Fashion Students Face Tough Times--Great CNN Article and video!

Advice to Fashion Students:Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos during one of his Workshops/Classes

CNN just published a very informative article about Fashion Students, the fabulous and very respected Savannah College of Art and Design, and the tough times that may be ahead for fashion design students--current or recently graduated ones. It is a "must read" for all Fashion Design students. Designer Isabel Toledo was at the illustrious school to receive the Andre Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award from the school and spoke about dressing First Lady, Michelle Obama, as well as gave out very important advice to the students at SCAD /Savannah College of Art and Design. PETA Would Not Likey: Andre Leon Talley giving you Fur!

Editor at Large for American Vogue, the "larger-than-life" Andre Leon Talley, holds an Honorary Doctorate from SCAD and is on the Board of Trustees, and therefore had this Award named after him.
Click HERE for the entire CNN article.
Husband and Wife Design Act: Designer Isabel Toledo and Illustrator/Artists Ruben Toledo

There is also a great accompanying video with wonderful advice from Andre Leon Talley, designer Isabel Toledo and her talented husband, illustrator and renown artist, Ruben Toledo. Here is the video:

Nick Verreos and Tim Gunn at the Project Runway Season 7 Casting!

Nick Reunites with Tim Gunn--and Zoe Glassner!Judges Get Your Pad and Pencil! Nick Verreos, Zoe Glassner and Tim Gunn at the LA Project Runway Season 7 Castings, W Hotel Los Angeles

This past Monday--yes, on Memorial Day--was the one and only Los Angeles Casting for next season's Project Runway. I know, we haven't even seen Season 6 and we are casting Season 7? Yep, that's how TV works kids! I was privileged enough to have been asked to join Fashion Mentor GOD, Mr. Tim Gunn, as well as the stylish and infectiously friendly Marie Claire shopping editor, Zoe Glassner for another run at finding America's Next Great Designer!The castings took place at the chic W Los Angeles Hotel in Westwood. Soon after I arrived at 9:30 AM, I made the mistake of grabbing my coffee and walking out into the gorgeous W Hotel pool area. It was a mistake because, of course, all I could think of was "Oh wait, I can't use the pool, I've got to work!" Not for Nick: The W Hotel Pool

It certainly was "all work and no play" as Tim, Zoe and I proceeded to see a day's full of aspiring Project Runway contestants, who came as far as Hawaii and Oregon (as well as LA, Palm Springs and the SF Bay Area) for "a chance of a lifetime" at this final LA Castings. Kicking Under The Table: Nick Verreos, Tim Gunn and Zoe Glassner prepare to see the aspiring designers

We saw many talented designers, assistant designers, store owners as well as fresh-out-of- fashion school students--some even from my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. There was DRAMA, snippy verbal fights and amusing adulations. I hope they caught it all on film--oh wait, I think there was a camera!! Could there be another "Road To The Runway: Season 7"? If there is, I hope it didn't catch Tim and I kicking each other under the table. Now, speaking of that W Hotel pool, I never got to use it, but Tim, Zoe and I did end our day with some yummy cocktails and spicy nuts at the adjacent W Hotel Whiskey Blue Bar. It was a perfect ending to a productive Memorial Day of Project Runway Season 7 castings.

Marriage Equality March in West Hollywood

A Fashionable Protest: Nick, Brook Lee and actress Amy Hill in West Hollywood
Our Best "We're Angry" Smile: Former Miss Universe, Brook Lee and Nick Verreos march in West Hollywood

Last night, David and I trekked it ALL THE WAY from our "bat cave" in Downtown LA to West Hollywood to join my Hawaiian sister, the gorgeous former Miss Universe, Brook Lee at the Marriage Equality March. What a Couple: NIKOLAKI designers David Paul and Nick Verreos

In case you were in your own cave and didn't hear, the California Supreme Court decided to uphold the ban on same sex marriage and within hours a protest march was organized. I was invited to join in by the NO H8 Campaign founders, photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley who sent out a "mass email" to come and march. Can We Have an Interview? Brook Lee and Nick Verreos get interviewed by the local media

We arrived into West Hollywood and met up with Brook at our "meeting point", the Santa Monica Blvd. restaurant and bar, Fiesta Cantina. I spotted actress Drew Barrymore, and said "hello". Before I could even finish my hugs and kisses, the No H8 Campaign "march organizers" were just walking out of the bar/restaurant, along with former Miss USA (and No H8 supporter) Shanna Moakler, Miss California USA pageant director Keith Lewis, and celeb blogger Perez Hilton. That's Drew: A partial view of the lovely Drew Barrymore getting interviewed by the media

The only reason we knew is because we immediately saw the photographers go crazy and realized A) It's either Britney coming out of Fiesta Cantina (Nope) or B) The Miss California/Miss USA brigade must be making their exit (Yes).Actress and Comedian, Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope

Along with Brook, I was happy to see the ever-so-fabulous Amy Hill, actress from "All American Girl", "That's So Raven" and so much more. She's Brook's very good friend and was there to march--along with her daughter Penelope. The five of us made our way to the "Starting Gate" of the March and listened to LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "Star Trek" actor George Takei as well as other notables give wonderful "Go Get 'Em!" speeches. I Do! Scene from the March in West Hollywood

All of sudden, from behind us came a shuffle and a push, and before we could slap someone for being rude, out from the crowd came comedian Kathy Griffin pushing her mom Maggie on her wheelchair--as well as her assistant, photographers and cameramen in tow. Miss Kathy never misses a good "press op", especially when it involves supporting "her gays"!
Thanks Brook, Amy and Penelope for the serene and funny company and for adding to what became a powerful night!
Click HERE for "Access Hollywood's" take on the "celeb factor" of the March and the night.
And below is the latest PSA/Public Service Announcement from the No H8 Campaign, which incidentally features Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope, as well as Brook Lee and her son Fynnegan:

Opening Night 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl !!

Music Gala Under The Stars!!!The Style Committee: Gala Co-Chair Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos at the Official Breakfast Opening Night 2009 Photo Op, the Hollywood Bowl

Recently, I was invited to be part of the Official Opening Night 2009 Hollywood Bowl Committee by my good friends Raymundo Baltazar and Jonathan Weedman. Raymundo and Jonnathan are one of only three couples to have the utmost honor to be the Gala Co-Chairs and naturally, I was beside myself to be part of this exclusive club spearheading the amazing fabulosity (to coin Miss Kimora Lee) that is to be the Opening Night at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
These Boots Are Made For Singin': Liza Minnelli at Opening Night 2008 Hollywood Bowl

Last year's Opening Night 2008 was spectacular, to put it mildly, which featured such stars as Liza Minnelli, B.B. King and an amazing fireworks display that lit up the Hollywood Hills like no other night! This year will be just as unbelievable! Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame 2009: Josh Groban and Kiri Te Kanawa

The first-ever inductees into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, Garth Brooks and John Williams, return to host as legendary opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the man with the angelic voice, John Groban, join their ranks---and get inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Opening Night 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl will be Friday June 19Th. The night will be a star-studded event with lots of special guests and even more special surprises! I am so proud to be part of this amazing committee and excited to make 2009 even "bigger and better" than last year's Opening Night. Tickets have sold like CRAZY! Fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl

The Grobanites--fans of Josh Groban in case you didn't know--are very faithful fans and will travel to the ends of the Earth---or Hollywood Hills--to see their one and only Josh (myself included!). But I am sure Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is bringing in her "Te Kanawanites" as well! Watch out , it will be a battle of the Grobanites vs the Te Kanawanites! I, for one, can't wait to be there to witness it!
Speaking of cutie--and very talented Josh Groban--click HERE for a very fun interview he just did for Good Day LA, the very popular Los Angeles Morning TV Show on Fox 11.
Hope you can join me!
Click HERE for ticket information.

Nick Verreos on Us Weekly Fashion Police

Nick's giving "Fashion Tickets"
In case you didn't know, I am one of the "Fashion Police" for UsWeekly's popular end-of-the-magazine column. I've been a "Fashion Cop" for over a year now and I admit, it's a lot of fun, getting these photos and trying to come up with something funny and witty to say. Sometimes I achieve it and well, sometimes I don't.
Just in case you have been near an airport newsstand lately (or the Dentist's Office), here's a Three-for-one: Three past "Fashion Police" UsWeekly issues and my corresponding--and sometimes not-so-complimentary comments.
*Click on images to enlarge

Larissa Ramos: Miss Earth Brazil 2009

Photo # 1 (Thanks to Larissa Ramos and her websites) Photo # 2Photo # 3Photo # 4Photo # 5Photo # 6Photo # 7Photo # 8Photo # 9Photo # 10 Name: Larissa Ramos Costa
Birthdate: February 4, 1989
Birthplace: Mananus Amazonas Brazil
Age: 20 years old
Height: 5 ft and 10 inches
Hair Color: Black
Eyes: Brown
Pageants Joined and Awards Earned:
-Miss Earth Amazonas 2009- Winner
-Miss Earth Brazil 2009- Winner
-Miss Earth 2009- Winner
-Top 15 Finalists- Best In Long Gown
-Top 15 Finalists- Bewst In Swimwear
Represented the state of: Amazonas
Photo Credits: All Photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Nick Verreos on New "No H8 Campaign" Behind-the-Scenes Video!!!!!

Nick says Auf Wiedersehen....


The always fabulous Trieu "Trusive" Le, the only (as far as I know) openly gay TV personality of Vietnamese-American descent just sent me this wonderful video he shot, in which he captured the Behind The Scenes action at the No H8 Campaign photo shoot, in which I was a part of. The video shows photographer Adam Bouska and his partner-in-crime Jeff Parshley,--as well as their loving mothers, getting ready for their "No H8" close-up.
You can also see former Miss Universe and Miss USA, Brook Lee (in a NIKOLAKI gown of course!) and Shanna Moakler getting ready for their iconic photo shoot. Sexy Reichen Lehmkuhl(doing push-ups), make-up artist from America's Next Top Model, Sutan, as well as others make special appearances. Speaking of "guest appearances", make sure not to miss my dog Benny, the other love of my life. Yeah, he's all up in there. Don't miss the ending!

Melody Gersbach: Bb. Pilipinas International 2009

Name: Melody Gersbach

Country: Philippines

Pageant Joined:

-Bb. Pilipinas 2009

-Miss International 2009

Photo Credits:

-Bb. Pilipinas

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Out and About: Nick Verreos at "Fashion @ The Grove"

Fashion..Under "The Grove" Stars!
Boys Under The Stars: Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos pose at The Grove CoOp Barneys New York Fashion Show

Last Thursday was a MAJAH (in Victoria Beckham's words) day for me: I was filming all day and had a 4 AM Wake Up Call time! I shot all these fun segments for MSN.com Style Studio and even got to meet the GORGEOUS Victoria's Secret Angel and SpokesGODDESS, Marissa Miller. My day was done around 4 PM, got home, took a "disco nap" and somehow, got the energy to attend a fun fashion show at one of LA's most famous shopping meccas, The Grove--that same night! Crest White Strips Smiles: Petro Zillia designer Noni Tochterman and Nick Verreos at The Grove

I was invited by my fabulous friends from S.PR to attend "CoOp Barneys New York presents Fashion @ The Grove", also dubbed a "fashion show under the stars". Anything S.PR puts on is DIVINE and always done right, so I knew I had to attend. It was to be a great evening to witness the latest and most stylish for Spring/Summer 2009 from featured LA and NYC designers like Alexander Wang, Trovata, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, APC, Petro Zillia and many more.I Want That Trench: Scene from the runway of "Fashion @ The Grove" fashion show

My "date" that night was my friend, Raymundo Baltazar, who was on my season of Project Runway, who actually held one of the first fashions shows at The Grove back in 2007 when he was working for Christian Audigier. Normally, as an LA resident, I try and avoid The Grove if at all possible. It's a "Disneyland" of shopping malls and I only visit if say, my family are visiting from out of town. Other than that, it's just "too much". That water fountain in the middle with the "Last Dance" by Donna Summer musical accompaniment always gets me! It's very "mini Vegas". But I was eager to enjoy a fashion show "under The Grove stars" for this one night. We sat front row center and took it all in. I was happy to be seated next to none other than the fabulously chic Monica Corcoran, LA Times Fashion Blogger and consultant for the new Project Runway season. I also spotted across from me, Sam Shipley , formally of Trovata, one of my favorite menswear lines of all time! As you may know, he and design partner, Jeff Halmos, broke from Trovata and began their own line, aptly named Shipley and Halmos. Petro Zillia designer, the colorful Nony Tochterman was there as well as LA Fashion "momma", Miss Cynthia Vincent, who lovingly made fun of me by saying "Oh Mr. TV Star!!!" when she saw me.Reunited...and it Feels So Good: Nick Verreos poses with models Anna Maria Mostrom and his Barbie Model, Chantal Jones, The Grove

The show was great! All the models (from LA Models) were perfect and all pros (I spotted my Barbie model, Chantal Jones, as well as others who modeled in the FIDM Debut 2009 Show). The clothing ranged from mini biker chic shrunken leather jackets, to cardigan and bow tied boys to floor sweeping draped jersey dresses. The styling, by Elizabeth Stewart, was exceptional. The models were "done and done" from the cutest hat to the fiercest platform spiked heel. Work those Booties Chantal: Model Chantal Jones on "The Grove" runway

This was an LA fashion show at its best. I think I might have just changed my tune towards visiting "The Grove"...Maybe next time my line NIKOLAKI, will be shown "under The Grove" stars....
Click HERE for a great little blurb about the event and fashion show on LA Mag.com.

Marlee Matlin wears NIKOLAKI again!!!

NIKOLAKI on the red carpet: Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin in NIKOLAKI cocktail dress

Last week, actress Marlee Matlin--and recent best-selling author of "I'll Scream Later"--was honored with her very own "Hollywood Walk of Fame" Star. If anyone is keeping score, it is the 2,383th Star. Amongst all her accomplishments in film and television, the most outstanding is that she was the youngest winner of the Best Actress Academy Award.

Later that day, following her induction ceremony on Hollywood Blvd, she hosted the fundraiser "Dancing Under the Stars" along with good friend, actor Henry Winkler. The event was also to congratulate Marlee for her new Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. Many celebs were on hand, including several former "Dancing With the Stars" contestants like Shannon Elizabeth and Kristi Yamaguchi. The 3/4 Shot: Close Up Detail of the neckline and sleeves of Marlee Matlin's NIKOLAKI dress

The beautiful Marlee walked the red carpet in a NIKOLAKI black stretch cotton sateen ruffled-neck cocktail dress with mini-puffy sleeves. Both David and myself were humbled and honored that she chose one of our designs to wear to a red carpet event. She told me that since "I had SO MUCH LUCK wearing your gown at last year's Oscars and got so much press for it...I wanted to wear NIKOLAKI again!"
We love you Marlee! You looked elegant and gorgeous.

Nick Verreos at FIDM DECA Event

Dateline: May 1st
Location: Anaheim, California
Reason: Nick Goes to DECA!Nick Verreos: Your Chair and Photos Await! DECA Conference, Anaheim California

On May 1st, I drove down to Anaheim California, otherwise known as the home of Disneyland, to make a special appearance for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, at the DECA 63rd International Career Development Conference. DECA stands for Delta Epsilon Chi. As I wrote in a previous posting, DECA is an international association of high school and college students who are studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service. DECA offers the students the skills, knowledge and experience to compete effectively in the national and international workforce. Pageant Wave: Nick waves to a photo-snapping DECA attendee

FIDM had a booth at the conference and invited me to come and do a "meet and greet" and sign autographs. As I arrived, I expected A) not so many kids to know who I was--since this really wasn't a "fashion school conference" and B) a quiet afternoon where I sat at the booth and waved to passers-by.
I was in for a major shock on both statements. Once I walked into the massive hall of the Anaheim Conference Center, I barely had time to put down my "man-bag" and get some water, as I was quickly directed to my position--front and center in the booth--and the growing line of over 100 attendees who had already been waiting for me! (I know, shut up!). FIDM Booth at DECA: You can see Project Runway Season 5 Winner (and FIDM San Francisco graduate) Leanne Marshall's gown from her Bryant Park Finale Collection on the mannequin

Incidentally, the "centerpiece" of the FIDM booth had one of Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall's dresses on display on a form--the final dress from her Bryant Park Show. Here's a secret: The dress was SO SMALL, they had to use a PRE-TEEN MANNEQUIN FORM---in order for it to fit! Yeah, Leanne's model was THAT SMALL!!!Get In Line: DECA attendees await a hug and a photo with Nick Verreos

For the next three and half hours, I met with students from all over the US. I took pictures with each and every one of them , as well as some parents and teachers who sneaked into line. I also signed photos that the FIDM staff had on hand and even did a special fashion illustration (or two) for some lucky visitors. All in all, I heard there were approximately 350 people who came by (I know that because we actually ran out of photos to hand out). I had such a fun time, the three hours felt like 20 minutes. It was NONSTOP meetin' and greetin'!

Future Project Runway Challenge: You must Re-Design the DECA blazer...

One of the highlights for me was finally getting to see those famous DECA navy blue polyester blazers with the patch emblem which all DECA students have to wear and dare I say, some are not too keen on wearing them. In fact, most of the students asked me (OK, they PLEADED!!) if there was ANY WAY I could "re-design" those blazers. Unfortunately, I told them, I couldn't help them with that.Are those necklaces for me? Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM DECA Booth Staff

But I did see that as soon as the students were done with their "competitions", they tucked those blazers away, threw on some shorts and flip flops and were well on their way to enjoying Disneyland. Trust me, when the signing was over, I was "that close" to doing the same and follow them! However, I had to return to my studio in LA-LA land and design some dresses...
Reporting from the 63rd DECA Conference in Anaheim California, Nick Verreos. Signing Out. Go DECA! And of course, go FIDM!

Avedon Fashion Exhibit Opens in New York!

Avedon Madness!

Veruschka, dress by Kimberly, New York, January 1967

Currently on display at the International Center of Photography Museum is a stunning retrospective of Richard Avedon 1944-2000. It is considered to be the most comprehensive exploration to date of Avedon's fashion photography during his long career at Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, The New Yorker, and beyond. All those iconic photographs that every student--as well as every true admirer of fashion-- knows and has ingrained in their minds are in the exhibit. Dovima, Twiggy, Verushka, Suzy Parker, they are all there, in their divine glory. Dovima, The Elephants..and me! Nick Verreos poses with "Dovima and The Elephants" by Richard Avedon, Washington DC

Incidentally, you can click HERE for a wonderful article on the "History of Models" on MODELINIA, which talks about Avedon and one of his most important muses, Suzy Parker.
The exhibition just began today and will go on until September 6TH of this year. I can't wait to go back to New York so I can check it out!
NY Times Fashion Editor Cathy Horyn always has something wonderful to say about everything fashion and you can click HERE and HERE to read what she thought about the Avedon Exhibit.

And finally, Click HERE to view an amazing slide show of the photographs on exhibit.

Talking With Tami: The Nick Verreos Interview!

Recently, Atlanta Georgia TV and web personality Tammie Reed of "Talking With Tami" interviewed me for her great "pinktastic" website and blog, TalkingWithTami.com. She's interviewed celebs from Usher, the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, to Garth Brooks. Oh, and now me. Love you Miss Tami and hope you liked my answers!

On the Carpet: Nick Verreos

TalkingWithTami: Hello Nick loved you on Project Runway! Since the show how has it changed your life?
Hi Tammie, thank you so much! My life has changed dramatically since the show. I definitely have to put on my “fashion” seat belt and gotten ready for an unexpected ride! When I did the show, I was designing my line, had done several LA Fashion Weeks and was teaching at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM here in LA. But immediately since being on the show, I began to get calls and emails about appearing on “Style Shows” and give red carpet commentary and be an “expert on E! and TV Guide Network, etc. Naturally I ran with it! I didn’t expect to–in addition to what I already do–to then have this new side life , but I love it and feel very comfortable doing it. Also, now more and more people have been exposed to my line, NIKOLAKI, and more stylists and publicists are requesting my gowns for their actress clients. So since the show, Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin has worn my gown to the Oscars, Heidi Klum on the Conan O’Brien Show, Kathy Griffin on the Bravo A List Awards, Tila Tequila on the MTV Movie Awards, actress Shelley Hennig at the Daytime Emmys, and so on. I’ve also recently begun meeting with various production companies about developing my own shows or hosting shows, which is very exciting to me. And I’m in talks with releasing my line on the web, so you can actually purchase my “red carpet gowns and dresses” on line–something on the line of “Demi Couture”–everything will be almost made-to-order. But everything is one step at a time of course.

Style Studio Barn Dance: Nick Verreos and his "girls" on the set of the MSN.com Style Studio

TalkingWithTami: Nick please tell us about your new show,Style Studio?
I was so excited when I was asked to join the “Glam Squad” of hair, make-up and style experts for MSN.com and its Lifestyle section. It’s called “Style Studio” and I am one of the style and fashion experts. I give great advice to women all over the country on what to wear for occasions, 3-day weekends, how to accessorize, how to wear the trends of the season, etc. We film it in NY and I love doing it. It’s also an honor to be with the likes of Scoop Boutique creator, owner, and fashion icon, Stefani Greenfield as well as all the other experts. This is the Third Season that I am part of and we just launched it last week!

CLICK HERE for the rest of the interview! It's GOOOOOOD!!!!!