Nick Verreos Attends FIDM Museum & Galleries "Fabulous!" Opening Exhibit Party!!

McQueen, Versace, Chanel, Adrian...and SO MUCH MORE!!!

Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages

Alexander McQueen "Peacock Dress" Fall/Winter 2008-09, Fabulous! Exhibit FIDM Museum & Galleries (above, at the Museum and bottom photo from the Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 Runway)

Last Saturday I was invited to the Opening Night Party of the "Fabulous!" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's Museum & Galleries. And in one word, it was FABULOUS!!! The exhibition, which opened last Tuesday September 13th, spans 200 years of fashion history 1800-2010 in addition to ten years of FIDM Museum Acquisitions, from 2000-2010. The 200-piece exhibition, co-curated by the fantastic team of Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson of the FIDM Museum, includes historical court costumes, Haute Couture garments, accessories, jewelry, textiles, as well as historical documents that give provenance to the items.

The exhibit features two main and very prominent podiums which "divide" the items into ones that have been acquired through purchases by the FIDM Museum & Galleries and ones that have been donated.

There is also a GORGEOUS "Fabulous!" Catalogue which accompanies the exhibition (and is prefaced by none other than Hubert de Givenchy) and can be purchased at the FIDM Museum Store, which is adjacent to the Museum. It's A MUST HAVE!

Some HIGHLIGHTS of the Fashion at the "Fabulous!" exhibit:

Embroidered Court Suit, belonging to composer Johann Hummel, worn in the court during the rule of Francis I, Emperor of Austria 1810-1814; It's one of the only ones in the World, and especially in such outstanding condition! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

A very rare Empire-style Silk Court Gown with gold laurel leaves brocade and an ELEVEN FOOT train worn by Ann Bloomfield Gamble Post (above) at Buckingham Palace when she was presented to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1903 during Edward's coronation. She was the wife of famous American Author Melville Davisson Post and died only 16 years later of pneumonia.

Gianni Versace: Men's and women's ensembles from the SAME Gianni Versace 1994 collection Lady Gaga has been recently going GAGA for!!! These were donated items. Can you only imagine the FABULOUS guy who wore those gold studded leather pants and silk printed shirt! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Gilbert Adrian: A draped gunmetal-colored iridescent silk taffeta halter-style gown from Hollywood designer Gilbert Adrian.

Mae West's Platform Shoes, as well as her actual foot imprint. Mae West was actually ONLY 5 FEET Tall, so you get to see what made her look SIX FEET Tall--Yep, those 10" platforms!

Also, as part of the "Fabulous!" Exhibition, there is the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection Gallery section. On view in this section is a selection of dresses, all originally belonging to European royalty! And you know how I'm a (fashion) fan of European Royalty...

Wedding Gown worn by Elisabeth of Wied, Queen Consort of Romania, in 1869: The gown is made of silk satin silk netting/tulle with cotton and paper faux flowers. It is in AMAZING condition considering it is 142 years OLD!!! You should see my gowns A DAY after an actress wears them on the red carpet!!! (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Queen Victoria of Great Britain's Evening Gown, black silk faille and crepe, from 1897. (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages).

As you know, the black mourning color became popular during Queen Victoria's reign, particularly after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. She never wore anything else, just black. Isn't it AMAZING that you can see a gown worn by a Queen...from 1897 no less?

The Opening Night "Fabulous!" Exhibit Party:

The "Opening Night Party", which was held right outside the street-level FIDM Museum & Galleries, was just as great as the Exhibition itself. FIDM, as always, outdid itself with lots of food, cocktails and a tented seating and socializing area. Lots of FIDM's donors, TV and entertainment personalities and of course, fashionistas were on hand. I made sure to say "Hi" to a lot of them:

Fashion Designers Sue Wong and Nick Verreos, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibit, FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic fashion blogger N. Jayne Seward and Nick Verreos, in front of a Chanel yellow paillette "Scuba" ensemble from 1991, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries

Doris Raymond, Curator and Owner of "The Way We Wore" Boutique, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition, FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Nick Verreos, Julian Bermudez and KPCC "Off-Ramp" Host John Rabe, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

Barbie Boys: Nick Verreos flanked by James Holmes and Peter Helenek of Mattel, Opening Night Party "Fabulous!" Exhibition FIDM Museum & Galleries (Photo Courtesy of Peter Wintersteller/abimages)

The Opening Night Party was so much fun and yes, the "Fabulous!" Exhibition made me shake with "Fashion Glee". It rivals ANY top fashion and costume exhibition I've been to at The Met in NYC, Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris, or the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. DO NOT MISS IT!!!

Here Are The Details:
What: "Fabulous!", An Exhibition of 200 years of Fashion History 1800-2010

Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015

When: September 13-December 17 2011 Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm (closed Sunday, Monday)

Cost: FREE!!!!!!

Nick Verreos on NBC-LA , Local Japanese TV UTB Hollywood (KSCI-TV) and Telemundo-LA & CNN International!!

Oscars Red Carpet and Oscars Costumes--The TV Wrap Up...

A Perfect Portrait: KNBC News Anchors Chuck Henry, Colleen Henry and FIDM Spokesperson/Fashion Designer Nick Verreos, KNBC-TV 5 o'clock News

Last week was the 83rd Annual Academy Awards and I was happy to be part of the "Red Carpet Coverage" madness--as the "Fashion Guy" for TV Guide Network's "Academy Award Red Carpet LIVE Show hosted by Chris Harrison" as well as being on the "Fashion Wrap" Panel the following day with Paulina Porizkova, Tabatha Coffey and Miss Daisy Fuentes.

SKYPE Ensemble: Nick Verreos SKYPES from his office for CNN International

In the lead-up to and after I was inundated with requests to go on local TV and even SKYPE (my FIRST TIME!!!) to CNN International's "World Report with Anjali Rao" program!--and give my Nick "Two Cents" on the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet. In addition, as you know, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM ( the College I teach at and also my Alma Mater) has their fabulous "19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition showing the Oscar-nominated costumes plus many more (about 100 costumes in total!).

Grecian God-dess: Nick Verreos at the FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

The week before the Awards, the FIDM Museum & Galleries also received A TON of press requests from Local News Services (as well as all over the World) and being that I am their Official Spokesperson, I was happy to be "their guy". You can see what I did for KNBC-LA Sunday Weekend News HERE as well as Fox-LA Channel 11 "Good Day LA" HERE but there was more:

KNBC-LA Channel 4-5 o'clock News with Chuck Henry & Colleen Williams:

Discussing Fashion: Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams and Nick Verreos discussing the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet Fashions

The wonderful people at KNBC-LA invited me over (second time in a row!) to their Burbank Studios to on be on the 5 o'clock News with anchors Chuck Henry and Colleen Williams to talk about my opinions on the "Best " and "Has Room For Improvement" of the 2011 Oscars Red Carpet. I cannot say this enough: Colleen and Chuck are THE BEST! First of all, such pros and second of all, so welcoming, so sweet and may I add, surprisingly insightful with their fashion opinions (Yes, I mean you Chuck!).

The lovely KNBC staff (OK, the amazing make-up artist!), even put me in my own "Green Room" which I heard was "reserved" for bigwigs. I think since there was no Brad Pitt or Donald Trump in sight, at the time, I was the closest thing to a "bigwig" (wink wink!).

KNBC-TV Green Room

I felt so special with my own Vanity Table and mini fridge. Needless to say, I never got use the Vanity Table nor the fridge! But thank you again for having me and for the fun "Oscar Red Carpet Fashion" talk! Can't wait to do it again Colleen and Chuck!

Telemundo-LA "Acceso Total" Entertainment show:

During that week leading up to the Oscars, I did so many TV interviews with local and foreign press at the FIDM "Oscars Costume Exhibition", I lost track. There was Russian, Chinese, Korean, French, British TV interviews which I did. I haven't seen any of them but I am sure they're "out there somewhere".

But I did get a hold of one I did for Spanish-language Telemundo and an entertainment show titled "Acceso Total" where I gave a fun tour (in Spanish) to reporter Edgardo Gazcon. You can Click HERE to watch that segment.

In addition, I also gave a "TV Tour" to Japanese-language UTB (United Television Broadcasting Systems, Inc.) for KSCI-TV Channel 18. UTB is the first Japanese-language TV station based in the United States. The station first began in Los Angeles in 1971. The station covers the 16 million population of Southern California, and UTB is watched by over 3 million people, including Japanese, Japanese Americans, other Asian nationalities, and they wanted to do a TV segment on the Oscar-nominated Costumes as well as the fabulous FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition.

Click BELOW to watch the UTB Hollywood/Japanese TV: Nick Verreos FIDM Oscars Costume Exhibition:

Nick Verreos Attends the Unveiling of FIDM's 19th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition !

Costume Extravaganza!

Cassiopeia Nick: Nick Verereos poses with "Clash of the Titans" Costume Tableaux, FIDM Museum & Galleries "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last Saturday evening was the Gala Party for the unveiling of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries here in Los Angeles. Of course, being that I am a FIDM Grad (don't even try and look up the year!), Instructor, and the College's Official Spokesperson, I was invited to this grand annual party to get a "sneak peak".

Armour and Plisse: "Clash of the Titans" Costumes Designed by Lindy Hemming, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition features over 100 costumes from over 20 films of 2010, including ones nominated for this year's Oscars "Best Costume Design".

Costume Royalty: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Speaking of Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominations...Included in this exhibition are these 2011 Academy Awards Best Costume Nominees:

"Alice In Wonderland" Costumes by Colleen Atwood (yes, that's Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter ensemble as well as Mia Wasikowska's Alice Dresses!)

"True Grit" Costumes Designed by Mary Zophres

"The Tempest" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (who won last year's 2010 Academy Award for Costume Design for "Young Victoria"), as well as...

"The King's Speech" Costumes Designed by Jenny Bevan

Other Highlights in the Exhibition (there were SO many so I had to edit!!! You will have to come and see ALL of the Costumes for yourself!) include:

"Inception" Costumes Designed by Jeffrey Kurland--above is Marion Cotillard's black embroidered sequin gown and coat

"Burlesque" Costumes Designed by Michael Kaplan--above is one of Christina Aguilera's "Showgirl-esque" sequined costumes

"Shutter Island" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (Leonardo DiCaprio's costume is on the far left--didn't realize how tall he is!)

"Coco Chanel & Ivor Stravinsky" Costumes Designed by Chattoune and Fab

As well as "The Kids Are All Right" Costumes Designed by FIDM Graduate Mary Claire Hannan

My Better Half: NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Opening Night Party" on Saturday was a HUGE success and as always FIDM Museum & Galleries know how to throw a VIP Party: A great tent was set up outside of the Museum, which featured an entire buffet of delicious foods (a mashed potato self-service bar I heard!) as well as fully stocked bars for anyone in the mood for cocktails.

Nick Hearts KCRW: DnA host Frances Anderton interviews Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Opening Night of "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Besides seeing all the amazing costumes on display, I spent the entire time doing Media/TV/print interviews with everyone from ABC-LA News to KCRW's DnA Radio Program host Frances Anderton as well as the LA Times, Daily Bruin and many, many blogs. I also got to mingle with some guests:

Momma Nick: Nick Verreos with "Momma", FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

First up, I was verklempt with excitement upon seeing Momma, the DIVA behind EC2 Costume House, the home and purveyor of Bob Mackie's Archives--LOVE her Gerber Daisy Hair Pin and Boucle Tweed with over-sized pearl necklace "Lady Who Lunches" ensemble!

Photo Courtesy of Laura Diaz

Including CBS-TV News Anchor (and FIERCE Latina!) Laura Diaz and her good friend Megan Telles (above). I just adore Laura, she was so sweet, she wrote THIS for her CBSLosAngeles.com blog write-up on the Exhibition...

I also ran into my good friend, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic Blooger, Jayne Seward (above with moi) who was "working" her chic harem-pant chiffon jumpsuit and new Prada heels (love me some Prada!).

Mini Costume Fans: Nick Verreos poses with the youngest of the 19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Opening Night Party guests

I also ran into three "Little Costume Designer Fans" at the Party. The precious one (I know, which one??) on the far right is Frances Anderton's daughter! Love her cropped pants, cap and "shrunken" blazer! Tres Mini-Chic!

You MUST come to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and check out this brand-new Exhibition. It's THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD where you will see these costumes! If you love motion pictures, films, actors, costume design and fashion...well, the FIDM Museum & Galleries is YOUR PLACE! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!!

Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Here are the Details:

What: 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Opens Tuesday February 8Th (yesterday!!!) and runs through to Saturday April 30Th.
Hrs/Days: 10am-4pm/Tuesday-Saturday Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Check out this video from KABC-TV Los Angeles featuring the Exhibit and a quick Interview I did with ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Reporter Adrienne Alpert:

Nick Verreos, Lawrence Zarian and Jen Rade: TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team": The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Episode!

TV Guide's "The Fashion Team" Goes Back To School...

Museum Chic: Jen Rade and Nick Verreos, filming the TV Guide Network "The Fashion team" TV segment, FIDM Museum & Galleries

Hello fashion darlings: Last week, I had the privilege of shooting one of my weekly "Fashion Team What's The Fashion?" segments for the TV Guide Network at my Alma Mater and the College of which I am not only an Instructor but also the Spokesperson: The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM. They asked if maybe they could film an episode there, and let's just say I might have "helped" in making it happen...

As you may know, every week, Stylist and Costume Designer Jennifer Rade and I give our expert "two cents" in the week's rundown of celeb red carpet fashion--and we have our Host-with-the-Most, Lawrence Zarian keep us in check...

Three Fashion Musketeers: Lawrence Zarian, Jennifer Rade and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

This time, we actually filmed at the wonderful FIDM Museum & Galleries Exhibition, Re-Designing History: FIDM Museum Study Collection 1850-2000, which runs until NEXT WEEK (December 17Th).

Disco Fever: Bob Mackie Design from the late 1970s, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The exhibition showcases the creations through the decades from designers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, James Galanos and Bob Mackie.

Orient Express: Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Corduroy Jacket and Wool Gabardine pants ensemble,c. 1977, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The FIDM Museum Study Collection is unique in that it is a major inspiration resource for students and research and if, for example, I wanted to pull items to show my students, THIS "Study Collection" would be fully available to me. It was at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, where Jen Rade and I filmed a little segment highlighting some of our favorite pieces from the exhibition.

Find Professor Nick: Nick Verreos (background) with students, FIDM Classroom

We also filmed at some of the fabulous FIDM classrooms. In fact, Jen, Lawrence, and I actually shot our "What's The Fashion?" segment in one of the classrooms where Project Runway Season 6 filmed in! We had actual students going about their draping, pattern making and sketching "business" in the classroom, as we commented on what the latest Hollywood A-List celebs were wearing on the red carpet.

Drawing Board: Nick Verreos Fashion Illustrations from the TV Guide Network "The Fashion Team" shoot at FIDM Campus

Speaking of Sketches...the producers asked if I could quickly do some of my fashion illustrations for "background art", for the shoot. Well, naturally, I was like "done and done"! I had such a great time shooting my TV Guide "The Fashion Team" segment at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM and I am so thankful that they were able to make it happen!!!!

Check out the latest What's The Fashion video below: