SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Competition Part 2: The Uh Oh!

 GURL!!!! Evening Gown NOT--Miss Sierra Leone Mariatu Dukuray and Miss Chinese Taipei Lyu Ying Li wore some Evening Gown "Uh Oh's!"--Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Final Competition

All Photos Courtesy of Miss Earth Pageant Facebook

As you read in my last post, the 2013 Miss Earth beauty pageant is happening and last night was the Evening Gown Final Competition--one of the important preliminary contests in the calendar for the finals coming up on December 7th...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Competition Part 1: The Best

Miss Earth 2013 Evening Gown Just Right : Miss Kosovo Donika Emini (left) and Miss Mexico Kristal Silva (right)

Photos Courtesy of Miss Earth Pageant Facebook

Well, it's almost the end of the year and we just finished with two "biggies" in terms of beauty pageants--Miss World and Miss Universe...but we're not done yet: the 13th edition of the Miss Earth Pageant is taking place in the Philippines with the Final Telecast occurring on December 7th at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntinlupa City (an outer suburb of the capital, Manila), Philippines. Miss Earth is an annual international pageant promoting environmental awareness. Along with Miss Universe and Miss World, it's one of three largest international beauty pageants--in terms of entrants. This year's edition is aligned with "The International Year of Water Cooperation".

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Señorita Colombia/Miss Universe Colombia 2013-2014 Paulina Vega

Señorita Colombia 2013 Paulina Vega Dieppa--"Miss Atlantico" will now represent "Miss Colombia" at next year's "Miss Universe 2014" beauty pageant

 Señorita Colombia 2013 Paulina Vega Dieppa

Crowning: Paulina Vega Dieppa "Miss Atalntico" (right) being crowned by "Miss Universe Colombia 2012" Carmen Lucia Aldana Roldán (left)

This month was a big pageant month being that the "Miss Universe 2013" pageant occurred earlier on November 9th. In all the excitement of the pageant and spending a lot of time writing fun blog postings about it; including the winner and the gowns...another beauty pageant that occurred just days afterward, escaped me: the "Señorita Colombia"/"Miss Universe Colombia 2013-2014". A couple of weeks ago, the 79th(!) edition of this national beauty contest happened, in the Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias on November 11th. The winner was Paulina Vega Dieppa. Paulina represented the coastal state of Atlantico.

ICE STYLE.....Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013: Men, Ice Dance

 Oh My! Costumed Boys...Misha Ge of Uzbekistan (left) and Taksuki Machida of Japan and their very colorful costumes at the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013

FIGURE SKATING Costume Fans: As you know, this past weekend was the Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013--the last Grand Prix competition before the Grand Prix Finals of this 2013-2014 Season. I talked about the LADIES and PAIRS of the Rostelecom Cup HERE in my last post. And now, it's time for the MEN and ICE DANCE. Let's get started:

ICE STYLE.....Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013: Ladies, Pairs

 Carolina Kostner Debuts Her New Short Program Costume--Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2013 Moscow Russia

This weekend was the Rostelecom Cup (or Cup of Russia) 2013--the final of six international competitions of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating for Season 2013-2014 all leading up to the Grand Prix Final. Rostelecom Cup was held at the Small Sports Arena of Luzhniki in Moscow Russia. I've discussed a lot of the costumes for the previous Grand Prix of this season and you can find those under the "Categories" section on the right side of this blog entitled "Ice Style". So, for now, it's time to discuss the Costumes Recap of the Rostelecom Cup 2013 and the Ladies and Pairs...

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Naya Rivera in Michael Kors

 

Naya Rivera in Michael Kors: "Glee" star Naya Rivera wore this black jersey slithering gown with a (very open!) keyhole front, mock-neck, long sleeves and train for days! What do I think? It's very "Sex-a-licious Elvira".

I think that this gown focuses too much on her "Sistahs" and I can't even think about anything else (and not in a good way). And, I love me a good train, but this one seemed unnecessary. On a positive note: her hair and makeup were perfect!

So...Is this Too Sexy or Not Sexy Enough? What do you guys think?

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards: Zendaya Coleman in Donna Karan

Zendaya Coleman in Donna Karan Resort 2014: Beautiful actress/singer/dancer Zendaya wore this white ensemble featuring an off-the-shoulder asymmetrical top and pants from Donna Karan's Resort 2014 Collection . I loved this look on her; it was modern and easy-breezy chic. I also loved her hair: it looked fabulous!

I might have not have suggested those big silver stacked heels and opted for strappy ones. She's 5' 10" and didn't need those platforms.

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Heidi Klum in Marchesa

Heidi Klum in Marchesa Spring 2014: I love Miss Heidi but I have to admit that this is not my favorite look on her.

I am sure this Marchesa Spring 2014 dress up close is gorgeous with all that netting, silk lace, tulle and organza appliques and on the runway, it looked quite interesting but...all of that PLUS the fringe was a but too "Argentinian Flapper Dancer" confusing. But more importantly, what did you guys think? 

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Taylor Swift in Julien Macdonald

Taylor Swift in Julien Macdonald Fall 2013: Taylor wore this Gold Beaded Strapless Micro-Mini Cocktail Dress from Julien Macdonald's latest Fall Collection.

I think this dress was the perfect choice for Taylor. Swift is always one of the best dressed women on the Red Carpet and she rarely makes a misstep (It doesn't hurt that she has a Supermodel Body!). This was no exception and she smartly switched out the heels worn on the Runway for the FANTASTIC Jimmy Choo ‘Madison’ strappy sandals.

I also loved the the Brigette Bardot hair and minimal jewelry. Good Job Taylor!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Katy Perry in Oscar de la Renta

Katy Perry in Oscar de la Renta Spring 2014: Katy wore this Black Strapless Tulle Ballgown with White Polka Dots and Floral Embroidery.

Perry looks absolutely lovely in this very lady like gown, but always seems to have fun and add a bit of whimsy to everything she wears. She accessorized the look with a Olympia Le-Tan ‘Webster’s New World Dictionary’ box clutch and oversized Flower Ring.

Love the strong Red lips and am happy she didn't wear the veil!!!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....American Music Awards 2013: Lady Gaga in Versace

Lady Gaga in Versace Spring 2014: Lady Gaga never fails to make an entrance, and she didn't disappoint tonight at the AMA's arriving on a white "War Horse" style horse:

She did, however, disappoint me a bit in the Lavender Silk Chiffon Versace Gown that she wore. I would have loved to have seen something a bit more dramatic to go along with the entrance instead of an off-the-runway style. I'm sure Donatella would have made her anything she wanted. After all she did just write a song about her!!

I would have loved to have seen a over the top Versace chain mail gown or take the Guinevere theme even further.

What do you think?!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....14th Annual Latin Grammys Red Carpet: The Worst Dressed

 Bunny Ears No: Natalie Cole--14th Annual Latin  Grammy Awards, Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas Nevada

In my last post HERE, I discussed the "Muy Bien!" of the 2013 Latin Grammy Awards which occurred on Thursday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. So, now it's time for your favorite: the "Ayyyy Mija!"--or in English, the "What Were You Thinking?" group. And yes, kids, there were plenty...Let's begin with the MEN:

Ricky Martin: First off, Ricky has made a pact with the Beauty Devil; he looks THE SAME he looked ten years ago! His face, his hair...soooo handsome! Very, very good genes and yes, oh so super cute! But this tuxedo ensemble is not. It would have been perfectly fine, if it were not for whatever is hanging from the jacket hem (or did that come from the pants?). I just don't understand it. Someone like him, with his iconic background should just be giving simple, elegant black tie. Period. I love the printed tuxedo, that's fine. He can be "different" that way. But the extra stuff? What is that? So unnecessary. But, let me remind you (on a good note)...

 From the chest up: PERFECTION! And, at least, he didn't look like these next two:

WHO WORE WHAT?.....14th Annual Latin Grammys Red Carpet:The Muy Bien

 Sequin Bella: Roselyn Sanchez at the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Press Room--Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada

Last night was the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Nevada. As usual there was A LOT of color and A LOT of sparkle when it came to the "red carpet"--I put it in quotes because it was actually yes, NOT red. So, let's start my "Who Wore What? Latin Grammys 2013" on a positive note with the "Muy Bien!" group. And don't you worry kids, I'll have an "Ayyy Mija!" blog posting afterwards!

ROYAL COUTURE.....Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain, U.S. Ambassador to Spain Party

 Princess Letizia and Prince Felipe of Spain--U.S. Ambassador to Spain Party, Beverly Hills

Last week, the Crown Prince of Spain, Felipe and Princess Letizia had an official visit to California and besides some formal day events and appearances, they also were feted in style. Of note in particular, they attended a party given by the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, James Costos. When I saw the photos from this event, I almost glossed over it...

FIDM.....FIDM Los Angeles Fall 2013 Open House Alumni Panel RECAP!

 

SMILE: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

This past Saturday, I had the honor of MC'ing the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's Fall 2013 Open House at the Los Angeles campus. The FIDM Open House is a way for high school--as well as post grad's--who are interested in careers in fashion, graphic design, styling, visual merchandising, apparel industry, product development...to check out the FIDM campus, meet its faculty, Almuni and staff. And yes, join me as I host a fun panel discussion!

ICE STYLE.....2013 Trophée Eric Bompard: Men and Ice Dance!

Canadian Male Figure Skater--and Gold medalist--Patrick Chan--Trophée Eric Bompard 2013

 Top Three: (left to right) Silver medalist Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, gold medalist Patrick Chan of Canada, and bronze medalist Jason Brown of the US--Trophée Eric Bompard 2013

In my last post HERE, I recap'ed the "Costume Highlights" of this past weekend's Trophée Eric Bompard 2013 Paris France of the Ladies and Pairs, so it's now time to talk about the MEN and ICE DANCE. I have discussed most--or at least--a lot of the men (and their costumes) here in my blog for this season's Grand Prix and you can see those reviews HERE (Skate America), HERE (Skate Canada), HERE (Cup of China) and HERE (NHK Trophy)...so for this one, I want to just talk about one guy and his Short Program costume I have not discussed and that's Yuzuru Hanyu:

ICE STYLE.....2013 Trophée Eric Bompard: Ladies and Pairs!

Bonjour Trophée Eric Bompard 2013: Gold medalist Ashley Wagner from the US (left) and Russian Pairs skaters Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov (left)

The fifth of six international figure skating competition of the 2013-2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating--2013 Trophée Eric Bompard--occurred over the weekend at the Palais Omnisports de Bercy in Paris France

 Paris France--site of the Trophée Eric Bompard ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013/2014

I've discussed the Costumes of the previous four Grand Prix Figure Skating Competitions--Skate America, Skate Canada, Cup of China and NHK Trophy here on my blog (see Categories Section "Ice Style" on the right of this blog), so naturally, it's now time to talk about the costumes seen at 2013 Trophée Eric Bompard--Let's begin with the LADIES:

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Tim Gunn Hosts New Series "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"

 Tim Gunn--Photo Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

 Nick Verreos--One of three Mentors of new Lifetime Series "Under The Gunn"

I am very excited to officially announce my participation as a Mentor in this fabulous new Tim Gunn-hosted series...Here's all the DISH from THR/The Hollywood Reporter:

Lifetime Orders Tim Gunn-Hosted Fashion Series

"Under the Gunn" will debut in January and feature "Project Runway" favorites Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos.

Lifetime is expanding its fashion empire.

The female-skewing cable network has picked up Under the Gunn, a new fashion competition series hosted by Emmy winner Tim Gunn.

The series, which will premiere Jan. 16 at 9 p.m., will feature Project Runway alums Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos mentoring and managing a fashion empire with 15 up-and-coming designers. Each of the three mentors will have a team of designers to manage, coach, cheerlead and nurture with tough love.

Click HERE to continue reading... 

And here are links to more articles about the new show from...
Deadline Hollywood
Entertainment Weekly
The LA Times 

NICK APPEARANCES.....FIDM Los Angeles Open House: Saturday November 16, 11 AM

This Saturday, November 16th, I will be on the LA Campus for a very special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles Fall 2013 Open House! Open House is an event designed to help prospective students get to know the College, meet Alumni, instructors, facilities and get a sense of the College as a whole and all that it has to offer. As you already may know, I am an alum of FIDM as well as the College's Official Spokesperson.

 Nick Verreos Hosts the "Career Stardom" Panel--FIDM Los Angeles Open House 2013, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles Campus, Saturday November 16th

This upcoming Saturday, I am so excited to host and make a special appearance at the “Career Stardom” panel, as part of the FIDM Open House 2013. The panel will include former FIDM Alumni that will share success stories and advice from their educational and career experiences.

ICE STYLE.....2013 NHK Trophy: Men and Ice Dance!

Japan and Russia Costume Highlights: Male figure skater Daisuke Takahashi of Japan (left) and Ice Dance team of Elena KIlinykh and Nikita Katsalapov of Russia (right)

 Daisuke Fans: A scene at Yoyogi National Gymnasium Tokyo Japan while Japan's Daisuke Takahashi is about to skate

Wrapping up my Costumes Recap for this past weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013 NHK Trophy, in my last post HERE I talked about the LADIES and PAIRS so now, it's time for the MEN and ICE DANCE. Once again, I've discussed some of these skaters already in some previous posts for Skate America 2013, Skate Canada 2013 or Cup of China 2013--and some I have not. Oh, and there are more Costume Changes! Let's begin...

ICE STYLE.....2013 NHK Trophy Costumes Recap Part One: Ladies and Pairs!

This past weekend was 2013 NHK Trophy. NHK Trophy is the fourth--out of six--event of the 2013-2014 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. It was held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. I've already covered some of the costumes seen at Skate America, Skate Canada and Cup of China under the "Ice Style" Category here on my NICKVERREOS.COM Blog (you can find the "Categories" on the right side of the blog). Therefore, now it's time to discuss the Figure Skating Costumes at the 2013 NHK Trophy.

A Full House: Japanese figure skating fans pack the Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo Japan to see their favorite figure skaters at 2013 NHK Trophy

I watched the competitions on Universal Sports and NBC and it was great seeing a PACKED house of very excited figure skating fans. During the Ladies and Men's competitions, one could see people up in the nose-bleed sections--Japan LOVES Figure Skating that is for sure! It was a big contrast to some of the already-occurred Grand Prix events which were half-empty in terms of attendance. So, Good Job Japan!!! Now, let's talk about the Costumes: some of the costumes I have already discussed in my Skate America, Skate Canada or Cup of China posts and some I haven't so, with that being said, Time for the Ladies and Pairs of 2013 NHK Trophy...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 EVENING GOWN Recap: Top 10 Gowns + More

Thumbs Up: Maria Gabriela Isler "Miss Venezuela" and new "Miss Universe 2-13" gives the thumps-up after winning "Miss Universe 2013" beauty pageant--Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia

Last night a new "Miss Universe" was crowned. 25 year-old, 5' 10" tall Maria Gabriela Isler--of Venezuelan Spanish/Mestiza (mixed) and Swiss/German descent (her grandfather is from Switzerland and she holds dual Venezuelan and Swiss citizenship) beat out 85 other beauties from all over the world for the top crown. She was one of the favorites and yes, she was on my Top 15 Predictions List --I got TEN out of the actual Top 16--and I also predicted FIVE "extras"--take a look HERE.

Top Two Besos: (left to right) "Miss Venezuela" Gabriela Isler and "Miss Spain" Patricia Rodrguez--Miss Universe 2013 Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia

Gown Wrap-Up--Let's begin with the outgoing "Miss Universe 2012" Olivia Culpo, and what she wore:

SASHES AMD TIARAS.....Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler WINS Miss Universe 2013

 Bella Molly: Maria Gabriela Isler, "Miss Venezuela" becomes "Miss Universe 2013"--Miss Universe Pageant Crocus City Hall Krasnogorsk Moscow Oblast, Russia

Last night at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow Russia, a new "Miss Universe" was crowned: Maria Gabriela Isler became the SEVENTH beauty from Venezuela to be crowned "Miss Universe"! Gabriella--or "Molly" as her closets of friends call her--was a front-runner from the minute she arrived in Moscow several weeks ago ahead of the international beauty pageant.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....My Top 15 Semi-Finalists Predictions for Miss Universe 2013

Just one more day until we find out WHO will be crowned MISS UNIVERSE 2013 in Moscow Russia! The web and all the Missosologists (Pageant Aficionados), are all abuzz with the "Prediction Game", i.e. who will be the Top 15/Top 5/The Winner...So, naturally, I had to get in the game and announce MY TOP 16--Top 15 + the Internet Fan Vote. These are the contestants I think will make it to the Semi-Finalist round to then go for the Top Crown. I've also added some--as they say in Spanish--batacazos, which translates into "stroke of luck", meaning the girls that might make it into the Semi-Finals if my other picks do not. There are so many good contenders for Miss Universe 2013 that well, I had to add some "extras". It is probably a FOR SURE chance that the next Miss Universe is in this group below...All Photos courtesy of MissUniverse.com

So here are MY PREDICTIONS in alphabetical order (of country):

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway All Stars Season 3 Model Manon Krol, "NV Nick Verreos" Muse

 Model All Stars: Model Manon Krol on Lifetime's "Project Runway All Stars Season 3" Episode One (left), and Episode Three (right) looks--both from contestant/designer Viktor Luna

I was soooo excited to see Dutch-born NY-based model Manon Krol on Lifetime Network's "Season 3 Project Runway All Stars" for many reasons....First of all, she's GORGEOUS! And most of all, because for the last year, I have used her as my "muse" for my NV Nick Verreos Contemporary Dress line that I launched at Dillard's and Lord & Taylor during Summer 2013. She is not only super beautiful but oh-so-sweet! And yeah, she's 6 feet tall and has a superhuman body! Last night, Manon wore the winning look from designer Viktor Luna and I wish her all the best on "Project Runway All Stars Season 3"!

Here are some pics from our NV Nick Verreos Behind-the-Scenes Look Book photo shoots as well as Manon in my NV Nick Verreos dresses...

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2013 Preliminaries EVENING GOWNS: The Oh Dear! List

 

GURLLL!!!! What Were You Thinking? Miss Belgium Noemi Happart and Miss Turks & Caicos Snwazna Adams try to smile while ending up in my "Oh Dear!" Miss Universe 2013 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown List--Crocus City Hall Moscow Russia
All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Well, fellow Pageant Fanatics, in my last post HERE I've discussed my Top 20 BEST GOWNS from last night's 2013 Miss Universe Preliminary Competition so naturally, you know what comes next...THE "UH OH!!/Oh Dear!/What Was She Thinking?" List. Every time one of these girls came on stage, I yelled a loud "OOOOOHHHHHH!!!" and then smiled and remembered why I LOVE watching beauty pageants, especially the Miss Universe Preliminaries. So, let's get to it...in reverse order from "Uh Oh" to "OH NO SHE DIDN'T" Worst, here's my "Top 13" List--Enjoy and I welcome any and all of your comments and thoughts of course!