NICK APPEARANCES: Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg Fashion Event

 Fashion Designer Nick Verreos with model Amanda Fields in his NIKOLAKI gown, inspired by Leonore Annenberg--Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg fashion event Sunnylands Rancho Mirage

On Wednesday, I went to the Desert--specifically, Rancho Mirage California. I was invited by Sunnylands and sponsored by the fabulous Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to create a gown inspired by  Leonore Annenberg, wife of former Ambassador to the United Kingdom and publishing magnate and philanthropist, Walter Annenberg. I was honored to be amongst five other designers, Michael Costello, Anthony Franco, Paul Hernandez, Lloyd Klein and Fe Zandi, who also designed creations inspired by Mr. and/or Mrs. Annenberg.

 My Inspiration: Nick Verreos with Leonore Annenberg's Oscar de la Renta apple green silk faille a-line batteau-neck gown

I was asked to pick a garment from Mrs. Annenberg's "closet" and create a contemporary design. Well, naturally, after seeing an apple green silk faille Oscar de la Renta gown, it was "done and done", as I say. Now, before I get to all the photos of the fabulous fashion event and my Leonore Annenberg-inspired NIKOLAKI gown, it's time to take in the AMAZING Sunnylands gardens--Take a look at these GLORIOUS pics taken by my NIKOLAKI design and life partner David Paul. We were UTTERLY jealous of how beautiful this California succulent garden was...breathtaking indeed:

 Succulent Garden Envy--The gardens at Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage

 Prior to the Fashion Show and Presentation:

 TV Fab: Nick Verreos doing on-camera interviews for "Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg" fashion presentation Sunnylands Rancho Mirage

Paul Hernandez, FIDM alumn fashion designer:

Inspiration: Balmain Couture black "flamenco-sleeved" dress, from Mrs. Annenberg

 Paul Hernandez design--worn by model Amanda Fields

 My NIKOLAKI deisgn:

NIKOLAKI Gown Inspired by Leonore Annenberg--modeled by Amanda Fields--I was inspired by the color first and foremost--of the original Oscar de la Renta gown. Then, I referenced the a-line silhouette as well as the batteau (boat) neckline.

  Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul silk duchesse gown

I also wanted to pay homage to the fabulous midcentury architecture of  Sunnylands as well as the Hollywood Regency decors of the home--in terms of the structured shape, pleated front and arched back.

 David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI--with model Amanda Fields--"Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg" fashion event, Rancho Mirage

NICK APPEARANCES.....NIKOLAKI Gown Inspired by Leonore Annenberg--Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg Event THIS Wednesday Night!

Leonore Annenberg: Style Muse

(left to right) Walter Annenberg, First Lady Betty Ford, Leonore Annenberg, and
President Gerald Ford at Walter Annenberg’s 90th birthday celebration,
March 1998.

Photo by Marc Glassman Courtesy of www.sunnylands.org

Early this year, I had the honor of being asked--along with five other fashion designers including Michael Costello, Anthony Franco, Paul Hernandez, Lloyd Klein and Fe Zandi--to create an original NIKOLAKI design based on the fabulous fashions of the illustrious Leonore Annenberg--for a very special event.

Fashion Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI

Leonore Annenberg with Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif. --2007 White House State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth II

Mrs. Annenberg was an American business woman, philanthropist and during
1981-1982, served as Chief of Protocol to the United States. She was
also, of course, the wife of Walter Annenberg, newspaper publishing
magnate (in 1953, he launched TV Guide as a national magazine), and
Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Richard Nixon. Mrs.
Annenberg was also known for her fabulous parties, social gathering and
naturally, her fashion. So, it is natural that she would be a Style Muse

Style Icon: Leonore Annenberg

This
upcoming Wednesday evening, a special event is being held at the
Sunnylands estate to "unveil" our creations as well as the Leonore
Annenberg ensembles/gowns that inspired us. The event--titled
"Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg" --is part of the Nightlife program at Sunnylands in partnership with Palm Springs Life magazine.

I am especially excited because the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising--my Alma Mater and College I am the Spokesperson for--is sponsoring the creation of my design as well as my appearance at Wednesday night's event...so yes, I will be there to show my Leonore Annenberg-inspired original NIKOLAKI creation!

Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage

Sunnylands is, of course, the famous midcentury Annenberg "winter
retreat"--located in Rancho Mirage, CA--that has hosted illustrious
guests such as U.S. Presidents, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles
and the former Shah of Iran. I have never been to Sunnylands but, as a huge fan of
midcentury homes (I own one) and Hollywood Regency-style interiors, I
cannot wait to attend and show my NIKOLAKI Leonore Annenberg-inspired creation.

WHAT: "Sunnylands Chic: the Fashions of Leonore Annenberg"--Six Fashion Designer Interpret Leonore Annenberg-worn ensembles with their own contemporary perspective.



WHERE: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage CA



WHEN: Wednesday March 13, 2013 6:00-8:00 PM



COST: Event is SOLD OUT!



For More Information: Click HERE