After Milan...comes Paris Fashion Week-Spring 2012
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Designer Nicolas Ghesquière showed his latest collection for the famed House of Balenciaga in Paris today. According to some attendees, several of the audience benches collapsed--yes COLLAPSED--as people were taking their seats. Then, a voice came through the loudspeaker telling everyone to just "Stand Up".
Salma Hayek, at the Balenciaga Spring 2012 Show, sporting a bandage over her torn ligament (not from the collapsing benches!)
So, yes, that's how everyone got to see the newest collection, even A-List front-row celebs like Salma Hayek and Catherine Deneuve and yes, Anna Wintour was standing too! What did they see? Lots of Cristobal Balenciaga-esque shapes but modernized for 2012. Structurally sturdy yet still floaty skirts, dresses and architectural jackets...
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Bright bold colors--navy, magenta, gold, brick red, bronze, and prints--both geometric and Art-inspired. Shoulders: Out to THERE! Sloping at times. The big bold tops were perfectly matched with slimmer above-the-ankle "cigarette" pants that looked effortless and oh-so-chic.
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Easy-breezy asymmetrical tops. Contrast patch pocket details that if any other designer did them, would look almost "Fashion-School Amateur" but Ghesquiere knows how to make it all look Ultra Luxe Sporty.
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Cristobal Balenciaga 1967, Sik Gazar One Seam Gown with Matching Hat
The final dresses, in all the color-and-print-blocking glory, as well as with all those stunning sequins are sure to end up in all the top fashion magazine editorials. And then there were those hats: A major nod to the House's founding couturier for sure.
Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Balenciaga Spring 2012:
Nick and His ManBag: Nick Verreos Arrives at The Antelope Valley Mall, Palmdale California
Last weekend was my final Hosting of the "Project Style" Live Style Off events. I've been EVERYWHERE and have met SO many amazing Top Trendsetters--from all over Southern California as well as West Virginia! And not to mention: I've had a BLAST meeting all the fans, families and yes, some future "Project Style" competitors (They should really think of coming up with a "Mini-Me" Project Style for 12 and under!). But I digress, this time, I was off to the Antelope Valley Mall, in Palmdale to host "Project Style: Antelope Valley"--the Live Style Off.
Who's That Boy: Nick Verreos, Hosting Project Style: Antelope Valley
The weather was gorgeous naturally, as I drove about 6o miles north of Los Angeles toward the Mojave Desert. I arrived and got to see the wonderful signage/posters they had throughout the fabulous Antelope Valley Mall, as well as...
They even framed a photo of me in their "Guest Services" kiosk. I felt, well, VERY Special! (I "Heart" Antelope Valley Mall!)
Nick Verreos with a future "Project Style"Top Trendsetter--LOVE the knee-high sneakers and multi-colored printed top! Ten out of Ten "Nick Points"
My Palmdale "Posse": Nick Verreos with fans of Karla Deleon (and me now!!)
As always, the rules for the "Project Style" Live Style Off were simple: In the past five months, Antelope Valley's "Most Fashion-Savvy" went onshoptopia.com, submitted videos, and were voted as Finalists of their "rounds" and made it to this Live Style Off. I gave them each $200 Antelope Valley Mall Gift Cards and ONE HOUR to go shopping for a complete new look. They had to shop, style and dress themselves and showcase the results LIVE on the Stage in front of a panel of expert judges from the Antelope Valley Mall--for a chance to win a $1,000 Gift Card!!!
The Top Five Trendsetters (Left to right) Zoe April Stotz, Amanda Beard (she couldn't be there so her lovely sister modeled and shopped for her), Kimberly Backe, Frank Nadolny, and Karla Deleon--Here they are after they've gone shopping and styled their outfits, getting ready for the live Style Off, in front of A LOT of people:
Finalist Karla Deleon modeling her faux fur vest, blue blouse, shorts, floppy hat, tights and wedge heels, Project Style: Antelope Valley Mall Live Style Off
The Top Two Were:
The Boy: Our one male Finalist, 14-year-old Frank Nadolny--I think Frank ROCKED his style--he mixed his love of skateboarding, street and music into his look. I also liked all the colors and polished sense of sporty style. Frank had a bunch of fans in the audience--including his FAB family--but in addition, there were some Cheerleaders from his High School that even did a Cheer for him and Project Style (scroll down to the end of the blog to see the VIDEO!).
Kimberly Backe: I dubbed her "Mini Katy Perry" because she looked just like her! She chose a very fashion-savvy-meets-young style for her Live Style Off, combining directional elements as well as traditional Southern California style.
And The Winner Was...Kimberly!!! But let me tell you, Frank was a very close second! And like I said to ALL our Finalists--they are all Winners! I was so excited to see how the Antelope Valley Finalists really BROUGHT IT, in terms of all the eclectic and very diverse styles and especially how AMAZING the audience in the Mall was! I have to say: Antelope Valley ROCKS!!! Hope to see you Next Year!!!!
Click below to watch the HHS Cheerleaders do a little cheer for Frank:
Farmer's Market Goes Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
Spring 2012 Milan Fashion Week just ended and one of the highlights was of course, the Dolce & Gabbana Show. As you know, D&G is finito, done. And with that, naturally there was lots of editorial, buyer and press interest on what designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana would show for Spring 2012. Here's a given: We know that Dolce & Gabbana really know how to play with a theme. They pick one and run with it. They might be holding a Campari with Soda as their running...but they're running nonetheless. You MUST watch the video (Below after the photos) to get the whole effect of the show. Let's just say that only Dolce & Gabbana could create a theme that could only be referred to as "Grandma Chic" or Nonna Chic!
Grandma's Here...And She's Looking for Cocktails: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
For Spring 2012, they showed lots of printed EVERYTHING--from bra tops, pleated dirndl skirts, rompers, swimsuits, and Ladies-Who-Lunch sheath dresses and suits. There was also lots of heavy applique lace...
Plastic skirts, suits and even coats, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
Lace and even POM POMS, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
Sequin Ragazze: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
And of course, LOTS of sequins, in every variety--from heavy be-jeweled ones to cluttered multi-colored ones. Sequins and LOTS of them, are a HUGE Spring 2012 Trend and they were right there! Front Row and Center! The accessories were also the Stars. Take a look at the crochet, lace and plastic pumps. No really, take a look, because the FIERCEST of Fashionistas will be, no doubt, wearing them next Spring/Summer:
Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
And of course, there were the purses. I have a feeling that Domenico and Stefano sent their Design Assistants to peruse a whole lot of "vintage"/second-hand stores from New Jersey to Wisconsin--to find "inspiration" in these purses. They are so "old School" Church Lady"/Grandma, all that she's missing is her mini-bible from 1963:
Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012
Click Below for the Full Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Runway Show:
Style Week Orange County 2011Begins With "Rack Rave" Party This Friday NIGHT!!!
Nick Verreos Hosts Style Week OC 2011, beginning Friday September 30th
Southern California Fashionistas: Get Ready for Style Week Orange County®! Since 2008, Style Week OC and the Irvine Spectrum Center® have been showcasing and celebrating the Best in Southern California Fashion and has quickly become a Style Destination in everyone's Fashion Calendars.
This year, Style Week Orange County®, ups the ante as Fashion Island® joins Irvine Spectrum Center® to present the definitive style experience with designer runway shows, a fashion carnival, sneak peeks, celebrity guests, restaurant debuts and a line-up of must see in-store events.
Click HERE for all the events occurring at Fashion Island, including several by Nordstrom, a David Meister Fashion Show at Bloomindale's, Rachel Roy Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus, and many more.
NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul gowns at Style Week OC
I have hosted Style Week OC two years in a row and last year, I had the extreme pleasure of also debuting my NIKOLAKI Couture Spring 2011 Collection--along with my Co-Designer David Paul--at Style Week Orange County. It was such a success that I've had dresses worn by Beyonce AND Katy Perry--from that very same collection.
This year, I am excited to be hosting two fabulous nights of events as part of Style Week Orange County®: Friday Sept. 30th, 7pm, Rack Rave: *Rack Rave, the popular fashion carnival makes its second Style Week OC appearance with trend presentations, informal modeling, entertainment and fun activities in Giant Wheel Court from 7pm to 9pm. *Retailer tents include: Active Ride Shop - prize wheel--- Forever 21 - customer styling--- H&M - henna ring and bracelet tattoos--- Kaitlyn - eye makeovers--- Macy's - brow bar mapping with Benefit and fashion tarot card reading--- MaxStudio - lip makeovers with Planet Beauty--- Nordstrom - Havaianas Bedazzling, TOMSPersonalization--- Salvation - screen printing--- Target - prize wheel. **Admittance is free on a first-come, first served basis.
Cadillac Runway at Style Week OC
the second event I will be hosting is:
Friday, Oct. 7th, 7pm, Runway Glam Slam: Runway Glam Slam: Style Week OC staged events come to a close at Irvine Spectrum Center with a glam slam of three shows demonstrating different faces of design and Orange County style. *OC Surf Sport Showcase - a runway presentation shining the spotlight on the premier surf and action sport brands originating from OC. *Cadillac: Contemporary Design - a Style Week OC favorite featuring contemporary looks inspired by the Cadillac SRX, CTS V Coupe, CTS Sedan and Escalade Hybrid as interpreted by FIDM graduate designers. *Spectrum Collection - the catwalk finale presenting fall must have fashions from the center's department stores and specialty boutiques.
Click HERE for a Calendar of Events and see you THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at the Irvine Spectrum for Style Week OC 2011 Opening Night Party "Rack Rave"!! Click below for a video of Style Week OC 2010 including our NIKOLAKI Show:
Grommets, Studs, Seashell Motifs...It's Versace 1992 all over again...And I LOVE IT!
Versace Spring 2012
Last week, Donatella Versace showed her latest Spring 2012 Collection for the House of Versace in the gorgeous garden at the Via Gesù show space. The collection was very "Retro Versace". Like I had seen it before somewhere...
It's All About 1992: Versace Couture 1992 above on Naomi, Stephanie and Yasmeen--and on Lady Gaga
I had. The Versace Spring 2012 Collection had many motifs and style elements from that much-Lady Gaga loved Versace Couture 1992 time period (she's been spotted wearing A LOT from those collections lately). The grommets, the silver and gold studs, the heavily cluttered sequins, the seashell prints and motifs...
Seashell Retro: Versace Spring/Summer 1992
Donatella went back to the Versace Archives (as well she should, maybe inspired by Miss Gaga) and really referenced those years in particular for this collection. And what a surprise, they looked "fresh and new", especially to those "kids" who were probably 3 when those collections came out! But I remember darlings--I could never forget Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder and Yasmeen Ghauri in those seashell printed swimsuits and those leather and gold studded gowns!!!
Versace Spring 2012
But back to the present: Versace Spring 2012 showed lots of light "candy sorbet" colors--the light blues, the lemon yellows, the aqua-greens. Lots of luscious draped and shirred silk jersey and silk chiffon added to the "prettiness".
Versace Spring 2012
And yes, those 1992'esque black gold studded skirts and tops and Seashell-motif sequined applique. Donatella also played with some asymmetry, especially with chiffon "overlay" that would "half" cover a simple and elegant sheath dress or a skirt.
Versace Spring 2012
Gowns were seductive, sexy and oh-so-Versace Red Carpet. Also in those light candy-sorbet colors. The grommeting and studded sequin detail was followed through to the final runway-stomping gowns. Now speaking of Runway Stomping...There was a "Model Down":
Poor Lindsey Wixson (American, famous for her "bee-stung" lips) came crashing down almost at the end of the Versace Spring 2012 show. Lindsey happens to be one of Donatella's faves--if not her "Muse", but the 17 year old (A Muse at 17??) came tumbling down as she tried to maneuver those towering 8" lucite stilletto wedge platforms.
She did get back up and instead of running as fast as she could out of the runway, she continued her walk with "Victory" thumbs-up hand signs. Nice Recovery Girl!!!!
If you want to see the stumble--and the Entire Versace Spring 2012 Collection Runway Video, Click Below:
Ready to Board: ABC's "Pan Am" television series cast
You might have noticed by now (from all those commercials and ads) that a new television series, called"Pan Am"is debuting tonight on ABC. Well, being a person who: A) Loves flying B) Was barely 2 months old when I flew my first of many Pan Am flights C) And who LOVES those Old-School Flight Attendant Uniforms (those Pan Am stewardess of the late 70's/early 80's where my first "Style Muses")
you know I am excited to watch!
The series stars Christina Ricci (above), Kelly Garner, Michael Mosley, Mike Vogel, Karine Vanasse, and Margot Robbie. It focuses around the pilots and flight attendants (then called stewardesses) who worked for that iconic airline, Pan Am during 1963.
A Little History:
Pan Am was founded in 1927 by Juan Terry Trippe as a US-Cuba mail service. And by 1950, when it changed its name to Pan American World Airways, it began the first concept of "economy class" (until then, it was all First Class) and was operating routes all over the world.
In 1958, it brought in the beginning of the "jet age" with its Boeing 707 (above) and the first transatlantic jet service New York to Paris. Of course, this also began the era of the Glamorous and very Fabulous Pan Am Stewardesses. As the new ABC series showed, they lived the life!
Back in the day, it was a much sought after job: The chic uniform, white gloves and pill box hat; the traveling around the world--one day Paris, the next London, the next Beirut! And not to mention, a potential escapade with a traveling diplomat or who-knows-who. They were the "Supermodels" of that era. Little girls wanted to be them and certain little boys who would later be inspired by them (Me!!).
Coffee and Cocktails: Pan Am First Class "lounge", Boeing 707, early 1960's
Caviar and China: Pan Am First Class Service, Boeing 707, early 1960's
Also, traveling was, well, much more of a special experience, as seen from the photos above. Economy Class was much nicer than what it is today (they actually served food!) and the First Class section of that Boeing 707 even had a mini-lounge where passengers could socialize, get their aperitifs or post-dinner coffee.
And yes, can I just say how much I LOVED those uniforms they wore! So fabulous. The light blue Pan Am fitted suit, "glove-length" sleeves, Revere-collar jackets, "respectable" below-the-knee pencil skirts. And THOSE hats: My favorite, I admit is the late 70's/early 80's Bowler style (on the left photo and on the Pan Am flight attendants below)...
Since of course, that's the one I remember. I long for those days of Flight Attendant Uniforms.
Maybe that's why I LOVE those AsianaAirlines (above) and Korean Air flight attendants--their uniforms are so "retro"...
My Connection to Pan Am:
As I said above, I first flew on a Pan Am jet when I was about 2 months old--or so I am told by my mom and dad. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri (because my father was also born there and he wanted his first born to be born in his hometown) but yet, as soon as I was able to leave, I was put on a plane (with my mommie, of course) to fly all the way to my mom's birthplace, Panama so her family could meet her new son! And then, it was off to Caracas Venezuela (all on Pan Am of course!), where my father had gotten a position in the US Embassy. My mom just told me the story that on that Pan Am jet I first flew in (St. Louis to Panama City Panama), her and I flew First Class (very flossy-flossy!) and they actually had a crib (in First Class) for me to sleep in!
Mr. and Mrs. Verreos: My Mom and Dad, early 1960's
Also, several years before my mom married my father and became a "Diplomat's Wife", she almost became a Pan Am Stewardess. Back in the late 1950's, Pan Am went to Panama to recruit some of the first Spanish-speaking flight attendants for their upcoming jet services to Latin America. My mom--who attended an American University and was bilingual in Spanish and English, went to apply, along with some of her girlfriends. She was picked:
Panama's Top Pan Am Stewardess Are: Panamanian President Ernesto de la Guardia invites the first bilingual Panamanian girls to be Pan Am Stewardesses (My mother, Raquel, is to the right of the President in the flower-print dress)
She was then flown to Miami for health tests and training. And guess what happened: She failed the health exam because she didn't have 20/20 vision. So, she returned back to Panama. Imagine if she would have gotten the position, she would have probably not ever met my father and well, I would have not been born...Thank You Pan Am! Click Below to see a Video from Pan Am "Introduction to the Jet Age", late 1950's:
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Salma Hayek, at the Balenciaga Spring 2012 Show, sporting a bandage over her torn ligament (not from the collapsing benches!)
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Balenciaga Spring 2012
Cristobal Balenciaga 1967, Sik Gazar One Seam Gown with Matching Hat
