Labor Day Weekend Special Trip Report: Europe 2010--Nick Verreos Does Paris!!!

Je T'Aime Paris!!!!!

Gay Pareee: A Paris Window Display showing Rainbow Eiffel Towers

Well, since I am in a post-photos-of-my-traveling sort of mood--being that it is Labor Day Weekend, when lots of people do some traveling---I also decided this would be the PERFECT time to finish off my "Europe 2010 Nick and David Travel Blog" with a Recap of the last city we visited a month and a half ago, when we went to Europe: Paris.

Petit Prince: Nick Verreos at the Golden Gates of the Petit Palais Museum, Paris France

To catch you up to speed--in July--I was invited to do a lecture for the Miami University of Ohio Summer In Europe Program (for a second year in a row!) in Florence Italy. After my stint there, David and I decided to spend some R & R at the AMAZING Amalfi Coast, and then, before returning to the good ol' US of A, we finished it all off with a quick trip to Paris.

The Petit Palais Museum, Paris France

Our main goal was to see the Yves Saint laurent Retrospective Exhibit at the Petit Palais Musee Des Beaux Arts De La Ville De Paris. That was it! No other excuse.

David Paul, outside the Petit Palais Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective, Paris France

Last year we went to the top of the Eiffel Tower (in pouring rain!), we did the Seine, the Marais--"been there done that". It was ALL ABOUT Yves and his Haute Couture. The exhibit opened in March and was to close August 29Th so we made it just in time! Three words: It was INCREDIBLE!!!! There are FIFTEEN different rooms showing the Master's Art from his days with Christian Dior, to...

Le Controversial: Yves Saint Laurent's much-maligned Spring 1971 Haute Couture Collection

His controversial 40's-inspired (some say he glamorized World War II) Collection. There is an amazing room which recreates Catherine Deneuve's "private closet" of Saint Laurent Couture, plus his Atelier Desk which looks as if it was lifted from his office the day he retired. And of course, various tributes showing how he "revolutionized" fashion, such as: Introducing pants into the female wardrobe, The Safari Jacket, Transparency as well as Le Smoking:

There was an entire WALL devoted to what seemed like HUNDREDS of Le Smoking (see above)--from tuxedo suits to skirt suits to gowns.

The Pièce de résistance , for me, was walking into the "Ball Gown Room" (see above)...

I actually began to heave and cry uncontrollably (not joking!!!). I don't know what came over me. Well, I actually do: It was the sight of over ONE HUNDRED Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Gowns that did it! David turned around and saw me crying and just smiled. Oh Yves, look what you do to me!!!

Nick Verreos and David Paul, outside the I.M. Pei Pyramid Louvre Museum

The following day (I couldn't do anything after THAT!), David and I decided to head toward the
Louvre...

.

And check out the Exhibit in the "Histoire Ideale de la Mode Contemporaine Vol. 1: 70-80"Musee des Arts Decoratifs, which showed a range of fashion encompassing the 70's and 80's. It was a nice exhibit but I must admit, it was VERY Francophile...no US designers, who by the way, were SOOOO important to the 70's and 80's. Can you say "Where was Halston, Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Diane Von Furstenberg, James Galanos, Nolan Miller, etc.?" Nope, none of them. Just A LOT of Lacroix, Mugler, and Castelbajac. Which was OK, but there were LOTS of omissions.

Afterward, David and I decided to do some sightseeing and shopping (of course!): We headed to the Arc du Triomphe (above), and then checked out the Summer Sales at...

Printemps as well as Galleries Lafayette. Printemps is more upscale--like a Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. Galleries Lafayette is more Bloomindales/Macy's. We didn't buy anything but we tried LOTS of stuff on (the Euro exchange is still NOT happy with us Americans!).

But there was one thing I was FASCINATED by:

All the Middle Eastern DIVAS in Paris!!! There were TONS of them: All shopping, all in groups, every other one featuring Hermes head scarves, their traditional Abaya--or cloak/overdress--and Marc Jacobs or Fendi sunglasses and TONS of shopping bags!! Now, I'm not talking H&M or Zara. Nope kids: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton. Oil Money Makes Women Shopping Happy!

They were ALL OVER Printemps! I was especially fascinated by the silhouette of their hairstyles under their Hermes scarves: Very "Alien" (the movie)-esque, pulled back High bun. I dubbed them "The Dubai Women". Recently (after returning from Europe at an event I hosted) I met a 20-something woman living in the Middle East and told her about these women in Paris. She corrected me and said that they were probably from Kuwait (because of the high-back bun under the scarves, she said). Wherever they were from: They had LOTS of money, were FABULOUS, and LOVED shopping VERY EXPENSIVE brands.

Wish I was them! With that, it was time to go back to our hotel, rest and get ready to return to the States. I look forward to my next trip to Europe--and hopefully, more run-ins with my "Dubai Divas", better (non-humid) weather and yes, a better Euro-US Dollar Exchange....Wishful thinking!

Click below for a video of International Herald Tribune's Suzy Menkes and a Tour of the YSL Retrospective Exhibit:


Click below for the ENTIRE YSL Retrospective Runway Fashion Show: Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Paris Part Deux: Nick Verreos goes to the Vionnet Exhibit and Sees Naty Abascal!!!

The Geometry of Couture: Paris Part TwoTaking The Metro: Nick Verreos arrives at the Rue de Rivoli stop in Paris

My Paris visit last ended with my visit to the Louvre for some fashion inspiration and waiting in line during a thunderstorm (sans umbrellas, thank you very much!) for the Eiffel Tower and an eventual elevator ride up to the famed structure. Les Arts Decoratifs Museum

After sightseeing, we decided to return to the Louvre area, but this time we were in search of BIAS CUT DRESSES. As we exited our Rue de Rivoli Metro stop, we made our way to the Arts Decoratifs, our favorite Paris Museum (sorry, Louvre). It's the one that holds the Costume and fashion exhibitions and various other more "tangible" arts.Bias Hankerchief Cocktail Dress, Vionnet Exhibit Les Arts DecoratifsRectangular Bias Cut Heaven: One of my Favorite Dresses from the Vionnet Les Arts Decoratifs exhibit

They had just unveiled the new Madeleine Vionnet Exhibition. Vionnet was the "creator" of the bias-cut dress and actually one of my greatest inspirations. When people ask me "Who are the greatest Designers and influences?", Vionnet is on my list. The gowns and dresses on display were stunning! I marveled at the construction and all the flowing geometry in front of me. There were so many gowns that could EASILY work for 2009, it was proof that a Vionnet gown is without a doubt, timeless. Shirred Silk Tulle Meets Bias: Gowns at the Vionnet Arts Decoratifs Exhibit

The exhibit was sectioned into time periods. Starting with the beginning of her altelier in the early 1900s, through the 1920's and 30's until her retirement in 1939 (she lived until 1975: aged 98!!). There were also great digital videos explaining the technical mastery of Vionnet's dresses and how 3 simple squares somehow (in Vionnet's hands) would be transformed into the definition of an exquisite cocktail dress. I wish young students of fashion were more passionate about fashion and especially the patternmaking and technical aspects of the craft.
A Vionnet Gown circa 1933 that could easily be worn in 2009, Les Arts Decoratifs Museum

Vionnet also understood the significance of her work and meticulously documented her own career. Upon her retirement in 1939 she donated the majority of her work to the archives of the UFAC (today part of the Musée de la Mode et du Textile in Paris) including 120 dresses from 1921 to 1939 and all of her patterns, lookbooks and photos. Work that tie-neck: Emerald silk plunging-neck silk crepe dress, Vionnet Exhibit Les Arts Decoratifs

There weren't too many visitors at this exhibit since it had just opened a week before. However as I was gawking at the dresses--nose-to-the-glass--I spotted the one and only, Spanish socialite and Haute Couture Icon Naty Abascal! Yes, the DIVA herself! She was there, also touring the newly-opened exhibit. I doubt anyone else in the museum recognized her but as a child who has been brought up by HOLA MAGAZINE and having just watched the Valentino Documentary, I sure as heck knew! La Diva: Nick spotted (and followed) Naty Abascal at Les Arts Decoratifs

She was in town for Haute Couture Week (I assumed) and was giving "Le Sport", in white skinny denim jeans, driving flats, a printed Pucci blouse with turned up collar and a sweater around her shoulders. Yeah, I have an AMAZING eye for detail. Don't even mess with it! As my heart began to palpitate faster (and David got farther and farther away from me), I wanted to approach her and introduce myself, but I decided against it. I should have. No Should've Would've Could've I like to preach, however, for this instant, I didn't follow my own mantra. Besides being at the unbelievable presence of Vionnet's creations, being near such a style icon as Naty Abascal, was really one of my highlights of my Paris trip. Really.
Well, time to bid Paris Adieu and make my way to Italy....
Nick on the TGV, Paris to Florence Italy

Nick Verreos Does Paris!!! Part Un!!

Louvre Dresses, French Onion Soup, and A Wet Eiffel Tower... Part One of my Paris tripGingham in Paris: Nick Verreos arrives at the Eiffel tower (pre-thunderstorm)

As part of my Europe trip, prior to going to Florence Italy for my speaking engagement, I got to enjoy several days in Paris. It was actually my first stop, before causing more "Uncle Nick" mayhem later, mais oui! Paris was simply gorgeous! As the iconic t-shirt says "Je HEART Paris". David and I stayed in a hotel near the Marais called the Hotel Gabriel. We loved it; it was a very chic, "boutique-style" hotel in a very centralized location. Pyramid Fever: Nick stands near the I. M. Pei Louvre Pyramid entrance

The staff was wonderful, the decor was minimalist and modern and best of all, the bathroom was FIERCE (trust me on this one, in Europe those hotel bathrooms can be questionable). And we loved all the French TV channels on our flat screen (whenever we were in the room!). Paris was very Michael Jackson crazy (it was right during his death) and that's all that was on TV, so we got "caught up" on all the drama, 5,660 miles away!Free Sundays at the Louvre: Can you find Nick?

Besides enjoying our petite boutique hotel we did do some sightseeing. We visited the Louvre, of course. It was a Sunday and for some reason, it was FREE!! I love FREE as much as I love the words "Hermes" and "Louis Vuitton" but the crowds were RIDICULOUS. There must have been hundreds of "le touriste paparazzi" trying to shoot DaVinci's Mona Lisa "La Gicconda"! She's the Lindsay Lohan of Paris.Sleeve Detail in a painting at the LouvreNIKOLAKI inspiration at the Louvre: The vibrant colors, the exquisite draping

For this trip to the Louvre, I decided to do more of a "fashion inspirational" tour and took photos of some great artwork which inspired me for the sake of fashion. Details of a fitted self-buttoned sleeve, a gentle cowl drape of a tunic, the vibrant colors on all those amazing religious paintings. David had the camera and I kept yelling "David--take a photo of that sleeve...of that neckline...of that brooch on a painting". It was quite funny (not to David).Eurotrash: Nick --Colette bag in hand--in front of the Place Vendome

It was Haute Couture Week in Paris and besides the regular Parisian crowds and tourists in their shorts and flip flops (I know, flip flops in PARIS-Mon Dieu! Gross!), there were also tons of fashionistas walking the streets near Rue de Rivoli and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. David and I stopped by Colette and did some retail damage naturally. I love that store.Not The Jules Verne Restaurant: For less than 20 Euro, Nick enjoys the most delicious French onion Soup EVER and salad, near the Eiffel Tower

During my stay in Paris, I couldn't miss visiting the Eiffel Tower. Our friends recommended we have dinner at the Jules Verne Restaurant on the second floor, however paying 200 Euro for an entree PER PERSON, me and wallet weren't "having it"! (note to self: Time to get friends with lower tax brackets). So, instead, we braved the lines and decided to go up the tower instead. However, unbeknownst to our non-umbrella-carrying selves, a major thunderstorm began its menacing attack on Paris--while we were waiting in the line, of course. Somehow, we still did it. The view was stunning since when we got up , the rain had ended and Paris was picture perfect.See you for Part Deux: Nick and David pose above the Seine River.......
And below is a fun little video:

Nick Verreos Speaks to Miami University of Ohio Students in Florence Italy!!!

Ciao from Firenze!!!!Nick Verreos and the Miami University of Ohio Summer Program Students--flanked by Director, Dr. Mark Bernheim (in purple polo and ivory cargo pants)

I am finally getting my (blog) house in order and getting into the "swing" of things now that I am back from my travels. I will start with my extra special "Speaking Engagement" that I was invited to be a part of in the most culturally vibrant city of Florence Italy. I was invited to come and speak to a group of Journalism Students who were part of the Miami University of Ohio "Summer School in Italy Program".Il Porcellino and il Designer: Nick Verreos rubs "Il Porcellino's" snout (it is said that if you do, you are sure to return to Florence)

After a scenically beautiful train ride on the TGV from Paris to Florence (more on that in another post), David (of course, he came with me) and I arrived in this city of Renaissance treasures ready for my engagement. Of course, we immediately began walking through the streets of Florence and headed directly to the iconic Duomo. The Duomo by Night, Florence Italy

The city was steaming with people. It was a hot summer weekday and it seemed just about every tourist in Europe was in Florence! Especially Americans; that's all we could hear. Even though I was there as part of a College "Europe Summer Program", I forget that Florence is such a yearly destination for American students--as well as their families. It was Cancun--in the middle of Italy--and with a heck of a lot more culture (and fabulous leather bags!).I've Arrived! Nick Verreos arrives at the Polimoda Institute

I was excited to meet my hosts, the affable (and rather stylish) Dr. Mark Bernheim, the enchanting Journalism Professor, Annie Blair and their Miami University of Ohio students. They were nothing but gracious, excited and effusive in their immediate welcome to David and I. The following day, after settling into my Florence hotel, and a few Caprese salads later, we got right down to "business". Our first stop was a very special invitation to the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing, one of Europe's top fashion institutions of higher learning.Ciao Bello: Nick Verreos with trusty guide--and Miami University Florence Summer Program local man-about-town, Alessandro

Along with our trusty guide, the very charming Alessandro ( in "man-pris" and Puma sneakers of course!), we headed to the former Villa belonging to the Strozzi family, which now houses the Polimoda headquarters. Is It a Museum? A View from Polimoda's gorgeous Library

We were treated to a wonderful lecture on fashion branding and marketing plus an introduction to the school and its programs. We even got to visit its fabulous library, with frescoes on the ceiling that rivaled a Medici Palace. I even met several Polimoda students who, by chance recognized me and were fans of me and Project Runway (I know, even in Florence Italy!).Polimoda Alta Moda: Nick Verreos poses with Polimoda student creations (all in denim) flanking the lobby/entrance of Polimoda Institute, Florence Italy

Afterwards, we headed back to the home of the Miami University of Ohio Florence Campus, where I was to give my lecture. I spoke to the students about my foray into fashion and how it became my life and my love. We also covered topics including marketing, "new journalism" (blogging) and of course some Project Runway dish (which of course they loved--"How was Heidi?" they kept asking). A View of the Ponte Vecchio, Florence Italy

After the requisite Italian "siesta", we all then met up for a sumptuous Florentine dinner at the elegantly appointed Golden View Open Bar Restaurant by the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, where I devoured what was simply the most delicious truffle oil ravioli I have ever had. View From the Uffizi Gallery Cafe: The Ponte Vecchio Tower

Besides the lectures, the Polimoda "tour" and my speaking engagement, David and I got to do the requisite museum visits and sightseeing, including the famed Uffizi (make your reservations online prior to going!) and the expansive Palazzo Pitti. The Pitti Palace was of course, the residence of the Medici's, but one thing I didn't know was that it was also the location of Italian Couturier Valentino's first ever runway show! Oh, and I also even bought a bag! When in Florence....you got to do some shopping.Valentino's First Runway Show: Was here, at the Pitti Palace

The Miami University students were some of the nicest group of students I have ever met--Along with Dr. Bernheim, all of them, made me feel right at home and as if I was a long-time friend visiting for the Summer. All of them genuinely approached me at the end and thanked me for coming and for giving them a little bit of "home" and of course, bringing a little bit of Project Runway and US pop culture to their lives.
Miami University Group Shot, Polimoda Institute, Florence Italy

As part of their Journalism curriculum, each student was required to start a blog while they are in Florence (I know--How great is that?) Click HERE and HERE for a few of the students blog entries on the day we spent together. They are so sweet to say such nice things....I was clutching my pearls!!!!!

Nick Verreos: Bon Jour!!!

American in Paris!: Visiting the Eiffel Tower (along with THOUSANDS of others!)

Greetings! Sorry for the lack of postings over the last few weeks but as you may have figured out from my previous posting, I have been in Europe for the last few weeks where I had the honor of giving a Fashion Lecture to the Wonderful students of Miami University of Ohio.

And with no rest for the weary, I am now in Miami, FL styling the lovely Chica Orbit Girl (Raquel Jimenez) to walk the Red Carpet of the Premios Juventud Awards in a NIKOLAKI dress!

I will, of course, blog about the Awards and all my many adventures in Europe in the next week.

Until then, make sure to tune in to the Premios Juventud Red Carpet Pre-show at 7pm on Univision and you will hopefully see Raquel wearing NIKOLAKI and maybe even see little ol' me!!

Nick Verreos to speak in Florence Italy!

Parle Italiano?The Duomo, Florence Italy

Well, kids, I am off to Europe!! Last month, I got a fabulous email--and lovely letter--from the Director of the Italy Summer Study Program for the prestigious Miami University of Ohio, inviting me to come to Florence Italy, to do a Speaking Engagement next week. For the last several years, they have had this amazing program, specifically geared for writing students of the University, which focuses on Feature Writing, interviewing, non-fiction travel pieces for student newspapers, etc. This year, they decided to "Bring on the Fashion", and by Fashion, that means ME! Since the kids are in Florence and the city has such a rich heritage of style, fashion, and particularly leather accessories. In case you did not know, Florence is not just the land of the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and Michelangelo's David. It is also the "birthplace" of iconic Italian brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo.Michelangelo's David, Florence Italy

Besides the requisite meet-and-greet lunches and dinners with the Summer Program students and the corresponding faculty, I am honored to be taking a tour with the Miami University Journalism Class of this special Summer Program at the Polimoda Institute, a nucleus of "fashion learning" in Italy. Afterwards, I will speak about "Fashion Communication", branding, give a little insight on my career--and of course, talk about my experience on Project Runway--and maybe tell a story or two about Heidi and Tim Gunn, my favorites! I have also been told, I may get a chance to check out the Pitti Filati shows while I am in Florence. The Pitti Filati shows are similar to the Pitti Uomo e Donna, but with more of an emphasis on textiles and knits. Needless to say, I am beyond eccitato! Figure Skating Ladies Final Auditorium: David Paul and Nick Verreos at the Tornio Olympics, 2006

The last time I was in Italy was three years ago when I was invited to the 2006 Torino Olympics to do some "fashion commentary" on the Olympic Figure Skating Ladies Final Costumes (Yeah, you read right!). Italian Bodyguards: Nick Verreos poses with the Carabineri, Tornio Italy, 2006

My design partner, David Paul and I had such an amazing time in Torino (we even made a side trip to Milan) and I am glad to be returning--but now this time, to another beautiful city in fabulous Italy! Maybe, I will get to take more photos with the sexy Carabineri (see above)--and get to see David (Michelangelo's) up close and personal.