17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Christina Hendricks in L'Wren Scott Fall 2010

Christina Hendricks in L'Wren Scott Fall 2010

Here is Miss Christina Hendricks in a L'Wren Scott black shawl-collared metallic jaquard-looking split-front gown with yes, A WAIST TIE!! There's a bit of a 1975 vibe to this dress and her make-up and hair. I could see her at old Trader Vic's at the Hilton Beverly Hills swigging a couple of Mai-tai's for sure in this gown.

I like the softer hair, and it's nice to see Christina in a black gown since we usually see her in strong vibrant colors. The shoes? Not so sure about those. Somehow I want to see her in big old Brian Atwood "Maniac" pumps!! What do y'all think?

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011

Nicole Kidman arrives at the 2011 SAG Awards in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011 by former Louis Vuitton Designer Peter Copping. It's a black mini-raglan sleeved gown with lace back and shoulder insets. She is on-trend with the sleeved gown and fit-to-flare shape but, I have to say that I've seen better from La Kidman. This might end up on a lot of people's "Oh No She Didn't Lists".

This gown choice could have been fine at the Berlin Film Festival Awards--or something like that--but here in the States at such a high-profile red carpet: Maybe not so much. Please let me know your Two cents: Likey or No Likey?

Golden Globes 2011 Red Carpet Trends--Predictions from Nick Verreos

Red Carpet Weekend!

Eva Mermaid: Actress Eva Longoria at the 2010 Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet

Well kids, Awards Season is upon us and the Red Carpet Parade is going to get CRAZY! I'm so excited that I will be doing my post-Golden Golden Globes 2011 Awards Red Carpet Fashion Wrap once again on Monday night (make sure to watch!) with my TV Guide Network team, headed off by our host-with-the-most, Lawrence Zarian as well as Über Stylist , Miss Jen Rade (of course!) and some special guest star experts.

The question on everyone's minds (well, fashion watchers, at least), is what will be the Trends for the 2011 Awards Season and for the first "biggie", the Golden Globes. In terms of designers, you will most likely see the "usual subjects"--Designers such as Reem Acra, Elie Saab, Marchesa as well as biggies like Valentino and Dior.

"Black Swan" actress Natalie Portman is sure to chose Christian Dior (she is the House's Perfume Spokesmodel for Miss Dior Cherie Perfume, after all--and it's probably is in her contract) or Rodarte (the Pasadena sisters who costumed the film). We'll probably see some Versace Atelier and Armani Prive but usually those two are "reserved" for the BIG night, the Academy Awards.

So many people have been asking me about what trends we might see, that I decided to post my "Nick Two Cents" Predictions here on my little ol' blog--and of course, I'm including some of my own NIKOLAKI dresses/gowns as examples:

1) Short & Sexy:

Actress Hailee Steinfeld from "True Grit" in short & sexy cocktail dress

Short cocktail dresses are soooo 2011! Younger--more ingenue--actresses, as well as singers--are opting for the shorter, sexier, more "cocktail" numbers. I know this firsthand from the stylists who are pulling from our NIKOLAKI Studio as of late.

Short & Sexy Black: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul--strapless black cocktail dress in silk and "twisted" organza

They're not just dresses you can wear to your "Winter Jr. Prom", no darling--these short dresses can sometimes cost as much as the long gowns and feature architectural draping and sequin detail that makes them unique and true "mini" red carpet gems.

Beaded, Short & Sexy: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul mint-colored sequin paillete mini dress with cowl detail and silk inner corset

If it's any indicator, we saw a lot of short at the 2011 Critic's Choice Awards as well as the People's Choice. Yes, the Golden Globes is the first "biggie"--and therefore the long GOWNS come out--but don't be surprised if some ladies opt to go Short & Sexy.

2) Architectural:

Aristocratic Architecture: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul mint silk Zibeline column one-shoulder gown with back cascades

Looks that may define "Fashion Gravity" in terms of their draping, structure and sharp silhouette = Architectural Gowns. Draping is no longer just for liquid jerseys and sensuous charmeuse silks (although those two do drape FABULOUSLY!!).

Another example of Architectural Couture: Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive at the Academy Awards last year

3) The Ball:

Ball Gowns might be big--literally--this year, for Awards Show Red Carpets. Tons of designers, from Oscar de la Renta (above) to Marchesa, did the Ball Gown silhouette for their latest Spring 2011 Collections so you might see these on the top nominated actresses. This is a nice silhouette for taller girls or girls who have wider hips yet smaller bosoms.

4) Chiffon:

A Natalie Portman Option: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk chiffon printed gown with gathered front

Another 2011 Awards Show Red Carpet Trend, I suspect, is lots of light-and-airy chiffon. Printed, solid or Ombre (shaded). Strapless or one-shouldered. It might be January but it's still a balmy 75 Degrees in Los Angeles darling. It's comfy, elegant and oh-so-deliciously light.

5) Sequin Frenzy:

Ever since most of us (I did!) crowned actress Claire Daines as one of last year's Best Dressed on the Red Carpet (seen above in Armani Prive at the 2010 Emmy Awards), sequins and sequined gowns have made a "comeback" of sorts. These gowns have simple figure-hugging silhouettes and little detail--other than the fabulously hand-beaded sequins of course! Naturally, we had some Sequin Stunners for our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection and here...

I offer an example from a previous season as well:

One Shoulder Goddess: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul one-shoulder black matte sequin paillette gown

6) High-Low:

Actress Michelle Williams in a High-low gown, Critics Choice Movie Awards 2011

Yes, the "Mullet Dress" is here to stay--and I actually LOVE IT! (sorry Kelly Osbourne). I rather like calling it the "High-low" dress however. I realize that the other term is more "catchy" for those "pundit fashionistas". Nevertheless, I think its rather a good look for a lot of actresses on the red carpet. It's dramatic, statement-making and hey, it might get those aforementioned fashion pundits talking (like moi).

The more petite actresses (most of them!) can get away with making a "GOWN Statement" but not be completely covered up and show some leg as well; a slit is not the only option for ladies to do that. Finally:

7) Mermaids On The Red Carpet:

Va-Va-Boom: Kim Kardashian at the 2011 Critics Choice Movie Awards

Last year, actress Eva Longoria looked stunning in a Mermaid-shaped gown (as witnessed from the beginning of this blog) and as in past seasons, this is a Red Carpet staple and definitely here to stay. Just last night, Reality Show star Kim Kardashian worked the runway at the Critics Choice 2011 Movie Awards--in (surprise!) a red Mermaid-shaped gown.

Blue Mermaid: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul silk Zibeline strapless Mermaid-shaped gown with asymmetrical detailing

I LOVE this shape as long as it's done correctly and does not overwhelm the wearer. It's the "happy Medium" for the actress who wants the "Ball Gown feeling" and at the same time, show some figure-hugging curves. It's also very "Old Hollywood Glamour" (and we know how much fashionistas LOVE that phrase) in terms of its 50's inspired silhouette.

So there you go! Now you have my "Nick Predictions" for the upcoming 68Th Annual Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashions and what we might see in terms of silhouettes and designs and color (BLACK!, ivory, prints, blue, corals, green and yellow). I'll be watching--like the rest of you--on Sunday--to see what the stars really wore...

*And don't forget to watch what I thought of their ensembles--this upcoming Monday Night on the TV Guide Network's 2011 Golden Globes Fashion Wrap.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Resort 2011

Another Oscar De La Renta! (Their PR Department was working overtime darlings) This time, Lea Michele, star of "Glee" wears Oscar De La Renta Resort 2011 midnight blue strapless silk taffeta and organza ruffled gown. I like the gown, but not so much on her. I think the hair is wrong (too severe) and she should have lost the necklace. It just ages her. But these actresses have so many jewelry companies lending them multi-million dollars jewels--via their stylists and agents--they feel compelled to "Thank Them" by wearing them all.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Fergie

Fergie in Emilio Pucci Spring 2010

When Fergie first stepped onto the 2010 Grammys Red Carpet, my first intuition was to say "Oh Dear". However, after a sip of my red wine, this mini Royal Blue and Gold number from designer Peter Dundas' "sizzling sexy Spring collection" for the House of Emilio Pucci, grew on me. I really loved this collection, which was full of micro-short dresses and wonderfully chic separates all the supermodels would love. And now, also, all the "Super Singers" like Miss Fergie. The gold padded detail was a bit "space-age-y" but hey, compared to what Lady Gaga wore, this is very "down-to-Earth" kiddies.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Katy Perry

Katy Perry in Zac Posen Spring 2010

I heard that Katy Perry was trying to "vibe" India with this gown because of how "moved" she was on a recent trip there with her fiancee, I-Love-Chest-Hair Russell Brand. Unfortunately, I just don't think she ever made it NEAR the Indian Subcontinent in this gown. Maybe a little past ARTESIA! If she really wanted to "vibe" India she should have taken a look at the Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture Collection. I can find 10 AMAZING looks for her in in that collection.

The stretch nude jersey and the gold "pasties" strewn throughout just made the gown more suitable for Cher circa 1986 as opposed to Katy in 2010. Now if she said "Bob Mackie" made this, I would have at the very least given her some "old school" "Nick V Points". For sure!

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Ciara

Ciara in Givenchy Spring 2010 Haute Couture

Ciara Ciara Ciara. Why huney? I could not understand why she did this to herself. I went back and took a look at this collection by much-buzzed-about designer Riccardo Tisci--which just debuted less than a week ago!!! And darlings, there were SO MANY other G-G-GORGEOUS looks from it that it even made me more dumbfounded that she chose this one! I really hope her stylist got a nice check under the table from the esteemed House of Givenchy...or Ciara is starring in their upcoming ad campaign. There's got to be a reason. Unlike Rihanna's and Beyonce's red carpet Couture pieces seen in my previous posts, this one should have stayed on the runway and gone straight to the Archives.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Beyonce

Beyonce in Stephane Rolland Fall 2009 Haute Couture

Just like with Rihanna, I experienced one of my "I've seen that Gown somewhere before..." feelings when I saw Beyonce walk the red carpet this evening at the 2010 Grammy Awards. And yes, of course I have, it was from one of my favorite Haute Couture Collections last year, Stephane Rolland. The detail work on this gown is incredible. Love the sleeves and the plunging neckline and the soft Tulip silhouette.

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez in Versace Spring 2010

Oh Miss JLo. You just gotta give her points...Attagirl Points. Somehow the gown on the right didn't translate so well on the woman who wore it on the left. Why does this gown--on Jennifer Lopez--make her look like she's going to a Prom in New Jersey? She just hasn't met a high-slit and a 6 inch Platform she didn't like...

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Rihanna

Rihanna in Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2009, the "All White Collection".

This gown also happens to be from the same "All White" Elie Saab collection in which French actress Marion Cotillard's SAG Awards dress came from. Being a "fashion guy", I always love it when I see somebody wear one of the major pieces from collections that I've only seen in photos and/or runway videos--and then usually gets put back into the designer's Archival closets.

There's always this feeling I get when I see gowns like this and scream at the TV: "OMG, they did not just wear THAT dress from that such-and-such Haute Couture Collection...I'm so excited!!". With that being said, not everyone can actually pull off wearing such statement-making, usually runway-only pieces. These collections are not for everybody. But... Rihanna can pull it off, and did!