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.....Nick Verreos Hosts Oscar.com and FIDM "Fashion Face/Off"

THE ULTIMATE OSCAR® BRAGGING RIGHTS! Designer Sketch their Vision for The Academy Awards Best Actress Nominees...and Host Seth MacFarlane:

Oscar.com Fashion Face/Off, Hosted by Nick Verreos

I'm SOOO excited to announce this very special series I hosted for Oscar.com and The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising: Fashion Face/Off.

  

My Alma Mater, FIDM and the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences put three of FIDM's most talented
fashion designers to the test as they compete with what they think... 

The
five Best Actress nominees and funny man host Seth MacFarlane should
wear on the Red Carpet at the Oscars®.  

Nick Verreos hosts Oscar.com "Fashion Face/Off"

Beginning today, Tuesday, February 19, viewers will be able to log on to Oscar.com and the official Oscars App for the special six-part video
series, "Fashion Face/Off". I was honored enough to have been asked to host this fabulous online series. We went behind the scenes with three of
FIDM's most successful alumni as they compete to sketch the best Red
Carpet looks. 

Three's (Design) Company: FIDM Alumn Fashion Designers (left to right): Dominique Pearl David, Kevan Hall and Heathyr Lawrence

The designers include Kevan Hall, who has designed for the First Lady Michelle Obama as well as actresses Renee Zellweger and
Debra Messing; Heathyr Lawrence, who has designed for Avril Lavigne, Sarah Michelle Gellar and
Alyssa Milano; and Dominique Pearl David, who has worked and designed with Kanye West and Gwen Stefani's line, L.A.M.B. 



I join them in "Fashion Face/Off" to find out more about vision, inspiration and ideas for the Best
Actress nominees, as well as for Oscar host Seth MacFarlane's Red Carpet
look. 

 Oscar.com Fashion Face/Off Scene--Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

 FIDM Alumn and Fashion Designer Paul Hernandez

We shot the entire video/web show at the FIDM LA Campus and had the aid of FIDM Alumn--and Advanced Fashion Design Graduate--Paul Hernandez, for scenery; he draped these great creations that were featured as 'backdrop".

Design Fab: (left to right) Fashion Designers Kevan Hall, Heathyr Lawrence, Dominique Pearl David and Nick Verreos--Oscar.com "Fashion Face/Off", Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

 Camera On: Designers Dominique Pearl David and Heathyr Lawrence at the FIDM workroom--Oscar.com "Fashion Face/Off"

Original Sketches of Jessica Chastain's Oscars Red Carpet Look--envisioned by (left to right) Dominique Pearl David, Kevan Hall and Heathyr Lawrence

The designers' final sketches will be revealed to viewers at the end of each episode. Fans cans go online and click HERE to cast their vote for their favorite designer and help determine who sketched it best. The winner will be revealed the night of the Academy Awards!

Nick Verreos Hosts Oscar.com "Fashion Face/Off"

Now watch the videos below and VOTE for your favorite!

Fashion Face/Off: Jennifer Lawrence







Fashion Face/Off: Jessica Chastain:

Fashion Face/Off: Emmaneulle Riva: