Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos and Mondo Guerra on "Road to the Runway Season 10" Casting Special

Road to the Runway Commenting Twosome...

Colorful Twosome: Mondo Guerra and Nick Verreos, behind the scenes, "Road to the Runway Season 10" TV special

As we know, last Thursday night was the premiere of Season 10 Project Runway. In the lead up to the big show, Lifetime had a very special "Project Runway Season 10: Road to the Runway" show devoted to revealing who the new sixteen designers/contestants are, a little background on each and every one of them plus some extra dish.

It was hosted by the gorgeous Zanna Roberts Rassi and well, I was asked to be part of the show (yeayyy!!) and give my "Nick Two Cents" on the new crop of designers and who I thought would make it to the Final Three. I had the EXTREME pleasure of doing the show with Project Runway All Stars Season One winner, Mondo Guerra. We had GREAT fun filming our segments and when we were together, I felt like the two Muppets old men--Statler and Waldorf-- in the balcony!! Lifetime should hire us to do commentary for EVERY episode (I'm just sayin'!).

Judging the LA Castings (left to right) Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra, Abby Gardner

For Season 10, I was one of the co-judges for the Los Angeles Castings, along with Mondo and the lovely Abby Gardner, site director for Marie Claire. So, I had some insight into several of this season's designers, especially since THREE--count 'em--THREE, of the ones we said "yes" to during the LA Castings, actually made the final cut (Beatrice Guapo, Elena Slivnyak and Melissa Fleis).

For the filming, Mondo was looking all things cute in a TopMan shorts suit (he's a 34 chest!! Bi***!!!), yellow dress shirt and little bow tie.

I chose to wear my neon coral-colored ASOS jacket, Zara jeans, TopMan dress shirt, Etro striped tie and Hermes pocket scarf. Usually people say what and who their wearing because the clothing was borrowed but in our case we BOUGHT everything--I'm just mentioning it in case inquiring minds wanted to know!

Anyhow, back to the fun "Road to the Runway Season 10" show we filmed...

If you missed it this past Thursday, you can click HERE to watch the entire episode!!

NIKOLAKI Designs at FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Gown and Cocktail Dress Recap!

Fashion Schooling...

Spartan Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013--neon green silk chiffon and silk duchesse cocktail dress with crystal trim waist (left); printed silk chiffon gown with gathered front skirt and fitted waist (right)

Several weeks ago, as the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising--my alma mater--I did my yearly FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" appearances, where I visited all of the college's campuses, staring in San Diego, then Orange County and finishing up with San Francisco and the FIDM "flagship", in Los Angeles. I did my Inspiration Talk/Lecture as well as took lots of photos with the high school students (and their moms and dads!) who attended as well as brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses--many worn by A-List Celebs such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry. So here's a Recap--and Gallery--of the gowns and cocktail dresses I brought (several from my newest NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 Collection) all in one concise blog posting--hope you guys enjoy!

Backstage Look Book: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk organza gown with multi-jewelled bust trim

Peacock Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon gown with gathered skirt and fitted waist--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Lady in Red: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk-wool ziberline gown with side pockets and back cascade over-sized ruffles--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

San Francisco COUTURE: Nick Verreos with model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless raspberry-colored asymmetrically pleated bustier dress with side gathered mini-pouf (left), and ...

In lavender silk chiffon sequined column gown with peek-a-boo top section-- FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Flou Queen: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back, and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Front Close-Up: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back, and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Golden Girl: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape

Gold Fierce: Model Amanda Fields (with Nick Verreos in the background) wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape and high side slit--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Ivory Wedding: Model Lauren Gish in ivory silk-wool ziberline "mermaid" shaped gown with pleated high neck, open back, crystal trim waist and full pleated back train--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Midnight Stars: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 silver and black sequin gown with blouson and cowl draped bodice, princess-seamed slit and capelet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos, Tabatha Coffey, Camille Grammer on TV Guide 84th Annual Academy Awards Fashion Wrap hosted by Ali Landry 8PM TONIGHT!

The Superbowl of ALL Fashion Wraps!!

Fashion Wrap FAB: Tabatha Coffey, Nick Verreos and Camille Grammer and Ali Landry: TV Guide Network 2012 Academy Awards Fashion Wrap set

After an absolutely AMAZING Night reporting LIVE about the Fashion from the 84th Annual Academy Awards, we were up and at it again today! No rest for the weary as we had work to do! It was time for our Academy Awards Fashion Wrap and after we had digested all the delicious Gowns from last night, it was time to give our opinions on our HITS and MISSES from the Superbowl of all Awards Shows!

So who did we LOVE and who did we think missed the mark?! Here is a little Teaser to get y'all ready!

Tune in TONIGHT to find out! Check out all the details below:

WHAT: TV GUIDE 2012 Academy Awards Fashion Wrap

WHEN: TONIGHT, February 27, 2012

TIME: premiere airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. Central--Click HERE for all the times.

WHERE: TV GUIDE Network, check your local TV/Cable Listings

** It will also repeat at 10:30pm and again on Tuesday Morning at 10am!!

84th Annual Academy Awards: Who Wore What? Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton: This is one of my favorite looks of the night and definitely Michelle's best look of the Awards Season. Marc Jacobs, who designs for Louis Vuitton is the perfect person to custom design a dress for Michelle because you can tell that they definitely have the same aesthetic; a quirky, vintage, girlie style.

I love the peplum style dress on Michelle, making her waist look teeny tiny, and the beautiful diamond brooch at the waistband. The coral color is beautiful against her skin and the detail work of the chiffon is exquisite.

Did you think Michelle was a Fashion Winner tonight? Let me know your thoughts!

84th Academy Awards: Who Wore What? Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2009: Rooney Mara wore a Givenchy Haute Couture Gown that seems to be inspired by this dress from Riccardo Tisci's Spring 2009 Collection.

Rooney was easily one of the most anticipated Fashion Moments for the Oscars and many were expecting her to wear another Black Dress. I was hoping and praying for a Bright Color, but she did neither and instead chose this angelic white gown.

She looked beautiful as she always does, and although I would have liked to have seen a bit more drama either with color or beading, I am just thankful she chose not to wear black!!!

Let me know your thoughts!

Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos, Tabatha Coffey, Camille Grammer on TV Guide SAG Awards 2012 Fashion Wrap hosted by Ali Landry TONIGHT!

SAG Awards Fashion Fun!!!!

TV Guide Fashion Wrap Panel Fab: (Left to Right) Tabatha Coffey, Nick Verreos, Ali Landry and Camille Grammer

Yes, kids, we're BAAACKK!!!!! It's Awards Season and next up is the 2012 SAG Awards, which were televised live last night. And that means only one thing: You HAVE to watch the TV Guide Network 2012 Fashion Wrap TONIGHT!!!! Why? Well, for starters, because I'm on it!! (he he!) And in addition, I'm with all my "Gal Pals": fellow panelists Tabatha Coffey of "Tabatha Takes Over" and Camille Grammer from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and our Hostess with the Most Beautiful Hair, Ali Landry, one of the stars of TV Guide's "Hollywood Moms Night".

We will be DISHING our thoughts on last night's SAG Awards red carpet and who we LOVED and who we think might re-think hiring their stylists for their next red carpet event. And yes, we will give our Top and Not-So-Top Picks. Watch and see if YOUR "Hits" and "Misses" made our list!

WHAT: TV GUIDE 2012 SAG Awards Fashion Wrap

WHEN: TONIGHT, January 30, 2012

TIME: premiere airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. Central--Click HERE for all the times.

WHERE: TV GUIDE Network, check your local TV/Cable Listings

** It will also repeat at 11pm and again on Tuesday Morning at 10am!!

"Anonymous" The Movie--Nick Verreos Weighs in on the Costumes for myLifetime.com!!!

Was Shakespeare A Fraud? Don't know but the Costumes are FABULOUS!!

On October 28th, a new Costume Period Drama will debut in theaters: "Anonymous". The movie involves the controversial question: Was Shakespeare a Fraud? "Anonymous" is a political thriller advancing the theory that it was in fact Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford who penned Shakespeare's plays; set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her. It stars Vanessa Redgrave as the older Elizabeth I, Joely Richardson as the younger, Rhys Ifans as the 17th Earl of Oxford and supposed actual "William Shakespeare". It is directed by Roland Emmerich.

I was asked to comment on the fabulous costumes (via stills of the film) which were created by Costume Designer Lisy Christl, on the myLifetime.com site and I just jumped at the chance!!

Here's a "Corset-and-Jerkin" Amuse Bouche:

Fashion Diva In-The-Making

The younger Princess Elizabeth Tudor:

Although we are accustomed to seeing the over-the-top images of “The Queen” in all her regal splendor, here she is as a “younger, fresher” royal (portrayed by Joely Richardson). Still, she stands out, because of the sumptuousness of her light blue brocade silk gown...continue reading

A Red (BROCADE) Carpet Showdown

Earl of Oxford:
The young Earl of Oxford is being introduced here to his tutors and as any Renaissance Fashion Dandy would know, this was a perfect time to "bring it" in terms of dressing! It was HIS Red Carpet Moment...continue reading

Dancing with the Elizabethan Stars

Princess Elizabeth of Tudor and Earl of Oxford:
Although Elizabeth was known as "the Virgin Queen", she looks anything but in this photo with the younger Earl of Oxford. I absolutely love how fabulous his costume is here. He is Dressed To Impress, a Peacock in the Court if you were: The elegant ivory brocade Doublet and...continue reading

For the Entire Photo Gallery and my "Nick Two Cents" CLICK HERE!!!!

Nick Verreos Attends LA Gay & Lesbian Center's LifeWorks 6th Annual Life Out Loud Event at Paramount Studios

Happy Pride...at the Paramount Lot:

Nick Verreos, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event Paramount Backlot

Last night, as part of Los Angeles Pride 2011 Festivities, my dear friends Colin and John invited me to a great fundraiser event/party. It was the 6th Annual LA Gay & Lesbian Center's Life Out Loud benefiting LifeWorks, the center's youth development and mentoring program.

Where Are My Keys: Nick Verreos poses next to a new and shiny Lexus, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event, Paramount Backlot

Platinum/Presenting Sponsors included Barbie Collector (more on that later--read on) as well as Lexus. This year's honorees were Mike C. Manning, Human Rights Activist, also known from being on "MTV's Real World D.C.", as well as Zach Wahls, famous for his address to the Iowan State Legislature in support of his two moms and Gay Marriage.

The festive cocktail party, held at the Paramount Studios Backlot "New York Street", featured music--very Hed Kandi-esque "Beach House", delicious hors d'oeuvres (sliders, desserts, crudites)...

Absolut cocktails (naturally!) as well as a FABULOUS Silent Auction. For the Silent Auction, there were long tables set up on the Backlot, displaying an extensive array of items such as a BookMarc by Marc Jacobs Package, a HUGE book on the famed Italian fashion house of Pucci (a Must-Have for any Fashionista-coffee-table!), a doggie bed with doggie toys, Diesel leather bag (my friend bid on this and won!), as well as many many others.

Cher Heaven: Cher poster/canopy, Barbie Collector Tent, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event

Now, adjacent to the Silent Auction, cocktail bars and hors d'oeuvres table--there was something that made me almost trip on my YSL Johnny Boots: There was a Barbie Collector tent set up with Super-Sized canopies and posters featuring some of the most ICONIC Barbie Collector dolls--especially for the Gays. There was Cher in all her "If I Can Turn Back Time" ensemble--no wrinkles in sight--

As well as Barbra Streisand (above) in her Sailor outfit which she wore at her Coconut Grove and Hollywood Bowl concerts in the early 60's--Miss Streisand actually designed this famous ensemble--with the help of Hollywood Costume Designer Donfeld.

Another poster/canopy in the Barbie Collector tent that caught my eye, was the "Krystle and Alexis" Dynasty Barbies (above). Two of my absolute favorites. Gosh, I just love those 80's Barbies! Look at the hair (notice Krystle's darker "under" hair color), the diamonds, the gowns!! To that note, as part of the Silent Auction, Barbie Collector put together some AMAZING baskets for guests to bid on. I was going to bid on one but alas, time ran out and I missed it! (insert SAD FACE)

Project Runway Smiles: Nick Verreos and Jack Mackenroth

After spending WAAAY too much time at the "Barbie Collector" tent, my friends finally pried me away so I could actually enjoy some nibblings and cocktails and spend time with friends--new and old. I ran into fellow Project Runway alumn, hottie muscle boy Jack Mackenroth who was in town visiting from the East Coast...

Cutie Brit: British-born singer actor, composer (and new party/event buddy!) Tom Lowe

English actor and singer (you may recognize him from his stint on the sixth season of "American Idol") and composer Tom Lowe was also at the Life Out Loud Fundraiser. He's an acquaintance of the boys I came with and was such a HOOT to hang out with. We were bonding to no end on the Hed Kandi-like house music tunes being played (we were singing them really loud much to our bystanders dismay) as well as he was giving me some traveling tips on my upcoming trip to Europe--and London especially...

Blazers Required: My good friend--and one half of my "Dates"--Colin Murphy

Finally, I had to bid Adieu to such a great event--and get back home and be depressed at the fact that I didn't get to bid--or win--any Barbie's from that amazing Silent Auction so I leave you with this Bob Mackie Circus Barbie Doll that was encased in glass (of course it was!) in the Barbie Collector Tent:

Just FAB-u-LOUS!!!!

MTV Gifting Suites: Nick Verreos goes to "Melanie Segal's Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge" MTV Awards Gifting Suite!

MTV Gifting Suites 90210...

Nick Verreos at the Melanie Segal's Platinum Publicity Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge for the MTV Movie Awards 2011, Luxe Hotel Penthouse

Yesterday, I was invited to attend several of those fabulous Gifting Suites in lieu of the MTV Awards--Because of my hectic schedule, I could really only get to one, Melanie Segal's Platinum Publicity Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge at the Luxe Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, on Rodeo Drive.

As you may know, these "Lounges" are PR and Marketing to events held in LA during Awards Season to, highlight brands and show off anything from beauty products, clothing, liquor, make-up treatments, shoes, jewelry, tooth whitening and spa treatments, super-flossy resort vacations ,the latest-and-greatest in technical gadgets, to well, even cup cakes!

Actor Frankie Muniz, with his NeilMed Sinus Rinse bag of "goodies", Melanie Segal's Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge, Luxe Hotel Penthouse

The point is to get Celebs to come, check out the products, pose and take a photo with the product so the vendor gets something for their Publicity/PR page, and hopefully, the invitee gets a "gift" of a product as a "Thank You". The bigger the Celeb, the bigger their "gift", as you can imagine.

The scene at this Platinum Publicity "Lounge" at the Luxe Hotel Penthouse (above photo) was, appropriately enough, lounge-y. This was the first day and guests/Celebs were just trickling in as I arrived. Sometimes it's a bit odd to come to these events--for several reasons, including the fact that you might have to deal with that dreaded "And You Are???"--but it's always nice when immediately, the "Door Girls" recognize you and are UBER sweet...as they were here to me.

There was a "red carpet" section for photo-ops, a DJ playing fun "Lounge-Club-Pop" tunes and immediately you were "drawn" into the various vendor tables. Usually you are escorted by one of the Gifting Suites pr people who leads you from table to table to check out all the fun...

Nick Verreos posing with UniqueVintage.com Retail Store Manager Kelly Edwards, Melanie Segal's Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge, Luxe Hotel Penthouse

Platinum Suites had everything for everyone: Manicures from Bellacures (I got one!), Ed Hardy tees and hats, Artá Tequila, Wine Tasting, DDF Advanced Eye Firming Concentrate Cremes, Paciugo Gelato (I had a cup!)...

Great tanks and vintage-inspired clothing from UniqueVintage.com, great printed shirts from Nuco Clothing, Dulcerama Lingerie (Thongs anyone?) to NeilMed Sinus Rinse products. This last one I was excited to find out more info. since I had just returned from San Antonio Texas and had a bad case of that city's infamous Cedar Pollen Allergies.

As soon as I said "hello" to the NeilMed Sinus Rinse booth people (above photo), they were above-and-beyond excited to see me! I guess they are BIG Project Runway fans and well, before I knew it, I spent half an hour giving them DISH on the show and all the behind-the-scenes stuff! My "handler" was so over me that she done left me!

During my stay, I spotted the beautiful actress/singer Samantha Mumba (I LOVED that song of hers, "Baby Come On Over" back in the day!) but in the end, I had to hightail it back to my studio and run my business and make some dresses...

But of course, I couldn't leave without stopping by two particular "booths": First, the Friandise Pastries, where I picked up some DELICIOUS macaroons, cupcakes and cookies. And finally...

Nut Lover: Nick Verreos loves MyMixedNuts to-go bags, Melanie Segal's Red Cross Prepare LA Trend Lounge, Luxe Hotel Penthouse

I had to stop by MyMixedNuts.com--I love their to-go bags of nuts and they were so kind to give me one "for the road", as well as for my many travels on a plane--they're perfect for that--and perfect for when I don't get that Upgrade and get seated waaaay back in Coach!

Thanks Melanie Segal and Platinum Publicity for another fun Trend Lounge. event.