Nick Verreos Gets ARTrageous! at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washignton DC

ARTrageous Nicky!
Draping Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Artist Karen LaMonte, stand next to LaMonte's sculpture, ARTrageous 2010

Last week, I flew to Washington DC to attend ARTrageous 2010, a fabulous annual gala in support of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. The event was also celebrating the recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery by sculptor Karen LaMonte. LaMonte lives and works in the Czech Republic--but made a special trip to DC for the unveiling. A very smart and eagle-eyed Smithsonian-ite recognized the similarities between LaMonte's draped glass-sculpture artwork and the tribute I pay to Grecian Goddesses in my NIKOLAKI Collection. Therefore we were both invited to be part of the unique Smithsonian American Art Museum party.Hotel Monaco Washington DC: Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fruit Plate and Classic Architecture

I checked in to the sophisticated Hotel Monaco DC, which is in a Historic restored all-marble building that happens to be conveniently located across from the Museum, where upon I was welcomed with a wonderful fruit plate, delicious brownies and chocolate cupcakes! (someone REALLY likes me at the Hotel Monaco DC!).DC Buddies: Nick Verreos and Ross Randall, Smithsonian American Art Museum ARTrageous! 2010 Party

I settled in and got dressed for the evening's gala, and headed out for the festivities. Awaiting me was Smithsonian Host-With-The-Most, Ross Randall, Development Officer of Major Gifts (love that title!) for the American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. Throughout the evening--Ross became my Superstar DC Handler/Manager/Best Friend. I have definitely made a friend-for-life with Ross!Table Setting at the ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

The evening began with a pre-dinner "Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Hour" which quickly led to a delicious dinner comprised of a Fennel Soup starter and Quail main course. Dinner Snapshot from ARTrageous! 2010

Before the dinner, Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery Curator Nicholas Bell, moderated a very lively discussion with artist Karen LaMonte and myself. Think of James Lipton and Inside The Actors Studio. Nicholas was a much more handsome and fashionable Lipton, to say the least! Smithsonian Designer and Artist Studio: Nick Verreos, Karen LaMonte and Nicholas Bell chat it up at ARTrageous! 2010 Dinner

We "warmed up" the dinner guests with a fun and lively discussion of our mutual passions for Grecian Goddesses, draping and powerful women. I think the DC crowd loved my stories of my Diplomat US State Department/Foreign Service Officer father and my JLo-like mom while I spent my early childhood in Venezuela.Dinner Fashion: Nick Verreos and guests, ARTrageous! 2010

Following the dinner, guests were led into the stupendous Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium, where LaMonte's Sculpture "held" Center Court. The party was in full swing as guests danced and mingled.Atrium Chic: A view of ARTrageous! 2010 party, in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Atrium

Of course, I did both! I had an amazing time at ARTrageous 2010 and I am humbled and honored to have been part of this great event. Rumor has it that it was a very successful night! I always have a great time in Washington DC and since this is was my THIRD visit, maybe I should start looking for a chic apartment in Georgetown! DC Beauties: Nick Verreos with guests at the ARTrageous! 2010 Party

At the end of the night, artist Karen LaMonte was so sweet that she even offered to make a one-of-a-kind sculpture out of one of my gowns. I certainly will have to take her up on that offer.

Click HERE for more fun photos from The Cotillion Online Blogsite.

Nick Verreos visits The White House!

Oprah Isn't The Only One Visiting The White House...First Designers: David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI, stand in front of The White House

Two weeks ago, as you may remember, I flew to Washington DC to do my Corcoran Lecture. Thank Goodness I was there right before this current Winter Snow Storm which has shut down the Nation's Capital. It was a gorgeous (yet chilly) 50 degrees, and I didn't even have to get the gloves out or wear my Marc Jacobs "Frozen Tundra" fur-lined parka coat. I was only there for three days (one to arrive, one for the event and the other to fly back home), but my hosts had a special surprise the morning of my Corcoran Appearance: A Private Tour of The White House!!! Well, David and I just about couldn't control ourselves the morning of. We were giddy with excitement and the anticipation. Thank God we passed those background checks (wink wink!).White House Crashers: Nick Verreos and David Paul pose with their hosts and White House Tour Mates

Both David and I got a bit dressed up and I'm glad we did because when we arrived at the Gates, everyone else was well dressed too. I don't know if it is required but it seemed as if the Invite would say "Dress in 'Interview' attire, Please." Our hosts who joined us were the lovely Norine Fuller and Jacqueline Perrottet from the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising DC office plus the man who procured the private tour, Matt Shepard (he went to school with a White House "insider"). Also joining us were Jim Johnson, Jenny Hart and their friend, the very fun and vibrant Sarah Fraser, an anchor from HOT 99.5 as well as a correspondent for the Washington DC NBC station.Nick Verreos as Michaele Salahi at the White House--and the Salahi's in the same room

Our tour began on the first floor as we entered a long hallway and made ourselves to the VERY ROOM where the infamous "White House Party Crashers", the Salahi's, were photographed. Of course, I screamed at David to find a camera and take a photo of me, as if I was waiving to the Party Paparazzi.
JFK Portrait, The White House

As we made it in past this room, we entered an area with portraits of the First Ladies near the East Room. we spotted current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's portrait (love the pantsuit!). This one's for you, Dad: Nick Verreos poses in front of Ronald Reagan Portrait

We then walked past the US President's Portraits, including the famous pensive one from John F. Kennedy, as well as Ronald Reagan (my father's favorite!). Of course, I had to pose in front of that one to make my dad smile.The Blue Room Christmas Tree

Continuing our tour, we walked into the fabulous Blue Room, home to the White House Christmas Tree. The tree was IMMENSE and featured lots of large round ornaments done in Decoupage style. Each ornament was created by Americans from across the country. It was such a treat to view The White House during the Holiday Season.Adjacent to the Blue Room, was the Red Room (see above) which has been used, especially by former First Ladies, as a meeting room and a parlor room. I loved the rich vivid Cabernet red shades in this room as well as the elegant portraits on its walls.Next we entered the State Dining Room (see above) of the White House, where President Abraham Lincoln's portrait resides. Traditionally, our most gracious (and patient) tour guide, Jenny Botero told us, this is used for buffets and dinners (therefore the "State Dining Room" title naturally). Yummy White House: The Bill Yosses-designed white chocolate and marzipan confection

Another highlight of this room was the great marzipan and white chocolate White House confection designed by pastry chef Bill Yosses. Part of the White House "cake" is cut out to show an inner view of the State Dinner Room where this creation sits! Notice the Presidential dog, Bo, in the front. Speaking of food, our guide then took us to the "basement" where we somehow ended up by the Presidential Kitchen. I'm HER biggest fan: Nick Verreos and White House Executive Chef, Cristeta Comerford

As we passed by, we spotted Executive White House Chef, Cristeta "Cris" Comerford. She was appointed by First Lady Laura Bush as the first female White House Chef back in 2005 and the Obama's kept her (very smart!). As we walked into the kitchen and I began to introduce myself, she exclaimed "I know you! You're Nick from Project Runway...I'm a big fan!". Needless to say, I could have ended the tour right then and there. I LOVE HER!! I can't believe she was verklempt over me! I couldn't even talk (a rarity) with the respect and admiration I had for her!
Flower Power: Nick Verreos inside The White House Floral Design Room Refrigerator

After the kitchen, we stopped by the flower design room and I actually went into the floral refrigerating room and took a peek at the most beautiful roses and floral arrangements that will eventually decorate the various rooms of The White House. I also dished with the floral designers about my hardships making a dress out of flowers and plants on my season of Project Runway. At this point, we ended the tour by stopping by the secret "White House Store" and actually purchasing some can-only-be-bought-here items such as cuff links, golf balls and tee shirts. David and I felt so privileged to have received this tour and an "inside peek" into one of the most famous houses in the world.

Nick Verreos at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC!

A Night of Fashion with Nick!
Purple Rains Into DC: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran stage

This last week, I flew to the US Capital, Washington DC. No, not to dress Michelle Obama (I'm still hoping) and no, not to meet with the Salahi's over tea and curry (and how to find the right lengha choli with dupatta ensemble for the next Indian Prime Minister State Dinner).Theater Diva: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran stage

I was invited by the prestigious Corcoran Gallery and College of Art and Design to give a lecture on fashion and how I got into fashion--as well as show the best of up-and-coming West Coast fashion from my alma mater (and school in which I am an instructor), the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM.No You Didn't Moment: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran, Washington DC Lecture

The last time I was in DC was when I was invited to host the California State Society's Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show at the fabulous Ritz Carlton in January. I was excited--and honored to return--this time to be part of the Corcoran's "Fashion Program". Before the event, I joked with my hosts telling them that I hoped that more than two people show up (wink wink!). Boy, they did! I was very happy to see the Corcoran theater packed as I made my way out. For about 30 minutes, I talked about how my love of fashion began, my early days in Venezuela, being inspired by Pan Am flight attendants and my mom in her chiffon caftans and bouffant J.Lo hairdos. Designer and Muse: Nick Verreos on stage at the Corcoran with NIKOLAKI-clad model projected behind him

I then presented a video of the 2009 FIDM Debut Fashion Show, showing the graduates of the Advanced Fashion Design Program and their first collections (which I helped mentor). There was a brief Q & A in which I confessed how I really did not enjoy the make-a-dress-out-of-plants challenge in my season of Project Runway and my distaste for men who love "clipping" their cell phones/Blackberry's on their waistbands.
Nick Buffet: An Hors D'oeuvres table at the Nick Verreos Corcoran Lecture and Reception

Directly following the Lecture and fashion show video, guests were treated to a wine-and-cheese reception at the Corcoran Gallery plus a special viewing of the NIKOLAKI gowns I brought all the way from Los Angeles (PS: Virgin America really needs to get a hanging closet!).
Gown Trio: Nikolaki by Nick Verreos and David Paul gowns at the Corcoran

While everyone was enjoying the hors d'oeuvres, I was busy at my "Meet-and-Greet" table, signing autographs and taking photos with over 100 guests. Would You Like A Photo: Nick Verreos signing autographs, Corcoran Gallery DC

I was happy to say "hello" to all my DC fashionistas and was especially excited to meet the one attendee who actually brought her "Project Runway Barbie" (designed by moi) in that fateful Project Runway "All Dolled Up" Barbie Challenge. As you can see from the photo below, I was DYING!!! It was a fabulous event and yes, I was happy to see that more than two people showed up to hear little ol' me. That's Going On Ebay: Nick Verreos holds up his "My Scene Barbie" that a guest brought in for an autograph

I love Washington DC (hello, I'm the son of a former US State Department Foreign Officer!) and cannot wait to return. A "little birdie" told me that my Lecture and appearance was such a success, that there could be a chance for a return visit. I can't wait to come back to my dad's former "stomping grounds". Dupont Circle and Georgetown, I am so there!

Click HERE for my interview with BrightYoungThings.com and HERE and HERE for more coverage and photos.

*All photos courtesy of Jeff Malet Photography

Win Tickets to My Corcoran Lecture in Washington DC!

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Nick Verreos Appearance at the Corcoran Washington DC--Dec. 9Th !!!

I'm Coming Back To Washington DC!Mr. Verreos Goes to Washington...Yes, I was beyond excited when I received an invitation to speak at the esteemed Corcoran in Washington DC. Tim Gunn as well as Project Runway Season 3 Winner, Christian Siriano, have both had lectures there so I am in good company, as they say. What: An Evening with Nick Verreos & FIDM
I will be speaking about fashion, being an instructor at FIDM, my TV red carpet work on TV Guide, E!, dressing stars for the red carpet, my experience as a Judge on this season's Project Runway and much, much more. This will also be the ONE and ONLY time Washington DC will be able to see a special viewing of FIDM's Debut 2009 Fashion Show, which celebrates the creme de la creme of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
A fabulous "Meet and Greet" reception will follow!

When: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7 p.m. For more info. and purchasing tickets: Click HERE