Barbie Pink Goes DC!


As we all know, the 57th Presidential Inauguration is happening tomorrow, Monday in Washington DC. This past weekend--on Saturday--the California State Society, along with my alma mater--the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--a CSS Corporate Sponsor--held their every-four-years "Inaugural Luncheon" to celebrate in style.


Four years ago, I had the honor to host (above) and show exclusive designs from my NIKOLAKI collection inspired by former First Ladies at the California State Society/FIDM Luncheon for the 56th Presidential Inauguration four years ago..


It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I was honored to be part of it. This time, I didn't make the LA-DC trip but one of my gowns did...On Saturday, the California Sate Society/CSS celebrated the Inauguration with a Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. This event is a bipartisan celebration highlighting California’s fashion and entertainment industries.



The fashion show portion highlighted many designs including one of my gowns--a very special dress I created for the 50th Anniversary of Barbie several years back, as an FIDM Alumni:


Happy Inauguration Everyone--I'll be watching it all from my home in LA---Oh, and don't forget: Be Fashionable!

ARTrageous Nicky! Draping Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Artist Karen LaMonte, stand next to LaMonte's sculpture, ARTrageous 2010 Last week, I flew to Washington DC to attend ARTrageous 2010, a fabulous annual gala in support of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. The event was also celebrating the recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery by sculptor Karen LaMonte. LaMonte lives and works in the Czech Republic--but made a special trip to DC for the unveiling. A very smart and eagle-eyed Smithsonian-ite recognized the similarities between LaMonte's draped glass-sculpture artwork and the tribute I pay to Grecian Goddesses in my NIKOLAKI Collection. Therefore we were both invited to be part of the unique Smithsonian American Art Museum party.Hotel Monaco Washington DC: Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fruit Plate and Classic Architecture I checked in to the sophisticated Hotel Monaco DC, which is in a Historic restored all-marble building that happens to be conveniently located across from the Museum, where upon I was welcomed with a wonderful fruit plate, delicious brownies and chocolate cupcakes! (someone REALLY likes me at the Hotel Monaco DC!).DC Buddies: Nick Verreos and Ross Randall, Smithsonian American Art Museum ARTrageous! 2010 Party I settled in and got dressed for the evening's gala, and headed out for the festivities. Awaiting me was Smithsonian Host-With-The-Most, Ross Randall, Development Officer of Major Gifts (love that title!) for the American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. Throughout the evening--Ross became my Superstar DC Handler/Manager/Best Friend. I have definitely made a friend-for-life with Ross!Table Setting at the ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner The evening began with a pre-dinner "Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Hour" which quickly led to a delicious dinner comprised of a Fennel Soup starter and Quail main course. Dinner Snapshot from ARTrageous! 2010 Before the dinner, Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery Curator Nicholas Bell, moderated a very lively discussion with artist Karen LaMonte and myself. Think of James Lipton and Inside The Actors Studio. Nicholas was a much more handsome and fashionable Lipton, to say the least! Smithsonian Designer and Artist Studio: Nick Verreos, Karen LaMonte and Nicholas Bell chat it up at ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner We "warmed up" the dinner guests with a fun and lively discussion of our mutual passions for Grecian Goddesses, draping and powerful women. I think the DC crowd loved my stories of my Diplomat US State Department/Foreign Service Officer father and my JLo-like mom while I spent my early childhood in Venezuela.Dinner Fashion: Nick Verreos and guests, ARTrageous! 2010 Following the dinner, guests were led into the stupendous Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium, where LaMonte's Sculpture "held" Center Court. The party was in full swing as guests danced and mingled.Atrium Chic: A view of ARTrageous! 2010 party, in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium Of course, I did both! I had an amazing time at ARTrageous 2010 and I am humbled and honored to have been part of this great event. Rumor has it that it was a very successful night! I always have a great time in Washington DC and since this is was my THIRD visit, maybe I should start looking for a chic apartment in Georgetown! DC Beauties: Nick Verreos with guests at the ARTrageous! 2010 Party At the end of the night, artist Karen LaMonte was so sweet that she even offered to make a one-of-a-kind sculpture out of one of my gowns. I certainly will have to take her up on that offer. Click HERE for more fun photos from The Cotillion Online Blogsite.

Guess who is coming back to Washington DC next week? Yes, moi! I first visited Washington DC during the Obama Inaugural in January 2009, to host an Inaugural luncheon and showcase my "First lady" inspired gowns and late last year I returned... to do a speaking engagement at the prestigious Corcoran Gallery of Art-College of Art and Design. Both were great successes. I guess Washington DC really likes Nick Verreos (sorry about the Third Person), because next week, I will be flying to DC to attend ARTrageous! 2010, a fabulous fundraiser and party (and a must-have ticket on the DC social calendar!) at the Smithsonian Art Museum. The event is NEXT SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27Th and by attending, you will be supporting family and public programs at the Museum and its Renwick Gallery (love that!). This year’s ARTrageous! will also celebrate fashion to highlight recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery, by Karen LaMonte. LaMonte’s sensual life-size cast-glass dresses invoke the history of fashion and femininity, from classical Greece to contemporary America. This piece will definitely set the stage for a fashionable and fun night. Hope to see you there! Schedule: 7:00-9:00pm Special Dinner with artist Karen LaMonte and designer Nick Verreos 8:00-11:30pm Gala Reception with live music Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum 8th & F Streets, NW, Washington D.C. When: Saturday February 27, 2010 For Tickets: Purchase tickets below, or call (202) 633-4550 for assistance. To purchase Tickets click HERE

Oprah Isn't The Only One Visiting The White House...First Designers: David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI, stand in front of The White House Two weeks ago, as you may remember, I flew to Washington DC to do my Corcoran Lecture. Thank Goodness I was there right before this current Winter Snow Storm which has shut down the Nation's Capital. It was a gorgeous (yet chilly) 50 degrees, and I didn't even have to get the gloves out or wear my Marc Jacobs "Frozen Tundra" fur-lined parka coat. I was only there for three days (one to arrive, one for the event and the other to fly back home), but my hosts had a special surprise the morning of my Corcoran Appearance: A Private Tour of The White House!!! Well, David and I just about couldn't control ourselves the morning of. We were giddy with excitement and the anticipation. Thank God we passed those background checks (wink wink!).White House Crashers: Nick Verreos and David Paul pose with their hosts and White House Tour Mates Both David and I got a bit dressed up and I'm glad we did because when we arrived at the Gates, everyone else was well dressed too. I don't know if it is required but it seemed as if the Invite would say "Dress in 'Interview' attire, Please." Our hosts who joined us were the lovely Norine Fuller and Jacqueline Perrottet from the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising DC office plus the man who procured the private tour, Matt Shepard (he went to school with a White House "insider"). Also joining us were Jim Johnson, Jenny Hart and their friend, the very fun and vibrant Sarah Fraser, an anchor from HOT 99.5 as well as a correspondent for the Washington DC NBC station.Nick Verreos as Michaele Salahi at the White House--and the Salahi's in the same room Our tour began on the first floor as we entered a long hallway and made ourselves to the VERY ROOM where the infamous "White House Party Crashers", the Salahi's, were photographed. Of course, I screamed at David to find a camera and take a photo of me, as if I was waiving to the Party Paparazzi. JFK Portrait, The White House As we made it in past this room, we entered an area with portraits of the First Ladies near the East Room. we spotted current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's portrait (love the pantsuit!). This one's for you, Dad: Nick Verreos poses in front of Ronald Reagan Portrait We then walked past the US President's Portraits, including the famous pensive one from John F. Kennedy, as well as Ronald Reagan (my father's favorite!). Of course, I had to pose in front of that one to make my dad smile.The Blue Room Christmas Tree Continuing our tour, we walked into the fabulous Blue Room, home to the White House Christmas Tree. The tree was IMMENSE and featured lots of large round ornaments done in Decoupage style. Each ornament was created by Americans from across the country. It was such a treat to view The White House during the Holiday Season.Adjacent to the Blue Room, was the Red Room (see above) which has been used, especially by former First Ladies, as a meeting room and a parlor room. I loved the rich vivid Cabernet red shades in this room as well as the elegant portraits on its walls.Next we entered the State Dining Room (see above) of the White House, where President Abraham Lincoln's portrait resides. Traditionally, our most gracious (and patient) tour guide, Jenny Botero told us, this is used for buffets and dinners (therefore the "State Dining Room" title naturally). Yummy White House: The Bill Yosses-designed white chocolate and marzipan confection Another highlight of this room was the great marzipan and white chocolate White House confection designed by pastry chef Bill Yosses. Part of the White House "cake" is cut out to show an inner view of the State Dinner Room where this creation sits! Notice the Presidential dog, Bo, in the front. Speaking of food, our guide then took us to the "basement" where we somehow ended up by the Presidential Kitchen. I'm HER biggest fan: Nick Verreos and White House Executive Chef, Cristeta Comerford As we passed by, we spotted Executive White House Chef, Cristeta "Cris" Comerford. She was appointed by First Lady Laura Bush as the first female White House Chef back in 2005 and the Obama's kept her (very smart!). As we walked into the kitchen and I began to introduce myself, she exclaimed "I know you! You're Nick from Project Runway...I'm a big fan!". Needless to say, I could have ended the tour right then and there. I LOVE HER!! I can't believe she was verklempt over me! I couldn't even talk (a rarity) with the respect and admiration I had for her! Flower Power: Nick Verreos inside The White House Floral Design Room Refrigerator After the kitchen, we stopped by the flower design room and I actually went into the floral refrigerating room and took a peek at the most beautiful roses and floral arrangements that will eventually decorate the various rooms of The White House. I also dished with the floral designers about my hardships making a dress out of flowers and plants on my season of Project Runway. At this point, we ended the tour by stopping by the secret "White House Store" and actually purchasing some can-only-be-bought-here items such as cuff links, golf balls and tee shirts. David and I felt so privileged to have received this tour and an "inside peek" into one of the most famous houses in the world.

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I'm Coming Back To Washington DC!Mr. Verreos Goes to Washington...Yes, I was beyond excited when I received an invitation to speak at the esteemed Corcoran in Washington DC. Tim Gunn as well as Project Runway Season 3 Winner, Christian Siriano, have both had lectures there so I am in good company, as they say. What: An Evening with Nick Verreos & FIDM I will be speaking about fashion, being an instructor at FIDM, my TV red carpet work on TV Guide, E!, dressing stars for the red carpet, my experience as a Judge on this season's Project Runway and much, much more. This will also be the ONE and ONLY time Washington DC will be able to see a special viewing of FIDM's Debut 2009 Fashion Show, which celebrates the creme de la creme of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. A fabulous "Meet and Greet" reception will follow!

When: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7 p.m. For more info. and purchasing tickets: Click HERE

While attending and hosting the California State Society and FIDM Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show, I was interviewed before the show by VOA reporter Amra Alirejsovic. We spoke about Michelle Obama's fashion choices and how they will impact the fashion world. And because of my collection inspired by first ladies ranging from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, we discussed the impact of past First Ladies and fashion. It is a great report which shows wonderful highlights from the show. *If you are having problems viewing the video above click HERE

Party-Hopping DC Style Step-&-Repeat: Nick and DC reporter (and Project Runway fan), at Inaugural Night Party, L2/Leopold's Kafe I was honored and humbled to have been invited to host the California State Society and FIDM Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show in Washington DC and to be there during this historic Inaugural. But, of course, I also hoped that maybe David and I could "hit up" some parties while in the US Capital. Unfortunately, I was not invited to any of those fabulous Balls (there were MANY!), but I was invited to several very cool and fun Inaugural parties during my stay. Welcome to the Embassy: The Ambassador of Kuwait's wife, Rima Al-Sabah with designer Tory Burch The first party I was invited to was Sunday evening's illustrious Cocktail Buffet Party given by the Ambassador of Kuwait and his stylish wife, Rima Al-Sabah to celebrate the Inauguration of President Obama and Vice President Joe Bidden. The party was also hosted by world-renowned architect Leo Daly and his wife, former Chief-of-Staff for President Reagan, Ken Duberstein and his wife, and DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife and CEO of the Washington Post, Donald Graham. Rima Al-Sabah is known to be THE unofficial Hostess of Washington DC, and is always on the "Best Dressed Lists" of the world. Runway to Cocktail Buffet: Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (above photo) and the stunning Balenciaga dress (Fall 2008) she wore to the Kuwaiti Embassy Inaugural Party The party was held at the Kuwait Ambassador's residence. Upon entering the home, all the guests gathered in the immense inner Courtyard which featured a gorgeous fountain right in the middle of it. Republicans Unite: Actress Bo Derek and Colin Powell at Kuwaiti Embassy Party There were hundreds of guests; all of them the creme-de-la-creme of Washington DC, Hollywood and NY. I was in CNN and BBC World News Heaven: I recognized Wolf Blitzer, ABC's George Stephanopoulos and his lovely wife, actress Alexandra Wentworth, Colin Powell, Opera Diva Renee Fleming, socialite designer Tory Burch, Estee Lauder heiress Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (in black Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere--see above), actress Bo Derek and even Linda Carter, of "Wonder Woman" fame. Thank God David came with me as my "date", since I did not know anyone. Kuwaiti Couture: The black Alexander McQueen dress (on the right) worn by Mrs. Al-Sabah, wife of the Kuwaiti Ambassador, sans the mask of course I did say "hello" to the hostess, Mrs. Al-Sabah and complimented her fabulously chic Alexander McQueen black side-draped cocktail dress, from his Spring 2008 Collection. I was happy to have bumped into "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry. We ended up DISHING on Project Runway. There were full bars in almost every corner and a dining room featuring a Middle Eastern-inspired buffet with such delights as Kubideh beef, chicken and rice, Falafel, Hommus, Filpino lumpias, and the most yummy shrimp which I later found out Mrs. Al-Sabah has flown in all the way from KUWAIT!!!!!! Better Late than Never: Toby shows up to Host the Artists and Atheletes Alliance Inaugural Party On Monday evening, I was invited to attend the Capitol File Magazine and Artists and Atheletes Alliance Inaugural party at DC's Cafe Milano. It was hosted by "Spiderman" actor, Toby Maguire. The party went from 7- 10 PM. Toby showed up at around 9 PM, did a "lap" to greet guests and take photos. Strike a Pose: Jennifer Lopez gives it to you! Also at the party were Jennifer Lopez (in a gold mini dress-she must have been really COLD!) and her hubby Marc Anthony. I also ran into the always stylish Judith Light, actress from "Ugly Betty". There were several open bars and lots of hors d'oeuvres being passed around and in buffet style (which I heard was rare for some of the larger Balls and parties so I guess we were lucky). A guest told us that they had gone to the supposed much-larger Latino Ball and decided to return to this party that we were at to eat something, because there was NO FOOD (at the Latino Ball)!! I ended up spending the party having my photo taken with a lot of the guests--I guess Washington DC has a lot of Project Runway fans... She Bangs: Actress Jessica Alba at Inaugural Night Party, L2/Leopold's Kafe The last party I attended with David was on Inaugural Tuesday night, the Artists Making An Impact Party at L2 and Leopold's Kafe in Georgetown. During the Kuwaiti Embassy Party a couple nights before, I befriended a guest who happened to be a talent agent with United Talent Agency/UTA visiting from Los Angeles. He was gracious enough to invite me to another party held by Artists Making An Impact. It was the only party we would attend on Inaugural Night and the fact that we were leaving for Los Angeles on a very early flight the next day (7 AM!) helped us make it an "early night". It was a lovely event, very low-key and classy, with finger foods, deserts and lots of Champagne to celebrate. We spotted actors Ben Affleck and Jessica Alba (who was there with husband Cash Warren). Everyone was very well dressed in either gowns, cocktail dresses or tuxedos. I chose to wear my white Dinner Jacket and bow tie. After a couple of glasses of Champagne and one delicious Margarita later, David and I called it a night and took a cab back to our hotel to try and get at least 4 hours of sleep before being picked up by our Airport "Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage". Thanks for a fabulous week Washington DC!!!