Winky Wink: John Wade and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage West Hollywood
Petit Ermitage Entrance
Bon Voyage: Erik Moreno, David Paul and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
Petit Ermitage Rooftop Pool
They held a Going Away Party at the Rooftop Pool area, and invited all their besties. Everyone from the Marc Jacobs Collection and Marc by Marc Jacobs LA stores were out GIVING fashion!
Will Miss You: Magda Berliner, John Wade, Nick Verreos and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
I even said "hello" to L.A. Designer extraordinaire, Madga Berliner who's a great friend of John's and wanted to stop by and say "Bye". It was a bittersweet party since I love them so much and will miss them terribly...but I am happy that they are both making the move!
Watch out NYC, the BOYS are comin'!
Two weeks ago (almost) , I was invited to my friend Alejandro Laguette's Birthday Dinner Party at the UBER hip Los Feliz Vermont Restaurant. It was actually a "Shared Birthday" with other fabulous boys, Feruz, Frank and Iffy.
Feliz Cumpleaños: Nick Verreos and Birthday Boy Alejandro Laguette, Rockwell VT
In conjunction with the blowing-out-the-candles celebration, Los Angeles designers Xavier Othon and Richard Bowman of XR Collection decided to unveil their Summer 2010 Collection at the "secret" behind-the-Vermont-Restaurant lounge, Rockwell VT. I couldn't make it to the Birthday Dinner but arrived just in time for the fashion show. 
Los Feliz Boys: John Wade, Joey Maalouf, Erik Moreno, Rockwell VT
Of course, I didn't come alone: I brought one of my best friends, Erik Moreno, John Wade and Joey Maalouf, who was about to leave to NY to do Rachel Zoe's make-up and hair for the Met American Woman Gala. 
Front Row Benches: Birthday boy Alejandro Laguette, Nick Verreos (far right)
The show began as models walked from the Rockwell VT upstairs balcony and down the stairs and then sauntered through the capacity-filled invitees. 
Fashions ranged from sexy Menswear for the guy who obviously has no time for work and LOTS of time for the gym (tank tops and very sexy fitted pants) to... 
slinky cowl neck gowns in jersey for their "girlfriends".
I was excited to see one of my DIVA models, Amara Wilson, who actually came with me back in 2005 to the Season 2 Project Runway Castings, model in the show--she brought the nightclub DOWN kiddies: She worked the flashbulbs and the gowns like a Pro! (BTW: She is!) 
Making a very "special appearance" in the XR Collection Summer 2010 fashion show was Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 2 Contestant Shangela--yes, that's how LA does it: Models and Drag Queens can sometimes share the same DIVA runway stage!
I DIIIIEEE: Joey Maalouf and Nick Verreos, Project Runway Season 7 Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood
Last Thursday-- as many of you know--was the Finale of Project Runway Season 7. The Angel Mafia and Project Angel Food--along with Finalist Mila Hermanovski, "Big Brother's" Marcellas Reynolds, and Designer Andrew Christian (famous for those sexy underwear) were hosting a Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party at the West Hollywood nightclub, Eleven. I had been in town just one day from my trip to Atlanta and the OC, and of course I decided I had to attend. 
Underwear Party: Designer Andrew Christian poses with his models, Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood
I put on a mask, got a "Disco Nap" in and called my friends, John Wade (of Marc Jacobs and Project Runway Season 2) and Joey Maalouf (Rachel Zoe's Hair and Make-Up Stylist and co-owner of the Maalouf Salon) to be my dates. John had just returned from a ONE DAY/ONE NIGHT trip to Milan Italy (I know, FIERCE!) for the opening of the Marc Jacobs store (how he got through that Icelandic Volcano is beyond me!) and Joey is about to leave for NY for the Met and get Miss Rachel Zoe red carpet ready kiddies!). 
Blow Out: Hair and Make Up DIVA Joey Maalouf getting ready for the Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party
So I was happy to have them both for this one night!The party was in full swing as we got there. Soon enough, the Finale Episode was playing on the bar's flat screens and we actually stopped whatever we were doing to watch it (sometimes--OK, MOST TIMES--at these "Finale Viewing Parties" NO ONE gets to see anything!). We actually got to see the Final Episode and you could hear the crowd cheering and jeering for the winners and the finalists.
Group Shot: Joey Maalouf, Nick Verreos, Andrew Christian, and John Wade, Eleven West Hollywood
In between, I got to "socialize" and ran into co-co-co-host, my good friend, Designer Andrew Christian, who even showed me sneak-preview photos of his new exclusive Andrew Christian Store (via his IPhone).
I also got to chat with Palm Springs-based Designer Michael Costello, who was there with his model, the very blond Tracy Chapman, wearing one of his little cocktail dresses (above).
I also ran into one of my fabulous "Muses", the one and only Runway Diva, Amanda Fields (from Project Runway Season 3) (above), who is filming a "secret show" and therefore got there a bit late. Better late than never as they say. 
Models Of The Runway: Alison Gingerich, Amanda Fields, Nick Verreos and Holly Ridings, Eleven West Hollywood
Speaking of models, there were LOTS of them that night, including Holly Ridings (wearing a long maxi black-and-white print dress, black leather jacket and sneakers--still the TALLEST GIRL in the room!) and Alison Gingerich from Season 7.
Semi-Finalist Mila Hermanovski's Model, Brandise Daneswich was also in attendance, enjoying the Viewing Party, along with her designer.
There weren't that many other Project Runway Alumn there (and no other Project Runway Season 7 Designers) however, we (John, Joey and I) get to hang out with Season 6 Designer Johnny Sakalis (above).
Young Hollywood: Actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, Eleven West Hollywood
One of the nicest moments of the night (besides seeing Seth Aaron Henderson win and his family give him a congratulatory hug) was meeting young actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, who confessed their love of Project Runway and how they were "big fans"! Love them! Maybe one of these days, they will wear NIKOLAKI for a big red carpet event--who knows! They were SOOOO SWEET!
Last Sunday--Oscar Night--I was invited to the Out In Television and Film Oscars Viewing Party and Fundraiser at East West Lounge in West Hollywood, hosted by Linda Simpson and Jesse Archer and it was benefiting the Ali Forney Center. It may not be the Elton John or Madonna-and-Demi Bash--but it was fun nonetheless! Richard Morales invited and of course, i wanted to stop by and support!
Twosome: John Wade and Nick Verreos at the Out In Television and Film Oscars Viewing Fundraiser, East West Lounge
As my date (David had to stay home and do his Who-Wore-What Live Oscars Red Carpet Blogging for my blog here!), I brought my buddy, Marc Jacobs "L.A. Boy-toy" John Wade. We had a blast hanging out and watching all the awards madness. 
Eduardo Xol from ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
The place was packed with people enjoying all the yummy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. I spotted ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Editon" Landscaping expert Eduardo Xol, who was part of the same Sears Wish-Story Holiday Commercial/Ad Campaign I was a part of. 
Project Runway Sisters: John Wade (Season Two), Nick Verreos (Season Two) and Johnny Sakalis (Season 6), East West Oscars Viewing Party for Out in Television and Film
I was also excited to finally meet fellow Project Runway Alumn (and FIDM Graduate), Johnny Sakalis, of Season 6. He was extremely sweet, considering all the mean things I said about him back when I was doing my recaps for MyLifetime.com. We bonded over--what else--Project Runway, dish on fellow contestants, being Greek (me half) but not speaking it fluently, amongst other things. All in all, I had a blast hanging out with my Project Runway "sisters"!
Posing Ladies: John Wade, Joey Maalouf and Nick Verreos, Magical Elves Holiday Party
The weekend before I left for Washington DC, I was invited to a special Holiday Party. Every year--for the last three at least--Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth, the minds behind Magical Elves throw a fabulous Holiday Party and once again they were kind enough to put me on the list. Magical Elves are the prolific producers of Top Chef, Air Guitar Nation, Project Greenlight and of course, Seasons 1-5 of Project Runway, when it was on the Bravo Network. Even though Project Runway is no longer produced by them, it is nice that they still have me on their "party radar".
Disco Divas: My friends Matt Brubaker and Joey Maalouf (being very shady) dance atop the Plexiglas-covered pool
To come to the party, it was de rigueur to bring an unwrapped toy as a present for Toys For Tots. So naturally, I bought a big Barbie Doll with its accompanying dresses. I also brought some of my "boys", including my buddies John Wade, of Marc Jacobs (and from my Season of Project Runway) as well as Joey Maalouf, Rachel Zoe's DIVA hair and make-up stylist, and my life-long friends Erik and Matt. It was a very rainy Saturday night in LA but that didn't stop Jane and Dan from throwing a fun crazy party. In addition to a Plexiglas floor atop their backyard pool (which was the official party dance floor), they also rented a big ol' tent to protect the party guests.
The house was packed with guests dancing, drinking and enjoying the food (loved those mini burgers!). Among the guests, I said "Hello" to my fellow Season 2 cohort, Daniel Franco. I also spotted some Top Chef boys as well as People's Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone, who coincidentally has a new reality show, produced by Magical Elves (I guess that's why she was there) as well as... 
Australian celebrity chef, cutie Curtis Stone, whom my friends were swooning over (sorry Curtis, I guess you have a gay following). It was a fun party and thank you to Jane and Dan for inviting me. See you next year (I hope)!
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.
Say "Hipster Cheese" for Nick: John Wade (in Marc Jacobs of course) and Joey Maalouf of The Rachael Zoe Project
Last weekend, I went out with two of my favorite people, "Hipster Romeo and Juliet": My best "bud" (did I just say that?) John Wade (loving the new look!), and Joey Maalouf, who you might recognize as stylist Rachel Zoe's hair and make-up artist from The Rachel Zoe Project (it's Joeeeeyyyyyyy!!!). John has a fabulous new pied-de-terre in West Hollywood, so I had to invite myself to check it out. Afterward, we dined at one of our favorite nearby restaurants Marix Tex-Mex (the boys actually ate FOOD!!!) and gossiped at Obar. Fun times with these two LA Fashionistas! (they'll hate me for calling them that!)
Birthday Girl and Her Boys: AlphaMan's Darren Gold, John Wade, Nick Verreos and Jen Egan, Palihouse Holloway, West Hollywood
On Thursday, April 30Th, I was invited to my good friend Jen Egan's Birthday. Another good friend , Kelly Ryan O'Brien of Billion Dollar Babes-- as well as Sue Seo, Kendra Gratteri and Elizabeth Shaffer--were throwing a fabulous bash for Miss Egan at the UBER chic Palihouse Holloway in West Hollywood, an "extended stay" hotel with a great bar and restaurant known amongst the "young Hollywood" and LA fashionista circles. Besides the fact that Jen is one of most stylish girls in Los Angeles I know, she also happens to be the Vice President of National Business Development for Gen Art, overseeing and organizing the fabulous Gen Art Fresh Faces fashion show and events. Last year, she held her Birthday here and it was hit, so why not do it again in the same location. 
The Lady In Red: Birthday Girl Jen Egan lounges with her entourage of cuties, Palihouse Holloway West Hollywood
Because I was teaching that night, I arrived late and the party was well under way. In fact, we must have missed the hors d'oeuvres section of the party because little cup cakes began to passed around when we arrived (dessert before dinner anyone?). Of course, I dragged (kicking and screaming) my friend, John Wade and once we settled into the Palihouse bar, we wished Miss Jen Egan our fashionable "Birthday Wishes". Of course, she was looking like a young socialite off the pages of Vogue, wearing a little one-shoulder red silk number--effortlessly I might add.
Darren Gold and California Apparel News Fashion Editor, Jayne Seward, Palihouse Holloway West Hollywood
I was happy to also see Darren Gold, proprietor of AlphaMan: Gear For Gents, one of the best men's boutiques in town, and our mutual friend, California Apparel News fashion editor and stylist Jayne Seward. Incidentally, Darren almost had a big FASHION FAUX PAS: There was another guy at the party wearing the same graphic printed t-shirt! Thank God Darren had a coat, because he used it to hide his t-shirt. He later explained that he got the shirt from a "Goodie Bag" from an event he had gone to. Obviously, so had that other guest at Jen's Birthday Party. 
John Wade poses with Producer extraordinaire, Rich Bye and his beautiful wife, Palihouse Holloway West Hollywood
We also were glad to see the cutest of all producers, Rich Bye of Magical Elves, who was executive producer of Seasons 1-5 of Project Runway, and in fact was nominated for 5 Primetime Emmy's! He should have definitely won for my season, I'm just saying! He was there with his lovely wife, also giving Miss Jen Egan--who has judged many a Project Runway casting in the past--their Birthday Wishes. It was a great party celebrating fashion, style and Miss Jen's infectious personality. Thanks for inviting me once again, Jen. If I am in town, I will come every year.
Pose Off: Dita Von Teese and Debbie Mazar host the "Out of The Ordinary" event and fashion show at "The Way We Wore" Boutique photo by Evans Ward/ BEImages.net
Wednesday was a busy day for me. I began my day at 8 AM and worked a 9 hour day styling and doing a photo shoot for a a fabulous new upcoming book which I was asked to be a part of. Without even a chance to re-apply any eau de toilette spritzer, I then headed to pick up my buddy--former Project Runway Season 2 cast mate and Marc Jacobs Regional Manager and Merchandiser, John Wade.
When I arrived at John's place, I thought I had accidentally arrived at Sean Paul's house! He greeted me with a spankin' new hairdo: Braids! I was like "Did you go on a Princess Cruise with Rihanna in Barbados and did not tell me?" Only John Wade! I absolutely LOVE him but only he can make me feel like a tired old Grandpa.
Tanned Topman: Nick Verreos in Topshop photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net
I thought I was "working it" in my new Topshop suit, HOWEVER, after I saw him in his Bo Derek-meets-Peaches-and-Herb braids and deep armhole jersey tank and acid washed Marc Jacobs jeans I realized that I have lost all my "hip" quotient. I was invited to the "Out Of The Ordinary" event at Doris Raymond's amazing Vintage Couture Boutique The Way We Wore on La Brea. Along with Doris, Couture DIVA Dita Von Teese and the always fabulous Debbie Mazar were the hosts, so of course, both John and I could not resist.
Lapel Power Couple: LA Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos at "The Way We Wore" Earth Day event and fashion show
Participating designers--from my Islands of The World cohort Kevan Hall to the always fabulously Magda Berliner--were asked to re-configure vintage garments that would have ended up in the "fashion" trash, and make them "new" again. 
Power Date: LA Designer Magda Berliner and Marc Jocobs West Coast poster boy, John Wade
I would have LOVED to have been asked to take this challenge! Give me a 60's Boca Raton Pucci Tunic and let me have at it!
The party and fashion show (showcasing the re-worked designs) was a complete success. Doris, Debbie and Dita were the most sublime hostesses (and announcers). All that was missing were the old-school Couture Show number "tags" models used to hold as they sashayed down the Atelier winding staircase..."and next we have Numero Deux...".
Fashion Wrap Threesome: John Wade, Nick Verreos and Jennifer Rade photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net
I was excited to see my fellow TV Guide Fashion Wrap With Lisa Rinna girlfriend, stylist Jennifer Rade (stylist to Angelina Jolie and Lisa Rinna), Dita's make-up artist extraordinaire (who also happened to do the make up for my Spring 2008 W Hotel Fashion Show), Gregory Arlt, and the "Queen of All Media", Perez Hilton.
Miss California USA Finalists: Perez Hilton, Nick Verreos and John Wade photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net
You just know I had to bond with him about the whole Miss California USA I-don't-approve-of-gay-marriage scandal. He was sporting a bright red t-shirt emblazoned with "Legalize Gay"... "Marriage" written with a black marker right after it. Note to self: Must get one of those t-shirts! The event was coming down to it's "midnight hour" as Dita stopped by and began to chat with John (she's a loyal client of Marc Jacobs) and wondered where Gregory--our mutual friend--was. 
Vintage Divas: Debbie Mazar and Dita Von Teese announce The Way We Wore "Out Of The Ordinary" fashion show
I just kept thinking (to myself) how gorgeous she would look in one of my waist-cinching gowns. Before I could suggest to her to come by the studio for a fitting, she was whisked outside to find her car. Maybe next time.
Single Runway: John Wade and Nick Verreos do the step-and-repeat at the Single Fall 2009 Fashion Show
This past Monday, I was invited to another show as part of Los Angeles Fashion Week. As you may (or may not) know, there really isn't an "official" LA Fashion Week or one like there is in NY or other cities. Last season, Fern Mallis' IMG pulled out of doing the Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week at Smashbox after about four years of producing it. Lack of interest, funding and various other reasons were the cause.
Hello St. Petersburg: Nick Verreos poses with Russian model from Single 2009 Fall presentation
So, for this season, BOXeight decided to stage their own "Downtown LA Fashion Week" and other designers and Southern California-based labels staged their own private shows. Single was one of those. Designer Galina Sobolev and her husband Michael, created the company back in 1994 and have been going strong ever since. Single is known for its brightly printed silk tunics, blouses, tops and silky dresses. Single also has the unique title of being the one LA-based company which employed not one BUT TWO, Project Runway designers. Both Santino Rice and Andrae Gonzalo have passed through the Single doors. 
Model Casting? Guests await the Single Fall '09 Fashion Show, Maxim Restaurant West Hollywood
For this special Fall 2009/10 "preview" show, Galina decided to go back to her Russian roots and create a collection loosely based on her native country. And to highlight this, she staged it at a Russian restaurant called Maxim. I called upon my partner-in-fashion-crime, the deliciously sexy John Wade--of Project Runway Season 2 and Marc Jacobs--to be my "date". John had gone to Moscow late last year with Marc Jacobs and (Marc Jacobs) President Robert Duffy to celebrate the opening of their Moscow Boutique, and I thought he would enjoy it. When we first walked in, he turned to me and said "Oh My God, I seriously think I'm in Moscow!" It was that authentic--down to the fact that most of the staff barely spoke English (I just kept saying spasibo to them--thank you in Russia). 
Models Eat! A Single-clad model enjoying the Russian buffet, Maxim Restaurant, West Hollywood
The banquet room/restaurant was split right in the middle to create a runway with round dining tables on each side. Guests mingled and enjoyed the very ample spread of delicious Russian hors d'oeuvres such as beef-stuffed Piroshkis, salmon and lox wrap sandwiches, and red cabbage salad. There was also a fully stocked Open Bar with enough Vodka to make former Russian President Putin smile! Galina knows how to throw an event: Keep the guests well fed and have an open bar.
John, Try and Smile Next Time: CA Apparel News Editor Alison Nieder, Nick Verreos and a come-hither pout from John Wade
Speaking of guests, I spotted fashion editors of both the Los Angeles Times and WWD (very impressive) as well as stylist George Blodwell (who famously styled actress Helen Mirren at last year's Academy Awards). I was also excited to see my good friend Alison Nieder, the Executive Editor of The California Apparel News. There was also a gaggle of beautiful Russian women and some skinny LA hipster fashionistas for good measure (they were NOT eating!).
Parting Shot: A Guest's FIERCE Louis Vuitton shoes (no , it wasn't John who was wearing these!)
For Fall 2009, Galina decided to design a darker moodier side of Single. She showed black and purple Russian folkloric printed blouses paired with black leather pants, violet and gold mini dresses as well as long printed bohemian-style dresses. It was Russian Boho Chic. And of course, there were a few sequined cocktail dresses in case you might be invited to the Kremlin for a swanky party. Click HERE for a slideshow of the Single Fall 2009 Fashion Show.
