Project Runway Minute: Nick Verreos Judges Los Angeles Castings for Season 10 Project Runway--The Recap!

Make It WORK Los Angeles!!

Day One Runway Threesome: Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra and Abby Gardner, Season 10 Project Runway LA Castings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

It's Project Runway Season 10 Casting Time!!! For the last EIGHT seasons (Gosh, I'm like the "Grandpa" of Casting Judges!) , I have been asked to be part of the Project Runway Casting Process--in terms of judging the Casting Sessions. For Season Ten---Yes, kids, we are onto Season 10!--I was invited to be one of the Judges for the Los Angeles Casting Sessions.

LA Judging Smiles: Marie Claire's Web Site Director Abby Gardner, Fashion Designer Nick Verreos, Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra, Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The producers and casting executives have been traveling across the nation--to Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, NYC, and so on...to find WHO might be on the next season of Lifetime's "Project Runway". This week, it was L.A.---the end-of-the-Project Runway-Fashion-Line.

Stripes, Mesh & Plaid: Day Two of the Season Ten Project Runway Castings---(Left to right) Marie Claire site director Abby Gardner, Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra, Nick Verreos--Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Castings took place at the beautiful Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the HEART of Hollywood (almost across from the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theater!) I was joined by Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra (I HEART HIM sooo much!) as well as Marie Claire Magazine site director Abby Gardner (my statuesque best new girlfriend!).

Day Two Judges Table: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra, Abby Gadner,  Project Runway Season 10 LA Casting, Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood

During the two days I was a co-judge, we saw many, many very talented fashion designers and aspiring Project Runway contestants. I am shaking with anticipation to find out who--of all the designers we said "You're In" to--will actually make it through (there's still lots of other steps they have to go through darlings).


Now, can we TWALK about Miss Mondo's FASHHHIUUUUN??? Day Two gave us this outfit below:

Mondo Day Two "I Am Not Trying To Hear It L.A. Castings Look": Red scoop neck sweater, white dress shirt, "Hot" shorty shorts (his fave!) and fabulous necklaces--Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra getting mic'ed for the Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings

I cannot wait to see WHO MAKES IT onto Season 10 of Project Runway!!! Stay tuned...

The Project Runway LOOK TV Talent Search: YOUR Opportunity to Audition for the 10th Anniversary Season!

Do YOU want be on Project Runway????

Melon & Peach Boys: Nick Verreos and Project Runway All Stars Season One Winner, Project Runway Season 10 Chicago Castings

If your answer is a resounding "YESSS!!!!!!" , then darlings, keep reading...As you may know, we are now on Season Ten of Project Runway-- Yes, kids, it's the Tenth Anniversary Season (note to self: I feel REALLY OLD!!!).

I flew to Chicago last week to film some fun "Call To Action" videos for a very special contest/opportunity for fashion designers wanting to be on Project Runway for the newest--and most fabulous--fashion and beauty channel on YouTube: Look TV...

Look TV has partnered with the Co-Creators and Executive Producers of Project Runway to create this FIRST TIME EVAHHH (!!!) opportunity: a chance to audition for the show! THIS is your only chance to get a spot on the exclusive Final Closed Casting Session in Los Angeles on May 1st. The search is on for the next Project Runway fashion designer candidate!

Here's what you have to do:
*Submit a creative 1-2 minute video explaining why you're qualified to compete for the show.
*Show us why YOU think you can "Make It Work!"
*Make the best case of what you have to bring to the table as a unique, innovative fashion designer.
*The Look TV/Project Runway team will judge each of your submissions/videos and select their FAVORITE candidate to join the designers already chosen to show their designs--in LA on May 1, 2012.
*At this exclusive closed casting session, one lucky winner will go through an in-person interview and assessment of their designs.
*Look TV will chronicle the journey of our lucky designer hopeful as he or she vies for the spot in the top finalists.
*Do YOU have what it takes to make it to the Final Casting Session?? If you think so, then send your video to: looktvnet@gmail.com.

DEADLINE is April 26 so "Make It Work!"...like NOW!!!!!

Chicago Filming: Nick Verreos filming the Look TV Project Runway Call To Action videos, The James Hotel Chicago

Click Below for the "Call To Action" video I filmed during the Chicago Season 10 Project Runway Castings for the LOOK TV/YouTube "Project Runway Talent Search" giving all the DETAILS:

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 12--The Almost-Halloween Edition!!

Time for my Recap!!!

Last week, I wrote--about Anya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley and Viktor Luna--three of this season's Project Runway designers--and how their whole "interaction" and "She Can't Sew But We Can!" drama was like a Project Runway version of Cinderella and her Evil Stepsisters. I dubbed Anya, Cind-Anya-rella:

And Joshua and Viktor...the "Construction Stepsisters":

I know! I LOVE that image of the Cartoon version of the "Cinderella" Stepsisters. Genius. I think that Joshua is the one on the right and Viktor, the black-haired one on the left! As we head toward these final challenges of the season--when it really is getting down to the VERY HIGH STRESS wire--both Joshua and Viktor have been on the "It's NOT FAIR that Anya keeps winning" bandwagon. There has been much kvetching about how she "can't sew" and sometimes even forgets to put a zipper in her dress(!). Hence the name, the "Construction Stepsisters"!

Di Suvero Posing: Project Runway Designers at Governors Island, NYC

But enough of the fairytale--let's get to this week's episode: The designers had to take a ferry to Governors Island in NYC. The Challenge was to create 3 Looks inspired by the island, the art/sculptures and/or the landscape/architecture, on the island.

I was struck by WHAT THEY WORE to this trip. And why did they all look as if they were on their way to a tacky gay nightclub in Atlantic City (see above)? Moving on...

The Fashion:

Anya Ayoung-Chee: Yes, Cind-Anya-rella--"won"--well, she was the first one picked by the judges to move on to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The judges LOVED her mini-collection of three "intellectually" sophisticated looks. To me, they actually looked very "Bert Keeter" (one of her fellow contestants and her "assistant" on this challenge).

Take a look at one of Anya's looks from last night (left) and one of Bert's from when he showed at the Project Runway Finale at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Show. In case you are not that much of a Project Runway fan and don't know: NINE of the contestants got to show at NY Fashion Week. Look it up...anyway, I don't doubt that these were Anya's designs but when they were turned over to Bert to "assist" with the patternmaking and construction, they suddenly looked liked something he would design. Kudos to her for realizing they made a great team and utilizing his talent.

And now, the "Construction Stepsisters":

Viktor Luna: I loved his mini-collection. Very polished. And yes, very sellable. However, in terms of a "Runway Fashion Scale": About a 6/10. But, well done. Especially that leather cascade front jacket look in the middle. If this was the "Banana Republic Challenge": A WINNER!!!!!

Joshua McKinley: Above were his 3 Mini-Collection looks--(Oh Dear!)

Mean Girls Cheerleader: One of the looks made the model look really THICK (poor thang) and it was very "Mean Girls", which is very apropos. I think individually, the pieces are great and contemporary but together...not so mucheeeyyyy.

And then there was this above. He used a silver Lurex fabric and tried to create a draped gown. It ended up looking very "Statue of Liberty"/Toga Halloween costume.

Kimberly Goldson: I liked the colors--very NOW! But those HIP-enhancing skirts? I appreciate the askew-cowl-and-pleated draping. LOVE. I just don't know if she should continue placing these drapes right in the area a woman DOES NOT--under any circumstances--want any extra "stuff". It's also funny how in the above photo she almost fits into the mini collection! She should incorporated the pants she is wearing in one of the models outfits!

Laura Kathleen: It was the self-professed "St. Louis Princess", designer/contestant Laura Kathleen who unfortunately, got the boot this week. She was OBSESSED with this circle fabric she found at Mood (because she was inspired by circle shapes on Governors Island) and she decided (against Monsieur Gunn's objections) to go CIRCLE KRAZEE. But it wasn't the circle looks that did her "OUT". It was:


This hastily put-together dress (the one on the right, in case you are confused), which made the judges go "Uh, no". Let's start with the iridescent organza-like fabrication. Then , the bad side-breast fit. And well, it also looked like a bad "Toga Girl" costume for Halloween. PS: What. Is. Up. With. All. The. Halloween. Costume. References? Very timely. And I have to say, I kinda like the tacky dress on the left better...The tacki-licious black shoes and even TACKIER bra-strap tan line, is what REALLY makes it!!!

OK, enough for now--Here's my Recap of this week's Project Runway Episode:


Cind-Anya-rella and Her Two Construction Stepsister

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: “Cind-Anya-rella and her Construction Stepsisters.” Starring “Cind-Anya-rella” – the former beauty queen who just learned how to sew; her two “Construction Stepsisters,” Viktor and Joshua; and finally, the two supporting “Design Damsels,” Kimberly and Laura. How will this movie end? Stay tuned …

Boxers and Pumps
As the episode begins we are told that it is the final challenge, the outcome of which decides who will show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The five remaining designers head out for a ferry trip to Governors Island. Kimberly is wearing her highest pumps, while Anya is sporting a pair of fur Uggs (?) and Joshua, bless his little heart, is wearing printed boxer shorts and combat boots! In those getups, did they think they were going to a gay club in Atlantic City? Anyhow, Tim Gunn is there, along with Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island, and John Stern, president of the Storm King Art Center.

What, No Standard Hotel Rooftop Pool Bar at Governors Island?
Gunn announces the final challenge: to create three looks that show a “range” (meaning a dress, pants outfit, a skirt ensemble, etc.) inspired by the island, its landscape, architecture and/or the fabulous Mark di Suvero sculptures on the island. They have two days and a $500 budget (Lordy!). After 30 minutes exploring the island, Joshua realizes that there is no Standard Hotel with a Rooftop Pool, so he ends up going to a church for his inspiration. Kimberly decides to be motivated by one of the di Suvero sculptures, entitled “New Beginning.” Anya is drawn to the positive/negative spaces of the artwork. Laura is inspired by circles. And Viktor likes the juxtaposition of the NYC metropolis vs. the island’s scenery...

To read the rest...CLICK HERE!!

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 9--Bears, Sheepdogs and Woodstock Hippies!

A Very Hair-y Bear-y Sheepdog-y Project Runway

Last night, we had another episode of Project Runway Season 9. As always, there are several things I need to get off my HAIRY Chest:

First, What Does A Musical Revival of "Hair"...

Bad Brady Bunch Hippie Halloween Costumes...

"Massive" Men...

And Gay Bears...

Have In Common? According to last night's episode, A LOT--The Challenge was to create a look and "image" for The Sheepdogs, an up-and-coming band from Saskatoon Saskatchewan (say that three times!). They beat out 15 other bands to win Rolling Stone's "Choose The Cover" contest. They were the first unsigned band to do so, in fact. Oh, and they are all MEN!

And the designers were not happy--to design, create, and fit, men's clothes, that is. The results were worthy of many many MANY Michael Kors one-liner zingers! In fact, so many, that this week provided enough Kors-isms to last through an ENTIRE season! The Sheepdogs told the designers that they liked a 70's Boho/Hippie-but-2011-Hippie Vibe. The designers took that too far. The clothes were cartoony and costumey, for 98% of them. Madonna British-accented Olivier who is a specialist in Menswear did not fare well.

Speaking of Olivier...this episode stood out for his insensitive and almost body-dysmorphic remarks against anyone who wasn't a size 2. He called his client, the lead singer Ewan Currie "MASSIVE" (he's not!). And it didn't end there, Olivier went on and on about not liking to design for "Plus Size" and that he got "The Fat One". Boy, did I just want to dump Olivier in a (Name your Local Gay Bear Bar) and have my MASSIVE Boys at him!!!

The Hippie Winners and The Woodstock Losers:

Joshua McKinley's creation for bass player Ryan Gullen: It was a costumey and reminiscent of a local community college musical performance of "Hair", but DANG, those pants fit very well.

I didn't like those contrast back patch pockets though. No need for those. A little too "Fashion School First Semester Project".

Bert Keeter's look for lead singer Ewan: He looked like a Viking during Oslo Norway's Gay Pride. And I actually mean that in a good way. Not sure if the braids were necessary, but at least the rest of his look was not a "Hippie Chick" costume.

Viktor Luna's look for guitarist Leot Hanson: The jeans fit well and that fringed-and-braided jacket was outstanding. Not so sure about the tucked-in shirt. Most "rock-band"/musicians do not do TUCK-IN's but he was the Winner.

Now, The Bad:

Anya Ayoung Chee's look for drummer Sam Corbett: Huuuuuney!!! What. Were. You. Thinking? That is a Dashiki Don't. Kors, and guest judge Adam Lambert were having a field day with this one, saying that it reminded them of something...

Greg Brady wore on the "Brady Bunch"

And poor Sam, he got it AGAIN--this time from another designer, Kimberly Goldson. He looks like he sells some really cheap--and bad--pot somewhere in Amsterdam! Supposedly Kimberly is "famous" for her pants...but these were one of the WORST pair I've ever seen; too big, too loose, too much rise. I think Sam should get a special "Good Sport" award just for dealing with the embarrassment.

But the BIGGEST LOSER--Massive in fact--was Olivier "I Hate Fat People" Green and his design. At least he mitered the print down the center front and it wasn't straight out of "Hair". But, the shirt was too lose, too cropped, and the entire look had no Design "It" Factor. Anyway, I think just for being so UGLY to Ewan, he should've gone home anyway.

Now that I've quickly summed up my "Main" thoughts--Below you can begin reading my "Extended Version" and what I REALLY thought of this week's "Image Is Everything" Episode on myLifetime.com:

The episode begins, and once again, within 30 seconds, there are two ominous hints at what’s to come: Anya’s can’t-sew issues and Olivier’s time-management problems are both quickly revisited. Unless the editors are trying to throw me for a loop, I just have a feeling one of these two is going home. And I just KNOW it isn’t Anya — those judges have drunk the Anya Kool-Aid, and they’re not sending her back to Trinidad and Tobago, that’s for sure! Oh and yes, Olivier still hates fat people …

Musique C’est Chic
Let’s begin. Last week, the designers thought that they were designing for men — when they saw nine guys walk onto the runway — and they weren’t happy. But as “‘Project Runway’ luck” would have it, they had to create looks for the men’s respective girlfriends/wives. Whew! That was a close one. Well, kids, don’t do the “happy dance” just yet. This week, the designers head out to Rockwood Music Hall, where they meet up with Monsieur Gunn and Peter Butler, Consulting Stylist for Garnier. There, Tim tells the designers that fashion and music are forever linked, adding, “Think The Beatles and,” um, “Lady Gaga.” (I know that took A LOT out of Tim to even mouth —the Lady Gaga part, that is).

The Dogs Get Groomed
It turns out that Garnier and Rolling Stone magazine have partnered to showcase a new band, The Sheep Dogs. Here’s the first catch: The “Project Runway” contestants would be responsible for creating the band’s fashion image, and the winning look would be worn by a band member at an event as well as be featured in a Marie Claire/Garnier advertorial. Here’s the second (more important) catch: They’re ALL men! Yes, kids, this is THE Menswear Challenge, officially. Third catch: They must work in teams ... again.

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...and leave your comments on the site! I read 'em all!!!

Nick Verreos Attends Project Runway Emmy Awards After Party at Lexington Social House

Emmys Project Runway Bash...

Nick Verreos and Marie Claire Fashion Editor Zanna Roberts-Rassi, Project Runway Emmy Awards After Party, Lexington Social House Hollywood

Sunday night were the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards, as we all know. A little ol' show called "Project Runway" was nominated--once again, as it has been since it's creation!--for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. "Amazing Race" won unfortunately.

Last year "Top Chef" had won and broke the "Amazing Race" streak, but...now AR was back! Well, this disappointing loss for the producers of Project Runway didn't mean that they still couldn't PARTY!!! I was invited to the Project Runway Emmy Awards After Party, held at the Lexington Social House, a nightclub-restaurant in the heart of Hollywood. After a day of LIVE Emmy's Red Carpet Fashion Blogging, I threw on my white Dinner Jacket, black tuxedo pants and bow tie, Brooks Brothers pink polka-dot hankie and dragged--kicking and screaming--my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul with me (it's hard to leave our doggie Benny by himself!).

Lexington Social House Hollywood interior

The party began at 8pm right as the awards show ended and we arrived soon afterward.
Early on, I really didn't recognize anyone except a couple of the producers of the show. But soon enough, some editors made their way toward my white dinner jacket, introducing themselves as well as telling me some DISH on this season's designers and that dreaded "Oh, THEY edited me THAT way..." excuse. I LOVE talking to the editors!!

I didn't see any other Project Runway Alumn, except, I did run into Season 8 Designer Michael Costello (above, right) who just finished his stint on the upcoming Project Runway All Stars Season.

Project Runway 2011 Emmy Awards After Party Cocktails

I did see the fabulously chic Zanna Roberts-Rassi Senior Fashion Editor for Marie Claire (and my LA Casting Partner-in-Crime) who showed up with her dashing husband, MILK Studios Founder and Creative Director Mazdack Rassi. INSIDE DISH: Zanna was wearing Alexander Wang and texting/emailing Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia trying to find out where she was (at the Emmy's Governor's Ball I am sure!). After I embarrassed myself profusely by confessing to her husband my love of Persian Cuisine--and especially Tahdig and Gormeh Zabzi--I made sure to make a beeline to the exit.

The Scene: Project Runway Emmy Awards 2011 After Party Lexington Social House Hollywood

Both David and I had a blast at the Project Runway 2011 Emmy Awards After Party but...it was time to:
A) Get some take-home dinner;
B) Get back to Benny, our son--I mean Doggie--and
C) Go home and actually watch the show--in our comfortable pj's.

Project Runway Season 9--Episode 4 "It's All About Nina" --Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Recap!

What Would Nina Wear?



Last night, on Season 9 Project Runway, the remaining designers had to create a look for Miss Nina Garcia, Style Diva, eyebrow-arching judge of the show, and of course, Fashion Director of Marie Claire. The results were, well, a bit Not Nina, but before I give you an Amuse Bouche of my MyLifetime.com Weekly Recap, I have some thoughts:



Would You Like Some Mustard with That Pencil Skirt: One of the contestants, Just-Learned-How-To-Sew Anya bought some mustard-colored silk fabric to make Nina her design. She was chastised for her color-choice by Nina--who asked "Do You Have a Plan B?" and Michael Kors who confidently stated "Probably the LAAAST color on the PLAAANET, that she would say ohhhh, give me that!"



So, Anya decided to change it and well kiddies, I went back into the "Nina Photo Vault" and found a little proof that Nina does wear mustard/yellow hues...and looks quite good in them.



The Top:

Anya: Speaking of Anya (who dyed her mustard fabrication into this olive/mud-looking color). Her design ended up in the Top 3 mainly because I think Nina was impressed with her ability to find a solution to her mustard dilemma. Sorry, but I really don't understand how this was in the Top. Really? Nina is going to wear this to the office and then to a cocktail party?! With that belt? This is better for a Jr. Marie Claire Assistant who's 23.



Viktor: Very nice dress. I give him props for really thinking about his client (seems as if most of the others DID NOT) but as Michael Kors said "It's a little now and Nina is about what is the next thing". It also looks VERY Kim Kardashian...



Kimberly: She definitely deserved the win. Totally Nina. She LOVES pants. She loves BLACK pants and the gold directional top is great for a billboard and editorial.



The Middle of the Pack:



Olivier: Sooooo Olivier. And so Nina (if you changed the pants to black). But it looks like one of the suits he brought to his Casting. But DUDE (did I just type "Dude"?): Add some color why don't you? Step out of your comfort zone, just once.



Anthony Ryan: He could have been in the top for me. If he had done black pants (here we go again!), I think he would have nailed it. Also, interesting how he self-analyzed and realized in his commentary that he hadn't pushed it quite far enough. This boy is going to the Finale ferrrr suuuuure!



Becky: Actually a very cute dress. Not totally "Nina" but it is well designed and well contructed. Safe.



Bert: Chic and impeccably made. It was just kinda BORING. Yes, this would be at a Macy's Dresses Dept, like tomorrow! BUT: Hello, this is a DESIGN competition! Bert needs to stop phoning it in. This will be his dismiss for sure.



Joshua: Really girl?! On Nina Garcia?! Since when is Nina going to see Lady Bunny DJ'ing at Club 57 in NYC? Clearly someone who has a hard time combining the UBER chic aesthetic of their client with their own style. Once again, this will do him in.



Laura Kathleen: Oh huney. This is SO Laura. Not Nina. I can see this at the St. Louis Magazine's Annual "A-List" party but not in Manhattan's Hearst Offices and then to a Fashion Party at the new Dream Downtown NYC. Nope.



The Bottom:

Danielle: Boy, she really got it wrong this week. This is Nina, after popping one too many prescription pills for depression. Yes, the green color is very IN this season, but well, not in this style of a blouse. And the wide hip-slung waistband pant. I think I did a pant like that for my NIKOLAKI line back in 2003. Just sayin'



Bryce vs. Cecilia: Bryce's Wonky-hemmed dress (and what's up with those really BAD armholes?) vs. Cecilia's one-shoulder cocktail look. Both are NOT Nina, and not so well made (Bryce's is WORSE!). I'm still perplexed at how Bryce didn't end up in the bottom--other than at least his somehow could be (a little) more appropriate for "business". I guess.



Bye Bye, and Thank You For Flying "Julie Airways":



A Coat-Dress. Yes. It's the LATEST thing! Didn't you hear? She looks like she's about to serve my warm nuts and Bloody Mary as I sink into my Business Class pod seat on a plane!



The color combination is so easyJet (right) and the styling is so Richard Tyler for Delta Airlines (left). Go figure.



And now: This Week's Recap:







Do You Have A Plan C?



Designing for a client: a rite of passage every fashion designer — amateur or established — must go through. The circus is gone (thank goodness), and this week it's all about designing for a REAL client: Nina Garcia. The Legend. The Diva. Born in Colombia to a wealthy importer (Wikipedia!). Attended an exclusive boarding school for girls in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Holds TWO bachelor's degrees, from Boston University and FIT, and (if that's not enough), she also attended the Ecole Supérieure de la Mode in Paris. Oh, and did I mention the woman has enough style and class to fill two football fields in Texas? ....



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