In Memoriam: Costume Designer Nolan Miller--A Shoulder Pad GOD!

In Memoriam: Costume Designer Nolan Miller--A Shoulder Pad GOD!

Praise to One of My First Design Gods:

Ruffles and Poufs: Joan Collins, John Forsythe and Linda Evans, "Dynasty" TV Show, Costume Designer Nolan Miller

Last Wednesday June 6th, American fashion designer and television costume designer Nolan Miller passed away, at the age of 79. Miller had been ill for a while and he finally succumbed to lung cancer. He was one of my first "Design Gods". As a young boy--who only DREAMED of being a Fashion Designer while looking at glossy Vogue magazines and shows like "Dynasty" back in the 80's (yes, I am aging myself and I do not care!), I was in awe of his designs and the world he created through his incomparable design eye.

Nolan Miller emphasized elegance, excess, glamour with a capital "G", and one word: DIVA. And yes, he was known for being the Emperor of the 80's Shoulder Pads. Of course, Miller is famous for being the Costume Designer for the TV Show "Dynasty" which aired from 1981-1989--spanning almost the entire decade. In case you may be "Fashion and Costume Design Illiterate", read on...and if you are a "Young UMS" born after 1990, studying to be a Fashion Designer and you do not know who Nolan Miller is, YOU BETTER!

Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere

 Lanvin designs by Alber Elbaz

Every other Fashion Designer worth his Croquis Salt is referencing him--whether they want to admit it or not, such as Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga and  Alber Elbaz of Lanvin (see photos above) as well as many, many others. Anyhow, here's a quick Bio on Mr. Nolan Miller:

Born in Texas, Nolan Miller studied design at the Chouinard Art Institute (now the California Art Institute). He is best known for his costume design work for the long-running TV series "Dynasty" and especially for the looks that top stars Linda Evans, Joan  Collins and Diahann Carroll "featured". Miller exemplified the 80's Excess and Glamour Look.

Dynasty Divas: There were always LOTS of ruffles, lots of DRAMA, and yes, very, very STRONG SHOULDERS.

"The Colby's": Nolan Miller also designed for the "Dynasty" TV Show spinoff "The Colbys"--more shoulder pads, and more hand-beaded sequins darlings! Before he gained his "Shoulder Pad and Ruffle" TV Fame on that show as well as "Dynasty", Miller also was the Costume Designer for shows such as...

 "Charlie's Angels": Butch and Feminine Detective Chic

"The Love Boat": Hello Julie McCoy and her poly-jersey gathered off-the-shoulder "Cruise Ship" Dresses!

"Fantasy Island": Resort Glam

"Gilligan's Island": Ginger's sexy va-va-boom v-neck coral-colored sequined dress was designed by Nolan Miller

Branding and Licensing King:

Blouson Pattern: During the 80's, designer Nolan Miller also created McCall's Patterns--dresses, blouses and much more featuring those very shoulder-padded and BLOUSON'ed sleeves, nipped-in waists and over-all 80's "I-Got-Money-and-You-Don't" style--all based on "Dynasty" characters played by the ever-so-chic Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll.

Nolan Miller QVC: For 19 years, Nolan Miller was on QVC showcasing his fabulous "Nolan Miller Glamour Collection for QVC" jewelry and accessories; they were beautiful, colorful, costume-and Couture inspired and well, for 19 years, they did pretty well for him and QVC.  In 2011, he announced that he was retiring from QVC.



Nolan Miller on The Red Carpet:

Elizabeth Taylor in a Nolan Miller gown: Taylor wore it to the Golden Globes in 1985 when she received the Cecil
B deMille Award for her Outstanding Contribution in the Entertainment
Field. It went for $7,500 in the "Elizabeth Taylor Christie's Online Auction" last year.

Sophia Loren: Nolan Miller (left) and actress (and DIVA) Sophia Loren, wearing a Nolan Miller red gown at the 2000 Costume Designers Guild Awards.

Sketch Fab:

Illustration Fierce: Above are several Fashion Illustrations--including ones of "Dynasty" actresses and Muses Linda Evans and Joan Collins---Nolan Miller



Mr. Miller...

You will be missed. Thank you for inspiring a very young Greek-Venezuelan boy with a Dream!

[ INSPIRATION + ILLUSTRATION ] series by MELANIE BOYCHUK

[ INSPIRATION + ILLUSTRATION ] series by MELANIE BOYCHUK

Here is the latest Inspiration + Illustration series #3 for 2015 by Melanie Boychuk, illustrator contributor for FV. Here, she shows you her source of inspirations to create her illustration, source is Dress to Kill magazine.

You can also check out her website, missmel.com to view more of her work and to contact her if you need an illustrator for any projects. To also view her past illustration posts on FV, go here.

©MELANIE BOYCHUK illustration and Fashion Vignette layout. All rights reserved. No part of these images may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the illustrator.

Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's 1st Annual Wine Women And Shoes Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home: The Recap!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's 1st Annual Wine Women And Shoes Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home: The Recap!!!

An "Emerald Evening" in the Emerald City: Seattle!!

Seattle Chic: Nick Verreos with Seattle Diva Fashionista (and friend) Rose Dennis, Seattle Wine Women and Shoes Benefit Four Seasons Seattle

Last Thursday, I flew to Seattle--one of my FAVORITE cities in the US--to host Seattle's "Wine Women And Shoes" Event to benefit the Seattle Children's Home. This was the city's first ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Gala, and well, you can imagine, the pressure was on me, to BRING IT!

I arrived, checked in to my gorgeous Four Seasons Seattle Hotel--site of the event--and after hanging my "ensemble" up in the closet, I went straight to the event Ballroom to check out how all the preparations were going. But there was one HITCH: I realized, as I was unpacking, that I forgot to bring a tie. For now, read on...

How To Make Nick Happy? Check out the Seattle Four Seasons Welcome in my room

Now, before I get any further, I must point out the wonderful "Welcome to the Four Seasons Seattle Spread" that awaited me in my room-- bottle of red wine, shoe-and-wine-shaped cookies and a lovely "Welcome Note" from Four Seasons Seattle Director of Catering Kirk Sugamele. Now, seriously: That's a Welcome!!! I also made a "mental note" of the gorgeous bathtub in my hotel room, thinking "I will end up there after it's all over!" After going through what my duties would be as the Wine Women and Shoes Host-with-the-Most...

Pike Place Nick: Nick Verreos trench-coat'ing it in Seattle's Pike Place Market

I then headed to the iconic Seattle Landmark: Pike Place Market, for some lunch (I just knew I probably wouldn't eat for the next, well...eight hours!!!). I have been in Seattle like half-a-dozen times hosting events--but NEVER, got a chance to come here (I know, shame on me and my previous hosts!!). I did witness the "Flying Fish" guys and it was FAB!!! (those Fish Guys are kinda cute--just a bit smelly thank you very much!).

Now, I was ready to try and remedy my I-Forgot-To-Bring-A-Tie Problem...

Greek Goddess: Maria Christofilis, Founder and Creative Director of Anthousa Collection, Barneys NY Seattle

I had packed a fab suit with a lavender dress shirt but forgot to bring the TIE that went along with my ensemble!!! So, now I was in search of ONE purple/lilac/lavender tie--that would go with my shirt. I walked through Downtown Seattle near my hotel looking for a boutique/store that carried ties (the entire time angry at myself for forgetting to pack one, since I OWN about 150 TIES!!!). I spotted Barneys NY, and thought "OK, THEY will have a chic purple/lilac/lavender tie for me!". I stomped in and before I could head upstairs to the Men's Department, I heard "Nick!!!" I turned around and it was my good old friend, the ever-so-stylish (and my Greek Supermodel Sistah!!) Maria Christofilis, founder and creative director of Anthousa Collection, a luxury line of candles and Home Ambiance Fragrances which I D.I.E. for, and use in EVERY room of my house, studio...you name it , Anthousa is THERE!!!

The Man Who Saved The Night: Barneys NY Seattle Store Manager Christopher Nardi (left) and Nick Verreos, Barneys NY Seattle

She was standing next to a very well dressed man. Anyhow...after our Greek double-kisses, she asked "What are you doing here at Barneys Seattle?". I told her my predicament and before I could sprint to the upper Men's Floor, the man next to her, said "You Can Borrow my Tie...It's Hermes, it's purple-ish, and it's yours tonight!" It turns out that this man next to Maria, was Christopher Nardi, the Store Manager of Barneys NY Seattle and he told me in confidence that there were probably no purple ties upstairs (he would know!!). He was so kind that he actually TOOK OFF his hand-made lilac-colored Hermes tie and handed it to me!!!! Well, how could I not resist? I didn't!!! Now, my outfit was complete.

Lilac Hermes Tie: Nick Verreos on the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" pink carpet Step-and-Repeat, Four Seasons Seattle

The Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event was AMAZING!! I hosted a VIP pre-party--where VIP guests mingled and sampled hors d'oeuvres and champagne and got a fifteen minute (OK, maybe more!) "lecture" from moi, where I spoke of my "Welcome to Seattle Tie Incident" as well as how much I LOVE Seattle, and some DISH on Project Runway.

VIP Posing: Nick Verreos at the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event", Four Season Seattle

Afterward, I headed to the main Ball Room, where over 300 guests tasted lots of delicious wine, and sampled lots of FABULOUS fashions that they could purchase--with some proceeds going to the wonderful Seattle Children's Home.

Seattle Fierce: Nick Verreos with guests at "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" Four Season Seattle

I spent the next three hours (as guests arrived, sampled delicious canapes and wine, as well as tried on some of the participating vendors' jewelry and shoes)--on a microphone--making my "Red Carpet Commentating" on guests fab shoes, as well as their outfits--and telling them to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP--as well as partake in all the wine!!! I also judged a "Best Shoes" contest and awarded the most "Classy Classic" shoe, as well as best "Stunning Stiletto" and fiercest "Embellishment Extraordinaire" pump. I did a special "Runway Walk" with the winners (I think they loved that!).

Auction Table: A Custom One-of-a-Kind Nick Verreos Fashion Illustration

There was a special Silent Auction--and one of the items up for Auction was a One-of-a-Kind Fashion Illustration sketch by me, that I would sketch right then and there. The highest bidder/winner, a lovely and very fashionable woman by the name of Alana, was so ecstatic (and so SWEET!!) that I decided to do TWO sketches for her--as cameras and guests watched--it felt like one of those "Project Runway" Make-It-Work Moments: Do a Fabulous Fashion Illustration in Fifteen Minutes...Or Else!!

One was my "Vision for her in a Couture NIKOLAKI Gown" from my line (above). And then I decided to sketch her in the outfit she was wearing.

Winning Fashionista: The Winning Bidder, Alana Jan Koetje Morris of Mercer Island Washington...

And the second sketch I did of her

I absolutely had a blast hosting this First Ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Seattle event and I heard--from a little birdie--that the guests--as well as the clients--were also very happy. After a "good job done", I ventured up to my room, ordered in-room dining and passed out! Incidentally, I was so tired I didn't make it into my gorgeous Four Seasons Bathtub in my hotel room! Maybe next time!

*Click HERE for Team Photogenic and their exclusive video and photos of my event.

*Click HERE for more photos from Seattleite Magazine--including the Winners of the "Best Shoes" and more...

Inspirational Women: Iris Apfel

Inspirational Women: Iris Apfel

Illustration: Leo Greenfield

There's exactly one month to go until the launch of my book Style Forever and so I thought I'd share a little something with you. Alongside all the tips and anecdotes, I've interviewed a series of Inspirational Women including the formidable Iris Apfel. It was a joy to chat to the New York nonagenarian about style and age and other stuff; she's incredibly switched on and as sharp as a decorative hat pin. One of the things Iris said to me was:

'It's hard work getting to know yourself - the biggest fashion faux pas is to look in the mirror and see someone else. You need to know your faults and your assets, you must learn who you are and dress to suit your personality.'

She's definitely a woman who lives by her words and has the most wonderful, bohemian style.



Style Forever: the grown-up guide to looking fabulous is available to pre-order HERE

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 National Costumes--My Top Ten (there's a 11 because of a tie) Best!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 National Costumes--My Top Ten (there's a 11 because of a tie) Best!

Viva Feathers, Incan, Aztecan Empresses, UBER Sequins, a Fab Jumpsuit and yes, a Lady with a Torch...

 Statue of Fab Liberty: Miss USA Olivia Culpo--Is her costume one of my Faves? Read on...

Last Friday was the Miss Universe 2012 "National Costume Presentation Show". It was held at the same stage the "Miss Universe 2012" Finals will be this Wednesday--at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas. The Miss Universe pageant is famous for it's traditional "Parade of Nations" and frankly, I miss the good ol' days when the actual LIVE telecasts would begin with the girls introducing themselves in their national costumes, as host Bob Barker read their names and countries (I miss Bob Barker!). But alas, those days are waaaayyyy gone. Now, we have this "Presentation Show". I 'm just happy that at the very least, we--the fans--still get to see the costumes.

Nick Verreos Original Illustration--A Sketch I did of my imaginary "Miss Venezuela" presenting herself at the "Miss Universe Parade of Nations" many years ago

As a little boy, I would sketch all the Miss Universe contestants in their national costumes and it became a way for me to express my design and sketching talent--and keep myself busy (yes, kids, this was waaayyy before Facebook!). So you see, Miss Universe can help little boys--and also help as a Geography Lesson! But (as usual) I digress...let's discuss the Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Show--and my Top Favorites:



No. 1:

Miss China Ji Dan Xu: Miss Universe China dazzled the audience--and ME (!) watching the LIVE Ustream feed---on
Friday night as she entered the stage in her "National Costume". It was a
stand-out of a gown inspired by the Ming Dynasty vases accessorized by a
"fan" headdress. Probably THE BEST of this year's "Miss Universe 2012"...

I recognized it a couple of weeks ago in this post HERE that this "National Costume" was actually a creation from Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei's "Arabian 1002th Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection (photo above).



No. 2:

Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez: One word: WOW. Of all the Native
Feathered Incan/Aztec/Mayan Empress Goddess costumes that were seen on Friday night's Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Presentation Show, her's
was one of the most impressive. If not, the BEST of those styles. This costume was
supposed to represent all the silver that Mexico is famous for as well
as featured a back that highlighted the Mexican culture. Muy impresionante. To me, her costume came in a very close Second to China's.




No. 3:

Miss Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit: This was definitely one of THE BEST at the National Costume Presentation Show on Friday night and that is why she is here, at No. 3. The immense amount of sequins, crystals, paillettes, the colors, the applique sculptures. This was A WORK of Costume ART. It should be in a Museum. Like tomorrow. And I really, really hope whoever designed and created was payed A LOT of money for their work. And I hope they flew them First Class to Las Vegas to see their work on stage. It's the least the Miss Nicaragua Organization could have done.



No. 4:

Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: Nathalie delighted the audience in her sequined jumpsuit featuring blue, red and white (colors of the flag of the Netherlands) flowing chiffon and four moving mini "windmills" atop her shoulders. This was a fun, very creative way of displaying the wonder of the famous Dutch windmills. I loved how the mini windmills moved, the chiffon "blew" in the wind and her stacked platform heels matched her jumpsuit's sequin fabrication.Original, fun, well-made, stage-perfect and filled in the element of "Holland Pride". According to the script/notes that co-host Shanna Moakler read, it was designed by a Venezuelan designer.



No. 5:

Miss Israel Lina Makhuli: The "Star of David" Queen...or shall I say DIVA. This gown could be straight out of a Stephane Rolland Haute Couture runway show in Paris. I could easily see it in an awards show red carpet--sans the gold arm flaps, hood and Star of David, of course--but with all of those "bells and whistles", I applaud this and acknowledge it as a very COUTURE Runway-fabulous Miss Israel costume.



No. 6:

Miss Peru Nicole Faveron: This Peruvian QUEEN needs to be sitting on top of Machu Picchu ASAP! What a amazingly glorious costume: the corseted shorts-bodysuit, the wondrous and very elaborate cape, the crown with the Peruvian flag colored feathers...THOSE above-the-knee boots! Here's another costume that needs to be in a museum. One of the best I've ever seen!



No. 7:

Miss Panama Stephanie Vander Werf: I have NO IDEA how she got all them feathers through A) Customs and B) in some sort of a suitcase. I sure hope that Miss Panama Organization---or Government--somehow waived those luggage fees! This is a great Native Costume. It's perfect for the theme, dramatic, Miss Universe "Parade of Nations"-appropriate...and very Sexy Chica!



No. 8:

Miss Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft: Three words--She LIT UP! Notice in the photo how the sequins/crystals were actually lights that "lit" up. I LOVED this costume from Miss Universe Sri Lanka. The gold paillete column gown, the fan crystal-and-lights headdress...She looked like a Sri Lankan Goddess that I want to light incense in front of! For sure.



No. 9:

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus: Gabriela's costume was not your typical "Rio Carnival Queen" costume. And I have to admit, that is part of the reason I am giving her "Nick Points". I absolutely love the mural of BRASIL that is displayed on her dress; it is SPECTACULAR! And the colors, the feathers, the cut of the ensemble...all add up to one of my Top Ten!



No. 10:

Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: In terms of Costume Campy...Miss Universe Great Britain gets my vote! I want to know where I can get this jumpsuit! She's like "Wonder Woman UK". The Queen should be proud.



No. 10 (Tied!):

Miss USA Olivia Culpo: Olivia wore this "Statue of Liberty" Fantasy costume for the Miss Universe National Costume Presentation Show. The ensemble was designed and created by Costume Designer Martin Izquierdo and his team--which included Project Runway Season 6 alumn Nicolas Putvinski. Miss USA's costume is on my list of Top Miss Universe 2012 Costumes because, I think it perfectly blends a "US National" element with theater, with a great modern impact. Love how the headdress resembles a sparkling show of fireworks via metallic and sequined stars of various shapes and colors. All of that, therefore, puts her in my Top Ten (in a tie with Great Britain).



Click below to watch the Behind-the-Scenes of Miss USA's Costume--with Martin Izquierdo and Nicolas Putvinski (of Project Runway Season 6) in the background: