FIDM Museum: 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition!

TV Costume Heaven:

Stewardess Fab: Costumes from ABC series "Pan Am", Pilot Costumes by Chrisi Karvonides, Series Costumes by Ane Crabtree, 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum and Galleries (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Where can you find Pan Am Stewardesses, a Dowager Countess, an Evil Queen, and Marylin Monroe-inspired "NBC's Smash" gold gown? Oh yes, in Downtown LA of course! Well, fashionistas and costume design aficionados, Tuesday was the Opening Day of the 6th Annual Outstanding Art Television Costume Design Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, my alma mater, and college of which I am the Official Fashion Spokesperson.

6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition Party/Reception at Hope Park/FIDM (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The exhibition, presented by FIDM Museum and Galleries and Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, was Guest Curated by Mary Rose, Costume Designer and President of the Costume Designers Guild. It features over 75 (!) costumes from a variety of TV shows (sixteen of them), period and contemporary, including seven nominated for an Emmy® for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design. This past weekend, a VIP reception/party was held at the FIDM Campus to "unveil" this fabulous new exhibition. Guests included:

(Left to right) Eduardo Castro, Costume Designer for ABC's "Once Upon A Time" (he was also the Costume Designer for ABC's "Ugly Betty"!) and Julie Weiss (love her oversized paillette tunic-dress!) Costume Designer for many films including "American Beauty" "Frida" "The Ring" and (my personal favorite) "Blades of Glory" (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

(Left to right) Chrisi Karvonides, Costume Designer nominated for FX's "American Horror Story", seen here with Mary Rose, President of the Costume Designers Guild and Guest Curator of the 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Mandi Line, Costume Designer for ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars" (above in front of her costumes for the show). Fun fact: Mandi is an FIDM Alumna (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Now, let's get to the costumes at the exhibition. Like I said at the top of this post, there are over 75 costumes featured and some of the highlights include:

English Class: The Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design Costumes from PBS' "Downton Abbey": Yes, that's Maggie Smith's "Dowager Countess" silk velvet and sequin ensemble on the far left--PS: She's Tall! (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Costumes from NBC's "Smash" --The gold sequin gown is worn by Katharine McPhee's character and the one on the far right is worn by actress Anjelica Huston (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design costumes from HBO's "Game of Thrones"--And yes, that's the costume worn by actor Peter Dinklage above (top photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
 

 The Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design costumes from ABC's "Once Upon a Time"--This tableau at FIDM Museum is HUGE--above photo is the "Rainbow Fairy" costume from the ABC show (photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design costumes from HBO's "Hemingway and Gellhorn"--Nicole Kidman starred in this and I have a fun fact from the costume designer, Ruth Myers: Kidman's inseam is 34". That's the inseam of well, a 6' 2" man ! (she's got fabulously LONG legs) (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Nick Verreos and KTLA-TV's Gayle Anderson, 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Costume Design Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum

On Monday, I had the pleasure of filming some Morning TV segments for KTLA-TV Channel 5 LIVE direct from the FIDM Museum and the brand new exhibition with the always fantastic (and my TV Production Segment MUSE!) Gayle Anderson. We had such a blast filming these segments. Miss Gayle is my "sister from another mister" darlings! LOVE her. As a special VIP treat, two of the Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design costume designers from this past year--Ruth Myers ("Hemingway and Gellhorn") and Chrisi Karvonides ("American Horror Story")--were there for some of the KTLA-TV Morning Show interviews at FIDM Museum so I had the honor of meeting them and of course, getting some behind-the-scenes costume design DISH.

Costume Designer Ruth Myers and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum

Nick Verreos and Costume Designer Chrisi Karvonides: I had such a ball chatting with Chrisi---she also designed the costumes for ABC's "Pan Am" series pilot so she gave me such great behind-the-scenes dish on the Pan Am stewardess uniforms (you know I LOVE me some Stewardess Uniforms!!).

Coffee, Tea...or Fab Uniforms: ABC's "Pan Am" TV show stewardess uniforms

Stewardess Dish: Costume Designer Chrisi Karvonides and Nick Verreos, 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum

As you can see from the photo above, Costume Designer Chrisi Karvonides and I were in some SERIOUS "Wait, how many pattern pieces to that Pan Am pill box hat? And the Pan Am logo was actually GOLD!!??" conversation. LOVED every minute of it!



You can click HERE to see the segments I did with Gayle and KTLA-TV!! (scroll on the videos to find all the FIDM Costume Design Exhibition segments).

The Dish:

WHAT: 
The 6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition, over 75 Costumes, including 2011-2012 Emmy® nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design costumes 


WHERE: 
FIDM Museum and Galleries, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90015

WHEN:
July 31 through October 20, 2012
open 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday

Admission:
FREE!!

Project Runway Minute: Introducing the Winner of Look TV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search!

And The Winner Is...

Presenting Blake: Nick Verreos (right) and Project Runway Season 10 hopeful--and LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner, FIDM about-to-graduate student Blake Patterson (left)

Last week, as I posted HERE, I had the HONOR and yes, PLEASURE--of judging the Los Angeles Castings for the 10th Anniversary Season of Project Runway. I judged for three days along with Project Runway All Stars Season One Winner (and shorty-short-lovin'!) Mondo Guerra and Marie Claire's Website Director, the fabulous (and oh-so-sweet!), Abby Gardner.

Project Runway Season 10 LA Castings Judges (left to right) Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra, Abby Gardner

In addition, LookTV--YouTube's newest Fashion and Beauty Channel--in conjunction with the Producers of Project Runway, were running the FIRST EVER "Project Runway Skip The Casting Line" Talent Search--where we asked fashion designers all over the US to submit videos of themselves and their designs to have a chance of receiving a coveted spot at the Los Angeles Closed Castings of Season 10 Project Runway.

SO many of you submitted videos to LookTV and it was a very difficult choice, but we had to pick our Top Designer-ista. And the Winner of this first ever "Skip The Line" Project Runway Talent Search was (quick drum roll): Blake Patterson!

Plaid Blake: LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner, Blake Patterson Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings

Blake submitted his video via a special Casting we had at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles Campus. He is still a student of Fashion Design but about to graduate. He interns at the Lanvin Beverly Hills Boutique and actually procured a super-coveted internship in Paris with the House of Lanvin as well. But yes, his DREAM is to be on Project Runway--Bien sûr, il est! (Of course, it is en francais). The prize of this LookTV contest was to win a spot in the Castings so he arrived, with designs he had created--and his fun, very skinny self!

Strike a Pose: Blake Patterson doing his take on the "Couture Pose" ---juxtaposed with Dominican Republic Supermodel Arlenis Sosa and hers...I think Blake did pretty well!

I interviewed him before--and after he had to go in and face THE CASTING JUDGES (moi included!).  You can see the results in the video below plus a little bit extra: Blake LOVES to Line Dance and well, he taught me a little bit of the "Boot Scootin' and Boogie"--his fave line dance!
Will Blake Make the Final Cut and be a Designer in Season 10? What do you guys think? Is it a "Yay", "Nay"...Maybe??? 
Let us know and leave your comments here or on the LookTV Facebook Page or YouTube Page.

Click Below to watch the Video--LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner: 

 

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Debut 2012 --Fashion Show + Gala & Celeb Pics!

Debut Fashion-Extravaganza!!!!

Fashion Dictators: Nick Verreos and "The Dictator" actress Anna Faris, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

In my last post, I began my "FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend" Blog posting with "Part One" and highlighted the fun Spring Open House as well as the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party. So, here is Part Two: Debut 2012 Fashion Show and Gala...

Look Who's Hosting: Nick Verreos onstage at FIDM Dedut 2012, Santa Monica Barker Hanger

I was privileged enough to host two of the three Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2012 shows over the weekend--beginning on Thursday. As you may know, I am not only a Graduate of FIDM, but yes, also the college's Spokesperson and I always enjoy hosting and attending the Debut Show. "Debut" is where the "creme de la creme" of the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design graduates get to showcase their collections and designs. Back in ____ (don't EVEN think of asking!) I was one of those "creme de la creme" Debut designers so it really means a lot for me to be "back" and see the "new crop" of graduates' collections.

Nick's NIKOLAKI Girls: (Left to right) Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI lemon green silk chiffon dress, Nick Verreos, and model Beth in black-and-silver sequined NIKOLAKI gown

For this Debut 2012 presentation, I brought along two of my newest NIKOLAKI designs for Spring 2013--which were modeled by the gorgeous Lauren Gish and Beth, models from LA Models.

Notice the Hand-Beaded Capelet, Kids: Nick Verreos on stage with models in his NIKOLAKI designs, at FIDM Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Santa Monica

Lauren wore a neon green/yellow "Gladiator Dress" in silk chiffon with hand-beaded waist trim, and Beth wore a silver-and-black hand-beaded silk chiffon cowl-neck blouson gown with side-slit. They "flanked" me onstage as I did my hosting duties...

Nick and Cleopatra: Nick Verreos and model Brandise Danesewich backstage at FIDM 20912, Barker Hanger

Speaking of models, backstage I was so happy to see one of the sweetest models I know, the beautiful Brandise Danesewich--who also happened to be "Project Runway Family"--she was on Season 7 of the show as well as "Models of the Runway". She was modeling a design by one of the graduates of the Advanced Study Program in Costume Theater Design inspired by "The Phantom of the Opera".

Harlequin Opera: A design from Sarah Timm, graduate of the FIDM Advanced Study Program in Theater Costume Design, Debut 2012-- "Phantom of the Opera" theme (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Saturday night was the L.A. Fashion Gala of Debut 2012--a very fancy black tie affair where the A-List Fashion Industry is invited as well as Hollywood celebs, costume designers and general Fashionista Glitterati. I wore my midnight blue shawl-collared Zara tuxedo with an Ermenegildo Zegna dress shirt and bow tie for the occasion.

Backstage Fab: Nick Verreos with models Lauren (right) and Beth (left) with Mary Stephens looking on, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of Brandise Danesewich)

Presenting Duo: Mary Stephens Director of FIDM Fashion Design Program and Nick Verreos announcing the FIDM Scholarship winners (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

During the gala, I was honored enough to present the FIDM Scholarship Awards and trophies with my FIDM "Mom" and Mentor, the Director of the FIDM Fashion Design Program, the ever-so-stylish Mary Stephens. This year's graduates did a fabulous job in terms of their mini-collections--with designs that ranged from stiffened geometric coats a la Pierre Cardin to colorful gowns and even a collection of children's dresses.

A design by Alejandro Ortega, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate (photo of abimages.com)

A design by Randy Lee Donato, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate(photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Fashion Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger

Actress Anna Faris and "American Reunion" Costume Designer (and FIDM Grad) Mona May, and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Debut 2012 was FABULOUS, to say the least and it was an honor to be the MC as well as co-present the very important FIDM Scholarships. And of course, it was a BLAST putting on a tuxedo on Saturday night and hanging out with the likes of LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall, actress Anna Faris and yes, Miss Mona May (LOVE HER!!!)...

Finally...After the FIDM 2012 Fashion Presentations (on Thursday and Friday) I had the chance--in my "Nick VIP Tent" at Barker Hanger--to meet-and-greet with many attendees...

Here is a collage photo:

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles Open House & Debut 2012 Fashion Club Party!!!

An FIDM Open House Runway Under The "Big Tent", A "Phantom of The Opera" Fashion Club Bash, Lots of Photo-Ops...Oh, and...Jif Peanut Butter...Read on kids...

Nick Postcards From...Debut 2012 FIDM Fashion Club Party--Nick Verreos and some fashionable attendees

This past weekend was FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend, beginning last Thursday and onto this past Saturday. As the Official Spokesperson for my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, I take part in a lot of events and appearances throughout the year promoting the College, talking about FIDM to hopeful students and how the school gave me the fundamentals to launch my fashion career. The Debut Weekend is the "Oscars" of the entire FIDM school year and there are always lots of events leading up to the big Debut Fashion Show--where graduates from the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design programs show their Collections at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California.

FIDM Spring 2012 Open House:

Under the Big Tent: a scene from Spring 2012 Open House, FIDM

One of the first events I MC'ed this past weekend was the Debut 2012 Spring Open House at the Downtown L.A. FIDM Campus. Open House occurs in all the campuses and it's a way for parents and prospective students to get information on the college as well as meet alumni, instructors and take tours of the campus facilities. This Spring Open House was HUGE--hundreds and hundreds of high school students and their parents and family, gathered under a massive tent in Hope Park, next to the campus.

Any Volunteers?? Nick Verreos asks for Spring 2012 Open House "Style Walk-Off" models

After introducing myself, I held an impromptu "Open House" runway fashion show. These attendees were very stylin' so I felt compelled to have them show off their looks. And let me tell you, by the show of hands when I asked for volunteers, we could have stayed there for HOURS doing "Style Walk-Off's"!! Now speaking of the audience, as I looked for those Open House Runway volunteers, I spotted one girl sitting eating some Ritz Crackers with...

A big ol' jar of Jif Peanut Butter (it was the "Reduced Fat" kind, by the way)!! Well, you KNOW I just had to out "Miss Peanut Butter" lover (she was so sweet through it all, as she turned BRIGHT RED!)---Who brings a jar of Peanut Butter to an FIDM Debut Open House, I asked? SHE DID!!! Love her!

Tent Panel: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, Jason Leigh Shinn, Lisa Vian Hunter and Casey Murphy, FIDM Spring 2012 Open House

Following the "Open House Walk-Off" and the Peanut Butter....I finally got to hosting the Open House Panel discussion on the main stage with four current students and alumni as my guests. The panel included Casey Murphy, a current student in the Merchandise Marketing program who also happens to be Marketing Director of FIDM Mode, the campus-based magazine created and produced exclusively by students; Jason Leigh Shinn, who just got accepted (and won a Scholarship) in the IMPD (International Manufacturing & Product Development) Advanced Study program; Mallory Dempster, an alumna, who is currently a Creative Marketing Consultant with a very successful marketing agency (Mallory also happens to be a former student of mine); and our last panelist was another FIDM alumna, Lisa Vian Hunter, who owns a boutique in Seattle that carries vintage clothing as well as her own designs--she is also a contestant on the NBC's "Fashion Star" reality TV show.

Open House Smiles: Nick Verreos poses with attendees of the FIDM Spring 2012 Open House

As it has become custom, following the Panel Discussion, I did a "Nick Meet & Greet" and took lots of Facebook and Twitter pics with the Spring Open House attendees--as well as gave out signed photos.

Open House attendee Adii Kara and Nick Verreos

Nick Verreos and Open House attendee Victoria Hultquist

It was great meeting everyone--all the high school students from across the US (including Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Hawaii, etc) as well as their parents (love the Mommies and Dads!) But soon, it was time for me to be "whisked" away and drive to Santa Monica to attend the FIDM Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party at the Barker Hanger...

FIDM Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party:

The annual FIDM Fashion Club Debut Pre-Party is like the Fashion Prom--but without the awkward dates wearing the tacky rented tuxedos! I got to the Fashion Club Party at Santa Monica's Barker Hanger, right around the same time over a thousand (yes, over a thousand!) high school students and their advisers from Fashion Clubs from all over the U.S. began arriving as well.

Phantom Step-and-Repeat: The Scene at the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

The FIDM Debut Fashion Club Pre-Party tent was set up in the Debut 2012 Theme of "The Phantom of the Opera". Several HUGE chandeliers hung from the tent ceiling and the entire area was covered in draped fabric to evoke the mood of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. There was even a step-and-repeat wall where attendees could pose with a "Phantom of the Opera" and yes, there was a live DJ spinning all the latest hits (I sound soooo OLD saying that!!) as guests began trickling in...

Yummy Treats: Various tables were set up with fruits and veggies, cheeses and crackers (I did not see any Ritz Crackers and Peanut Butter!) and warm appetizers like chicken skewers...

Make-Up Fab: There was also an "Eyelash Corner" to give guests some SUPER DUPER "Fashion Club" eyelashes. Last but certainly not least...

Nick Photo Corner: there was the "Celebrity Corner with Nick Verreos"...

High-Low Posing: Nick Verreos poses with two stylish girls wearing "high-low" dresses/skirts, Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

For the next couple of hours, in my "Celebrity Corner", I took photos with many, many of the party's most fashionable guests. There was a professional photographer taking the photos which my photo "dates" could pick up from the photo printer that was set up nearby as a fun souvenir!

I had such a FAB time meeting all the stylish Fashion Club members from high schools all over the nation--as well as around California of course. As a fashion designer, it was almost like doing "Research" as I made mental notes surveying each and every one of the attendees dresses and outfits. PS: Dresses ARE BACK!!! Colorful, high-low styles, mini, long, solid, printed...you name 'em, they were there. So nice to see girls in cute stylish dresses! I took soooo many pics but one of my favorites was this one:

A Three-fer: Nick Verreos, Security Guard Rick Young, and David Paul, Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

That's me (naturally), my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul, and in the middle, my Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Security Guard, Rick Young--He was the BEST! He made me feel as if I was Justin Bieber, protecting me from those fashionable and always well-behaved young girls and guys attending the Fashion Club Party and Debut show. He always looked very serious and I (almost) got him to smile for this one!

Following the Fashion Club Party, it was time for me to be onstage and introduce FIDM Debut 2012...

Here's a sneak peek (above with my NIKOLAKI-clad models) of what's to come...on my Debut 2012 BLOG Recap...Stay tuned kids!!!