Cocktail Dresses...Anyone? Nick Verreos and designer Christiane King flanked by her models, Villa Blanca Beverly HillsAs most of you may know, Thursday night was the premiere of Season 7 of Project Runway, or as some have dubbed it, the "It's BAAAACK in New York" season! At the same time, I received an invitation to a fashion show/cocktail reception for designer Christiane King at the paparazzi-central Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills. Christiane happens to be one of the contestants of this new season of Project Runway. I also was a judge--along with Tim Gunn and Marie Claire's Zoe Glasner-- in the Los Angeles Castings where we "put her through to the next round". So of course, I wanted to attend. Watching the first episode of the new season would have to be put "on hold", or at least, until I returned home after the party.
Dress Tableaux: Christiane King designs, Villa Blanca Beverly HillsThe reception was in full swing as I arrived with guest enjoying Champagne, wine and mini-pizza hors d'oeuvres. I spotted Lorenzo Llamas and a bevy of beauties (naturally) sitting inside at a booth. As I walked in, I spotted three lovely models doing a mini-trunk show at the front of the nightclub. They were all wearing creations from Christiane King's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. The first was a baby-blue strapless cocktail dress with silver "ribbons"; the second was an ivory organza mini-"pouf" dress; and finally a long grape-colored georgette gown with beaded waist detail.
You Better Work: Models posing for "Uncle Nicky": Christiane King designs, Spring/Summer 2010Nearby was the designer herself, Christiane, wearing a gorgeous red gazar petal-pleated concoction (my favorite of the bunch!). I said "hello" (she was so sweet!) and we dished (just a little bit) about Project Runway as I naturally gave her some "Uncle Nick" advice. Afterward, I raced home to watch the premiere of Season 7 and wouldn't you just know it, Christiane was the first designer eliminated from the season! From what I saw at the cocktail reception/mini-trunk show, I'm sure she'll be just fine.
