NIKOLAKI Collection Minute: NIKOLAKI Gowns at Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out!

NIKOLAKI Collection Minute: NIKOLAKI Gowns at Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out!

Gown Fantastic:

Red Carpet at Fashion's Night Out 2012 Beverly Center: NIKOLAKI Couture gowns displayed at the FIDM Debut Designer Exhibition, Beverly Center  

Photo Courtesy of Brian Sanderson, FIDM Publications Photography

A little over two weeks ago was Fashion's Night Out all over the US--and the World, on September 6th. If you've been following my travails, travels and this blog, you may remember that on that date, I was in New York City celebrating Fashion's Night Out at the Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship with hundreds of shoppers and "Project Runway" fans who came out to "hang out" with the Project Runway Designers--including moi, of course. I was also there to unveil the dress I designed for the first ever "Project Runway 10th Anniversary Dress Collection".

It was a blast of course, but all the way on the other side of the country--on the West Coast, my dresses were also been exhibited but without me unfortunately--at the exciting "FIDM Debut Designer Exhibition" at the Beverly Center.

Left to right: Lucy Hale, Lisa Love and Kendall Jenner, Fashion's Night Out 2012 Beverly Center Photo Courtesy of Andrew Furnevel Photography

The Beverly Center was the epicenter of LA's FNO events. The night was launched by Vogue West Coast Editor Lisa Love, actress and singer Lucy Hale and reality show lovely Kendall Jenner (of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians"). This happened on September 6 and then from Friday September 7th-Sunday September 9th, the Beverly Center had a special tableaux in the Center Court of Level 6, showing designs from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut Designers.

 Photo Courtesy of Andrew Furnevel Photography

FIDM Debut is the Advanced Fashion design program of the college I attended and graduated from. I was a Debut student--back "in the day" (don't EVEN think about finding out the YEAR!)--and so my Alma Mater asked me if I could lend them some of my NIKOLAKI red carpet creations to be displayed as part of this three-day exhibition--alongside other Debut graduates (some of which I was their instructor!).

The Exhibition: FIDM Debut Designer Exhibition, Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out Weekend

Photo Courtesy of Brian Sanderson, FIDM Publications Photography

The other FIDM Debut Designers that were featured in the exhibition included Brenda Ahamad, Randy Lee Donato, Justin Green, Paul Hernandez, Michael Pinpin, Natalia Romano, Clay Sadler and Valentina Vardanyan. I never got to see the actual display since I was out of town and it came down before I returned to Los Angeles, but luckily, my "friends" at FIDM took these pics here.



Here are a couple more photos of the exhibition:

View from Above: FIDM Debut Designer Exhibition Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out 2012 Weekend

Photo Courtesy of Brian Sanderson, FIDM Publications Photography

FIDM Debut Tableaux: Gowns from FIDM Debut Graduates/Designers, Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out 2012 Weekend

 Photo Courtesy of Brian Sanderson, FIDM Publications Photography

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--My Recap from Vegas!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--My Recap from Vegas!

Pageant Sin City: Beauty Queens, Shopping, Chocolates, and a Sleeping Carnation Polar Bear....

Well Dressed Boys: Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI, at Miss Universe 2012 Pageant--Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater Las Vegas

Last Tuesday, my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion crimes, David Paul and I flew to "Sin City" Las Vegas to attend the 61st Annual Miss Universe Pageant. If I am not mistaken, I think this made it my FOURTH time attending a Miss Universe competition. I went to the one in Los Angeles at the old Shubert Theater in Century City when Norway's Mona Grudt was crowned Miss Universe 1990 (TWENTY TWO years ago-- Yes, I was FIVE! LOL!). I also attended the Miss Universe 1996 Pageant six years later in Las Vegas at the old Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts, when Venezuela's Alicia Machado was crowned Miss Universe and then...

Nancy O'Dell (in NIKOLAKI Custom) and Carlos Ponce--hosts of Miss Universe 2006

I went to the Miss Universe 2006 Pageant which was held at the Shrine Auditorium in LA. Puerto Rico's Zuleika Rivera was crowned Miss Universe that year and the co-host Nancy O'Dell wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns. So...it has been six years since I have attended a Miss Universe pageant, as you can see.

   Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

David and I arrived in Las Vegas and stayed at the Aria Resort and Casino. It was very nice; let's just say it was  a more "civilized" way to stay in Las Vegas. When I hosted an event not too long ago at Crystals City Center in Las Vegas, I stayed at the Vdara. It was exquisite and yet, I found myself sneaking over to the Aria while I was there. So...this time, I wanted to try Aria and it was fab!

Yummy-licious: The delicious offerings at Jean Philippe Patisserie, Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas

While in Las Vegas, we did some hotel-hopping and shopping naturally. We're not gamblers except for the fact that David does love the "Wheel of Fortune" slot machines:

So...we ventured to the Bellagio, Caesars Forum Shops, did some retail damage at the World's Largest H&M there, checked out the Crystals at CityCenter and event trekked it--by foot--all the way to the Fashion Show Mall--where we made a "Style Beeline" to TopShop and TopMan of course. Here are some photos:

Tree Couture: The Christmas Tree at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 2012 Winter Holiday Display

 Rockin' Horse: a scene from the Bellagio Las Vegas 2012 Winter Holiday Display, Bellagio Las Vegas Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Bear Fab: a "Sleeping Polar Bear", made of carnations--Bellagio Las Vegas Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 2012 Winter Holiday Display

 GG Window: Gucci at Crystals City Center

David and David: David Paul of NIKOLAKI  (and one of our several H&M shopping bags!) in front of a "David by Michelangelo" replica at Caesars Las Vegas

 Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino--site of Miss Universe 2012 Pageant

But soon, it was time to get ready to go to Planet Hollywood and attend Miss Universe 2012. The pageant began at 5pm and our tickets stipulated that we had to be in our seats by 4:30pm. It was being taped LIVE to show at 8pm in the East Coast and yes, all around the world. There was a major flurry of activity outside the theater--lots of pageant fans, beauty queens with their crowns and sashes, fabulous drag queens--in crowns and sashes, supporters of all the different international contestants vying for the Miss Universe 2012 crown. It almost seemed like the better SHOW might be OUTSIDE the theater than inside. The biggest--and most visible--contingencies of fans came from the Philippines, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, USA...all the biggies when it comes to Pageant-Lovin' nations/territories.

One of my favorites where the one that were there to support Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen (above, in her National Costume). There were about 25 people carrying huge "Miss Spain" banners and flags, all dressed in Flamenco-like ensembles, with toreador/bolero jackets, black hats, red roses, screaming "España!"...it was a sight to behold! I wish I had taken a photo of them but I was all frazzled trying to get in line to get into the theater to get to my seat in time!

We finally took our seats and right as the show was about to begin, I spotted my "Project Style" co-spokesperson, Style Network DIVA--and friend--the one and only Jeannie Mai, running up the aisle to get to her "Miss Universe 2012 Reporting/Correspondent" post. I think I must have tripped over seven people in my row so I could get a quick kiss and wish her (and that great cleavage of hers!) "Good Luck". She looked fabulous--as always!

The show was a lot of fun (Spoiler Alert: Miss USA Olivia Culpo won! LOL!) and I was super happy that I got to see it--especially with David. David kept laughing because sooooo many people kept stopping me--and recognizing me, wanting to take photos, hugs, etc. I loved that most everyone of them also added "We LOVE your Blog!". That really made my night. I felt like a Miss Universe myself. Here are some fun pics I got from the night:

Fans of Janine Tugonon "Miss Philippines" share the love with me--Miss Universe 2012 Planet Hollywood Theater Las Vegas

Honorary Asiana: Nick Verreos with Lisa Chang (left) and Monica Mapa (right)--Monica is Actor/Comedian/Diva Alec Mapa's sister, by the way!

Work That Walk: Nick Verreos with Miss Universe Runway Coach, the ever-so-FABULOUS Lu Celania Sierra--God I LOVE her!!! She puts the "F" in FIERCE. Seriously.

Viva Mexico: Nick Verreos with the beautiful Karin Ontiveros, Miss Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2010--Karin was the "Miss Mexico" in Miss Universe 2011--Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

 Sancocho Gorgeous: Nick Verreos and Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2012 Bodine Koehler --she was one of the favorites to win the title this year but unfortunately--and inexplicably--she did not even place--she was one of my Miss Universe 2012 Best Gowns Girls and had one of the most amazing figures of all the 89 ladies.

Nick Verreos with Miss Trinidad and Tobago Avionne Mark--loved her jersey purple dress, and yes, she was EsssSTUNNING! ---Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Finally, I was soooo happy to get a photo with...

Miss Universe Bahamas--Celeste Marshall's-- family! That's her Grandma--very elegant in a black gown (second from left) and her mommie (in the pink (fourth from left).

 Celeste Marshall, Miss Universe Bahamas 2012 and modeling one of our NIKOLAKI gowns, Islands of The World Fashion Week

As you may know, Celeste modeled for me when she was all but 16 years old when David and I showed our collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008 in The Bahamas and she was one of our favorite models. I ran into her family after the show and well, before you know  it, I almost took them home--back to LA--with me! They were so sweet, so generous and a Class Act. Typical Bahamian! And it was a great way to end my night in Las Vegas attending the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant.

Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Emmy TV Minute:

Today in Fashion Fab: (Left to right) Carl Bell (Weathercaster for the weekend editions for "Today In LA NBC"), "Today In LA Weekend" Anchors Ted Chen, Michelle Valles, and Nick Verreos

Last weekend was Emmy Awards time and as it has become a tradition, I was asked to go to visit my NBC-LA friends as the Fashion and Museum Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--to give my "Nick Two Cents" on what I thought the "Red Carpet Trends for the Emmys 2012" would be before the actual Emmy Awards and then I returned the day after to give my Emmys Fashion Round Up.

Speaking of the Emmy Awards and Costumes and FIDM--just so you know--the winning designs for this year's Emmy Awards "Outstanding Costumes for a Series" was HBO's "Game of Thrones" (above photo) and yes...

They are featured at this year's "6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design" Exhibition at FIDM Museum & Galleries. And don't forget, they are open (Tuesday through Saturday) until October 20th and best of all, it's FREE. Go check it out (if you haven't!).

Now, let's discuss my predictions: last Saturday prior to the Emmy Awards 2012 Live Telecast, I went on NBC-LA Channel 4 "Today in LA" weekend news program with anchors Ted Chen and Michelle Valles to discuss what I thought would be the Red Carpet Trends using gowns from my very own NIKOLAKI Collection. I mentioned "The High Low Hem":

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul "high-low hem" gowns

And that came true in various forms, including the black Zac Posen gown "Mad Men" actress January Jones wore:

I also talked about COLOR--particularly corals, reds, etc. being a possible big trend--and lo and behold, they were:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul coral colored gown and Ginnifer Goodwin in a Monique Lhullier coral and nude gown (also High-Low Hem BTW!)

Finally, I told Ted and Michelle on NBC-LA "Today in LA" weekend show that full-on sequins would be a presence on Emmy Awards 2012 red carpet...and it was:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul, and Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad all-over sequin gown

NBC-LA News Anchors Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams and Fashion Designer FIDM Spokesperson Nick Verreos

On Monday after the Emmy Awards, I had the pleasure of being invited back to the NBC-LA Burbank Studios to discuss my "Top Picks" and those styles that well, were great but "Needed Improvement!". For the NBC-LA Channel 4 5 o'clock News, I joined my FAVORITE Anchors Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry. In case you were wondering, my Best Dressed was...

Heidi Klum in seafoam green Alexandre Vauthier silk chiffon double-slit gown. Perfect Miss Heidi.

To finish off my NBC-LA appearances over the weekend, I also shot a fun TV segment with Ted Chen showing "How to Dress for Red Carpet Events" on less than $100, featuring looks from the wonderful FIDM Scholarship Store, located in Downtown LA, street level at FIDM LA Campus.

Gown Sale: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

Fashionista Jewelry Options: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

I was so excited to film a special TV segment with NBC-LA's Ted Chen showing how women can dress for their own "Red Carpet" events but not spend thousands and thousands of dollars. The FIDM Scholarship Store is great for that. It has LOTS and LOTS of gowns, cocktail dresses, for under $100 from BRAND name designers--that would work perfectly at events such as the Emmys.

Strapless Girls: Nick Verreos, with models (left to right) Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

Joining me on the NBC-LA "Red Carpet Under $100" segment were three of my favorite models in Southern California including Amanda Fields, Etirsa, and Zdenka Sutton.

Gown Prom Dates: FIDM Spokesperson and Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and NBC-LA's Ted Chen join models Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

We all had so much fun shooting the segment and hopefully (if you watched it), we were helpful in getting the message out there that you don't have to spend $50,000 to look Red Carpet Fab!