Nick Verreos on TV Guide Network's Oscars Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba!

Save The Best For Last...It's a Wrap: Lawrence Zarian, Jennifer Rade, Nick Verreos and Carrie Ann Inaba, TV Guide Network Oscars Fashion Wrap

Yes, kiddies, the 2010 Awards Season is over! I know, boo hoo, cry all you want, but we must all carry on! For the last TV Guide Awards Fashion Wrap of this season, I--along with my fellow expert panel of style cohorts including TV Guide's Fashion Team Co-Host (and Regis and Kelly Style Guy) Lawrence Zarian, UBER stylist Jen Rade, and Carrie Ann Inaba--decided to BRING IT!!! Big time!Hair Guru Kim Vo

Our Grammy Fashion Wrap was the HIGHEST RATED to date, so we really had to drink that Red Bull (Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte in my case!) and be ready to deliver! I think we did. I had the best time shooting the 2010 Oscars Fashion Wrap and as always, felt as if I was just sitting on my sofa with friends having fun. I also love the fact that one of my favorite Hair DIVAS--OK, MY FAVORITE!--Kim Vo, came by to visit. And he stayed for TWO segments: LOVE!Bubblegun Pink: Tanika Ray and Nick Verreos enjoy a moment in the TV Guide Network Make-Up Room (like you can't tell from all the make-up I have on!!!)

I also enjoyed a surprise visit from my "Sister From Another Mother", the one and only, Miss Tanika Ray, who stopped by the TV Guide Network Studios to say "Hi"! She was at the nearby Kodak Theater attending the Oprah Oscars Special TV Show. Lucky her! She was so happy, she told me she vowed to NEVER remove that green Oprah wristband pass!

Check out all the HOT RED CARPET madness with the entire Academy Awards Fashion Wrap Show below!:

Watch TV Guide's Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap w/ Carrie Ann Inaba and Nick Verreos! TONIGHT!!

Don't forget to watch me TONIGHT on TV Guide's Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba. We'll, of course, be discussing all the BEST and WORST Dressed of the night and Miss Carrie Ann will be wearing yet another NIKOLAKI dress!!!

Tune in at 8pm/7c TVGN!

Carrie Ann Inaba wears Nikolaki to the Grammy Awards

Architectural Carrie!
Carrie Ann Inaba in NIKOLAKI Fall 2010, hosting TV Guide Network's Grammys Red Carpet Pre-Show

Late last year, when I did my Emmys Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba, she took me aside and said "You know what? I need to wear NIKOLAKI when I host one of my upcoming Red Carpet Shows..." We decided the Grammys would be perfect. The next time I saw her while filming the Golden Globes Fashion Wrap, I brought sketches for her and her stylist extraordinaire, my fellow Fashion Wrap Panelist, Jen Rade, to see. They loved all of them but decided they should stop by my NIKOLAKI Design Studio to take a closer look and "play dress-up". And boy did she: She tried on half a dozen gowns and dresses. But her eyes began "wandering"... She couldn't take her eyes off a muslin/toile sample that we had made for our Fall 2010 line. Couture Muslin: Nick Verreos and Carrie Ann Inaba pose with the muslin/toile of her Grammys dress

She asked "What is that??" We said that it was just a mock-up (in cotton muslin) of one of the dresses in our upcoming line. "I HAVE to try it on!" she quipped. She did and both her and Jen found their dress. Done and done. My design partner, David Paul and I took her measurements and discussed length and any other minor adjustments. Now we just had to make it--custom--in just ONE WEEK!!! The final result: A strapless cocktail dress made with black Italian Silk-and-Wool Zibeline featuring Oragami-like "petal" folds up top and cascading down the bottom.
Hand Delivery: Nick Verreos at the Staples bringing THE dress to Carrie Ann Inaba's trailer for a fitting

These last few days prior to the Awards have been crazy, making trips back-and-forth to the Staples Center--site of the Grammys--for some final fitting last touches and today both David and I were at her hotel room, getting her dressed in our NIKOLAKI dress. We think she looks amazing!
Click below for Carry Ann Inaba (in NIKOLAKI) and Chris Harrison interviewing Taylor Swift at the Grammys 2010:


Click HERE for more videos.

Golden Globes Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba, Nick Verreos, Jen Rade and Lawrence Zarian!

Fashionista Panel: The Golden Globes Edition
Everyone Pose! Jen Rade, Nick Verreos, Carrie Ann Inaba and Lawrence Zarian

On Monday, we filmed our first 2010 installment of our TV Guide Network "Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba" where we DISHED on the Golden Globes soppy wet mess of a red carpet. I was so happy to be asked again to join my Fashion Wrap "family" of Hostess-with-the-Mostess, Miss Carrie Ann Inaba (looking great in a Lloyd Klein top), Lawrence Zarian, co-host of "The Fashion Team" and last but not least, my favorite stylist DIVA, Jennifer Rade. You might also recognize Jen from MTV's "Styl'D" reality show where she is the senior stylist at the famed Margaret Maldonado Agency who doesn't mince words when dealing with young wannabe stylists who look like they just got off the "I-don't-wanna-work-I-just-wanna-be-famous" Greyhound bus.
Feliz Cumpleanos: Nick Verreos helps Jen Rade hold her BIG Birthday Cake, TV Guide Golden Globe Fashion Wrap

Speaking of Jen, it was HER BIRTHDAY on Monday so the crew (love the TV Guide crew!!!!) surprised her with a HUGE--and delicious--cake, the minute we wrapped! It was a fun ending to a really great and crazy shoot! And yes, I did chose Drew Barrymore and that Versace Atelier gown as my Best Dressed---sea urchins and all!!! She stepped out on a fashion limb and at least in my eyes, she worked it out! I'm so tired of safe, that's why I was giving props to the Chloe's and the Drew's of the red carpet!

In case you didn't get to see the show, don't fret...
To watch the entire show, click below:

Golden Globes Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba and Nick Verreos

Don't forget to tune in TONIGHT for the Golden Globes Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba and her esteemed panel of experts including ME!

It is always a great show and we have the best time doing it. Don't Miss It!

TV Guide Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba and Nick Verreos

Jazz Hands....with Carrie Ann Inaba!
Awesome Foursome: Jennifer Rade, Nick Verreos, Carrie Ann Inaba and Lawrence Zarian

Monday night was the premiere of TV Guide Network's Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba. I was invited back to be part of the panel of experts, including Angelina Jolie's stylist Jennifer Rade. She was in a silky Gucci jersey dress and stacked gold Gucci pumps (love her!). We also had a special guest, the UBER fabulous Kim Vo, colorist to the Stars! This was the debut of Carrie Ann Inaba as the new host and she did an AMAZING job! We filmed Sunday night ONLY HOURS after the Emmys red carpet took place! It was CRAZY! We usually tape the following morning but Miss Carrie Ann had Dancing With The Stars to tape on Monday so no can do...In her honor, we got all "jazz hands" on her during several of our segments. Trust me, I would loved to have done some high kicks, but my pants were too tight and you might have heard a rip!Bling Bling: Nick Verreos wears a beautiful Platinum and Diamond Pin from the Singer Collection on TV Guide's Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba

I was lucky enough to have been invited to the Platinum Guild International Suite at the Four Seasons earlier in the week where they let me borrow a STUNNING pin, made of platinum and diamonds, from the prestigious Singer Collection (not the sewing machine family, in case you were wondering!). Well, naturally, I wore it to my TV appearance on the Emmys Fashion Wrap. Butch It Up: Nick Verreos and his TV Guide Boys, the crew of TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap

As always, I had the best time filming these and we all meshed very seamlessly together--it was as if we all had been doing it for years with Miss Carrie Ann. I especially love the CREW---I call them "My Boys"; they are all very "Butch" and they still love me---each time I show up to the set, they try and teach me the Straight Guy Walk. I try and do it for them, but the big red leather man-purse I carry in my arm ALWAYS ruins the effect! Love my TV Guide Boys.

Now speaking of our red carpet commentary, I loved getting "down and dirty" with what we liked--and didn't like--on the red carpet. And being that I am a fashion designer as well as an Instructor of fashion design at FIDM, I always try to insert a little bit of "schooling" regarding the fashion terminology we are using so the audience isn't left in the dark.
My faves: Well, January Jones in Atleier Versace, Heidi Klum (of course) in Marchesa, and Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhullier. All three were GA-GA-Gorgeous!

Now if you want to know who we picked for "not so good", you can click BELOW and watch the ENTIRE TV Guide Emmys Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba...and me!

Nick Verreos on TV Guide Network's Emmy Award Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba

Dancing With ....the Red Carpet!!!!Red Carpet Dishing: Nick Verreos returns for some red carpet "schooling"

....and with a new FABULOUS HOST, the one and only Carrie Ann Inaba from Dancing With The Stars. I am so excited to be doing the Emmy's Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann. She's worn a couple of my NIKOLAKI gowns and I've known her for YEARS!!! Nick Loves Carrie Ann! Carrie Ann Inaba in NIKOLAKI gowns on ABC's Dancing With The Stars

I'm also excited to be dishing with my TV Guide Fashion Wrap "bestie", stylist Jennifer Rade--also known as the "Project Runway Cougar" after her much-touted Project Runway Season 6 judging stint. Love her! I have a feeling this is going to be good!
Don't miss it! Tune in tonight or set your DVR's for 7pm TONIGHT!!
For all the information click HERE

Nick Verreos at FIDM Three Days of Fashion: San Diego

Go Padres!!!!Lovin' The Stage: Nick Verreos speaks to San Diego FIDM Three Days of Fashion audience

This last week I went to beautiful San Diego to make a special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Diego campus, right next to PETCO Park for the FIDM Three Days Of Fashion. San Diego's Pacific Beach from the Catamaran Resort and Spa

David and I drove down to San Diego for the event and FIDM generously put me up at the Polynesian-inspired Catamaran Resort and Spa in the lovely Pacific Beach area of San Diego. Afterall, with traffic, the drive there can take up to 3+ hours (don't believe anyone who tells you it's just an hour and a half, not on this planet!). So, it was nice to relax before the appearance the following day.Photos With A View: Nick Verreos poses for photos at the FIDM San Diego Campus balcony

I love doing these events and appearances because I get to hang out with fun and very fashionable high school students who come from all over the country. The Three Days of Fashion is a three day seminar/workshop where high school students get to know FIDM. They go shopping, have trend seminars, even drape and sketch. Seriously, I wish I had known about this when I was in high school (OK, they probably did not have this "back in the day").San Diego Group Shot: Nick Verreos and model Heather Chantal Jones pose with FIDM San Diego Three Days of Fashion organizing staff

I love coming to San Diego, because this is where David Paul's (my design partner and Vice President of NIKOLAKI) grew up and his wonderful family still lives here. His mom even came to my appearance! Also, as you may know, I have a special place in my heart for San Diego, since it's where I showed my Spring/Summer 2008 Collection at the W Hotel San Diego. Here's a quick video of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Show at the W San Diego, to refresh your memory:

Nick Verreos and Model Heather Chantal Jones, wearing the silk jersey gown Carrie Ann Inaba wore on ABC's Dancing With The Stars

Guess who also came down from LA? Model Heather Chantal Jones, from America's Next Top Model Season 9--and MY 50th Anniversary Barbie Model!!! She made a special trip to model some of my NIKOLAKI Collection for the kids. She was gorgeous and so sweet! We had a great time with everyone (I LOVE the FIDM San Diego staff--they're the sweetest and most accommodating!) and stayed for over an hour to sign autographs and take lots of photos!

Carrie Ann Inaba wears NIKOLAKI (again!) on "Dancing With The Stars"!!

(Grecian) Hawaiian Goddess!!!!One Shoulder Empress: Carrie Ann Inaba critiques in NIKOLAKI gown on Dancing With The Stars

This week on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, we accomplished a NIKOLAKI first: Three gowns in two weeks on national TV! The gorgeous judge Carrie Ann Inaba (sorry Bruno) wore another one of our gowns on this week's Elimination Show. We were thrilled, surprised and ecstatic when we got an email saying that indeed the lovely Ms. Inaba would be wearing another one of our designs.
My design partner, David Paul has been away at the Staples Center attending the World Figure Skating Competition and I have had to helm the NIKOLAKI studio on my own (crazy thought!) and I rushed to hit the DVR/TiVo button--oh and tell everyone from here to Caracas Venezuela!. The DWTS Panel: Carrie Ann workin' her NIKOLAKI gown (from chest up!)

Carrie Ann chose an ivory silk jersey "Grecian Goddess" one-shoulder draped cowl gown with black silk-rayon Duchesse satin band (is that enough of a description for you guys?) and looked GORGEOUS in it! White looks REALLY good against her skin color. It goes without saying: We love you Carrie Ann!!!! Athena: Model Dominique in the ivory silk jersey one-shoulder gown worn by Carrie Ann Inaba

We got so many emails from friends and family who recognized the gown, but were bummed that not enough was shown--so here's the entire gown as it was shot for our Website Look Book on the equally beautiful 16 year old model, Dominique.
Click BELOW to view the elimination portion of this week's episode (and catch a glimpse of Carrie Ann Inaba wearing NIKOLAKI)

Dancing With...NIKOLAKI!!!!

NIKOLAKI gowns on "Dancing With The Stars"This has been a double-whammy of a week for David and I here at the NIKOLAKI Studio (and it's only Wednesday!) Photo Courtesy of: ABC/KELSEY MCNEAL

On Monday, we were excited to turn on one of our favorite shows, ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" and see judge (and choreographer extraordinaire) Carrie Ann Inaba, wearing one of our gowns on the show! Her assistant had emailed us to tell us that she would possibly be wearing one of our designs but we just "never know" until we tune in. Even though you could only see her from the chest up (as she sits behind her Judges Table), she looked gorgeous in a NIKOLAKI turquoise silk jersey draped "Grecian Goddess" gown from our current Spring 2009 Collection. It's the same gown, in fact, that was featured on the cover of the California Apparel News, the West Coast's Industry Trade "Bible".
That evening, we also received an email from one of my favorite stylists and fellow Project Runway "gal pals", Kit Scarbo (formerly "Kit Pistol"), who styles the hostess, the lovely Samantha Harris. Well, as luck would have it, Samantha (and Kit) both loved another one of our gowns and were informing us that Samantha would be wearing it on Tuesday's live elimination taping! See, I told you: A "Dancing With The Stars" double whammy! Samantha Harris wore one of our favorite gowns--also from the Spring '09 line--a strapless crimson red silk ziberline "Mermaid" gown featuring a hand-pleated bust, asymmetrical "pouf" at the bottom and (best of all) pockets!

The Designers Smiling proudly as Samantha Harris "Works It in NIKOLAKI

We were lucky enough to have been invited (thanks Miss Kit!) to the taping last night so we could celebrate Samantha in our gown live and up close. Beyond the fact that David and I sat like "proud pappas" in the audience, we also thoroughly enjoyed watching the show live and especially being there for this first elimination. The dancers were amazing; so tan, thin, taut! (will someone please give them a FATBURGER??!!) NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 (featured above by the lovely Amanda Fields)

And of course, it was a treat to witness Jewel sing "Over the rainbow" (flawlessly) as well as see all the dance numbers, especially the "Macy's" number choreographed by Michael Rooney, the son of Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney. But again, we were just humbled to have been there and to see the hostess, Samantha Harris wearing our NIKOLAKI gown beautifully and I especially loved how she kept "working" those side pockets! Love.
Below is video from the show:

Nick Guest Host on Reality Chat

GUEST HOSTIN'

Happy Easter to everyone! Hope that your Easter Egg hunting is going well! This last Friday, I was asked to fill in for Kimberly Caldwell and co-host TV Guide's "Reality Chat" show, alongside the beautiful Rosanna Tavarez. I was very excited to be on "Reality Chat" as a co-host, since I had already been a guest twice, while I was on "Project Runway" last year. Rosanna and I joked that people watching might get confused when they tune in, thinking they might have accidentally landed on the TELEMUNDO channel, with the two Latino hosts! We almost did turn it into a "Chisme (Gossip in Spanish) Hour with Rosanna and Nick" until the director reminded us of what the show was really about, discussing the week in reality TV. The night before, I even did my "homework" and watched HOURS of reality TV shows which were sent to me by the producers. Needless to say, I felt compassion for what Rosanna has to do EVERY WEEK. We had a really fun time doing it and hope to do it again sometime soon!

Besides dishing about all the reality shows, we also interviewed special guests like Sarah, the model voted off this last week in "America's Next Top Model", Carrie Ann Inaba, judge of "Dancing With Stars" and Rocky, from "Survivor: Fiji". Speaking of Innaba, just earlier in the week , I had been invited to watch a taping of "Dancing With The Stars" with my friend, former "Miss Universe" Brook Lee, who happens to be an old friend of hers. We were on her "list", but never got around to being introduced to each other because she was so busy doing post-show interviews. So I was thrilled to finally meet her, as well as interview her. You may also remember that my sister, Rita, was on "Survivor: Fiji" and was voted off, primarily because of Rocky's negative comments about her. With that in mind, I was also looking forward to meeting my sister's arch "nemesis". He was kinda swarthy, in a young "Sylvester Stallone-meets-Al Pacino-in 'Scarface' " sort of way. We also interviewed "LA's Cutest Puppy" and had him do a trick. Thank God the puppy didn't pee on the stage!

The show airs tonight at 7 PM (6 PM cental time) on the TV Guide Channel, so be sure to TiVo it. It will also repeat several times during the week. Click HERE for airing details.