Laura Chukanova: Miss Utah USA 2009

Name: Laura Chukanova

Country: USA

Pageants Joined:

-Miss Utah 2009

-Miss USA 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

81st Annual Academy Awards TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap Video

What does my love for Tilda Swinton, a "Napkin Gown" and a Thief have in common? Well, click on the above video and find out...

In case you missed the finale of our last Awards Season Fashion Wrap--here it is!!!!
This is the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap which we filmed on Monday, just a day after the Academy Awards. We all had a crazy fun time--like always--speaking fashion, jewelry and hair--and dishing as if we were all at home having chips and guacamole, and lots of Margaritas (even though of course, we weren't).
I think this was one of our best and I just cannot wait until the next Awards Season begins.
See you on the Red Carpet!

NY Fashion Week-Fall 2009 Runway Videos-Part 1

Fashion Schmashion...
Lady In Zac Posen Red: Cowl-draped shouldered plunging neck ruffled gown, Fall 2009

So, it has become a tradition of sorts here at www.nickverreos.com to, of course, talk about fashion and especially what's the "freshest" and "newest" in fashion, and particularly, on the runways. Because I was crazy-busy doing all my segments for Oscar.com and all things surrounding the Academy Awards, New York Fashion Week sort of came and went. In fact, I was going to go to NY and attend the Finale of the newest (and yet un-aired) Season 6 of Project Runway at Bryant Park, but could not, because it conflicted with my duties for Oscar.com (oh well!). I have added some great runway shows from some of the top designers who showed at last week's New York Fashion Week, as well as accompanying photos naturally.

Zac Posen:
Zac Posen Fall '09: Cowl draped shoulder bias gown

Oh, Zac, he loves DRAMA (and so do I huney!). And he gave them drama for his Fall 2009 Collection. There were loose themes of Victoriana, Joan Crawford and 1930's Hollywood in his collection, mostly confined to dresses and gowns--from bias-cut slithery silks to full ruffled mermaid shapes. Joan Crawford Shoulders: Zac Posen Fall '09 exaggerated raglan and bishop sleeved cocktail dress

There was a lot of interest and focus on the shoulders (a theme for Fall '09) therefore the Joan "No More Wire hangers Christina!" Crawford reference. Style.com wasn't necessarily won over and deemed it a bit "too much". Zac Posen, too much? Really?
Click Below for Parts 1 and 2 of Zac Posen Fall 2009 Runway Show




Oscar De La Renta:Dominican Diva: Model-of-the-moment Arlenis gives you plunging neckline

Elegant, high-society clothes for the moneyed set. This has always been Oscar De La Renta's anthem. For Fall 2009 , he did not change a thing---and thank God for his clients. Speaking of clients, if the use of more than one or two models of color (Gracias Oscar!) is any indication, I have a feeling somebody is trying to woo First Lady Michelle Obama, either overtly or covertly. Oscar De La Renta has always been known to be the favorite designer of the upper-echelons of the Ladies-who-lunch REPUBLICAN set. Violet Goddess: A violet-colored silk column one-shoulder gown, Oscar de la Renta Fall '09 (also worn by Jessica Biel to the Oscar After Parties Sunday night!)

But change is in Washington, and so Oscar may seem to be trying to change his "political" fashion colors, as they say. Whatever the (wonderful) conscious decision of using so many STUNNING Black girls, I love that his first and final model were models of color---talk about CHANGE!!!
Final Exit: Model Jourdan Dunn in a black-and-white strapless ball gown

His Fall 2009 Collection was stunning, filled with expensive silks, duchess satins and wools, and had hints of Kiera Knightley's "The Duchess" (look at that hair!). Of course I absolutely loved the stunning gowns at the end. Yes, we are in an economic recession, but don't tell that to Oscar or his ladies.
Click Below for Parts 1, and 2 of Oscar De La Renta Fall 2009 Runway Show:

Nick Verreos at the Oscars Trevor Project Viewing Party!

Oh What a Sunday...
Substitute Hostin': Nick Verreos Raffles Gift Packages at the Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Of course, as we all know, the Academy Awards were Sunday night---I had filmed all my Oscar.com segments for the Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress and my former Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn, was given the duties to announce the winner Live on the Pre-Awards Red Carpet ABC Special. I know.... I was "bumped off" for Mr. Tim Gunn, can you believe it?? (He does have a Tide Commercial after all...and his own show).
I was invited by The Trevor Project, an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group, to attend their annual Oscar Night Viewing Party at Here Lounge in West Hollywood. I am a big supporter of The Trevor Project and was happy to attend. I also brought a "date", my good friend Colin, who happily obliged.

Nick Verreos and friend, Colin Murphy, at Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Comedian and "Ugly Betty" actor Alec Mapa was supposed to have hosted it, which was an added "plus" for me to attend, since he is a friend and INCREDIBLY funny! I could only IMAGINE his funny one-liners "no-he-didn't" comments during the commercial breaks. Unfortunately, Alec was not there (a family emergency, I hear) but there were some fantastic Drag Diva performances during the breaks that kept the crowd motivated and happy! (see photos) . Looking around in the crowd, it seemed like a LOGO Network Reunion: I spotted actors from the Logo show, "Noah's Arc" as well as one of my favorite actresses, Ann Walker from "Sordid Lives" (I LOVE that show!!!). She looked EXACTLY like the character she plays on the series, Miss LaVonda. Of course, I was secretly dying!

I love me Some Purple! Nick Verreos poses with a lot of jersey print

There were also great "Ticket Give Aways"--such as tooth whitening, spa services and products galore. At one point, I was asked to help out in the ticket raffle announcing--of course I quickly got up from my chair and was excited to see the sold-out crowd's response as they were happy to see me up there QUEENIN' OUT! (and giving away stuff!)

Bollywood Fierceness: Musical Tribute to Slumdog Millionaire

A couple of hours into the Viewing Party, I realized that I had to go home to watch the end, as well as to do my "Homework" for the next day. I was filming my TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and had HOURS and HOURS of red carpet who-wore-what internet viewing.....

Academy Awards Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos!

Oscars Fashion Wrap Madness and Dior's "Junon" gown makes a Comeback???

Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos on TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap

Yes kids, it's that time again for the Oscars Fashion Wraps---make sure to watch, starting tonight at 7, 8, 9 and 11 PM on the TV Guide Network--check you local listings and your cable provider (sounds so official!!!). Along with the "TV Guide Network Panel of Experts", stylist Jennifer Rade (she styles Angelina Jolie!), Lawrence Zarian, and colorist-to-the-stars Kim Vo, I joined in on the fun. This was our last Fashion Wrap of the 2008-2009 Awards Season and trust me, we ended with a Fashion Bang!

Look Familiar? Zuhair Murad's Spring 2009 Couture Gown and Christian Dior's "Junon" gown from Fall 1949

Speaking of a Fashion Bang: As I was watching the Pre-Oscar shows last night to see what all the actresses were wearing for the Academy Awards (since of course I have to do my "homework"), an "I-Have-Seen-That-Before" image instantly came to mind. As Miley Cyrus made her Red carpet appearance in a beaded gown by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad, I could not help but think "Oh My GAWWWD---that dress looks JUST like a very famous Christian Dior 'Junon' gown from his Fall 1949 Collection!!!!" In fact, I sprinted off my couch and instantly retrieved one of my many Haute Couture Books, "Haute Couture: The Metropolitan Museum of Art" and went right to the page that showcased this gorgeous and iconic Dior gown. See photos above for the Zuhair Murad gown as it was shown in Paris at his Spring 2009 Couture Collection, the original Dior "Junon" gown and Miley wearing the Murad gown at the Oscars Red Carpet. Looks kind of similar, what do you think?
Watch tonight on the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna as I get to say a little bit of something about that...as well as a lot more...
Happy Awards Season!

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 5 and 6!

EPISODE 5

EPISODE 6

As I say in the webisodes..."The votes have been tabulated and the results are in!" Check out the final two episodes of Behind the Dress where we find out which designer wins and which model is chosen to grace the Oscar Stage announced LIVE by Tim Gunn!!

All the dresses were gorgeous but the winning design and model really capture the essence of the grand event. In Episode 6, check out exclusive backstage coverage with interviews of the very excited winning model and designer.

I thought last nights Academy Awards was great and I, of course, have my opinions on all the gowns! But more on that later...

I had such a blast hosting this official Oscar Challenge and was honored to be part of such a important night in Hollywood. You can check out all the action from yesterdays festivities with exclusive coverage on Oscar.com including all the episodes of Behind the Dress.

And The Winner Is.....The Oscars Design Trophy Goes to...

I just want to congratulate the Winner of Oscars Designer Challenge: Chicago designer Sam Kori George and his gorgeous model, Lauren Gish. It was definitely one of my favorite of all the seven designs in contention. It just "screamed" Oscars Trophy Girl/1950's Hollywood Actress.

Model Lauren Gish in Sam Kori George's winning gown

His gown was a stunning technical feat of dressmaking featuring yards and yards of silk, cut on the bias , pleated and draped to envelop the model's body perfectly. I even noticed that there were no side seams to the gown. I was also told (by the designer himself) that the bodice had about twenty coiled boning sewn inside the gown so there was no chance of the strapless gown slipping down. This also made sure to create that defined hourglass figure.
Lauren looked very "Old School Hollywood Glamour" on stage at the Academy Awards as she escorted the actors and actresses when they received their trophies and awards. Congratulations to both!

Ly Jonaitis: Miss Venezuela Universe 2009

Name: Ly Jonaitis

Country: Venezuela

Pageant Joined:

-Miss Venezuela 2008

-Miss Universe 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owner.

Iveta Lutovska: In Casual Wear

Name: Iveta Lutovska -Country: Czech Republic -Pageant Joined: Miss Czech Republic 2009, Miss Universe 2009 -Photo Credit: All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Pageant Finals: Miss India Worldwide 2009

The winners of Miss India Worldwide 2009: Kanchan Verma- Australia - first Runner Up; Nikkitasha Marwaha- USA- Winner Miss India Worldwide 2009; Sunaina Bhondie- Holland- Second Runner Up. The pageant was held in the city of Durban in South Africa.

Happy Birthday To Me--Nick Verreos Celebrates in Seattle!!

Seattle Diary--The Birthday Weekend!
Put Your Lips Together...and Blow: Happy Birthday Nick!

Last week, I was invited to judge the fabulous Project Red Dress as you all may know and had a great time! In addition to this event, I was also happy to be in Seattle for my Birthday! (It was the same day as the event). But since work calls, I did my duties at Project Red Dress, judged, surveyed the gowns and dresses, did some catwalkin' on the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Runway and met with a lot of the guests (and I took a lot of photos which I am sure I will be "tagged" in on Facebook!)Beard Cake: Nick Verreos Birthday Cake

After the Project Red Dress fashion show and gala, I went to my Fairmont Olympic Hotel suite, did a bit of an outfit change and headed off to a fashion show, live concert that my Seattle friend (of Venezuelan descent) Eduardo, was producing. Because it was so late, the fashion show had ended, but I still wanted to stop by. I'm glad I did: Little did I know that he had "organized" along with a couple of my other Seattle friends, a "Birthday" mini-party! Another Venezuelan friend, the wonderful Jorge Hernandez, had commissioned and designed a "Nick" cake: He designed a delicious cake with my image--beard and faux-hawk included--I seriously could not believe it!!! I didn't even want to cut it! But I did, right into the beard! Thank you Eduardo and Jorge, you guys are too much!
Nick with Cake: Nick Verreos and Seattle Designer, Logan Neitzel, holding up his Birthday Cake

The following day, I had to give a 10 AM Workshop/Seminar on the Essence of Fit and Fit Models at the Tukwila campus of the International Academy of Design and Technology/IADT. I was happy to "instruct" Seattle design students and fans of Project Runway alike, on why a "Forever 21" small is very different from a "QVC" small, as well as bring some of my NIKOLAKI clothing line samples and show good vs. bad fit on an actual fit model.
Fit Class: Nick Verreos during his Workshop at International Academy of Design and Technology/IADT

Afterwards, I was delighted to enjoy a fantastic, family-style luncheon at Saffron Kabobs, a Bellevue Persian food restaurant (the BEST in Seattle!). I love me some Persian Food--in fact so much so, people question if instead of being half-Greek, I may be half Persian!).
Cake No. 2: Saffron Kabobs' Chocolate Cake for Nick's Birthday

Well, guess what? After eating enough Koubideh Kabob, Tahdik, Gormeh Sabzi and Saffron Rice to feed an entire family, they brought out a Birthday cake!!! Yep, it officially became Nick's Birthday Weekend!
View From The Top: David Paul and Nick Verreos at the Columbia Tower Club (notice the sea plane passing in the background)

Then, if that was not enough, David and I were treated to an amazing view of Seattle--atop 75 stories! Our driver, Amy of Amy's Limo--my "official chauffeur" in Seattle (I love Miss Amy!)--wanted to give David and I a special treat: She invited us to the exclusive Columbia Tower Club. It was Valentine's Day after all and she wanted to celebrate it with us!!! It is a private membership club, restaurant and bar where the creme de la creme of Seattle come to get away from it all--and have a private dinner, after-work business cocktail meeting or Valentine's Day drinks and cake, like us. Valentine's Day Threesome: David Paul, Amy of Amy's Limo, and Nick Verreos posing at the Columbia Tower Club

Words cannot describe the view from the Columbia Tower Club. You see all of Seattle. The iconic Space Needle looks miniscule from a 75 story view, let me tell you! We could see everything! At one point, as we took a photo, a small sea-plane happened to be passing by--and Amy captured it (see photo above). Say Cheese: Nick Verreos and a delicious Birthday Cheesecake at the Columbia Tower Club Seattle

We enjoyed our Valentine's Evening drinks and the staff then brought out a delicious Cheese Cake and sang "Happy Birthday". It was my third "Birthday Cake in two days--and I was loving it! The beautiful Seattle view, plus the cake, made for a perfect ending to my "Birthday Weekend" in Seattle. Unforgettable.

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 3!

In Episode 3 of Behind The Dress watch the designers meet their models and do their initial fittings where they make sure everything is JUST RIGHT!! Every last stitch, pull, tuck, or hem adjustment is noted and then fixed. I love when it is NY Designer Robert Rodriguez' time, he instantly calls out to his seamstress to do the fixin'--Diva!!!
I know from experience what a relief it can be to finally get that dress on the Model and see that all your hard work has paid off!! Your creation finally comes to life.

Check back tomorrow as we take you Backstage at the Oscar Fashion Show Preview!

And make sure to visit Oscar.com for frequent updates on all things OSCAR!

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 2!

Click Above to watch Episode Two of the Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress from the official Academy Award Website, Oscar.com. Now, that the designers have been chosen, it's time for the Model Castings. Watch as we go behind the scenes (like a "Nick" fly on the wall!) and see Patty Fox, Fashion Coordinator for the Academy Awards, as well as the producers of the live telecast, choose which 7 models will go on to compete for the Oscar Designer (and Escort) Challenge.

Mercedes in Vintage NIKOLAKI

I was so excited to find out that two of the 7 models that were chosen have modeled for me and my collection, NIKOLAKI, at various fashion shows, including Smashbox Los Angeles Fashion Week. The first one is the gorgeous Mercedes, whom I have known for AGES!! In fact, she was one of my first 'muses" when I began my line back in 2003. She modeled in my very first LA Fashion Week show and it's always like "good ol' times" when we see each other! She is, as they say "good people".Fanning the Model Flame: Oscar Model Hopeful Gerren

And the other girl is a fabulous model named Gerren Taylor. Gerren modeled for me years ago for another fashion show I did where I showed my collection. I remember it vividly because she was THIRTEEN YEARS OLD, had braces, but was over 6 feet tall, and walked like a gazelle! The agency had sent her because she was a "new Face" and I immediately said to myself (and to her and her over 6 foot tall Mommie!) that she was going to go far! Of course, soon after that, she left LA and went on to model all over the world: At Paris , Milan and New York Fashion Weeks!
Good luck to all the Models ...ooops , I mean Oscar Escort Hopefuls.

Oscar Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress with Nick Verreos

I am happy to announce that I was asked to be the Host of the Oscars Designer Challenge for the 2009 Academy Awards.

Seven designers from across the US were chosen to design a gown for the Oscars Escort/Trophy Model for the 81st Annual Academy Awards. The public was allowed to vote online for the winning Designer and model.

I will host a series of episodes leading up to Oscar night when the winner will be announced LIVE on the Red Carpet.

Watch above or go to Oscar.com to see the fabulous, new web series "Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress" with Nick Verreos!

NY Fashion Week--Barbie 50th Aniversary Fashion Show Video!!!

I'm a Barbie Girl In A Barbie World....
Original Barbie: Rachel Roy's striped sequined one-piece

This last Saturday afternoon, NY Fashion Week went PINK! As in Barbie Pink! The Council of Fashion Designers of America--the CFDA--asked 50 of their member designers, to come up with their vision for a "Barbie Dream Wardrobe". From Rachel Roy's sequined Vintage Barbie opening exit bathing suit to House Of Field's futuristic one-leg jumpsuit, these American designers conjured up designs that ran the gamut from wearable and off-the-rack to "OK, Is Barbie a Drag Queen?". Other designers included Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang and Marchesa. The outfits weren't all bubble-gum pink satin and tulle and there was a lot of black and anything in between (since of course, Barbie cannot live in pink ALL THE TIME!).
Boris and Natasha Barbie: Barbie goes mysterious

Savvy fashion-watchers noted that some of the outfits were not "especially created for Barbie" but were rather dresses or pieces from the designer's collections that were "Barbie-ized" for this special tribute. Note the strapless red gown below--worn by Pennsylvania-born supermodel Sessilee--that was suspiciously similar to Eva Longoria's SAG Awards red carpet gown.
Miss Barbie: Sessilee models Apple-Red Satin Strapless Mermaid Gown

One of the standouts was--naturally--Bob Mackie's Cher-inspired "Barbie Does the Flamingo Hilton/Vegas Riviera" gold gown with feathered headdress. God Bless Bob Mackie!
Welcome to Vegas! Bob Mackie's vision for Barbie

The massive backdrop showed kaleidoscopic videos and iconic images of Barbie and the runway was, of course, pink...even Ken made a "special guest star" appearance. It all ended in a massive shower of glitter confetti with the models walking with tulle-clad little fans of Barbie...
After 50 Years, Are They Still Together? Barbie and Ken

Click BELOW for Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Barbie NY Fashion Week Runway Show:

Nick Verreos Interview on ModelGirlsMagazine.com

Model Girls Heart Nick

Here's an interview I did with Model Girls Magazine, a web/blog site devoted to Models, Make Up, Hollywood Actresses and all things in between...Nick Verreos Clings to his devoted Model Form

Click HERE for the entire fun (and informative) interview.

Nick Verreos at IADT Seattle Saturday February 14th, Valentine's Day!

Happy Fit Day Seattle!If the Jacket Fits...

As you may know, I will be in Seattle this weekend judging the fabulous Project Red Dress Fashion Show tomorrow, Friday February 13th, but what you may not know, is that I will also be giving one of my wonderful (and I hear unique) Seminars and Workshops at the International Academy of Design and Technology the following day!

Come join me Saturday February 14th and share Valentine's Day (OK, morning) with me at the IADT Tukwila Campus as I share my insight on Fit, Fit Models and What is a good fit/what is a bad fit--and why a sizes are different from company to company.

Class Is In Session!

It's FREE (we like FREE!!), from 10 AM-12 PM. Just call 206-575-1865 to RSVP and reserve your space!!
Click HERE for all the info. See you then!

SADDEST Male Models on the Runway!!

Male Modelicious!!!!Edward Scissorhands Fall 2009

Last year, the fabulous site, The Best Week Ever, did a hilarious photo compilation of the "Saddest Male Models In The World!" and now they're back--and better than ever.

This is what I'm Wearing to the Academy Awards...NOT!

Best Week Ever Writer Michelle Collins brings you a Fall 2009 Menswear Collections photo display that will surely make you giggle...The photos you see here are just the icing on the Male Model Cake...there's more where this came from, trust me!

Yohji Yamamoto In Seattle

Thanks to my friend Jason for sending me the link and enlightening me to the fabulousness (and zaniness) that is Men's Fashion Week (see , it's not always the Womenswear designers that need to have their stylish heads examined!)
Click HERE for the entire article.

Yesica de Vincenzo: Miss Argentina International 2008

Name: Yesica de Vincenzo

Country: Argentina

Pageant Joined:

-Miss Argentina International 2008

-Miss International 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

2009 Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap Video

In Case you missed the 2009 Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna on TV Guide, have no fear!! Uncle Nick is here to assist. As I said before, we were Out of Control for this Recap!! It must have been all that Rock and Roll Fashion!! So sit back relax, pour yourself a cocktail and let the fun begin!
*If you are having problems viewing the video in Firefox click HERE or switch to Internet Explorer

Karla Carrillo: Nuestra Belleza Mexico Universe 2009

Name: Karla Carrillo

Country: Mexico

Pageants Joined:

-Nuestra Beleza Mexico 2008

-Miss Universe 2009

Photo Credits:

-Nuestra Belleza Mexico

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Nick Verreos on Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap!

On Fire!!!
Guitar Heroes: Jennifer Rade, Nick Verreos, Lisa Rinna, and Lawrence Zarian

I just finished filming my "Grammy Awards Fashion Wraps with Lisa Rinna" and it was OUT OF CONTROL!! I do not know why but we were "on fire" (I know, who says that??). We had a rip-roaring hilarious time on the set so make sure to watch tonight on the TV Guide Network. Just a warning: We were in a fightin' mood kiddies!!! Let's just say that when it comes to fashion, the red carpet and the Grammy Awards, well, we do not HOLD BACK!
It airs tonight, February 9Th, at 7, 8, 9 and 11 PM, but of course, as they say in "TV Land": Check your Local listings.

Nick Verreos Judges 2nd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle

Seattle: I'm BAAACK!!!!OK, so by now I have traveled to Seattle so much--to do events, seminars, and appearances--that I should really just get an apartment in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle! But I guess staying in a comfy hotel and not having to worry about making my bed are pluses...but next Friday, February 13Th (Friday the 13Th ??!!) I will be arriving in Seattle Washington for a very special event, the Second Annual Project Red Dress.
I am so excited to be coming back and reprising my role as one of the esteemed judges of this fabulous one-of-a-kind events sponsored by Fashion Group International/Seattle, the American Heart Association and Macy's among others. Last year's sold-out Project Red Dress was a huge success.
Mr. V and Madame Z: Nick Verreos and Monir Zandghoreishi at last year's Project Red Dress

It's organizer and "Madame Genius" behind it, FGI Seattle Director Monir Zandghoreishi, decided to bring me back and of course, I said "Yes!", without even blinking an eyelash!!
A dozen or so students of fashion design from all over the Seattle area, are asked to design a dress using only red fabrics---within a specified given time frame and with a specified budget--kind of like a Project Runway challenge.
Last Year's Winning Designer and her simple yet elegant red jersey halter-neck column gown

Their finished designs are then showcased in the Project Red Dress fashion show, where the design students will find out who is "In" and who is "Out". Speaking of Project Runway, since there are many students of fashion and fans of the show alike who might be having "withdrawals" from not watching their favorite show, they can "get their fill" by coming to this amazing show in the Emerald City and seeing what these "kids" came up with.
Last year's Project Red Dress "Audience Winner" and her red satin and chiffon gown

If last year's designs are any indication, it's going to be an amazing night of creative, gorgeous fashion. Get ready Seattle, because Friday, February 13Th (the night of the show) also happens to be MY BIRTHDAY!!! "It's my Birthday and I'll Judge Fashion If I Want To...." (and maybe drink some Birthday Champagne and have some Birthday Cake too!!!)
Click HERE or HERE for ticket info.

Hannelly Quintero: Miss World Venezuela 2008

Name: Hannelly Quintero

Country: Venezuela

Pageant Joined:

-Miss World Venezuela 2008

-Miss World 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Valentino Couture Spring 2009: Runway Video!

La Dolce Vita: Valentino For the Ladies Who Lunch
La Pleat: Asymmetrical pleating/fanning on a silk zibeline red coat at Valentino Couture

Below are photos and the runway show for Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2009, which was shown at the grand domed lecture theater in the Sorbonne. In Paris, of course. This was the first Couture design outing for former Valentino Accessories designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.
Most Ordered Dress: If I was a millionaire, a woman and living in Dubai, I would order this hand-pleated-into-an-oversized-rosette cocktail number

Everyone eagerly awaited to see this new stage of Valentino Couture, especially after the "unceremonious" departure (OK, she got "let go") of designer Alessandra Facchianetti. Facchianetti, if you remember was brought in as the new designer to replace the GOD himself, but after only one Couture Collection--which incidentally got wonderful reviews for being "fresh", "modern" and basically calling it a new stage of the Valentino legacy. Not so much.
Oscar Anyone? A strapless beaded Valentino Couture gown (costing six figures!) that an actress may borrow for free for the Oscars

Her replacements did a beautiful job with their first Haute Couture Collection for the legendary house. Nothing shocking, every suit impeccably made and tailored for all the Valentino Ladies Who Lunch"; Princess Marie Chantal and her European Royal cousins will be happy. So will Empress Farah Dibah of Iran, Queen Sofia of Spain and countless other women of "established" taste and deep Swiss bank accounts. There were also plenty of "Oscar"-worthy gowns we should see February 22nd--if those stylists can get the Valentino PR Office to Fed Ex them next day delivery!
Click BELOW for the entire runway show of Valentino Spring 2009 Haute Couture