Nick Verreos on Style Network's "Style Star": Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway

Renee and Anne: Hollywood Style Muses!!!

Nick & Renee: Nick Verreos on Style Network's "Style Star: Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway"

This Oscars Weekend (on Saturday night to be exact) a new "Style Star" episode of which I am one of the featured style experts--premiered on the Style Network. This time around, the Style DIVAS were actresses Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway--yes, Miss Anne, co-host of Sunday's 83rd Academy Awards!! (how timely!).

Polished to perfection, Renee and Anne have perfected their always-flawless fashion sense and dress to impress with clean lines and classic silhouettes. These two ladies know their fashion, are Sample Size perfect and well, have become muses for fashion designers and some fashionistas alike...

Of course, we discussed Renne Zellweger in this stunning Vintage Jean Dessès yellow silk chiffon strapless gown which really put her "On the Red Carpet Map" at the Oscars back in 2001 and also discussed...

Her "Muse" relationship with Venezuelan-born/American Designer Carolina Herrrera.

And then there's Miss Anne Hathaway. Ever since 2006's "The Devil Wears Prada", she has become THE Fashion Girl. Haute Couture should be her two middle names! Armani Prive? (above) Check. Versace Atelier? Check...

Marchesa? (above) Check. Valentino Haute Couture? Check. And, as we saw last night at the Oscars, she continued her tradition of being THE girl to Dress if you are a Fashion Designer: She changed a dress every 23.875 minutes. We love you Miss Anne!!!

*In case you missed the episode, it airs again Tuesday March 1st 8AM... *Click HERE for all other airing times and dates.

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Michael Kors and Marchesa

"What Recession?" Clothing, Furs , Slits, 70's Disco, and Oscar Gowns: The Big M's : Michael Kors and Marchesa!!!

First Class is Ready To Board: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Where Is My Vuitton Luggage: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Turned 30!! Well, his design company did! And so this show was a HUGE one--68 looks, menswear, womenswear, Brazilian Supermodels, A-List Front Row Celebs, you name it, they were there. In terms of the Collection: Very Michael Kors. Lots of double-face cashmere, LOTS of luxe furs, simple uncomplicated shapes, delicate draping, "Disco" plunging cowl neck draping, jumpsuits and VERY HIGH slits.

Cowl Disco: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Think 1979 Bianca Jagger/Lauren Hutton off to Aspen. Or...better yet, the mistress--or wife--of a Multi-Millionaire Goldman Sachs banking executive, getting on her private jet off to their Swiss Chalet near St. Gallen. Yep, these are clothes for the woman who has NEVER EVER seen what "Coach Class" looks like, and what a Recession feels like. Understated Luxe 2.0.

Brazilian Slit: Supermodel Isabeli Fontana in Michael Kors Fall 2011

Easy Breezy Luxe: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Hi-Low Caftan: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Marchesa Fall 2011:

Don't Step On My Train: Marchesa Fall 2011

While Elie Saab's Haute Couture Spring 2011 Collection--shown last month in Paris--had fashion commentators saying that it looked all very "Miss Havisham"---Marchesa's Fall 2011 Collection actually WAS!!! Marchesa Co-Designer Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by watching "Great Expectations" on TV one night and of course, the movie's "Diva", Miss Havisham.

Marchesa Mourning: Marchesa Fall 2011

Decadent dresses, gowns and overcoats and opulent silks, yards and yards of tulle, silk organza and applique lace embroideries. The show--sponsored by Range Rover--was once again done "Gallery Style" as models stood there, showing each and every piece in all their Almost-Couture Glory. Pay attention Red Carpet Watchers: I have a feeling SEVERAL of these will end up at the upcoming Academy Awards...Like these FOUR below:

Blush Best Dressed: Marchesa Fall 2011

Oscar Stunner: Marchesa Fall 2011

Rihanna, For Your Consideration: Marchesa Fall 2011

Belle of the Oscar Ball: Marchesa Fall 2011

Click Below for "Range Rover Sponsors Marchesa Fall 2011 Fashion Presentation" Video:

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Heidi Klum in Marchesa Fall 2010

My Supermodel "Sister" has arrived! Heidi Klum in Marchesa Fall 2010. Georgina Chapman, one of Marchesa's co-creators and designers (and Harvey Weinstein's wife) was a judge on last week's Project Runway episode, so it seems fitting she would chose Marchesa to wear to the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards (Project Runway and Heidi are both nominated yet again!). Heidi likes it "short and tight"; only Heidi--and her 6 foot long legs--can pull a dress like this off! When comparing it to the original in the Marchesa Look Book on the right, it even looks as if it was SHORTENED even more! Go Miss Heidi! Loving the hair as well as the statement-making necklace.

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Kim Kardashian stepped onto the 62nd Emmy Awards Red Carpet looking absolutely STUNNING! Classic. Grecian. Goddess. As a designer, I'm a BIG FAN of those three words, so it's pretty obvious I would like this! This white chiffon Halter gown is from Marchesa Resort 2011 and features a jeweled halter "Cleopatra" neck which really frames Kim's beautiful face. Her hair, and the simple diamond cuff, are perfect as well.

2010 Tony Awards Red Crapet: Nick Verreos "sizes" the FASHION Up!

Theater FASHION Queen...2010 Tony Awards Co-Host Kristin Chenoweth in Tony Ward Couture

OK, I admit it, I am a "Theater Queen"!! I love me some Musicals, Broadway and the Plays! Well, my partner David, who was an Undergrad at UCLA majoring in Theater has really exposed me to this world, and let's just say, I have grown to respect and enjoy "the Theater"....with a Capital "T". This year's 2010 Tony Awards had it's moments:
What was up with that kiss between Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth? It was cute when Will and Grace co-star Megan Mullally did it...but kinda nasty this time with Kristin...just sayin'. And of course, it was great seeing Miss Raquel Welch (above) in all her--to steal a line from Project Runway Season 4 Winner Christian Siriano, "Hot Tranny Mess", in a fabulous way of course. I expected nothing short of that from a DIVA like her. I still, was waiting for that "Chita Rivera-meets-Liza Minelli-Tony Award Moment", so alas I was disappointed. But not in terms of the Red Carpet Fashion:
My Best Dressed was Miss Dolce & Gabbana Make-Up Spokesperson and actress Scarlet Johansson, who actually DID NOT wear Dolce & Gabbana (is their a loop-hole in that multi-million dollar contract?) and wore...a gorgeous Elie Saab matte paillette siren gown from his Fall 2010 Pret-A-Porter Collection... as seen above; it reminded me of a gown I designed last year for my NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection:
Black Matte Paillette One Shoulder Gown, NIKOLAKI, worn by Lisa Blades
Another "Nick V Fave" was Glee's Lea Michele in a Orange-Yellow silk Zac Posen creation. She looked great, lots of drama but not overwhelming like that Oscar de la Renta ball gown she wore at the 2010 Golden Globes.
I also loved Cate Blanchett's silver-gray Armani Prive suit. This is COUTURE darlings, as seen above on model Kim Noorda...all $30,000 worth of it! (Well, Cate didn't pay a dime kiddies) but I respect and honor the fact that Miss Cate gave them COUTURE--and looked great in it! Notice how it was changed slightly for Cate: No Half-moon Brooch/fastening and the break-point (yes, I'm throwing out Fashion Terminology kids!) of the jacket was raised.
Catherine Zeta-Jones--who was a big winner last night, looked incredibly elegant in her Versace Atelier powder blue gown.I also loved Lucy Liu in Marchesa, but Katie Holmes was a miss in Armani Prive (what's with that too-short length, was there a FLOOD in NYC that night?) and Naomi Watts looked incredibly chic in RM by Roland Mouret, although her Hair and Make-up did not live up to her overall look (above). She looked as if she just finished 30 minutes on the tread mill!I was "on the fence" with Jada Pinkett-Smith and her organza blood-red Marchesa cocktail dress. Her body is RIDUNCULOUS!!! Seriously. But the dress was a bit Rose-Petals-Swallowing-Her. I should just be happy she didn't wear this Marchesa concoction:Paula Abdul, who , well, how shall I say this....usually doesn't make the "Best Dressed" List, looked great in this Tony Ward Couture mermaid-shaped embroidered gown. Tony Ward, in case you were wondering, is a Lebanese Designer who is based in Rome--not Madonna's boy-toy-photographer-model cutie.
In terms of the WORST: Bless her heart, Linda Lavin just shot up to the top in this copper taffeta suit a Mother-of-The-Bride from New Jersey would think was cute. Maybe cute for your daughter's wedding but NOT for the Tony Awards.
Finally, let me give it up to the boys: Glee's hottie professor, actor Matthew Morrison, took the "Best Dressed Male" prize for me. Very handsomessssssss!
Well, kiddies, that's it for my Tony Awards Red Carpet "Nick V" Showdown...until next time...

NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Videos and Review: Jason Wu, Marchesa and Herve Leger

Fashion Week continues in NY...

First up: Jason WuFor Fall/Winter 2010 Jason Wu--otherwise known as "Michelle Obama's Favorite Designer", showed lots of grays, burnt oranges, lemon yellows, greens and golds in his collection. The shapes were rather masculine and slouchy, like your dad's cardigan or old blazer, as opposed to fitted princess-seamed batteau-necked shift dresses (preferred by the First Lady, of course) . But he didn't altogether lose his "lady-like" side when he showed pretty and flirty chiffon skirts and softly gathered dresses. Wu said he was inspired by the late photographer Irving Penn, both the man and his photographs. One of my favorite looks is this oversized cashmere coat (above) which opened the show, worn by Polish Supermodel Anja Rubik.
Click Below for the Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show:


Marchesa:Georgina Chapman (aka Mrs. Harvey Weinstein) and co-designer/founder Keren Craig decided to show their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Installation style (smart) where the stars were the clothes. They've done this in the past and it has proved well for them. Marchesa is a red carpet favorite, especially among the "Harvey Weinstein Girls"--his A-list actresses such as Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman as well as others. For Fall/Winter 2010, they continued doing what they do best. Their gowns and dresses are meticulous, opulent and serene, as well as abstractly elegant. There were royal blues, blacks, pale pinks, whites and lipstick reds, which I love. We know it's Fall but who cares? Bring on the colors! Details included snake-charm/octopus-like accents embroidered and hand-sewn into the dresses--as well as folded and pleated Origami-like "explosions". One of my favorites was this gown above which would fit a stunning (and very rich) bride as well as an Academy Awards Best Actress nominee any day!
Click Below for the Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Show Installation Video:


Herve Leger by Max Axria:
Max Axria and his wife Lubov are smart. They certainly do not need me to tell them that! For their Herve Leger Collection, they sent out S-E-X; in the form of tight above-the-knee bandage dresses the house is known for. One after another, in Winter whites, lots of gray, gunmetal, black, and nude colors; His models were Leger Warrior Queens! Azria said the theme was "Athletic", as in laced-up tennis shoes and of course, I am sure the Olympics were on his mind. Not sure if those healthy size 8 Downhill Skiers would even be able to fit into these, but they looked great on these size 0 models (too skinny btw!). Nevertheless, these are dresses EVERY SINGLE model wants to wear. Hopefully those models can work enough to earn those dresses $3,000+ price tag!I loved the last black one-shoulder dress which coincidentally, wasn't a typical "Herve Leger" tight-fitting bandage dress but still retained all the sensuality of one.
Click below for Herve Leger by Max Axria Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show: