Where's Andrae?

Here's a great photo of Andrae and I with Galina Sobolev, the designer of Single, a wonderful contemporary line based out of Los Angeles. JLo, as well as other beauties have worn her fabulous silky printed tops and dresses, which are carried at all the high-end department stores, such as Neiman-Marcus. See below for an example of a Single dress. We were at the Los Angeles Fashion Week Single Fashion Show, sponsored by 944 Magazine.

Oh, and did I tell you Andrae is designing for them? So the next time you ask "Where's Andrae?", he's at Single with Galina!!!!!!

Los Angeles Fashion Week

LA Fashion Week Spring 2008: Sweats, more Trucker Hats...and BRADLEY!!!!

You might have not known this, but after NY, after Milan, after London, after Paris....comes Los Angeles Fashion Week. For the last couple of weeks, many fashion shows, parties and events have been occurring throughout Los Angeles. Events held in different venues, such as Mercedes Benz Smashbox Fashion Week and BoxEight, showcased the good--and some bad--of what makes Los Angeles such a unique fashion capital. For a long time, we tried to compare ourselves to other style metropolis' such as the aforementioned cities, but I think we are finally getting slightly more comfortable with our "quirky" skin.

For years now, I have been saying "What is the point of showing jeans and t-shirts and sweat pants with models such as adult porn stars like Jenna Jamison on the runway?". It makes us, Angelenos look tacky and cheap, and you wonder why a lot of industry professionals, at times, did not take "Los Angeles Fashion Week" seriously. For a great article on this, which was featured in Los Angeles Magazine's August edition, click HERE.

There was still a lot of that this season, but there was also some wonderful, true Southern California designers doing their thing. I attended only a handful of these, including Single, a line of brightly printed tops and dresses. I absolutely adore its designer, Galina Sobolev and just found out that my buddy, Andrae Gonzalo is designing for them as well. So you know I had to show up to support! I actually attended with my old friend--and best girl-date, former "Miss Universe" , Brook Lee. She just had a baby 4 months ago and looked wonderful (of course she wore something from my line!)

And last Friday, I went to the debut show of Season 3's Bradley Baumkircher, held at the wonderful Besant Lodge in the Hollywood Hills below Beachwood Canyon. Model Amanda Fields(just about walked every damn show--except this one), came with me, wearing one of my Spring 2008 Duchesse backless dresses, as well as my partner David. It was a wonderfl show,I have to admit. All Bradley. Quirky yet lovely dresses, perfect for that oh-so-chic boutique on Third Street or Abbott Kinney. I met Bradley's mom, who was the nicest woman you'd ever meet, dressed very elegantly I might add. And I also ran into Season 3 designer, Vincent Libretti, who could not have been any nicer, saying something to the effect of "You are a great guy Nick, and it's so good that you come and support..."

This Friday Los Angeles Fashion Week will conclude with the LA Fashion Awards, which will honor Project Runway. I will post info on that next!

Nick & Andrae...and the Disco Ball Pig

The Nick and Andrae Show visits Seattle

Last month, I had the privilege to be invited back to the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT), Seattle, for their Finale Gala Fashion Show, titled "Do You La Mode?". This time around, I was happy to be joined by the one and only Andrae Gonzalo. We were asked to host the actual show , judge it, and give a special seminar/lecture the day after. The day we arrived, after checking in to the Hotel Monaco, we were drawn by some stylistic galactic power to this wonderful sculpture right outside the entrance of the hotel. It was a Disco Ball Pig! Well, you just KNOW we had to take a photo! It took a while for the hotel staff to try and pry us away from that damn pig! I want to commission the artist to make me one for my Loft/studio back in LA.

I always have such a fun time in Seattle, thanks to the fabulous Hotel Monaco, the staff and students at IADT Seattle, who work fearlessly to further the knowledge and instruction of fashion and all types of design in the Emerald City and beyond. I also had an amazing time with my friend, Eduardo and his Seattle-based "Venezuelan Posse", who have incorporated me as "one of their family". We had the best empanada-and-wine dinner at a friend's house, I would have stayed there all night! Needless to say, he decided to show Andrae the sights and sounds of Seattle-at-night. Thanks Eduardo. You are the best!

It was a quick three days in Seattle and I wish I would have stayed longer, but alas, I had to come back to LA to get back to designin' ---and to order all the glass needed to make a new Disco Ball Pig for my Studio!

Click HERE for a Seattle Times article about Andrae and I standing by the Disco Ball pig.
and HERE to read my entire posting on BravoTV.com about my wonderful visit to Seattle.

Bravo Toasts Outfest 2007

Silver Anniversary for OUTFEST

I am back from Miami, getting ready for my upcoming Resort/Spring 2008 Fashion Show at the W Hotel San Diego(more details to follow!) and catching up on some past events I attended. Two weeks ago, OUTFEST had its 25th Anniversary of showcasing the finest in Gay, Lesbian and Transgender films, here in sunny Los Angeles and I was invited to several accompanying events. First was the Opening Night Gala at the historic Downtown Los Angeles Orpheum Theater, in which I attended with my buddy, Erik. I ran into several OUT socialites, including my favorite Latina, Wilson Cruz (whose body is too ripped for words) and Momma, an LA icon. It's not enough that she runs EC2--one of the greatest costume houses in the world and the home and archives of Mr. Bob Mackie-- Momma defines the word FABULOUS! Erik and I had a fun time, not only watching a great Opening Night film, but also partaking in the after party, traditionally held in the parking lot right behind the Orpheum. In one word, G-G-G-GAY--as in Season 2 designer, Emmett McCarthy's infamous bubblegum pink figure skating costume GAY!

That weekend, I was invited to attend and actually introduce the one and only Tim Gunn, at the Bravo Outfest Party, held at the Hollywood nightspot, Boulevard 3. First, I was honored when I was asked by Bravo to introduce Tim at this party. OK, I was verklempt! Tim arrived to the party with the beautiful Veronica Webb in tow. After my "introduction duties" were done , I enjoyed myself up in the Bravo VIP area with all my friends. There were a lot of Bravo "celebs" from all their different shows, including Work Out, Top Chef, and of course, Project Runway. Two of my favorite Project Runway alum were there, the always FIERCE Robert Best, and Andrae Gonzalo, looking very Resort 2007 in his ensemble. I also ran into one of my favorite trainers from Work Out, the HOT Brian Peeler and chatted a bit. Spotted at the party was the "Queen of All Media", Perez Hilton, who was at one point posing with a cardboard cutout of Heidi and Tim. OK, he was almost humping them! I also got the chance to meet one of my favorite hotties of TV, actor Matt Dallas of Kyle XY. He was, of course, surrounded by a gaggle of pretty young girls. There were many of Tim Gunn's books, "A Guide To Quality Taste and Style" as well as Bravo emblazoned pillows strewn throughout the VIP couches. Let's just say I spotted several Bravo "talent" snatching many of these under their arms-- like Latin mothers at a wedding taking the table centerpiece flower arrangement-- you KNOW what I am talking about! It was a fun party and again, I was honored to have been part of it and celebrate Outfest's Silver Anniversary in Bravo style!

West Hollywood meets Silver Lake!

Forgive me if I have not been posting lately but Uncle Nicky (that's me, yes, writing in third person!) has been busy traveling across the country (New York) to film some more of my MSN fun fashion segments and San Francisco where I made a "special appearance". But I really wanted to post all these photos from two recent events I attended.

First up was the GoWeho.com Launch Party at Eleven in West Hollywood. GoWeHo.com is this great website that will feature fashion , art and entertainment in West Hollywood and highlight special events , designers, stylist, artists, making a special mark in this great city. I was asked to host this event so of course, I brought Amanda Fields, model/muse/rent-a-date extraordinaire, who came over to my Atelier and I lent her one of my flirty silk dresses to wear for the event. I decided to feature my recently-purchased deep v-neck tee from one of my favorite stores in Soho, Lounge. But, I didn't realize how DEEP that V was until I saw these photos. Oh Dear! I am sorry if I offended anyone by my gratuitous display of non-cleavage!

Others in attendance were the sexy Wilson Cruz, April Clark from "Stomp The Yard", Bootz from "Flavor Of Love" and "Charm School", actress/comediane Judy Tenuta as well as actress Elaine Hendrix from "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion" . Amanda is a "huge" fan of Elaine's so I had to get a photo of them together. I think that made Amanda's month!

Next up, it was Gay Pride Los Angeles. My friend Woody Woodbeck, whom I befriended as an associate producer last year when Bravo was filming some Project Runway segments for the Third Season, asked me to be a "special guest" at his first annual Trevor Project Presents "Reality Check" at MJ's in Silver Lake. Well, as quick as you could say "Gay Hipster", of course I joined in on the fun. As you can see, I decide to wear my white jacket--AGAIN--since, by the looks of it, I have NO OTHER JACKET in my closet to wear! But this time, I made sure to pair it with a more demure crew-neck style t-shirt.

It was a night of Reality Show "celeb's", and I use the term very loosely, including myself, thank you very much! Danny Bonaduce, all of a sudden rode up , all "butch", on his motorcycle, then the opposite of "butch"--Alex and Lynn, the two "Amazing Race" contestants, who have, in fact become acquaintances of mine, were also in attendance. I said "Hello" to Lisi, a contestant from this season's "Survivor: Fiji", in which my lovely sister, Rita, was also a contestant . Along with Andrae Gonzalo, I was supposed to do a Project Runway-inspired "Walk Off" with attendees. Instead , we decided to give away DVD's of our season, after they answered our impromptu Project Runway questions. Some of the questions we came up with were: "Where was judge Nina Garcia from?", "Who allegedly slept with Andrae?", and "What was the name of the place we lived in?". Colombia, Santino, and The Atlas, are the answers, in case you were wondering.

One of my favorite blog sites, Blogging Project Runway, sent one of their West Coast "reps" (don't it sound so official??") to the MJ's event in Silver Lake. Johnathan and his wife were the sweetest they could be, asking me questions and taking photos for the site. He is straight and married, which, of course, led to a fifteen minute soliloquy of teasing about how "all the gays would likely be pinching him!" Alas, Johnathan was disappointed: No one touched him, except me (I am South American /Greek, after all!) and his wife. The ubiquitous Amanda Fields was also there and we all had a "Reality Show" blast and made sure to check our no-excuse-to-be-a-Diva entitlement at the door, in lieu of having a great time---and I did!

Uncle Nick Gettin' Jiggy

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Did everyone see this posting from Blogging Project Runway?! I nearly spit up my eggnog laughing at these! Click HERE to see me as a dancing elf and even do that infamous Roger Rabbit Dance that I spoke of HERE!

Click HERE to go to BPR for the original posting where you can also see Andrae, Daniel Franco and yes, even Tim Gunn as Dancing Elves!

I will Be in San Antonio, TX for Christmas with the family and then NYC for New Years!

Thanks to everyone for all the love shown to me this year (can you believe it has just been one year since PR2?), it has been truly amazing and I continue to be humbled by all the support and encouragement shown to me. Feliz Navidad!!

Hollywood Parties

As you can see , I have changed the format of my blog a little bit. I decided it was time for "face lift". Let's just say I smothered it with some anti-wrinkle moisturizing creme perk it up! But enough with the cosmetics analogies. Last week, I was invited to several events/parties here in Hollywood. Even with my crazy schedule, somehow I found the time to speed my way through the crazy traffic-ridden streets of Los Angeles after 9 hours of teaching and designing to make it to a couple of these.
The opening of the "Original Penguin" store on Melrose Ave. was a fun one to attend, where we danced to Brent Bolthouse's DJ'ing, munched on Dolce's yummy hors d'eouerves and ran into my Project Runway friend, Andrae Gonzalo. I know, you have to ask "Where's Andrae?", well on that night, he was with me , at the "Original Penguin" store opening.
I also went to TMZ'z First Anniversary Party at Republic on La Cienega. The last time I was there was at the "Entertainment Weekly" magazine party, and I wanted to attend since I love TMZ and all those "gotcha" videos of celebrities and party professionals such as Paris and Lindsay getting caught doing (and saying) things they would probably regret. I ran into the creator, and "master" of one of my favorite other blogs, "Pink Is The New Blog", Trent. Here we are posing for a photo from that party. The T-shirt I am wearing in both photos was given to me by a student of mine, who has a great new line of T-shirts, NDCENT, featuring some cool screen prints.
Just this last week , I attended a fabulous event in Palm Springs and I just returned from Kansas. I will soon post articles here as well as on http://www.bravotv.com/ on these.

Fashion Group International

FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL-Beverly Hills

FGI, Fashion Group International Los Angeles, held a very special "Project Runway" panel discussion in the Museum of Televison and Radio in Beverly Hills. Most of the LA-based designers, Kirsten, Raymundo, Daniel Franco, Andrae, and myself were invited to partake in a Q & A discussion moderated by the lovely Alison Nieder, Editor-in-Chief of the California Apparel News. And to our surprise , another Season 2 Designer, Marla, was in the audience! Marla told me that she was in town for a month shopping for fabrics. The discussion and questions were varied : What are each of us doing now? What were our expectations of the show? What did we get out of the show? Why did each of us apply to be in the show? We also discussed the state of Los Angeles designers, what would-be-Project Runway designers could do to prepare, our contracts(as much as we can talk about), as well as "dished" a little bit. I met with Alison Nieder and the publisher of the Apparel News afterwards, and they both felt it was a successful evening; informative, fun and thought-provoking. I, for one, was honored to have been a part of it and I was glad to see so many people from all aspects of the LA fashion industry including academia, stylists, designers, students, public relations, and the media.
I say that next time, we have a discussion on the effect MTV's "The Hills" , "My Super Sweet Sixteen" , and the Celebrity tabloid magazines are having on students of Fashion Design and Merchandising. I will be more than happy to give my two cents!

A GLAAD Reunion

A GLAAD REUNION
This past Sunday afternoon, I was invited to attend the GLAAD/Absolut Hancock Park Party at a wonderfully-appointed private home in this beautiful area of Los Angeles.
Amongst other attendees, Los Angeles Mayor, the honorable Antonio Villaraigosa was there as well as actress and comedian, Wanda Sykes, sporting a curly blond-tipped hairstyle, a Gucci hobo-bag and matching Gucci sandals.
It was a "reunion" of sorts because also present were fellow "Project Runway" designers, Andrae Gonzalo, with a tan and longer hair as well as Raymundo Baltazar-Flores. Raymundo, always being a jokester, had called me as I was on my way to the party, warning that "It looked like the Palm Springs White party". He was referring to all the fashionable guests who were wearing white, either in pants or jackets. Well, needless to say, it was too late for me, because, I was wearing a white jacket and dress shirt! I figure, I've got several more weeks before that infamous "Labor Day" cutoff point , when you are not supposed to be wearing white (by the way, those rules are a bit ancient) , so I am going to get as much mileage out of my "whites" as I can.
David and my sister Rita, wearing a "Nick Verreos/Nikolaki" outfit, including a silk polka-dotted top and black pants, were my dates at this party and I think they enjoyed themselves as well. Rita was especially excited about meeting Andrae and Raymundo for the first time. She was a big fan of theirs.
My friend, Los Angeles designer Andrew Christian showcased his sexy swimsuit designs at an outdoors fashion show in the spacious backyard of this private home. There were hors d'oeurves and an open bar with fun Absolut drinks, like the yummy "Hancock Park". It was an elegant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and for a good cause--to support GLAAD and its achievements so far this year.

GLAAD's 9th Annual ABSOLUT® Hancock Park

It's time for GLAAD's Annual Absolut Hancock Park Party on Sunday,August 6th . This is usually a fabulous event in a fabulous home celebrating GLAAD's untiring work and accomplishments. This year, my friend , designer Andrew Christian will have a swimsuit fashion show, along with Red Carter, featuring some hot, nearly naked models . The already sizzling Los Angeles summer will be turned up just a little bit in Hancock Park this upcoming Sunday. I will be there enjoying the "view", along with my fellow "Project Runway" alum, Andrae Gonzalo. Hope to see you there!

GLAAD's 9th Annual ABSOLUT® Hancock Park

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DATE:Sunday, August 06, 2006
TIME:4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hosts:Dean Hansell and Jason Murakawa
LOCATION:the home of Dean Hansell & Jason Murakawa667 S. June StreetLos Angeles, CA 90005[ MAP ]

Ticket Types [ details ]
Patron VIP - $250.00
VIP - $150.00
General - $100.00

GLAAD President
Neil G. Giuliano
and the GLAAD Board of Directors
cordially invite you to join us for a beautiful Sunday afternoon with hosted cocktails and gourmet hors d'oeuvres while celebrating GLAAD's work and latest accomplishments.
You won't want to miss the sizzling swim suit fashion show with emcee Adrienne Janic, Star of TLC's Overhaulin', and designs by Andrew Christian and Red Carter.

Special Celebrity Guests Attending

For additional information, contact Terri White at 323.634.2026 or white@glaad.org.
Patron VIP Raffle Drawing: A three nights stay and dinner for two at Palm Springs' Hotel Zoso

This event sells out quickly. Please purchase your tickets in advance. You must be 21 years old to attend.