FIDM.....Nick Verreos and "Models of the Runway" Lisa Blades at FIDM

Class is in Session Cute Couple: Nick Verreos with model Lisa Blades in one of his FIDM classes This Fall Quarter, I taught a class called Elements of Fit at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM LA Campus, where I instruct students in fit, sizing and the importance of fit models. And of course, as a highlight of the class, I bring in a real live fit model. I wanted to surprise my students and I brought the fabulous six-foot stunner Lisa Blades (she'll demurely tell you she's ONLY 5'11"). Bryant Park Lisa: Lisa Blades models Carol Hannah Whitfield's gown at the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Season 6 Finale You might recognize Lisa from the Lifetime show Models of The Runway as well as being one of two model "Muses" on my website, NIKOLAKI.com. I just love Lisa and I am happy to consider her a friend. She is a perfect size 4 and I D-I-E (sorry Rachel Zoe) over her 50" outseam (waist to floor) measurement. DIE!!!!Take Notes Kids: Lisa Blades in a NIKOLAKI muslin strapless gown, and Instructor Nick I had her model various garments from my line NIKOLAKI, some that fit good and some, not so good, to show the students the difference. I also brought some of my Muslins/Toiles, samples made in unbleached cotton made for fittings, for Lisa to try on to show my students "the process" one has to go through in making a collection.We Love Lisa: Elements of Fit Class Fit Model session, Instructor Nick Verreos, Lisa Blades and student Earl Alcantara The students were so excited and got all into the "Fit Model" session. They especially loved seeing Lisa and as a result, took lots of photos. Lisa was a gem, naturally, with all the attention and a perfect fit model for my class. All Photos (except Bryant Park runway photo) taken by Eimi Akamura

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World "World Designer Awards and Fashion Show" Recap

Rating the Gowns at the "World Designer Awards and Fashion Show" at Miss World 2009 The 59Th annual Miss World beauty pageant--the "biggest one of them all" , at least in amount of contestants: 112 !!! (Miss Universe had "only" 84)--is occurring in Johannesburg, South Africa. The final live telecast is not until December 12Th but already lots of pre-final events are happening as we speak (or as I type), including the Miss World Sports (who's the best in sports), Miss World Talent (who performs the best), Miss World Beach Beauty (who looks best in swimsuit) and Miss World Top Model (who best models on the runway). That is a lot of Pageant Craziness!!! In addition to these, there was also a World Dress Designer Fashion Show and Award which happened last week in Turbine Hall, Johannesburg. Miss Sierra Leone (and her gown) took the Grand Prize--followed by Miss South Africa and Miss Jamaica (see above). After looking at some of these gowns, you KNOW "Pageant Nicky" had to give his two cents: The Winner (of the World Designer Award") was... Miss Sierra Leone, with an interesting fitted gown which was one of my favorites. It fit beautifully, looked well-made, modern, elegant and had DRAMA. But yet, I couldn't help but think "Gosh, it reminds me so much of....Rami Kashou's gown from his Project Runway Finale Collection". It was very similar: The shape and especially, the ruffled shoulder Caplet piece. I'm not implying that it was a copy, I just found the similarities interesting. Miss Sierra Leone deserved the win and I thought it was a great dress.Now that wasn't the only similarity I noticed from the photos of this Miss World Dress Designer Award Fashion Show: Miss Japan wore a royal blue gown that looked a lot like the one...worn by last year's Miss World, Ksenia Sukhinova from Russia. The same bust and torso shirring, beaded halter neck detail and the same cheesy "car wash" effect. I love the color and the be-jeweled neck accent but THAT car-wash bottom part is SO 1994! Besides the above "copy cat", there were some beautiful gowns at the Miss World Designer Award and Fashion Show. One of my favorites was this Grecian Goddess (quelle surprise!) apple green gown (above) worn by Miss New Zealand. I was just happy that she wasn't showing distracting cleavage, a high (I shaved my ENTIRE leg) slit or wearing those AWFUL clear Lucite Stripper Heels. Another stunner was Miss Guatemala, who wore an elegant, red carpet worthy tulle, organza and gold strapless gown down the runway. She looked perfect. Her hair was clean and modern and her accessories were simple yet chic. Somebody is coaching her right! Loved her!Peacock Crazy: For some reason, there were lots of peacock feathers at this Miss World Dress Designer runway show. Case in point: Above, we see Miss Cote D'Ivoire (that's Ivory Coast for non-francophiles) and she wasn't the only one...Miss Guyana was also featuring some peacock feathers worthy of a Shirin-from-Season-Six-Project-Runway dress. I didn't know that there was a Michaels Arts and Crafts store in Guyana?! Now I do.Boobies and a High Slit: A Big No-No, in my book. Miss Angola is very beautiful but really? I can just hear the designer now: "It's going to be PLUNGING up there and OPEN down here!" This is not the red carpet for the Las Vegas Stripper Convention, it's Miss World! Time to add a little bit of class. Is that too much to ask?Another mess was Miss Latvia. You gotta love those girls from Eastern Europe. Why do I just feel like they would be great girlfriends to bring to a Gay Bar? They always bring some of the "Gown Crazy" at these international pageants. This canary yellow polyester satin (the puckering in those seams tell me that is NOT silk!) gown with "peek-a-boo" black bust cups is just...well, best left for the Best Drag Queen in Latvia Pageant. And I'm sure it would be FABULOUS!!!But the winner of the worst dress at the Miss World Designer Dress Fashion Show was this pouffy gown seen here on Miss Germany. Bless her heart. She either A) Has no fashion sense. Or B) made her designer really mad! She's so cute and demure but this is a HOT PROM MESS. I would have rather seen her in an Oktoberfest Dirndl! Heidi Klum: We need you! Until next time kiddies... "Pageant Nick" will continue to be on the lookout for all the Best and WORST Pageant Fashion!

NICK APPEARANCES.....Nick Verreos at Corcoran Washington DC Dec. 9

I'm Coming Back To Washington DC!Mr. Verreos Goes to Washington...Yes, I was beyond excited when I received an invitation to speak at the esteemed Corcoran in Washington DC. Tim Gunn as well as Project Runway Season 3 Winner, Christian Siriano, have both had lectures there so I am in good company, as they say. What: An Evening with Nick Verreos & FIDM I will be speaking about fashion, being an instructor at FIDM, my TV red carpet work on TV Guide, E!, dressing stars for the red carpet, my experience as a Judge on this season's Project Runway and much, much more. This will also be the ONE and ONLY time Washington DC will be able to see a special viewing of FIDM's Debut 2009 Fashion Show, which celebrates the creme de la creme of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. A fabulous "Meet and Greet" reception will follow!

When: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7 p.m. For more info. and purchasing tickets: Click HERE

TRAVELING IN STYLE.....Pelican Hill Resort Newport Coast Orange County

Resort Rewind...OC Style!Welcome to your Bungalow: Nick Verreos stands in the entrance of his one-night Bungalow About two months ago, I was invited to Irvine, CA on two occasions within the same week: First to do a LIVE segment promoting Style Week OC on Good Day LA TV Show and then, to host Style Week Orange County 2009 and judge the fabulous Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition. Bienvenue: David Paul at the entrance of one of the Pelican Hill Resort Bungalows Both separate times, the clients put myself and my trusty NIKOLAKI design partner--and unofficial president of the "Nick Verreos Fanclub"--David Paul, in the most GORGEOUS Pelican Hill Resort. I have been waiting for the right time to get in a "resort feeling" to show some of the photos here on my blog--and no better time than now, during the Thanksgiving Weekend when all your are supposed to do is relax and do nothing. I wish I was THERE now, doing just that!Style Week OC Runway: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC, September 2009 Words do not describe the immensity of this resort. The Pelican Hill is located in Newport Coast, not far from my Style Week OC Appearance, which was at the Irvine Spectrum Shopping Center. From the minute you drive up, it is FIVE STAR VIP treatment all the way. In fact, I asked the front desk staff (who were extremely accommodating) if the Pelican Hill was indeed a Five-Star Resort---and if it wasn't, well, then it is under the new "Nick Verreos Five Star Resort Resort Style Guide"! They told me that it wasn't even rated yet! (well those Zagat and Michelin people better get to it!) . The lobby even smells like a million bucks! (it is scented with its own unique Pelican Hill Resort scent, I kid you not!)Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow Living Room We stayed at a sumptuous Bungalow Suite, about the size of my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio (about 2,000 square feet): There was an entry foyer room, full living room, dining area and mini bar area, sofas galore to relax in, two HUGE flat screen TVs, a full separate bedroom, large sunning balconies and closets that actually could fill up all my Gucci belts, YSL boots and Top Shop jackets! (did I just drop THREE labels?). I don't normally take photos at the hotels I stay during all my travels but I couldn't resist!Master Bedroom at a Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow The piece de resistance of the Bungalow were the bathrooms: One smaller full one (for guests I assume) and a Master one with a huge sunken jacuzzi tub, full shower, double sinks...I could go on and on. It was simply the most gorgeous Resort Suite I had ever stayed at. In fact, upon entering, I quickly called EVERY close friend in Los Angeles and said "You better get your you-know-what down here and spend a night in the OC!" Alas, they didn't want to drive the (with traffic) hour+ drive. So, we had it all to ourselves. But it was such a tease: We only stayed for one night both times! Infinity Caesar: Nick Verreos enjoys the Pelican Hill Resort Coliseum Pool We even dined at the lovely Pelican Grill and got to swim (OK, maybe just stand and relax) in the HUGE 136 foot Coliseum Pool which features ONE MILLION glass mosaic tiles that were laid by HAND! (I know, shut up!). We had an amazing stay and I was missing it the minute we drove away. Maybe some day in the future we can take some more R & R time from my crazy busy schedule and enjoy the Pelican Hill Resort once again. This time, I am NOT leaving that pool!Goodnight Mr. Verreos: This was waiting for me upon my return from my hosting and judging duties--Turndown Service a la Pelican Hill Resort Happy Thanksgiving Weekend kiddies and take the time to relax...I'll try.

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo: MyLifetime.com

Coffee Klatching a la Nick and Andrae Last week was the final episode of Season 6 Project Runway and for the last time (this season, at least), both Andrae and I drove to the fabulous Century City high rise offices of Lifetime Network's West Coast Digital Department. Nick Verreos, Mike (THE Lifetime cutie!) and Andrae Gonzalo, Lifetime Network offices First, we actually viewed the super-guarded Final Episode and then we were whisked to their "digital studio" to shoot our final thoughts on the season and Miss Irina Shabayeva, the winner of Season 6 Project Runway. All Smiles: Andrae Gonzalo, Tamara (Lifetime Digital Diva) and Nick Verreos, Lifetime Network offices I wore a very special bow tie (it's my dad's from the 1960's) for the occasion and I took a lot of notes (since I knew I would have to write my recap for MyLifetime.com without being able to continually pause the episode like I usually do! ). Andrae and I had a really fun time--as you will see from our video. We also really enjoyed hanging out with our Lifetime Digital "family", Tamara, Mike and Rachel. Auf Widersehen! Click BELOW for our fun Final Nick-and-Andrae Video:

NICK APPEARANCES.....Nick Verreos Hosts Pink Carpet, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Devil vs. Angel...PJ's or Lingerie...Cupcakes vs. Waffles Supermodel Devil: Nick Verreos and Heidi Klum, 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show pink carpet Here's a fun video from my pink carpet reportage from last week's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in NYC that I did for Modelinia.com. Since it was sponsored by the hot new "deciding" search engine BING, I asked the pink carpet guests, what made them decide to wear what they wore. Sir Richard Branson wore a black bomber-style jacket (he told me it was his first time ever wearing a leather jacket!) and of course, all the supermodels wore teeny tiny sexy mini dresses. What made them decide to wear them? Because they CAN!!!!! Click BELOW for the fun video: See more videos on modelinia.com

NICK APPEARANCES.....Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2009

Model Muses, Pink Carpet, Fergie, and Going Live to the World!Where's My Million Dollar Bra: Nick Verreos gets ready for his Modelinia.com pink carpet assignment One day I am in Miami shooting a Live segment and dressing a family in wonderful outfits from Sears, the next I am in NYC getting ready to cover the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show for the hot model site, Modelinia.com, sponsored by BING (love me some BING!) As you may know: I LOVE MODELS! I had covered previous Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows when they were in LA and so I was ready for this really, really, really tough assignment (wink wink!). I knew that lots of my straight male friends would be very jealous! (Love it!). Backstage: Miss Universo: Nick Verreos poses with Miss Universe 1991 from Mexico and Director of Nuestra Belleza Mexico (Miss Mexico), Lupita Jones The day of the show, I headed to the Seventh Regiment Park Avenue Armory early in the morning to begin my "behind the scenes" interviews as the models got ready for hair and make up. Once there, I was excited to recognize Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991 from Mexico, who was there with Televisa Mexico.Churrasco Heaven: Nick Verreos hugs supermodel Caroline Trentini Backstage was crazy packed and I was happy to get quick interviews with lots of the top models, including Brazilian 6 foot stunner and Vogue cover model Caroline Trentini, Lindsay Ellingson, Izabel Goulart and .... the first Asian model to ever grace a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Liu Wen (see photo above), among others. Liu was so excited and still in awe that she was going to be in the show. VS Fashion Show Pink Carpet: After I wrapped up these interviews, I made my way outside the Armory and positioned myself to do all the official pink carpet interviews for Modelinia.com as well as for Livestream all over the world. I got to interview Virgin Chairman Sir Richard Branson, Costume Designer and stylist Patricia Field (of "Sex and the City", "Ugly Betty" and "Devil Wears Prada"), the Kigs of Leon, as well as a barely coherent Ivana Trump (God bless her!). Angel vs. Devil: Heidi Klum and Russell Simmons, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Pink Carpet But the highlight was a fun and impromptu interview with Heidi Klum and Russell Simmons. I brought some props, Devil Horns and an Angel halo (I was asking all the pink carpet attendees if they were an "Angel" or a "Vampire/Devil"). I proceeded to ask Heidi and Russell to put them on and much to my delight (and surprise), they did! I was so excited that I forgot to turn the halo so it would sit correctly (I know I'm dizzy!). Fortunately Miss Heidi fixed it but only after the photographers got to her and Russell. Boom Boom Boom: The Black Eyed Peas performing at the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show The show was amazing: The Black Eyed Peas and Fergie performed. She looked toned and sang really well. The runway was set up with thousands, if not millions of Swarovski crystals.Miss Sweden: Supermodel Caroline Winberg works the Swarovski-encrusted runway The light show illuminating the stage was incredible and a certain German Supermodel who just had a baby actually modeled in the show (take a guess). She looked RADIANT! You can watch it all when it airs Tuesday December 1st on CBS. After Party Pink Carpet:Herve Leger Miller: Marisa Miller at the After Party pink carpet Afterward, I got in a cab and made it to M2 Ultralounge to finish up my Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Marathon, to cover the official After Party pink carpet. Here, it was models and more models as they were done with their runway duties and exchanged their sexy lingerie for equally sexy Herve Leger bandage dresses. Almost EVERY model had one on! Was the press office of Herve Leger just giving them away? Whatever the reason, they all looked hot in them. VS Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Supermodel Chanel Iman, Victoria's Secret After Party Maybe one of these days, I can lend them a NIKOLAKI dress or two just to change it up a bit. When I asked the models what was the first thing they would do the next day, most said "having LOTS of waffles!". The gorgeous Marisa Miller added "...and I am DYING for cupcakes!" I was happy to grab a quick photo with one of my favorite models, Chanel Iman. Just look at that stunningly sweet face of hers. Finally after my pink carpet After Party duties, I made my way inside the party, and braved my way through a heavily guarded VIP section and got to say "Thank You" and "Auf Wiedersehen" to Heidi Klum. Click below for a great video of all the goings-on at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show:

NICK APPEARANCES.....Univision Network's "Despierta America"

Nick Hearts Sears...and Miami!Trunk Full of Clothes: Nick Verreos with all his purchases from a local Miami Sears Last week, I flew to Miami, one of my favorite cities in the US--and the world--to shoot a LIVE fashion segment for the Spanish-speaking "Good Morning America", the Despierta America TV Show. Last year I was honored to have been picked as one of the personalities--along with High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens, rapper/actor/mogul LL Cool J, and "ABC Extreme Home Makeover's" Ty Pennington--to be part of the Sear's "Grant A Wish" Holiday TV Commercials. And so, Sears called upon my "fashion expertise" once again to dress an entire family in fashionable clothing for the upcoming Holiday parties.Stylish Family of The Year: Nick Verreos with his "TV" family , all wearing Sears (including me!) I arrived early to "set up shop" and shop (no time to check out Gloria Estefan's mansion on this trip!). You see, I'm not that kind of fashion expert who just shows up the day of the filming to "pretend" that I styled and picked out the clothes. I actually did! The day prior to the segment with my trusty right-hand man, David Paul, we shopped for eight hours and picked out dozens and dozens of dresses, suits, sweaters, purses, and accessories. We then had fittings and decided the ensembles that would work best. After deciding on the best four looks, I was ready for my 7 AM Call Time the following morning at the Univision headquarters of Despierta America. Despierta Couple: Despierta America Co-host Ana Maria Canseco and Nick Verreos For my appearance, I was being interviewed by the wonderful Ana Maria Canseco, co-host of the show. Last year, I also did a similar segment and Ana interviewed me as well so I was happy to see her again! Once on the set, I said "Hola" to the rest of the Despierta America hosts and took photos with a Project Runway fan, the beautiful Melissa Marty "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008". Nuestra Belleza Latinos: Melissa Marty and Nick Verreos My segment involved showing the styles I picked from Sears for the family, discussing the great Sears Layaway Program (pick out your gifts now, pay over time and once you're ready to pay the entire amount, pick up everything and you're done!), as well as showing how you can get great stylish gifts for under $25!!! All in a THREE MINUTE segment! Say Cheese: Check out the little boy while we were getting ready to go live on the air After I was finished, I couldn't believe how fast it all went. Everyone had a blast doing it and the kids were especially so sweet and loved playing dress up. Everyone was "blown away" at how great they looked and especially the prices. Style at a great discount. I know, it sounds like a commercial, but it is TOTALLY la verdad--the truth! Click Below for the complete Despierta America Segment:

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Project Runway Season 6 Finale Party

...Well, not really, I was Invited! NYC Project Runway Finale Party: Logan Neitzel, Irina Shabayeva and Nick Verreos at Tenjune I am finally back home in Los Angeles--after traveling across the country for the last five days. First I went to Miami to shoot a LIVE Despierta America (the Spanish-language "Good Morning America") fashion segment for Sears, and then headed off to NYC for the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (more on both those trips in later posts). Since I am in a Project Runway "mood" (make sure to check out my final recap for this season), I wanted to show you guys all the great photos I took (well, thank my trusty partner and "Nick Verreos Blog" staff photographer, David Paul for that!) at Irina Shabayeva's After Party celebrating being the Season 6 Winner of Project Runway. Uncle Nick and his Angels: Finalists Carol Hannah and Althea pose with Nick Verreos @ Tenjune The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was on the same night as the Finale of Project Runway but of course, I wanted to come by and celebrate Irina's win. At around midnight, after finishing my "OMG, look at how gorgeous Marissa Miller and Chanel Iman look!" Livestream shoot for Modelinia.com and saying my Goodbye's to Heidi Klum, I headed for Tenjune, the hot Meatpacking nightclub located beneath the luxury steakhouse STK, the location of Irina's celebratory After Party.Hearts around my Head: Logan Neitzel and Nick Verreos at Tenjune I immediately spotted Irina, who was holding court in the back of the nightclub, and congratulated her with a big hug and an "Uncle Nick" scream. She was all smiles, finally thankful that it was all over. I also ran into everyone's boyfriend, cutie Logan Neitzel. If Project Runway ever had a Hottie Calendar, he would be the cover model, shirtless and with those silver skinny jeans of his (sorry Logan!). Nick Verreos and Season 6 designer Epperson at Tenjune Logan recently moved all the way from Seattle to NYC and is setting up shop with Carol Hannah and Epperson, from what I hear. Sounds like a "Season Six Commune" to me--and a possible new Lifetime Show (Note to self: Contact Lifetime Execs). Speaking of Carol Hannah, she was also there as well as Finalist Althea Harper (she's so tall!) and I even got to say "Hello" to Epperson, who was very "Sporty Elegant" in blazer, blue dress shirt and sweater with an over-the-shoulder leather messenger bag (yes, I don't miss the details!). Model Happy: Nick Verreos and Season 6 Winning Model Kalyn Hemphill Finally, I was happy to meet Irina's winning model from Models of The Runway, the lovely Kalyn. She was wearing a pretty red dress (Irina's design, of course). I had a lot of fun and I'm very thankful to Irina for inviting me. The bonus was seeing everyone else who was also there and were so generous with their super-kind words of support for me. Part of me did feel like a "Project Runway Grandpa" amongst all of them (I was the ONLY Project Runway Alumn there!) but I will gladly take that crown.