Michelle Obama Visits UK: The Fashion Edition

Fashionista First Lady...

The First Lady of the USA has been abroad on a State Visit to the United Kingdom (as well as accompanying her husband to the G8 Summit in France), and well, let's just say, she has been GIVING some Fashion with a Capital "F". Her suitcases were PACKED kids! I can only imagine. Hope she took her assistant or her 'people" put together Polaroids of each outfit and what went with what. From looking at these photos, I have a feeling, they did. Not one detail was missed.

Michelle Obama attending the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in Tom Ford

Here are some highlights: First (above photo) Mrs. Obama stunned the guests and the world press with a halter neck criss-cross shirred chiffon ivory gown by US Designer Tom Ford, Opera-length gloves (love those!) and clutch.

Michelle Obama arrives at Stansted Airport in Peter Som Fall 2010. On their way to a G8 Summit

Then, on the way to the G8 Summit in Deauville France, she wore another US Designer, Peter Som--a purple sheath dress with bateau neckline (she loves her boat necks!) with a matching ombre purple coat, highlighted by a center front neck brooch.

Michelle Obama disembarking Air Force One in Preen Fall 2011

Upon disembarking Air Force One, she wore Preen Fall 2011 turquoise blue cropped coat, matching pencil skirt and metallic lame/top. I love how she had the jacket customized so it opens in the front and we get to see more of that fabulous printed blouse. She is seriously competing with Victoria Beckham as THE Best Dressed Woman seen coming out of a Plane!!!

Michelle Obama in Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

The First Couple hosted a dinner for the Queen--that's Queen Elizabeth II--at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America. Mrs. Obama wore an off-the-shoulder black gown by All-American Designer (who LOVES all things British incidentally!) Ralph Lauren, from his Fall 2011 Collection. The gown fitted her impeccably and she finished it off with clean side swept hair and a STUNNING statement making necklace. Her "people" (Press Secretary, Stylist, whoever...) is surely working OVERTIME and earning EVERY penny of their salary huney! I give them an A+.

Michelle Obama at the Buckingham Palace State Visit wearing Barbara Tfank Resort 2011

While visiting Buckingham Palace for a daytime function during their UK State Visit, Michelle Obama opted for a bateau (told you she loved that neckline!) neckline A-line silhouette printed dress with box pleats and a contrasting waist sash; finished off with a rose-pink bolero jacket, jeweled pin and pointy metallic heels. Very Lady-Like. I approve.

Michelle Obama speaks at the University of Oxford in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

When Mrs. Obama spoke at Oxford University during her visit to the UK, she wore (appropriately enough!) an Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 ensemble of a "high-low" band-collared white shirt and black skinny pants--and a FABULOUS waist-cincher of a belt. It was modern, fresh and yes, British.

Michelle Obama serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at 10 Downing Street wearing Tracy Reese Pre-Fall 2011

Finally, for a "Photo-Op" while serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at the Prime Minister's Home (10 Downing Street), the US First lady decided to don a black-and-white zig-zag applique dress with beaded waistband. It seemed a bit dressy for the occasion, but she looked fabulous none the less.

All in all, Mrs. Obama gets an "A" for bringing the FASHION across the Pond. And at least, for looking fresh, directional, and (Thank Goodness) somewhat fashionable. Cheers Mrs. Obama!

Michelle Obama Wears McQueen at White House State Dinner Honoring Chinese President: Fab Or Not? I think AMAZING!

First Lady In Red...

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, State Dinner for Chinese Presdient

Last night was the White House State Dinner in Honor of the President of the People's Republic of China. The First Lady, Michelle Obama stunned the audience--and me sitting inn my living room 2700 miles away--by wearing a STUNNING red printed silk organza STATEMENT-making Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 gown. Tell me when was the last time you saw a US First Lady so chic, modern and wearing such a directional gown for a State Dinner...and it wasn't one of the First Lady "usual Fashion Designer subjects" such as Oscar de la Renta (First Lady Laura Bush's Fave).

Making an Entrance: Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

But we have come to know that Michelle Obama is definitely NOT going to follow the First Lady "Fashion Rules" set before her by other First Ladies. And I for one, LOVE that!
The gown--which features an asymmetrical neckline and folded architectural draping--was designed by the House's Creative Director, the late Alexander McQueen's successor (following his tragic and untimely death), Sarah Burton. The choice of color, I'm sure was a nod to China, in that it signifies happiness and prosperity.

Fashion Diva: US First Lady Michelle Obama last night at State Dinner for Chinese President

I think she looked AMAZING--so chic! Move over Carla Bruni, Queen Rania, Sheikha Mozah of Qatar...there's another woman in town! Now, in comparing the top photo, of Mrs. Obama wearing the gown--and the one from the McQueen Look Book, the gown was altered for the First Lady: Originally, it featured puffy sleeves and as we can see, these became wide straps on Mrs. Obama. Also, look closely at the hem--there seems to be an "addition" of about 2 inches:
It looks like a band of satin fabric was added to compensate for the First Lady's statuesque height (see above close-up). It doesn't look as if that same band is in the original gown. First Ladies aren't allowed to "borrow" dresses like many A-List actresses so possibly after the gown was purchased and/or ordered from her favorite boutique (Ikram), it still needed a little extra length. I may be wrong (and I'm sure my readers will let me know!) but if I'm not, it's very interesting...

Vacation Divas: Michelle Obama and Heidi Klum

Vacation ChicFirst Vacation Queens: Sasha Obama, King Juan Carlos, First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Sofia and Princess Letizia of Asturias

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Europe and just returned. Well, I guess I'm not the only one thinking Europe is a nice destination for Summer 2010. As many of you may know (unless you've been living under a rock), the First Lady, Michelle Obama is in Spain--Marbella to be exact, on vacation with daughter Sasha, as well as to meet King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at their Summer Palace. Yes, she's been taking a lot of heat because of this little ol' vacation. Over 40 guests, 60 rooms at the exclusive Villa Padierma (they should give the First Lady a HUGE discount for all the press she has given them!) , a cross-Atlantic Air Force Two flight that cost over $140,000...

But I'm not here to discuss that. I want to talk about how FABULOUS she looked while on her Marbella visit wearing a chic polka dotted Jean Paul Gaultier one shouldered top (above photo).

As well as this printed dress/tunic over leggings. What a modern 21st century First Lady!

Speaking of chic: Check out my favorite Supermodel, Heidi Klum, while on vacation in Portofino in the Italian Riviera. Loving the handkerchief-hemmed printed halter dress, paired with subdued earrings and simple sandals. I bet that tourist in the back wished she would have NOT been out sightseeing in her fanny-pack on that day!

Nick Verreos in Washington DC-Inaugural Week Recap-Part 2

OBAMAMANIA!Nick Verreos and David Paul...and The Washington Monument

Sightseeing Monday---------------------------------------

The day before the Inaugural Swearing-In, David and I decided to do some sightseeing and check out the National Mall and the Washington and Lincoln Monuments. We also thought it would be good to get the "lay of the land", in the event we decided to venture out the next day to witness the actual Swearing-In. After surveying our map of DC, and putting on about 5 layers of clothing-- we walked out of our One Washington Circle Hotel and began our trek to the National Mall. The hotel was very centrally located in the Foggy Bottom area of DC, near George Washington University, and it was about a 15-20 minute walk to the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall area. We cut right through the University, in an area which reminded me of my days back in Westwood at UCLA, and made it to one end of the National Mall. There were HUNDREDS of people there! We really did think "Oh, no one will be sightseeing today and so it will be really easy...." NOT!!! Of course, being the day before the Inaugural and Martin Luther King Day, everyone and their Mom seemed also to decide that Monday was their "Sightseeing Day".

Click above for a video I filmed when we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial

And click above for a brief video on the "frozen lake" at the National Mall

Once we got to the Lincoln Monument, it was closed for actual viewing so people were gathering at the foot of the immense building that houses the Lincoln Statue taking photos. All of a sudden, I noticed that there were throngs of people lining up and I suggested to David that we join in. Boy, are we glad we did. They actually opened it up for just one hour and we happened to be part of the lucky group who was allowed to go up.Nick and Lincoln: Nick Verreos stands in front of the Lincoln Monument

I felt almost solemn looking up at the immense statue of Lincoln, it was as if I was staring at the great Sphinx in Egypt! David and I posed for photos and as soon as we did that, scores of security began directing us to come back down and that the "tour" was over...I just felt that luck was on our side on this prodigious beginning to our "Sightseeing Day".After walking down from the Lincoln Memorial, we passed hundreds of Port-a-Potties (officials say that there were 7,000 of them in preparations for Inaugural Tuesday) and walked beside the frozen lake (yep, it was that cold) and ended up at the opposite end, at the foot of the Washington Monument. Afterward, we decided that there was only one place left in our "Sightseeing Day": The White House. On the way there , we passed by my father's old "stomping grounds", the State Department (my father was a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department) so I had to take a photo in front of one of the buildings' entrances--hopefully he's smiling right now as he sees his son in that crazy winter "get-up"!We approached the White House area and once again, there were tons of people gathered in front of the gates that overlook it. Finally, we made it to the prime "photo" area, and got our White House Photo (see above). Interesting fact: The photo you see is of the back of The White House, not the front. Not many people realize this.

Tuesday January 20th, Obama Inaugural Day 2009--------

Bundled Up: Nick Verreos and David Paul, on Inauguration Day, in the National Mall, alongside 2 million other people

The day of the Inaugural came and both David and I decided the night before that we would go to the famous National Mall and partake in history. After all, we were in Washington DC and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Believe me, we had our concerns, mainly the weather (sub-freezing). In case you are wondering, I had no "VIP" tickets, since I was not part of Beyonce or P Diddy's "posse".
Even though my former Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn-- a native of DC--recommended to "Stay Home!" in a recent PBS interview when speaking about being at the Inaugural Swear-In, David and I still did it! Was it freezing? Yep. Where there a lot of people? Yep, 2 million estimated. The minute we got outside, there were many people making the same "pilgrimage" so we followed them. Camouflaged military were stationed on every DC corner, along with Military Hummer Trucks. Once we arrived, there were even "Obama Greeters"; volunteers in red "Obama caps" who welcomed us with a warm smile, saying "Welcome to the Inaugural..Have a Fabulous Day!". I kid you not. Two Million Strong: The Crowd exiting the National Mall

We walked and walked. The farthest we could go--until it was just impossible to get through the crowd--was right next to the Washington Monument, very far away from the actual Capitol Building, but we did not care. Stationed near one of the many "Jumbo-trons", we watched the Swearing In Ceremony for the next two hours, alongside all the other million+ crowd. I cannot state this enough: It was an UNBELIEVABLE MOMENT.
After newly-sworn in President Obama finished his speech, we all began making our way out, away from the Mall. But here's the problem: There were over a million people trying to do the same! I couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes: The most orderly exit of a million people I could ever have imagined. No fights, no pushing, nothing. Later I heard that there was not even ONE ARREST. It was like people exiting the Superbowl--but without the alcohol, Thank God! I love Tim Gunn, but I am glad I did not listen to his advice to stay home. Inaugural Tuesday 2009 was an unforgettable moment.

Click Below for a video I took once we got to our "Viewing Area" of the Swearing-In:

Mr. Verreos Goes To Washington

Happy New Year!!!President and First Lady-to-be Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

It's January 2009 and the Presidential Inauguration is coming up of course. Recently, I got word that I would be going to Washington D.C. to the California State Society's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. Nick Verreos to host and show his Gowns at the California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show

For several of the last US Presidential Inaugurations, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has showcased the designs of their top Fashion and Costume Design students at a fabulous fashion show as part of the illustrious California State Society Presidential Luncheon. It's like one of those Inaugural Balls we've all heard about--but with food, fashion and in the daytime! This year I was honored to be invited by FIDM to not only host the event but also showcase some very special gowns from my NIKOLAKI Collection, as part of the fashion show. An added bonus to the show, will be the one-time-only exclusive runway showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner, Leanne Marshall's (a graduate of FIDM) Bryant Park Collection. Bryant Park to Washington D.C.: Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Season 5 Finale CollectionVIP Invitation: The California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show Date: Sunday, January 18Th Location: Ritz Carlton Hotel

Washington D.C. is not necessarily a "Fashion Capital", the likes of New York, Milan and Paris. But it will be on Sunday, January 18th. Michelle Obama has become somewhat of a fashion icon herself and for weeks now, everyone has been a buzz about what she will wear for the Inauguration and all the Balls. I would love for Mrs. Obama to wear one of my designs, but I am sure I will have to fight Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez and her favorite Chicago designer Maria Pinto. Lets just say every designer in the world is dying to dress the First Lady to be!

I am beyond excited to be going to Washington D.C. for many reasons. My father was a Diplomat working for the State Department and he lived in D.C. for a long time and spoke of it very fondly. My week in D.C. will be filled with fittings, rehearsals and doing press interviews for the event but I hope that maybe I will get to visit one or two of the historic Washington D.C. attractions, such as the Lincoln and Washington Memorials or the Smithsonian Museum or maybe get a photo of the White House.
Click HERE and HERE for great articles from the Washingtonian.com and The Faux Socialite regarding the event. Hope to see you there!