LIVE! From the Pink Carpet at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!!!

Watch me LIVE on the Pink Carpet at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And click over to Modelinia for more coverage and all the beautiful Victoria Secret Supermodels!!!!!

Nick Verreos Interview for Tatcha.com

Geisha T-Zone Heaven!Shine Free: Nick Verreos on the Red Carpet

Recently, a friend from Seattle sent me some blotting paper called Tatcha Aburatorigami--Japanese Blotting Paper to be specific. She told me to try them out-- especially for my "red carpet" TV work--and see what I thought. I had heard how the Japanese were famous for their blotting papers--amongst other things of course.Tatcha Blotting Paper

Well, I was HOOKED instantly! I wasn't even insulted that she had sent me these because I KNOW my t-zone is a bit overactive, thank you very much (make-up artists tell me I should be VERY THANKFUL for that!). I now have TWO packets of Tatcha in my "man bag" at all times! Geisha Matte: No Shiny forehead for this gorgeous Geisha Girl

They came in handy last weekend when I had to host a FIDM fashion show event in San Diego one day and the next, shoot a campaign for the new MSN Victory Project in Seattle.
As a "Thank You", I did this fun interview for their wonderful blog and website--
Love Tatcha!
Check it out HERE .

Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Recap and Nick and Andrae Video Blog

Return to The Big Apple...via Tim's Snow Mobile!
Is That Tim on the Snowmobile?

We are nearing at the "End"--the end of Season Six of Project Runway. Three Ladies have made it to the Finals, which is honestly what I predicted WAAAAY back. I pretty much knew Irina Shabayeva would be there since she has been consistently strong and put out some great designs challenge after challenge. I also thought Althea Harper would be there because there was something interesting about her designs which made me "sit up and take notice". I also remembered her when I was one of the judges in the Casting sessions so I was "pulling" for her. The last one was either going to be Gordana Gehlhausen or Carol Hannah Whitfield. And of course, Logan's girlfriend won out. Pant Girls: Althea, Irina and Carol Hannah

Last night's Episode, Tim visited the ladies at their homes--in Ohio, Suburban NY and Manhattan's Upper East Side. Then they made their final trek to Bryant Park via the Grand Hyatt and a makeshift workroom which looked a lot like the one back at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA.

Here are my Highlights and Lowlights:--Tim Dirty Dancing with Heidi (enough said!)
--Tim and his biscuit-making apron. Where was Paula Deen and her food-loving brother-in-law (or one of her cutie sons!) when you really need her?--Too Much Gray Ladies! What is up with all the somber colors? All their collections are looking black and grey. But, I think I did see some color from Carol Hannah (there were some baby blues peeking through the rack) and Althea (a cute raspberry dress on the form above).--Oh, poor Carol Hannah gets sick and is stressing out--until her boyfriend Logan shows up... but to help out Althea (damn you Althea, you're a man-stealer! LOL)--I am loving Irina's gown on the floor and those chunky sweaters. I think this is hers to lose. But I just love how the editors are "setting it all up" for that "It's TOO BLACK Irina" discussion, misleading the viewers to think "well, maybe it won't be Irina...."
--One more week to go and we shall see!

CLICK HERE for my full MyLifetime.com Recap of this episode and click BELOW for my video blog of last week's episode with my Recap Buddy, Andrae Gonzalo. Notice how I paid "homage" to the outfit Chloe Dao made for me when I was "auf'ed". I love that I look like a flight attendant from some fun airline--Welcome to Nick Airways!

Bebe Presents Nicole Ritchie's Jewelry Line Launch Party

In Search Of Nicole Ritchie...
Bebe Sandwich: Nick Verreos poses with Susanne Marques of Fox11, and her friend, Bebe Rodeo Drive

Last night, I was invited to Bebe and InStyle's Launch of Nicole Ritchie's new jewelry line House of Harlow 1960 for the company, and of course, I decided to take my buddy, John Wade of Marc Jacobs as my date. I just knew he would be "giving" some fashion--and of course he was: Vintage high-waisted Levi's, a vintage YSL cotton voile peasant shirt and his YSL Johnny Boots. Yes, he made me look like Grandpa Unfashionable Nick (remind me again why I bring him along? Oh yeah, 'cause he's great company!). We headed to the party which was taking place at the Rodeo Drive Bebe store. House of Harlow/Nicole Ritchie Jewelry line for Bebe, Bebe Rodeo Drive Boutique

The bash was in full-gear once we arrived with stylish guests mingling, enjoying some delicious cocktails and bubbly Champagne as well as some hors d'oeuvres that were being passed around (the mini stuffed mushrooms were yummy!). I even noticed quite a few girls shopping and the sales staff were quite busy at the registers (good sign!). Models Sarah Deanna and Karen Manco, Bebe Rodeo Drive

I was happy to run into two of my favorite LA runway modelin' DIVAS, the gorgeous Sarah Deanna and Karen Manco. Sarah was in head-to-toe Bebe: gunmetal silver shirred one-shouldered mini--VERY MINI--dress with fuchsia pumps and wearing some House of Harlow 1960 bangles and earrings. She looked HOT! John Wade poses with his new model friends, Sarah Deanna and Karen Manco, Bebe Rodeo Drive

I also said "Hi" to the gorgeous Suzanne Marques, reporter with Fox11 (who coincidentally interviewed me last month when I hosted Style Week Orange County). She also looked DIVINE. Her and her girlfriends were so sweet, trying to teach me the finer intricacies of TWEETING (I'm still somewhat of a TWITTER Virgin). I was having such a good time that I almost forgot to ask "But, where's Nicole?". Well, I finally did ask and a "little birdie" told me that she had "fallen ill" and was not attending. Oh well, she missed a fun and packed party for her own jewelry launch. Hope she feels better.

Nick Verreos and US Figure Skater Rachael Flatt

Ice Capades: Nick Verreos and Rachael Flatt, and his illustrations

Back in March, I attended the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles at the fabulous (and very cold) Staples Center. In case you have been living under a rock--or haven't seen my Season 2 of Project Runway--I love me some figure skating! It was kind of funny to go to this event because a lot of people there recognized me. I didn't realize how many fans of figure skating are also fans of Project Runway.

The night of the Ladies Final, as I was leaving, a group of people came up to me and introduced themselves. They were Rachael Flatt's family! Rachael Flatt was the Silver Medalist at the 2009 US Figure Skating Champisonships and placed 5th at the World Figure Skating Championships just moments before. They then proceeded to call her and handed me the phone so I could say "Hello" and "Congrats!". Get me a pen and paper: Nick Verreos sketches for US Figure Skating Silver Medalist Rachael Flatt

Then about a couple of months ago, I got a call from her PR person asking if I would like to come to Universal Studios where they were holding a special Media Event to promote American athletes for the upcoming Winter Olympics on NBC. Of course, I ran over there and finally got to meet Rachael (she looked so cute in apple green and flower print dress, very "Lily Pulitzer"). For fun, I proceeded to sketch some ideas for her costumes. We were both hoping I might design her costume for this current Olympic Season, but with both of our crazy schedules, it did not work out. But it was still such a pleasure meeting her and sketching for her---and giving her some dish on Project Runway!

Click HERE to watch a fun video of Rachel and the quick 30 second sketches I did.

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM San Diego Debut Fashion Show!

Uncle Nicky Goes Traveling, Part One: The San Diego Edition
Runway Struttin': Nick Verreos at the San Diego Debut Fashion Show

This last weekend was a busy one: I was invited to host a great fashion show in San Diego sponsored by that city's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Campus on Saturday afternoon and the next day, I was scheduled to be in Seattle for a big photo shoot for a new campaign I am doing with MSN and their new Victory Project. Time to "Make it Work", as Tim Gunn would say. The Debut Fashion Show--a yearly runway show highlighting the final collections of the top graduates of FIDM's Advanced Fashion Design Program--goes "on the road" each year to several of the FIDM campuses. And this time, it was sunny San Diego!
Model Love: Nick Verreos gets hugs from Mercedes, Lisa and Tanisha

Years ago, I was actually one of those fashion design graduates in FIDM's Advanced Fashion Design Program and now, I am actually one of the instructors in this exclusive program. You may remember (if you've been keeping up on my blog) that these were also the graduates who got to design for Barbie (yeah!)
Gown Happy: Model in Clay Sadler's gown, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

The site of the fashion show was the Westin Horton Plaza right in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego. The show featured the designs of FIDM graduates Charles Ryan Sands, Clay Sadler, San Diego native Sara Lighthall, Mike Cheng, Adrian Manuel, Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Lacey Osberg, Valentina Vardanyan, Johnathan Webster and Natalie Hara. Untied: Models wearing Sara Lighthall's designs on the runway, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

Several of them have already done very well: Adrian is working with Single, Charles Ryan interned at Chado Ralph Rucci for his most recent NY Fashion Week Collection, Natalie launched her own company, Natalia Romano and several of them are in Italy as we speak, studying at an exclusive Haute Couture fashion design school.
Muse Mercedes: Modeling at the FIDM San Diego Debut Show (left), and modeling for Nikolaki (right)

A special treat for this San Diego show was seeing lots of my favorite models--including one of my first "Model Muses", the gorgeous Mercedes. She was one of the very first models we ever used when we launched NIKOLAKI back in 2001 and we have remained friends ever since. Lisa Blades models FIDM Debut graduate Valentina Vardanyan's creation

Also on hand was Lisa Blades, whom you might recognize from Lifetime Networks Models Of the Runway show, as well as Tanisha Harper. Both of them are finalists in the show and got a chance to model at Bryant Park (so excited for them!). Jonathan models Charles Ryan Sands' screen printed jeans, coat and scarf, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

To the delight of the young audience, there were also lots of male models strutting down the San Diego runway, including Jonathan , the runner-up from Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel". He is THE SWEETEST guy! Love him!
HIIIIIIIII Everyone! Nick Verreos and the line at the Westin Horton Plaza Ballroom

After the show was over, I told the audience that I would be happy to take photos and sign anything! Well, little did I know that hundreds of high school students (their mommies and daddies too!) would be waiting for me in the lobby. I think even some of them got some photos with the models as well which I am sure will end up on Facebook. Get ready to be tagged!
Cheeky Kisses: Nick Verreos and his "fans", San Diego FIDM Debut Show

It was a wonderful afternoon of fashion and models. Maybe there were some future FIDM Debut 2014 Graduates in the audience. Who knows? Thanks for a great time San Diego! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go catch a plane to Seattle! Where's my trench coat when I really need it?

Project Runway Nick Verreos Recap on MyLifetime.com

Nina's Stilettos Stayed On!

It's the Last Challenge on Season Six of Project Runway! I cannot believe this season is almost over (insert sad face). But I already heard from a little Birdie that production has already finished for Season Seven (which will be back in NY) and those designers are getting their collections ready for the next NY Fashion Week. But until now, we must discuss the "Top Five". This final challenge involved getting inspired by the J.Paul Getty Museum. Tim told the final 5 to "Blow" the Stilettos off of Nina's feet! Unfortunately, this did not happen. In the end, it was OUT for Christopher Straub and Gordana Gelhausen and IN for Althea Harper, Irina Shabayeva and Carol Hannah Whitfield. It will be an ALL GIRLS Bryant Park Finale, once again on Project Runway.

Here are my Highlights (and lowlights) of this week's episode:

--Gordana's Miss Universe Gown:I loved it! It was so ethereal and romantic and so close to the Monet painting which inspired her. If only it wasn't GRAY!!!!! Gordana will now join the list of designers who have been ROBBED on Project Runway...welcome to the club Gordana!
Natar looked regal. Like...a former Miss Universe from Russia, the gorgeous Oxana Fedorova (who was dethroned unfortunately).

--Road Kill IrinaThank Goodness for Tim Gunn and his wise suggestion to Irina: Keep the rabbit fur AWAY from the silk chiffon. After a closer look at the painting which inspired her, I could see what she was thinking but yes, it was a runway-away from looking like Fashion Road Kill.

--Odd Duck Christopher:Oh Christopher, how much do I just want to hug you and not let go. The "Odd Duck" of this season, yes you are. You love them waist-cinching corsets and you've never met a Gathered Halter Top you did not lik. And don't get me started on the fabulous Prom Dress business he could have in Minnesota after this! Your "Rock Fountain"-inspired look from this week's challenge was not one of your best. Why the stiff skirt? It's a fountain, think liquid-like...charmeuse, jersey...SOMETHING! The skirt almost reminded me of this denim Prom gown. This has Christopher ALL over it!
I just wished he would have done THIS:Andrae Gonzalo's beautiful dress, inspired by the NYC gutter water. It's the NY version of the LA Getty Center/Museum Rock Fountain. Liquid, silky, flowy--all things "fountain" and water-inspired.

For more on what I really thought of this episode, Click HERE for my entire Recap of Episode 12 on MyLifetime.com and be sure to tell me what YOU thought!