FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show Gala--The Nick Verreos Recap!!! Photos Galore!!!

FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show Gala--The Nick Verreos Recap!!! Photos Galore!!!

Fashionable Gala!

Last Saturday night was the much-awaited Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2011 Gala. In case you didn't know, "Debut" is the only show like it on the West Coast-- it annually attracts more than 8,000 people over 3 days and features design by graduating students in FIDM’s Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study Programs as well as work from the Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Textile Design Students.

FIDM Debut 2011 Trophy Girls: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and his NIKOLAKI gown-clad models, Amara (Left) and Brianna Barnes (Right)

The Saturday Night Gala is a black-tie event for VIP sponsors, donors and Fashion Industry Leaders such as editors, designers, clothing company owners and the like. It is held at the Santa Monica Barker Hanger with well-appointed tables and chairs, full three-course dinner, cocktails and of course, the fashion! I was invited to assist in handing out the Scholarship Winners for next year's Debut 2012--along with Barbara Bundy, Vice President of Education at FIDM. As a bonus, I was asked to bring two of my NIKOLAKI gowns so we would have our very own "FIDM Tropy Girls" wearing NIKOLAKI Couture on stage as we handed out the Scholarships. One of them--Brianna Barnes had a Project Runway Connection:

She had modeled in BOTH Kara Janx's Season 2 Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Runway Show as well as...

Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia's Collection

The Gala was FABULOUS with a Capital "F" for sure. I, of course, donned my White Dinner Jacket, black bow tie and braces (that's "suspenders" darlings), naturally (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dishing Fashion: Nick Verreos and Kelley Nelson, FIDM Debut 2011 (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berlin/ABImages)

Bow Tie Heaven: Nick Verreos with Jim Holmes and Peter Helenek from Mattel (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Advanced Fashion Design Graduates' Debut 2011 Collections ranged from chic Parisian Audrey Hepburn-inspired separates, "Upscale American Apparel" Sporty-Spice, colorful and very innovative knitwear, menswear, FABULOUSLY tailored Little Boy's wear, to exaggerated ruffled red carpet gowns.

Here are some photo highlights:

Pretty in Stripes: A navy-blue silk skirt and striped top by Hannah Childs (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Let's Get Physical: Knit off-the-shoulder top, sheer and PVC leggings, Kristine Flanigan (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Debut 2011 Graduate Pamhidzai Mbanga and her Africa-inspired "boys" (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Best Dressed 1st Grade Plaid: Plaid double-breasted jacket, denim pants ensemble by Kamelia Stojanikova (Photo by Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ready to Rumble: Denim overalls and sweater combo from Kamela Stojanikova (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

I'm On The List: Strapless jumpsuit with inter-woven detail from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

She-Bop: Strapless printed dress from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

St. Petersburg Queens: Three knitwear looks from Adelle Louise Burda's Russian-inspired collection (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Edwardian Foxtail Boy: Asymmetrical coat, mustard pants, and rust-colored cardigan from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

London Calling: Blue leather side-zip front jacket, brown skinny pants with inseam patches and mustard-colored hoodie, from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Brunch at MOCA: Red pocketed tunic with wood (yes, WOOD!) "collar", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dinner at Nobu: Felt and chiffon ensemble with knitted "Ankle Warmers", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Leopard Who Lunches: Black-and-white Cheetah print top with "coned" sleeves and black ankle-length high-waisted trousers, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ruffled Diva: Black organza one-shouldered cocktail dress, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Fashion Security: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM Debut 2011 Security Team

All in all, it was a fabulous Debut 2011 Show. It's always great to see what the "Designers-of-Tomorrow" are doing and of course, as a former FIDM Debut Graduate myself (don't even THINK of looking up what year!!!) it's always nostalgic seeing these shows for sure, as well as the young talent up there on the runway. Naturally, I had to get a final photo with the very hard-working security team at the Debut 2011/Santa Monica Barker Hanger. They were AMAZING and so sweet and respectful to me--especially "my guy" Rick Young, who at the very least, made me look as if I was actually someone important...

Until Debut 2012...

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2015: The Lead Up !

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2015: The Lead Up !

It started with a release of the nominees for the awards  by SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2015. A chance for the public to vote for their favourite contributor to the fashion industry in Tanzania and East Africa.

Next came the model casting call which was held at Colosseum, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam

A few weeks later there was the pop up shop at the Italian Ambassador's residence in Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

ENJIPAI clutch and necklace ( top left ) was sold at the event

Beaded clutch and necklace from ENJIPAI was from this event

There was art, accessories, clothes and much more on offer

SEA CLIFF HOTEL, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is this year's venue for SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2015

FASHION TIPS

Fashion shows are all about catching up with your friends, having fun and supporting the latest designers by showing up at the event.  An original outfit will catch the attention of the photographers but there is no "rule of thumb" when it comes to the dress code.

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Red Carpet

Hosts With The Most: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall host  a Dinner For Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate The Diamond Jubilee, London, England

As you may be aware--if you've been keeping up on all things royal-- The Diamond Jubilee is taking place this year--right now as we speak in fact, marking 60
years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The Queen came to the throne on 6th
February 1952 and her Coronation took place on June 2, 1953, so naturally this weekend is the Central Weekend of The Diamond Jubilee.

 Coronation Day, June 2nd, 1953--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip

Lots of events, parties and fabulous horse races have been taking place with a highlight being tomorrow's Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant which will celebrate her 60 year reign with a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames which will be televised live on various networks such as CNN and BBC of course.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait

A couple of weeks ago, on May 18th, as part of the celebrations, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall hosted a very VIP dinner at Buckingham Palace for Foreign Sovereigns to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. It was a Who's Who of Kings, Queens, Princes, Emperors and one especially FABULOUS wife of an African Monarch. They socialized, had cocktails, gossiped about the latest multi-palace intrigues and dined on cheese souffle and sea bass. They also gave COUTURE darlings...so...let's check out the Royal Red Carpet...

Monaco Meet England: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco say "hello" to the Dinner's Hosts, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall--The Duchess wore a duck's egg blue shimmery gown designed by one of her favorite designers (as well as the late Princess Diana) Bruce Oldfield. The dress featured a delicate lace with a deep v-neck and three-quarter sleeves; all over a matching satin inner gown. She looked like a very, very elegant Mother-of-the-Bride, and I mean that in a good way! I LOVE her! I also love Prince Charles black tie patent leather slippers. I want a pair!

Peach Princess: Monaco's reigning royals, Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene looked fresh and modern in their "Royal Red Carpet" looks. The statuesque Charlene wore a peach-colored silk crepe gown with a silk chiffon cowl-draped capelet from Christian Dior. The Princess always knows how to highlight those incredible swimmer's shoulders of hers and always chooses clean, elegant non-fussy styles, and it goes without saying, she always looks radiant in them.



 Elie Saab Grand Duchess:

The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa attended the Dinner in Buckingham Palace with her husband of course, His Royal Highness Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Maria Teresa LOVES fashion and especially ordering from all the top Haute Couture fashion houses. She's not a six foot tall size 2 but that doesn't stop the Cuban-born monarch from GIVING Fashion with a Capital F! For this dinner a couple of weeks back, she wore Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012:

The blue-green colored gown is a hand-beaded silk chiffon dress featuring a satin waist-defining belt, three-quarter sleeves and flared shape with train. It's the SAME gown that Katy Perry wore to the 2012 Grammy Awards earlier this year. The difference is the Grand Duchess payed for hers (It's Haute Couture kids and probably cost a cool $100,000)...and there was another difference: when the Grand Duchess custom ordered this gown she had the neckline dropped and scooped. I think for her, this was a wise choice since it opened up her neckline and balanced her upper torso. Perfect gown Maria Teresa. Bellisima!



 More Euro Royals On The Buckingham Palace Red Carpet:

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (top left): the Queen--who is of German and Brazilian descent--wore a silk taffeta navy blue high-necked ruffle Blouse/Jacket over an ivory gown skirt.  On the right are Queen Anne Marie and King Constantine II of Greece. They don't really have a country to rule since the monarchy was abolished in Greece in 1973 but they still retain their titles. They're also VERY related to the British monarchs and just about all the other Euro Royals so they get invited to just about everything! Queen Anne Marie of Greece (who's actually Danish) wore a very lady-like silk chiffon flower print gown with a rosette waist detail. I am not sure who the designer is but it's very Valentino. Old-school Valentino.

Queen Sonja of Norway (left) wore a deep red high necked gown with semi-mermaid skirt and a Royal-worthy matching wrap. This woman is exquisitely ROYAL from head to toe. No one in their right mind would confuse her for anything but being a QUEEN! Next to her is Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; I just LOVE her; she seems like a hoot--just look at that facial expression on her--complete opposite of Queen Sonja. Margarethe can't wait for her first cocktail at the dinner! In terms of fashion, Queen Margarethe usually favors the big ol' ball gowns--usually with oversized flower prints. It was a nice change to see her in a more modern and not too over-the-top fashion statement.



Middle East, North Africa and Asia...

Rome, Italy born Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco (left) is the first daughter and eldest child of the late King Hassan II of Morocco. She's always very elegant and stood out with her Moroccan traditional gown at the Dinner Festivities. On the right photo is the always stylish Queen Rania of Jordan. A Royal Style Icon, Rania wore a color-blocked peplum gown with three-quarter sleeves, contrast waistband and "Mermaid-lite" shape. She is so ON TREND with everything in that gown, she's BEYOND Trend!

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended the dinner. The Empress look rather chic in a black and white column silk crepe gown with asymmetrical neckline and waist detail. But it is the Emperor who stands out for me: Simply, the Best Dressed Man of the Night! He looked impeccable in a double breasted tuxedo with peaked lapels.

One of the wealthiest men in the World, the Sultan of Brunei Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusasalam attended with Pengiran Anak Saleha, wife and Queen Consort of the Sultan (left top photo). On the right is Princess Srirasm of Thailand, wife and Princess Consort to the Crown Prince of Thailand, who attended with her husband, the Crown Prince of Thailand, of course. I love how both of these ladies wore traditional ensembles and highlight the elegance and beauty of each culture.




Finally, It's The Royal Consort of the Night:

Take a look at this lovely lady above ---She is (wait for  it!) Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, one of the THIRTEEN WIVES of King Mswati III of Swaziland. First off, I just want to know how she got so lucky--out of the 12 other wives--to be the one to come to London. Does the King of Swaziland have a gold, diamond and ruby bowl that all of the wives put their names in and the first one picked was the Winner? Can you imagine! This above is what she wore to the Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
It was a gold iridescent confection of a gown featuring gold lamé and
poly organza ruffles tiered into a frothy pouf-cake of a gown, the top
section was beaded and then, if that wasn't enough, in case she would be
cold, a white mink stole. 

The only thing I can think of is "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding":

I swear to the Fashion Gods that she must be using this KRAZEE show as her Fashion Inspiration. I give her lots of points for just going there and wearing this monstrosity of a dress. It isn't just tacky. It's BEYOND Tacky. Maybe this is a culture thing and in the great nation of Swaziland, this is what passes off as Red Carpet Glamour so maybe I'm just being culturally insensitive...

Whatever it is, it's still TACKY-licious to me! One of my favorite pictures from the night's dinner is the one above where the Footguard is standing there, as she enters the Dinner Party, and you can tell that his insides are about to BURST out as he's trying to hold a professional look on his face while on the inside he is SCREAMING and saying "OOOOOH GURLLLL!!!"



I'm just going to say it: I want to see more of Inkhosikati LaMbikiza! I really, really hope she will be attending the Thames River Diamond Jubilee festivities tomorrow, hopefully on her own boat--with TWENTY half-naked hot boys around her dancing!



Happy Diamond Jubilee!!!