Out and About: Nick Verreos at Palihouse

Jen Egan's Chic Birthday at the Palihouse West HollywoodBirthday 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.

Nick Verreos attends "Vision: The Party" in Downtown Los Angeles

Tortilla Paintings, Lucha Libre, a Fashion Show and a Miss International...All in One Night!Nick's Body Guard: Nick Verreos stands in front of a massive "Lucha Libre" sculpture

Last weekend, I attended a fun event titled Vision: The Party, Fashion, Art and Music. It was also the "official celebration" for the Birthday of Alejandro Laguette, an acquaintance from the LA fashion and film "circles". There was going to be a Gallery Exhibit of very eclectic Mexican-inspired art, a DJ for dancing, plus a fashion show as well. Only five minutes away from my studio: Sign me up!"Vision :The Party" guests and FIDM Debut 2009 designers Johnathan Webster and Adrian Manuel also pose in front of the Mexican Wrestler sculpture/statue

The party took place in the KGB Studio, located adjacent to the Chinatown area of Downtown Los Angeles. LA Chinatown is not exactly the Chinatown of, say a city like San Francisco. Let's just say it's not as iconic or postcard-perfect. This party, in fact, took place in an area not surrounded by Dragons and Chinese-food restaurants, but next to a slew of warehouses and other industrial buildings. It was definitely a place where tony types from Beverly Hills and the Palisades would be scared to leave their Mercedes Benz! Lucky for them, there was Valet parking. Vivacious Couple: Web show hostess Melissa Chataigne and Nick Verreos at "Vision: The Party"

As soon as I got there, I greeted the Birthday Boy and met his lovely--and very chic--parents, who hail from Mexico. The party was in full form, with over a hundred guests outside in the courtyard mingling, enjoying the Coca Cola and Rum--as well as the Tequila--bar.
Guests were already dancing the night away, under the Downtown LA skyline.Crowning Moment: Nuestra Belleza Mexico '07 (Miss Mexico) and Miss International '07, Priscila Perales

I was happy to run into the sexy Melissa Chataigne of Vivaciously Chataigne and I even spotted Miss International 2007, from Mexico, the gorgeous Priscila Perales (she was very incognito, but I still recognized all 5'10" of her!).Cantinflas Tortilla: Tortilla Art by Joe Bravo

Inside the studio, my friends and I ventured into the Gallery Space and surveyed the unique "Tortilla Art" by artist Joe Bravo. He and his wife introduced themselves, confiding to me that they were both great fans of Project Runway (naturally!). I especially loved his "painting" of Mario Moreno Reyes "Cantiflas", Mexico's answer to Charlie Chaplin. And my favorite was the one of Mexican cinema Diva, Maria Felix (and inspiration for my Spring 2009 Collection). I was about to inquire about maybe purchasing it until Alejandro told me that he had just bought it. Oh well!La Diva: Maria Felix on a Tortilla, art by Joe Bravo

The "crowning jewel" of the party was a fashion show by LA-based XR Collection and designers Xavier Othon and Richard Bowman. They also are the owners of the Los Angeles boutique by the same name, located on Beverly Blvd. I have been friends with them for AGES--and they were one of the first "mentors" who guided me through my fashion career. As a young and cute (stop laughing!) FIDM student of fashion design, I was even a Dresser at some of their fashion shows, back "in the day". Finale Tableaux: XR Collection models strike a pose

The designs on the runway were consistent with what XR Collection is known for: Lots of Glitter, Glamour and Fierceness; the perfect outfits to get your groove on--at a fun dance club, or at a house party in the Hollywood Hills! No Carb Zone: XR Collection menswear

There was sexy menswear as well; everything tight and definitely not for the guy who eats. There was even a Drag Queen (or two) thrown in for the "fierce" factor. Those girls on RuPaul's Drag Race Show need to call up Xavier and Richard because some of those outfits were out-of-control! XR Collection: One of my favorite looks from the show, a lemon yellow off the shoulder jersey dress

My favorite womenswear looks included a yellow off-the-shoulder jersey dress as well as the long white finale gown which featured a fishtail train (and you know how much I love a fishtail hem!). I could see a young Maria Felix in that gown for sure going to an event on Sunset Blvd--or to a fun party in the Chinatown Distric of Downtown Los Angeles!

Shoe Fetish: Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Honors Manolo Blahnik

Manolo, Lucy, Hillary, Nicky Hilton (and bad Season 2 Memories), plus the always FABULOUS Jennifer Coolidge...Nick Verreos Goes on a night out in Beverly Hills!

Shoes In A Box: Manolo Blahnik Shoe Couture at Rodeo 2 Event

This past week, I was invited to attend the 2008 Rodeo Drive Walk of Style honoring the one and only Manolo Blahnik. I asked my buddy, John Wade (from Season 2 and current Head of Merchandising at Marc Jacobs-West Coast) to be my date--he obliged of course.
We arrived at the event, and quickly walked through the red carpet step-and-repeat (when Lucy Liu AND Manolo Blahnik are standing right next to us on the carpet, there's nothing to do but sprint right along since no one wants a photo of us....).
However, as soon as we began walking up those Rodeo 2 Collection steps and found ourselves right behind Lucy--and her agent, Stephen Huvane. We knew this was A-List instantly! Once we braved the fully stocked bar and hors d'oeuvres lining the stylish cobblestone pavement of 2 Rodeo, we settled ourselves in to do some "fashion spotting" as well as ogled the stunning Manolo Blahnik shoes displayed throughout the party in enclosed glass cases (bullet proof I assume!). We eyed a fun mixture of old school Beverly Hills-Ladies-Who-Lunch-at-the-Beverly-Wilshire Hotel, young Hollywood girls, with a fashionista gay or two strewn in for good measure (oh, that would be John and I, sorry!). John instantly spotted Hillary Duff making a bee-line to the bar, looking pretty in a blouse and skirt ensemble and carrying a fabulous clutch.
I ran into my UBER- friend, the gorgeous Lily Collins (daughter of rock star genius Phil), in a black fitted skinny trouser suit and Pucci scarf. I met her mom for the first time and had her take a photo of us! I also spotted Nicky Hilton-- there with her mom and dad--wearing a red satin dress cinched with a wide belt. At John's behest, I approached her and said "Hello". I hadn't seen her since that fateful Project Runway Make-A-Dress-For-Nicky Hilton Challenge years ago when I was on Season 2 and thought it would be nice to say "Hello". She was shy and almost uncomfortable, thereby making me ill-at-ease. Noticing the awkward silence, she then proceeded to tell me how her and Paris had "hung out" with my Season 2 alumnus, Santino, recently at a party. Right about this time, my trusty confidante, John, grabbed my arm and I barely got to say Goodbye...
The night ended with a fun BANG, however, as we ran into one of my favorite actresses, Jennifer Coolidge--of Legally Blonde and Best In Show fame. John knows her because she's a loyal Marc Jacobs shopper and they discussed, amongst other things their LOVE for MJ. She was there with the dapper Michael Patrick King, executive producer of Sex And The City. It was a fun night overall.

The Oscar's in West Hollywood

Even though I am a fashion designer, living in Los Angeles, the land of film and entertainment, you can't help but get "caught up" in crazy La-La Land. I do feel detached because I am not really an actor or a producer or a director, so sometimes I am less interested in who wins what, and am more enticed by what the stars are wearing on the Red Carpet and what the supposed "fashion experts" will incorrectly say about their outfits during those pre and post shows.

For years, along with my partner, David, we would either go over to a friend's apartment and attend their intimate annual Oscar's Party or stay at home and eat a lot of chips and guacamole dip, drink lots of margaritas, and be our own "armchair" fashion critics. This year was different. I was invited to several of those exclusive "Oscar's Gifting Suites" that were occurring the days leading up to Sunday night's show. I attended most of them and got manicured, massaged and facial'ed. On Sunday, I was invited to several Oscar's viewing parties in West Hollywood and decided to throw our yearly pattern of staying home off kilter and get dressed up and go out!

First, we attended the Tom Whitman Presents Trevor Project/Instinct Magazine Oscar's Viewing Party at the Here Lounge . Season 3 model, and newly-transplanted Angeleno, Amanda Fields, also came along. Earlier in the week, we had fittings at my studio where she chose to wear a silver cowl-halter backless gown featuring a feathered silk attached skirt. She looked like a statuesque goddess in the gown. Once she stepped into the party, everyone wanted to come up to her to tell her how gorgeous she looked and how they loved her gown. She would quickly respond by telling them that it was one of my designs. I felt like a proud papa!

The party was filled with Gay A-listers such as Reichen Lehmkuhl, "Amazing Race" winner and former arm-candy/boyfriend to Lance Bass. Lance showed up, but quickly left after someone told him that Reichen was also at the party (Oooops!). I also said "hello" to J.P. Calderon, from "Survivor" and the "Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency Show" , who asked me when I would design a suit for him! He obviously never saw that last episode where I tried to make a suit for Daniel Vosovic!!!We hung out with "Amazing Race Season 7" boyfriends, Lynn and Alex and tried to watch the show ."Tried" is the operative word here, since there was so much going on at the party and it was so loud that the awards telecast was almost secondary to just socializing. The only time the party fell silent was when the Best Supporting Actress Award came up and Jennifer Hudson won. I think ALL of West Hollywood fell silent right then and there, quickly followed by loud yelling and screaming.

After the show was over, we quickly sauntered over to another party, DIVA and Metro Source Magazine's Oscar's Party held at the East West Lounge on Santa Monica Blvd. The whole time I was holding Amanda's gown as if I was a flower girl at a wedding. We immediately took photos on the lounge's "Red Carpet" and said hello to "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" Jai Rodriguez, designer Andrew Christian and other Southern California gay "glitterati". Actress Sara Ramirez of "Grey's Anatomy" was also at this party. We finally decided it was time to call it a night, drove home, put our pajamas on, and FINALLY watched the Oscar's as well as all those unending pre and post shows, in the comfort and privacy of our own "lounge". Thank God for TiVo.

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.