Nick Verreos Rates the Figure Skating Costumes: U.S. Nationals 2011

Color On The Ice!

Twizzle Fire: Ice Dancers Meryl David and Charlie White

The 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships--"The US Nationals"-- in Greensboro North Carolina began last Saturday and ended today. This is the "Miss USA" (of course, I had to give a "Beauty Pageant" analogy!) of Figure Skating. The top winners (usually the top 2 or 3) go on to represent the USA at The World Figure Skating Championships--"The Worlds"-- in Tokyo Japan this March. So, of course, you all know what that means: Time to Rate the Costumes...

Here are my "Nick Verreos Highlights" from the pairs, dance and ladies competition:

Ice Pairs Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Evora and Ladwig's costumes. The bright violet colors were eye-catching and stunning. the Swarovski crystals were nothing short of spectacular. I loved how there were heavier stones on the asymmetrical neckline of her costumes and it was genius to use same-color-as-the-top stones for him. I also liked his old-school "retro" costume and the use of the Blouson top with the black pants. Whoever they are consulting in the creations of these costumes, keep doing it! They get an A+ in my book!

Ice Pairs Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin

Yankowskas and Coughlin earned their first ever Pairs Title mesmerizing the sold-out crowd with a powerful "Ave Maria" program. I thought their costumes were perfect: Angelic, sublime and just right to correspond with the music. They looked as if they were skating on clouds with "Figure Skating" angels guiding them through. I especially liked Caitlin's mock-neck ivory beaded costume with illusion shoulders and sleeves. Along with her severe yet elegant blond hair, she almost reminded me of a Russian Ladies Figure Skating Doll!

Ice Dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White

Davis and White won their third straight ice dance title easily. Their program--a Tango Medley--was strong, filled with emotion and scissor sharp! In terms of costumes, Meryl Davis switched hers from the costume she wore previously to this program.

Before, it was an asymmetrical deep wine colored beaded dress and now, she went for BOLD, FIRE Red and intense! I think it was a good choice to switch. Their costumes needed a bit of a costume "pop" for such a fiery Tango program and this new costume certainly delivered. I do think, however, that it looked a bit "overdone" in terms of the diamante trim and the embroidered lace beading. It look a bit "cheap prom dress"--just a teeny bit. Overall though, I was happy for the change.

Rachael Flatt

Rachael Flatt also changed her costume and WOW! What a smart little cookie she is: That color is just EXACTLY what she needed to give life, emotion and WAKE everyone up to her beautiful skating and performance. I am IN LOVE with this neon canary yellow. In Love. Personally, I don't think she need the long sleeves and maybe should have opted for a variation of short sleeve style or just sleeveless. But on the whole: Ten Points Miss Rachael!

Ashley Wagner

Ashley Wagner decided to go very elegant and "Red Carpet Safe" with this black all-over sequined costume. What I though was unusual about it was the fact that there was no mesh-illusion on it (a staple of most figure skating costumes). The strong black color made a great contrast against her porcelain skin, making her look like a John Singer Sargent Painting...on the ice!

Alissa Czisny

I was a big fan of Alissa's asymmetrical ruffled dress late last year when she debuted it on the Grand Prix Finals, where she took the top prize. And I still like it now. The watercolor Degrade shadings, the cascade ruffle detail; it's modern, directional and stands out in a sea of traditional looking sequin-and-illusion costumes. The costume worked at the Grand Prix Finals and it worked now because she--again--took the top prize.

Go on Alissa!

TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team" End of The Year Show: Nick Verreos Ice Skates...at the W Los Angeles CHILL!!!

Fashion Ice Capades, A Meat Dress, Cinnabon Couture and CHILL-in' at the W Los Angeles!

Michelle Kwan I Am Not: Nick Verreos does a leg lift on ice skates, filming TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team", Chill at the W Los Angeles/Westwood

Oh how quickly time flies..when you're having "Red Carpet" DISHING fun! Yes, kiddies, this week was the last episode--for 2010--of my TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team" show-and the fun and always insightful segment we lovingly call "WTF?", or "What's The Fashion?" (yeah, I bet you thought those initials stood for something else--Dirty Mind!).

Can I Get a "W": The W Hotel Los Angeles Chill entrance

For this last installment, host Lawrence Zarian, myself, and stylist Jen Rade--who just recently styled Cher in THIS and Angelina Jolie in THIS--met up at the W Los Angeles Hotel (near UCLA's Westwood's Campus) and enjoyed some CHILL time.

Westwood Ice: W Hotel Los Angeles

Well, actually, we filmed the entire episode at the W Los Angeles Chill space, where the pool was transformed into an outdoors skating rink! (I know, Shut Up Sasha Cohen!) Now, we all know how much I LOVE ME some Figure Skating so you know I was like a 21 year-old gay boy at a Lady Gaga Concert: Loving It!

Ice Skating Threesome: Jen Rade, Lawrence Zarian and Nick Verreos, at W Los Angeles Chill Ice Skating Rink

Jen, Lawrence and I donned our skates and got right to it. I was trying to do my best QUAD (not!) while Jen was just looking FAB in her newly-purchased TopShop ensemble from her recent trip to NYC styling Miss Jolie for the NY Premiere of "The Tourist".

Any White Skates? The Skating Boot Section, Chill at the W Hotel Los Angeles

For this final "What's The Fashion?" Wrap-Up, we went down the list of our "Top Ten Most Memorable Red Carpet Fashion Moments of 2010". Well, naturally, there were MANY moments that we had to chose from--both good and not-so-good. The whole point was that they had to be Memorable...

Ivory Red Carpet Queen: Actress Claire Danes in that Armani Prive ivory sequined made-to-order (if you had to actually buy this gown, it would set you back $100,000+ kids!) strapless gown made the cut, of course. Danes was MY choice for one of the BEST Dressed gals of the entire year in this gown. The clean modern hair, the simple yet elegant make-up, the no-borrowed-jewelry-to-hawk look: Simply Sublime.

Two gals who made our "Most Memorable Top Ten List" for mixed reasons--were actress Charlize Theron's "Cinnabon" Christian Dior by John Galliano rose-pink Duchesse satin gown (yes, with those infamous twist-a-roo bust details!), and "Avatar" star Zoe Saldana in her Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown.

And finally, there was Lady Gaga...

Now you KNOW Miss Lady Gaga and THIS Meat Dress had to make our "Top Ten" List--In fact, it was Numero Uno. For Better or Worse. I really hope she didn't head to Benihana's after the MTV Awards...Just sayin'

*In case you missed it, you can watch the episode again on these dates: Dec 22, 24, and 26, as well as January 3rd--Click HERE for all the times.

Or Click Below to watch the latest What's The Fashion Segment!

Here's to lots more Memorable Red Carpet Fashion Moments for 2011!!!! Adieu for now---

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix Finals Best and Worst!!

A GRAND Grand Prix: My Best and Worst...with "Professor Nick Costume Grades"!

Linear Tango: Davis and White of the US, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, Beijing China

This past weekend was the 2010 ISU Grand Prix Finals of Figure Skating in Beijing China at the Beijing Capital Gymnasium. Thank goodness for Universal Sports and NBC because I got to watch the entire event from the comfort of my home back in Los Angeles! So, yes, the Grand Prix series is over--for this year--and as you may know, I have had the pleasure of critiquing the costumes for UniversalSports.com and their Figure Skating Blog "Go Figure" (love that!).

So, for my “Figure Skating Costumes Two Cents” blog, I thought I would do a “Best” and “Worst” of the Season, in terms of the costumes of course. And since--besides being a Fashion Designer--I am also an Instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM here in LA, I thought it would be perfect to also give these "Best" and "Worst" Grand Prix costumes my "Professor Verreos Fashion Grades”...

Lilac Lift: Pang Qing and Tong Jian of China at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, Beijing China

But First: Even at this Grand Prix Finals, after traveling across the Globe to four different continents for all the various Grand Prix Competitions, there were still some skaters changing up their costumes, and in the case of Japanese Figure Skater Miki Ando, a whole new Short Program!! Here are some Examples of the Last Minute Costume Switcheroo's:

Why The Change: In Beijing this past weekend, Miki Ando skated a new Short Program to "Broken Sorrow Egyptian in the Night" and Gabriel's Oboe The Falls. I loved this new ivory lightly beaded costume. Miki loves a PLUNGING back and this one had it! It was interesting in that (correct me if I am wrong), but I don't think the back was even covered in the typical nude illusion but it was actually just bare! If so, she SERIOUSLY must have had A LOT of double-stick tape! It was a prettier and softer Miki, but I wasn't a huge fan of the bell sleeves and also the length of the skirt was too long. I personally didn't have a problem with her other Short Program Costume--or her other Short Program for that matter--so I am still confused as to why she even changed it! I think she's also realizing she shouldn't have changed anything since she didn't do so well.

Fringe Couture: Another Japanese Skater, Daisuke Takahashi busted out a new Short Program costume. If you look close, he KEPT the same pants but switched the top. The new top was black, instead of lipstick red, and featured fringe. I love Takahashi because in terms of costumes, he just "goes for it" and understands the importance of costume as an integral part of the entire performance although I do prefer him with the slicked back hair.

Fiercer Vest: In his new Long Program, Takahashi also changed his top but kept the old black stretch velvet pants. The new top included a black shirt with beaded black vest. I like this new one much better than the magenta and lace one he wore before (on the left). It looks more modern, more "fashionable", and shall I even say, fiercer (sorry, I know, that word is TIRED) although 2 black costumes is a bit repetitive for my taste.

Now, let's get to my "Best" and "Worst" of the entire Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2010--Below is an "Amuse Bouche" of my List--one for each category...

BEST:

Modern Razzle Dazzle: Our US “Golden Girl”, Alyssa Czisny dazzled on the ice taking the Top Spot for her skating, and in addition, I give her my “Nick Verreos Gold Medal” for her costumes. Both her Short and Free Program choices reflect where Ladies Figure Skating Costumes should head for the future. They were directional, fluid, and feminine and gave a nod to actual fashion trends (the asymmetrical neckline, under-bust beading, strong color) and in addition, they could remarkably, go from the Ice to an Awards Show Red Carpet--with just a change of a skirt! Grade: A

WORST:

Dingle-ball Witch: When I first saw Russian Figure Skater Alena Leonova in BOTH her Short (L) and Long Program (R) Costumes, I yelled “Oh Dear!” Now, I’m not a Professional Judge of Figure Skating, but I’m pretty sure, those are not the words one wants to hear when they first step on the ice. I know that her Themes involved Polka/Circus and “Witches of Eastwick” but that still didn’t excuse the dingle-balls, the $1.99 Diamante trim, the BEIGE ice skates (not a fan!), black gloves with painted nails (I swear!) and the 1976 Nadia Comaneci hair-DON’T. Cirque du Soleil: Yes. Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NYET! Grade: D

To Continue Reading my Complete List of Best and Worst Costumes of the 2010 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Click HERE on my Figure Skating Blog for UniversalSports.com!!!!

A Royal Hollywood Wedding: Jane Cha and R.J. Cutler in the Hollywood Hills!!!

A Wedding To Remember...

Say "Beautiful Wedding": David Paul, R.J. Cutler, Jane Cutler, Nick Verreos, Jimmy Nguyen and Karen Kwan-Oppegard

Well, following on my "Wedding Fest" (see previous posting), I thought, it would be perfect to write about a FABULOUS wedding I actually attended: Last month, my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul and I attended one of the most elegant--and fun--weddings we've ever been invited to (and very A-List to boot!).

Bridal Gorgeous: Jane Cha in her Monique Lhuillier wedding gown, with her father, walking down the aisle

The Bride: My very good friend, the gorgeous Jane Cha, Founder and Executive Vice President of Full Picture--and one of the executive producers of Project Runway (Yeayyy!!!). She wore a strapless silk organza and hand-embroidered wedding gown from LA-based Fashion Designer (and FIDM-alumni) Monique Lhuillier. Her hair and makeup were done by Uber Glam Squad Linda Hay and Michel Aleman. She even had an "outfit change" and wore a Christian Siriano (Winner of Season 4 Project Runway) gown for the reception.

The Groom: Well, kids, it was none other than R.J. Cutler. Yes, THE R.J. Cutler, Producer of "The War Room", "American High" and Director of "The September Issue", nominated for an Academy Award, won an Emmy as well as a Peabody! (I know, tell me about it!!!). He's also my "bearded brother...from another mother!", but that's another story.

Hollywood Hills Chuppah: The Wedding Ceremony Scene, Jane Cha-R.J. Cutler Wedding

Bridesmaid Boys: Michael Moore and Chad Rothman

Well, kids , they got married! Both David and I almost didn't make it, because we were supposed to show our collection at an event in San Diego--as well as make a special appearance--which was scheduled the same evening but it was suddenly canceled TWO DAYS before, and well, it was time for us to find something to wear...

Dinner Time: Nick Verreos enjoying the dinner service, Jane Cha-R.J. Cutler Wedding

The wedding occurred at R.J.'s beautiful home in the gorgeous Hollywood Hills. There was a Chuppah set up in the beautiful lawn of his home, where the ceremony took place. And the Dinner Reception that followed: On TOP of the sprawling pool! They covered the pool and set up many, many, many tables and transformed it into the most beautiful Wedding Dinner Banquet.

The Guest List: Miss Klum: Heidi wearing a dress from my line, NIKOLAKI *not what she wore at the wedding :)

Well kids, the one and only Heidi Klum (love her!) was there, and walked down the aisle in a very fitted Yves Saint Laurent "Le Smoking" black suit:

Heidi was the Numero Uno Bridesmaid at the Wedding of course! Her husband Seal was there of course, front row taking care of the kids, who were the "Flower Boys and Girls". The "Flower Girl"--Leni (Heidi's gorgeous daughter)--wore a custom dress designed and created by Jewelry Designer Courtney Prince Miller.

Now, speaking of Seal: He sang to the Bride and Groom! It was UNBELIEVABLE to A.) Hear Seal sing live (Hello!) and B.) Just to be there to witness it. My arm-hairs (and I have many, I'm half-Greek remember!) were standing up! All of Jane and RJ's guest were VIP: They included Full Picture Founder and President Desiree Gruber and her husband actor Kyle MacLachlan...

Dancing Queen: Elle Creative Director Joe Zee and the bride, Jane Cutler, wearing Christian Siriano rose-pink strapless gown (her outfit change!)

Elle Magazine Creative Director Joe Zee; Lory Johansson, who designed the interior--and exterior--of R.J.'s (and now Jane's as well!) home; David Kirsch, Victoria's Secret Supermodel celebrity trainer; actress Amy Brenneman and her husband; Director Brad Silberling; and President of Entertainment for Showtime David Nevins.

Posing Kids: David Paul, Nick Verreos, Jimmy Nguyen, Karen Kwan-Oppegard and Peter Oppergard

Also on hand were Karen Kwan-Oppegard and her husband, Peter Oppegard, Figure Skating ROYALS!!! So you know, we spent a lot of time DISHING about them figure skating costumes!!! Karen wore a slinky bias-cut dress. She looked fabulous of course, but I told her that next time, she needs to "Call Me" for a dress from our line if she ever has a "Figure Skating" Red Carpet event (LOL!!).

I wasn't the only Project Runway Alumn invited: The statuesque Laura Bennett (above with moi) Finalist from Season 3 (and my fellow MSN.com Style Studio expert) was also there!

Who Wants Cake: Bride and Groom exchanging cake

It truly was an amazing wedding! The entire night was perfect. From the ceremony to the dinner to the dancing and "midnight" pizza afterward: SUBLIME!!! All the food was by Jon Shook of Animal Restaurant fame. Thank you Jane and R.J. for allowing David and myself into your lives. We were truly honored to have been part of such a wonderful evening!

Congrats, Felicitaciones, Mazel Tov & Ch'u-k'a-dŭ-rim-ni-da! 축하드립니다!

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix of France/Trophee Eric Bompard!

Bonjour France!

French Figure Skater Brian Joubert skating his Short program at Trophee Eric Bompard before pulling out of the Free Program as a result of gastroenteritis

I can't believe it's almost over! Well, the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, that is. We've "traveled" the entire Globe--Japan, China, Russia, Canada and the United States--in search of the top figure skaters in the world. As well as in search of the best and not-so-best Figure Skating Costumes.

This last weekend was the Trophee Eric Bompard in France, the last stop before the Final Grand Prix in Beijing China (it's in two weeks!). Of course, I was watching to see who would make the final cut and eventually go to Beijing, but naturally, I was also watching for the costumes and for my UniversalSports.com Figure Skating Blog.

I also especially LOVE the Grand Prix of France because they always have the MOST FABULOUS "Kiss-and-Cry" section! They make Russia's--and every other Grand Prix for that matter--look as if they're in someone's Trailer Park! Leave it to the French: Always Chic. Here are some (Costume) highlights from this past weekend: Once again, there were a few Costume Changes. Check it all out below:

US Figure Skater Mirai Nagasu's Costume Changes

Memoirs of a Pretty Skate: Another Change in Costume! What is happening? Are these ladies actually reading my comments here on UniversalSports.com? (I privately hope so!). I like this new costume: It’s young, fresh; love the bright white color and the delicate youthful flower detail. However (you know that was coming), I wished that the skirt would have been a lighter more flowy chiffon or georgette fabric.

US Figure Skater Alyssa Czisny's Costume Changes

Color Genius: At first glance, I actually thought Alyssa Czisny’s costume was a brand-new costume. But soon enough I realized “Oh wait, it’s the SAME costume!” but she did something really unique. She added a splash of hand-painted color and Voila: New costume! I think it’s actually quite genius of her (or her people) to have done that. I call this “New Costume for the Economic Recession!” I liked the costume before but now, I LOVE it!

Japan's Haruka Imai at Grand Prix of France/Trophee Eric Bompard

Kismet On Ice: Haruka Imai’s colorful costume, in which she skated to the Polovetsian Dances, or better known for its “Stranger In Paradise” melody, was a little over the top I thought. It may have been a bit too literal for me. I liked the intricate top but lose the “car wash” fringed skirt and tacky arm bands. Along with her flailing arm movements, those two things didn’t help.

Fumie Suguri's Costume: From Bad to Good...or Bad to Worse???

See what I thought about Japan's Fumie Suguri Costume Re-do--plus all the other costumes from Grand Prix of France HERE on UniversalSports.com!

Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix Cup of Russia!

Babushkas Loves Sequins!

Tango Hands Abbott: US Figure Skater Jeremy Abbott at Cup of Russia

Figure Skating Fever: If you've been keeping up with my blog here, you might know that I have been covering the Costume "Hot's" and "Not's" for UniversalSports.com for this season's Grand Prix series.

Now we are in St. Petersburg Russia for the Cup of Russia 2010. Several Figure Skaters changed up their costumes from the last time they competed--some good and some not so much. Here are some improved ones:

Ashley Wagner US Figure Skater

Where Are My Castanets: I think Ashley’s Long Program costume is a step in the right direction. She always looks elegant and regal and I think this more traditional style suits her skating better. Although a bit fussy for my taste (not a fan of the ruffled “rickety-rack” trim that looks as if it came from JoAnn’s Fabric Store), the strapless effect of the dress and the beautiful Ombre-dyed skirt enhance her beautiful skating.

Akiko Suzuki Japanese Figure Skater Skating to "Fiddler On The Roof"

And the Award For “Much Improved” Goes To: I think this is a big improvement from the costume Akiko wore at Cup of China. It is more sophisticated and reflective of what is happening in fashion now; the asymmetry of the neckline, the diagonal ruffles, the contrast edging, the rosette details. The previous costume looked juvenile and meant more for a Junior Skater. She went from 15 to 25 in ONE beautiful Costume!

The "Why Bother"...

Tomas Verner Czech Republic Figure Skater Skating to a Michael Jackson Medley

Beat It: Czech boy-wonder Verner changed up his costume by going from a blue shirt to a black shirt (boy, that was a STRETCH!). While I understand that he is simplifying everything this year, I think this is taking things a step too far. He went from looking like he worked on the Lido Deck to becoming a student at the Marcel Marceau School of Mime!

And Then...

Lucie Mysliveckova and Matej Novak: Let My People Go: Remix

Russia's Mysliveckova and Novak skated to music that included--among others--an African-American Spiritual Song, ABBA and well, everything in between. The soundtrack was a potpourri of a MESS and what did I think of their corresponding costumes?

Click HERE to read what I really thought plus view all my comments from the Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating.