Nick Verreos: Red Carpet at The Daytime Emmy Awards!

Nick Loves SOAPnet!!!!Welcome to the Daytime Emmy AWAAAAAAARDSSSSS: Nick Verreos strikes a pose on the red carpet

Another year, another Daytime Emmy Awards! For a second year in a row, I was privileged enough to have been asked by my favorite "Daytime Drama Kids" over at SOAPnet, to host their "Red Carpet Coverage" and interview all the stars. It was about 95 Degrees (at least it wasn't as hot as last year, when the thermometer hit 107 and my sweat glands went into "I-Can't-Take-It-No-More" mode) as I headed to the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA, the site of this year's award show. My Make-Up girl (and Greek "sistah") Alex George, SAVED the day (at least for me) by bringing ICE PACKS, which she would sneak under my shirt as I stood out there in the glaring sun. So when I shrieked a loud "Oh Dear" to the stars, that's why!

Downtown LA Landmark: The Orpheum Theater

The red carpet was set up so when the stars first arrived, they were in a shaded area to the side of the theater as all the cameramen got to take their photos and the fans got their treasured first glimpse of the favorite stars. Then they were all mine--well, me, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, etc. But I was the fourth person the stars would come to (Yeayyyy!!! SOAPnet's got pull at the Daytime Emmys!!!).Location, Location, Location: The first three--SOAPnet (me) was to the left of "Extra"

I got to interview all the top Daytime Drama stars, most of the nominees, as well as the presenters. Of course, a highlight of mine was getting to see Susan Lucci once again, who was wearing a beautiful coral-colored hand-beaded Zuhair Murad gown. He's the same Lebanese designer who has been worn by the likes of Miley Cirus and Debra Messing. Susan was SO GRACIOUS and classy (as always!) and TINYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! I just want to put her in my Marc Jacobs tuxedo pocket and take her home!SOAPnet Three's Company: Writer Producer Sarah Tatting, Nick Verreos and Fashion Correspondent Meghan Jolly pose on the Daytime Emmy Red Carpet

I was thrilled to see how many of Daytime Drama's A-list stars were also (still) such fans of Project Runway. Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Winner Vincent Irizarry and his wife could NOT stop talking about how much they loved the show and how I was one of their favorites! I was like "can we get back to your nomination??!!".

It was wonderful to see all the younger actors looking very chic and living for their red carpet moment. Lots of the women chose lavender or violet as their color of choice (just like my skinny tie!) and had PLUNGING backless dresses. A lot of the younger guys chose to go sans tie, which was interesting. At first, you might think "too casual", but darlings in the 95 degree Downtown LA weather, it worked! Thank you to everyone at SOAPnet!! We were definitely the "Funky Bunch" of the daytime Emmy Awards! Love you!!

For all the Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet Madness: Click HERE!

MISS TEEN WORLD 2009

Tayla Robinson from Johannesburg was crowned Miss Teen World at a pageant held in Houston, Texas on the weekend. Tayla beat contestants from 16 other countries to win the title. She is 16 years old and measures 1,66m tall.

Earlier this year she was crowned Miss Teen Globe SA, a pageant organised by Beyond 2000 Promotions. At the time it was reported that she would be competing at the Trinidad-based Miss Teen Worldwide pageant (formerly Miss Teen World), but she ended up at the Miss Teen World pageant, a US-based pageant.

Apart from beauty pageants, Tayla excels in dance and modelling having been a multiple-award winner at the 2008 and 2009 World Championship of the Performing Arts in Hollywood.

Actress Nadia Bjorlin from "Days Of Our Lives" Wears Nikolaki!

Nadia the Nick Verreos/NIKOLAKI sexy Goddess!

Perfect Pose: Nadia Bjorlin in NIKOLAKI silk jersey and leather one shoulder dress

It's Daytime Emmys season in Los Angeles and just last week, I had another NIKOLAKI coup: The gorgeous half-Iranian/half Swedish actress Nadia Bjorlin, who plays "Chloe" on "Days Of Our Lives" wore one of our dresses to the TV Academy's Animation & Daytime Programming Salute Nominees event last Thursday. Look Into My "Nick Verreos" eyes: Nadia Bjorlin in NIKOLAKI at the TV Academy's Animation and Daytime Programming Salute event

The dress Nadia wore is a golden sand-colored silk jersey one shoulder cocktail dress with black leather waist corset (is that enough of a description?!). She has such a hot figure and she's so beautiful that of course, I think she looked AMAZING! I love that TWICE in one week, different actresses chose two dresses (without knowing), from my Spring 2009 Collection that were both silk jersey and leather. Two Nikolaki Goddesses!!

TEEN PAGEANTS SHOULD BE BANNED

Later today, Miss Teen World 2010 (the title is post-dated) will be crowned in Houston, Texas. It's not the Ecuadorian run Teen Miss World pageant that once posed as Miss Teen World and was won on three consecutive occasions by the South African contestant.

It is also not the Miss Teen Worldwide pageant that was once Miss Teen World, but had to change the title because that title had already been registered as a trademark. It is not the Miss Teen World International pageant that was once.....God....I'm lost already. There are just too many to mention.

It is the "official" Miss Teen World pageant that is organised by a USA based organisation. But I thought Miss World and Mr World were registered in the UK and were the run by the Morley clan? Apparently not. It is "official" because they have registered the trademark whereas the other organisations had not.

Needless to say, South Africa is represented (contestant name unknown right now) at the Miss Teen World pageant that concludes in Houston today, just as we were at the 2009 (read 2008) edition. Our representative last year was one Alexa Kendrick (pictured above). I cannot find any Alexa Kendrick online other than a reference to a resident of New Orleans.

Perhaps she once visited South Africa on holiday or has a FaceBook friend who lives in South Africa or has a great-aunt who was an ANC refugee during the Apartheid era. Whatever claim she has to a Miss South Africa sash, I have yet to find reasonable evidence thereof online.

She isn't even one of the recycled beauties from that leading pageant organisation on the East Rand who's winners are often less attractive than the size of their daddy's cheque-books. (Thinking aloud: Something in the back of my mind tells me that one of the owners of that pageant organisation was involved in the abortive attempt to host Miss Universe 1996 in Johannesburg. Note to self: Investigate).

In any event, I don't understand the purpose of Teen pageants other than the desire of individuals who, but for the fact that they have no talent and want to make a quick buck, seek to be in the limelight by organising a teen/kiddie pageant. Each one "identifies a need or gap" in the pageant market for a pageant of this nature and has more integrity than the next. Yeah right.

The phenomenon is not unique to South Africa and most teen pageants are often shrouded in controversy. If it's not organisations bickering about the names of their pageants, there are allegations of financial mismanagement, prizes and sponsorships not being passed on to the winners, sexual harassment of contestants, and even that they are a front for kiddie porn and prostitution syndicates.

As I asked earlier, what is the purpose of a teen pageant? More often than not the winner is not the best looking contestant. Most of them are not particularly talented in the arts, academically or on the sporting front. Most of them are just pretty...average...nice girls. Whatever the purpose, beauty pageants ,in the purest sense of the word, they are not.

Teen pageants should be banned.

CALLING ALL MISS HIBISCUS/HIBISCUS QUEEN WINNERS

"Dear Matt

I am involved in marketing Margates’ Centenary celebrations and a number of SA Beauty Queens had their first experience or one of their early experiences in Beauty Pageants while holidaying in Margate. Penny Coelen’s first pageant experience was at the Hibiscus Festival May Queen pageant in 1958. I have been told that Diana Tilden Davis, Janine Botbyl and others have had a similar experience.

We are celebrating the history of Margate and have registered for 3 Guinness Record attempts: 2 are confirmed and 1 is pending. We are also hosting Africa Bike Week and last year we had 4200 Harley’s in a single procession.

This year we plan to do the following in 1 weekend:

*Most bikinis on a beach in a photoshoot – we need to beat the current record just short of 3000;
*Most motorbikes in a single parade; and
*Most past & present Beauty Queens (Hibiscus Queen/Miss Hibiscus) at a single event.

All attempts are linked to our Margate Centenary Event, and as you can imagine these record attempts will create an enormous amount of publicity for the event.

Your assistance in this regard will be great.

Regards
Ingrid
GM Marketing & Events
SOUTH COAST TOURISM"

Please contact Ingrid Ashwin at eventing@tourismsouthcoast.co.za or SA Beauties at sabeauties@telkomsa.net for details if you are a former Hibiscus Queen/Miss Hibiscus winner.

Nick Verreos recaps the second episode of Project Runway

Who Laid The Golden Egg Dress?I am SOOOOOOO (should I add another "O"?) happy that Project Runway is back!!! I really missed Tim and Heidi! I'm even happier it's in my 'hood, Los Angeles! For this second episode, the designers were asked to design a chic pregnancy ensemble for---no, not Heidi, that will be NEXT season--but for actress Rebecca Romijn. Cheetah Girl vs. Maternity Momma: Heidi Klum and Rebecca Romijn

We learned that she is VERY PREGNANT (Twins!) and that she is TALL!!!! Look at her next to Heidi (and Heidi's is wearing some MAJOR Stiletto booties!). Besides Rebecca, the other special judge was FIDM grad (yep, she went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I teach and went to school), designer Monique Lhuillier of the dreamy and very expensive wedding gowns as well as those evening dresses that are ubiquitous on the red carpet. Her boutique on Melrose Place here in LA is GORGEOUS. She even makes dinnerware and stemware--who knew?Wedding Queen: LA Designer and FIDM Grad, Monique Lhuillier

As usual, you can check out what I had to say regarding this episode, including:
--Why I want to see more of Logan shirtless (sorry Logan)
--Why Mitchell's pregnancy outfit needs a cigarette and a bottle of Jack Daniels
--And why Johnny might have something to fall back on (if designing doesn't pan out).

Click HERE for my Recap and be sure to tell me what you think!

Oh and let me know if you want to see more of me and my Season 2 compatriot Andrae Gonzalo DISHING on myLifetime.com !!!!!

2011 MISS NAMIBIA

Windhoek Country Club / One Africa Television

Saturday 30 July

10 finalists



TOP 3



1: Luzaan van Wyk

2: Georgina Kandjeke (Miss Public Choice)

3: Nangula Elifas



TOP 5



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?



FINALISTS



Assumpta Gahutu

Charmaine Tjizumaue

Claudia Itembu

Karolina Hangula

Maria Kharas

Reliance Biwa (Miss Photogenic)

Verona Ngarangombe (Miss Personality)



GALLERY

2011 MISS SOUTH AFRICA

Sun City Superbowl / Mzansi Magic

Sunday 11 December

12 finalists



TOP 3



1:

2:

3:



TOP 5



?

?



FINALISTS



?

?

?

?

?

?

?



SEMI-FINALISTS



Anesca Swart

Boniswa Mdebuka

Cassandra Sfetsios

Caylene Marais

Charlotte Smith

Cindy Rosslind

Danelle de Wet

Dannalize Clarke

Frieda du Plessis

Gabriella Davids

Grace Rheeders

Kabelo Mongoni

Karlien Gericke

Kelly Davids

Kim Wentzel

Kylene Weyers

Lerato Mokoena

Lisa Dee Morehen

Loreal Magro

Lwandle Ngwenya

Margot Johnson

Melinda Bam

Nastassja Howard

Nicole Lamberts

Pinky Mathope

Remona Moodley

Rolene Strauss

Sian Schlebusch

Taki Simeli

Tamerin Jardine

Thuli Sangweni

Xenye Pretorius

Zamatonga Madondo



GALLERY



2012 Miss Universe

2012 Miss World

Haylie Duff Wears Nikolaki Gown to Final Destination 4 Premiere!!!

Aphrodite Haylie
Red Carpet Pose: Haylie Duff wears NIKOLAKI gown to "The Final Destination" Premiere

The gorgeous Haylie Duff came to our showroom/studio and we had a fun "Let's Play Dress Up" fitting session. She arrived with her stylist on Wednesday (things move fast in Hollywood!) and was looking for something for her to wear to her boyfriend's movie premiere. In case you are wondering, her boyfriend is HOT (OMG, look at those abs of his!) Nick Zano and the movie is The Final Destination. One Shoulder Goddess: Haylie Duff in NIKOLAKI Gown

Haylie was the sweetest (her body was OUT of CONTROL!) and even Benny, our dog, loved her! After trying on a lot of our gowns and dresses, she chose a wheat colored silk jersey one shouldered "Goddess Gown" with an attached black leather waist corset. May I remind you: Silk jersey!!! Of course, I think she look like Aphrodite! I know that I may sound like a 16 year old high school girl...but...I love you Haylie! (let's hope Nick Zano comes by when she returns the gown!).

Nick Verreos Joins Soapnet.com for the Daytime Emmys!!

Nick Verreos Brings Fashion Red Carpet Talk...to the Daytime Emmy Awards!The Daytime Emmy Awards are this Sunday, August 30th and will be telecast on the CW Network . For the second year in a row, I'm excited to be covering the red carpet for SOAPnet.

I will be there asking all your favorite stars--from all the gorgeous gals to the sexy hotties-- what designer they are wearing as well as maybe try and get a little "Daytime Drama" dirt!

Last year, I was on the Kodak Theater red carpet in 107 degree weather and it wasn't pretty! The "Weather Man" says it will be a WARM 95 Degrees (Ouch!) so I will try and have an umbrella and/or a fan--and definitely LOTS of paper towels for my "shiny" forehead!

Hope you get to tune in to SOAPnet.com for some "Fashion Talk with Nick" LIVE from The Daytime Emmy Awards!

MISS SA GOING DOWN THE DRINK?

Back in the 50's and 60's, beauty pageants were all the rage. After all, there really was little else for women to do in society other than cook, clean and breed. If you wanted more, you became a secretary or a clerk.

You became a mannequin (that's what they were called back then), an actress or you entered pageants to become famous or be somebody. Pageants guaranteed unprecedented success and wealth for winners and runners-up alike.

Then in the 70's, along came the dreaded "women's libbers". Personally I applauded the concept of women freeing themselves from the constraints imposed upon them by society, but I just didn't think much of the stereotype that were the "poster girls" for the movement.

Generally they were the ugly, overweight, hairy, loud-mouthed types who felt marginalised by beautiful women and the "unfair" advantage that they enjoyed in every facet of life and business. After all, being beautiful was not a skill.

The ugly "bra-burners" infiltrated every facet of business, particularly the media. No better place to promote and promulgate your ideas and ideals than in the media. They succeeded in having pageants branded as politically incorrect.

In Europe, pageants were very popular in the 50's and 60's, and apart from the USA, the rest of the world lagged behind as a result of cultural and economic constraints. The rise of Women's Lib was the beginning of the end of pageants in Europe, which possibly explains the pitiful performance of European contestants at international pageants such as Miss Universe.

In the 80's and 90's, beauty pageants became the domain of developing nations. Unlike the European nations which had their own royalty, the developing nations did not, which possibly explains why national pageant winners enjoy hero-worship status and are treated like royalty.

I am now going to contradict an earlier statement. Because of limited media coverage, there is the perception that pageants are less popular in Europe than they were in the 60's and 70's. They are not. There are more pageants in Europe now than there ever were before.

The problem with European pageants and contestants is that they do not enjoy the same backing and support that their counterparts in other parts of the world do. That explains the domination of countries such as Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico at international events. They have turned pageants into an art.

In any event, the situation in South Africa has always been that pageants are very popular, with women and men alike. Whilst the local media has followed the international media philosophy that pageant are inane, banal and politically incorrect, just as in the rest of the world, there are more pageants in SA than there ever were before.

Unfortunately, this perception of sustained or increased interest in pageants is not reflected in the interest in the national beauty pageant, Miss South Africa. That explains the rock-bottom situation in which the pageant finds itself this year. A rumour, that has subsequently been confirmed, indicates that fewer than a hundred entries have been received for the pageant this year.

I remember the days when a hundred entries constituted the number of semi-finalists that were short-listed from the thousands of entries that were received. Given the popularity of pageants in general in South Africa, I really am unable to pin-point the reason for the decline in interest in the Miss SA pageant.

I can only ascribe it to one or more of the following reasons:

* Like most cultural organisations in South Africa, the pageant has become a political pawn and the perception is that racial profiling takes place before each edition of the pageant;

* Girls who are active on the pageant circuit would rather rake in a string of smaller prizes on the local pageant circuit and not be tied down by a ridiculous year-long contract;

* Since there are no contractual obligations attached to winning a local pageant, winners can still dabble in the lucrative modelling market;

* The national pageant organisers would rather crown an above average winner (who is going to make the Top 10 at an international pageant at best) that is a finished product than invest time and money developing an unpolished contestant that could actually win a leading international pageant;

* The head judge is more interested in awarding the title to her "mates" than making an effort to find that uncut diamond.

Whatever the reason/s for the decline in interest, the Miss SA pageant is definitely going down the drink.

MISS TOURISM QUEEN SA 2009

Well this is Carisa Venter, South Africa's entry at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant that is currently underway in China. She did not place in the Top 3 at the Continental Queen of Africa preliminary held earlier in the week, and I strongly doubt that she will make an impression during the pageant final on Friday night.

Once again, she is more than likely a sweet and talented young lady, but she certainly will not be contributing anything to the SA Beauties trophy cabinet.

Nick Verreos Loves Modelinia!!!

Model CRAZY!You're IN! Nick Verreos and Heidi Klum

Who loves models? I do! And that's why I love me some Modelinia, the website devoted to and about "everything and anything" models. Their tag line is Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle: All Models, All the Time. Sounds like a "Nick Website" to me! Model Hug: Nick Verreos and Marissa Miller

As a designer, I worship and live for models. They are my muses and they make my designs and sketches come to life! I was so lucky back in Season 2 of Project Runway to have been given the gorgeous Tarah Rodgers as my model. She was such an inspiration during those grueling weeks. Pink Beauty: Nick Verreos and Erin Wasson

And because of all the different red carpet and style video blogs I have done, especially as one of the Glam Squad for MSN.com's Style Studio, I have now become a part of the "I love Victoria's Secret Supermodels" club. Besides my ultimate Supermodel Goddess Heidi Klum, I just can't get enough of Marissa Miller and Erin Wasson.
The Modelinia website has videos of Isaac Mizrahi muse and former Tim Gunn Guide To Style co-host and partner-in-crime Veronica Webb doing a "high heel workout", video interviews with model "God" John Casablancas and hair Guru, Garren ( you know you are a DIVA when you are known with just ONE NAME!), as well as "Beauty Secrets" from all the top models.


Click HERE for more videos and all the Model Madness!

Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo Video Blogging on Project Runway At Lifetime!

The Nick and Andrae Show
Last week, right after Andrae and I previewed the Premiere Episode of Project Runway Season 6, we were "whisked" into another secret room, to film our immediate "First Impressions" of the episode and the new cast of "characters". We had a lot of fun and Lifetime needs to think of having this be a Nick and Andrae After Hours Post Show! What do you think?

Here are the Highlights, which you can't miss:
-Why Andrae was "Clutching His Pearls".
-Why we think contestant Johnny Sakalis needs his own Lifetime "Movie of the Week" (I'm sure the "Recovering Crystal Meth Organization of America"--is there such a thing?-- already has contacted him to be in next year's Gay Pride Parade).
-Who we think wears a leather Dominatrix jumpsuit and owns a whip.
-And who is MY new boyfriend.

Check Out The fun videos above and below, or go to MyLifetime.com

Miss Venezuela Wins Miss Universe Again!!!

It's Venezuela's Night in the Bahamas!Sunday night the final telecast of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant took place--live from the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Of course, being a pageant fan-- and a designer of many Miss Universe and Miss USA gowns--I watched. Since I had been at this amazing resort last November as part of the Islands Of The World Fashion Week, I was excited to see all the beauty of this amazing island nation.The favorites were the gorgeous "Noxema Clean" looking Miss Australia and Miss Dominican Republic, an exotic almost 6-foot-tall Creole beauty, who had previously won Miss World Dominican Republic. Miss Venezuela, a lovely 18 year old model made it into the Top 15 but she was not in many pageant watchers lists of who would win. Especially since last year's winner was also from Venezuela and the same country winning back-to-back had never happened in the history of the pageant.During the entire night, as one watched by the scores, it was a tough fight between Australia and Dominican Republic through the Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions. The gowns were pretty enough. Nothing mind-blowing or extraordinary. And no one fell! (remember the last two years?) I was happy to see a lack of CHA-CHA-showing slits (Thank you VERY MUCH!) or clear Lucite Stripper Heels (2nd Thank You!). Miss Venezuela was coming in 4th or third (if one followed the scores), then the interview portion came. And no one really answered their question in a "Give her the damn crown!" sort of way.

Andre and his Louis Vuitton:

One highlight was the DIVA Andre Leon Talley, from Vogue Magazine, who asked Miss Venezuela her question. I just wanted to know what kind of a private plane it took to get him there and how many TRUNKS of Louis Vuitton luggage he brought with him!But something occurred in that Atlantis Auditorium and ten minutes later, Miss Venezuela WON! Yes, Stefania Fernandez won. The first time ever a contestant from the same country as the outgoing title holder won! This is HUGE in the pageant world. Stefania was gorgeous and so "regal" the entire time. She is half Spanish (her father was born in the region of Galicia but emigrated over 40 years ago to Venezuela) and her mother is Venezuelan of Polish and Ukrainian descent (her mother's maiden name is Krupij Holojad). How "international"! Congrats chama! I'll save a seat for you at the dinner table at my studio for some Pabellon Criollo whenever you visit LA!
Below is video of her crowning moment:

Nick Verreos Parties with Marc Cherry for the Season premiere of Season 6 Project Runway!

Desperate Project Runway Housewives Party!!!The Old and The New: Andrae Gonzalo, Kit Scarbo, Nick Verreos and Rami Kashou pose with Season 6 contestant Logan Neitzel

Last week, as we all know, was the much-anticipated premiere of Project Runway's new season on Lifetime. I was invited to several parties, including a party one of the models from the Models of the Runway (Lisa Blades) was throwing at a local restaurant/club. Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives was also having his own intimate viewing party and so without blinking my L'Oreal Paris mascaraed eyelash, I decided to attend Marc Cherry's bash. Desperate Housewives Divas

I met Marc at an event in LA over a year ago but he didn't know who I was. Then, this last January at the Kuwaiti Embassy Party for the Obama Inauguration in Washington DC, he approached me saying "I know we met a while back but I had NO IDEA who you were...but I have since watched Project Runway and now I know...and I'm a big fan!" Back then, he confided in me his ideas to have a viewing party for the premiere of the new season and it all came to fruition this past Thursday.The Host With The Most: Marc Cherry

I extended the invitation to a few Project Runway Alumnae so I wouldn't have to be the only one answering questions regarding what really goes on "behind the scenes". We arrived soon after the beginning of the All-Star 2-hour special episode and therefore they had to pause it, until we all got situated. Already there was Rami Kashou, finalist from Season 4 as well as some of Marc's friends. More and more guests came trickling in as waiters passed food and drink orders. The entire (almost) Desperate Housewives Wardrobe and Costume Department was there (they are HUGE FANS!!!) including the amazing Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer, Cate Adair. Season 2 designer--and fellow Lifetime Blogger--Andrae Gonzalo, came donning a celebratory red tie. Kit Scarbo of Season 3 stopped by, looking sexy, in her Catherine Deneuve-meets-Natasha ensemble. We even had a "surprise visit" (OK, I sent him the invitation so it wasn't so much of a surprise) all the way from Seattle: Season 6 contestant, designer Logan Neitzel. Yes, the new "Cutie" of Season 6. I joked that he was there so Rami could pass on the "Hottie of Project Runway" crown to Logan.
Caught In the Bathroom: Kit Scarbo enjoys the Hollywood Goddess bathroom at Marc Cherry's house

Marc Cherry was the consummate host, as he controlled the remote (yes, we had him hit the PAUSE button many times!). The entire party was catered with the most delicious "comfort" food which included an array of salads, breaded chicken breasts, vegetables and a mac-and-cheese to end all mac-and-cheeses! However, the stars of the night, for me, were the pigs-in-a-blanket hors d'oeurves. Mental note: Must return to Marc Cherry's EVERY Thursday just for that! At the end, Marc even showed us his "Hollywood Starlet" bathroom, which features portraits of EVERY Hollywood Goddess, from Myrna Loy to Lauren Bacall. Models, Meet your Designers: Lisa Blades, Nick Verreos, Carol Hannah Whitfield and Logan Neitzel

After leaving Marc's party, we somehow made it--just in time--to the Model Of the Runway Premiere Party on the other side of town. Most of the guests were leaving but we were there long enough to say "Hi" to one of my favorite models and muses, Lisa Blades as well as another Season 5 contestant, designer Carol Hannah Whitfield.The following day, Lisa stopped by my Downtown LA studio/showroom to return the NIKOLAKI cocktail dress she wore to the "Inglourious Basterds" Premiere (Dry Cleaned, even!). I was excited to see that she brought along Carol Hannah (in a cute canary yellow one-shoulder jersey dress of her design) and Logan (in extra skinny jeans and deep V-neck, of course) so we posed for some photos at my studio, including one with Tim Gunn. Well, Tim Gunn's Bubble head Doll! The new--and the old--of Project Runway--praising the God of Tim Gunn, via a doll (since we didn't have the real thing!).
Thanks you Marc Cherry for a fabulous party and good luck Carol Hannah, Logan and Lisa--hope you go far! Can't wait for this week's episode...

VENEZUELA WINS AGAIN....

... and the "Bitch Fest" starts.

The most amusing thing about the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant is that the winner, although Miss Venezuela, does not even look Latina. She could just as easily have worn a Germany or France or Poland sash and no-one would have batted an eyelid, and everyone would be gushing and fawning over the beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful Miss Universe from Europe.

The bottom line is that the Miss Venezuela Organisation has perfected the "recipe" when selecting a representative for the pageant. They don't always get it right, but I've learnt that you can hardly ever go wrong if you back a Miss Venezuela for a win or a place at Miss Universe.

From a marketing/economic perspective I think that the rationale of fans on certain Forums for wanting to diversify the "look" for a winner is a tad misguided. Beauty pageants have become very passe in Europe and a string of winners from that continent is going to do nothing to boost the coffers of the Miss Universe Organisation or improve their standing on the continent.

Another factor that pageant fans and enthusiasts seem to overlook when criticising the Latina countries for "dominating" the pageant is that they crown their winners long before they are scheduled to compete at Miss Universe. With a few exceptions, the Europeans crown their national winners in the few months leading up to the Miss Universe pageant and expect these girls to "perform" with little or no training.

Whilst I am not opposed to cosmetic surgery in moderation to correct a few flaws, it is interesting to note that the Miss Venezuela Organisation, for example, is going the au natural route. If the new Miss Universe has, in fact, been cosmetically altered, her surgeons have done a fine job since I cannot, in all honesty, see anything "fake" about the new Miss Universe's physical assets.

From a South African perspective it is very disheartening for me to have to constantly back a foreigner for a win. I have always been of the opinion that South Africa has beautiful women that are up to the task of winning a major international title. The trick is to attract them and mould them to conform to the Miss Universe Organisation's ideal of feminine beauty.

The way I see it is simple: Equal quantities of facial beauty, fit body and sparkling personality. In that order. Until we stop trying to "interview" our way to a title and start trying to "beauty" our way, we will always just be an also-ran in the end.

VIVA VENEZUELA!

Venezuela created history tonight when they became the first country to achieve back-to-back wins at the Miss Universe pageant. Earlier I had predicted a win for Stefania Hernandez and she did not disappoint me.

Two of my other picks, Miss Dominican Republic and Miss Australia, finished 2nd and 4th respectively. I wish I was as good at picking the winning numbers for the Lotto.

Well done to Tatum Keshwar for achieving a Top 10 finish. She certainly exceeded my wildest expectations.

FIDM Project Runway Website: Uncle Nicky has fun at school!!!

FIDM Video Tour a la NickWeb Star: Nick Verreos featured in the new FIDM website videos

Well, it's official: The Season 6 Premiere of Project Runway was a HUGE SUCCESS! 4.2 million viewers! Lifetime, Heidi and Tim must be very happy (and Harvey Weinstein too). After a year's absence, the fans were still interested--naturally! In case you didn't watch it, Project Runway has "moved" to Los Angeles and my Alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM is "Project Runway Central" as the designers will be using their design, pattern and sewing studios to "Make It Work".My Other Barbie: Nick Verreos Malibu Barbie, on display at FIDM

I filmed some fun videos for the official FIDM Project Runway website and the first ones are up!
There's one of me at the Barbie 50Th Anniversary Wall where I give you a sneak peak of my "other" Barbie; one of me with some students at the Media Library/Study Lounge; and one of me at the FIDM Gallery and Museum of the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design, where FIDM grad Leanne Marshall's winning Project Runway Season 5 Collection is on display!

Click HERE for all the video madness.

MISS UNIVERSE 2009 FINAL PICKS

I had planned to continue with my series of elimination contests in the run-up to the announcement of my Top 15 for the Miss Universe pageant, but a heavy work schedule this week did not leave me with much time to dabble in my hobby. As it turns out, the pageant this year is very wide open and any one of at least 30 contestants could end up in the semi-finals.

Whilst the general consensus appears to be that a European must win this year (have heard this one before), and that the judges were specifically told to overlook the Latinas (yeah right), I hope that the Miss Universe pageant still retains a smidgen of integrity and crowns the most beautiful contestant irrespective of race or region of origin. We already have one Miss World pageant, we don't need another.

That being said, I have decided to go with the following Top 18, rather than a Top 15, since I honestly cannot pick only 15 favourites. As is customary, I have once again grouped my favourites into 3 geographical regions viz The Americas, Europe and The World (Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific).

Dominican Republic: I thought she should have placed much higher at Miss World. When she won her national beauty earlier this year, I immediately viewed her as a possible winner.
Honduras: I never noticed her at first, but she looked really good in the presentation show.
Jamaica: I thought she should have won her national pageant in 2005. I just wish she'd smile more often.
Puerto Rico: A Latina Barbie. After two years of non-placements, this girl will be right up there again for her country.
USA: When she was crowned I said a good choice. Having seen her candids since then, she's pretty, but bland. And she has a look in her eyes that screams "bitch". And she is Miss USA.
Venezuela: She is gorgeous and in a perfect world could win the pageant. I notice that she has been lumped with the title of "worst Miss Venezuela ever" on some message boards, but I can only ascribe that to professional jealousy and the fear that she would take the place of a more popular, yet less deserving candidate.

France: She's pretty and has a good body, but I'm not as crazy about her as the rest of the world is it seems.

Hungary: Easily the most beautiful contestant at the pageant. She just seems a tad reserved and her catwalk skills are average at best. But those skills can be taught.

Iceland: I don't generally like blonde's, but she is as gorgeous as her fellow countrywomen who won Miss World titles in the 80's.

Ireland: I didn't like her at first, and she does have a harsh look in some of her photographs, but she did look good during the presentation show.

Netherlands: She looks fabulous in her "pageant kit" and she is pretty in her candids, but there is a look in between that doesn't appeal to me. I can't put my finger on exactly what the problem is.

Russia: She is gorgeous and has a good body. A pity about the explicit photographs of her that surfaced prior to the pageant, but I seriously doubt that she is the only contestant with a skeleton her her closet. Australia: Another unassuming beauty from the "land down under". So glad to see that the Aussies are getting over the "pageants are passe" crap that basically forced pageants "underground" in the 80's and 90's.
Ethiopia: Yet another stunning East African woman.
Ghana: She could duplicate the achievement of her fellow countrywoman at the 1999 pageant.
Philippines: Have always been a fan of the Filipina "look" and feel that a number of deserving candidates have been over-looked in the past.
Singapore: Easily the prettiest girl from the East, but seems too reserved to win.
South Africa: She's tall and ... well ... er ... um ... oh that's right ... she's Miss South Africa.

Well, these are my picks for the Top 15 and all, but 3, would be semi-finalists if it was up to me. Since I am not privy to the Miss Universe 2009 competency profile and do not know for certain what social, economic and political agenda's the organisation has for 2009/10, I suspect that my selection will only match the final results in 6 instances.

As far as a winner is concerned I would happy if one of Australia, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Russia, Singapore or Venezuela was to win. To any contestant that I have over-looked, but makes the grade, well done! You obviously knew which buttons to press.

Nick Verreos' Project Runway Blog on MyLifetime.com

DESIIIIIIGNEEEERS: Meet the Army Wives
Lifetime Prom Date: Andrae Gonzalo and Nick Verreos pose at the Lifetime LA Offices

Well kids, Project Runway is FINALLY BACK!!!! And not a moment too soon, because if I had to be forced to watch that awful "The Fashion Show" one more time, I would have SCREAMED!! Last night was the Premiere of Season 6 on its new "home", the Lifetime Network. For months--over a year now--everyone has been speculating how the new Project Runway would be. Would it change, be more "Lifetime-esque"? The LA-haters saying "I can't believe it's not in NY!!! Boo hoo...." And because its new producers, Bunin-Murray, are known for more tawdry and brain-cell numbing shows such as "The Real World", there were "web rumors" in the bloggersphere that there would be hot tubs for the designers to get drunk in after the challenges. Relax, it's all GOOD!!! The show looks the same, just as fabulous, and with no hot tub (yet!). Just good ol' Tim giving "fatherly" advice and Miss Heidi smiling and as pretty as she could be.
Nick Verreos' Season 6 Project Runway Blog on MyLifetime.com

Lifetime has asked me to write the recaps for this season on their official website, MyLifetime.com. My Season 2 cohort, Andrae Gonzalo and I were invited earlier this week to "preview" the first episode in a secret location with a soundproof conference room (OK, I'm just being dramatic!). We had a blast, as you may imagine. Let's just say there were lots of loud "Oh no they didn't!" comments that could be heard from that secret "Viewing Room".
Hope you enjoy my recap and be sure to leave your comments and thoughts!

Check out my First Episode Recap entitled "For The Love of Bai Ling!" HERE

Red Carpet Inside Dish: Nick Verreos interviewed on TLo!!

Red Carpet 101...The Interview

Recently, my favorite web boys, Tom and Lorenzo wanted to do an interview to get "all the inside dirt" on what really goes on to get your dress or gown on the Red carpet. Of course, I obliged, I got my coffee, set up a chair on my porch (why does it sound like I live in the backwoods of Arkansas?) and gave it to them!
If you REALLY want to know what goes on behind the scenes of the "Red Carpet Game", then you'll be sure to read my interview.

D-List Buddies: Designer Nick Verreos and Kathy Griffin, in NIKOLAKI custom gown, Bravo A List Awards

Even David--my NIKOLAKI partner-in-crime--was surprised at how candid I was and how much information I gave. This industry tends to be secretive and not very willing to give out inside dish on what goes on "behind-the-scenes" but I was very open. I spoke about stylists; the pr agencies connection; the competition with the multi-million dollar conglomerates; how if you ever see one of my dresses on the red carpet, it's like winning the lottery. It's all there.

Check out the interview HERE and hope you have your notepad and get some valuable information. Next time, maybe people will think differently when asking "Why isn't Charlize Theron wearing your gowns...she would be PERRRRRFECT!!!!!!!"

OUT Magazine Interview: Nick Verreos "opens" up!

Where Are They Now...Project Runway!I just did an interview with one of my favorite sites, OUT.com, about Project Runway, of course. And I guess I was not the only one--so did SEVENTEEN other Project Runway designers (I thought I was special--LOL!!). OUT.com is the web "sister" of the fabulous OUT Magazine and they wanted to know what we had been up to; what we were doing; who we thought the "favorite villain" (and no I didn't answer Santino!) was, as well as who our favorite Project Runway designers were. I especially love those photos used on the site--mine is just one of my Headshots. Yes, I know a bit cheesy. Rami's, well, he just looks smoldering! and Kenley, her photo is so sweet, you would never guess she was a kitty-throwing boyfriend-bashing (allegedly) cutie. I especially love Sweet P's photo. Hot. Hot. Hot!

Click HERE for the entire interview

FIDM Open House: Nick Verreos goes to Orange County

Tag Me: Nick Verreos poses with the fashion designers of tomorrow at the FIDM OC Open House

This weekend, I took a nice one hour drive--from Los Angeles to lovely Orange County--yes, home of beautiful Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Lauren Conrad (OK, she left "The OC" A LONG TIME AGO!!!), and home of design house St. John as well as TONS of surf and active wear companies. Located in the city of Irvine is the pink-a-licious Clive Wilkinson designed Orange County campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. Woof Woof: Nick Verreos and David Paul pose with Benny--in his crystal-encrusted bag

I brought along David, my NIKOLAKI Co-designer and our beloved dog, Benny. I have made several appearances at this FIDM campus and I always bring Benny--much to the delight of the wonderful OC Campus staff. In fact, every time I get there, everyone literally says "Oh Hi Nick, welcome back....Where's our little Benny!!!!???" When he's around, I am "chopped liver".Magazine Rack Overload: The FIDM Orange County Library Magazine Section

The reason I was in the OC over the weekend was for FIDM Orange County's "Open House", when the campus opens its doors to high school students, their parents, as well as college graduates, interested in an education and having a career in fashion. I situated myself in the school's spacious and loft-like library and "set up Camp Nick", signing autographs, taking photos and giving lots of advice. At one point, I was holding court with an attentive audience of over 25 kids and their parents, as I explained my path to a fashion design career and how FIDM became an integral catalyst to it. Of course, I made a point to remind EVERYONE about the premiere of Season 6 of Project Runway and the fact that FIDM was going to be the new "home" for the show--in terms of where the new designers would be working. Nick Verreos and David Paul--with Benny--pose with Michael Mirabella of FIDM Orange County

It was so much fun meeting everyone, hearing their concerns and questions and hopefully, being there to an answer them. Most left with a big warm "Thank You Nick!" so I hope I helped them just a little bit. I always enjoy coming to FIDM Orange County and visiting my friends here--especially Michael Mirabella, its Director of Admissions and his amazing staff. But I think Benny enjoys it even more since he's always really THE STAR when he visits in his crystal-encrusted doggy purse. I guess I'm not the only one who loves FIDM OC, Benny does too!!!