Seattle Goes Red...for the Third Year!!!You Better Work 2010: Nick Verreos on the Runway, 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle (photo courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt)

This last weekend, I flew to Seattle, to enjoy some "Emerald City" Fashion. I was invited to be a very special guest and judge at the 3rd Annual Project Red Dress, as well as the Third Annual Forbidden Fashion Show; all on the same night!

First Up, Project Red Dress: Project Red Dress Seattle is the brainchild of Monir Zandghoreishi (above) Regional Director of Fashion Group International/FGI Seattle, whom I have had the pleasure of working with on past Project Red Dress Seattle events. As I arrived in Seattle and checked into my Hotel Monaco Suite, there was a gorgeous "Welcome To Seattle Goodie Bag" filled with gifts waiting for me. Who could this be from, I wondered? Of course, it was from an old friend of mine and David; the most gracious Cindy Tsuji, who lives in Seattle and was actually coming to the show--just for me (love her!). Once I arrived at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, site of the 3rd Annual Project Red Dress, I spotted Cindy and her nephew Kyle and niece Eva and thanked her for such a classy "welcome" (photo above).Judges Step-and-Repeat: Nicole Vogel, Rose Dennis, Luly Yang, Nick Verreos, 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle

Project Red Dress Seattle is a fundraiser/fashion show/competition which involves fashion design students from local design colleges--including the Internatonal Academy of Design and Technology/IADT Seattle, The Art Institute of Seattle, Washington State University, and the New York Fashion Academy--in which they have only 16 hours, a budget of $200 for fabric and trim, to design and create a gown/dress in the color red.
Nice Construction: Nick Verreos checks out designer Jason Arrington's silk Shantung dress-coat, 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle (photo courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt)

The annual show benefits the American Heart Association's Go Red Campaign supporting heart health awareness for women. Joining me as part of the esteemed panel of judges, were Seattle's leading Couture Designer, Luly Yang; Nicole Vogel, Founder and Publisher of Seattle Met Magazine; and Rose Dennis, Seattle's ruling taste-maker, pr and fund-raising Doyenne.
Rose Picks: Judge Rose Dennis, 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle Judging Room (photo courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt)

Before the show, we spent over an hour inspecting each and every one of the designer's creations on their respective models, provided by SMG/Seattle Models Guild, and very thoroughly deliberated, over our top picks. The show, produced beautifully by my Venezuelan-born friend Eduardo Khawam, was presided by...Photo courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

Poison Waters (seen above, right) Portland and Seattle's Diva Hostess with the Mostest, who interviewed me briefly on my thoughts regarding Seattle's "fashion sense", Croqs and Plaid.
Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

The Winner of the 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle was International Academy of Design and Technology's/IADT's Rebecca Beesley, who also won the Audience Award. Her design was a strapless iridescent Cabernet-red peplum bustier-top with a fitted "mermaid" gown skirt with train (photo above). Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

The entire gown fit the model to perfection and combined a great sense of drama, Couture-like sensibility as well as runway "razzle-dazzle" to gain its rightful place as our unanimous favorite.
Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

Second Place went to IADT's (that school is on a roll!) Gingerlyn Bellus's red crepe cocktail halter dress with pleated detail. It was made PERFECTLY, and was both elegant, salable, and right for that Microsoft Millionaire's wife...or her daughter!Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

Finally, the 2nd Runner Up was Jason Arrington's design, from the New York Fashion Academy (NYFA). To be honest, this was one of my favorites. It was a deep-red silk Shantung coat-dress featuring boning and wires to shape it into a mini-ball gown. It also featured bell sleeves, an exaggerated "Sailor Collar" and zip-front opening. Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bortone-Holt

The styling--from the funky hairstyle (Gene Suarez Salon and Spas) to the black knee-high stockings--was ON POINT! Very editorial, creative and directional. Trench Diva: Nick Verreos, 3rd Annual Project Red Dress Seattle

The show was a HUGE success and I, for one, was honored to have been part of another Project Red Dress Seattle. And now, it was onto to Seattle "After-Dark Fashion" with The Forbidden Fashion Show...See you next time kiddies!