Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010-The Final Recap: Night 3--Haiti Relief Fashion Show!

Finale Night Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010, Haiti Relief Fashion Show, Awards...and fun at Atlantis Resort!

Fashion Hammock: Nick Verreos filming a TV interview in The Bahamas, British Colonial Hilton

Happy Thanksgiving Week!! Hopefully, you enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, had fun with friends and family, rested and well, got out and "exercised" your shopping duties! While taking some "down-time" during this Thanksgiving, I figured, this would be the perfect time to post my last Recap of the AMAZING time I had a couple of weeks back in The Bahamas at the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week. In case you missed my other previous postings, you can go HERE, as well as HERE and HERE to get caught up.

Vive Haiti: Dignitaries, fashion designers and models at "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

But now, we're onto the last and Final "Runway 3" night of this annual affair which showcased designers, fashions, and accessories from the Islands of The World!! The "crowning jewel" of this final night was the Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show. VIP guests who were present for this final night included all the Guest Designers who showed this year at Islands of The World Fashion Week, such as Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll, Indashio from NY and Oliver Tolentino from Los Angeles (via The Philippines). Dignitaries including the Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas as well as the Haitian Ambassador to The United Nations were also on hand to witness the beautiful designs from Haitian Designers and artisans.

Haiti Handbag: Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Haiti Flag" sequin purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

I had the honor of hosting this final night and from the moment I stepped onstage and uttered (OK, yelled!) Sak Pase Nap Boule (Haitian Creole for "What's Happening?...We're Chillin'" I was told), we were off to a fabulous night to benefit the beautiful nation of Haiti.

Runway Scene: Maguy Durce dress and purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

The collections ranged from stunning day-to-evening wear, impeccable jewelry, as well as fantastic purses and bags from Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, Maguy Durce, Artisans du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary, among others.

Sak Pasé Nick: Nick Verreos hosts "Runway 3" Final Night of Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 The Bahamas

Soon afterward, it was time for the second part of the evening: The Announcing of the Winners for the first ever "In Search of The Next Oscar" design competition, in addition to the NextGen Designer and Eco-Fashion Designer Awards. Continuing my emcee duties, I especially LOVED this part of the evening. I channeled being the host of the Miss Universe or Miss World pageants as I announced the Winners with much DRAMA!

The Winner of the "In Search of The Next Oscar" was...


Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic, whose sequin-and-satin gowns/cocktail attire took the grand prize. She spoke little English and as I am Bi-lingual, I was her official translator during the contest and when announcing the winner. I think she didn't need any translating, however, when I called out her name!

Bahamas up-and-coming designer (and our unofficial NIKOLAKI Assistant, Intern/"Boy Friday" from two years ago), David Rolle won the NextGen Award (seen above getting his award) with his edgy designs. He won a Scholarship to Parsons The New School of Design in New York! (Funny side note: Minutes before he was announced the Winner, he approached me backstage asking about possible schooling opportunities for him, either in LA or NY! He had NO IDEA...)

And finally, I announced the Winner of the Eco-Fashion Award, Designer Oliver Tolentino (above), and his strapless off-white gown made of pineapple fabric (yes, I said PINEAPPLE!). It also had actual hand-sewn cultured pearls woven into it!

Beauty Under The Bahamas Stars: Miss Bahamas 2010 Braneka Bassett with Nick Verreos, After Party at the British Colonial Hilton

The night ended with a festive VIP After Party at the British Colonial Hilton (site of the Islands of The World Fashion Week) with a delicious buffet, drinks and musical entertainment where guests, editors, models, photographers and designers got to party all night under the gorgeous Caribbean moonlight!

Bahamas Free Time!!

Rainbow Conch: (L-R) David Paul, Nick Verreos, Tomas Frenes, Jay McCarroll, Matthew, Arawak Cay Nassau The Bahamas

Naturally, it wasn't all work for yours truly. Luckily, we had some "down time" prior to the evening's Runway Shows and my hosting duties to enjoy the sights of the GORGEOUS Bahamas. One day, Tomas Frenes Vice President of Mode Isles (Producer of the Fashion Week) as well as Owner of Tomas Frenes Design Studio in Miami (and my King Teddy Bear!) took Jay McCarroll, Matthew, David Paul and I to have CONCH at The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, where in the back of the restaurant, we discovered a brightly colored wooden wall which of course, we had to take photos in front of.

On another day, David and I also went to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Resort. We certainly couldn't leave The Bahamas without getting a little Atlantis in. Since the last time I was here (2 years ago when both David and I showed our NIKOLAKI Collection at the 2008 Islands of The World Fashion Week), I had been wanting to go back and do those infamous Atlantis Resort water slides.

Well kids, I did it: That's me midway down The Leap of Faith--yes, in them shorty-shorts! (Thanks David for that AMAZING photo). And don't EVEN think about magnifying it! I'm sure the look of sheer horror on my face is neither pretty or fashionable. With that, I bid a warm Goodbye to The Bahamas and Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Until the next time...

Below are Three Exclusive NICKVERREOS.COM videos from "Runway 3" night of Islands of the World Fashion Week 2010:

Announcement of the Eco-Fashion Designer Award:

Final Model Walk and Bow of Maguy Durce Fashion Show: "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:




Final Model Walk and Bow of Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:



Final Model Walk and Bow of Michel Chataigne, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:

Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010-Day One: Jay McCarroll Fashion Show and Much More!

Project Bahamas...

Triumphant Walk: Jay McCarroll takes his bow with model in tow at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (photo courtesy of Lyndah Welles)

After I arrived in The Bahamas--to GORGEOUS weather BTW (thank you Weather Gods!)--we settled in, got to rest my weary jet-lagged head and attended the Exclusive Bahamas Screening of Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll's Documentary "Eleven Minutes" on "Arrival Day".

Island Fashionistas: Tomas Frenes, Vice President of Mode Isles/Islands of The World Fashion Week, David Paul and Nick Verreos, Designers NIKOLAKI

The following night was the real First Night--dubbed "Runway 1"-- of Runway Shows for the 2010 Edition of Islands of The World Fashion Week at the divine British Colonial Hilton.

The night began with a fiery and very sexy Opening Performance/Dance Number by Bahamas Dance Troupe "Silk and Steel" highlighting the Island Carnival Flavor (above photo).

Bag Crazy: Models show Harl Taylor BAG designs, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

This was soon followed by fashion shows from several Island designers including these gorgeous bags from Harl Taylor BAG from The Bahamas. Models sauntered in various colored catsuits but the fabulous straw bags--in all shapes and sizes--were the stars. They were adorned with gorgeous Mother of Pearl, seashells, gemstones and hand-carved Bahamian mahogany accents. In addition, there was also a sexy swimsuit runway show from ICandy Swimwear, designed by Margot Ga.

Catwalk Divas: Jay McCarroll's models take their final walk at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (Photo courtesy of Lyndah Wells)

A definite highlight of this first night of runway shows at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 was Debut Presentation of Jay McCarroll's Spring 2011 Collection. He had not shown a full collection, well, since the one documented in "Eleven Minutes" so the anticipation was palpable in the capacity-filled Runway "tent" at the Hilton. It was well worth the wait: The clothes were gorgeous!

Violet Queen: Model wearing Jay McCarroll Spring 2011, Islands of The World Fashion week 2010

The Collection was SOOOO Jay McCarroll: The brightly hued colors, the simple sheath shapes turned complex with intricate seaming and fun details such as his "Jay" circles. The models were STUNNING and fabulously styled by the designer himself, down to last purse and shoe detail...

Caribbean Neon: Model in Jay McCarroll Spring 2011, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (Photo Courtesy of Lyndah Wells)

Speaking of shoes, the models platform heels were covered with colored socks found THE DAY OF THE SHOW, in a Bahamas Outdoors Market (Love that!).

Click Below to watch the Finale of Jay McCarroll's Spring 2011 Collection:

The Rest of "Runway Day 1", at Island of The World Fashion Week 2010:

Bahamas Reporting: Nick Verreos and The Bahamas Weekly Reporter, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Besides the fun and very colorful presentation of Jay McCarroll's new collection, the first night of runway shows also consisted of the NextGen Designers Presentation as well as the Eco-Fashion Designers Presentation. The Competitions were judged by Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion Parsons The New School of Design, Louis Sarmiento Senior Director of IMG Fashion and Jay McCarroll.

Bahamian Cocktail: Model in David Rolle design, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Final Bow: NextGen Designer Finalist David Rolle of The Bahamas and his model, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

The favorite in the NextGen Category was up-and-coming Bahamas designer David Rolle. I have a personal connection to David because he helped both myself and my NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul two years ago when we showed at the 2008 Islands of The World Fashion Week. He was INVALUABLE. He was backstage steaming, pressing and holding up our gowns. He was so pro-active, always asking questions and never complaining. He was a Designer's DREAM intern and assistant at the time.

Proud Poppas: NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with NextGen Designer Winner David Rolle

And so both David and I were so proud to see his debut collection. I joked and told him that we felt like "Proud Poppa's". His designs were both directional yet elegant and sell-able--all at the same time. He even hand-cuffed all the models:

Yep, I said HAND CUFFED them (look closely above!). A few nights later, at the Final Night of the Islands Of The World Fashion Week, David Rolle won the NextGen Award and a Scholarship to Parsons New School for Design. Congrats to "our" David Rolle!

Click Below to watch David Rolle win the NextGen Designer Award:

Next Up: "Runway Night 2" of Islands of The World Fashion Week...

Nick Verreos to Host "In Search of The Next Oscar" Design Competition: Islands of The World Fashion Week Bahamas 2010!

Caribbean Red Carpet Couture Hosting!!

Junkanoo Nick: Nick Verreos in The Bahamas, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008 Welcoming Night Party

I am beyond excited to announce that I will be flying to The Bahamas TOMORROW!!! No, not to ride the dolphins, or slide on the Atlantis's Leap of Faith but to be part of...

The Island Of The World Fashion Week 2010 fashion shows and festivities. In addition, I have also been invited to host a fabulous Fashion Design Competition "In Search of The Next Oscar". Not as in the Academy Awards Oscar, but as in Oscar de la Renta, the Dominican Republic-born fashion designer. This competition will recognize and honor the island-based designer whose collection reflects a cohesive meeting point between ready-to-wear and Haute Couture.

Take A Bow: NIKOLAKI designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with models, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

As many of you may know, I was privileged enough--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul--to go to the Bahamas two years ago to show our NIKOLAKI Collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008.

NIKOLAKI at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

Showing our gorgeous gowns and dresses at the Islands of The World Fashion Week was an amazing one-of-a-kind experience which needless to say garnered TONS of press for us, including many top US and international publications.

NIKOLAKI at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

The elegant venue, the stunning models--everything was up to par with any top Fashion Week around the World. In short, The Bahamas does it right when it comes to showcasing the best of Fashion from the World's Islands!!!

This year's IOTW Fashion Week will run November 11-13th with fashion shows EVERY NIGHT at the elegant British Colonial Hilton. Highlights include Special Celebrity Designer Jay McCarroll--yes, Winner of Season One Project Runway--who will be showing his collection on Opening Night; the Search For The Next Oscar design competition on November 12Th and ending with the Haiti Relief Fashion Show on November 13Th.

Above are the Schedule of Events for Islands of The World Fashion week 2010. Click HERE for Tickets!!

See you in The Bahamas!!!!

Nick Verreos: The Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Fashion Show: Universal Studios Backlot

Nick's Getaway..to Universal Studios!Tardy For The Party: Nick Verreos on the red carpet at Kevan Hall's Spring 2010 Runway Show

Last Saturday night was a busy one: I was invited to the very A-List black tie Opening Gala for the Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture Exhibit (as you may have read in my previous post) at FIDM Downtown and then I had to attend the Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Runway Show at Universal Studios. After spending two amazing hours enjoying the party and the wonderful Couture gowns at the museum, I realized that David and I only had fifteen minutes to somehow get to Universal Studios! We quickly got in our car and sat in: STOPPED TRAFFIC! I don't know what part of "It's a Saturday Night in Los Angeles" we did not understand? It eventually took us FORTY-FIVE minutes to get to our fashion show destination!Spanish Steps a la Kevan Hall: Designer Kevan Hall strikes a pose

The Kevan Hall show, which was co-sponsored by Ruznak Auto Group as well as Universal Studios, was being held at the Universal Studio's backlot and the invitation warned that there would be over 1000 guests and security would be very "tight". Gay Fashionsita Terrorists can be so harmful to runway shows. One never knows if Sacha Baron Cohen might be showing up as his over-the-top Austrian Bruno. PR Extraordinaire: Nick Verreos and Kevan Hall's pr DIVA, Margaret Schell

Running up the cobblestone streets of the studio's backlot (note to self: YSL Johnny Boots are not conducive to running!), we passed stunning automobiles: Audis, Bentleys, BMWs, Jaguars, Maybachs, Rolls Royces ...Yep, no recession happening here darlings! When we finally arrived at the location of the runway show, we were happy to see that the show had not begun yet, but it was about to and all the guests were already in their seats! Work It: A one-shouldered cocktail dress, Kevan Hall Spring 2010

In our standing-room-only section of "Tardy for the Party" late-comers, we ran into California Apparel News Publisher, Molly Rhodes, Executive Editor Alison Nieder and Fashion Editor Jayne Seward, so yes, David and I were not alone! I also said "hello" to Kevan's wife, Debbie, and dished on our memories of last year's Islands of The World Fashion Week in the Bahamas, where both Kevan and myself had shown our collections.My Fave: A strapless organza gown from Kevan Hall Spring 2010

The runway was set up below an enormous stage reminiscent of Rome's Spanish Steps. The show, entitled "The Getaway", featured lovely satin cocktail dresses and flowing gowns, which Kevan Hall is famous for. One of my favorites gowns being a peach strapless number with a Diamante waist brooch. These were dresses to perfectly compliment those stunning--and very expensive--cars that lined the walkway. Runway Close-Up: Lifetime's Models of the Runway model Tanisha Harper

On the runway, I spotted not one but TWO Project Runway Season 6: Models of The Runway: Lisa Blades and Tanisha Harper. They did a great job maneuvering what seemed like over 100 steps coming down! These girls are pros; no "Model Down" accidents here kiddies! It was a great show in a fabulous location--if only I could have put one of those Jaguars in my tuxedo jacket pocket, I would really be set to go on MY Getaway!

Click BELOW for the Final Runway Walk and Tableau of Kevan Hall Spring 2010 (We were next to the photographer's pit, so excuse the chattering, it's them!):

Nick Verreos at The Way We Wore Dita Von Teese and Debbie Mazar Event

Braids, Vintage Couture, and not getting the chance to ask Dita to come by my NIKOLAKI Showroom...Pose Off: Dita Von Teese and Debbie Mazar host the "Out of The Ordinary" event and fashion show at "The Way We Wore" Boutique photo by Evans Ward/ BEImages.net

Wednesday was a busy day for me. I began my day at 8 AM and worked a 9 hour day styling and doing a photo shoot for a a fabulous new upcoming book which I was asked to be a part of. Without even a chance to re-apply any eau de toilette spritzer, I then headed to pick up my buddy--former Project Runway Season 2 cast mate and Marc Jacobs Regional Manager and Merchandiser, John Wade.

When I arrived at John's place, I thought I had accidentally arrived at Sean Paul's house! He greeted me with a spankin' new hairdo: Braids! I was like "Did you go on a Princess Cruise with Rihanna in Barbados and did not tell me?" Only John Wade! I absolutely LOVE him but only he can make me feel like a tired old Grandpa.Tanned Topman: Nick Verreos in Topshop photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net

I thought I was "working it" in my new Topshop suit, HOWEVER, after I saw him in his Bo Derek-meets-Peaches-and-Herb braids and deep armhole jersey tank and acid washed Marc Jacobs jeans I realized that I have lost all my "hip" quotient. I was invited to the "Out Of The Ordinary" event at Doris Raymond's amazing Vintage Couture Boutique The Way We Wore on La Brea. Along with Doris, Couture DIVA Dita Von Teese and the always fabulous Debbie Mazar were the hosts, so of course, both John and I could not resist. Lapel Power Couple: LA Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos at "The Way We Wore" Earth Day event and fashion show

Participating designers--from my Islands of The World cohort Kevan Hall to the always fabulously Magda Berliner--were asked to re-configure vintage garments that would have ended up in the "fashion" trash, and make them "new" again. Power Date: LA Designer Magda Berliner and Marc Jocobs West Coast poster boy, John Wade

I would have LOVED to have been asked to take this challenge! Give me a 60's Boca Raton Pucci Tunic and let me have at it!
The party and fashion show (showcasing the re-worked designs) was a complete success. Doris, Debbie and Dita were the most sublime hostesses (and announcers). All that was missing were the old-school Couture Show number "tags" models used to hold as they sashayed down the Atelier winding staircase..."and next we have Numero Deux...".Fashion Wrap Threesome: John Wade, Nick Verreos and Jennifer Rade photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net

I was excited to see my fellow TV Guide Fashion Wrap With Lisa Rinna girlfriend, stylist Jennifer Rade (stylist to Angelina Jolie and Lisa Rinna), Dita's make-up artist extraordinaire (who also happened to do the make up for my Spring 2008 W Hotel Fashion Show), Gregory Arlt, and the "Queen of All Media", Perez Hilton. Miss California USA Finalists: Perez Hilton, Nick Verreos and John Wade photo by Evans Ward/BEImages.net

You just know I had to bond with him about the whole Miss California USA I-don't-approve-of-gay-marriage scandal. He was sporting a bright red t-shirt emblazoned with "Legalize Gay"... "Marriage" written with a black marker right after it. Note to self: Must get one of those t-shirts! The event was coming down to it's "midnight hour" as Dita stopped by and began to chat with John (she's a loyal client of Marc Jacobs) and wondered where Gregory--our mutual friend--was. Vintage Divas: Debbie Mazar and Dita Von Teese announce The Way We Wore "Out Of The Ordinary" fashion show

I just kept thinking (to myself) how gorgeous she would look in one of my waist-cinching gowns. Before I could suggest to her to come by the studio for a fitting, she was whisked outside to find her car. Maybe next time.

Best of 2008--The Nick Verreos Recap--Part III

Happy New Year kiddies!
The end (of 2008) is near...and so is my "Best Of" recap...
Again, keep in mind it's more of what were the highlights of what I accomplished or did during this last year...So now, when anyone stops me on the street and says "What Have You Been Doing???", I can refer them to this lovely recap...

September----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Verreos poses on the 2008 Primetime Emmys red carpet next to the statue

In September , I was asked by the good (and very intelligent) people at SOAPnet to do a "Live From The Red Carpet" segment once again. I had a blast covering the awards. I was just happy that it was NOT 105 Degrees (like at the Daytime Emmys over the Summer) thank you very much! EVERYONE stopped for me, which was great! Heidi Klum (in her glorious Armani Prive) and Vanessa Williams (in beautiful Kevan Hall) both said "Hi" and even my former FIDM student, Lauren Conrad, rushed by and gave me a little double-kiss on the red carpet.
The following day, I joined the panel of fashion experts at the TV Guide Network's Fashion Wraps With Lisa Rinna and said what I REALLY felt, in regards to my "best" and "worst" dressed of the night.

The Judges at Season 5 Finale Project Runway Bryant Park Show

I then flew to New York City to attend the Project Runway Season 5 Finale. This was to be the show's last season on Bravo (since a deal was signed with Lifetime), so of course, I wanted to be there for one final "Bravo Blow Out". Nick Verreos and David Paul, in the front row of Project Runway Season 5 Finale Bryant Park show

My partner David and I were lucky enough to have befriended Lisa Gilpin, an executive with Saturn/GM, who to our surprise got us seats IN THE FRONT ROW!!! It was a mixed blessing to be seated in the front row because I saw every good--and bad---seam, loose thread and as my friend would say, wanky zipper.

Nick Verreos, Project Runway Designers Rami Kashou and Sweet P at Bryant Park Finale Show

But I loved it since that would probably be one of the only times I would ever get to sit in the front row of a NY Fashion Week I am sure...J.Lo was supposed to be the "Special Guest Judge" but pulled out citing a foot injury--Tim Gunn reluctantly replaced her at the last minute, to everyone's surprise. A week later, Miss Lopez ran a marathon (with her broken foot?).

Nick Verreos answering Project Runway questions to the Media at Bryant Park

Hours after the show at Bryant Park, I was invited to the Official After Party , where I got to congratulate Miss Korto and Leanne (I had a feeling they would be the finalists since their collections were the best).Leanne Marshall's Finale Bryant Park Collection, which has been purchased by her Alma Mater, FIDM
Project Runway Season 5 Designer (and eventual Winner), Leanne Marshall and Nick Verreos at the After Party
During this month, I also continued to write my fashion one-liners for UsWeekly, as one of their resident Fashion Police. I didn't realize how many people really read UsWeekly (of course I always did!) but I must say that almost everywhere I go, someone always stops me and tells me how much they loved what I said in UsWeekly!

October---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Verreos on the red carpet for the Finale Project Runway Viewing Party

The highlight of this month was attending the Finale Viewing Party for Season 5 Project Runway at Hollywood paparazzi central, STK Restaurant. It was thrown by its producers, Magical Elves and it was a fabulous way to end the season! Magical Elves Producer Micahel Rucker, Finalist Korto Momolu, Nick Verreos and John Wade at STK

I enjoyed seeing most of the cast from the season, including finalist Korto, Jerell and designers re-uniting with Blayne and Joe, whom I had seen the month before in the NY Bryant Park Finale Fashion Show. We also enjoyed the delicious food and cocktails at STK while mingling with guests and fans of the show alike.Nick Verreos poses with Blayne (in neon) from Season 5 at STK

November---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First exit: Model in NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Runway Show

In the beginning of November, I debuted my NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection at the first ever Islands Of The World Fashion Week, in The Bahamas. I was invited by the IOTW organizers to not just show my collection, but judge many other fashion shows from local and international designers (NextGen, Sustainable Eco, Culture Awards) and give a seminar/lecture on the "Inside Dish" of the fashion industry and dressing actresses for the red carpet.The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort: View from one of the many pools

David and I flew to The Bahamas and spent a week casting the models, steaming the 25-piece gown collection (that had traveled in our suitcases all the way from LA), doing alterations, fittings and even managed to get in some pool time, while staying at the gorgeous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. Both our families flew to The Bahamas to support us. I was especially surprised to see my nephew and niece who flew in from Texas! They REALLY LOVED the Water Slides at the Atlantis--as well as those famous Sharks and Manta Rays. I think I received "Ten Favorite Uncle Points" for that trip!

Nick Verreos and David Paul take their final bow after debuting their NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Collection

NIKOLAKI models posing after the show

Our collection was deemed a success and David and I were very proud to have been part of the first ever Islands Of the World Fashion Week. We were treated and entertained like royalty and enjoyed night after night of Fashion Week Parties and events at places such as the Marley Resort and the UNBELIEVABLE Nygard Cay Resort, one of the most expensive resorts and private islands in the world! We received a lot of press--locally and internationally and were featured on the cover of the California Apparel News as well as in industry trade publications and websites such as The Daily, and WGSN (Worth Global Style Network).

Nick Verreos and Lily Collins at the Launch of her bag, Mary Norton Boutique

After returning from The Caribbean, I was off and running, with a couple of fun events I was invited to. Lily Collins personally invited me to attend the Launch of the "Lily Bag" and ballet flats she designed in conjunction with Mary Norton, so of course I was there with "bells" on---OK, maybe not bells, but more like my YSL Johnny Boots!

Nick Verreos and the Juicy Couture Designers

I also attended the unveiling of the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM in Los Angeles. Juicy Couture co-founder and co-designer, Pamela Skaist-Levy is a FIDM grad. The designers looked fabulous in their mini fur (mink or fox?) capelets , pencil skirts and 5 inch Louboutins. I, on the other hand, wore an H&M cotton cardigan I bought for $30.

December---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Behind the scenes of the Sears '08 Holiday Ad Campaign

Now that we have come to the end of the year, I have to mention my Sears Commercial as the highlight of not just this month but probably the whole year! I was contacted by Sears to star in their upcoming 2008 Holiday Ad Campaign, along with Ty Pennington (of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover), LL Cool J, and Vanessa Hudgens. I shot it in Spanish and English and it was shown through the month leading up to Christmas. I'm still in astonishment that they would choose me to be in a national ad campaign!

Nick Verreos poses with "Model family" at Univision Studios, Miami

As a result of the Sears Campaign, I flew to Miami to shoot a Live Fashion Segment in the Spanish-speaking version of Good Morning America, the Univision show Despierta America. I styled an entire family in Sears clothing for the Holidays.
Nick Verreos and his models in NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns at FIDM San Diego Grand Opening

I returned to Southern California to attend the Grand Opening of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Diego Campus.

Nick Verreos speaking to San Diego Mayor and press

I was invited by the school and decided to give the Grand Opening a special treat: I brought some of my just-debuted Spring 2008 NIKOLAKI Collection and had a mini-trunk show while guests and San Diego's gliteratti--including that city's Mayor-- mingled.

Designer Korto Momolu and Nick Verreos at Jane Joe/John Doe Boutique Opening Party

Back in Los Angeles, I attended the opening of the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique in Los Angeles. The store unveiled designs by several of this last Project Runway season's designers, including Korto Momolu, Jerell Scott, and its winner, Leanne Marshall, so I wanted to show support for their designs.
David Paul, Nick Verreos and their dog Benny (looking chic in House Of Dog collar and leash), at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Holiday Party

Since December is a time for Holiday Parties, I was happy to attend several of them, including the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Party, where David and I got to bring our beautiful dog, Benny. Even though he got sick on the ride to the party, it was all better once we arrived and he saw all his canine buddies.Lauren Conrad (of MTV's The Hills), her friend and Nick Verreos at HERE Lounge, West Hollywood

I also attended the Toys For Tots Woody's Christmas Party, where I ran into Lauren Conrad and one of her best friends. She made me feel really bad since I brought a Learning DVD for kids as my gift; Lauren brought the cutest Teddy Bear. Next time Nick, I mumbled to myself, bring a HUGE Teddy Bear!!!!
Happy New Year and here's a toast (pretend I am holding a Champagne flute) to a prosperous and busy 2009! xoxo Nick