Actress Nadia Bjorlin from "Days Of Our Lives" Wears Nikolaki!

Nadia the Nick Verreos/NIKOLAKI sexy Goddess!

Perfect Pose: Nadia Bjorlin in NIKOLAKI silk jersey and leather one shoulder dress

It's Daytime Emmys season in Los Angeles and just last week, I had another NIKOLAKI coup: The gorgeous half-Iranian/half Swedish actress Nadia Bjorlin, who plays "Chloe" on "Days Of Our Lives" wore one of our dresses to the TV Academy's Animation & Daytime Programming Salute Nominees event last Thursday. Look Into My "Nick Verreos" eyes: Nadia Bjorlin in NIKOLAKI at the TV Academy's Animation and Daytime Programming Salute event

The dress Nadia wore is a golden sand-colored silk jersey one shoulder cocktail dress with black leather waist corset (is that enough of a description?!). She has such a hot figure and she's so beautiful that of course, I think she looked AMAZING! I love that TWICE in one week, different actresses chose two dresses (without knowing), from my Spring 2009 Collection that were both silk jersey and leather. Two Nikolaki Goddesses!!

"Models Of The Runway" walk the Inglourious Basterds Red Carpet--and one of them wears NIKOLAKI!!

Glorious Models!Find the NIKOLAKI: Model Lisa Blades (center, in fuchsia pink) wearing NIKOLAKI on the "Inglourious Basterds" Red Carpet Hollywood Premiere

First things first: As we all know (or should know by now!), Project Runway premieres on Lifetime August 20Th (that's just a little over a week from now and I can't wait!). Secondly, we also now know that not only are the designer contestants going to be the "stars", but for the first time ever, so will the models. Last night was the Red Carpet Hollywood Premiere of the much-awaited Quentin Tarantino film, Inglourious Basterds. And guess who was invited: The Models of the Runway!Six of the models, Fatma, Ebony, Kojii, Katie, Tanisha and Lisa attended--most of which reside in LA, since that is where the premiere was occurring. One of them, the gorgeous (and very tall) Lisa Blades wore a dress from my NIKOLAKI collection, a fuchsia and black silk duchesse mini- dress with puffy sleeves. You can see her in the center of the above photo. I happen to think she looked STUNNING! But, of course, I'm a bit biased. Her hair and make up was very Balenciaga Paris runway show!Statuesque Beauty: Model Lisa Blades in NIKOLAKI celadon silk crepe and turquoise silk shantung gown with vintage Swarovski brooch

If you want to check out more of Lisa--and the rest of the models--you can go to the great Lifetime Network Project Runway/Models website and see Lisa's "photo portfolio", some of which include her wearing more of my NIKOLAKI dresses and gowns. She was one of the models featured in my Spring 2009 Look Book and website, along with Season 3 Project Runway Model Amanda Fields. I guess I can pick them well!

Nick Verreos and Chica Orbit Reunite in Miami for Premios Juventud 2009!

Hot & Steamy in Miami!!!Dirty Mouth? Use Orbit Mist...and make sure to wear NIKOLAKI Couture: Nick Verreos and Raquel Jimenez, the Latina Orbit Gum Girl

As I wrote in a previous post, I had barely unpacked my suitcase since returning to Los Angeles from my two-week trip to Europe, when I had to get right back on a plane. This time, the "Sexiest City in the US" was calling my name. I was invited to fly to Miami to dress and style the Latina Orbit Gum Girl, the gorgeous Raquel Jimenez for the Premios Juventud 2009, or for those Spanish-challenged readers, the "Teen Choice Awards". The Premios Juventud is a show, held annually in Miami, giving props to all the currently hot actors, musical groups and singers in the Hispanic world. Orbit Gum Girl meets Nick Verreos: Premios Juventud 2007 "purple" carpet

Two years ago, I was commissioned to create and design a one-of-kind dress for the Latina Orbit Gum Girl for the 2007 Premios Juventud and in fact, also walk the "red carpet" with her. It was a complete success and Raquel looked Retro-Chic in the white with "Orbit Blue" trimmed 1950's inspired number I made for her--Jackie O-inspired pill box hat and all.
Haute Couture Gum: Chica Orbit, Raquel Jimenez--and her favorite accessory (no, not the priceless Vintage Swarovski pin!)

Before I had left for Europe, the clients had asked me again to design a dress for Chica Orbit--but this time they loved a dress from my Spring 2009 Islands of the World Collection and ordered it. They wanted her to look less "costumey" and more red carpet glamorous. The dress they chose was a turquoise "Orbit Mist" blue silk jersey one-shoulder, draped cocktail dress featuring a vintage Swarovski crystal pin. Because of my crazy schedule and time constraints (the Premios Juventud were two days after I arrived back from Europe!), I flew to Miami to physically bring the dress and all the accessories she would wear with it.Mondrian Miami: The view from my Mondrian Miami Hotel Suite balcony!

The clients put me up at the very sexy Mondrian Miami and I was happy to rest my jet-lagged self in such a sumptuous hotel and especially the lovely suite that awaited me. I was actually just happy to be INSIDE an air-conditioned room and away from the stifling hot and humid 94 degree weather (and this was at 10 o'clock at night!).Children of The Corn--Mondrian Miami Style: The crystal-encrusted life-like painting on the wall of my room (I felt as if she was staring at me the whole time--I wondered if there were secret cameras behind those eyes?)

The room had a great balcony which overlooked the Miami skyline and bay, as well as the infamous "Star Island" (where Gloria Estefan, among others reside). I should have brought my binoculars! The following morning after I arrived, we had a fitting and decided on the jewelry, brooches, and shoes to complete her "NIKOLAKI Orbit Gum Girl 2009" red carpet ensemble and she was "done and done"."Orbit Mist" NIKOLAKI Dress: Raquel Jimenez, overlooking the Miami skyline

Earlier in the week, Raquel had filmed a commercial/vignette with up-and-coming Latin heartthrob-pop star, PeeWee (I know, that's his name, don't ask!) and she was going to be his red carpet "date" for the Premios Juventud 2009. After arriving at the awards show, Raquel went straight to her duties on the carpet with PeeWee and I went inside the theater to my "VIP" box seat that the kind people at Univision and the Orbit Gum clients had reserved. The gorgeous and NIKOLAKI-clad "Chica Orbit" and singer PeeWee at Premios Juventud 2009

We watched in delight as the jumbotron screens at the amphitheater broadcast live the "arrivals". There were A LOT of messes, in terms of fashion, on that carpet--you know my Latinas, they love themselves some mini skirts, crazy ruffles and clear Lucite stripper heels! Raquel really stood out in her glamorous, elegant-yet-sexy ensemble --at least for me. But then again, I am biased.Orbit Amigas: Nick Verreos and Raquel Jimenez "Chica Orbit", pose at the VIP Suite Premios Juventud 2009

I had the best time watching the Premios Juventud from the "VIP" suite and especially enjoyed the great performances from Paulina Rubio, Marc Anthony (sans Jennifer Lopez) and the Spanish group La 5ta Estacion, who stole the show with their amazing duet with Marc. It was a great night for sure and I can't wait to come back to Miami.

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!

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 Verreos Parties at the Bahamas Islands of The World Fashion Week

Bahamas Party Recap--Part Three of my Islands of The World Fashion Week ReportThe first ever Islands of The World Fashion Week wasn't all about the runway and seeing and judging beautiful clothes from all over the world. It was also about the major parties that engulfed the island nation of the Bahamas to celebrate the fashion week's debut. Welcome to the Bahamas: Junkanoo Performers greet Islands of The World Fashion week guests

As "VIP guests", both David and I were invited to all the parties and special events, which ended each Fashion Week's night with food, dancing, showcasing what Bahamians know best: How to party! Every evening, there was something to do---and a limousine waiting for us to get us to the festivities! Yes, kiddies, VIP all the way (loved that!) Limo Ridin': Susan Stein, David's Mom, Conchita, Louis Sarmiento, and Vanessa Pritchard

We were joined by my fellow judge, the fashionable DIVA and El Paseo Palm Desert Fashion Week Director, Susan Stein, Fashion Week Daily Publisher Louis Sarmiento (such a cutie--sorry Louis!), David's lovely mom, Conchita, who came all the way from San Diego, California to see our show and our hostess-with-the mostest, Miss Vanessa Pritchard (who we coaxed, kicking and screaming, to model in our NIKOLAKI show!) . Modeling Muse: David Paul, model and VIP Hostess, Vanessa Pritchard (in NIKOLAKI), and Nick Verreos

Vanessa comes from a long dynasty of Bahamian creme de la creme, as I call it. Her family began and own John Bull, originally a Tobacconist started by Sir Asa Pritchard, now a retail chain of boutiques which sell all the high-end international brands exclusively in the Caribbean, such as Gucci, Fendi, Rolex and Cartier---you name them , they've got it!

Welcome Night Party: Dancing Queen: Nick Verreos dancing up a storm at Islands of The World Fashion Week Party

The day after we arrived in the gorgeous Bahamas, David and I went directly to work, meeting the models, doing fittings, and casting our show. This took A WHOLE DAY, I kid you not. But we had 30 gowns to fit on 15 girls, and to also match shoes and accompanying jewelry of course. After a full day of work, we were ready for some fun: The first night we were treated to a "Opening Reception" at the Greycliff Humidor Churrascaria Brazilian Restaurant, where we drank Champagne and ate local hor d'oeuvres. Here, I was introduced for the first time to many of the participating designers from all the various island nations from the Caribbean and beyond. We also posed and took what was to be the first of many, many photos (watch out MySpace and Facebook!) Culture and Arts NightThe second day , I took in a day's worth of runway shows since I was one of the official judges for the Eco-Sustainable and Culture and Next-Gen Designer Awards. That night, we were picked up by our trusty driver, and shuttled to this fabulous estate, where the event's organizers treated us to a fabulous "Welcome Party" highlighting the Culture and Arts of the Bahamas, with a strong emphasis on Junkanoo--the Bahamian New Year's Celebration. I know I had really only been in Nassau three days, but this was by far my favorite night so far! The evening began with a fabulous Bahamian song-and-dance number by an ensemble cast of local performers, then there was limbo dancing (with fire-lit limbo sticks!), a powerful drum performance by an acclaimed local artist and even a celebratory Junkanoo procession of costumed tuba and brass--playing musicians and dancers (see above).

Click below for wonderful video of what greeted us at this "Culture Night" at Island of The World Fashion Week:

Marley Resort Party:Caribbean's Next Top Models: Nick Verreos and David Paul surrounded by the Top Models of the Caribbean at Marley Resort and Spa Fashion Week Party

Marley Resort Party:
The next night, we attended a late-night party at the Marley Resort, in Cable Beach, Nassau. Originally a governor's mansion, Marley's widow, Nana (Rita) Marley bought it and now runs this expansive and lush resort and we were privileged to have been there. We dined and danced the night away with other attendees of the Islands of The World Fashion Week, as well as all the models and participating designers.

A Thousand and One (Bahamian) Nights: Nygard Cay ResortThroughout the entire week, we were forewarned about the "Final Night Party" and how unbelievable it would be. As we got into our "Super Stretch" limousine, we knew something special would be ahead of us. After an hour drive from our Atlantis Resort Hotel, we ended up in Lyford Cay in Nassau, New Providencia, then passed by a glorious gated community, through an obviously tony upper class neighborhood with colonial style mansions galore--including Sean Connery's home as well as other Hollywood A-Listers. Center Of Attention: The Bar at Nygard Cay

We then arrived at the famed Nygard Cay, a 6 acre/150,000 sq. ft. resort founded by Clothing Designer (based out of Canada, you can also find his designs at Dillard's) and Multi Millionaire Peter Nygard. We thought we had arrived in another world altogether! We look up and there were these immense architectural masterpieces of Mayan style temples greeting us. Nygard supposedly lives in the "Private Area" of the resort but it is available to rent--for $42,000 a day! Oprah Winfrey has. He also has his own private Boing 727 jet. Bahamian Vollyball: A view of one of the many pools at Nygard Cay

I think my mouth was completely open (in a permanent awestruck pose) for about an HOUR after arriving at Nygard Cay. It is really one of those things that you just have to see to believe. Countless pools, a private theater, your own secluded beach, a complete discotheque and even a bedroom that juts out from the main "temple mansion" and hovers inexplicably over the ocean. I swear it was something out of a James Bond movie! If you can make so much money and be able to own a jet and a mansion like this selling at Dillard's then sign NIKOLAKI up!
Nygard Disco: The view of the Nygard Cay Resort Discotheque ( Peter Nygard made a rare appearance--he's the blond man with a turquoise sweater around his neck, to the right of center)
Nikolaki Sandwich: David Paul, model Kamela, and Nick Verreos at Nygard Cay Party

The party was INCREDIBLE!! Everything was taken care of: From the endless buffet of delicious food to the fully-stocked open bar, to the various artists, singers and dancers who entertained us, it was as if we were celebrating New Year's Eve in major VIP fashion! LA Fashion Week: LA-based Designer Kevan Hall, David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI at Nygard Cay

There were even models strewn throughout the resort , semi-naked, in full body paint, serving jello shots (Click on video below!) We danced, ate and drank the night away, until we couldn't anymore---and like Cinderella, we had to catch our "carriage" back to the Atlantis. It was a fabulous ending to an incredible debut of Islands of The World Fashion Week.

Click below to watch a fun video of LA Designer Kevan Hall, Nick Verreos, David Paul, Vanessa Pritchard and other guests partaking in the "Islands of The World Jello Shots" at Nygard Cay Resort Party!!

Islands Of The World-- Nick Verreos' Fashion Week Recap!!

BAHAMA MOMMA! The Bahamas welcomes Nick Verreos and David Paul with a Junkanoo performer ( Bahamian New Year's Festival)

The Islands Of the World Fashion Week were not just about the NIKOLAKI show--although for us, that was a really important part, of course! The "week" encompassed four days worth of fashion shows from over 30 designers from the Caribbean (the Bahamas, Cuba, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia) Fiji, Indonesia and Madagascar, as well as featured designers, Danish-born Peter Ingwersen of NOIR Illuminati II, LA Designer-to-the-stars Kevan Hall, and myself. We ended each Fashion Week days' worth of shows with a "Premiere Show". Everyone Say Cheese: Islands Of The World Producers , Organizers, Judges, Designers: Tomas Frenes, Nick Verreos , Kevan Hall, Susan Stein, Owen Bethel, and David Paul

Featured Designers:

Peter Ingwersen opened the Fashion Week's festivities on Wednesday evening with his very modern take on sportswear, shown at the expansive Atlantis Resort Fashion Week runway stage. Gorgeous silky blouses, fitted jackets and ultra-skinny pants highlighted his show--all cut beautifully. My NIKOLAKI collection, was on Friday night at the "Old World" Colonial Hilton, and as I reported in my last posting, was a huge success (if I don't say so myself!) .NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection Tableaux of Models

Kevan Hall then ended the week by showing last year's Spring '08 Collection, inspired by Africa and Safari back at the Atlantis Resort Ballroom Runway.

Judging:
Throughout the week, I was privileged enough to also be one of the judges of three special awards that would be later handed out at the Final Night's Festivities---the Sustainable Eco-Fashion, the Culture and Fashion Awards, and the Next-Gen Designer. My co-judges-in-fashion-crime were: Nole' Marin (of America's Next Top Model and judge of the new ABC show, True Beauty). He brought along his DIVA mom and friends and we immediately got along, like the kids from Gossip Girls!
And my newly discovered "Fairy Godmother", Susan Stein, fashion editor of Palm Springs Life Magazine, and producer/director of Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert.

It was a tough challenge to chose just one designer who would eventually win each award. We really wanted the Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award to reflect the use of sustainable natural fabrics and the use of proper and fair practices in terms of dying, sewing, labour, etc. In terms of the Culture and Fashion Award, I was interested in how effective the designer showcased their island, it's uniqueness and especially, use of local materials. The first night, we spent several hours looking over the designers' creations and then had to vote immediately, as guests waited anxiously for our results. It got a bit crazy backstage with designers fighting over whether or not they received enough "judges" time. I suggest that next time, we do it Project Runway style, and have a whole separate day of "Judging", like what I have done for the shows' castings in Los Angeles and Chicago: The judges at a table and the eligible designers coming up to us showing us why they should get the awards. Can I be the Tim Gunn of the bunch?Eco-Goddesses: Models in 2 of the Finalists' creations for the Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award

The winners were announced on the Final night after a prodigious fashion show highlighting the Finalists. It was like a Miss Universe Parade Of Nations Costume show, with some of the most gorgeous models the islands has to offer. It was certainly one of the best parts of my entire week in the Bahamas!Designer Queen Esther from St. Lucia, a colorful and vibrant woman with stupendous design talent, won the Sustainable Eco-Fashion with her John Galliano-like gown (see above) St. Vincent and The Grenadines native, Tamiko Browne won the other two awards, the Culture and Fashion as well as the Next-Gen Designer awards, which I was honored to have presented to her. Tamiko's bathing suit line was clearly our favorite in terms of the most wearable, sellable collection, and one that we could all easily see in Swimsuit boutiques from Miami to Papeete, Tahiti. Each winner received a gorgeous engraved Waterford Crystal vase.Velvet Seeds: St. Vincent and The Grenadines Jewelry Designer Ingrid John of Natural Beats

There were so many great designers we saw, but some of my other favorites included St. Vincent jewelry designer, Ingrid John of Natural Beats. Her necklaces, earrings and bracelets were beautiful, infusing natural ingredients native to her island nation. I photographed some of her jewelry, including FISH SCALE earrings (yep, you read that right!), and a VELVET SEED necklace, which has seeds, uniquely found in the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere!Hand-Sewn Pin Tucks: Close Up on the handwork of Cuban designer, Carmen Fiol

I also was amazed at the hand work of the dresses made by the octogenarian Cuban designer, Carmen Fiol. There was one dress with HUNDREDS of 1/8 of an inch pin tucks that she sewed BY HAND!!! I also enjoyed David Andre's Sea Sun and Sex (what a great name!) line. He hails from Haiti and we had a lot of fun discussing the FIERCE DIVA ex-wife of former Haiti dictator, Michelle Duvalier. Trust me, she will end up being the inspiration for one of my future collections...

Next post, the parties......check back soon!