84th Annual Academy Awards: Who Wore What? Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton: This is one of my favorite looks of the night and definitely Michelle's best look of the Awards Season. Marc Jacobs, who designs for Louis Vuitton is the perfect person to custom design a dress for Michelle because you can tell that they definitely have the same aesthetic; a quirky, vintage, girlie style.

I love the peplum style dress on Michelle, making her waist look teeny tiny, and the beautiful diamond brooch at the waistband. The coral color is beautiful against her skin and the detail work of the chiffon is exquisite.

Did you think Michelle was a Fashion Winner tonight? Let me know your thoughts!

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs

NY Fashion Week Highlights: Polka Dots, Lace and Ladies Who Do Late Lunches...

Polka Dot Mini Muse Couture: A look from Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011:

For her latest Fall 2011 Collection, Venezuelan-born, American Designer Carolina Herrera--a favorite of Barbara Walters, the Kennedy's, well-heeled old-money East Coast set and Renee Zellweger to boot--sent out what looked like "Real Ladies Clothes"; sellable, well-tailored, elegant clothes. No trickery. Clothes that one might actually see in her boutiques--as well as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. Colors ranged from gray, pumpkin orange to ocean blues. Lots of fur. And some iridescence for evening. Two standout details: The Funnel Neck covered-shoulder "Capelet" and...wait for it...SENSIBLE shoes! These Ladies Do Late Lunches sans their 5" Louboutin Platform Pumps! See for yourself:

Pumpkin Sheath: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Ready For A Luncheon: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Baby It's Cold: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Gala Old Money: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 Below:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011:

Polka Accessories: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Latex, Lace, Polka Dots and Boxy-Fitted: These are words to describe the prints, fabrications and silhouettes at Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Collection, debuted this week at New York Fashion Week. As always, with Marc Jacobs, there were LOTS of fun details and great individual pieces. For example: Love that blue-violet over-sized paillette skirt below and those Booties and trust me, we'll see plenty of Glam Girls pre-ordering that Polka Dot Bag as well!

Snow Woman Couture: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Bishop (Sleeves) and Lace: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Below:

NY Fashion Week Spring 2011: Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu-- Photos and Runway Video!

COLOR, Voluminous Shapes vs Fitted, Purples and Violets, Black & White, 70's Vibe, Prints and Korea???!!!

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Disco Girl

As we know, NY Fashion Week Spring 2011 occurred several weeks back--and from all accounts, the new venue at Lincoln Center got an A. I was invited to the Project Runway Season 8 Finale which was held at Lincoln Center but unfortunately, work called and I had to be in Miami to hosts Fashion's Night Out for Macy's...I've been busy traveling for those Macy's events as well as working on my own NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection with my partner David Paul so I didn't get a chance to post some of my favorites and highlights from this last NY Fashion Week. I'll try and post more from Milan and Paris, of course, but for now here a few of my thoughts plus photos and video from NYFW.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011:

It's all about the 1970s for Marc Jacobs Spring 2011. Imagine photos from 1976 Vogue Magazine with Iman (above), Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger, the Charlie Perfume ad...models with crimped hair, strong smokey eye and even stronger lipstick. All that's missing is the doorman at Studio 54!

It was VERY Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche too! Maybe the young Fashion School Kids of these days are too young too remember but I DO...

Le Pouf: Voluminous violet-colored dress with side pockets

Where's my Cointreau: Wide violet-colored pants, printed knit top, fabulous hat...very Sonia Rykiel...

Golden Girl: Gold kimono-sleeved jacket and micro shorts

Traveling to Vietnam First Class Ma'am: Red floor-length skirt suit with matching safari jacket

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011:
Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera was inspired by the traditional clothing of Korea as well as botanical plates. Alright Carolina, you go there darling!

In the photos below you could see that inspiration translate into those top hats which are worn as part of Korean costume as well as obi-wrapped ties and bows--very Korean Airlines Flight Attendant Having Cocktails...As usual, she sent out her signature white shirts and blouses (which she always wears for her bow) as well as dresses and suiting perfect for her Park Avenue clientele.

Anybody for Kimchi Tonight: A Khaki sheath dress with floral applique, tucked-draping and that fabulous Korean-inspired hat

Wrap It Up: Chanel Iman models a shapeless & color-blocked (TWO Spring 2011 trends in one!) dress with an obi-tied accent

Where's The Ball: The Finale Gown in heavy ivory jacquard with black accents and of course, side pockets.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Collection:
NY Wunderkid Designer--and Michelle Obama's fave--also went rather 70s with his Spring 2011 Collection. And just like Marc Jacobs, seemed to have rather overt nods to the Master, Yves Saint Laurent. Case in point: The see-though blouses, the perfectly tailored pleated pant suits and printed cocktail dresses straight from a "vintage" 1990 YSL Collection. I'm sure when those aforementioned blouses get to a Saks Fifth Avenue near you, they will probably be lined in silk habotai or come with a nice little silk camisole. If not: Ladies, you are on your own...

No Bra Required: White see-through tied blouse with full-pleated natural-waisted trousers

I Need a Virginia Slims: Above-the-knee printed silk ruffled dress

Ebony and Ivory: Black and white ensemble featuring a striped bustier and front cascade ruffled straight skirt.

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Runway Video:

MARIPOL at Marc by Marc Jacobs Store on Melrose THIS SATURDAY!!!

MARIPOLMANIA!!!Giving Face: Maripol and Madonna

EXCLUSIVE FASHION ALERT: Maripol Makes an Appearance!!
A "Little Birdie" just informed me that the one and only MARIPOL--yes, Maripol of those "Madonna black rubber bracelets" fame--will be at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store in Los Angeles this Saturday afternoon to sign books and discuss her new collaboration with Marc Jacobs which includes iconic rubber jewelry and t-shirts based on drawings from back in the day when she was hanging out with the "FAB SET", including Debbie Harry, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Some of my favorite items from her Marc by Marc Jacobs/Maripol Collaboration include:This "Ball-and-Chain" key chain, which I actually own. I love it so much, I wear it EVERYWHERE and literally are attached to my hip, well, my belt loop! You should see the people's faces when I try to go through security at the airport with these! It's SOOO worth the giggle! I also love this...
gold chain necklace--I could just see the FASHION DIVA walking into the NY Standard Hotel ordering a drink with one of these on her neck! Of course, it's inspired from the Madonna "Like A Virgin" album cover.The items are packaged with identifying photos reminiscent of the Polaroids Maripol took which documented those epic years as shown in her book, Maripolorama.
Here are the Details Kiddies:
When: Saturday April 3rd
Where: Marc by Marc 8410 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90069
Time: 1-4 PM
More Info: Call 323-653-0100

NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010: Runway Videos: Marc Jacobs, Rodarte

And We're off to NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010:

Marc Jacobs:
Earlier in the week, Marc Jacobs vowed to not have any actresses or paparazzi-ridden celebs in his front row (like last season's Madonna and Lady Gaga love-fest) and instead decided to actually have important editors and buyers sitting front row and center since they are who really matter in the end. As the designer and his business partner, Robert Duffy tore brown paper to reveal the podium filled with his 56 models, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played as the models began their walk down the runway showing Marc Jacob's Fall/Winter 2010 looks. It was a collection of his "best of the best" from his almost 20 year career. Mostly neutrals, lots of grays, some mustard yellows, and "Winter" pastels. Loved the mitered striped wool coats and the 1930s-inspired slithery gowns. Lots of exaggerated fur collared coats and wraps and some cute socks-with-pumps styling...very Marc Jacobs.No high drama, theatrics or tricks (except for that big pouffy Marc Jacobs Prom Dress at the end--still fabulous though!) just great saleable clothes his women will D.I.E. for...

Check out the Runway Video Below: Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2010


Rodarte:Known for their tulle, wool knit/crochet, ethereal but with a Goth edge dresses, the Mulleavy sisters took its audience on another Rodarte fashion trip. This time, for Fall/Winter 2010, it was Texas and Mexican border towns such as Ciudad Juarez. Patchwork arts-and-crafty dresses but with a defined "Couture" like quality: there was a method to the subdued madness. Floral chiffons, burnout velvets and laces that looked as if they were 100 years old--I can't even imagine the 150 pattern pieces on those dresses--the thought of these dresses going through Production can give any Production patternmaker a big headache! But somehow they do it, and do it beautifully. When I visit stores that carry Rodarte, such as Barney's and see their dresses, they are almost museum-like quality--and with a museum-like $14,500 price tag to boot! My favorites were at the end, those ivory "Virgin" gowns with asymmetrical side cowls with mini pouffy sleeves were a dream. Couture Communion Dresses anyone?

Rodarte Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Video, Part 1:


Rodarte Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Video, Part 2:

Nick Verreos' Trend Alert: Limoncello Yellow!!

Limoncello Anyone?
Sun Goddess: Canary yellow gown, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

Guess what kids: It's all about yellow! All shades of it. Mustard Yellow, Grey Poupon Yellow, Canary, even Neon "Body Glove" Yellow. For Resort 2010, everyone who is anyone--in the NY Fashion Industry (hey, where are my peeps from LA????) showed yellow in varying degrees. And I am all for it. I have even tried to infiltrate it into my teaching. Desperate Housewife Yellow: Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010 bright yellow A-line one-shoulder cocktail dress

As one of the Instructors at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, I teach a class to the upcoming "Debut 2010" Advanced Fashion Design students---the designers of tomorrow. Just last week, we all went on a "Field Trip" to Mood Fabrics here in Los Angeles and I suggested mustard and varying degrees of yellow as the "pop" color that was needed for their upcoming collections. So you see: I read, I see the trends and I "bring it back" to my students. And also to my faithful Nick Verreos Blog fashionistas of course!Mustard Mini: Marc Jacobs Resort 2010
Grey Poupon Cocktail: Lanvin mustard yellow cocktail dress, Resort 2010

I just got back from Europe and went to France and Italy. I finished my trip in GORGEOUS Positano, in the Amalfi Coast. And there, it was all about YELLOW too. The Limoncello kind. I bought candles, perfumes and of course, several bottles of luscious liqueur! So I dare to call this yellow trend, a Limoncello Trend! Twisted Yellow: Derek Lam Resort 2010 cocktail dress

Just know, that it is no longer about "Mellow Yellow"---it's all about Bright "Notice Me" I-am-competing-with-the-Sun Yellow! I say Bring it! If you want to be "on top" of this trend: I would suggest to girls out there to look for a top, blouse, or even a cool pair of yellow jeans (I'm sure H & M, Forever 21 or Hot Topic has a pair), maybe a little cocktail dress--in this color. Go for it. It's the new LBD. Or the LYD!!!

Resort 2010 Trend Alert: The High Waisted, Cropped Pant

You Slouch!The Latest Pant: Paperbag Cropped Trousers, Marc Jacobs Resort 2010

Slouchy, loose-yet-fitted, pleated and pegged...these are all the buzz words for Resort 2010. And since the Resort Collections are just an overture to what you will see for Spring/Summer, then this is just the beginning of a major trend alert! These Pants look AMAZING...on a 6'2" size 2 model: Proenza Schouler Resort 2010

Designers, from Marc Jacobs to Proenza Schouler to Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, are still in a major 1980's "moment" and these pants are indicative of this. Since I am a child of the 80's, I unfortunately remember these. I would venture to guess that most of the Design Assistants at these firms, weren't even born in the 1980s (God I feel old!) and think these are just so "new and fresh". When I see these, all I can think of is Dexy's Midnight Runners and their 1982 "Come On Eileen" video. Matthew Williamson Resort 2010

As I began looking at all the Resort Collection photos, I noticed these pant styles kept popping up. What first came to mind was can a "real girl" wear these? The silhouette alone seems to be unflattering to just about EVERY OTHER GIRL---except the 5'11", 112 lb, size 2 model wearing them! They emphasize your hips and cut off your legs at a rather unflattering line. But to heck with that. Fashion doesn't have to be for everybody.Cropped Graduate: A design from FIDM Debut '09 graduate, Adrian Manuel

These pants are fabulous and chic-- if you are a size 0-4 fashionista girl, a junior Vogue editor fresh out of NYU or a young, tall and thin Hollywood starlet or singer. And I must admit, I thought they were cute enough for one of my FIDM Advanced Fashion Design students to show them for their Debut 2009 Collection earlier this year.
Phillip Lim 3.1 Resort 2010

I'll be really curious to see how much this trend takes effect and how soon Forever 21 knocks it off! I'm sure you could already find a pair at H & M. The one thing this trend might be really good for is the Shoe Industry. Whereas the trend before was to cover the shoe with floor-grazing jeans and trousers, now we are exposing them with these new cropped and pegged high-waisted baggy pants. And just when you think that it's only the females who are being burdened with this trend: Think again. The latest Paris and Milan Menswear Collections also showed cropped , pegged and (I am about to scream!) PLEATED pants!!!!

CFDA Awards 2009: Nick's Picks for Best Couples and Best Model

CFDA: The Other Awards...CFDA Womenswear Designer of The Year Winners Rodarte with actress Kirsten Dunst (in Rodarte)

This past Monday, New York feted--and awarded--American designers at the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Awards, hosted by comedienne Tracey Ullman. It was an evening with models, fashion and accessory designers, society girls-about-town, editors and a celebrity here and there. The nominees for Womeswear Designers of the Year were Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Rodarte. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte took home the prize--which is a great coup for the Los Angeles-based designers. The menswear Designer of the Year was a surprise tie, with Calvin Klein's Italo Zucchelli and Band of Outsiders' Scott Sternberg winning the trophy. Marc Jacobs won the "International Award".

Well, naturally, after looking at some of the photos, I decided to give out my own awards, mainly to the Best Couples and the Best Model (at the CFDA Awards). Enjoy:
Cutest Couple: Designer and Actress---Designer Jason Wu and actress Diane Kruger (in Jason Wu)

Best Couple: Supermodel and Designer---Heidi Klum and designer Michael Kors

Cutest Designer Couple: Bear Category--- Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

Cutest Couple: Non Bear Gay---Lorenzo Martone and Marc Jacobs

Best Model: Hana Soukopova in Altuzarra