This past Sunday, my better half, David Paul, and I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 Gala of the L.A. Master Chorale 20th Anniversary Lux Aeterna. The Los Angeles Master Chorale is one of the country's leading professional choruses and one of Southern California's most vibrant cultural treasures. The 2017 Gala honored Morten Lauridsen and his beautiful requiem Lux Aeterna.


For this 20th Anniversary, Lux Aeterna was being performed for the first time at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in its original version for chorus and orchestra, along with other works closely associated with the artistry of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The evening was MAGICAL and so MOVING...just beautiful!



We were invited by my friend Raymundo Baltazar who was Gala Co-Chair (and he was my bestie back on Season 2 of "Project Runway"!)...


In support of the L.A. Master Chorale and this year's Gala--as well as my friend Raymundo of course!--David and I donated THREE of our NV Nick Verreos Contemporary Cocktail Dresses--which were sold at Lord & Taylor and Dillard's--as part of the Gala's Silent Auction...


We didn't just donated the dresses but also offered them in many, many sizes (Sizes 2-XL!)--depending on whoever bid the most, and what size they wanted! Usually, when one sees a gown and/or dress in a Silent Auction, it's one size and the size being shown only, so...we wanted to make it as accessible as possible to the interested bidders.

This past weekend, my partner David and I were invited to attend the 2nd Annual "An Evening Among the Roses" Garden Party at the GORGEOUS Huntington Library located in San Marino California (UBER nice and SUPER rich Pasadena!).

This past Sunday, I had the privilege to attend the 18th Annual The Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party with my partner David Paul...


One of my oldest--and BEST--friends, Louie Anchondo (I went to UCLA with him many, many years ago!), invited us to this annual event. Louie just happens to be the  National Director of Special Events for The Actors Fund. The Viewing Party was held at the brand new Guerin Pavilion/Herscher Hall in the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and was hosted by Florence Henderson (LOVE HER!) and my Greek Brother From Another Mother, Constantin Maroulis...

Vintage Couture at Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week Nick Verreos with Leanna Lewis (in Elizabeth Mason Couture) Last Thursday night, I was invited to a very special fashion show presentation as part of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week. The show, entitled A Celebration of Valentino, The Last Emperor was "curated" by Elizabeth Mason, stylish owner of vintage couture boutique The Paper Bag Princess and designer of her namesake Elizabeth Mason Couture line. The event was the official presentation of the Los Angeles Spirit Award For Style & Substance to actress and humanitarian (and style DIVA) Maria Bello.

Not so much...but...Fashion Podium: Mayor Villaraigosa, Max Azria of BCBG and Herve Leger, and Cynthia Ruiz of the LA Mayor's Department of Cultural Affairs This week, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a press conference at the California Market Center in support of LA Fashion Week and the Los Angeles Fashion Industry. Barbara Graff, organizer of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week and Cynthia Ruiz from the Department of Cultural Affairs, invited me to be part of this event--and I was happy to oblige.Family Portrait: Fashion Angel Awards Judges Nick Verreos, Louis Verdad, Vanessa Gonzalez and Randolph Duke, along with other LA designers pose for the press This event also marked the official announcement of the Fashion Angel Awards, a contest generously sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs. About a month ago, I was invited to judge this contest along with other LA fashion notables such as Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia, Jeffrey Sebelia (winner of Season 3 Project Runway and designer of Cosa Nostra, designer Louis Verdad, former MOCA Director of Events, Vanessa Gonzalez and Randolph Duke. The Winners Are: Phong Hong, Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry, Fernanda Carneiro and their winning designs (and models) Today marked "The Big Day" as head judge, Randolph Duke--flanked by Max Axria, the Honorable Mayor Villaraigosa, Cynthia Ruiz and Ilse Metchek, the chic director of the California Fashion Association/CFA--announced the three winning designers (four, actually, since one is a design team).Project Runway Meets LA City Diva: City of LA's "fashion ambassador" Cynthia Ruiz, with designers Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos The Winners were Phong Hong, Fernanda Carneiro (a Graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM), and design team Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry. Each will get to participate in their own fully-funded runway show on October 13th at the Geffen Contemporary MOCA as part of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week. I remember that they were my favorites during the judging. Hong's designs were flirty and oh-so-feminine and Brazilain-born Carneiro's designs were wearable but still had pretty and unique details. Petro Zillia already carries her line and Nony Tochterman, its owner, says her clients "just love" her dresses. Lock and Key: Designers Jacquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry with their key-and-belt top and wooden door skirt Finally, I loved O'Dell and Henry's conceptual wooden designs, they were very Hussein Chalayan and I felt it would be great to show the rest of the World that LA wasn't just about jeans and t-shirts but we also had "artiste" designers. At the press conference, I was happy to run into one of my best friends, designer Raymundo Baltazar and Alison Nieder of California Apparel News, who was there to cover the event. I also said "Hola" to former Miss International 2007, Priscila Perales, from Mexico. Las Misses: Nick Verreos, Miss International and Miss Mexico '07 Priscila Perales, and Raymundo Baltazar Of course I will be there next Tuesday to check out the four outstanding up-and-coming LA designers who will show at the Fashion Angel Awards Fashion Show. I think Mayor Villaraigosa summed it up best during his press conference, "Our city is no longer just the fashion capital of the West Coast; LA is one of the major fashion capitals of the world". See you at LA Fashion Week! Click HERE for more info. on all the LA Fashion Week Events at ApparelNews.net Click HERE for the schedule of Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week.

Viva Venezuela...and Los Angeles!Miss Venezuela 2010: Nick Verreos, model-actress Patricia Velasquez, and Raymundo Baltazar, Hollywood Bowl Over the weekend, I was privileged to have been invited by my very good friends, Raymundo Baltazar (fellow Project Runway alumn) and Jonathan Weedman, an esteemed member of the LA Philharmonic's Board of Directors to Bienvenido Gustavo, a concert, sponsored by Target at the fabulous Hollywood Bowl. The event was free but tickets were "sold out" a LONG TIME ago so when Raymundo called me to ask if I wanted to join them, I had my outfit picked out in less than two minutes! I was raised in Caracas, Venezuela and have followed my compatriota even before the infamous "60 Minutes" special let all the Gringos know the young genius of Gustavo Dudamel. Hollywood Bowl VIP: Enjoying "Bienvenido Gustavo" at the Hollywood Bowl This concert was the "official" way of welcoming "the world's greatest conductor" Gustavo Dudamel to the LA community. As we arrived, we were greeted by a charming all-women Mariachi band, unusual since Gustavo is from another continent, but oh well. Maybe it's difficult to find Venezuelan harp and cuatro musicians, but I know a few Venezuelans here in Southern California that would be happy to break out in a folkloric joropo--for a fee of course (wink wink!). Once inside the auditorium--and making our way to our reserved VIP box section--I spotted former Miss Venezuela 1989 finalist and Isaac Mizrahi and John Galliano muse, the gorgeous Patricia Velasquez. We posed for photos of course.Is Kylie Minogue Performing? The crowd at the Hollywood Bowl's Bienvenido Gustavo Concert We enjoyed the entire FIVE HOUR concert from our AMAZING seats (love you Raymundo and Jonathan!) beginning with Quincy Jones introducing Cuban piano prodigy Alfredo Rodriguez to Andrae Crouch and his singers to Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and his Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble. Symphonic Architecture: Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl During the "intermission", we enjoyed a delicious Patina dinner of chicken and vegetables, as well as snacked on cheeses and yes, had several cocktails. Then came the "big event": The 11Th Musical Director of the LA Philharmonic was introduced to the 18,000 screaming fans (you'd think it was Miley Cirus!) as he conducted Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" with the YOLA Expo Center Youth Orchestra; an orchestra made up of young South LA kids who had never even picked up an instrument--until 2 years ago. Curly Venezolano: Gustavo Dudamel conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, The Hollywood Bowl After changing from a sporty black t-shirt and into the requisite white dinner jacket tuxedo, he then brought the entire Hollywood Bowl house down, conducting one of my favorite pieces of music: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The night ended with a stunning display of fireworks which lit up a huge sign atop the Hollywood Bowl structure which read "Bienvenido Gustavo". Yes, indeed, what a welcome! And to top it off, when I got home, I found out that we were even blogged about in the Los Angeles Times. Click BELOW for two fun quick videos I captured from the day's festivities: Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble:
Gustavo Dudamel introduced at the Hollywood Bowl:

Josh Groban, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, William Shatner, Priscilla Presley, and Dame Edna: Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009Josh Groban performing at the Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009 Last Friday, I was invited to see a once-in-a-lifetime event: The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009 Hall of Fame Gala. I have been to the Hollywood Bowl many times, but never as a "VIP" and certainly never had the chance to attend one of their much-sought after Opening Nights. As you may recall (if you have been keeping up with my blog), I was invited to be on the Opening Night Hollywood Bowl 2009 Official Committee by my good friends, Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar, who were one of only three illustrious couples that made up the Gala Co-Chairs. The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night 2009 Co-Chairs and Commitee Members (I'm on the top left) I received my invitations and almost needed a crow bar to close my jaw as I realized that my partner David Paul and I would have our own BOX (I know!!!) and we would be sharing it with my other Committee "girlfriend", the stylish and always charming, Alison Nieder, Editor of the California Apparel News, one of the events' sponsors. Opening Night Virgins: Nick Verreos and David Paul, designers of NIKOLAKI Private VIP reception, three course dinner catered by the world-renown Patina, our own waiter, Gallo wines. It was almost too much to take. As we arrived, we headed to the VIP cocktail reception and immediately, we were handed a Champagne and Pomegranate concoction which we could not refuse. We also sampled the fabulous-tasting tapas of spicy beef mini empanadas, tortilla Espanola, sausage paella and ceviche. Commitee Hall of Fame: Nick Verreos and Raymundo Baltazar, pose with Alison Nieder (of the California Apparel News) and friend I was also on a mission to taste the cheeses that were strewn throughout the cocktail reception--ask Raymundo! Needless to say, we found it, and they were delicious. I also got a chance to pose at the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Wall. Naturally, I went right to Liza Minnelli. Nick with a K: Nick poses next to the Liza Minnelli photo at the Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Hall Of Fame Wall, VIP cocktail reception About 30 minutes later, we were whisked towards the Hollywood Bowl auditorium to get to our boxes, since dinner was about to start! As we got to our box, I spotted many a celebrity all around me. It was a "Who's Who" of the Hollywood, TV and music industry. Priscilla Presley was in a box just in front of us (I was DYING!), William Shatner sat in THE SAME BOX with our Co-Chair friends Jonathan and Raymundo not too far away. Hollywood Legends Meets Project Runway: Ann Rutherford and Anne Jeffreys pose with Nick Verreos and Raymundo Baltazar Along with William Shatner, they also had a couple of distinguished guests in their box, including Hollywood actress (and DIVA) Anne Jeffreys, who has been in everything from Daytime Drama "Port Charles", to "Baywatch" and "Fantasy Island", as well as hundreds of other TV and film projects. The stunningly beautiful Ann Rutherford -- who is the last living actress from "Gone With The Wind", besides Olivia de Havilland-- was also their Hollywood Bowl box seat companion. NIKOLAKI fan: Nick Verreos and actress Melora Hardin of NBC's 'The Office" "Dancing With The Stars" Chilean actor/hearthrob Cristian de la Fuente was also in front of us, along with his beautiful wife, TV presenter and actress Angelica Castro. Behind us, I also noticed a tall gorgeous woman who looked familiar. Well, of course she did, because she's actually worn my dresses! Actress Melora Hardin in NIKOLAKI, hosting an Elle Magazine event in NYC It was Melora Hardin, the stunning actress of NBC's "The Office". I approached her and after I introduced myself (I had never met her since I only worked with her stylist), I had to tell her how gorgeous she looked in NIKOLAKI.Melora Hardin in NIKOLAKI, on the "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet", NYC Now onto the concert: It was out of this world! Kiwi Opera star Kiri Te Kanawa was incredible. Her voice was perfection! When she sang the first notes of Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro", I think I stopped breathing! Josh Groban was amazing, with his perfectly pitched voice which never faltered, as he sang "Pearls" , "Anthem" from the musical "Chess" and "February Song", a duet with Benin-born chanteuse Angelique Kidjo. I loved how uniquely different the two new 2009 Hall of Fame inductees were and yet how similar they were in their desire for reaching perfection in their music and voice. It was also fun to see the "Grobanites" and the "Te Kanawa-ites" fans converge at the Hollywood Bowl for the sheer enjoyment of their most beloved idols.Queens: Dame Edna and opera legend (and 2009 Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee), Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, share the stage One of the highlights of the entire night was when Dame Edna came out on stage in a red sequined gown and almost brought the house down with her hysterical sassy humor. Every gay in the Hollywood Bowl was on the floor laughing (so was Priscilla Presley!) The night ended with John Williams conducting the Hollywood Bowl LA Philarmonic. They performed the iconic "Star Wars" overture and a stunning fireworks display over the Hollywood Hills. It was truly a magical night and I thank my hosts and Co-Chairs, Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar for making it happen. Click HERE for a great Review from the Los Angeles Times. Below is a youtube video of the Finale duet between Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Josh Groban with a special appearance by none other than Dame Edna!!!

Music Gala Under The Stars!!!The Style Committee: Gala Co-Chair Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos at the Official Breakfast Opening Night 2009 Photo Op, the Hollywood Bowl Recently, I was invited to be part of the Official Opening Night 2009 Hollywood Bowl Committee by my good friends Raymundo Baltazar and Jonathan Weedman. Raymundo and Jonnathan are one of only three couples to have the utmost honor to be the Gala Co-Chairs and naturally, I was beside myself to be part of this exclusive club spearheading the amazing fabulosity (to coin Miss Kimora Lee) that is to be the Opening Night at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. These Boots Are Made For Singin': Liza Minnelli at Opening Night 2008 Hollywood Bowl Last year's Opening Night 2008 was spectacular, to put it mildly, which featured such stars as Liza Minnelli, B.B. King and an amazing fireworks display that lit up the Hollywood Hills like no other night! This year will be just as unbelievable! Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame 2009: Josh Groban and Kiri Te Kanawa The first-ever inductees into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, Garth Brooks and John Williams, return to host as legendary opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the man with the angelic voice, John Groban, join their ranks---and get inducted into the Hall of Fame. Opening Night 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl will be Friday June 19Th. The night will be a star-studded event with lots of special guests and even more special surprises! I am so proud to be part of this amazing committee and excited to make 2009 even "bigger and better" than last year's Opening Night. Tickets have sold like CRAZY! Fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl The Grobanites--fans of Josh Groban in case you didn't know--are very faithful fans and will travel to the ends of the Earth---or Hollywood Hills--to see their one and only Josh (myself included!). But I am sure Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is bringing in her "Te Kanawanites" as well! Watch out , it will be a battle of the Grobanites vs the Te Kanawanites! I, for one, can't wait to be there to witness it! Speaking of cutie--and very talented Josh Groban--click HERE for a very fun interview he just did for Good Day LA, the very popular Los Angeles Morning TV Show on Fox 11. Hope you can join me! Click HERE for ticket information.

Fashion..Under "The Grove" Stars! Boys Under The Stars: Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos pose at The Grove CoOp Barneys New York Fashion Show Last Thursday was a MAJAH (in Victoria Beckham's words) day for me: I was filming all day and had a 4 AM Wake Up Call time! I shot all these fun segments for MSN.com Style Studio and even got to meet the GORGEOUS Victoria's Secret Angel and SpokesGODDESS, Marissa Miller. My day was done around 4 PM, got home, took a "disco nap" and somehow, got the energy to attend a fun fashion show at one of LA's most famous shopping meccas, The Grove--that same night! Crest White Strips Smiles: Petro Zillia designer Noni Tochterman and Nick Verreos at The Grove I was invited by my fabulous friends from S.PR to attend "CoOp Barneys New York presents Fashion @ The Grove", also dubbed a "fashion show under the stars". Anything S.PR puts on is DIVINE and always done right, so I knew I had to attend. It was to be a great evening to witness the latest and most stylish for Spring/Summer 2009 from featured LA and NYC designers like Alexander Wang, Trovata, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, APC, Petro Zillia and many more.I Want That Trench: Scene from the runway of "Fashion @ The Grove" fashion show My "date" that night was my friend, Raymundo Baltazar, who was on my season of Project Runway, who actually held one of the first fashions shows at The Grove back in 2007 when he was working for Christian Audigier. Normally, as an LA resident, I try and avoid The Grove if at all possible. It's a "Disneyland" of shopping malls and I only visit if say, my family are visiting from out of town. Other than that, it's just "too much". That water fountain in the middle with the "Last Dance" by Donna Summer musical accompaniment always gets me! It's very "mini Vegas". But I was eager to enjoy a fashion show "under The Grove stars" for this one night. We sat front row center and took it all in. I was happy to be seated next to none other than the fabulously chic Monica Corcoran, LA Times Fashion Blogger and consultant for the new Project Runway season. I also spotted across from me, Sam Shipley , formally of Trovata, one of my favorite menswear lines of all time! As you may know, he and design partner, Jeff Halmos, broke from Trovata and began their own line, aptly named Shipley and Halmos. Petro Zillia designer, the colorful Nony Tochterman was there as well as LA Fashion "momma", Miss Cynthia Vincent, who lovingly made fun of me by saying "Oh Mr. TV Star!!!" when she saw me.Reunited...and it Feels So Good: Nick Verreos poses with models Anna Maria Mostrom and his Barbie Model, Chantal Jones, The Grove The show was great! All the models (from LA Models) were perfect and all pros (I spotted my Barbie model, Chantal Jones, as well as others who modeled in the FIDM Debut 2009 Show). The clothing ranged from mini biker chic shrunken leather jackets, to cardigan and bow tied boys to floor sweeping draped jersey dresses. The styling, by Elizabeth Stewart, was exceptional. The models were "done and done" from the cutest hat to the fiercest platform spiked heel. Work those Booties Chantal: Model Chantal Jones on "The Grove" runway This was an LA fashion show at its best. I think I might have just changed my tune towards visiting "The Grove"...Maybe next time my line NIKOLAKI, will be shown "under The Grove" stars.... Click HERE for a great little blurb about the event and fashion show on LA Mag.com.