PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under the Gunn Episode 7 Recap: Steampunk

Mentor Steampunk: (Left to right) Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos--Griffith Park's "Travel Town" Los Angeles--Episode 7 "Steampunk Chic" Project Ruwnay: Under The Gunn

This week on Lifetime Network's "Project Runway: Under The Gunn", it was the Avant-Garde challenge. The theme was Steampunk.  In case you might be "out of the look", Steampunk style deals with fashion inspired from the genre of science fiction, which is inspired by steam-powered machinery and involves an "alternative world" of both 19th Century Victorian and American "Wild West" as well as a post-apocalyptic world involving retro-futurism. Yep: go figure...

Where's the first "Under The Gunn" Winner? Mentor Nick Verreos with designers Natalia Fedner, Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Stephanie Ohnmacht at "Travel Town"/Griffith Park--Episode 7 "Steampunk Chic" Project Runway: Under The Gunn

I was excited to be mentoring this challenge for my designers, mainly because I LOVE an Avant-Garde Challenge and because of Season 11 "Project Runway" winner Michelle Lesniak and her Finale Collection. It wasn't until Michelle that I truly became aware of what Steampunk even was (Thank You Michelle!). We drove to Griffith Park's "Travel Town" very early in the morning to film the Challenge Introduction:

WHO WORE WHAT?.....86th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet Predictions: Sandra Bullock

Academy Award-nominated actress Sandra Bullock

"Gravity" actress Sandra Bullock has been looking quite chic and sexy on the red carpet as of late. I really liked the Lanvin strapless gown showing A LOT of leg which she wore...

 At the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards and...

 This sexy metallic strapless column gown above from French designer Roland Mouret at the 2014 Directors Guild Awards.

For the 86th Annual Academy Awards this Sunday, I would LOVE to see Sandra in something like this:

My suggestion for the gorgeous Bullock is a gown from Giambattista Valli and his Spring 2014 Haute Couture collection....

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2014: This is a gorgeous strapless ball gown in ivory silk duchesse with hand-sewn royal blue sequin appliqués --and more importantly, it also has a slit to show Bullock's wonderfully toned legs; it is entrance-making and on-trend in terms of the fuller ball gown shape.

I also love the big abstract pewter bracelet--so modern with such a classic pretty gown.

WHO WORE WHAT?.....86th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet Predictions: Cate Blanchett

Actress Cate Blanchett

The "Blue Jasmine" Academy Award-nominated Actress, Cate Blanchett, is a Fashion Muse--with her perfect model stature, lean figure and almost regal demeanor. Although Blanchett is known to be an Armani loyal fan and wore one of his creations beautifully at the 2014 Golden Globes, she has worn different designers lately. Of note, she looked fabulous in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards... 

Blue Jasmine Ball Gowns: Two looks from Armani Prive Spring 2014 Haute Couture collection

For Sunday's 2014 Academy Awards, I think she will go back to Armani and specifically Armani Prive Spring 2014. The designer's collection showed lots of strapless ball gowns that Blanchett would easily wear and look marvelous in (sans the couture sequined "shower cap" of course!). These gowns are very "safe" even for Blanchett's fashion-forward standards but I feel that for such a big night, she might go that route. Would I rather hope she went the non-safe fashion route? Yes, definitely. But, we will soon see on Sunday.

FIDM.....Nick Verreos KTLA's Gayle Anderson Oscars Costumes, FIDM Museum

 Nick Verreos Van and Costume Boy: Ready to film TV segments with KTLA's Gayle Anderson at the FIDM Museum & Galleries' "The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Yesterday, I was up very early to film LIVE TV segments with the fabulous Gayle Anderson of KTLA Channel 5 Morning News at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM and FIDM Museum for the 22nd Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition.

WHO WORE WHAT?.....86th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet Predictions: Amy Adams

Amy Adams, Academy Award Nominee for Best Actress

Amy Adams is nominated for "Best Actress" for playing a glamorous grifter in "American Hustle". In the film she exudes a sex-a-licious vibe in those fabulous vintage Halston and Bob Mackie jersey dresses...

Reviewing her most recent red carpet appearances, I can see that possibly she might have been "influenced" by her "American Hustle" character. Case in point; her plunging neckline Valentino gown she wore at the 2014 Golden Globes. Adams normally loves strong colors and fitted shapes. With that in mind, I'd love to see her in something not so fitted and more "Euro Royalty" looking. One of my favorite gowns from this most recent Paris Haute Couture fashion week was this lace gown with open back and bat-wing like sleeves from the Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2014 Collection. I would love to see Amy Adams in this gorgeous dress:

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under the Gunn, Nick's Looks of Episode 6

Mentor Style: (L to R) Mondo Guerra, Nick Verreos and Anya Ayoung-Chee--Episode 6 "Pompeii Team Challenge" Project Runway: Under The Gunn

Time for "Nick's Looks"--my weekly blog on my Mentor fashion. For this past week's Episode 6--we visited the beautiful Getty Villa/J. Paul Getty Museum in Pacific Palisades, where the designers had a challenge to create looks inspired by the Getty Villa and new film "Pompeii". On the morning of this episode, of course we had no idea where we were going, we were only told the night before that the Challenge introduction would not be at FIDM but instead "off site". We drove and drove until we arrived at the Getty Villa. It was a very windy and slightly cold (for Southern California standards) morning--as you can see from our coats/jackets above.

Thurston Nick III: I wore a vintage navy blue double breasted jacket I found in a thrift store ages ago, a Zara blue striped dress shirt with white French cuffs and collar, jeans, a Robert Talbott orange printed silk scarf and my Marc Jacobs cuff links. It was my "Thurston Howell III of Gilligan's Island" look, or at least that's how I made fun of myself. I should have also brought a swimsuit to go into that pool--but I'm sure I might have gotten kicked off the premises, only to be "black-listed" from the Getty Villa!

ICE STYLE....."Olympic Ice" show Discussing Ladies Figure Skating Costumes

 Nick Verreos--special guest on NBCOlympics.com "Olympic Ice" show with hosts, 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes and Russ Thaler, discussing Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Ladies Short Program costumes

Last week, the day of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Ladies Short Program, I was invited back on NBCOlympics.com streaming show "Olympic Ice", where all things Figure Skating are discussed. The hosts are 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes and Russ Thaler, sports anchor and commentator. I had filmed a segment days before with them--via SKYPE--commentating on the Figure Skating Costumes that we had seen so far into the competitions, so I was honored to be back on.

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under The Gunn, Episode 6 Recap

Nick Verreos, Getty Villa/J. Paul Getty Museum, Pacific Palisades California--Episode 6 "Pompeii Team Challenge" Project Runway: Under The Gunn

This past week's episode of Lifetime's "Project Runway: Under the Gunn" was the dreaded TEAM CHALLENGE. We're almost halfway through the season and it made sense since each mentor's team of designers were now "even-steven", i.e. three in each. The Challenge was to create a 3-look "mini collection" inspired by the new film...

ICE STYLE.....Sochi 2014 Olympics: Ladies Free Skate Costumes!

Activewear Winning Ladies: (L to R) Bronze medalist Carolina Kostner of Italy, gold medal winner Adelina Sotnikova and silver medalist Kim Yu-Na of Republic of Korea--Medals Plaza Sochi Russia

Well, kids the Figure Skating Finals are OVER (sigh!). It was an exciting night watching the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Ladies Finals where the top ladies of figure skating skated FOR THEIR LIFE! In fabulous--and some not so-fabulous--costumes...

 The Top: (L to R) Silver medalists Yu-Na Kim of the Republic of Korea, Gold medalists Adelina Sotnikova of Russia and Bronze winner Carolina Kostner  of Italy--Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Now, naturally it wouldn't be Figure Skating without DRAMA and after the Russian Adelina Sotnikova earned higher scores than Republic of Korea's Yu-Na Kim--who many professional figure skating commentators argued, should have actually won--many cried "Sketchy". You can read all about that HERE but now it's time to discuss the COSTUMES...It's my Sochi Olympics Ladies Figure Skating Costume Recap--The Free Skate Finals:

NICK APPEARANCES.....LA Times GooglePlus Hangout Olympics Figure Skating Costumes

Skating Dish Pair Fab: Laura Davis, L.A. Times Deputy Mobile Editor and Nick Verreos--LA Times Google+ Hang Out On Air Discussing Figure Skating Costumes--L.A. Times offices

A couple of days ago, I was invited to give my "Nick Two Cents" on Figure Skating Costumes at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at a very special L.A. Times Google+ Hang Out On Air. I didn't know what to expect in terms of what even a Google+ Hang Out On Air even was...but as always "I am game" and up for anything. As it turned it, I had a FABULOUS time and so much fun! PS: Love me some Google+ Hang Out On Air!

ICE STYLE.....Sochi 2014 Olympics, Ladies Short Program Costumes!

 Queen Yuna: Yuna Kim of South Korea, Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Ladies Short Program, Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Tonight were the much-waited Ladies Figure Skating Short Program at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of doing Fashion/Costume commentary for the L.A. Times as well as NBCOlympics and NBC.com Streaming show "Olympic Ice" discussing these costumes. It was an exciting event for sure and worth the wait. So, let's discuss the LADIES costumes Highlights here on my BLOG,  for the Short Program...

NICK APPEARANCES.....NBC.com Streaming "Olympic Ice" Show

Nick Verreos Skypes in on NBC.com "Olympic Ice" show, discussing Figure Skating Fashion with hosts Sarah Hughes and Russ Thaler

Last night were the Ice Dance Finals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. If you've been keeping up on my blog here and especially anything "ICE STYLE", you know I'm a big fan of figure skating and love to talk about the costumes, especially, since fashion is my forte, as opposed to actual figure skating.

ICE STYLE.....Sochi 2014 Olympics Ice Dance Costumes!

 USA Gold: Gold medalists (center) Meryl Davis and Charlie White waive to the crowd at the Ice Dance Finals Sochi Olympics Medal Ceremony, Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi Russia

Last night were the Ice Dance Finals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. I had the pleasure of being invited to be part of NBC's "Olympic Ice" show on NBC.com to talk about the Ice Dance costumes with 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes earlier yesterday (yes, I woke up very early to watch the finals here where I live in Los Angeles). You can watch my "Nick Costume Recap" HERE. But, here on my blog it's time to discuss the highlights of the Ice Dance costumes and the running theme: Costume Changes! First off, time to congratulate Meryl Davis and Charlie White for getting the gold medal, along with silver and bronze medalists from Canada and Russia respectfully:

NIKOLAKI....Red Carpet Trend Presentation NIKOLAKI Collection FIDM Museum FEB 26th

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Presents Nick Verreos "Red Carpet Trends and NIKOLAI Fashion Show"

Media Invite:
Check out my new NIKOLAKI Fall 2014 Collection and get my Red Carpet Awards Show predictions--by private appointment and/or attend on Wednesday night February 26th for a very special Fashion "Champagne & Couture" Presentation at FIDM Museum/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles...

Everyone asks me for my take on what we might see at the Academy Awards Red Carpet and this is your chance to get the answers!

I am so excited to showcase my high-end NIKOLAKI gowns--co-designed with David Paul--in this very special event. And at the same time, give my predictions on the Red Carpet Trends using my gowns as examples.

Don't Miss It! Here are the DETAILS:

WHAT:
Red Carpet Trends Presentation and NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul Fashion Show

WHEN:
Wednesday February 26th 
6 pm-8 pm
Champagne Reception

*By Appointment Media
Wednesday February 19 through Friday February 21

WHERE:
FIDM Museum
919 So. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles California 90015

RSVP/CONTACT:
Shirley Wilson
Email: SWilson@fidm.com
Phone: 213-624-1200213-624-1200 ext. 2625
Media: Please state your affiliation

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PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under The Gunn Nick's Looks of Episode 5

Posing Mentor: (left to right) designer Sam Donovan, Nick Verreos and Mondo Guerra--Benefit "Pretty Room"--Lifetime's Project Runway "Under The Gunn" Episode 5

 (L to R): Tim Gunn, Jen Rade, Zanna Roberts Rassi and Zendaya--Project Runway "Under The Gunn" Episode 5

For this past week's Project Runway "Under The Gunn" episode--as stressful as it was--I still found time to dress up.  The theme was "Make a Stage Look for Zendaya". In case you missed my "Nick's Take" on the episode, click HERE. This post is about my fashion/looks, of course.

Nick Workroom Check-In Style: For this first day--when the challenge was announced and the designers had to create their look for Zendaya, I wore a pink striped "seersucker"-style jacket from Topman, a blue dress shirt with white collar from U.S. Polo Assn., Zara jeans, and silk pocket scarf from Etro:

 Etro Fab: silk printed pocket scarf from Etro

Benefit and Blow Pro "Under The Gunn" Pretty Room Contemplatin': Designer Asha Daniels and Nick Verreos--The following day, when it was time for the Makeup and Hair, as well as Runway/Judging, I wore...

Studded and striped: I wore one of my favorite jackets---a black stretch wool blazer with studded shawl collar/lapel from ASOS, white dress shirt from H&M, striped tie from Marc Jacobs and...

...Skinny blue pants from Topman--Nick Verreos Project Runway "Under The Gunn" Episode 5

Thanks to my one-and-only NIKOLAKI design partner and unofficial stylist, David Paul, for styling me!

ICE STYLE.....Sochi 2014 Olympics, The Men: Short and Free Skate Costumes

 Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Men's Figure Skating Competition--Iceberg Skating Palace, Sochi Russia

These last few days were the Men's Figure Skating competitions at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia. The MEN competed in Short and Long (Free Skate) Programs to see who would eventually get the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Normally there is a lot of DRAMA associated with figure skating and particularly the LADIES (Hello Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan!) but this time, all the DRAMA was on the MEN. And I'm not even talking about some of the KRAZEE costumes...

Case in point:

 Misha Ge of Uzbekistan: LOVE HIM!!!

 Of course I'll talk about those as well. First, congratulations to the Top Three medalists:

 Top Three: (left to right) Silver medalist Patrick Chan of Canada, gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and bronze medalist Denis Ten of Kazakhstan--Iceberg Skating Palace Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi Russia

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under the Gunn Episode 5 Recap

Praying to the Couture Gods of Christian Dior, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Cristobal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent that we can get through it: Mentor Nick Verreos, designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Isabelle Donola's model Ashleigh--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" Episode 5

Mentor Nick and his designers--Lifetime's "Under The Gunn" Opening Credits

This week's episode of Lifetime Network's Project Runway "Under The Gunn" was another DOOZY. It seems that the "Nick-is-a-Bad-Mentor Train" has seen no end--to my surprise(!) since I LIVED it. Anyhow--I'll get to that, my shock and disappointment at the "story arc" and the "Throwing Isabelle Under the Bus" stuff--later in this blog. After all, this is my "Nick's Take"/Inside Dish...

ICE STYLE.....Sochi Olympics 2014 Pairs Costumes: Pink Panther Returns!

 Pink Panther DIVA RETURNS!!!...Plus... some Costume Changes...

some Costume Changes...
  Time for my Figure Skating Costume Highlights...

Figure Skating is in FULL FORCE at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics which means one thing: Time to discuss the Costumes! The last two days were the Pairs Figure Skating Competition. There were some "Costume Highlights" and so...here we go. Let's begin with the "Pink Panther" in the room:

FIDM.....22nd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit Opening Night!

"American Hustle" Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Reception of FIDM Museum & Galleries 22nd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition
Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner / ABImages

This past weekend was the Opening Night Reception to the 22nd Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries in Downtown Los Angeles. As the college's Official Fashion Spokesperson, I was privileged enough to attend the event and get to meet some of the costume designers whose designs are being featured--as well as much, much more.  

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Michelle Obama in Carolina Herrera Custom, France State Dinner

President Francois Hollande of France with U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama, as he arrives at the North Portico for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Tonight was the State Dinner to honor French President Francois Hollande. The big news is the fact that he would come sans his partner of course--after the news of his "affair" (how French!). Well, that's old news, it's all about what the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama wore. The first lady chose a dramatic Carolina Herrera ball gown with a voluminous skirt and lace applique top. Of note: the blue and black gown is the first dress with sleeves Obama has worn to a state dinner. 

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway: Under the Gunn Nick's Looks, Episode 4

Standing Stylish: (L to R) Tim Gunn, Zoey Deutch of "Vampire Academy", Nick Verreos and Trina Turk--"Project Runway Under the Gunn" Epsiode 4 Unconventional Vampire Episode

Every week I do a "Nick's Looks" blog post here of what I wear on this season's Lifetime TV's Prpoject Runway "Under The Gunn" and so here's the one for this past week. This 4th episode was titled "Unconventional Vampire" and I talked about my "Nick's Take/Inside Dish" of the episode HERE in case you missed it. Now, it's time to talk about my "Mentor" style: