Elizabeth Taylor's Couture Fetches Record Amount!

La Liz Diva:

"The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor" Auction at Christie's ended last week with a multimillion dollar BANG of a gavel! The Wednesday "Elizabeth Taylor Couture" sale--the third of a weeks' worth of auctions which included her storied jewels, clothing, accessories, memorabilia--took in $2.6 million. Of course, this didn't come close to the freewheeling frenzy which took place the day before when her prized jewels went for $116 million. But still, $2.6 million wasn't bad--all owing to Taylor's cachet, and, driven by competitive online and private collectors' phone bidding from China to Beverly Hills. All the Elizabeth Taylor Couture clothing/accessories lots sold, some beating their high estimates by more than 60 times.

What is Haute Couture Worth...after Many Many Years: “To own a piece worn by Elizabeth Taylor, the last of the glamorous, great movie stars, is priceless,” said Fern Mallis, fashion industry consultant, who attended the sale. “There are people who buy it as collectors. Vintage clothing is like buying art these days, it will only increase in value.” I'm not sure I agree--and by the low estimates the Christie's Specialists placed on the items to begin with--neither did they. I'm sure that their Fashion and Couture "Specialists" know what these items are worth on the market so possibly, fashion and Haute Couture pieces (which retail new from $30,000 for a Chanel Haute Couture suit to over $100,000 for an Armani Prive' gown) may sadly not retain--or increase in value through the years like furniture, art, for example. Unless, of course, there is a provenance--such as an Elizabeth Taylor--attached to those vintage clothing pieces. Most of her one-of-a-kind Haute Couture pieces were being estimated at only $1,000 (if that!) for a Dior Couture tunic-and-shorts ensemble (it went for $30,000 kids!).

Fashion Diva: Elizabeth Taylor was only 5' 2" tall and measured 36" bust 21" waist and 36" hips (about a 4-6 in today's sizing standards) and she was known for her fearless sense of style and throughout the years became a devoted client to all the top Haute Couture fashion houses. From cheeky Emilio Pucci tunics, Michael Vollbracht caftans, to "bling-ed"-out Versace jackets, lady-like "Jackie O" Chanel suits, to Dior, Valentino and Hubert de Givenchy gowns, Miss Taylor covered the sartorial gamut of styles. Many fashionistas and celebs were seen at the auction, eying what perhaps they might want from Elizabeth Taylor's Couture Closet, including designer/newly-minted IPO Multi-millionaire mogul Michael Kors, actress Jennifer Tilly, director Sofia Coppola and fashion designer Anna Sui. Supermodel Cocoa Rocha, walked away with...

This Givenchy 1980's yellow silk crepe de chine bolero jacket and trousers ensemble with embroidered arabesque silver and gold sequins. Included in the look was a fuchsia pink silk chiffon blouse with matching cummerbund and belt. She payed $3,250 (it was estimated to sell at $1,000-2,000). According to Rocha, she said she might wear it to next year's Costume Institute Ball.

The priciest fashion lot was this Marc Bohan for Christian Dior Spring/Summer 1968 gown above of silver-encrusted sequin brocade with a matching purse. The gown and purse fetched $362,500, compared with the $6,000 estimate Christie's put on them. Taylor wore the ensemble to the annual ball in France given by Guy de Rothschild and his wife. Miss Taylor probably paid an amount comparable to about $30,000+ for the pieces back in 1968.

Here are some more Highlights of Elizabeth Taylor and her Couture, with images of the items sold, what price and photos of when/where she wore them:

Tiziani "Scorpio" Hooded Coat: a black velvet cape 1968-1969 with diamante scorpions, lined in moire' grosgrain silk. Tiziani was an Italian-based brand founded by a Texan, no less: Evan Richards. Karl Lagerfeld freelanced as a designer for Tiziani until 1969. Therefore one could surmise that this coat was a Karl Lagerfeld for Tiziani design. Taylor wore the coat to Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th Scorpio Ball in 1969, which she attended with Richard Burton. It sold for $60,000. The Christie's "specialists" estimated it at $2,000-3,000 (poor thangs!).

Chanel Ball Gown and Cape: a scooped-neck with sleeves ethereal silver Chanel ballgown and cape of silver foil and silk chiffon from the 1960's. She wore the ensemble to the Royal Film performance of "The Taming of the Shrew" in London in 1967. The gown--along with the matching shoes and bag--went for $134,500. Christie's estimated the lot at $6,000-8,000.

Valentino Couture Ivory Silk Gown: This stunning ivory silk crepe Valentino Haute Couture long-sleeved gown features a silver hand-embroidered Snow Leopard design in the torso. Taylor wore it to the 64th Annual Academy Awards in 1992. It was estimated at $4,000-5,000. It sold for $37,500, which is probably what Miss Taylor payed for it, back then, if not more.

Arnold Scaasi "Platinum" Gown: this silver sequined cut-away leaf motif evening gown from the 1990's, sold for $72,100. It was estimated to only fetch between $800-$1,000!

Thierry Mugler "White Diamonds" Suit: this royal blue suit features a peplum'ed jacket and silver metal closure. Taylor wore this for the Launch of her Perfume, "White Diamonds" at the Plaza Hotel in NYC 1991.

Sunflower Yellow chiffon Wedding Dress: Designed by Hollywood Costume Designer Irene Sharaff--who designed her "Cleopatra" costumes. Taylor wore it to her 1st Marriage to Richard Burton. It was donated by the Elizabeth Taylor Trust to a "major American Institution" according to Christie's Head of Fashion, Patricia Frost.

"Botswana" Wedding Gown: a Gina Fratini caftan printed dress featuring a patchwork silk bodice and silk chiffon ombre' sleeves and skirt section. It also had feather-trimmed "streamers". Gina Fratini was a London-based fashion and costume designer, born in Japan. The caftan gown sold for $62,500 and was estimated by Christie's at $10,000-12,000. Miss Taylor wore it to her second marriage in 1975 to Richard Burton in Bostwana, Africa.

1987 Dior Gown: a white silk organza with black silk gazar bodice gown from the House of Christian Dior. Malcolm Forbes presented Elizabeth Taylor--wearing this gown--with a $1 million check to amFAR at the 70th Anniversary Forbes Magazine Celebration. It sold for $15,000 and was estimated to sell between $4,000-6,000.

Green Linen Embroidered Caftan: Taylor wore this in 1989 to Malcolm Forbes' 70th Birthday in Tangier Morocco at the Tangier Country Club. It went for $5,500 in the online auction.

Nolan Miller black and silver beaded gown: Taylor wore it to the Golden Globes in 1985 when she received the Cecil B deMille Award for her Outstanding Contribution in the Entertainment Field. It went for $7,500 in the online auction.

Atelier Versace "The Face" Jacket: An Atelier Versace rhinestone-beaded jacket featuring Miss Taylor in her most iconic roles, including Cleopatra. It was all hand-beaded. Taylor wore this sequined jacket to the Freddy Mecury Tribute Concert for AIDS in 1992. The jacket sold for $128,500. Christie's estimated it to sell at $15,000-20,000.

Below is a video from the auction:

Nick Verreos Attends Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA "ARTrageous"

FASHIONrageous at Macy's GLAMORAMA LA 2011:

Nick Verreos, Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011 Red Carpet, Orpheum Theater Los Angeles

This past Friday, I was invited (as well as my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul) to attend Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011. Macy's Glamorama is an AMAZING event that combines runway fashion, entertainment, music, and all the while raising money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. They do a four city tour, which includes Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and LA.

For the past 29 years, more than $29 million--yes, MILLION--has been raised for outstanding and worthwhile organizations such as AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles and many others in the other cities. Side Note: I remember actually going to one of the very FIRST Macy's Passport shows in San Francisco back when I lived in the Bay Area. I think my Mommie took me (please don't do the math!).

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 was held at the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA, and the Theme for this year was "ARTrageous". I knew this would be a fun night when the first person I ran into as I get out of my car is...

Ice Queens: Nick Verreos and Johnny Weir

Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir--looking much more fabulous than I (Thanks Johnny!!) in a Chris Benz purple knit sweater-jacket and iridescent leggings and some SERIOUS wedge bootie pumps! Now, you might know how much I am a fan of Figure Skating, and especially the Costumes. Last year, I also did some "Fashion Commentating" for Universal Sports during the Vancouver Olympics (with Johnny in fact, but he was in the Vancouver studios while I was in LA). Needless to say, it was wonderful finally meeting him. My partner David was also excited to say "Hi" to Johnny (wait until you see the last photo in this blog!)...

But back to the show:

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 had so many many highlights. Let's begin with the musical performances. First came Far East Movement (above). I knew their songs, just didn't know who sang them--but Lord Knows now I do! (I know, I'm such a loser when it comes to what "the kids" are listening to these days!). They were GREAT by the way.

Beyond great was Cee Lo Green, who had everyone on their feet by the end of the night. If I wasn't seated all the way in the back, I would have run up on stage and become a groupie/fan and started dancing with him right then and there! (Thank goodness for David that I did not!).

A definite highlight of the evening was a Special Tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who devoted so much of her life to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Tribute was presented by Sharon Stone. Ms. Stone looked every bit a Hollywood Star in a fitted royal blue side shirred dress and LOTS of diamonds (an homage to Miss Taylor I presume?). It was such a loving tribute which also included a brief yet poignant appearance by Elizabeth Taylor's grandsons, Quinn Tivey and Tarquin Wilding.

Oh and yes, then there was The Fashion:



As always, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama involved showing lots of Fashion. There were nine runway presentations showing the latest Fall 2011 looks from brands that are at Macy's: Armani Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Rachel Rachel Roy, Tommy Girl, Tracy Reese, Impulse Macy's Department, Calvin Klein, bar III...

And Papi, the underwear line. This last "runway portion" of the show was, of course, a BIG HIT with the audience--men and women alike, thank you very much. How those boys can be up on that stage almost naked is beyond me. But I guess if I had their bodies...

After the show was over, it was time for David and I to head to the After Party, which was held at the nearby California Market Center, in its expansive lobby. For tonight's Glamorama After Party, the lobby was transformed into a Las Vegas-style Nightclub. Guests arrived and began to enjoy the Patron Tequila Bar, several food/hors d'oeuvre sections (the roast beef sliders and vegi wraps were delicious!), as well as a See's Candy and Don Francisco's Specialty Coffee tables, among others.

At the After Party, I ran into my friend Ross Mathews, who was there with his partner Salvador--both looking quite dapper. Ross was working his grey H&M jacket with white piping, skinny tie and skinny jeans.

Also, a woman in a cute red dress approached me, telling me how she was a "big fan" and how her daughter would so jealous that she was meeting me. Her name was Michele and her beau turned out to be "The Young and The Restless" actor Sean Kanan (above with Michele). We had a very fun conversation which involved everything from Project Runway to our mutual love of Italy, my experience of almost drowning off the coast of Capri and his new cooking book "The Modern Gentleman". And of course, I made Michele call her daughter so I could say "Hi" and give my best Tim Gunn "Make It Work" impression. With that, it was time to say "Ciao" to them, and the fabulous Macy's Glamorama After Party.

Oh and before I forget, I promised a certain photo of David and Johnny Weir--well, Here ya go:

Get Your Hands Off My Man: Johnny Weir and NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul

It doesn't get more Figure Skating Fabulous than this! If this doesn't end up on David's Facebook, I don't know what will!

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor 1932 - 2011

Like many I was saddened at the passing of Dame Elizabeth Taylor today. A great actress and humanitarian she had received the British honour and was entitled to use the style as she was born in Britain to American parents. She first achieved fame at the age of twelve thanks to her starring role in National Velvet but we must also remember that she became a gifted actress with four Oscar nominations and two Oscars to her name for Butterfield 8 and her second Oscar came in 1967 for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, one of 12 films she made with Richard Burton.



She was the highest-paid actress of her time, negotiating a cool $1m for her role in Cleopatra, as well as a share of the profits for the film. This is now the model for many big stars. Cleopatra was however an awful movie which elicited the world’s greatest ever movie review from the famed and feared critic of the New York Times who confined his review to just one line “Last night Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton barged down the Nile and sank!”


“Last night Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton barged down the Nile and sank!”

She was a great believer in marriage, being famously married eight times, twice to her inamoratas’ Richard Burton. By her mid twenties she had been married three times, divorced twice and widowed once; surely a modern day morality tale of sorts. She was extraordinarily beautiful, and was considered an accomplished actress by her peers. That's not true of a lot of celebrities that today's media are obsessed with but in many ways she was the template of the modern celebrity endorsing products and being associated with a “cause.”

Her son, Michael Wilding, made a statement that celebrated his mother’s life.

“My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it.”



Her business acumen extended beyond Hollywood. By creating her own jewellery line and a successful perfume range, she became a pioneer in marketing a celebrity merchandise brand. Stars including Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears all now have personal branded lines.

She was not unknown in this neck of the woods in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The Bell in Aston Clinton used to be one of England’s top restaurants and a straight run out of London from studios at Elstree and Pinewood. It was popular with the luvvies; pictures of the Burton and Taylor used to adorn its walls when it was still a proper restaurant. She and Burton were visitors to that other great movie couple who lived near Thame at Notley Abbey, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. They were also visitors to Sir John Gielgud at South Pavilion in Wotton Underwood, Bucks, now the country home of Tony and Cherie Blair.



It is hard today to remember her impact on creating celebrity culture but the photos of her bikini clad on a yacht with Burton in 1962 caused an absolute sensation, such steamy paparazzi photos were unknown in those days and the story ran and ran and probably will continue to run now she is dead. The Vatican at the time accused them of "Erotic vagrancy" and Burton's wife actress Sybil Williams fled the set of Cleopatra and headed back to England.


Notley Abbey


Sir John Gielgud's former home at South Pavilion in Wotton Underwood

In her last interview in this month's edition of 'Harper's Bazaar', when asked about all the husbands and jewellery. Taylor responded: "I never planned to acquire a lot of jewels or a lot of husbands. For me, life happened, just as it does for anyone else. I have been supremely lucky in my life in that I have known great love, and of course I am the temporary custodian of some incredible and beautiful things.

"But I have never felt more alive than when I watched my children delight in something, never more alive than when I have watched a great artist perform, and never richer than when I have scored a big cheque to fight AIDS. Follow your passion, follow your heart, and the things you need will come."

But above all she was a brave campaigner and humanitarian who championed an unpopular cause and made it mainstream. Elizabeth Taylor will be remembered for harnessing her star power to help good causes. In the 1980s, after her friend Rock Hudson died, she became one of the first celebrities to speak out about Aids.



"Why shouldn't gay people be able to live as open and freely as everybody else?... What it comes down to, ultimately, is love. How can anything bad come out of love? The bad stuff comes out of mistrust, misunderstanding and, God knows, from hate and from ignorance."

Elizabeth Taylor

Good for her. Here’s looking at you Babe!


Trailer for "Giant"