The Daily

Every time I am in NY, especially during Fashion Week, I cannot live without "The Daily" . Ok, to be honest , I cannot live without several things in New York, "The Daily" just happens to be up there! I wanted to thank the lovely--and fashionably investigative staff--for naming my little ol' blog as a "Link of The Day". I will try to live up to that honor .

Madonna, Headshot and Jean Paul Gaultier

Sorry for not posting something for a week or so but it has been a little hectic here in Los Angeles for me (Hectic in a good way). I am nearing the end of the Spring Quarter and had lots of Midterms and papers to grade, plus I am cutting orders for my line, Nikolaki and meeting with people regarding various future projects. I also somehow sneaked in a session with a great photographer, Johnny Nicoloro to take some new “Head Shots” for me. Yes, headshots, a clothing designer in 2006 now has to have headshots. We live in a crazy world!

Amongst all this, I did find time to take a little break last Sunday and experience Madonna’s “Confessions” concert Debut in Los Angeles at The Forum. Year’s ago, I had designed and made some outfits for Madonna’s iconic backup Diva, Niki Harris. She was the sweetest, kindest person, opening her home to me for fittings, and “dishing” about the Industry. This is the closest
“Six Degrees of Separation” that I got to Mrs.
Ritchie.
I expected to be entertained, shocked and to work up a sweat (I am a Madonna fan, for the last, well, 15 years!)and I was. The beginning, with the “W” magazine photo-video montage by photographer Steven Klein, and the whole Jean-Paul Gaultier/Hermes-meets-S & M Horse-riding costumes was one of my favorite sections of the whole concert. I especially loved the dancers and their saddle accessories on their shoulders and their horse-trotting inspired choreography. It was both innovative and sexy. She did several costume changes, going from velvet knickers-clad Madonna-on-a-cross with thorned crown to boot, to her ode to John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever” white 3-piece Disco suit.

I have to say, however, that there were moments in the whole concert where she could have “gone further” in terms of costume. I expected a little bit more in that department, and especially knowing Jean-Paul Gaultier was collaborating with her. His most recent Haute Couture collections have been breathtaking visions of the ultimate design.
Several seasons ago he paid homage to Africa by designing silk and leather bustiers based on African Tribal masks as well as chiffon gowns reminiscent of Garden parties in pre-colonial Kenya. Just stunning. A parade of these gowns would have fit perfectly in the section of the concert where photos of African children were splashed on the big screen. In my “fantasy” Madonna concert this would have juxtaposed the horror of these photos with the blinding beauty of these dresses all standing on her concert-stage-runway.

Most recently , his collection was inspired by Grecian beauties, with one particularly stunning red “bubble” gown that I could have just imagined Madonna come out on stage in. But in the end, I enjoyed the visual journey the concert put me through. If I had the money, or the connections, I would have seen it again.

Universal Beauty

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I first met actress/model and former Miss Universe, Brook Lee at the Los Angeles GLAAD Awards Gala. We instantly hit it off. Not only was she beautiful, she had an amazingly warm personality—rare in this town, especially for gorgeous girls like her. Before we knew it, I was slapping her hand as in a “High Five” and she was finishing my sentences with “OKAAAY!” What cemented our relationship was when she told me that Ali Landry (actress and former “Doritos Girl”) had crowned her when she became Miss USA. I designed the very same gown Ali wore to crown Brook Lee. Let’s just say it was fate that we would meet.

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Ali Landry and the Gown I designed for her when she gave up her Miss USA Title

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Brook told me she was flying off to New York to attend the launch of “Universal Beauty”, a book on the trade secrets of former and current Miss Universes. About 10 former Miss Universes would be in attendance, along with all of this year's 50 Miss USA contestants and “The Donald” himself. She was instructed to wear either black, gold or red. She called up my studio and we had a meeting. I designed a sexy one-shouldered silk charmeuse dress in Fire Red which fit her perfectly. When she returned, she came bearing gifts including a signed copy of the book plus her actual “Miss Universe 1997” sash. Well, I just about died, if you can only imagine. She warned me that if I slept with it, to be careful of the rhinestone crystals scratching my Duvet! Her sash is now draped on one of my forms and looks perfect with my gowns (and I have secretly worn it when no one is looking!).
*sorry for the grainy photos, if I find better ones I will replace these.

Zuleyka Rivera: In Casual Wear

Name: Zuleyka Rivera -Country: Puerto Rico -Pageants Joined: Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006, Miss Universe 2006 -Photo Credit: All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

I Love New York...Other Places Make Me Feel Like A Dork

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As Madonna says: "I Love NEW YORK!"

I just got back last night after my whirlwind trip! The Billion Dollar Babes event was, once again, a huge success and tons of fun. It was so great to meet some Project Runway fans and give them an opportunity to purchase some of my clothing. I was having a great time helping girls find the perfect piece from my collection that made them look and feel fabulous!! Daniel joined me Friday night at the VIP Preview Sale Hosted by Elle Magazine and we took a few pictures with Kate Nobelius who is one of the creators of Billion Dollar Babes and runs the PR firm Couch Nobelius. She is not only stunningly beautiful, but also a sweet heart and has been so supportive of me for the last 5 years!

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Having fun with Daniel!

Hangin' out and having fun

The next day I went to meet up with Emmett to say Hi and check out his new store. It is absolutely beautiful and he has done such a great job making it a perfect reflection of his great style and taste. When I walked in at around 3pm the store was packed with women enjoying Mother's Day and doing some shopping. We only had time for a quick Latte and conversation before I was off to catch my flight back to LA, but it was great to see him and his store doing so well.

Next up...Billion Dollar Babes in Los Angeles in June. I couldn't leave out all the West Coasters could I?!! More on that later. xoxoNick

Last Chance to RSVP

EVENT DETAILS AGAIN IF YOU HAVEN’T YET RSVP’D
Saturday, May 13 from 8am-6pm
The Altman Building
135 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves)
New York, NY 10011
Click HERE for directions

CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Remember, to expedite entry please print out your RSVP confirmation email.

FIRST TIME AT THE SALE? Click HERE to visit our FAQs page to answer your most commonly asked questions.

Don't Forget to RSVP!

Just a reminder to everyone on the East Coast!

Don't forget to RSVP to the BILLION DOLLAR BABES SALE. I will be there on Saturday (between 2-6), so come by and say Hello, shop and have a cocktail! It is alot of fun. Here is a sampling of what you might see on my rack:

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For all the info on the event click here to read my previous post

Las Chicas

I recently shot a pilot for mun2 where I was a fashion consultant for these two lovely latinas! We shot it here in Los Angeles at a great vintage store called Jet Rag. I always shop at this store anyway, so I felt right at home filming this segment. When and if it actually airs I will fill you all in.

Shop Til You Drop!

Alright all you East-Coasters! It's time to get your shopping on!! I am, once again, involved in a great sale that is taking place in New York. It is called
Billion Dollar Babes and is a fantastic event. There are some amazing bargains, plus they have an Open Bar!!! Here is your opportunity to get some Nick Verreos creations! Check out all the details below.
This is an RSVP event, so make sure to sign up below to attend!! Everyone is welcome.


New York event is on:
Saturday, May 13, 2006
8am-6pm

The Altman Building
135 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves)
New York, NY 10011

You must be a registered user to RSVP for this event. Register here

RSVPs close on Friday May 12th @ 4pm for this event

Want to come earlier?
Click_here to learn about our U.S. Membership Program.

May NY designer roster includes...
FOR THE BABES - up to 80% off:

Alex Gaines
Alice McCall
Alvin Valley
Anya Hindmarch
BellBinetti Clothing + handbags
Black Halo
Camilla + Marc
Coco Kliks
Cynthia Rowley
Diane Medak
Generra
Georgina Goodman
Geren Ford
Grey Ant
Groovygirl
Ingwa Melero
Isabella Fiore
James Jeans
Jenny Packham
Jessica Elliot
JohnsonKale
Laila Azhar
LefullL'or Designs
Mabel Chong
Mara Hoffman
Michelle Mason
Mimi Turner Handbags
Mona and Holly
Mon Petit Oiseau
Nicola Finetti
Nick Verreos/Nikolaki
Oliver Peoples
Paul Smith Eyewear
Petro Zillia
Samantha Treacy S
ingle /Dress/Kaya di Koko
Thickskin
Tree
Tocca
Toast
Tulula
Under
Uyen-Uyen Designs
Vicki Lynn
Vivienne Westwood
Wendy Hil
William B
Zimmermann

AND FOR THE BLOKES - up to
80% off WHOLESALE on:

BC Ethic
Dita
Eisbar
Energie
Freshjive
Grey Ant
GSUS
Howe
Joe's Jeans
Oliver Peoples
Romain Kapadia
Saa Z Designs
Serfontaine
Teenage Millionaire
Thickskin
Man
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*Designers subject to change...and there's more to come!

FIRST TIME AT THE SALE? Click here to visit our FAQs page to answer your most commonly asked questions.