Nick Verreos's Blog, page 8

ICE STYLE.....ROSTELECOM CUP 2020 FIGURE SKATING COSTUMES RECAP: The Men!

Men Style--Male skaters at the Rostelecom Cup 2020 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--(L to R) Mikhail Kolyada, Petr Gumennik, and Dmitri Aliev--Rostelecom Cup 2020, Moscow Russia

In my previous post HERE, I talked about the latest costumes worn by the LADIES of the 2020 Rostelecom Cup in Moscow this past weekend, so now it is time to discuss some of the MEN and their costumes. Some were creative and very "Costume-y" and some, well, not so much...

Mikhail Kolyada of Russia Free Skate to Nureyev (from "The White Crow" soundtrack) by Ilan Eshkeri performed by Lisa Batiashvili--Mikhail received the GOLD for his beautiful skate to "The White Crow" soundtrack to the Nureyev biofilm. Let's start with his skate: he paid complete homage to the great Nureyev with his ballet-like performance, featuring lyrically beautiful hand gestures, leg extensions, and a presence worthy of a top ballet DIVO. His costume which featured a light blue chiffon-like top with delicate sequins, paired with violet-blue pants, was delicate, pretty, and right for the skate and music. The only detail I wasn't a fan of was the nude illusion tank that peaked from underneath. It's so hard to match a skater's actual skin tone, but you would think with all the advancements we've made with fabrics, we could do better!COSTUME SCORE: 8.95
Morisi Kvitelashvili of Georgia Short Program to Amsterdam by Jacques Brel--Morisi skated his Short Program to the 1960's song about the exploits of sailors on shore leave in the city of Amsterdam. His costume reflected a nod to a sailor's uniform with the deep blue top and red pants. The top featured neck/torso ties and the pants also had waist ties similar to sailing ropes. It was simple and classic for the music and skate. At least he didn't go full-on Jean Paul Gaultier striped Tee Sailor...or maybe he should have!SCORE: 8.50

Free Skate to E lucevan le stelle  (from Tosca, Act III) by Giacomo Puccini and Execution and Finale from Tosca, Act III) by Giacomo Puccini--For his "Tosca" skate, Morisis wore this look comprised of a white shirt and gray skin-tight pants. While it was rather boring, I did like the beaded strappy detail in the neckline. But what I didn't like was that Ross-Dress-For-Less belt #NOOOOO SCORE: 7.89

Artem Kovalev of Russia Short Program to Adagio In G Minor performed by André Rieu--The music from Artem's Short Program is a neo-Baroque composition composed by the 18th-century Venetian master Albinoni. His costume mirrors this neo-Baroque 18th Century aspect with this all-black look featuring extensive sequin details across the chest and onto the arm in a web/root-like effect. I think it was effective to keep most of this work and interest up at the top, accentuating his upper movements. And while I am not usually a fan of the belts (see Morisi above!), this one, at least had crystals, making it look like part of the costume...and not like something he bought from a local shop in Moscow.SCORE: 9.00

Dmitri Aliev of Russia Short Program to Waltz Masquerade by Aram Khatchaturian--Reviving his Short Program from the 2017-2018 Season, Dmitri also (sort of) revived the costume, albeit in a different color. The new one was in a deep emerald green, double-breasted military-style jacket, paired with black pants. Elegant details such as a gold leaf collar, epaulets, and cuffs finished the look, along with white gloves. All of the details and styling were the same as the old costume, except for the color and he added gold chains from the epaulet to the front of the jacket. SCORE: 9.25
In case you are wondering, here is the 2017-2018 costume: Red Dmitri
Free Skate to L'immensità by Il Volo--For his Free Skate, Dmitri wore this costume which featured black pants and a black stretch knit top emblazoned with fire ember-like detail in yellow, red, and silver with crystals. Once again, smart of whoever designed this to keep the interest up at the torso and making it fit nice and tight. He also wore gloves since as you know, Dmitri never met a glove he didn't like.
SCORE: 8.98

Petr Gumennik of Russia Free Skate to The Phantom Of The Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber--Last but certainly not least--in the COSTUME category--is Russian Petr Gumennik. Here, for his "Phantom of the Opera" (of course!) Free Skate, he made me proud with this stunning expression of design in his VERY "Phantom"-like costume featuring a black fitted jacket, an intricately trimmed red waistcoat (vest), white lace foulard blouse, and black pants. The costume looked expensive and could have easily gone Boadway cheesy....but it didn't. I especially loved the fluttery chiffon mini capes.

SCORE: 9.95

Click below to watch Mikhail Kolyada's "Tribute to Nureyev" FREE SKATE at Rostelecom Cup 2020:

ICE STYLE.....Rostelecom Cup 2020 Grand Prix of Figure Skating COSTUMES RECAP: THE LADIES!

Ladies of Rostelecom Cupm 2020--(L to R) Alena Kostornaia, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Alena Kostornaia, and Alexandra Trusova
This past weekend was the Rostelecom Cup 2020, the fifth event in the 2020-2021 Grand Prix of Figure Skating senior-level international competition. It was held at the Megasport Sport Palace in Moscow Russia. While several of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating had to be canceled (Skate Canada International and Internationaux de France) or held under "different" conditions (no audience for Skate America for example) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rostelecom Cup 2020 went ahead--with an audience and mostly Russian skaters with some from neighboring nations such as Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, etc.
Empress Elizaveta--Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva skating her Short Program to "Spartacus",                                                   Rostelecom Cup 2020, Moscoew Russia
It has been a while since I have done an ICE STYLE post, so I thought this would be a great time to do a fun post on the ladies costumes--Let's get started!

Alena Kostornaia--Short Program to "No Time To Die" and "You Should See Me With A Crown" by Billie Eilish--I loved this costume on Alena; it was dreamy, mysterious, and full of glorious colored sequins. The asymmetrical neckline and handkerchief hem added interesting dimensions to the costume bringing some flourish to her already interesting skate to Billie Eilish. I especially loved the "exploding heart" of bejeweled sequins.COSTUME SCORE: 9.90

Free Skate to Wayward Sisters (from "Nocturnal
Animals" soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski, Dance for Me Wallis (from
"W.E." soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski, and The Cheek of Night
(from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski--For her
more romantic Free Skate, she wore this mauve-y pink and black costume exuding
feminine delicacy, along with classic skating costume lines. While it wasn't a
directional or fashion-forward design, I did appreciate the ombre dip-dye hem
and black midriff panels filled with lace applique and crystals.

SCORE: 8.99

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva--Short Program to Adagio (from "Spartacus") by Aram Khatchaturian-I ALWAYS look forward to Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, not just for her "Diva" skating, but also her fearless approach to the costumes. For her Short Program to "Spartacus" ballet music, she donned a gold and copper costume, reminiscent of what one would envision a Roman Queen--or Concubine--would look like (at least in my COUTURE fantasy eyes!). The costume featured a golden statement necklace to end ALL statement necklaces--full of crystals and jagged edges--as well as see-through panels showing the sexy side of Elizaveta. The 2-fingers-missing golden glove was an interesting accessory that went well with the entire look.SCORE: 9.45

Free Skate to "Chronicles of a Mischievous Bird" by Bkhima Iunusov--For her Free Skate to the Japanese-like music of "Chronicles of a Mischievous Bird", Elizaveta wore this elegant black costume featuring chiffon flutters at the sleeve, to mimic a bird's wings (and possibly a Geisha's kimono). I liked the boning-like detail at the midriff and sequined collar which, along with the sleeve "wings", added a mysterious air of a dark and emotionally complicated bird. If there was any critique, it would be the too-dark nude-colored panel in the front; it was a bit distracting and cheesy--and too dark for her porcelain skin color.Score: 9.25
Alexandra Trusova--Short Program to "Love Story" by Lola and Hauser and "Appassionata" by Secret Garden--At only 16 years old, it makes sense to put Alexandra in pretty, soft, lovely costumes. This is one example of that, for which she wore to her Short Program. The turquoise blue-green costume had flower appliques hand-sewn throughout in Fuschia pinks, greens, and seafoam colors with sequins interspersed throughout. I liked the 3-D effect of the flowers which added texture to the costume.SCORE: 8.00

Free Skate to O Verona (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack) by Craig Armstrong, Montagues & Capulets (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack), Come, Gentle Night (from "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack) by Abel Korzeniowski, and Dance of the Knights (from "Romeo and Juliet") by Sergei Prokofiev--For her Free Skate, she went much darker, stronger and dare I say, adult! Her costume featured a black bodice and wine-red skirt. The bodice had sequined details suggesting a semi-corsetted look and Renaissance-like neckline inspirations...  The back was pretty stunning with a skeleton-like design.
But my favorite part was the sleeves... More than halfway through her skate, at the moment Prokofiev's haunting "Dance of the Knight from Romeo and Juliet" music starts, Alexandra flips these arm details attached on her sleeves, which all of sudden go from being flat...to spiked thorns. In a hot second, she went from darkly romantic to..."I'm about to CUT YOU!". SCORE: 9.65
Sofia Samodurova--Short Program to "The Man with the Harmonica" by Ennio Morricone, arranged by Appollo 440--I was a big fan of this modern stylized costume worn by Sofia for her Short Program. The design featured solid and see-through elements, especially throughout the torso with sexy bust cups...very Proenza-Schouler-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier.  I thought it was very fashion-forward.SCORE: 9.50
Elizaveta Nugumanova--Free Skate to The Mountain Between Us (soundtrack), Dusk Till Dawn by Zayn Malik feat. Sia--Elizaveta skated her Free Skate in this very pretty "Skating Queen"-looking costume. The design was delicate, feminine, and very pretty. I liked the light ombre violet-white shadings and degradations of light-to-heavy crystals.  SCORE: 9.00 

Check out the Short Program from Elizaveta Tuktamysheva--ROSTELECOM CUP 2020:

SUPIMA DESIGN COMPETITION.....Final Designs from FIDM SUPIMA Finalist Sakura Mizutani, 2020 SUPIMA Design Competition

     FASHION SEASONS--Designs from FIDM SUPIMA Finalist Sakura Mizutani, 2020 SUPIMA                                                                        Design Competition

This past September was the Final of the 2020 SUPIMA Design Competition. The competition brings together fashion design students from the top design schools in the nation, to design and create five looks using Supima cotton. It is a way to show what up-and-coming design talent can do with Supima cotton...

For some background, Supima is a superior type of cotton that is American grown, representing only 1% of cotton grown in the world. What makes Supima cotton unique is its extra-long staple fiber giving it strength (twice as strong as regular cotton), softness, and color retention. The Supima Design Competition was created to introduce the next generation of designers to the fashion industry. This year was the 13th Annual Competition, showcasing the best and most creative designs from around the country. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchiandising/FIDM is on of the top U.S. coolleges to participate in the Supima Design Competition and as Sakura Mizutani--FIDM Finalist for the 134th Annual Supima Design Competition
FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos, with Sakura Mizutani, FIDM 2020 Supima Finalist, FIDM Los Angeles

The finalist from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM was a Japan-born Fashion design student Sakura Mizutani, who went through the A.A. in Advanced Fashion Design program as well as the Advanced Fashion Design program at FIDM. David and I, as Co-Chairs of The Fashion Design Program, chose her as our SUPIMA Finalist because of her thinking-out-of-the-box design sensibility and talent. 

Sakura Mizutani "One Shot"--The "One Shot" snapshot capturing the Designs, Muslins, Inspiration, special details of the Supima Design Compeition Finalist's collection

David and I--along with Supima's Mentors--spent 5+ months in guiding and mentoring Sakura to achieve the most outstanding designs she could for this year's competition. We ZOOM'ed for every week's meetings, long-distance fittings, and much, much more. Many wondered how we would ever do the Supima Design Competition with the COVID-19 restrictions...but we got it done! 

Check out Sakura's designs, inspiration, fabric manipulations and final runway designs:

Sakura's Inspiration: The Japanese Seasons "Shiki", including Spring, Summer, Mid-Summer,  Fall and Winter

Sketches--Sakura Mizutani sketches of the five Supima cotton designs: (L to R) velveteen, Shirting, Twill, Denim and Jersey

Virtual Fittings--The "New Normal" when it comes to fashion and fittings--FIDM Fashion Design Departnment Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul, along with Supima 2020 Design Compeition Finalist Sakura Mizutani, during ZOOOM fittings--13th Annual Supima Design Compeition

The Toiles--Model in muslin sample designs from FIDM 2020 Supima Design Compeition Finalist Sakura Mizutani

Final Designs before shipping to NY for the 13th Annual Supima Design Compeition:

"Spring" Velveteen Supima Cotton--Design in Velveteen Supima cotton of black "apron dress" with padded pink and white arm details, as well as pink and white thread applique--with white Supima cotton shirting shirt--Sakura Mizutani, FIDM Finalist, 2020 Supima Design Competition
"Summer" Shirting Supima Cotton--Design in Supima Shirting Cotton of white dress shirt, tiered skirt and framed applique detail--Sakura Mizutani FIDM Finalist 2020 Supima Design Compeition 
"Mid-Summer" Twill Supima Cotton--Blue colored twill ruffled waist peplum, black pencil-shape skirt with blue-and-white twill applique--Sakura Mizutani FIDM Finalist 2020 Supima Design Compeition
"Fall" Denim Supima Cotton--Design in denim featuring a black-and-white pleated skirt, bib with circle framed thread applique, and white Supima Cotton shirting shirt--Sakura Mizutani FIDM Finalist 2020 Supima Design Compeition
"Winter" Jersey Supima Cotton--Gown in Supima cotton jersey featuring a black "apron/bib" dress with spherical "balls" hand-sewed onto the skirt in variations of black, gray and white--Sakura Mizutani FIDM Finalist 2020 Supima Design Compeition
Details of the Jersey Spherical details, which David was happy to help hand-finish
The RUNWAY Final design-13th Annual Supima Design Competition:

Designs from Sakura Mizutani--FIDM Finalist, 2020 Supima Design Competition

My Sketch of Sakura's designs--In honor of her designs, I sketched her 2020 Supima Design Compeition designs
Check out Sakura Mizutani's 2020 Supima Design Competition Runway Show:

FIDM CHAIRING STYLES.....Check out the Designs from FIDM Chairing Styles 2020 Collaboration

Style Graffiti--Model Jayden Robinson in fashion design by FIDM Graduate Joel Hindman, with a corresponding chair--FIDM Museum

"Chairing Styles" is a unique collaboration between three departments at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM : Interior Design, Textile Design, and last but not least, Fashion Design. Students chosen from each department get to design a chair, a textile/print, and a fashion look.  Industry partners donate their time, expertise, and fabrication, including Digi Fab, Ana Maria Designs, Form + Function, Sardo Interior Services, Cisco Brothers, plus many more. As [image error]Print Fab--Printed designs from FIDM Chairing Styles 2020 
For the 2020 edition, after caucusing with the Interior Design and Textile Design Chairpersons, we landed on a Theme of Street Art/Graffiti and for the fashion, David and I went with "Luxury Streetwear". We all know that Streetwear is very much a style trend--originally inspired by the Southern California lifestyle, mixing style cues from R & B, Hip Hop, Surfwear, Activewear, and High Fashion. 10 FIDM Fashion Design students (and soon to be Graduates) were chosen to take part in this collaboration, each creating unique and on-trend fashion looks. [image error]FIDM Chairing Styles 2020 Illustrations, from FIDM Fashion Design students/graduates
Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, FIDM put on hold plans to showcase the designs for their annual DEBUT Show, and in its place, we decided to do an exclusive photoshoot in the FIDM Museum--with a minimal "crew", one model, and lots of masks and social distancing. Here are photos from the shoot featuring this year's Chairing Styles and the great fashions from our FIDM Graduates:
[image error]Graphic, Letter and Face Art--Model Jayden Robinson in fashion design by FIDM Graduate Alejandra Juarez; Chair designed by Interior Design student Linya Zao and Textile designed by Nicolette Moyer--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error][image error]Street Sign/Plaid Style--Model Jayden Robinson in fashion design by FIDM Graduate Bahijah Bazzi--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error][image error]Buckle-up!--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Chaiyoon (Chloe) Oh--FIDM Cjhairing Styles 2020
Sporty Chic--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by FIDM Graduate Olivia Jane Earwood--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error]Printed Sporty--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Kimberly Wong--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error][image error][image error]Hoodie Street Fab--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Lauren "Lo" Richter--FIODM Chairing Styles 2020 
[image error][image error]Volume Goddess--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Ke Yang--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error]Exposed Style--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Jing Li--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error]Female Power Statement--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Suyoung "Hannah" Lee--FIDM Chairing Styles 2020
[image error]Street Art Couture--Model Jayden Robinson in Fashion Design by Fashion Design Graduate Joel Hindman--FIDM Chiairng Styles 2020

ROYAL COUTURE.....Princess Beatrice Wears Upcycled Norman Hartnell Gown For Her Wedding

Upcycled Couture--Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (L) on their wedding day at Windsor; Beatrice wore a white Peau de Soie and Crystal-encrusted gown by British designer Norman Hartnell, worn by Queen Elizabeth II at the Premiere of "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962 (R)


Princess Beatrice got married in a low-key (for Royal standards!) ceremony this past Friday at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a 37-year-old British property developer and CEO of Banda, a real estate and interior design firm. He's got some blue-blood from his father's side (Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi) and on his own, a reported multimillionaire.








 The Newlyweds--Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Royal Lodge Windsor


The Wedding Gown:



Vintage Bride--Beatrice wore (mostly) something NOT NEW for her Wedding Day...she wore an  ivory Peau de Soie gown, featuring crystal embellishments, originally designed by British Couturier Norman Hartnell. The gown was actually Queen Elizabeth's...so yes, she UPCYCLED one of her Grandmother's Couture...







Queen Elizabeth wore the gown to the Premiere of "Lawrence of Arabia" back in 1962, looking quite elegant, and regal. The gown featured a typical-of-the-period fit-and-flare full dress silhouette and stunning sequin embellishment highlighting the torso, upper bust and then creating a nipped-in-waist.





Fun Fact: Angela Kelly and Stewart Parvin, both of whom regularly work with the queen, remodeled the dress and carried out a fitting to ensure that it looked perfect on the bride. Angela Kelly is the Queen's personal dressmaker and hat designer and overall "gatekeeper" of sorts. Stewart Parvin, on the other hand, is one of the Queen's favorite designers as well...






Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth's personal dressmaker and personal assistant




Slight Changes--From the looks of it, Beatrice opted to not wear a full crinoline petticoat underneath (wise choice) so it wouldn't look so "retro" and overwhelming. It also looks like a wide band of silk was added to the hem. And in addition, fun Puff Sleeves were added, cut in silk organza, along with a fitted armband/cuff in the matching ivory Preau de Soie.






Queen Elizabeth also wore the same gown in 1967, five years after that "Lawrence of Arabia" Premiere, for the State Opening fo Parliament.





Designer Norman Hartnell


The Queen has worn Norman Hartnell many, many times...of note:




 For her Wedding Day: Wedding Dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, for (then) Princess Elizabeth, 1947





Queen's Coronation: Coronation Gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, 1953


The Tiara:





The Fringe Tiara--Princess Beatrice chose the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara for her wedding day. Queen Elizabeth II also wore the intricate tiara at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. The tiara dates back to 1919 when it was made especially for Queen Mary by  Garrard and Co ., created from a necklace gifted by Queen Victoria. The Queen and Beatrice are reported to have a very close relationship and this is said to be one of the most personal "loans" by Her Royal Highness.



Fun Fact: On Elizabeth's wedding day, the tiara actually snapped on the big day before the bride left for Westminster Abbey. A jeweler quickly mended the break, but the hasty fix left a slightly noticeable gap towards the center of the frame.



Many Lovely Wishes to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo...and..always love seeing Vintage Couture getting a "new" Life! Cheers Beatrice...and Norman Hartnell (in Heaven)!

FIDM 3 Days of Fashion.....Finale Show for the FIRST VIRTUAL FIDM 3 Days of Fashion: PHOTOS!

"Virtual" Model and Designer--Nick Verreos with model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown during the Finale of the first-ever Virtual FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles


Several weeks back I had the opportunity to be part of the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's first Virtual "3 Days of Fashion". The FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Program is a FIDM program which involves a three-day stint at the college, from visiting high school students--as well as some post-high school graduates--to get a chance to check out the campus and get a brief behind-the-scenes of being a student at FIDM. This includes meeting instructors, alumni, taking classes in sketching, trend forecasting, styling, and much, more...






Nick Verreos flanked by his NIKOLAKI evening gowns--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design" Virtual Finale--FIDM Museum Los Angeles


Obviously, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, things had to be "reconfigured" to fit the "New Normal" and this time, FIDM's "3 Days of Fashion" went completely ONLINE and VIRTUAL titling the event "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online". As part of the traditional "3 Days of Fashion" program, every year for the last decade, I have had the chance to have a very special "Nick Show/Fashion Show Presentation". So even though this year was going to be all ONLINE/VIRTUAL, that did not mean that the show could not go on. After many hours of rehearsal and prep-time as well as ZOOM meetings (!!!), we did it: We had our first FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Virtual "Nick Show/Fashion Show Presentation". 





Nick Verreos flanked by his NIKOLAKI evening gowns--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation &                                      Design" Virtual Finale--FIDM Museum Los Angeles








FIDM Virtual "3 Days of Fashion" Finale--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles


I MC'ed/hosted the event--as if I was standing in front of hundreds of students (this time, they were all ONLINE!) and brought one of my favorite models, Amanda Fields Bennett , to wear my NIKOLAKI gowns, for a very special fashion show presentation. We did it all while social distancing, making sure to stay 6 feet apart. And...we kept the "crew" to a bare minimum, including myself, the model, my Co-Chair bestie David Paul, our Assistant Chairperson Jonie Thomas, and Tanya Buzalsky, Regional Director of Special Events at FIDM Speakers Bureau.



Here are Behind-the-scenes Photos from our First Ever FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Virtual Finale Fashion Show Presentation:






Nick Verreos and model Amanda Fields Bennett rehearsing for their FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Virtual" Close-up--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles





We're LIVE!--Nick Vereros and model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown, during the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online" event--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles




The Fashion:






Golden Goddess--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gold/copper/bronze sequined paillettes over silk chiffon column gown with attached capelet--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online" Finale, FIDM Museum Los Angeles







Spring Flowers--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI flower printed stretch sateen mermaid shape gown with fuchsia-colored silk duchesse shawl collar and waistband--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles













Rasberry Ballgown--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI raspberry-colored silk satin organza one-shoulder ballgown--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles















Mint Princess--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI mint-colored silk crepe satin gown with crystal sequined netting and silk chiffon capes--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles





Virtual Stage--Nick Verrteos and model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown during the Finale Presentation of FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles





It Takes a (Small) Village!--Many THANK YOU's to all involved in making this first-ever Virtual FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Nick Show" happen; FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul (in zebra mask), FIDM Fashion Design Assistant Chair Jonie Thomas (in denim jacket), Tanya Buzalsky, Regional Director of Special Events at FIDM Speakers Bureau (in green dress), and model Amanda Fields Bennett--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles

NICK APPEARANCES....."Kelly Clarkson Show": DISNEY "Frozen 2" Birthday Wish: RECAP!

Kelly Love--(L to R) Nick Verreos, Kelly Clarkson and "Drybar" Co-founder Alli Webb--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios


A couple of months ago, I had the FABULOUS PLEASURE of being on one of my favorite TV talk shows: "The Kelly Clarkson Show" !! I was invited on the show to help make a young girl's Birthday Dreams come true...and style her for a Disney "Frozen 2" Dream Birthday Party! Recently, I was part of a great fashion collaboration involving Disney and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--the college of which I am the Fashion Design Co-Chair...






Nick Verreos and Alli Webb--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios


For this very special "Kelly Clarkson Show" I was invited to help be part of the "Glam Squad" to style a Birthday Gal--and her friends, following a "Disney's Frozen 2" theme. The fabulous Alli Webb , Co-Founder of Drybar was the hair QUEEN, offering her hairstyle guru marvelousness to make the Birthday Gal and Guest the most "Frozen 2" AMAZING that they could be.



Here are my Behind-the-Scenes Photos from the shoot:




Backstage in the "Green Room"--Nick Verreos at The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios






Backstage--Nick Verreos in front of the "autograph" board--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios


On-stage:








Nick Verreos and Drybar Co-Founder Alli Webb on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" for the "Disney Frozen 2" Birthday Glam Makeover--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios







Frozen 2 Chic--Photos featuring the special birthday guests of the "Disney's Frozen 2 Birthday Glam-over"--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





Kristoff and Lieutenant Mattias--Birthday guests styled in their Disney "Frozen 2" Glam-over--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





  A Frozen 2 Fashion Party--Birthday Gal (second from right) and her friends, in their Disney "Frozen 2" Glam-over looks--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios







Behind The Scenes (literally!)--Photo from the backstage of the Kelly Clarkson Show live filming--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





Backstage...kind of--Nick Verreos at The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





Love the Moms!--Nick Verreos with the Mommies of the "Disney Frozen 2"-inspired Birthday Gal and her friends--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





Flower Boy--Nick Verreos at the Lobby of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios





Houndstooth Besties--(L top R) Alli Webb, Co-founder of "Drybar" and Nick Verreos--The Kelly Clarkson Show, Universal Studios




Watch the entire TV segment we did, from "The Kelly Clarkson Show" below:

DISNEY X FIDM FROZEN II COLLABORATION....Part 4: Disney Store Window Takeover, Collab Press Launch BLOG RECAP!

Frozen II Fashion Display--Designs from FIDM Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos' NIKOLAKI line + FIDM Grads Tomy Huang and Paul Hernandez, on display at the Disney Store, Westfield Century City--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration 

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


On Part 4 of my BLOG on the DISNEY X FIDM: FROZEN II Collaboration , it's time for the WINDOW UNVEILING!!!! If you have been following my BLOG here, I have been posting all the behind-the-scenes and backstory on the recent design collaboration between Disney and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM for the Blu-ray release of "Frozen II" . After all the pre-research, filming of our inspiration, and several; weeks of designing the fab garments to pay homage to the four Elements (Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth) of "Frozen II"--as well as "Elsa" ...it was time to showcase the designs in a one-of-a-kind window/store display at the Disney Store in Westfield Century City!






NIKOLAKI Designers and FIDM Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul, with FIDM Grads Paul Hernandez (left) and Tomy Huang (right)--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration 

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration 





  Disney Store at Westfield Century City--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





  Press Only!--Invited members of the press, including Bloggers, Influencers, Disney Fans enjoying the Fashion Display at the Disney Store Westfield Century City--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





  The Fashions!--Red Carpet and Streetwear Style from NIKOLAKI/Nick Verreos & David Paul, Paul Hernandez, and Tomy Huang, showcased as part of the Disney x FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration inspired by "Frozen II"--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







  Sequined Elsa--Silk Sequined Gown from NIKOLAKI/Nick Vereros & David Paul inspired by "Elsa" from "Frozen II"--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Red Carpet Elsa--NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul Aqua-colored gown in silk chiffon, silk crepe, and sequined netting--Inspired by "Elsa" from "Frozen II"--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration







  Designer and FIDM Graduate, Paul Hernandez, and his Streetwear "Earth" and "Fire" designs inspired by "Frozen II"--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages









  Designer and FIDM Graduate and Instructor, Tomy Huang, and his Streetwear designs inspired by "Frozen II" Water and Gale/Wind--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with FIDM Designers paul Hernandez and Tomy Huang--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration




With Disney Bloggers/Fans:




FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with FIDM Designers Paul Hernandez (far left) and Tomy Huang (far right) with Disney Bloggers (Center, L to R) FollowTheYellowBrickGirl, Erika of the CastleCravings.com BLOG, and Jessica McDonald--

Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration





(L to R) FIDM Designer Paul Hernandez, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair, and NIKOLAKI Designer Nick Verreos, Disney fan Anne Goodygirl (center), FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair and NIKOLAKI Designer David Paul and FIDM Designer Tomy Huang--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration







FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul--and FIDM Designers Paul Hernandez and Tomy Huang, with actress and Disney Fan Abby Shayne--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration





FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with FIDM Designers Paul Hernadez and Tomy Huang, with Disney Digital Creator Keshia Sih-Tseng (center)--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration





FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Blogger and Disney Fan Ashley Nicole (center)--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration





FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul, and FIDM Designers Paul Hernandez and Tomy Huang, with Disney Fan Natasha (center)--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration





FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair and NIKOLAKI Designer Nick Verreos with Disney Fan and Influencer Randomly_Riley Instagram Influencer and Disney Fan-- Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration







That's a Wrap!--(L to R) FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs and NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos, and FIDM Designers Tomy Huang and Paul Hernandez--Window Unveiling at Disney Store Westfield Century City of Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

DISNEY X FIDM FROZEN II COLLABORATION.....Part 3: Photoshoot of "Frozen II" Inspired Designs from FIDM Graduates Paul Hernandez and Tomy Huang

Frozen II Streetwear--Designs from FIDM Fashion Design Grads (L to R) Tomy Huang and Paul Hernandez--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood


Back in February, The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM participated in a fabulous collaboration with DISNEY in advance of the "Frozen II" Blu-ray release ; you can read HERE and HERE for the other posts involving this great Collaboration...






NIKOLAKI Designers and FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs, David Paul and Nick Verreos with model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI "Elsa" Gown--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


As


FIDM Designer Paul Hernandez: 




Earth and Fire Style--Model Kennedy Givens in "Frozen II"-inspired designs (L to R) Earth and Fire--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







Earth Diva--Fashion Sketch and Model Kennedy Givens in "Earth"-inspired Streetwear design from Paul Hernandez--It was inspired by the "Earth Giants" (lower photo) that are featured in the "Frozen II" film--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Top right photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Earth Fashion--Model Kennedy Givens on "Earth"-inspired design by Paul Hernandez (far right)--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Exaggerated Dimensions--Models Kennedy Givens in khaki canvas coat with exaggerated sleeves, bustier, and copper lame skirt, inspired by "Earth" Elementy from "Frozen II"--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood





Designer Working--Designer Paul Hernandez making sure the coat on his "Earth"-inspired look, is draped properly on model Kennedy Givens--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood





Salva La Tierra--"Save The Earth" in Spanish on the back of Paul Hernadez khaki coat from his "Frozen II" Earth-inspired design--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood





Avant-garde Earth--Model Kennedy Givens in design from Paul Hernadez, inspired by "Frozen II" Earth Element--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood







Streetwear Fire--Fashion Sketch and Model Photo of Streetwear design (modeled by Kennedy Givens) from Paul Hernandez inspired by "Bruni"-the "Fire" salamander (lower photo) from "Frozen II"--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood



Top right photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages













Fire Fabulous--Model Kennedy Givens in "Frozen II" and "Fire" Element-inspired design, consisting of a faux crocodile leather crop top with exaggerated sleeves, and purple colored taffeta draped skirt, from Paul Hernandez--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood


FIDM Designer Yongjian "Tomy" Huang:




Water and Wind--Model Jaewon Kyung in Tomy Huang-designed Streetwear looks inspired by the "Frozen II" Elements of "Water" and "Wind"/Gale--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood



Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







Nokk-wear--Model Jaewon Kyung in a leather bomber jacket and pants designed by FIDM Designer Tomy Huang, inspired by the "Nokk" character depicting the "Water" Element in "Frozen II"--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Top photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Fringe Outfit--The leather fringe represents Nokk's (the water/ice horse in "Frozen II") mane--Model Jaewon Kyung in design by FIDM Designer Tomy Huang--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood







Wind Style--Fashion Sketch and Design from FIDM Designer Tomy Huang, inspired by "Gale"/Wind Element (lower photo) in "Frozen II"--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Top right photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Fixing the "Gale" Coat--FIDM Designer Tomy Huang prepping his coat on a design inspired by the"Gale"/Wing Element from the "Frozen II" film--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood





Detail Shots--Close-up detail of fabrication used by FIDM Designer Tomy Huang on his "Gale"/Wind-inspired "Frozen II" design--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood





Streetwear Cool--FIDM Designer Tomy Huang (right photo) with model Jaewon Kyung in his "Gale"/Wind Element from "Frozen II"-inspired design--Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, L.A. Loft Photo Studio, West Hollywood

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


**UP NEXT: The Window Display "Takeover" Unveiling at the Disney Store in Westfield Century City featuring the DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration designs!

DISNEY X FIDM FROZEN II COLLABORATION....Part Two: NIKOLAKI "Elsa"-inspired Gown: Photoshoot + Sketches

Design + Sketch--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI sequined gown with silk chiffon capes, fashion illustration of design--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration

Left photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


On Part Two of my BLOG on the Disney X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, (click HERE for Part One!) it's time to showcase the  NIKOLAKI gown David and I created, inspired by Disney FROZEN II's "Elsa"...






Elsa by NIKOLAKI/Nick Verreos & David Paul--Sequined gown design inspired by "Frozen II"'s Elsa, Fashion Illustration--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration


A refresher: Disney approached the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to partner on the project that would showcase the FASHION aspect of "Frozen II" and its characters and "Elements" in the film. While two FIDM Graduates created two "Streetwear"-inspired designs each, we decided to give "Elsa" her Red Carpet due...and design a fabulous, glorious and elegant "red carpet"-inspired gown worthy of Elsa and an event she would attend in Arandelle, naturally...

As part of the Collaboration, we held a photoshoot at the L.A. Loft in West Hollywood, to photograph all the designs, including the "Streetwear" ones and of course, our NIKOLAKI gown. In this BLOG, I'll be covering our gown photoshoot and in a future BLOG, I will showcase the other fabulous designs from our FIDM Graduates...



Here are my Behind-the-Scenes of the "Elsa" Photoshoot:




Getting "Elsa"-ed--Model Brianna Barnes with Hair-and-Makeup Team of Adrienne Sanchez (makeup) and Carina Tafulu (hair)--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood





Final Touches--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI "Frozen II Elsa"-inspired gown, gets last-minute hair touch-ups from Hairstylist Carina Tafulu--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood





Sequined Elsa--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI silk sequined gown--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood





Elsa Pose--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI silk sequined "Elsa"-inspired gown--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood





Color Check--Ben Shmickler "photobombs" our model...and does his color check--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





NIKOLAKI Mascot--"Benny", our little pupster, makes an appearance during the photoshoot, with model Brianna Branes in our NIKOLAKI "Elsa"-inspired silk sequined gown-- DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood















Red Carpet Elsa--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI sold sequined "Elsa"-inspired gown DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood





Elsa Gorgeous--Model Brianna Barnes in NIKOLAKI silk sequined "Elsa"-inspired gown--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Designers and Muse--NIKOLAKI Designers --and FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs--David Paul and Nick Verreos with model Brianna barnes in their "Elsa"-inspired gown--DISNEY X FIDM: Frozen II Collaboration, The L.A. Loft Photo Studio West Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages