 hr, 27 min to watch the segments:

ROYAL COUTURE....."The Crown" Season 4 COSTUMES vs. THE REAL THING

  Diana Couture--"The Crown: Season 4" vs. the Real Princess Diana...and her fashion

"The Crown" Season 4 follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II during the tumultuous 1977-1990 years including Margaret Thatcher's premiership, Prince Charles and Lady Diana, the ongoing and torrid affair between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, and much more. Naturally, as a Fashion and Costume aficionado--who grew up during this era and literally "lived" these times along with the royals--I am fascinated by the outstanding costumes beautifully done by Emmy Award-winning costume designer 1981, The Engagement--The story goes that Lady Di went shopping and stopped into the Belville Sassoon boutique and received snobby treatment from the sales associates so...she walked over to Harrods and bought the famous royal blue suit (to match the sapphire engagement ring), recreated here for "The Crown".
The Wedding Gown--In "The Crown", the iconic Lady Di Wedding Gown made a brief appearance (too brief for me!) but we got enough of a glimpse to see that the show's costume designer reproduced it to the last detail. As it is the work of costume designers, they normally use "artistic license" with some costumes (when working on a show or film where the characters were real), but with such an iconic dress as this, it was wise to copy it just as is. Amy Roberts (the costume designer) collaborated with David Emanuel (one half of the gown's original designer duo) to replicate the dress. The design was made in-house at Elstree Studios and they had SEVEN fittings. The lace was a copy of the original one made in the same Nottinghamshire factory.
1981 Peruvian Sweater/Jumper--Lady Di wore this brightly colored sweater (or "jumper" as it is called in the UK) with llamas, stripes, and Peruvian lady details--for a pre-honeymoon photo op at Balmoral (photo, right). In "The Crown", the sweater made an appearance as well, with Charles' character also costumed in the same look the actual prince wore. 
Black Sheep Sweater--Designed by Joanna Muir and Sarah Osborne, co-founders of "Warm & Wonderful", the jumper style was made famous by Diana as it was emblematic of her standing within the royal family--as the "black sheep". 
Yellow Overalls--The real Diana is seen (right) wearing yellow overalls with a fruit-printed top. In "The Crown", the costume designer used the same look of the yellow overalls and the shirt, plus addED a comfy hand-knitted looking sweater. 
Pink & White Checked Pants with Pink Sweater--The real Princess Diana wore this look comprising of pink-and-white plaid cropped pants with a white shirt and pink cardigan. "The Crown"'s Diana was seen rollerskating her way through the palace wearing a similar look only the checked pants had a larger print and the sweater went from a cardigan to a v-neck.
1983 Blue Dress, Australian Tour--Princess Diana wore this blue dress to meet the Australian Prime Minister and his wife in Canberra in 1983. In "The Crown", the dress, as well as the hat, were recreated for the same scene. 
1981 Tartan Dress--Princess Diana wore this tartan plaid outfit (it is a jacket and skirt) originally to the Braemar Highland Games in Scotland a year after her marriage to Prince Charles (right photo). On "The Crown" (left photo), she wore it before her wedding.
1981 Wedding Rehearsal Printed Dress--In reality, Princess Diana wore a printed dress with blouson 3/4 sleeves for her wedding rehearsal (right photo). On the show (left photo), the costume designer chose to recreate it for the same occasion. 
Photo-Op Dress with Prince William--This printed dress was so iconic, featuring billowy sleeves and an exaggerated pilgrim-like collar. Originally, Diana wore this dress for a photo op with her son Prince William (right). Roberts recreated it as shown above in comparison (left photo).
1983 Visit to Ayers Rock (now called Uluru) Australia--Roberts perfectly re-created the exact looks for both Diana and Charles. The safari shirt on Charles and the white button-front cotton dress on Diana were almost exact matches.
Flower printed vest and matching skirt--Roberts recreated this look for a scene at Buckingham Palace but in reality, Diana wore it for a polo match.
1981 Belville Sassoon Red and Gold Gown--Princess Diana wore this chiffon dress for the "For Your Eyes Only" James Bond movie premiere in London. The dress is from Sassoon's 1981 "Trousseau" collection. In the series, a different necklace and tiara were added to the look.
1988 Victor Edelstein White Satin and Sequined Jacquard Ballgown with Matching Bolero--Diana wore this beautiful late 80's gown to a banquet at Elysee Palace, Paris France. The look featured a strapless drop-waist gown with a box-pleat Duchesse satin skirt and a sequined jacquard bolero jacket.
1983 Wentworth Ball Australian Tour "Cinderella" Gown--The original was designed by Bruce Oldfield. It was a shimmering blue gown that featured ruffled layers and a gold waistband belt. It was impeccably recreated by "The Crown" costume designer. This one is really a stand-out!

Prince Charles:

The Double-Breasted Jacket--Prince Charles is famous for his sartorial style and in particular, his love of double-breasted jackets. On "The Crown", costume designer Amy Roberts stayed true to the stylish royal and his penchant for the double-breasted look. The fit, design...even the size of the lapels were true to the late 70's-early 80's styles of those aristocratic jackets. Also, yes, the hands-in-the-pockets air of nonchalance...as if this custom Savile Row $5,000-costing jacket was like...a common cardigan. Hardly.  

Margaret Thatcher:

The Iron Blue Lady--Margaret Thatcher was famous for a lot of things, but style-wise, it was her blue suits. On "The Crown", we saw actress Gillian Anderson take the role and run with it. And we also saw...that blue suit!

Click below to watch "The Crown" Season 4-Costumes of The Crown:

ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: MEN & ICE DANCE!

NHK Trophy 2020 Ice Dance & Men Costumes--(L to R) Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi (far left, second from left), Yuma Kagiyama, and Kazuki Tomono--NHK Trophy 2020

Finishing up on my "ICE STYLE" Figure Skating Costumes Recap of this past weekend's 2020 NHK Trophy Grand Prix of Japan, it's time to discuss some of the MEN and ICE DANCE costumes...

Let's start with the MEN:

Yuma Kagiyama of Japan Short Program to Vocussion by Yo-Yo Ma & The Silkroad Ensemble, Rabih Abou-Khalil--For his Short program, Yuma wore this outfit comprised of black pants and a white shirt. The shirt had gold and silver fabric details, along with a revere collar-like lapel. The overall look reminded me of an outfit a young violin or piano player would wear for orchestral performance. It was OK but I wish the top looked more luxe and less polyester-y.COSTUME SCORE: 7.75

Yuma Kagiyama of Japan Free Skate to Jake Enters His Avatar World  (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner, The Bioluminescence of the Night  (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner, and Gathering All the Na'vi Clans for battle (from "Avatar" soundtrack) by James Horner--For his Free Skate to the music from the movie "Avatar", Yuma went with this emerald green outfit that included a long sleeve top and matching color pants. I liked that it was an entire look, as opposed to the oh-so-boring "top and black pants" outfit that male skaters wear. I also liked that it had some detail down the front of the torso with the shiny satin panel and crystal accents. Besides that not-so-appealing nude illusion panel down the front of his neck (why doesn't the color match his skin??), this was an appropriate costume hinting at the "Avatar" green landscape.SCORE: 8.00

Kazuki Tomono of Japan Free Skate to Ascension/Nature boy from "Moulin Rouge" performed by Ewan Mcgregor, and El Tango De Roxanne from "Moulin Rouge" by Jose Feliciano, Ewan Mcgregor & Jacek Koman--Kazuki skated his Free Skate to the music from "Moulin Rouge", looking like the sexy version of Harry Zidler, the owner of Moulin Rouge. There were the usual "Moulin Rouge" colors of red, black, with gold (in sequins), but done in a very Figure Skating Costume manner to command sleekness as well as stage presence. I would have liked more of the top's details in the pants somehow as well, maybe down the sides, but other than that, this was a good effort.SCORE: 9.00

Kao Miura of Japan Free Skate to A Way of Life (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, Spectres in the Fog  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, A Hard Teacher  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, Red Warrior  (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer, and The Way of the Sword (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack) by Hans Zimmer--When Kao first stepped on the ice, I sat up and took notice. First and foremost, because this was a TOTAL COSTUME MOMENT. The red and black design was inspired by "the Last Samurai" and you can see this in the cap sleeve details, Obi-like waistband, and pointed peplum. It was like a Samurai "Mini-Me" costume that worked fine for little Kao. In addition, I also loved the gold sequin work in the collar and throughout the top. Nice job!SCORE: 9.45
ICE DANCE COSTUME HIGHLIGHTS: Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto of Japan Rhythm Dance to Blues: Dreamgirls (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen; Swing:  One Night Only ( from “Dreamgirls”) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Jennifer Hudson; Disco: I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy’s Rap (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Eddie Murphy; Disco: One Night Only (Disco Version) (from “Dreamgirls” soundtrack) by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen performed by Anika Noni Rose, Beyoncé & Sharon Leal--For their Rhythm Dance to "Dreamgirls" music, Komatsubara and Koleto wore these costumes above. The razzle-dazzle flashy looks were very "Dreamgirls" in their styling, design, and details. Koleto wore a snazzy silver tuxedo jacket, along with black pants and a colorful bow tie, and Komatsubara shined in her stage-perfect pumpkin orange dress featuring beautiful sequined fringe. SCORE: 9.25
Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto of Japan Free Dance to Une histoire d'amour by Francis Lai performed by Mireille Mathieu and No Title by Hugo Chouinard--For their Free Dance, Komatsubara and Koleto looked delicate and romantic, in these lilac-hued costumes. Misato wore an ombre shaded dress with a nude illusion panel and sparkling silver crystals. Koleto's matching color top was nice, especially with the addition of a 3D "leaf"-like applique that was also seen on her costume. If there's anything I would suggest is maybe to add a subtle sequined headband/hair accessory on her, to give her even more of a defining presence.
SCORE: 8.75
Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan Rhythm Dance to The Business of Love (from "The Mask"), Let the Good Times Roll by Fleecie Moore and Sam Theard, arranged by Alexander Goldstein, and Hey Pachuco! (from "The Mask")--All eyes were on 2010 Olympic bronze medalist, 2010 World Champion, and 5-time Japanese national champion Daisuke Takahashi, who made his Ice Dance Debut at the 2020 NHK Trophy with his partner Kana Muramoto. They skated their Rythm Dance to music from "The Mask" in these UBER FABULOUS costumes: I LOVED THEM! Both Kana and Daisuke were the STARS here, equally enhancing and supporting each other with their A++ costumes. I loved her fringed bronze-copper look with gorgeous crystal work on the torso, and Daisuke's highlighter yellow pants, black suspenders, white shirt, and geo-bold tie ensemble was OUTSTANDING as well. Excellent.SCORE: 10 (!)
Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan Free Dance to La Bayadere Act 2 No.29 Andante by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere  Act 2 No.30 Tempo Di Valse by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere No.37 Allegretto by Leon Minkus, La Bayadere No.39 Vivace by Leon Minkus--Before seeing their Free Dance costumes, I wondered how Kana and Daisuke would outdo themselves-costume wise. And they made me proud. These costumes for their Free Skate to the classic "La Bayadere" ballet were gorgeous, elegant, sublimely luxe. Daisuke looked perfect in his wine-colored jacket with gold-and-silver embroidered trim, but Kana was a beautiful Prima Ballerina in her rose-pink one-shoulder dress with the gathered torso, nude illusion midriff, and rich jeweled sequin details throughout. The crown was just the "icing on the cake"; she looked like a Temple Princess Dancer worthy to only dance with...Japanese Olympic skater Daisuke Takahashi.SCORE: 9.99
Click below to watch the FREE DANCE of Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi of Japan from NHK Trophy 2020:

ICE STYLE.....NHK TROPHY Grand Prix of Japan 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: LADIES!

Ladies of Japan--(L to R) Kaori Sakamoto, Marin Honda, Kaori Sakamoto, and Wakaba Higuchi--NHK Trophy 2020 Grand Prix of Japan
This past weekend was the sixth in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Competition series, the 2020 NHK Trophy, or Grand Prix of Japan (although Skate Canada and Internationaux de France were both canceled due to the pandemic). It was held in Osaka Japan and featured some of the top figure skaters, mostly from Japan and South Korea. Naturally, it made for some new COSTUME COMMENTING here on my "Ice Style" BLOG so...let's get started on the NHK Trophy 2020 Costumes Recap, The LADIES:
Marin Honda Japan Short Program to The Giving by Michael W. Smith--Honda skated her Short Program to this sweeping, very melodic music by Michael W. Smith wearing this gorgeous costume. The design featured a purple multilayered and paneled base, with jagged hem edges. The top was accentuated by elaborate sequined applique that framed her torso, beautifully placed atop a nude illusion top and sleeve section. She looked like a rich yet delicate fairy or flower princess, especially with the lovely hairband.COSTUME SCORE: 9.90
Marin Honda Japan Free Skate to La La Land by Justin Hurwitz--For her Free Skate to "La La Land", Honda wore this blue dress with yet another gorgeous neckline filled with expensive-looking flower and sequin applique, and beautifully draped upper torso, highlighting the upper area of the costume. It was sweet and striking at the same time, especially in this vibrant blue hue. The dress (I am guessing) was inspired by the blue halter dress that actress Emma Stone wears in the movie when she goes out with her girlfriends.SCORE: 9.50
Mai Mihara Japan Short Program to It’s Magic (from "Romance on the High Seas") performed by Doris Day--For her Short program to the Doris Day song "It's Magic" from the film "Romance on the High Seas", Mai Mihara wore this fuchsia pink costume with crystal sequin applique throughout. The color was striking, especially against the white ice, and the crystal detail was nice. Part of me wanted a little bit more of a "1949 Doris Day Style Moment"...
...perhaps closer to the costumes worn in the film but of course, updated to now; Mai's costume seemed like it could be more for a "Nutcracker/Sugarplum Fairy" skate instead.SCORE: 8.00

Mai Mihara Free Skate to Fairy of the Forest, Galaxy (piano version) by Yuko Toyoda--I loved this costume worn by Mihara for her "Fairy of the Forest" Free Skate. This was completely ON POINT: She looked like a beautiful fairy, as she should! The intricate embroidery and sequined applique were the stars of this costume with the various shades of green, silver, black, as well as pinks and violets. I also loved the butterfly wing-like motif on the top portion--and her eye makeup was FANTASTIC!SCORE: 9.50
Mako Yamashita Japan Short Program to Una voce poco fa (from The Barber of Seville) by Gioacchino Rossini--Mako wore this colorful design for her "Barber of Seville" Short Program. The look was a bit "Court Jester-y" in its design, colors, and scroll-like applique. Not sure what this really has to do with the famous opera or any of the characters (perhaps the "Arlecchino"/Harlequin, wily servant character??) but it did give me a Venetian vibe.SCORE: 7.85
Mako Yamashita Japan Free Skate to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri--Mako skated her Free Skate to the music from The Twilight Saga film "Breaking Dawn Part I, wearing this deep blue costume featuring a very intricate gathered bodice, gold sequin applique, and nude illusion sleeves and top section. I thought this was quite pretty and very "Going to a Red Carpet" event (or a fancy wedding!) but maybe not so "Twilight"-y but it was elegant and pretty nonetheless.SCORE: 9.00

You Young South Korea Short Program to Istanbul Grooves by Yasar Akpence, and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (soundtrack) by Philippe Chany--I certainly got the "Cleopatra" vibes from this outstanding design, worn by South Korean skater You Young. I loved everything about it: the bias-binding-like criss-cross detail on the torso, the oversized gold jeweled trim on the neckline, arms, and sides, as well as the golden "belt" wrapping around her waist. She looked like a sculpture of a sarcophagus that I would find at the Cairo Museum! SCORE: 9.90
You Young South Korea Free Skate to Lord of the Rings (soundtrack) by Howard Shore, performed by The Piano Guys, May It Be (from Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring) by Howard Shore, and Lord of the Rings (soundtrack) by Howard Shore, performed by The Piano Guys--For her Free Skate, You Young wore this mauve-pink colored costume that looked light as air. The chiffon design reminded me of a Roman tunic made for the wife of an aristocrat. The delicate web-like sequins across the body added to the overall elegance of this look. My one critique is that the illusion sleeve is short and doesn't conform to her body. I would have much preferred the sleeve to be longer and similar to Mai Mihara.SCORE: 9.50
Wakaba Higuchi Japan Short Program to Bird Set Free by Sia--For Wakaba's Short Program to Sia's "Bird Set Free", she wore this indigo blue costume featuring asymmetrical lines, crystal "icicle"-like sequin detail, and nude illusion panels throughout. The one sleeve design had an overall air of a rocker performance look that reminded me of Blondie or Pat Benatar; it was directional, modern if not even slightly "Punk".SCORE: 9.00
Wakaba Higuchi Japan Free Skate to Poeta by Vicente Amigo and Flamenco Passion & Soul by Gino D'Auri--For her Free Skate to the flamenco-inspired music, naturally, Wakaba went with a Spanish Senorita "Carmen" look. The costume checked all the boxes: Red, black lace, red roses, Sevillana-like tiered ruffles...heck, all she was missing was a big Mantilla and Peineta (hair comb) on top of her styled chignon! While it was a bit "been there done that" for the music and theme, it was done well and nice design elements such as the asymmetrical neckline and center front nude illusion panel.SCORE: 8.75
Kaori Sakamoto Short Program to Concerto En Re Mineur, BWV 974: ll. Adagio by Johann Sebastian Bach perf. by Alexandre Tharaud and Bach A La Jazz by Matt Herskowitz and Mary Kerr--I liked this costume worn by Kaori Sakamoto for her Short Program. The design featured pink, lilac, and deep purple ombre hues, nice gathered midriff detail, and gorgeous heavy-to-light crystal work. The neckline was especially beautiful in its sequin embellishment and I also like the "starry night" look of the other crystals on the dress.SCORE: 9.00

Kaori Sakamoto Japan Free Skate to Main Title Trinity Infinity from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Don Davis, Clubbed To Death from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan, and Chateau Vol.2 from The Matrix (soundtrack) by Rob Dougan--Sakamoto saved the BEST COSTUME for her Free Skate to music from "The Matrix". I loved the modern, chic, and super fashionable design--the juxtaposition of the faux leather with see-through illusion chiffon; it gave it a Pierre Cardin-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier look. But hands down, the costume highlights were the "Matrix"-like sequins in variations of green, turquoise, gold, and blue, exquisitely positioned on the side of her costume as well as on her wrists. And to finish it all off in a severe "Don't Mess With Me" hair chignon: Perfect!SCORE: 9.95

Click below to watch KAORI SAKAMOTO of Japan and her FREE SKATE from NHK Trophy 2020:

NIKOLAKI GOWNS.....Behind The Scenes of Special Red Carpet Fashion Show at FIDM Museum

Designers and Models--(L to R)  Amanda Fields Bennett, Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI, Lauren Gish, David Paul of NIKOLAKI and Bianna Barnes, wearing NIKOLAKI gowns for the KTLA Academy Awards 2020 Red Carpet Trends TV Special, FIDM Museum

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of filming a very special fashion show and presentation featuring our NIKOLAKI gowns for a KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Pre-Show Special. As part of talking about the trends that may happen for the Academy Awards Red Carpet, earlier this year I had the pleasure of MC'ing a very special fashion show/presentation showcasing our NIKOLAKI gowns to talk about the trends we might see on the Oscars 2020 Red Carpet. 

Nick Verreos MC'ing the NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation during the KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Special, FIDM Museum 

We filmed the entire segment (pre-COVID) at the FIDM Museum in Downtown Los Angeles using our gorgeous "muses"/models from L.A. Models--We featured three Trends including Black and White, Color and Prints, and Shimmery and Gold...Check out the Behind the Scenes Pics:

First up, the Black and White Red Carpet Gown Trend:

Gown Beauties--Models Amanda Fields Bennett, Lauren Gish, and Brianna  Barnes, wearing NIKOLAKI gowns--NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum

Black Sequins--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI Silk Sequined Chiffon Strapless Column Gown-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum

Side Drape Ballgown--Model Lauren Gish wearing NIKOLAKI White Satin Gown with Black Velvet Polka Dots, in one-shoulder style with draped bust and side drape overskirt-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Feathers and Satin--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI Black Silk Duchesse Gown with feather-and-Crystal Neckline Trim--NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Next was the Color and Print Red Carpet Gpown Trend: (L to R) Models Amanda Fields Bennett, Lauren Gish, and Brianna Barnes, wearing NIKOLAKI gowns-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-                                                                      Show Special, FIDM Museum
Bubblegum Pink Couture--Model Amanda Fields Bennett wearing NIKOLAKI Bubblegum Pink Silk Duchesse Satin Gown with Coral-colored Silk Zibeline Top Section-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Apple Green Satin--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI Apple Green-colored Silk Duchesse Satin Fitted Gown with Pleated Torso and Peplum Detail and Crystal Waist Trim-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Flower Print Elegance--Model Lauren Gish wearing NIKOLAKI Printed Sateen Fit-and-Flare "Mermaid" Gown with Bubblegum Pink Silk Duchesse Satin Shawl Collar and Waistband--NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Finally, it was time for the Shimmering and Gold Red Carpet Trend: Golden Goddesses--(L to R) Models Brianna Barnes, Amanda Fields Bennett and Lauren Gish wearing golden-hued NIKOLAKI gowns-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum

Model Brianna Barnes wearing a NIKOLAKI Gold Sequined Silk Chiffon Gown with Bias-cut Top Section and Attached Capelet-- NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI Gold/Copper/Bronze Sequined p[aillette Column Gown with Attached Capelet--NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum
Model Lauren Gish wearing a NIKOLAKI Gold-colored Strapless Silk Zibeline Gown with Cascade Draped Back and Sequined Neckline--NIKOLAKI Gown Presentation KTLA "Live From The Oscars" Red Carpet Trends Pre-Show Special, FIDM Museum