
Home » Archive for 10/01/2008 - 11/01/2008
NIKOLAKI.....Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI on Model.Live Vogue.com
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NICK APPEARANCES.....Nick Verreos Guide To LA Gay.com
1POLITICAL STYLE.....Nick Verreos talks about Sarah Palin, FoxNews.com
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RUNWAY REPORT.....Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2009: A Sneak Peak
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A Nick Chic Peek: Marc Jacobs Spring 2009
Last weekend, my good friend, John Wade, West Coast Manager of Marc Jacobs stores, invited me for an exclusive "preview" of the recently debuted Spring 2009 Collection. Of course, I did a quick "spritz", stopped my 14-hour pattern making and draping of my Spring '09 Collection which I was working on, and headed off to see what almost every fashion editor called "The Best Collection from NY Fashion Week".
Every season , about a month after the runway show, Marc Jacobs sends the collection on a "Tour", with stops at all the major stores. Emails and invitations are sent to all the "preferred clients" to come and view the collection and take "pre-orders". it's a way to see the clients' reaction and "feel" the buying public. These clients will be the first to wear Marc Jacobs Spring 2009---and for the Hollywood "elite"; actresses, agent's, director's and producer's wives and/or girlfriends, this is a must. They want to be first to be seen in the collection and be the supposed envy of their fashionista circles. While I was there, I spotted several.
One of these to get a special preview was a fabulous LA-based jewelry designer and personal psychic (yep, you read that right!), Tori Hartman, who was there with her "girls" (who were showing off Tori's great bracelets and necklaces). We all had a fun time seeing the collection before anyone else. She also scared me when she began talking about my long-deceased grandma (whom I loved immensely and whom my new collection is loosely based on) and proclaiming what colors my new collection had (she was right!).
Of course, I was excited to see the clothes up close and personal. I especially wanted to see those snippy little straw hats that were shown with the collection. Straw NOT!! Try metallic sequined-like fabric woven to look like simple straw-like material. One of the gorgeous MJ staff was on hand to "model" pieces and I was glad to photograph them for you guys.
One of my favorite pieces was this bias-cut tweed boucle strapless bustier and Capri-pant look. The strapless top looked just like any other strapless top. Until you get up close and realize there is a whole boned corset built into it, which holds the wearer to a 1/8th of an inch of their well-toned upper torso body!
It even had a silk satin yoke attached at the hem that no one would get to see---to prevent the bustier from peeking out of a tucked-in outfit (as in the photo). This was a perfect example of details one would never get to see--and reasons for why a "simple corset"/strapless top can cost over a thousand dollars. This top was shown on the runway with these Capri pants that seemed to be of a shiny brocade fabric. Until you got up close...
There were sequined paillettes hand-sewn into the fabric!! Crazy! Again, on the runway, you could not even tell.
I loved seeing the jackets from the collection. Marc did these great little jackets with capped shoulder padded sleeves in various fabrications , from tweed, boucle, to metallic striped wool. His dresses were gorgeous , of course as well.
I thank John Wade for allowing me to marvel at the clothes up close and see the beauty, workmanship and detail that one would normally not see on a runway video or Style.com fashion photos. I love having these "exclusive previews" , especially when they involve looking at the almost-couture garments of Marc Jacobs!


NIKOLAKI.....NIKOLAKI Runway Show 2008 Islands Of the World Fashion Week Bahamas
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In Two Weeks: Nick Verreos Will Debut ''09 Spring Collection at Islands of The World Fashion Week--The Bahamas
Nick Verreos and David Paul, designers of NIKOLAKI, at W San Diego Fashion Show, Spring 2008
Less than two weeks (and counting) and I will be flying to The Bahamas to debut my Spring NIKOLAKI 2009 Collection, along with my partner, David Paul at the first ever Islands Of the World Fashion Week. The once-in-a-lifetime-event will showcase the designs of 39 designers from all over the world, including fellow Los Angeles designer Kevan Hall. The event will also honor Kenneth Cole, for his amazing contribution to the fashion world as well as to all that he has done for AIDS awareness. I will also be judging, so I am getting my Michael Kors/Nina Garcia judging cap on!
Next week, I will divulge the Theme and Inspiration, but for now, I will just give you a "peek" via a sketch (see above) . Don't worry, there will be more where that came from...
Heidi Klum in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos, David Paul
Actress Marlee Matlin in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos, David Paul, 2008 Academy Awards
I have dressed women as diverse as Supermodel Heidi Klum, Academy Award Winning Actress Marlee Matlin, and Kathy Griffin, so it would come as no surprise that my collection might have a "little bit" of "Red Carpet" in it, in terms of DIVA style.
Comedianne Kathy Griffin in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos, Bravo A-List Awards
For the last 5 months, we have been working OVERTIME on creating an amazing collection: First, David and I spent weeks working on the designs of the collection and edited it down to the amount we wanted to show. Subsequently, after we decided on the designs, I draped EVERY SINGLE PIECE and did the patterns for it (not many designers can say that!), David had his executive "touch" on every muslin and every fitting and then our unbelievable seamstresses did their "magic"!
We have had 14 hour days of madness for the last three months especially--ordering fabric from India, Italy and Japan that has been late in arrival--or still has not arrived at all!! But that's "business as usual" for any designer. As Tim Gunn famously states: You have to "Make It Work". Let's just say we haven't slept much lately...
Stay tuned.
Click HERE for a video from the President of the Islands Of the World Fashion Week.

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PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway Finale Brunch and NY Wrap Party
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PROJECT RUNWAY.....Season 5 Project Runway Recaps: Finale NY Fashion Week
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And The Winner Is.....
Front Row and Center:
As I previously wrote, I was lucky enough to have attended the actual Project Runway Finale Fashion Show at the Bryant Park tents. I even got to sit front row--almost directly across from Nina, Heidi, Michael and Season 4 Winner Miss Christian Siriano!
It was a mixed blessing, to say the least: I was so excited--beyond belief--that I was sitting at such a prime spot, but then when the fashions came down the runway, the Instructor Nick in me could spot every loose thread, every last-minute made-up dart, every not-so-well sewn zipper. I was struck by the fact that there was no "Oh My God, I LOVE THAT!" moment or as a lot of people at the show were saying: There was no Christian Moment or Rami Moment or Jay McCarroll Moment, where you know there was a "Star".
I know from experience that TV makes everything look prettier than it really is (I love that--especially in my season and with a lot of the designs I did!) , and therefore was excited to see how the epsiode would pan out...
Pre-Show:
After Jerell got eliminated, it was down to an All-Girl Season 5 Finale. I figured as much because the other designers (lucky them!) who got to show at Bryant Park (as "decoys") weren't so stellar. So it was not a surprise to see Cut-and Cry Kenley, Korto and Leanne in the Finale Three. They were the best who showed that morning in New York. They had their requisite model casting (no drama there), and met with the L'Oreal and Tre Semme Make-Up and Hair experts to give their vision for their final collections.
Workroom:
In their new make-shift workroom, the designers made some good use of their limited time: Korto worked on new pieces that she felt she needed to add to her collection while Kenley looked on with disdain and some bitchy jealousy. While "Geeks Unite Empress", Leanne, just focused on her fittings (and making sure model Tia's doggie wouldn't poop on her wondrous dresses!)
The Final Show:
Kenley:
Kenley's designs were nice, but not winning. The fit was good but what struck me, was a sense of "all over the place" from her. There were great fitting Edwardian sleeve dresses in fabulous prints or silk jacquards
and I LOVED a black high-neck fitted dress (that model seriously must have had THE LONGEST center front neck to waist measurement I have EVER seen!) but then there were some misses.
The bustier with a graphic overskirt screamed 80's back-up dancer for Toni Basil---and that's not a good thing!
And the too-short Bridesmaid Dress seem to come from nowhere. Why all of a sudden, Miss I-Love-Vintage Kenley wants to do a dress I can find in David's Bridal is beyond me.
The judges thought the collection was a bit too "knock off" of Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Therefore she was eliminated.
Korto:
As I said in my recap of the Bryant Park Show, I LOVED Korto's "Sexy Girl In Liberia" vibe--my favorite looks from her were an ivory silk shantung ruffled top and wide-legged pants ensemble. I hope Korto kissed and thanked that model who wore the outfit because she WORKED IT overtime!!!
I also loved the emerald green jeweled silk shantung halter gown her model, Katrina, wore.
But during that final show, right as she passed the judges---and me--she flashed her g-string underwear, and I thought I had seen to San Juan Puerto Rico and back! But of course, this didn't make it into the final episode (like I said, I love TV!). Korto's collection was good but had some flaws. As I waited for Leanne's, I was still looking forward to that "Christian" or "Rami" moment of fashion epiphany.
Leanne:
As soon as the first couple of looks exited, I knew Leanne should be the winner: Her collection looked mature, sleek, cohesive and well-executed. Yes, the petal-theme was a bit redundant. But, of all the collections, it was, to me, the best.
I especially loved the off-white organza top and powder-blue petal skirt ensemble, as well as her winning Wedding Gown.
My only critique would be those wedge heels that were prominently featured. They were not cute. And didn't belong with the collection--or especially that gown. It was a bit of unfortunate styling. They were especially evident in that wedding dress, since the gown seemed a bit too short for the model. But other than that, I thought that Leanne's was the winning collection---and so did the Finale Judges.
Congratulations Leanne Marshall--a FIDM San Francisco Graduate residing in Portland, Oregon. Hope to see you at a FIDM event sometime soon!!!













PROJECT RUNWAY.....Season 5 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party
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Los Angeles Celebrates End of Season 5
Three Hours Of Sleep, No Food, and a Fourteen Hour Workday: Nick on the red carpet
Wednesday evening, I was invited to the Finale Project Runway Bash at paparazzi-central West Hollywood hotpot STK. I had never been to STK, so I was eager to see what it was all about. I only know of it from all those TMZ videos of celebs and not-so-A-list celebs coming in and out of it. I love me some TMZ--it's Entertainment Tonight--but without the "filter". My day began at 8 AM (I swear, cameras should have really been following me on this particular day!) doing patterns and finishing the muslins for the collection I am working on . Then I rushed over to teach my noon-6 PM class. Without missing a beat, I then drove across town to my seamstress to check on gowns she was sewing and somehow, made it back to my home to change and "hijack" David to come with with me to an event I could not miss. Not only was it the Finale of Season 5 Viewing Party, but it was also a "Goodbye and Thank You" Finale Party, being given by the shows' producers, Magical Elves. I have such respect and dare I say, LOVE, for Magical Elves, that I almost consider them like family. From the top producers to the p.a. who gets your Starbucks, there is an understanding, endearment and respect, that you rarely find in a production team. Trust me, I've worked with a few.
Party Central: Producer Michael Rucker, Season 5 Runner-Up Korto, Nick Verreos, and John Wade (looking serious and sexy)
The Party:
After throwing my white "dinner jacket" on, David and I swung by and picked up my friend, Season 2 Designer (and Marc Jacobs merchandising Guru) John Wade and we headed for STK. I immediately ran into Magical Elves' sexy "centerfold", Michael Rucker--looking very "old school" Dean Martin in his tuxedo (between him and I, we could have been a Las Vegas act!). On the "Step and Repeat" red carpet (yes, there was a red carpet!), I said "hello" (in other words PUSHED) Korto, whom I was excited to see. I was not sure that she would make it to this LA party, but I am glad she did! Korto was GIVING YOU BOOTIE, in her black stretch band-collared mini-dress. Her eye make-up matched her pedicure by the way! (Fabulous!)
This Spells Trouble: Nick Verreos, Raymundo Batazar and John Wade
Soon-- after receiving my Cosmo and Mini Burger hors d'oeuvres (I had not eaten in ten hours!)--I saw my buddy, Season 2 Designer, Raymundo Baltazar, working a bow-tie and distressed denim vest ensemble. You know I had to get him and my other Season 2 buddy, John, to take a photo with me! We also posed with Season 3 Model--and Blogging Project Runway blogger, Amanda Fields--who has been quite busy herself, working the New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week runways.
Posing Divas: Season 2 Designer and LA stylist/designer, Raymundo Baltazar, Nick Verreos and model Amanda Fields
Speaking of models, I just about DIED when I saw Leanne's winning model (Yes, kiddies, as I predicted, Leanne won, by the way) Tia. I had never met her but seriously, I ran to her the way my niece runs to me when she sees me at the airport! Yes, I love me some models--especially FIERCE ones, such as Tia. Congratulations Miss Tia--see you in Elle Magazine!
Winning Tia: Nick Verreos with Leanne's gorgeous model, Tia
After making it inside the restaurant/club, I saw Kit and complimented her on her great graphic printed black and white dress--and her boyfriend! We also discussed the show she styles, Dancing With The Stars ( I love me some DWTS!).
Girlfriends: Sweet P and Nick Verreos
I also saw Sweet P, and almost hurt an innocent guest at the party in order to get to her. She looked GORGEOUS in a one-shoulder ruffled confection of prettiness that she told me she designed herself (of course!!). Let me just declare this now and forever: I . Love. Sweet P. There I said it!
Smiley Pants: Season 5 Token Straight Guy, Designer Joe Faris, and Nick Verreos
Of course, since the party was a "Viewing Party", there were huge flat screen TV monitors showing the Final Episode, but not many people were paying attention (except for a lot of the Season 5 Designers present of course!) Speaking of Season 5 Designers, I spotted some of their "All Stars" who either flew out to Los Angeles, especially for the party, or were "on their way" somwhere else. I ran into Joe Faris, who was sporting a new haircut and his own studded leather jacket. He was unbelievably nice. I think I drank the "Joe Kool-Aid". I can't believe I am saying this, but: Joe Rocks! He was leaving to Hong Kong the next day for business and wanted to party one last time in LA.
Bravo Threesome: Theodore from Sheer Genius, Nick Verreos, and Suede from Project Runway Season 5
I also spotted Suede, who was there... wait for it... with his MOMMY! I almost DIED!!! In case anyone is wondering, he did not refer to himself in Third Person at all, and he did not have a faux hawk (neither did I , thank you very much!).
Tan-O-Rama: Nick Verreos and Blayne, from Season 5
Finally, Season 5 Finale would not be complete if I had not seen (how could you miss him in neon yellow?) Blayne. True to form, Blayne was both Tanorexic and Girlicious. The party was fun: I got to see my old friends at Magical Elves, as well as hang out with Raymundo, John Wade, and Miss Sweet P, meet designers from this last season and had my own "TMZ Moment", hanging out at STK. David and I did not get home until about ONE AM and yes, we first, walked our dog and then fell asleep watching the actual Finale Episode, in the comfort of our own flat screen....



NICK APPEARANCES.....Nick Verreos Attends H & M Comme Des Garcons Event
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Does This Come In a Size LARGE????
Last week, my good friend , stylist Art Conn, invited me to come along and take a peek at the latest "Designer Collaboration" between H & M and Comme Des Garcons. Of course, I had to come along and check it out. I loved the Victor & Rolf for H & M line they did several seasons back (and bought their tuxedo jacket and pants as well as various dress shirts) so I was curious to see what the famed Japanese Design House had cooked up.
The Guest List:
Polka Dot Heaven: My friends show off the H & M Comme De Garcons Men's Line
Once there, at the Sunset Blvd. offices of H & M, I was joined by Art, as well as my other friends, including Johnny Lopez, a wonderful writer for TMZ, as well as fellow US Weekly Fashion Police Commentator. I also ran into E! Daily Ten/ Style Commentator, the beautiful Amanda Luttrell Garrigus (who is like 7 Months pregnant and looking fabulous) as well as Costume Designer and Stylist Extraordinaire, Arianne Phillips. We dished on the current Project Runway Season (Arianne is a BIG FAN!!!), and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres. I also noticed some other stylists and "LA Fashionistas"(I use the term LOOSELY) , but they were giving me dirty looks and staring at me as if I was an alien from Project Runway "Outer Space", so I won't discuss who they were...
The Collection:
I am not the typical Comme Des Garcons customer (that's best suited for the Gallery Owner/Sundance Festival obscure French Actor) but was surprised at how many pieces I liked from the line. The women's stuff was great. There was a black fully lined fitted "Edwardian Coat" (see above) that our H & M "Greeter" wore, which had a lot of detail and ruffle accents, but somehow it worked. It was less than $300!!! Yes, for H & M that might be pricey but let me tell you, if I tried to make that jacket, my seamstress would have charged me $200 just to sew it! Of course, it was made in China (I checked).
One of my favorite pieces from the women's line were the "Hammer Pants" (I call them that!), they were more like Harem Pants (which are BIG for Spring 2009 Ladies!!!). If I was a size 4, and 5' 11" , and a GIRL, I would work those OVERTIME!!!!
As for the Men's H & M Comme Des Garcons collection, my friends and I did like several of the pieces, including a black rumpled Pea Coat, a trench coat (I am buying that when it comes out!), and most of the colored dress shirts. We especially LOVED a blue striped asymmetrically button dress shirt. We were feeling adventuresome and went ahead and began to try some of the items on---just to see how they would look. We were basically the only ones doing this. We even voiced our opinion about how "H & M sizes run rather small" and how there was no way that WE--my friends and I---could even possibly fit into there extra small sample sizes.
Well, the following day, one of my friends that was with me at the Preview, sent me an article that came out on Racked Los Angeles about the H & M Event, and there was a line at the end of the article that seemed to be referring to us...
The quote was: "We did watch a couple guys try on jackets and heard some "runs small" murmurs from the non-skinny-skinnies..."
Yep, that was us---Next time, we should use our "Quiet Voice" Ladies....
