Nick Verreos attends the Natalia Romano Launch Party

A Former Student Makes "Papa Nick" Proud!
Khaki and Turquoise: Nick Verreos and designer Natalie Hara at her Natalia Romano Launch Party

Last week I attended the launch party of Natalia Romano, a new womenswear line designed by Natalie Hara, a recent graduate of FIDM. I was especially excited to attend this party since Natalie was actually one of my students in the Advanced Fashion Design Major. She showed her FIDM Debut 2009 Collection in February at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar. And now, in just four months, she has designed a complete new collection post-school and moved into a great new space in the Downtown LA Garment District, located on the 6Th floor of the LA Apparel Mart Building. I was teaching until about 9 PM so I arrived "fashionably late". The party was in full swing, with delicious hors d'oeuvres, a Vodka Open Bar and even a cute DJ, spinning tunes for all the guests to enjoy. FIDM Debut Reunion: Former classmates of Natalie Hara, celebrating in her Natalia Romano Launch Party

Lots of her friends, including her fellow FIDM Debut '09 students, were there to offer their congratulations. Natalie's most gracious family were all there as well--including her DIVA grandmother who was the definition of charm and class.Fashion Party: Nick Verreos, designer Natalie Hara of Natalia Romano and Amanda Luttrell Garrigus

Fashion Personality, Amanda Luttrell Garrigus, stopped by to also view the line. Amanda is one of the most stylish women in LA, so if she's there, you now this must be good! I asked Natalie to show me the new line. In two words: Casual Chic. And very wearable and elegant, as well. It was a complete--and very fresh--departure from what she did at school for her Debut Year, which were very attention-getting gowns.
Golds, beiges, metallics and mustard yellows: The Natalia Romano Line

These were real clothes for a real, albeit very stylish woman, young or old. These were clothes I could see at Intermix, Scoop or Barney's CoOp. I am a "Gown Guy" but Natalie won me over with her separates. My favorites included her metallic tops, printed shorts and pencil skirts in heavy upholstery-like fabric, and some very-now "Harem" pants that were pleated and full up top and narrow at the bottom. PYT's: Nick Verreos, flanked by chic guests at the Natalia Romano Launch Party, Downtown LA

Of course, the Natalia Romano collection had some festive dresses perfectly made for all the Young Hollywood set who venture to Hyde , Chateau Marmont and Les Deux. In fact, the designer herself was dressed in one her own designs, a turquoise satin off-the-shoulder Sari-inspired dress, which could stop Hollywood traffic! Congratulations Natalie on a great launch party. I wish you much success! Hope to see it in stores and on lots of those beautiful Hollywood "It" girls real soon!