Watch Nick Verreos on E! Latin America on "Style Star"!!

Latinos Con Estilo!

Nick With Subtitles: Nick Verreos on E! Latinoamérica Style Star TV Show

I had been traveling this last week doing events for Macy's in Chicago and in the Detroit area as well as an appearance in Boston for Emerson College when I got a "surprise" text from my WONDERFUL sister Rita Verreos--who happens to be vacationing in Panama with my Mom and visiting some family. My mother's family are originally from Panama--in fact, two of my great uncles were Presidents of that country!

But I digress...she text'ed me a photo of me on TV appearing on an E! Latinoamérica show called "Style Star"--yes, the SAME "Style Star" that has been shown here on the States in the Style Network.

Of course, I knew that my "Style Star" show was on the Style Network but had no idea--until my sister's text--that it was also being shown throughout Latin America! Needless to say, I was LOCO to find out!

Currently, they are showing the episodes where I--along with other style experts--give our "Style Two cents" on stars such as Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard, as well as Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham, among others.

Click HERE for all the E! Latinoamérica Programming and if you happen to be in Panama Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, or anywhere else where Spanish is the official language--turn your TV to E! and don't be surprised if you might see me--with subtitles--even though--since I am fluent in Spanish, they really didn't need the subtitles :)
Estrella con Estilo!!!

Style Week Orange County 2010-The Wrap Up: Nick Verreos Hosts 2nd Annual Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition

Style Week OC 2010 Ends on a Sporty Note!

And the Winner Is: Nick Verreos with Julia Nish, the Winner of the 2nd Annual Neelde & thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

Well kids, I am writing my last posting/recap of the AMAZING Style Week Orange County 2010! I started with the recap of the debut of our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (of course), then I wrote about the very creative Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns Competition and now, it's all about the last evening of Style Week OC and the 2nd Annual Ezekiel and Active Ride Needle & Thread Competition, all of which occurred at the Irvine Spectrum.

Style Week Orange County 2010: Ezekiel Fashion Show

Seven designers, Nick Gaska, Grace Sori Hwang, Julia Nish, Alejandro Ortega, Natalia Romano, Clay Sadler and Adrienne Young--all graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM-- competed in the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Competition, and also for the prize money in the Needle & Thread Contest. Their task was to create a group of looks that would go well with the Ezekiel brand (active/surf sportswear for a hip teen-twenty-something customer) and the Active Ride (surf, skate, snowboard and everything in-between!) store.

Designs from Natalia Romano for the 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

The Surf and Activewear business in Southern California is one of the hottest fashion markets in the country and this was a GREAT opportunity for these young designers to dive right in. (Pun intended!) They were given a certain amount of time, a budget and also had time to research the brand and even meet with its design team.

Winning Design: A look from Julia Nish's designs for the 2nd Needle & Thread Competition

The Winner would get the chance to have their winning designs included in the Ezekiel Spring 2011 Collection and then produced and sold! The winner was Julia Nish--who indecently ALSO won the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Contest! (a double whammy for Ms. Nish!). The judges, who included myself, design director of Ezekiel womenswear and last year's winner, Adrian Manuel.

2009 Needle & Thread Design Contest Winner Adrian Manuel and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2010

We judged on whether or not it was in accordance to the Ezekiel brand, if it went well with the customer, did the clothes look like something the Ezekiel and Active Ride-shopping girl would like, wear and buy? All of that, plus, of course, was it cute? Julia obviously hit all the right notes.

Nick "Hearts" Active: Nick Verreos, Style Week OC Active Ride VIP After Party

Afterward, there was an Invitation-only Style Week OC After Party, at the Active Store in the Irvine Spectrum Center. There was VIP shopping (of course), a wine and Champagne Open Bar, and even an Active Ride Photo Booth.

OC Studs: Nick Verreos with the Active Ride Irvine Spectrum Center "crew" manning the "After Party VIP Guest List"

I got to film a fun "runway" segment with FIDM Productions, who were on hand to capture all the After Party fun. It was especially great to re-connect all my Active Ride "buddies" whom I had met last year when I hosted and judged the first "Needle & Thread Competition".

OC Step 'n Repeat: Nick Verreos, Rita Verreos and David Paul, Style Week OC 2010

My sister, mom, and even my precious niece (yes, the one I designed my Project Runway-winning Barbie for) were still in town and able to attend the second night of Style Week OC so of course, they came along for the "Style Week OC After Party" ride!

Uncle Nick: Nick Verreos with his niece, Casia Kennedy and sister Rita Verreos

They had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the fashion, as well as the gorgeous weather Orange County bestowed us! Here's to another fabulous and very fashionably successful Style Week Orange County!

ATTENTION San Antonio: Nick Verreos is coming to IADT!

Poster/Invite to IADT San Antonio's Imagine 2010 Fashion Show

Last year I co-hosted International Academy of Design and Technology's/IADT Imagine 2009 Fashion Show and I guess it was such a hit, they invited me back this year! This time around, I will be hosting the Imagine 2010 IADT Runway Fashion Event on March 19th (next week!) along with my beautiful sister Rita Verreos. Brother and Sister Act: Rita Verreos and Nick Verreos at the 2009 IADT Imagine Fashion Show

This is now going to be my 3rd time back to IADT San Antonio and they always put on a great event! And proceeds will benefit the non-profit Career Education Scholarship Fund. I love coming to San Antonio because my family lives there so it's a great excuse to see them!

DETAILS:
*Doors will open at 6 p.m. *Photo and interview opportunities also will be available beginning at 6 p.m. *7:00pm Runway Show *9:00pm Fashion Club After-Show Party *Tickets are $15 - $35 (great prices!!!) and are available for purchase on ticketmaster.com.

Come enjoy a fabulous night of fashion and support the San Antonio Designers of tomorrow! Hope to see you there!

Nick Verreos "Pageant Talk": The Miss California USA 2010 Edition

Sashes, a NIKOLAKI Gown, and Michael Phelps?
Crowning Moment: Miss CA USA 2010 with Rita Verreos (my sister) in a Nikolaki gown, handing the bouquet

A couple of months back, in November, the Miss California USA 2010 Pageant took place. Keith Lewis, its director, asked me to be a judge but unfortunately "duty calls" and I had to fly to Miami to film one of my Sears Holiday Gift segments for Despierta America. But my sister, the lovely Rita Verreos was there. Meagan Tandy, Miss CA USA 2007 and Rita Verreos at the recent Miss CA USA 2010 festivities

My sister, who was a former Miss Venezuela contestant "back in the day"--is now a very sought after Pageant Coach. She has helped many a hopeful Miss California USA contestant to walk, talk and act like she already has the crown on her head. This year, the pageant was held in Rancho Mirage at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Of course , the Miss California USA Organization and Keith Lewis have been in the news as of late because of all the events surrounding Carrie Prejean, her eventual dethronement, and all the subsequent backlash. So, more than ever, a lot of people's eyes were on this pageant.Crownin' and Sashin': Rita Verreos, in ivory Nikolaki gown, stands onstage at the Miss CA USA 2010 PageantBack View: Rita Verreos in Nikolaki gown, Miss California USA 2010 Pageant

For the pageant, my sister wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns of course--an ivory silk crepe column gown with a draped bust and embroidered back which I designed years ago ("vintage" Nick Verreos). Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA 2010

The winner of the Miss California USA 2010 Pageant was a 24 year old from Ventura County named Nicole Johnson. She's very pretty and has a resemblance to singer Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls. She does come with a bit of gossip as well (it wouldn't be Miss California USA without it!): She used to date Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. I'm sure this little bit of dish might bring some added attention to her when she goes to Las Vegas for the 2010 Miss USA Pageant in April. Or maybe not. My pageant spies told me that the actual crowd favorite was former UCLA Bruin Women's Volleyball player, six foot one inch tall Nana Meriwether who represented Beverly Hills. And the Winner Is: First Runner Up Nana Meriwether (left) and Miss CA USA 2010, Nicole Johnson (right)

The "pageant talk" was that Nana had everything: The stunning all-over beaded open-back gown, the poise, the DIVA walk. Who knows why she didn't get the top crown? Maybe next year she will be the winner (they can try again and again in the Miss CA USA rules). Speaking of gowns, from what I can see in the photos, they looked quite nice. At least there weren't too many clear stripper heels and I-just-bought-this-in-Santee Alley Downtown LA dresses.
Except... Ironically enough, the winner's dress was, to put it nicely, not so good, if not the worst. From looking at these photos (see close-up above) and from reading the blogs of guests who were there, Nicole's burnt orange/red halter gown looked ill-fitting and a bit on the cheap side. Maybe for the Miss USA 2010 Pageant, she'll give this one to "Pageant Goodwill" and her First-Runner Up, Nana Meriwether, will let her borrow hers.

Good Luck to Nicole and the rest of Keith's Miss CA gals!
*A Special 'Thank You' to Husam Abedaker for some of the photos used here.

Nick Verreos enjoys "A Night of Emotion" at LA Dogworks!

Vampires Like Dogs...Orange Carpet: Nick Verreos at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

Yes, it's orange. But it's still a "red carpet". Last week, before my trip to Orange County to attend and judge Style Week OC, I was invited to "A Night of Emotion", an event benefiting Good Dog Animal Rescue as well as to raise awareness for the National Service Dogs Foundation and Fidelco Guide Dogs Foundation. Not Benny: Rita and Nick Verreos hold a Chihuahua puppy at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

As some of you may know, I own a beautiful Dachshund/King Charles mixed dog whom David and I rescued over a year ago, so ever since, I have become a "Dog Poppa" as well as a big supporter of all things canine. LA Dogworks is a fabulous "Doggy Hotel"/Kennel where we leave Benny when we have to go out of town (insert "sad face" here) and the location of this "orange carpet" event.Sisterly Love: Rita Verreos in ivory and printed silk charmeuse NIKOLAKI dress, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I didn't bring Benny so instead I brought my sister, Rita Verreos, who had been visiting in Los Angeles while filming a pageant runway coaching video (she coaches pageant girls by the way).
She came over to my studio and of course I let her borrow a little NIKOLAKI cocktail dress for the occasion. I showed my sister where Benny stays while we are away and we enjoyed some delicious Joe's Pizza slices as we surveyed items up for auction. Dog-Loving Couple: Actors Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin from HBO's "True Blood"

I spotted Stephen Moyer and his fellow "True Blood" actress Anna Paquin. Aren't they engaged? I wanted to say "Hello" to Anna and commend her on how pretty she looked but it was a "No-Can-Do" situation: She was either holding on to Stephen for dear life and looking frazzled, or she was surrounded by too many people. I didn't want to be an added bother, as they say.Nick Verreos and stylists George Blodwell, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I did get to hang out with stylist George Blodwell (clients include Bill Maher, Helen Mirren), who was looking very dapper as always. The event was great and I'm glad to have attended for such a good cause. I think my Benny would have enjoyed it though. Maybe next time!

Nick Verreos Hosts Fashion Show in San Antonio

Bow Ties, Dreaming of Mint Juleps, and Marie Antoinette Fashions....in Texas!!!
San Antonio (Fashion) Prom: Nick Verreos poses with his sister Rita

Last week, I was flown to San Antonio Texas to co-host a fabulous fashion show titled IMAGINE 2009. IMAGINE 2009 is the "Graduate Fashion Show" of the newest fashion school in San Antonio, the International Academy of Design and Technology/IADT, which opened its doors only two years ago. I was extra excited when I got the call, since as I stated previously here on my blog, my mom and dad--as well as my sister and her children--live there, so it was a great excuse to visit them. Even if it was for a quick couple of days. My family picked me up at the airport and they immediately took me to their favorite "Chinese Buffet" restaurant. My nephew and niece love this place and I can't turn down a good buffet. It almost seems like EVERYTHING in Texas is Buffet style. All big and all plentiful. I love me some Texas!Loosen That Damn Bow Tie: Nick Verreos poses with San Antonio native and Ford model Randy Valle and friend at IADT's IMAGINE 2009 Fashion Show

After a fun and relaxing night playing the part of "Uncle Nick", I headed to the grand Omni Hotel at the Colonade, to check in and get ready for my big night of fashion. I decided to wear a beige suit and colorful Marc Jacobs bow tie---I was trying to vibe a "Southern Gentleman/Dandy sitting in a veranda sipping on a Mint Julep" but ended up looking like someones "kooky" uncle!
Nice Beard: Rita Verreos interviews her brother Nick for LatinFusionTV.com

I arrived an hour prior to the start of the event and the place was already a buzz with hundreds of people in their best "fashion show" outfits. As I started seeing all the people, from cocktail dresses to full-on "Miss Texas" gowns, I almost wanted to run back to my hotel room and change into a tuxedo! I almost felt under-dressed! Brother-Sister Act: Nick and Rita Verreos (she is wearing a NIKOLAKI gold beaded one-shoulder dress, naturally)

But I didn't have time to go back to the hotel since almost the minute I got there-- with barely enough time for a final spritz of my travel-size cologne--I was whisked off to do pre-interviews with the local media. One, which I was excited to do, was with my sister, Rita Verreos, who was reporting for LatinFusionTV.com, a San Antonio-based entertainment website.
The San Antonio Carolina Herrera: Carol Reyes' pretty cocktail dresses, IADT IMAGINE 2009

Now lets get to the fashions: This year's San Antonio IMAGINE 2009 Fashion Show consisted of 25 designers, each showing about 5 original designs, which (do the math) totaled to more than 125 outfits. One Shoulder Chic: An emerald green organza design by graduating designer Carol Reyes

The designs consisted of a wide range from sportswear, juniors styles to cocktail dresses, to full-on Marie Antoinette-meets-a-Venice-Masked-Ball costumed gowns. There was also a designer who did menswear (with toned and muscled male models that really got the crowd all "hot and bothered" including all the young girls who were screaming). Another designer even did Mommy-daughter as well as Daddy-son designs (she had double the work!).Masked Ball: A panier-ed cocktail number from the IADT IMAGINE 2009 show

All that was missing was a Maternity Collection! For a school that has only been up and running for two years and considering this was their first batch of graduating designers, I applaud every single one of them. There was so much creativity and originality from these kids. Congratulations to them for all their hard work and for allowing me to enjoy their designs--even from my "Emcee Podium" off to the side.IADT graduate designer Alfredo Leija and his colorful designs

I was invited to co-emcee along with the host of San Antonio's Number One Local Entertainment/Lifestyle Program Great Day SA on KENS 5, Bridget Smith. I had never met Bridget, until the very minute I was led up to the stage and the producers said "OK, Nick we're ready to begin...oh and by the way... meet your co-host Bridget Smith...". She was wearing a bronze satin strapless bustier mini dress, great heels and a long beautiful blond mane of perfectly coiffed curls. So you know, right then and there I was like "You are FABUUUUUULOUS Miss Bridget!". I guess she liked that because we instantly hit it off. Bridget and I introduced each designer and then did our own fun banter in between (to kill time and make sure the models were ready for their next segments) for the entire 2 + hours of the show. A Mint Julep would have been very nice after all that!Nick Verreos and co-host Bridget Smith (far right), host of KENS 5 "Great Day SA", the No. 1 Local Entertainment/Lifestyle Program (with Tanya Sammis of Mason PR)

Bridget and I had the BEST time. Even though we had never met or worked with each other, it was as if we had done this before together and for a LONG TIME!!! Not only was Bridget a class act in terms of her professionalism and demeanor, she was so great with the off-the-cuff filler and banter. She made the emceeing go as smooth as the silk dresses we witnessed on the runway. I later found out that she wrote the most beautiful blog posting about her experience as well as meeting me. You can read it HERE. I "HEART" Bridget!IADT San Antonio Campus Lobby

The following day, I spoke for over an hour to all the incoming new students (it was "Orientation Day") about my experience in this crazy world of fashion design, the ups and downs in my 15+ years as a designer, pattern maker, instructor, as well as gave them some behind-the-scenes on Project Runway. Oh and I also told them to take all those nasty Facebook/MySpace photos of them shirtless doing a "woo hoo!!!" down (if they had any), since both college advisors and future employers are ALWAYS looking at those sites...I reminded them that they are not party hookers but future designers...Get In Line: Posing for photos with Nick Verreos

Afterward, I posed for photos and even signed some autographs. The fact that no one fell asleep at my lecture/seminar meant (for me) that I had done a good job! Thanks San Antonio and thanks IADT--and especially it's President Lisa Kamenick for making me feel "at home" and for treating me so well.Parting Shot: Uncle Nick says "Goodbye" to his nephew and niece, Alain and Casia at the San Antonio International Airport

The new Miss California--and the Nick Verreos "connection"

California Pageant GirlsMy sister with the Miss California USA '09 Winners

Last weekend, the new Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA for 2009 were crowned in the fabulous Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Spa. The winners were the tall blond Miss La Jolla, Carrie Prejean and 17 year old Chelsea Gilligan. I, unfortunately, could not attend but my sister, the beautiful Rita Verreos was there. She was invited to the lovely desert city, because Rita actually trains the Miss California's in their runway walks, posing, speech and everything else that makes them then go on to perform so well at Miss USA--as well as in life.
As much as people like to "hate" on pageants and the crazy world that surrounds them, all the training that occurs does lead these young women to fulfill their best potential. My sister--a product of the enviable Miss Venezuela Organization training--can attest to this.Nick Verreos and E! Academy Awards Models: On the far right is Carrie Prejean, the future Miss California USA '09

I'm not sure if the new Miss California USA, Carrie, remembers this, but she actually modeled for me, earlier this year, when I filmed the E! Entertainment Pre-Academy Awards Fashion Show Special. I told her how GORGEOUS I thought she was and how she should be Miss California USA! Well, I was about nine months ahead of myself! Because she did! Rita Verreos (in "vintage" Nick Verreos design) and Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 from Texas

At this years gala, my sister Rita wore a vintage Nikolaki/Nick Verreos silk charmeuse bias cut gown which I made over 12 years ago for her! And ( as she reminded me), it was all HANDMADE!!!!! I don't know if my sewing machine was not working or I wanted to be "couture" but I believe her! Her memory is better than mine. Meeting of The Pageant Minds: Shana Moakler and Rita Verreos at Miss California USA '09 Pageant, Palm Springs

She said she had a great time and had fun hanging out with Crystle Stewart, the gorgeous Miss USA 2008 from Texas (whom my sister also helped train), actress and model Shana Moakler (who became Miss USA 1995 when the actual Miss USA, Chelsi Smith won the Miss Universe title) and choreographer and former dancer/actor Cris Judd.

Amanda Lepore and my friend YOZMIT/Miss Yo, in NY!!!

Miss YO Hits Amanda Lepore's Birthday in NY!!!Cleavage Darling: Amanda Lepore and my friend, Miss Yo, at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party

One of my oldest friends---and former FIDM school mate from AGES ago (I'm not tellin')---moved to the Big Apple about a year ago (after stints in Los Angeles and Paris) and has now become part of the fashionable NY nightlife "glitterati". I miss my Miss YO (as I affectionately call her but she goes by Yozmit, her stage name) and our going-out days. She was a muse and a source of inspiration during my "early days" when I was breaking into the Los Angeles fashion industry. Vintage Nikolaki: Rita Verreos (in Nikolaki gold silk gown), Nick Verreos, and Miss Yo (in black veil and gold "crown"), and model in Nikolaki

In fact, she came to each and every one of my early fashion shows and even opened my Fall 2002 NIKOLAKI "Morocco" Collection with an incense-burning catwalk that people still remember to this day!
Yozmit is doing amazingly well, where she is known for her performance art and dance pieces she does for various organizations and putting on fabulous theatrical shows. In fact, several months ago, she even performed in front of Madonna and Justin Timberlake (I know!) at Madonna's VIP after party.Beret Queen: Yozmit at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party

Well, I was so jealous when she sent me these photos of her at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party last week, celebrated, where else? New York City of course. I wasn't invited (I'm too old and far too not-so-fierce to be part of that "In" Crowd), but Yozmit was there, soaking it all in. Lips and Bust: Yozmit, Birthday Girl Amanda Lepore, and Narcissister-- Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party NY

Yozmit wore a fitted khaki jacket with Edwardian sleeves, a gold sequined beret, denim mini skirt, a tie-front striped blouse and a fur coat (or was it part of her purse?). Miss Lepore, on the other hand, was giving you CLEAVAGE darling (quelle surprise) in a very fitted silver and black PLUNGING neckline dress. Those nails look DEADLY Miss Amanda! Love them! Hope she didn't scratch my little Miss Yo.