Viva Feathers, Incan, Aztecan Empresses, UBER Sequins, a Fab Jumpsuit and yes, a Lady with a Torch...
Statue of Fab Liberty: Miss USA Olivia Culpo--Is her costume one of my Faves? Read on...Last Friday was the Miss Universe 2012 "National Costume Presentation Show". It was held at the same stage the "Miss Universe 2012" Finals will be this Wednesday--at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas. The Miss Universe pageant is famous for it's traditional "Parade of Nations" and frankly, I miss the good ol' days when the actual LIVE telecasts would begin with the girls introducing themselves in their national costumes, as host Bob Barker read their names and countries (I miss Bob Barker!). But alas, those days are waaaayyyy gone. Now, we have this "Presentation Show". I 'm just happy that at the very least, we--the fans--still get to see the costumes.
Nick Verreos Original Illustration--A Sketch I did of my imaginary "Miss Venezuela" presenting herself at the "Miss Universe Parade of Nations" many years agoAs a little boy, I would sketch all the Miss Universe contestants in their national costumes and it became a way for me to express my design and sketching talent--and keep myself busy (yes, kids, this was waaayyy before Facebook!). So you see, Miss Universe can help little boys--and also help as a Geography Lesson! But (as usual) I digress...let's discuss the Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Show--and my Top Favorites:
No. 1:
Miss China Ji Dan Xu: Miss Universe China dazzled the audience--and ME (!) watching the LIVE Ustream feed---on Friday night as she entered the stage in her "National Costume". It was a stand-out of a gown inspired by the Ming Dynasty vases accessorized by a "fan" headdress. Probably THE BEST of this year's "Miss Universe 2012"...
I recognized it a couple of weeks ago in this post HERE that this "National Costume" was actually a creation from Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei's "Arabian 1002th Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Collection (photo above).No. 2:
Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez: One word: WOW. Of all the Native Feathered Incan/Aztec/Mayan Empress Goddess costumes that were seen on Friday night's Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Presentation Show, her's was one of the most impressive. If not, the BEST of those styles. This costume was supposed to represent all the silver that Mexico is famous for as well as featured a back that highlighted the Mexican culture. Muy impresionante. To me, her costume came in a very close Second to China's.No. 3:
Miss Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit: This was definitely one of THE BEST at the National Costume Presentation Show on Friday night and that is why she is here, at No. 3. The immense amount of sequins, crystals, paillettes, the colors, the applique sculptures. This was A WORK of Costume ART. It should be in a Museum. Like tomorrow. And I really, really hope whoever designed and created was payed A LOT of money for their work. And I hope they flew them First Class to Las Vegas to see their work on stage. It's the least the Miss Nicaragua Organization could have done. No. 4:
Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: Nathalie delighted the audience in her sequined jumpsuit featuring blue, red and white (colors of the flag of the Netherlands) flowing chiffon and four moving mini "windmills" atop her shoulders. This was a fun, very creative way of displaying the wonder of the famous Dutch windmills. I loved how the mini windmills moved, the chiffon "blew" in the wind and her stacked platform heels matched her jumpsuit's sequin fabrication.Original, fun, well-made, stage-perfect and filled in the element of "Holland Pride". According to the script/notes that co-host Shanna Moakler read, it was designed by a Venezuelan designer.No. 5:
Miss Israel Lina Makhuli: The "Star of David" Queen...or shall I say DIVA. This gown could be straight out of a Stephane Rolland Haute Couture runway show in Paris. I could easily see it in an awards show red carpet--sans the gold arm flaps, hood and Star of David, of course--but with all of those "bells and whistles", I applaud this and acknowledge it as a very COUTURE Runway-fabulous Miss Israel costume.No. 6:
Miss Peru Nicole Faveron: This Peruvian QUEEN needs to be sitting on top of Machu Picchu ASAP! What a amazingly glorious costume: the corseted shorts-bodysuit, the wondrous and very elaborate cape, the crown with the Peruvian flag colored feathers...THOSE above-the-knee boots! Here's another costume that needs to be in a museum. One of the best I've ever seen!No. 7:
Miss Panama Stephanie Vander Werf: I have NO IDEA how she got all them feathers through A) Customs and B) in some sort of a suitcase. I sure hope that Miss Panama Organization---or Government--somehow waived those luggage fees! This is a great Native Costume. It's perfect for the theme, dramatic, Miss Universe "Parade of Nations"-appropriate...and very Sexy Chica!No. 8:
Miss Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft: Three words--She LIT UP! Notice in the photo how the sequins/crystals were actually lights that "lit" up. I LOVED this costume from Miss Universe Sri Lanka. The gold paillete column gown, the fan crystal-and-lights headdress...She looked like a Sri Lankan Goddess that I want to light incense in front of! For sure. No. 9:
Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus: Gabriela's costume was not your typical "Rio Carnival Queen" costume. And I have to admit, that is part of the reason I am giving her "Nick Points". I absolutely love the mural of BRASIL that is displayed on her dress; it is SPECTACULAR! And the colors, the feathers, the cut of the ensemble...all add up to one of my Top Ten!No. 10:
Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: In terms of Costume Campy...Miss Universe Great Britain gets my vote! I want to know where I can get this jumpsuit! She's like "Wonder Woman UK". The Queen should be proud.No. 10 (Tied!):
Miss USA Olivia Culpo: Olivia wore this "Statue of Liberty" Fantasy costume for the Miss Universe National Costume Presentation Show. The ensemble was designed and created by Costume Designer Martin Izquierdo and his team--which included Project Runway Season 6 alumn Nicolas Putvinski. Miss USA's costume is on my list of Top Miss Universe 2012 Costumes because, I think it perfectly blends a "US National" element with theater, with a great modern impact. Love how the headdress resembles a sparkling show of fireworks via metallic and sequined stars of various shapes and colors. All of that, therefore, puts her in my Top Ten (in a tie with Great Britain). Click below to watch the Behind-the-Scenes of Miss USA's Costume--with Martin Izquierdo and Nicolas Putvinski (of Project Runway Season 6) in the background:
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We have come to the end of another year, and naturally that means it is time for the "Best of" lists. Here--on my NICKVERREOS.COM blog, I discuss--amongst many things--Red Carpet Fashion, Royals and Royal Weddings, Figure Skating Costumes and yes, Pageant Gowns, so I will do a "Best Of" list for all those. So...let's begin with my Favorite Red Carpet Gowns of 2012:
Gwyneth Paltrow, Academy Awards 2012--Statuesque column one shoulder silk crepe gown with attached--but detachable--cape, from Tom Ford. The Best Gown of the entire night--and probably 2012. Gorgeous, simple, elegant, regal...gown perfection.
Charlize Theron, Golden Globes 2012--Theron wore one of my favorite gowns of the year at the Golden Globes. It's a blush colored silk chiffon gown featuring a plunging neckline, side slit and folded-down silk gazar bows. The gown is a Custom Dior. Charlize's hair looks perfect, the Cartier headband is chic and so 1930's, and the waist diamond brooch just put's the right amount of sparkle to a fairly neutral-colored gown.
Kate Beckinsale, 2012 Golden Globe Awards--This strapless subtly sparkling fit-to-flare blush-colored gown is from Roberto Cavalli was one of my favorite of the year and of the 2012 Golden Globes red carpet. She was perfection.
Angelina Jolie, Golden Globes 2012--Angelina looked like a Madame Toussauds statue in this white silk satin gown from Atelier Versace. When she got on the red carpet, it was as if "Oh, yes, a Star has arrived!" I loved the pleated side draping, the perfect fit, slight dramatic train and pop of color highlighting THAT face of hers. This was the gown in which she "tested" that now-infamous "Angelina Slit Pose" using her other leg.
Tina Fey, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--One of the BEST Tina Fey has ever looked, in this burgundy colored strapless gown from British designer Vivienne Westwood. It's a simple column gown with a diagonally draped top "corset" section and a delicate peek-a-boo gold and black brocade embellished detail.
Nicole Kidman, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--I LOVED this gown and therefore had to put it here on my "Best of 2012" red carpet gown list. It's an Antonio Berardi Spring 2013 ivory column gown with turquoise sequins in the form of wings. It fit her beautifully. Nicole was "subdued" elegance...with a sparkle PUNCH! 
Natalie Portman, Golden Globes 2012--This is probably my favorite gowns of color from this year's awards shows red carpet. This strapless side-pleated gown is a Custom Lanvin by Alber Elbaz. I absolutely LOVE the fuschia color, and the tone-on-tone effect. The silhouette and side draping is so Classic Couture and very 50's "Old Hollywood Glamour". One of the best!
Nina Dobrev, Met Gala 2012--The gown is Custom Donna Karan and "The Vampire Diaries" star looked stunning! The splashed metallic bias-cut gown is a Donna Karan staple and it works beautifully on Dobrev. She looks like an Erte drawing. I love the open back with side cowl drape and the UBER train is so Pageant Fab!
Nicole Kidman, Golden Globes 2012--Nicole Kidman makes a second appearance here on my list in one of my other favorite gowns of 2012. This time, Kidman is looking very "Rock-&-Roll Chic" in this Versace Spring 2012 silver-gray column gown with metallic gold studded details. This had S-E-X written all over it. And yet, still looked elegant and red carpet perfect.
Stacy Keibler, Academy Awards 2012--George Clooney's gorgeous girlfriend almost made everyone forget who she came with--in this golden side twisted/draped gown from Marchesa Fall 2012--at this year's Academy Awards. This is not a gown for everyone and not everyone will think it's one of the Best of 2012, but for me, it belongs here for sure.
Karolina Kurkova, Met Gala 2012--This gown is a golden metallic gown and it's a Custom Rachel Zoe. It's perfect from the front--and back. Love the matching turban...now, that's DRAMA. And yes, it helps that it all being worn by one of the top Supermodels in the World. But, even models can fail at the red carpet. But here, Karolina gets an A+.
Camila Alves, 2012 Cannes Film Festival--Brazilian-born Camila looks Frothy Fab in this Marchesa Fall 2012 lavender gown with a multi-layered tulle bottom and silver metallic embellished torso. This gown reminds me of an updated "Hello Dolly" Couture Goddess. 
Diane Kruger, 2012 Cannes Film Festival--This Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Grecian-inspired silk chiffon gown was one of my Top Picks of 2012. I love the one shoulder style, light-as-a-feather delicacy, back "fall"...it's the complete package of a gown. 
Viola Davis, Golden Globes 2012--Classic, chic, elegant...all words to describe Viola Davis in this burgundy-colored gathered one shoulder silk chiffon gown featuring a side slit and dramatic back "fall" (just like Diane Kruger's Giambattista Valli creation) from Pucci and Norwegian designer Peter Dundas. 
Dita Von Teese, Elton John AIDS Foundation 2012 Academy Awards Viewing Party--She looked exquisite in this Jenny Packham Grecian Goddess style gown with sequined neck, shoulder and sleeve details. A beautiful gown.
Heidi Klum, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--I LOVED Heidi in this seafoam Grecian Goddess-style silk chiffon gown with fitted, gathered waist, deep V neckline and side slit from French designer Alexandre Vauthier. It was one of my favorite gowns of the 2012 Emmy Awards red carpet.
Milla Jovovich, 2012 Academy Awards--One of the BEST gowns of the 2012 Academy Awards red carpet. This is a gown from the Elie Saab Couture Fall 2009 collection. That means it is over three years old, and frankly, it still surprises me that more stylists don't look through various Couture House's archives of past collections to borrow gowns (if the designer's allow them to, that is). This one shoulder gown features hand-beaded sequins over silk and if ordered, could set a millionaire's wife back about $100,000 (it's one-of-a-kind, made to order and done without one sewing machine--all by hand). It's stunning!
Sofia Vergara, Met Gala 2012--This blue-gray gown is from Marchesa Fall 2012 and features gold and silver sequin embellishments throughout. I loved the cascading peplum style and I think it was one of my favorite looks on the gorgeous Sofia. We're so used to seeing her in Va-Va-Voom styles and shapes, this was a nice very High Fashion departure. Speaking of Va-Va-Voom...
Sofia Vergara, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--This was also one of my favorite gowns of 2012. It was from Lebanese Couturier Zuhair Murad and the very fitted fit-to-flare teal-colored gown featured all over sequins. She was very "Miss Universo" in this, and maybe that's why I LOVED it! I'd be remiss not to mention the fact that yes, this dress was SO fitted that the center back invisible zipper famously broke (darn those invisible zippers!). 
Evan Rachel Wood, 2012 Golden Globe Awards--FLAWLESS is the only word that comes to mind. This halter gown is Custom Gucci and has ombre deep-hunter green-to-emerald colored pailletes hand-sewn covering the gown which then "spill" out into a glorious bottom of feathers. She looks like a Couture Bird of Paradise. 
Blake Lively, "Savages" LA Premiere--Blake is simply stunning in this Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012 gown with black hand-beaded sequins strategically placed throughout the silk tulle and organza gown. One of THE BEST gowns of 2012. She looks like a blond Rita Hayworth. 
Ali Landry, TV Guide Network 2012 Academy Awards Red Carpet Coverage--Now, being that this is MY blog, after all, I had to be self-indulgent and last but not least, include one of MY own gowns, in this "Best Of 2012" list--Actress Ali Landry wore this raspberry-colored silk ziberline gown from my NIKOLAKI/Nick Verreos & David Paul Collection. to co-host TV Guide Network's 2012 Academy Awards Red Carpet Coverage (seen above with co-host Marc Istook). And yes, I think she looked AMAZING! And therefore, she HAD to make my list.
The Elie Saab Haute Couture wedding gown for Princess Stephanie de Lannoy when she married Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg
Wedding Gown Perfection: Princess Stephanie de Lannoy with her brother Count Jehan de Lannoy
Princess Stephanie de Lannoy with her brother Count Jehan de Lannoy
The Tiara and Veil
Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma Marchioness of Sala, Duchess of Guernica
Her gown was a bit more simple and subdued than my Top Pick of Stephanie de Lannoy. But ti was still beautiful enough that I had to make it a "Runner Up". It was designed by Dutch fashion designer Addy van den Krommenacker.
Continuing with my end-of-the-year "Best Of" Lists, now it's time for one of my favorites subjects here on my blog: Figure Skating Costumes! As you know, I enjoy blogging about Figure Skating Costumes and I have a feeling you guys like it too! This past year/season was a very colorful, bedazzled, feathered-filled one. Here are my Top Picks for favorites of the Year...
Brian Joubert: France--2007 World Champion Brian Joubert performed his Short Program to "Genesis" by Justice and "Aerodynamic" by Daft Punk. His soundtrack was very electronica/French House and so it was appropriate for his costume to be less "Costume Period" and more contemporary. The top section featured black illusion and faux leather trimmed in gold. I call his look "Manly Flashy". And I like it! So much so, his costume was one of my favorites for 2012.
Yuzuru Hanyu: Japan--For his Long Program during Season 2012-2013, Hanyu skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". I really liked this costume. It was soooo Johnny Weir in its no-holds-barred design philosophy and embrace of feminine-like details. The big cross, the ombre dyed ivory and red shirt, the one sleeve ruffle and one black glove; lots of details and he was not afraid to "Go For It"!
Daisuke Takahashi: Japan--Takahashi wore this above for his 2012-2013 Season Short Program to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock". He went "Tokyo Elvis" with his get-up and I LOVED it: t was exuberant, music-appropriate and a big hit with all his little girl fans and yes, one of my Top Picks of 2012 Figure Skating Costumes. 
I also loved the costume he wore for his Long Program to "Pagliacci". It had overt references to the famous operatic clown but yet deconstructed. This was a very thought-out look and costume. Kudos to this modern, yet still Figure Skating theatrical-perfect "Pagliacci" costume. I've said this before, but it bears repeating, I really love how these Japanese MALE figure skaters embrace the whole costume part of their performance and think "outside the box".
Patrick Chan: Canada--Above is what he wore for his 2012-2013 Season Short Program to Rachmaninoff's "Elegie in E Flat Minor". It was deep blue-colored lightly beaded blouson long sleeve top with a plunging neckline (Oh Patrick!) with attached convertible collar and cascade ruffles. Since his music was Classical, I think he was trying to vibe a classic and romantic look and he even had a lace back detail which is A LOT of look for Patrick. I did LOVE the pants. They fit him PERFECTLY and I liked how they had the beaded tuxedo stripe down the side, bringing in the lightly beaded detail from the top. I appreciate the risk Patrick took with this costume and definitely thought it was one of the best of 2012.
Ashley Wagner: USA--This, hands down--was one of my favorite Figure Skating Costumes of this past year/season. American figure skater Ashley Wagner, wore this for her Free Skate to "Samson and Delilah". From the moment she stepped on the ice, I thought this was Figure Skating Costume Perfection. The bright sunburst yellow with 
Agnes Zawadzki: USA--Agnes skated her Free Skate to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the Boston Pops Orchestra during the 2012-2013 Season. Her Costume was designed by Pat Pearsall. I thought this was a very well done costume. The crystal effect down the torso, bust and wrist area was excellent. As a whole, the design--and costume--looked very European and chic. 
I also liked her Short Program Costume to "Sex and the City". It was a baby blue costume ensemble which evoked the spirit of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates "Gulf States Princess" of the movie "Sex and the City 2". Definitely one of my Top Picks for 2012. 
Akiko Suzuki: Japan--I LOVED this costume above, which she wore for her Free Skate to "O" from Cirque du Soleil. The costume was pretty fabulous. It had a one-shoulder neckline silhouette, was turquoise blue and green and had overt Peacock influences--notice the sequin applique and feathers. I also liked the side draped "skirt" section. This was a very well done costume. One of the best of this season for sure.
Mao Asada: Japan-- Mao Asada wore TWO great costumes this 2012-2013. So great, both placed on my "Best of 2012" List. The one above is what she wore to her Short Program to "I Got Rhythm" variations by George Gershwin. It was a coral and silver criss-cross draped and shirred costume that looked chic, sexy and like a Rodarte dress. Loved it!
For her 2012-2013 Season Long Program to Music from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, Mao wore this gorgeous ivory, gray and silver costume which I also loved. The details on it were very Haute and I even liked the "shredded" skirt. My favorite part, however, were the wrist details. It was very "Black Swan", the movie. She HAD to be in this Top Costumes of 2012 list.
Alena Leonova: Russia--Bollywood Goes to Russia, through Alena Leonova's costume. She skated her Season 2012-2013 Short Program to "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Indian Hip Hop" (of course!). I absolutely LOVED her apple green costume. It had great sequin detail in the torso. LOVED the asymmetrical bust draping, chiffon "skirt", arm and body straps as well as the India-influenced bindi and center part hair decoration.
Gracie Gold: USA--Gracie skated her 2012-2013 Season Short Program to "Hernando's Hideaway" by various artists. Her costumes for both the Short Program and Free Skate were designed by Brad Griffies. I think this red one above is just great! The juxtaposition of the solid fabric vs. the small-to-large sequin detail is beautiful. The costume fits the requirements (for me) of looking a little bit "Red Carpet Couture" and at the same time, still being classic Figure Skating Costume chic.
Yu-Na Kim in her Short Program to "The Kiss of the Vampire" at the NRW trophy at Eissportzentrum on December 9, 2012 in Dortmund, Germany.