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NICK APPEARANCES.....Emmys Red Carpet Report on CNN International

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Red Carpet Commentatin'...

Nick Verreos on CNN International's "World Report" News Program--CNN Studios, Hollywood

Last Sunday, while most of Hollywood was attending fabulous and fun Emmy Awards parties, I was workin' ! But don't feel bad for me, it was fun work--besides doing my LIVE Blogging of what the stars wore at the Emmy Awards Red Carpet here on my blog--

I also got the call to do CNN International and their "World Report" News Program to give my picks for the "Best" and the "Not So Much" from the red carpet.  I went to the CNN Los Angeles studios and headquarters in Hollywood and got ready for my segment.  

"World Report" CNN International Anchor John Vause

The anchor was John Vause--who reported from Atlanta--while I was in a small studio back in Hollywood. I had a great time injecting some of my "Fashion Knowledge" as well as fun commentary in the segment.

Some of my top picks included Sofia Vergara in the sequined Zuhair Murad gown as well as Heidi Klum in her chiffon double-slit Alexandre Vauthier dress.


And in my "Oh Dear" list was the beautiful and very talented Julianne Moore in the chartreuse Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2012 gown. I got a nice laugh from John Vause--the CNN International anchor--when I compared the gown to a Teletubby. It's a beautiful gown--and it is HANDMADE COUTURE--probably costing about $80,000 but it seemed a little garish against her perfect alabaster skin and gorgeous red hair.

The segment was over before I knew it, and I was back in the car, back home to get some rest before getting up very early to then film my TV Guide Network Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap the following morning--just another Awards Weekend in LA-LA Land! Thank You CNN and CNN International--and John Vause, for being a GREAT sport!

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Fashion Week: Christian Dior, Balenciaga S/S 2013

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DIVINE Dior PERFECTION and CHA-CHA Balenciaga Girl...

 First Up--Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013 by Raf Simons:

 Strapless Chic: Christian Dior Spring//Summer 2013

For Belgian designer Raf Simons' first Dior Ready-to-Wear outing, he hit a HOME RUN (his Haute Couture one was also a big HIT!). His Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013 Collection was PERFECTION. from beginning to end. It was like "Galliano Who?" Any question that the Dior execs had found their man, were squashed. This was Fashion for the 21st Century: clean, minimalist, exquisite, interesting, UBER feminine, yet very sexy. It referenced Dior's Bar Suit and jacket but took it to another (rounded) level. The shapes were so directional and retail friendly. My advice: I know Raf was just hired but...he already deserves a BIG RAISE! Click HERE to read what Fashion Critic Doyenne Suzy Menkes had to say (worth reading because she pretty much sums it up!).
 
 Black Is Big: Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

 Iridescent Runway: Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

 Dress Modern: Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

 Color Ways Dressing : Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

 A Dirty Martini or Easter Sunday Tea? Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

 Jeweled Suiting and Tea-Length Balls: Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013

Click Below for the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013 Full Runway Video: 


Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013:

 Cascade Girl: Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013

Cha Cha Ruffles for Nicolas Ghesquière? Well, oui!! For his Spring/Summer 2013 outing for the House of Balenciaga, he put --as Nichole Phelps of Style.com said-- "an utterly modern gloss on intense study of the house's archives". His girl is VERY TOUGH CHIC but this time, he softened her just a bit by referencing the great master--Cristobal Balenciaga--and his love of ruffle and flounce:

 Cristobal Balenciaga Couture :The "Chou" wrap and gown from 1967 

Balenciaga silk gazar baby doll dress 1958

The collection was FANTASTIC--great cuts, lots of asymmetrical high-low skirts, geometric tops and jackets and yes, lots for that TOUGH GIRL Diva the 21st Balenciaga "girl" is all about--Here are some more of my favorite looks:

Pelplum Volants: Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013

 Havana Cuba Here I Come: Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013

 Cocktail Hour in Madrid: Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013

Click Below for the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 FULL Runway Show Video:


RUNWAY REPORT.....Milan Fashion Week: DSquared2, Prada S/S 2013

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Chanel 90's and Homage to Rei Kawakubo...What Woman Are You?

DSqured2 Spring/Summer 2013:

Caten Chanel: Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013


Twin fashion designers Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2 came up with a 90s Supermodel romp for their Spring/Summer 2013 collection. The inspiration looked like it was photographer Peter Lindbergh 1991 "Wild At Heart" US Vogue September 1991 issue photo editorial of all the top Supermodels--Linda, Naomi, Helena, Tatjana, Cindy...

 US Vogue September 1991, Peter Lindbergh photographer

When I first saw the photos--and full runway video--of the Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, all I could think of was "I think the Chanel Lawyers might be knocking at their Atelier's door", because it is more than an homage to that veritable French House. The inspiration was very, very "Get The Lawyers On The Phone" close--but it was still superFAB:

Spring 2013 Meets 1991: Dsqaured2 models vamp it up

Rocker 90s: Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013

Chain Girls: Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013

Harley Gowns: Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013

Click below for the Full Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2013 Womenswear Collection Video:


Prada Spring/Summer 2013:

Flowers, Japonaise and stiff Duchesse Satin was on fashion designer Miuccia Prada's mind for Spring/Summer 2013. There was an obvious homage--of sorts--to Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcon:

The shapes were boxy yet still sexy and every look had an element of uniqueness to it--as has been de regueur for the House of Prada. Here are some of my favorite looks from Prada Spring/Summer 2013:

 Flower Girl: Prada Spring/Summer 2013

 Nippon Chic: Prada Spring/Summer 2013

 Folded Duchesse: Prada Spring/Summer 2013

Click Below for the Full Prada Spring/Summer 2013 Womenswear Collection Video:

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Season 10 Project Runway Recaps: Episode 11

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Oh Baby!

Episode 11 Project Runway Muse: a "Real Care Baby" doll

Last night's Lifetime Network Project Runway Season 10 episode had CRYING fake babies, Diva Moms, and a nice self-contained ad for Heidi's new fabulous--and oh-so-cute line for children called "Truly Scrumptious"--available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. Oh and yeah, and an ending I didn't like...

First, The Babies and Baby Couture:

 Heidi Klum and her "Truly Scrumptious" line of children's clothing for Babies "R" Us

The Challenge was--not surprisingly to anyone with half a brain--to design a look for a toddler. In fact, it was to design a look for Heidi's new line; there would be TWO winning looks (a boy and a girl look) and each would be put into production and sold at Babies "R" Us.

Designers Meet Mommies and Babies---Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

The designers met their clients--and their mommies. They later found out about a "Twist" (it's Project Runway after all) that, in addition to creating looks for the babies, they also had to make looks for the moms.

 No Mommy Zone: Season 10 designers and their fake babies

As part of some annoying edition to the episode, someone decided that the six remaining designers should also get one of those "Real Care Babies"--that you see on "Dr. Phil" or "16 and Pregnant" that cries and cries and cries--when it needs to be fed, diaper changed or taken care of. The designers spent A LOT of wasted time caring for these babies and not so much time working on their designs. It was, needless to say, annoying (maybe that was the point).

 Boris and Natasha Have Babies

But, my favorite snapshot of all that needless crying baby doll mess, was this pic of Boris and Natasha (i.e. Season 10 contestants/designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak), holding their fake babies. They seriously look like a mom and dad who've been "through it"!

 Designer Christopher Palu and his Diva Mom Client, Nanci--Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

There was a "Diva Mom" of course who made for good TV. Nanci--designer Christopher Palu's mom client--was a DIVA from the get-go, especially when she took one look at Heidi's very cute line of children's clothing, turned her nose up and remarked "Baby Dior has Tulle..." Now, I know "Baby Dior" not because I've bought it but because it's known in the industry as the "Caviar" of Children's Clothing. And yes, I looked up what a red tulle little girl's dress from "Baby Dior" would go for...

 Baby Dior red tulle baby dress

And I came up with (wait for it!), $3680 for this red tulle dress above at Bergdorf Goodman (naturally). What Millionaire's Wife is buying this? I want to meet her and I want her as a CLIENT to buy my NIKOLAKI gowns. Period.

Let's Get to The Runway:

Guest judge actress and new mom, Hilary Duff (above), was on hand to see who was IN and who was OUT this week...

The Runway:

Dmitry Sholokhov: one of my top faves was the look Dmitry designed--a very cute red hooded onsesie jumper that was very "FASHION" and had hints of a Superhero Halloween Costume--or at least, one of a CRAYOLA crayon one:

Crayola and Superman Baby Costumes

Truly Scrumptious Boy and Girl: The Winning Boy and Girl Looks from Episode 11--Project Runway Season 10

Heidi Klum with the Boy and Girl Winning Looks for her "Truly Scrumptious" Childrenswear line at Babies "R" Us

Sonjia Williams designed the winning BOY look which was so cute: a gray jacket and pants with contrast lapel, pockets and waistband. Her baby model, Jude, SOLD IT!!! 50% of her win was because of HIM! Seriously. The GIRL winning look was the one by Christopher Palu (yet again!)--Miss Heidi kind of guided him back in the Parsons Workroom when she suggested he do a skirt out of that white fabric with sewn-on applique....so I am sure lots of you might say "Well, Heidi TOLD him what to do!!". I agree, she kinda did.

The Bottom:

Season 10 Contestants/Designers Elena Slivnyak and Melissa Fleis were the bottom vote-getters. Elena's was TOO MUCHEEY. Michael Kors thought it was very "Sample Sale" (she's right). And Melissa's white too-short/too-tight dress with bland black jacket was...THE WORST. In my eyes. However. Melissa stayed and Elena was OUT.

Season 10 designers Melissa Fleis (top photo)and Elena Slivnyak (bottom)--Project Runway Season 10

Was this a case of the judges looking at the overall designs from the entire season and thinking "Let's keep Melissa" or was Elena's really the worst? I think the former and not the latter...Oh well, viewers rejoice--or take comfort in knowing that...we'll most likely see Elena on Project Runway All Stars Season 3. I am sure of it.

If you want to know how I REALLY FEEL, continue reading...


Rock-a-Bye-Runway

Last night's "Project Runway" was one of those episodes that left me saying "Wh-Wh-What?", mainly because a designer stayed, even though in my eyes they did the worst job. In addition, I think it was one of the first times a designer was NOT eliminated for doing Safe and Boring. The episode left me quite dumbfounded, trying to justify in my mind the outcome. All I could think is that the judges looked at the designers' overall work as opposed to the actual design for THIS challenge at hand. And they always say they do not do that — but it's obvious they do. There's more that irked me — and yes, things that I LOVED — so, allow me to give my "Nick Two Cents" for this week.

Oh Baby!

There are only six designers left on this season and therefore they are feeling the pressure as they get closer to the grand prize. This week, they all go to a Babies"R"Us store, where Heidi and Tim are waiting. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to guess what this challenge will be. Heidi has a new line of affordable baby clothing, "Truly Scrumptious", that sells exclusively at Babies"R"Us. The challenge this week is to create a look for this line that will then, be manufactured and sold at "Babies 'R' Us". Heidi tells the designers that there will be 2 winning looks — one boy and one girl — and they only have one day to do it.

Why Do I Care What The Mommies Like to Wear?
The designers' tepid yet pretending-to-be-excited reactions are priceless. Before they can run out and say "I'm Outta Here!", the dreaded velvet bag comes out and each designer is "assigned" their baby models and respective moms. Each designer confers with the moms as to what their needs and style ideas are for their toddlers. The mom's are also describing their own styles, which makes me wonder, "Why do I care what YOU like to wear..." unless (cue the dramatic music in my brain) there might be a TWIST later and they have to design for the mommies too (not my first time at the "'Project Runway' Rodeo"). The only thing that's memorable from this consultation is when Nanci (Christopher's baby momma) says "Dior uses a lot of tulle" in talking about the children's clothes. In case y'all are not aware, a "Baby Dior" tulle dress — for a BABY — goes for $3,680. I instantly think "Oh no, this one's a DIVA!" Later we find out, she was.

Faux Babies...Why?
The designers head back to Parsons where Ms. Klum left them dossiers, fabric, notions and trims from her "Truly Scrumptious" collection so their creations can coordinate with the rest of her line. There are also toddler body forms and a "special surprise": Lifelike Crying Baby Dolls. Yeah, the kind those "16 and Pregnant" girls use. They cry, cry and cry; when they need to be fed, rocked or diaper changed. Is this really necessary, I wonder? The explanation — from Poppa Tim — was that they are there so the designers know "what goes into creating baby clothes." I don't even think he believed what he said...

Click HERE to continue reading my "Rock-a-Bye-Runway" Blog on mylifetime.com