Nick Verreos and "Models of the Runway" Lisa Blades at FIDM!

Class is in Session
Cute Couple: Nick Verreos with model Lisa Blades in one of his FIDM classes

This Fall Quarter, I taught a class called Elements of Fit at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM LA Campus, where I instruct students in fit, sizing and the importance of fit models. And of course, as a highlight of the class, I bring in a real live fit model. I wanted to surprise my students and I brought the fabulous six-foot stunner Lisa Blades (she'll demurely tell you she's ONLY 5'11"). Bryant Park Lisa: Lisa Blades models Carol Hannah Whitfield's gown at the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Season 6 Finale

You might recognize Lisa from the Lifetime show Models of The Runway as well as being one of two model "Muses" on my website, NIKOLAKI.com. I just love Lisa and I am happy to consider her a friend. She is a perfect size 4 and I D-I-E (sorry Rachel Zoe) over her 50" outseam (waist to floor) measurement. DIE!!!!Take Notes Kids: Lisa Blades in a NIKOLAKI muslin strapless gown, and Instructor Nick

I had her model various garments from my line NIKOLAKI, some that fit good and some, not so good, to show the students the difference. I also brought some of my Muslins/Toiles, samples made in unbleached cotton made for fittings, for Lisa to try on to show my students "the process" one has to go through in making a collection.We Love Lisa: Elements of Fit Class Fit Model session, Instructor Nick Verreos, Lisa Blades and student Earl Alcantara

The students were so excited and got all into the "Fit Model" session. They especially loved seeing Lisa and as a result, took lots of photos. Lisa was a gem, naturally, with all the attention and a perfect fit model for my class.
All Photos (except Bryant Park runway photo) taken by Eimi Akamura

Nick Verreos Fashion Pageant Gown Police

Rating the Gowns at the "World Designer Awards and Fashion Show" at Miss World 2009
The 59Th annual Miss World beauty pageant--the "biggest one of them all" , at least in amount of contestants: 112 !!! (Miss Universe had "only" 84)--is occurring in Johannesburg, South Africa. The final live telecast is not until December 12Th but already lots of pre-final events are happening as we speak (or as I type), including the Miss World Sports (who's the best in sports), Miss World Talent (who performs the best), Miss World Beach Beauty (who looks best in swimsuit) and Miss World Top Model (who best models on the runway). That is a lot of Pageant Craziness!!! In addition to these, there was also a World Dress Designer Fashion Show and Award which happened last week in Turbine Hall, Johannesburg. Miss Sierra Leone (and her gown) took the Grand Prize--followed by Miss South Africa and Miss Jamaica (see above). After looking at some of these gowns, you KNOW "Pageant Nicky" had to give his two cents:

The Winner (of the World Designer Award") was...
Miss Sierra Leone, with an interesting fitted gown which was one of my favorites. It fit beautifully, looked well-made, modern, elegant and had DRAMA. But yet, I couldn't help but think "Gosh, it reminds me so much of....Rami Kashou's gown from his Project Runway Finale Collection". It was very similar: The shape and especially, the ruffled shoulder Caplet piece. I'm not implying that it was a copy, I just found the similarities interesting. Miss Sierra Leone deserved the win and I thought it was a great dress.Now that wasn't the only similarity I noticed from the photos of this Miss World Dress Designer Award Fashion Show: Miss Japan wore a royal blue gown that looked a lot like the one...worn by last year's Miss World, Ksenia Sukhinova from Russia. The same bust and torso shirring, beaded halter neck detail and the same cheesy "car wash" effect. I love the color and the be-jeweled neck accent but THAT car-wash bottom part is SO 1994!
Besides the above "copy cat", there were some beautiful gowns at the Miss World Designer Award and Fashion Show. One of my favorites was this Grecian Goddess (quelle surprise!) apple green gown (above) worn by Miss New Zealand. I was just happy that she wasn't showing distracting cleavage, a high (I shaved my ENTIRE leg) slit or wearing those AWFUL clear Lucite Stripper Heels.
Another stunner was Miss Guatemala, who wore an elegant, red carpet worthy tulle, organza and gold strapless gown down the runway. She looked perfect. Her hair was clean and modern and her accessories were simple yet chic. Somebody is coaching her right! Loved her!Peacock Crazy: For some reason, there were lots of peacock feathers at this Miss World Dress Designer runway show. Case in point: Above, we see Miss Cote D'Ivoire (that's Ivory Coast for non-francophiles) and she wasn't the only one...Miss Guyana was also featuring some peacock feathers worthy of a Shirin-from-Season-Six-Project-Runway dress. I didn't know that there was a Michaels Arts and Crafts store in Guyana?! Now I do.Boobies and a High Slit: A Big No-No, in my book. Miss Angola is very beautiful but really? I can just hear the designer now: "It's going to be PLUNGING up there and OPEN down here!" This is not the red carpet for the Las Vegas Stripper Convention, it's Miss World! Time to add a little bit of class. Is that too much to ask?Another mess was Miss Latvia. You gotta love those girls from Eastern Europe. Why do I just feel like they would be great girlfriends to bring to a Gay Bar? They always bring some of the "Gown Crazy" at these international pageants. This canary yellow polyester satin (the puckering in those seams tell me that is NOT silk!) gown with "peek-a-boo" black bust cups is just...well, best left for the Best Drag Queen in Latvia Pageant. And I'm sure it would be FABULOUS!!!But the winner of the worst dress at the Miss World Designer Dress Fashion Show was this pouffy gown seen here on Miss Germany. Bless her heart. She either A) Has no fashion sense. Or B) made her designer really mad! She's so cute and demure but this is a HOT PROM MESS. I would have rather seen her in an Oktoberfest Dirndl! Heidi Klum: We need you!

Until next time kiddies... "Pageant Nick" will continue to be on the lookout for all the Best and WORST Pageant Fashion!

Sandra Seifert: In Swimwear

Name: Sandra Seifert

Country: Philippines

Pageants Joined:

-Miss Earth Philippines 2009

-Miss Earth 2009

Titles Won:

-Miss Earth Philippines 2009

-Miss Air 2009

Photo Credits:

-Daniel Tan

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Carlisa Maneiro: In Swimwear

Name: Carlisa Maneiro

Country: Venezuela

Pageants Joined:

-Miss Margarita Island

-Miss Earth Venezuela 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Nick Verreos Appearance at the Corcoran Washington DC--Dec. 9Th !!!

I'm Coming Back To Washington DC!Mr. Verreos Goes to Washington...Yes, I was beyond excited when I received an invitation to speak at the esteemed Corcoran in Washington DC. Tim Gunn as well as Project Runway Season 3 Winner, Christian Siriano, have both had lectures there so I am in good company, as they say. What: An Evening with Nick Verreos & FIDM
I will be speaking about fashion, being an instructor at FIDM, my TV red carpet work on TV Guide, E!, dressing stars for the red carpet, my experience as a Judge on this season's Project Runway and much, much more. This will also be the ONE and ONLY time Washington DC will be able to see a special viewing of FIDM's Debut 2009 Fashion Show, which celebrates the creme de la creme of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
A fabulous "Meet and Greet" reception will follow!

When: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7 p.m. For more info. and purchasing tickets: Click HERE

Nick Verreos LOVES The Pelican Hill Resort

Resort Rewind...OC Style!Welcome to your Bungalow: Nick Verreos stands in the entrance of his one-night Bungalow

About two months ago, I was invited to Irvine, CA on two occasions within the same week: First to do a LIVE segment promoting Style Week OC on Good Day LA TV Show and then, to host Style Week Orange County 2009 and judge the fabulous Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition. Bienvenue: David Paul at the entrance of one of the Pelican Hill Resort Bungalows

Both separate times, the clients put myself and my trusty NIKOLAKI design partner--and unofficial president of the "Nick Verreos Fanclub"--David Paul, in the most GORGEOUS Pelican Hill Resort. I have been waiting for the right time to get in a "resort feeling" to show some of the photos here on my blog--and no better time than now, during the Thanksgiving Weekend when all your are supposed to do is relax and do nothing. I wish I was THERE now, doing just that!Style Week OC Runway: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC, September 2009

Words do not describe the immensity of this resort. The Pelican Hill is located in Newport Coast, not far from my Style Week OC Appearance, which was at the Irvine Spectrum Shopping Center. From the minute you drive up, it is FIVE STAR VIP treatment all the way. In fact, I asked the front desk staff (who were extremely accommodating) if the Pelican Hill was indeed a Five-Star Resort---and if it wasn't, well, then it is under the new "Nick Verreos Five Star Resort Resort Style Guide"! They told me that it wasn't even rated yet! (well those Zagat and Michelin people better get to it!) . The lobby even smells like a million bucks! (it is scented with its own unique Pelican Hill Resort scent, I kid you not!)Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow Living Room

We stayed at a sumptuous Bungalow Suite, about the size of my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio (about 2,000 square feet): There was an entry foyer room, full living room, dining area and mini bar area, sofas galore to relax in, two HUGE flat screen TVs, a full separate bedroom, large sunning balconies and closets that actually could fill up all my Gucci belts, YSL boots and Top Shop jackets! (did I just drop THREE labels?). I don't normally take photos at the hotels I stay during all my travels but I couldn't resist!Master Bedroom at a Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow

The piece de resistance of the Bungalow were the bathrooms: One smaller full one (for guests I assume) and a Master one with a huge sunken jacuzzi tub, full shower, double sinks...I could go on and on. It was simply the most gorgeous Resort Suite I had ever stayed at. In fact, upon entering, I quickly called EVERY close friend in Los Angeles and said "You better get your you-know-what down here and spend a night in the OC!" Alas, they didn't want to drive the (with traffic) hour+ drive. So, we had it all to ourselves. But it was such a tease: We only stayed for one night both times! Infinity Caesar: Nick Verreos enjoys the Pelican Hill Resort Coliseum Pool

We even dined at the lovely Pelican Grill and got to swim (OK, maybe just stand and relax) in the HUGE 136 foot Coliseum Pool which features ONE MILLION glass mosaic tiles that were laid by HAND! (I know, shut up!). We had an amazing stay and I was missing it the minute we drove away. Maybe some day in the future we can take some more R & R time from my crazy busy schedule and enjoy the Pelican Hill Resort once again. This time, I am NOT leaving that pool!Goodnight Mr. Verreos: This was waiting for me upon my return from my hosting and judging duties--Turndown Service a la Pelican Hill Resort
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend kiddies and take the time to relax...I'll try.

Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo: Dishing on The Finale for MyLifetime.com

Coffee Klatching a la Nick and Andrae
Last week was the final episode of Season 6 Project Runway and for the last time (this season, at least), both Andrae and I drove to the fabulous Century City high rise offices of Lifetime Network's West Coast Digital Department. Nick Verreos, Mike (THE Lifetime cutie!) and Andrae Gonzalo, Lifetime Network offices

First, we actually viewed the super-guarded Final Episode and then we were whisked to their "digital studio" to shoot our final thoughts on the season and Miss Irina Shabayeva, the winner of Season 6 Project Runway. All Smiles: Andrae Gonzalo, Tamara (Lifetime Digital Diva) and Nick Verreos, Lifetime Network offices

I wore a very special bow tie (it's my dad's from the 1960's) for the occasion and I took a lot of notes (since I knew I would have to write my recap for MyLifetime.com without being able to continually pause the episode like I usually do! ). Andrae and I had a really fun time--as you will see from our video. We also really enjoyed hanging out with our Lifetime Digital "family", Tamara, Mike and Rachel. Auf Widersehen!

Click BELOW for our fun Final Nick-and-Andrae Video:

Nick Verreos Hosts the Pink Carpet at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Devil vs. Angel...PJ's or Lingerie...Cupcakes vs. Waffles
Supermodel Devil: Nick Verreos and Heidi Klum, 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show pink carpet

Here's a fun video from my pink carpet reportage from last week's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in NYC that I did for Modelinia.com. Since it was sponsored by the hot new "deciding" search engine BING, I asked the pink carpet guests, what made them decide to wear what they wore. Sir Richard Branson wore a black bomber-style jacket (he told me it was his first time ever wearing a leather jacket!) and of course, all the supermodels wore teeny tiny sexy mini dresses. What made them decide to wear them? Because they CAN!!!!!
Click BELOW for the fun video:

See more videos on modelinia.com

Sandra Seifert: Headshots

Name: Sandra Seifert

Country: Philippines

Pageants Joined:

-Miss Earth Philippines 2009

-Miss Earth 2009

Titles Won:

-Miss Earth Philippines 2009

-Miss Air 2009

Photo Credits:

-All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.

Nick Verreos' Appearance on Univision Network's "Despierta America"

Nick Hearts Sears...and Miami!Trunk Full of Clothes: Nick Verreos with all his purchases from a local Miami Sears

Last week, I flew to Miami, one of my favorite cities in the US--and the world--to shoot a LIVE fashion segment for the Spanish-speaking "Good Morning America", the Despierta America TV Show. Last year I was honored to have been picked as one of the personalities--along with High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens, rapper/actor/mogul LL Cool J, and "ABC Extreme Home Makeover's" Ty Pennington--to be part of the Sear's "Grant A Wish" Holiday TV Commercials. And so, Sears called upon my "fashion expertise" once again to dress an entire family in fashionable clothing for the upcoming Holiday parties.Stylish Family of The Year: Nick Verreos with his "TV" family , all wearing Sears (including me!)

I arrived early to "set up shop" and shop (no time to check out Gloria Estefan's mansion on this trip!). You see, I'm not that kind of fashion expert who just shows up the day of the filming to "pretend" that I styled and picked out the clothes. I actually did! The day prior to the segment with my trusty right-hand man, David Paul, we shopped for eight hours and picked out dozens and dozens of dresses, suits, sweaters, purses, and accessories. We then had fittings and decided the ensembles that would work best. After deciding on the best four looks, I was ready for my 7 AM Call Time the following morning at the Univision headquarters of Despierta America.
Despierta Couple: Despierta America Co-host Ana Maria Canseco and Nick Verreos

For my appearance, I was being interviewed by the wonderful Ana Maria Canseco, co-host of the show. Last year, I also did a similar segment and Ana interviewed me as well so I was happy to see her again! Once on the set, I said "Hola" to the rest of the Despierta America hosts and took photos with a Project Runway fan, the beautiful Melissa Marty "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008".
Nuestra Belleza Latinos: Melissa Marty and Nick Verreos

My segment involved showing the styles I picked from Sears for the family, discussing the great Sears Layaway Program (pick out your gifts now, pay over time and once you're ready to pay the entire amount, pick up everything and you're done!), as well as showing how you can get great stylish gifts for under $25!!! All in a THREE MINUTE segment! Say Cheese: Check out the little boy while we were getting ready to go live on the air

After I was finished, I couldn't believe how fast it all went. Everyone had a blast doing it and the kids were especially so sweet and loved playing dress up. Everyone was "blown away" at how great they looked and especially the prices. Style at a great discount. I know, it sounds like a commercial, but it is TOTALLY la verdad--the truth!

Click Below for the complete Despierta America Segment:

Nick Verreos Crashes the Project Runway Season 6 Finale Party!

...Well, not really, I was Invited!
NYC Project Runway Finale Party: Logan Neitzel, Irina Shabayeva and Nick Verreos at Tenjune

I am finally back home in Los Angeles--after traveling across the country for the last five days. First I went to Miami to shoot a LIVE Despierta America (the Spanish-language "Good Morning America") fashion segment for Sears, and then headed off to NYC for the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (more on both those trips in later posts). Since I am in a Project Runway "mood" (make sure to check out my final recap for this season), I wanted to show you guys all the great photos I took (well, thank my trusty partner and "Nick Verreos Blog" staff photographer, David Paul for that!) at Irina Shabayeva's After Party celebrating being the Season 6 Winner of Project Runway.
Uncle Nick and his Angels: Finalists Carol Hannah and Althea pose with Nick Verreos @ Tenjune

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was on the same night as the Finale of Project Runway but of course, I wanted to come by and celebrate Irina's win. At around midnight, after finishing my "OMG, look at how gorgeous Marissa Miller and Chanel Iman look!" Livestream shoot for Modelinia.com and saying my Goodbye's to Heidi Klum, I headed for Tenjune, the hot Meatpacking nightclub located beneath the luxury steakhouse STK, the location of Irina's celebratory After Party.Hearts around my Head: Logan Neitzel and Nick Verreos at Tenjune

I immediately spotted Irina, who was holding court in the back of the nightclub, and congratulated her with a big hug and an "Uncle Nick" scream. She was all smiles, finally thankful that it was all over. I also ran into everyone's boyfriend, cutie Logan Neitzel. If Project Runway ever had a Hottie Calendar, he would be the cover model, shirtless and with those silver skinny jeans of his (sorry Logan!). Nick Verreos and Season 6 designer Epperson at Tenjune

Logan recently moved all the way from Seattle to NYC and is setting up shop with Carol Hannah and Epperson, from what I hear. Sounds like a "Season Six Commune" to me--and a possible new Lifetime Show (Note to self: Contact Lifetime Execs). Speaking of Carol Hannah, she was also there as well as Finalist Althea Harper (she's so tall!) and I even got to say "Hello" to Epperson, who was very "Sporty Elegant" in blazer, blue dress shirt and sweater with an over-the-shoulder leather messenger bag (yes, I don't miss the details!). Model Happy: Nick Verreos and Season 6 Winning Model Kalyn Hemphill

Finally, I was happy to meet Irina's winning model from Models of The Runway, the lovely Kalyn. She was wearing a pretty red dress (Irina's design, of course). I had a lot of fun and I'm very thankful to Irina for inviting me. The bonus was seeing everyone else who was also there and were so generous with their super-kind words of support for me. Part of me did feel like a "Project Runway Grandpa" amongst all of them (I was the ONLY Project Runway Alumn there!) but I will gladly take that crown.

Project Runway Season 6 Finale--Nick Verreos Recap Extravaganza!

Season 6 Postscript: Gray and Black Finale Fest, Power to The Ladies, And Suzy Menkes' Fab Hair!
The Final Three: Irina Shabayeva, Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield

Season 6 Nick Postscript:
Last Thursday was the Final Episode of Project Runway Season 6. This was the season that some thought would not even make it on TV, because of the whole Bravo/Lifetime lawsuit. But after a year, it did make it on air. I feel that a lot of the "something is missing from the show" had A LOT of to do with the fact that while filming this season, NO ONE really knew what was going to happen, and trust me kiddies that can change the entire "air" of the environment--from producers, designers, to even Tim Gunn, and obviously, the judging situation. There were lots of expectations for this season. It was filled with Hollywood star power: Christina Aguilera, Lindsay Lohan, Bob Mackie, Eva Longoria Parker. There were also lots of tears, kooky "characters", lots of drama, and some would argue "blah" fashion but in the end, the winner, especially redeemed the season with a very polished finale collection.

LA and FIDMThe fans were divided on the LA locale. I loved it, of course, since I am an LA-based designer, and so are several Project Runway alumn such as Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sebelia and Finalist Rami Kashou. I thought it was a great idea to bring Project Runway to LA, the land of the red carpet. I was also excited for the fact that my alma mater and school I teach at, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, became the show's West Coast "home". If there's any criticism, I feel maybe the challenges didn't live up to the locale. Next season the show will return to NYC (fans rejoice) but I still have high hopes for a return to LA and now that the behind-the-scenes drama has been settled, I hope a future LA season will be HOT!

Petition for HD Lifetime TV!One final note: Not many people have realized this but Lifetime is NOT in HD/High Definition. And it makes such a difference, especially for a show such as this. So when lots of people stop me on the street and ask "Why does the show look different?" and I tell them this, they say "Ohhh, TOTALLY!!!". I hope that maybe by the next season, it will change to HD. The entire show will look much better. Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers for some Lifetime HD!

Suzy Menkes Rocks:Just look at her. And her iconic Alexandre hairstyle. Diva. I loved that she was the Final Judge. This is the kind of fashion industry professional who should be judging the Finale Collections. Kudos to the producers for getting her. A fabulous coup. Regular "TV folk" might have no clue who she is but trust me, she is one of the most influential fashion writers and critics of fashion. Fashion is truly her life. Don't mess with Suzy...or her Up-Do!

And now for the Finale Collections: Here are my "Nick Faves":
Irina Wins!
Of course NYC-based Parsons graduate "Meana Irina" won! I predicted as much. Even with an almost-all black collection, hers was a stand-out. It was perfectly put together. Designers need to think of the ENTIRE LOOK and tell a story--and she did, beautifully. I could have had a "Top Eight" favorites for her, but here were my top 3.Winning Model: Kalyn, in Irina's "13Th Look"

I Need my Metro Card: Irina's grand and chic knits

Met Opening Gown: I LOVED this gown, the final look from Irina's Finale Collection

Althea Goes To Zara, 1st Runner Up
Althea's Finale Collection was chock full of basics for the stylish, hip, modern woman. Althea's customer lives in NYC, Paris, Berlin or Barcelona and wants to look great in separates. A lot of her looks, however, reminded me of the stylish window mannequin displays at shops such as Zara or Topshop. This could be a good thing or not so good. She wanted to look for the future but it was very NOW. Nevertheless, these are my Top 3 from the collection.Emerald Style: I thought this look was modern and sexy; I especially loved the unusual tucking on the dress and the shrunken leather jacket

Heading to a Club in the Meatpacking: America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner, Jaslene Gonzalez looks great in Althea's silver-gray side draped mini dress. It was one of my favorite of her pieces.

Let Her In: This is the outfit you want to wear if you are trying to get into a club, a fashion show, or a chic Manhattan magazine party! The drop-crotch pants are SO NOW and again, she was ON with the shrunken leather jacket. These are must-have pieces for the modern girl-about-town.

Carol Hannah Whitfield: 2nd Runner Up, Cooties and all
Carol Hannah struggled in NYC being sick but, with the help of Christopher Straub, her trusty assistant, she made it work. I loved her draping and cowl Grecian Goddess shapes. The judges kept going on and on about her "tailoring" but I didn't see any of that. The following three looks were my faves.Cowl Cocktail: Golden beige side cowl-draped "First Look" dress

Thank GOD for COLOR: Project Runway All-Time Supermodel Amanda Fields, working it OVERTIME, in Carol Hannah's No. 13 teal jersey draped gown

Glorious Lisa: Model Lisa Blades in the striking finale gown, showing Carol Hannah's unique ruffle, petal and folding detail--her hair and make-up was "Gorg"!

Congratulations Ladies!
For my entire Season Finale Recap, Click HERE on MyLifetime.com and make sure to let me know what you thought. See you next season kiddies!