Kenneth Cole To Receive Humanitarian Designer Award at Islands Of The World Fashion Week

Islands Of The World Honors Kenneth Cole!

Kenneth Cole will be honored with a Humanitarian Award at November's Islands of The World Fashion Week in Nassau The Bahamas. As we speak, I am working on my Spring 2009 NIKOLAKI Collection, which I will show there. I, for one, am delighted to be part of an event that will honor Kenneth Cole. Besides his obvious contribution to the fashion world, I have always been drawn to his always provocative ads and his determination to bring AIDS and AIDS awareness to the mainstream. Below is a typical stop-and-stare Kenneth Cole ad.Click HERE for the Press Release

Nick Verreos to Judge at Islands Of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas!

Nick Verreos (sans Kathy Griffin) will Judge at the upcoming Islands Of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas

As many of you know, I will be debuting (along with my design partner David Paul) my Spring 2009 Collection for my line NIKOLAKI, this upcoming November in the Bahamas, which will be held November 5-8th at the Colonial Hilton and Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Although it sounds like a fabulous "vacation", my days there will be jam-packed with fittings, model castings, make-up and hair meetings, as well lots of alterations and last-minute "Make It Work" moments. Plus of course showing my collection.
In addition, I have just found out that I will also form part of the illustrious (I use the term very loosely for me!) Judging Panel, where we will give awards in Sustainable Eco-Fashion, Culture & Fashion, and NextGen Designer Award (emerging designer award) Categories . Besides myself, the other judges include stylist and former America's Next Top Model Judge, Nole Marin, Paris-based designer, Alphadi, designer Peter Ingwersen , who was creative director for the Levi's Brand/Europe, and Susan Stein, who holds an extensive resume in the West Coast Fashion Industry.
I am looking forward to playing the part of "Michael Kors" during the judging---while Susan can be the "Nina Garcia" of the group.

Click HERE for the Press Release

Nick Verreos does Emmys SWAG well !!!!

Nick Verreos Emmys Gifting Suite Recap: In Search of a Shirt and Tie....
Ready For Some Gifting: Nick Verreos prepares to get "ExfoliKated", at Kate Somerville's White Room" Emmys Gifting Suite
Nick's Emmys Gifting Suites Recap:

This year, I was covering the Emmy"s for SOAPnet as well as doing post Emmys Red Carpet Wrap Up for TV Guide Channel, and I got invited to several of these suites.
It's a world not so many people get to partake--and frankly before Project Runway, I had no idea of what these "suites" were all about--Celebrities (the term is used very loosely in my case) get invitations--either on their own or through their publicists/managers--attend, take a photo with product, and if they are lucky, get something in return. It's a way for these companies to get publicity and build up their "PR book"--or have these celebs wear or use their products and be seen with them---like in UsWeekly, InTouch, or People. Here is my recap of my Emmys Gifting Suite experience...
Nick Verreos and Kate Somerville at her epomynous LUXURIOUS Spa on Melrose Place
Kate Somerville:
Because of my crazy schedule--and the fact that I am smack dab in the middle of making a collection--I singled out the Friday before the Emmys as the day I could visit the Gifting Suites. I was invited to Kate Somerville's Spa on Melrose Place, near the Marc Jacobs Collection Stores, as well as Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta. Here's the deal, last year, at this same event, I received a product called Kate In A Jar (now re-named ExfoliKate)and after bringing it home, used it, and instantly DRANK the Kate Somervillle "Kool Aid". It was AMAZING!!!My partner David and I were fighting for it! We even bought some more online!!! My reason for returning to Kate Somerville was to tell them how that one product really changed my skincare life!!! ( I am sounding like a darn infomercial!!!) and of course, to see if I could get some more!!
Inspecting the Seams: Nick Verreos samples a silk chiffon leopard-print gown from La Perla by Alessandro Dell'Aqua's

The Kate Somerville "White Room" , as it was called this year, was visited by actors Kerry Washington, Felicity Huffman, Will McCormack, Debra Messing, and my secret crush, from Pushing Daisies, actor Lee Pace. When I was there I recognized actress Perrey Reeves, who plays "Mrs. Ari Gold" on HBO's Entourage. Once at the Spa, I sampled a brand new skin care brush called Clarisonic, developed by the same person who created Sonicare toothbrushes and visited the La Perla room which had gorgeous to-die-for Alessandro Dell'Aqua designed leopard print silk chiffon red carpet gowns and silk cocktail dresses (see above).
I filmed some footage for the Spa, spoke to the skin care DIVA herself--and received some more of my favorite Kate Somerville products. One of these days, I promised them, I will come in to get the full-on Kate Somerville Spa treatment. For now, I will have to just fight David for her products!Oprah and the Gays: Oprah greets my friend, Ross Matthews, the fabulous "Tonight Show Intern" at Emmys Gifting Suite---yes, even Oprah Does Giftin'!!!

Platinum Publicity Melanie Segal's Emmy Gifting Suite
My next stop was Platinum Publicity's Emmys 2008 Gifting Suite on Queen's Road, near Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. My goal now was to see if I could find a dress shirt or tie I could wear for my Emmys Red Carpet moment with SOAPnet. And if I found one and wore it, I would give them a "plug". Once there, I saw the Perry Ellis room and ran like a little girl at the Barbie section at Toys 'R Us! Unfortunately, no ties or shirts, but they gave me a fabulous apple green "Man Bag" that I LOVED!!!! Realizing that there were no hopes of finding a tuxedo shirt-and-tie here, I then walked right to Make Up by Mandy, for some eyebrow fixin' and waxing (at least my eyebrows would look good on camera!). Lord knows my half Greek eyebrows needed it!!! I also picked up some beautiful towels from Distant Imported Home Decor. They are in Los Feliz/Silverlake and are owned by a half Colombian/half Turkish couple (sounds like Mom and Dad!!!) so you know I was all about their products. They said that they were towels, HOWEVER, they were so gorgeous, I am going to use them as scarves!!!! Nice Fit: Proportion Of Blu Slim Boot Cut jean for women

Being that we are in LA, the land of denim and t-shirts, there were several "booths" showing new brands of both. There were some great jeans from a brand called Proportion of Blu. The lovely pr girls noticed I liked my denim on the darker and skinnier side, and they were kind enough to give me two styles: The "Skinny" and "Slim Boot", both in a Japanese Denim dark wash. Bootilicious: Back pocket design of Proportion of Blu, men's jean

You know I will be wearing these to my events---along with my dress shirt and tie "Nick Look". Dussault Custom Ink Apparel had very Ed Hardy-esque hoodies, with tattoo-like graphic art, as well as leather accessories. Since I already "rocked" that Ed Hardy look YEARS ago (yes, even I went through the Trucker Hat phase!), I picked a beautiful leather wallet and belt with a not-so-obvious skull-and-crossbones. Here, I ran into choreographer Chris Judd.

GBK Mondrian Gifting Suite:
My final pit stop was the GBK Gifting Suite. Since I was already near Sunset, I made my way to the Mondrian to see if there, I could find my "Emmys shirt and tie". I didn't. However, there was better! As I was led through all the various suites by my trusty (and sexy) handler, before I realized it, I had a Keurig Coffee Maker (I know!!!) somehow stuffed in my own huge "Gifting bag". I also got some delicious cookies and cupcakes from a Pastry Company called Henrietta Poodlestones (isn't that THE MOST FABULOUS NAME??!!).
At another room, there were all these fabulous dolls from JAKKS Pacific. They are called JUKU COUTURE dolls and all I could think of was my niece, Casia and how much she would LOVE them (I privately wanted them for myself too!) The dolls are very high fashion--almost "collectible" looking---like John Galliano for Dior mini doll models! I must have stayed there for an hour with Michael and Anne-Marie of JAKKS Pacific, playing with the dolls, posing for photos and just being silly! Finally, there was a suite in the Mondrian, devoted solely to dogs and "Doggie Couture", from clothing, chokers, to bags and anything in between! All I could think of was my puppy Benny! I could just see him smiling and his tail wagging if "Daddy Nick" brought home a little couture for him. Alas, it was not to be. I guess I was too "D-List" to get any doggie gifts (now I know how Kathy Griffin feels!).At the last minute though, one of the doggie suites, House Of Dog, did take down all my information and promised to have a "Benny Goodie Bag" to be delivered. Benny and I can't wait!!!!

Season 6 Project Runway Model Mixer?

Meet The Models....
A couple of days ago, a friend--who shall remain nameless--emailed me to ask me if I knew anything about a Project Runway Season 6 Model Mixer happening on Sunday here in Los Angeles. I did not. I have been to busy on "design lock-down" draping and making patterns for my upcoming Islands Of the World Fashion Week show in the Bahamas. Yes, I have been able to get out every now and then (witness the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Party), but other than that, I have been glued to my pattern table! On Friday, we had fittings with our fit model, the beautiful Amanda Fields, and I asked her about this "Model Mixer", and she was as confused as I. I thought, well if anyone knew it would be Miss Amanda---NOT!!!
After a bit of amateur investigation, I got the DISH: There was indeed a model mixer for the Season 6 Project Runway models, being filmed for the new season, at the Downtown Los Angeles Elevate Lounge and it was more of "Clients: Meet the Models"...Since I was not invited, I did not go. But if I get any further info from someone who did, you can be sure, Uncle Nick (there I go, writing in Third Person Suede again!) will let you know, as long as I'm not sworn to secrecy!....

Shoe Fetish: Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Honors Manolo Blahnik

Manolo, Lucy, Hillary, Nicky Hilton (and bad Season 2 Memories), plus the always FABULOUS Jennifer Coolidge...Nick Verreos Goes on a night out in Beverly Hills!

Shoes In A Box: Manolo Blahnik Shoe Couture at Rodeo 2 Event

This past week, I was invited to attend the 2008 Rodeo Drive Walk of Style honoring the one and only Manolo Blahnik. I asked my buddy, John Wade (from Season 2 and current Head of Merchandising at Marc Jacobs-West Coast) to be my date--he obliged of course.
We arrived at the event, and quickly walked through the red carpet step-and-repeat (when Lucy Liu AND Manolo Blahnik are standing right next to us on the carpet, there's nothing to do but sprint right along since no one wants a photo of us....).
However, as soon as we began walking up those Rodeo 2 Collection steps and found ourselves right behind Lucy--and her agent, Stephen Huvane. We knew this was A-List instantly! Once we braved the fully stocked bar and hors d'oeuvres lining the stylish cobblestone pavement of 2 Rodeo, we settled ourselves in to do some "fashion spotting" as well as ogled the stunning Manolo Blahnik shoes displayed throughout the party in enclosed glass cases (bullet proof I assume!). We eyed a fun mixture of old school Beverly Hills-Ladies-Who-Lunch-at-the-Beverly-Wilshire Hotel, young Hollywood girls, with a fashionista gay or two strewn in for good measure (oh, that would be John and I, sorry!). John instantly spotted Hillary Duff making a bee-line to the bar, looking pretty in a blouse and skirt ensemble and carrying a fabulous clutch.
I ran into my UBER- friend, the gorgeous Lily Collins (daughter of rock star genius Phil), in a black fitted skinny trouser suit and Pucci scarf. I met her mom for the first time and had her take a photo of us! I also spotted Nicky Hilton-- there with her mom and dad--wearing a red satin dress cinched with a wide belt. At John's behest, I approached her and said "Hello". I hadn't seen her since that fateful Project Runway Make-A-Dress-For-Nicky Hilton Challenge years ago when I was on Season 2 and thought it would be nice to say "Hello". She was shy and almost uncomfortable, thereby making me ill-at-ease. Noticing the awkward silence, she then proceeded to tell me how her and Paris had "hung out" with my Season 2 alumnus, Santino, recently at a party. Right about this time, my trusty confidante, John, grabbed my arm and I barely got to say Goodbye...
The night ended with a fun BANG, however, as we ran into one of my favorite actresses, Jennifer Coolidge--of Legally Blonde and Best In Show fame. John knows her because she's a loyal Marc Jacobs shopper and they discussed, amongst other things their LOVE for MJ. She was there with the dapper Michael Patrick King, executive producer of Sex And The City. It was a fun night overall.

Project Runway Season 5 Nick Verreos Recaps!!!!

Make Me OVER!!!!! MTV Style

Soon after this episode aired on Wednesday, a very good friend emailed me and the "Subject" line of the email read "Things I Learned From Watching This Episode of Project Runway". I was intrigued. I scrolled down. There was only one sentence:
Jerell's Junk-In-The-Trunk, and Kenley Should Have Been Gone.
Well, there was more to this episode, but...I will make sure to include something about those two saucy things...

The Challenge:
In a season filled with "Strolling-Down-Project-Runway-Memory-Lane", it would be fitting that this episode (the same episode where yours truly was eliminated), would re-hash my season's "Make Over Challenge". But of course, there was a 2008 Season 5 twist: The remaining five designers had to make over themselves but they had to be inspired by various musical genres. And I'm not talking about "Musical", as in Judy Garland/Chorus Line/Bob Fosse Jazz Hands Musical--if only it could be!!!

The Workroom:
It's Suede's time to go... I think...
I am not sure why-- maybe because I had attended the Project Runway Finale Fashion Show several weeks ago and
A) even a 2 year old could figure out who were the Top Four and who was not (it was THAT kind of season unfortunately)
and
B) since Joe was "auf'ed" last week, I had this instinctive "feeling" that it was Third Person Suede's time to say "Ciao"...
With that in mind, I wondered how the editors and producers would construct this episode to, well, let's just say, not make it so obvious.
Kudos to them because they did not. It was all about Miss Kenley....

Kenley: Hip Hop Confusion
The Workroom environment seem to be productive for all the designers save Miss Cut-and-Cry-Kenley. Her challenge was to design a "Hip-Hop" ensemble for "Geeks Rule" mousy Leanne, From the beginning, it was obvious, Kenley had slept through Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jazzy Jeff , and Run DMC---like all at once!
I may not be a "Hip-Hop afficionado", but HUNEY, I know what a girl from that genre should look like---and it AIN'T high waisted fitted skinny jeans!!! See Lil' Mamma below.
I love that the other designers were allowing her to "dig her own design grave" when she kept asking them for their opinion on what she was working on. I would have LOVED to have been right there-- in between Jerell and Korto-- because the camera would have caught me giving a "She CRAZYYYYYY" look......but telling her "Oh, yeah Kenley...that looks REALLY GOOD!!!!" (cut to my face grimacing "Not So Much")

Kenley and Tim: Bitch Slap!
OK, that's it: It's ON! I have had students like Miss Kenley (rarely)...who think that "they are all that" and that no one else knows any better. The result: Let's just say that "Instructor Nick" gave them a classy, if not restrained, VERBAL BITCH SLAP. I am glad Tim did the same to Kenley during their workroom exchange.
Who do you think you are Kenley? It's called respect. You are not John Galliano...or Tom Ford...or Hubert de Givenchy...you are not a fashion design genius. So, be humble and listen to constructive criticsm. Tim is not trying to fail you or be in competition with you. Who would have THUNK it? Kenley is Season 5's Santino!!! I would have never guessed. I, for one, did not see it coming.

The Runway:
The Good: Fashion Rocks! Kenley as a Rejected Pussycat Doll
Most of the Designer Make-Overs were exceptional. The best being Jerell's "Britney Is Making A Comeback" ensemble for Bitch-slapped Kenley (that's my new name for her), as well as Korto's Gay Sid Vicious Punk ensemble for Suede. Jerell transformed Kenley into a pop princess--big hair, sequined breast accents and tacky-yet-appropriate stretch mini dress and all. She looked like a rejected Pussycat Doll---which is a good thing! At least in this challenge.

Suede is a Gay Adam Ant
It was all about the extra time Korto took in customizing her total look--from the bleach-dyed skinny jeans to the chains which finished the look off pefectly. Suede looked like the cover of an Adam Ant record--with some Boy George added in for a bit of "gay". Miss Korto correctly became this season's Chloe Dao and won the challenge--even though her model--Suede--didn't fare so well....

The Bad: Junk In The Trunk!
Leanne's cowgirl ensemble for Korto wasn't cute. It was a yawn. I think she could have taken it to another level: Add some gold fringe and maybe make some tight bootie-hugging jeans that would have screamed Tammy Wynette-meets-D Squared fashion show.

The worst for me was (surprise) Kenley's supposed Hip Hop-inspired outfit for Leanne. It was more Alicia Keys, less Lil' Mamma. She missed the mark COMPLETELY. Leanne looked hot though. I loved seeing her in super-tight, albeit bad-fitting skinny high-waisted jeans. And that asymmetrical hair chignon was a vision that would make the Sheer Genius judges BLUSH!

The worst, according to the judges, however, was Suede's tamed rock and roll outfit for Jerell. I have to admit that after I saw that crotch "pouch", I could see nothing else, and neither could my entire Blackberry address book of friends who were texting me with their comments! I guess we can all thank Suede for showing us Jerell's "buzinezzz", but it was not enough for him to slip through. It was Suede's time to go. Like I said, I had a feelin'.
Four more to go...

Welcome Back Uncle Nicky!!!!

I AM BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!

As you may have read, ten months ago, I moved my fabulous blogsite from here to one with a company called UBER---well, now I am BACK!!!!! As a result of the stock market and negative economic situation, the backers of UBER.COM pulled out and the company was forced with the difficult decision to shut its "web doors". I had a lot of success at UBER and was saddened by the decision, but now I am back at my old BLOG "home"--BLOGGER.

Tell your friends and bookmark it .

We are in the process of uploading and saving all the UBER posts so we can place them here sometime in the near future, as well as updating this blogsite with new photos and video to reflect all that has being going on since I left ten months ago. Slowly but surely. So please be patient.

For now, I will begin writing new posts here--- about Project Runway, all things fashion, my upcoming Islands Of the World fashion show in the Bahamas, latest TV appearances, speaking events, red carpet parties, as well everything and anything that makes "Uncle Nicky" scream with joy!!!!!

I look forward to "a new beginning" and hope you follow me along.....

I promise that it will be a BLAST!!!!! A Chic blast!

Nick