Nick Verreos To Host Breathe LA "Attire To Inspire" Fashion Fundraiser Thursday February 24
Frankie B. Designer Daniella Clarke, to show collection at Breathe LA "Attire To Inspire" Fundraiser Fashion Show
Casual Fridays Posing: Nick Verreos prepares for his "Faces: Iconic Portraits of LA Fashion" close-up
James Galanos
Sue Wong
Two weeks ago (almost) , I was invited to my friend Alejandro Laguette's Birthday Dinner Party at the UBER hip Los Feliz Vermont Restaurant. It was actually a "Shared Birthday" with other fabulous boys, Feruz, Frank and Iffy.
Feliz Cumpleaños: Nick Verreos and Birthday Boy Alejandro Laguette, Rockwell VT
In conjunction with the blowing-out-the-candles celebration, Los Angeles designers Xavier Othon and Richard Bowman of XR Collection decided to unveil their Summer 2010 Collection at the "secret" behind-the-Vermont-Restaurant lounge, Rockwell VT. I couldn't make it to the Birthday Dinner but arrived just in time for the fashion show. 
Los Feliz Boys: John Wade, Joey Maalouf, Erik Moreno, Rockwell VT
Of course, I didn't come alone: I brought one of my best friends, Erik Moreno, John Wade and Joey Maalouf, who was about to leave to NY to do Rachel Zoe's make-up and hair for the Met American Woman Gala. 
Front Row Benches: Birthday boy Alejandro Laguette, Nick Verreos (far right)
The show began as models walked from the Rockwell VT upstairs balcony and down the stairs and then sauntered through the capacity-filled invitees. 
Fashions ranged from sexy Menswear for the guy who obviously has no time for work and LOTS of time for the gym (tank tops and very sexy fitted pants) to... 
slinky cowl neck gowns in jersey for their "girlfriends".
I was excited to see one of my DIVA models, Amara Wilson, who actually came with me back in 2005 to the Season 2 Project Runway Castings, model in the show--she brought the nightclub DOWN kiddies: She worked the flashbulbs and the gowns like a Pro! (BTW: She is!) 
Making a very "special appearance" in the XR Collection Summer 2010 fashion show was Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 2 Contestant Shangela--yes, that's how LA does it: Models and Drag Queens can sometimes share the same DIVA runway stage!
Amelia Earhart Goes to a Cocktail Party: Skingraft Spring 2010
On Tuesday evening, after the first ever Fashion Angel Awards, I was invited to another great show, Skingraft Spring 2010. I attended their last runway show (at the historic and very grand Los Angeles Theater in Downtown LA) and it was great so I was very much looking forward to what they were offering for Spring.
Pre-Show: 
Holster Mania: The Skingraft Holster
The crowd: Post-apocalyptic warrior princes and princesses--mostly in black and in leather. Outlandish Chapeaus and very Steven Meisel Editorial hair and make up. It was a scene; a "people-watcher's" paradise!
Hot Accessory: The Skingraft Holster on men. I spotted several well-dressed men wearing a HOT leather holster across their back and onto their chests. I guess this is the Skingraft version of the Hermes Kelly Bag. Mental Note: I MUST go to the Skingraft boutique and buy one! (I know, I am LATE!!!)
The Show:
Laura Croft 2010: Skingraft Spring 2010
For Spring, Skingraft found inspiration in "post-mortem Amelia Earhart and birds in flight." Modern-day Amelia's (and Amelio's) stomped onto the runway in their leather aviator caps, fitted warrior-like jackets, shearlings, and jodhpur pants. They also offered lighter fabrications such as feathered silk blouses and soft-as-butter leather jackets (that's how Skingraft does Spring!)
Cropped Warrior: Skingraft Spring 2010
One of my favorite women's looks was an all-white capped sleeved jacket and skinny pant ensemble that had Laura Croft Tomb Raider written all over it. I also loved the cropped pants and shoulder pleated leather jackets they showed for their men.
Here Comes the Bride: Skingraft Spring 2010
The stars of the show, however, were the final multi-ruffled dresses with metallic and leather bustiers. One model had a bird (faux I presume) precariously perched atop her shoulder. The show ended with a black ruched-and-crinoline gown with leather-and-grommet side panels and vest. I assume this was the Skingraft Bride. Her veil: Black feathered wings: Naturally!
Click BELOW for the final walk of the Skingraft Spring 2010 Runway Show:
Alfonso and Tarina's "Lovechild": Alfonso Campos, Tarina Tarantino and Nick Verreos, Hotel Erwin Venice California
Earlier this week, the lovely Jennifer Uner, executive producer of the LA Fashion Awards (and a big proponent of Los Angeles fashion and its designers), invited me to attend a Call To Action Cocktail Party at the brand spankin' new Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach. After a ONE HOUR drive from Downtown LA to Venice Beach (I kid you not!), I finally made it to the rooftop meeting of designers, pr agents, editors and boutique owners, to discuss the future of Los Angeles Fashion Week and everything in between. 
The Devil Wears Prada (not!), LA: California Apparel News Executive Editor Alison Nieder and Fashion Editor Jayne Seward
Waiters passed delicious chicken mini sandwiches and shrimp taco hors d'oeuvres as guests listened to Jen Uner's "Call To Action" speech atop the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin. The view of the beach--and all its healthy running short-and-sneaker (or skateboard-carrying) wearing populous down below-- made an unusual backdrop as the LA Fashion Crowd enjoyed wine and cheese up top!
Rooftop Fashion: Darren Gold, Alison Nieder of California Apparel News, Alisa Loftin of Aero & Company and designer Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia
I said "hello" to Darren Gold of Alpha Man Boutique on Melrose, Alisa Loftin of Aero & Company, a store that carried my line, NIKOLAKI, here in LA. I immediately spotted my good friend (how can you miss her!), fuchsia-haired designer Tarina Tarantino and her sexy husband and partner Alfonso Campos (he's going to kill me for that one!) as well as pr beauties Jen Green and Shana Honeyman of Genevieve Productions (they produced my first Smashbox LA Fashion Week fashion show back in 2003) and Matt Meyerson of RPRT Communications and Management. 
Love them: Jen Green and Shana Honeyman of Genevieve Productions
I was happy to see my Hollywood Bowl Opening Night "box seat" mate, the dear Miss Alison Nieder, executive editor of the California Apparel News, her publisher, Molly Rhodes, and fashion editor Jayne Seward. A representative from the LA Mayor's office was scheduled to have also been in attendance, but they somehow did not make it (if somehow I got there, after an hour's drive in stopped traffic, huney, they should have been there too! I had FIVE other appointments, but I still got there--- Just saying!). I was glad I attended and hope that we, as part of the LA Fashion Community, can have an outstanding fashion week of events, fashion parties and fashion shows to showcase how amazing we are and the diversity of our great city!
For more on the night:
*HERE is a fun little video from Tarina Tarantino's "Life At The Sparkle Factory" Blog
*Click HERE to read about the cocktail party on Plopculture Blog.
