Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: The Models!!

Posin' Pros...

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry: Victoria's Secret Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (how much do we just LOVE that "Upper Class"-sounding name of hers?? I have a feeling she didn't grown up in the "Projects" my dear!). She looks radiant, even if a bit wrinkled in this Burberry gown. PS: This is Burberry? Didn't know they were into silk charmeuse! And PPS: That IS a SLIT kids!

Red Bombshell: Brazilian Supermodel Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen. OK, B**ches: SIT DOWN, the Queen has arrived! If I was a girl standing within ten feet of her, I would have run for cover. Trust me ladies, you would not want to be competing with this. How do you say "fabulous" in Portuguese?

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen: Pardon me for asking but, SHE'S supposed to be FULL FIGURED???? She looks like a Runway Size 2 to me. What happened to all the "I want to be the Poster Child for 'Real Women with Curves' stuff"? You can read more about the controversy HERE. Oh well, she still looks SAVAGE in this black silk taffeta Zac Posen . Loving that hair too! One word: WORK!!!!

Valentino with model Natalia Vodianova in Valentino: Pretty and Regal. Her hair and make-up (especially the EYES!) are on-point. Love the red clutch. Yes, Valentino is a bit orange, but hey it is VALENTINO! He gets a pass.

Miranda Kerr in Marchesa: Who got in a fight at a Mexican Girl's Quinceañera? Miranda Kerr did. I know that I have said this before "Models can get away with wearing (Almost) anything!!!" Well: Exhibit A of "Almost" above.

Karolina Kurkova in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011. Question: Is she wearing Guipure Lace Pants?

Answer: Yes. Here's the gown--and matching pants from Gaultier's Spring 2011 "Can Can Couture" Collection (above). It kinda works on me! Let's just be happy she didn't add that feathered headdress (or maybe she should have!).

Elettra Wiedemann in Prabal Gurung. Elettra--in case you didn't know--is Isabella Rossellini's daughter, she's a model, darlings. And wow, is she gorgeous! Not so much for the dress. It's a RUCHED mess if you ask me. I love me some Prabal Gurung; he's one of the most talented US Designers and in Miss Anna Wintour's "Little Black Book" of Faves. But this was a bit of a miss.

Joan Smalls in Tom Ford. Three words: At A Girl. And two more: Slinky and smoldering.

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger: Next. She's going to the Met Gala not a High School Dance in 1953. I hope she didn't actually pay someone to do her hair that night...Just sayin'.

Hillary Rhoda in Alexander McQueen: Edwardian Dandy Meets Equestrian Diva. I bet she probably could ride a horse in that! Or go Fox Hunting!

Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen: This has the right amount of "Valley of The Dolls" element (the chiffon gown, the updo hairstyle) which makes me want to be pool side in some fab home in Bel Air in 1967 drinking Martinis and popping pills! Love it.

Chanel Iman in Dolce & Gabbana: Can you say Michelle Obama, size 00?? Prim, proper, almost "Diplomatic". The perfect white lace sheath dress. Chanel looks radiant.

And Last But (Certainly) NOT Least...Miss Naomi Campbell:

In Alexander McQueen. I'm sure up close this gown is a Piece of Work and incredible in fact. And I'm sure on the runway, those layers and layers of sliced chiffon did their magic. But on Naomi, she just looked like a Grecian Goddess Statue...who got stuck in a tornado, unfortunately. On a Positive Note: The hair reminds me of my Mom, Raquel in Caracas Venezuela circa 1975 at the "County Club".

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Spring 2011

Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Spring 2011

Well it looks like the Oscar de la Renta pr machine is working hard! Lots of the top ladies love themselves some Oscar. Michelle Obama might not--according to all those Washington DC/NYC tabloids--but Hollywood ladies do! Here, "Glee" actress Lea Michele--who's worn Oscar de la Renta before--hit a High note with this slinky all-over beaded gown.

It's refreshing to see Lea in a not-so-structured architectural gown (like she's worn before) and although, I liked her Golden Globes gown, many did not--including my TV Guide Fashion Wrap partner Jen Rade (we fought about that decision of mine for MINUTES!). So, I can see why maybe she took a less structural gown route this time. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the messy hair. To think that someone got payed A LOT of money (I am guessing since I know those stylists charge a hefty fee for Awards Show Red Carpet) to do that, it almost makes me shiver. But I like the gown Miss Lea!

What do guys think? Of the Gown? The hair?

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Natalie Portman in Azzaro

Natalie Portman in Custom Azzaro Spring 2010

"Black Swan" actress Natalie Portman wore a strapless white silk crepe column gown from Azzaro and its Argentine Designer Vanessa Seward. First of all, can Natalie Portman get MORE beautiful? Her make-up, hair: Absolutely GLOWING.

Now onto her gown: It looks like a combination of two dresses from the Azzaro Spring 2010 Collection originally shown two years ago on October 2009 (it still looks fresh and modern kids!). One is long and features pleated drapes originating from the bust at center front with no neckline trim-but styled with a gold sequin bolero (as seen above).

Azzaro Spring 2010

And the other is a shorter more trapeze-shaped cocktail dress which has almost the same crystal trim at the neckline as in Portman's. I like this gown on Natalie and it's nice to see a pregnant young lady wearing a fitted column gown instead of a tent-line Empire-style one. I'm just thinking it might be a little too tight on her.

What do guys think?

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.

Kennedy Center Honors Red Carpet: Oprah, Carol Channing, Diana Ross, Gwen Stefani and more...

Washington DC Red Carpet

She Loves a Crisp White Shirt: Oprah Winfrey and her beau Stedman Graham, walk the Kennedy Center Honors 2010 Red Carpet

Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones and Country Music Musician Merle Haggard were all honored tonight at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors, which will be broadcast at the end of this month on CBS.

Even though it's not Hollywood, there still were some Red Carpet Moments, both Good and Not-So-Good:

Cool Hip Quotient Award: Goes to Gwen Stefani. She look flawless in her Canary Yellow high-neck fitted dress with waist-cinching black mini belt. Love the up-do Miss Gwen.

The No Doubt members, however get a 5 for looking too-old to be "rocking" both eyeliner and the bleach-blond thang. The ONLY bleach-blond should be on Gwen!

Red King: Gayle King looked elegant in this lipstick red one-shoulder gown. The clutch is a little big but she still worked it--Go on Miss Gayle!

Jennifer Thin: Singer-Actress, Academy Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson looked fabulous in this black cocktail number. I almost did not recognize her. Is she a size 4 now? What the He**????

Who Is The Bigger DIVA?

Carol Channing was resplendent in a Holiday Red pant ensemble featuring a billowy exaggerated Leg-o-Mutton sleeved jacket/blouse. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE her! They do not make DIVAS like this any more unfortunately. She is Old-School Red Carpet GLAMOUUUUURRRRRR!!!! However, the biggest Diva of the night was...

Yes, Miss Diana Ross. PETA WHO??? Huney, Miss Ross ain't playing. When she does Red Carpet, She DOES Red Carpet. It's 110% or she is not showing up! Like the fully sequined silver gown and jacket weren't enough. It's cold outside, huney. So, therefore, she brought out the full-length mink! At-a-Gurl! She thinks it's 1984 and I LUV her for it!

Now, onto the Worst and Best Dressed Men: Kid Rock wins the Worst; hands-down with this get up. I like it when Diana Ross does FUR, but when Kid Rock does it, he looks like a Kansas City Hooker's PIMP! I like faux-fur vests on Rachel Zoe, but NOT...on Kid Rock!

The Best Male: Goes to "Glee" actor-and Details Magazine Six-Pack ab'ed Coverboy, Matthew Morrison. Handsome , Handsome and MORE Handsome.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Kyra Sedgwick in Monique Lhuillier

Actress Kyra Sedgwick wears a simple Cabernet red/maroon strapless A-line shaped gown from FIDM-grad--and LA based designer Monique Lhuillier, from her Fall 2010 Collection shown in New York. It's simple, maybe too simple for me. The abstract clutch is a great balance to the simplicity of her gown. It's a "safe" choice for her but a HUGE improvement from last year.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Dianna Agron, another actress from "Glee" stepped onto the Emmys Red Carpet in Carolina Herrera Resort 2011. The gown, a strapless "Antique Lace" double-tiered design, is elegant and very "Spanish Contessa" for sure...But it looks a bit too "mature" for a young actress like Dianna. It's just so funny that I would have guessed the "Girls from Glee" to be all "fresh" and "dynamic" and "young" in terms of their fashion choices yet both her and Lea Michele have dressed a tad bit "too old". I should just be happy they look elegant and put together, which they both do!!

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Tina Fey

Tina Fey (LOVE HER!) is one of those celebs that either "Gets It" or "Misses It" on the Red Carpet. This time, in my opinion, she got it! She's wearing a fitted high-necked blue-gray gown featuring with black embroidery, from Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011. The cap sleeves (sleeves-on-a-gown are a trend ladies!), the Mermaid train, and waist-defining seam, all aid in giving Tina a sleek silhouette. The up-swept 'do ages her just a little bit, so I would have rather seen her let her hair down (but not as "carefree" as the models').

What Will the Nominees Wear?! Nick Verreos makes Predictions and Suggestions: Part 2

After my 1st post giving Predictions and Suggestions of what some of the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actresses should wear to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, I couldn't resist but finish out both groups and give my Nick "two cents" about what I think these beautiful and talented ladies should be wearing for their big night.
Mo'nique:
Mo'nique loves a White, Nude or Creme colored Strapless Gown. She has worn a version of this color and style time and time again. And why not?, it looks great on her. This definitely falls under the category of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!". And since she is basically assured to win the Best Supporting Actress statute, she definitely needs to make sure she is wearing a dress she will be happy to see in photos for years to come.

My suggestion is to stick with what works, but take it up a notch! This Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Gown from his Officer's Muse Spring Summer 2010 Collection would be perfect for her. It offers all the things Mo'nique loves in a gown but certainly says "I'm a Oscar Winner!"

Anna Kendrick:
Is it just me or does Anna Kendrick seem to get "lost in the mix"? Between Carey Mulligan and Vera Farmiga, sometimes I find myself saying "now which one is Anna Kendrick?" In order to put a stop to this on the Red Carpet, Kendrick needs to set herself apart from the other ladies. My suggestion is that she goes Old Hollywood Glamour. This Gown from Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2010 Collection would give her a sexy Rita Hayworth vibe. With it's black beaded overlay and nude lining with that extra high slit, this dress will be sure to make Anna a Sultry Siren at the Awards.

Meryl Streep:
Meryl Streep is the Queen of Hollywood. She has received 16 Academy Award nominations, winning two, and 25 Golden Globe nominations, winning seven, more nominations than any other actor in the history of either award! DIVA! I would love for her to embrace this title and really "Bring It" to the Oscars. Letting everybody know "I have arrived, Bow to me!"

In this wasp-waist Christian Dior Gown from John Galliano's Spring 2010 Haute Couture Collection, there would be no denying that Streep is the Actress to be revered by all the rest.

Penelope Cruz:
After winning the Best Supporting Actress Award last year, Cruz is again nominated this year for her role in "Nine". Last year she wore a Vintage Balmain Gown from 1950 and it was the perfect choice for her. She looked classic and timeless.

This year I would suggest a gown from the Versace Atelier Collection. Almost every gown from this collection has made it's way to the Red Carpet, but this dress has yet to be worn. I think it would be the perfect choice for Penelope because it evokes the feeling of last year's dress while adding a bit of sexiness and a splash of color.

Gabourey Sidibe:
And finally, for Gabourey Sidibe I have chosen a gown from my NIKOLAKI collection. I love that Gabby embraces her size and I have noticed that she has worn several draped jersey dresses and has looked fantastic in them. I think she should take a page from Mo'nique's book and wear a lighter color to really set off her beautiful skin color. She would look fantastic in this Lemon Yellow Silk Jersey Draped Grecian Goddess Gown. Whether she takes home the statute or not, Gabby would surely be a fashion winner!