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 and Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010--Arrival and the Bahamas Screening of Jay McCarroll's "Eleven Minutes"!

The Bahamas...Here I Come!!!!

Uncle Nick and Mommy Peach: Nick Verreos with Project Runway Season 8 Designer Peach Carr and Daughter Molly at LAX

Last week, I flew to the Caribbean island nation of The Bahamas to host The Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of actually debuting my Spring 2009 Collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week...but this time, I was invited back to host. Less steaming...less model fitting...less alterations...less stress!! And more hosting fun time. My trip began at LAX with a BANG...as I made my way to my gate, my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (who of course came with me), yelled "Is that Peach?" Yep, wouldn't you just know that Peach Carr, Project Runway Season 8 Designer was in the same terminal waiting to catch a flight back to Chicago (she had flown to LA to attend an event) with her daughter! Well, I thought this was a fabulous start to my Bahamas Islands of The World Fashion Week Adventure!

Flossy-Flossy Limo: Nick Verreos and Mr. Brooks, the "Ultimate VIP Driver" in The Bahamas, Nassau Airport

After about 8 hours of flying and a Miami-to-Nassau connection, David and I finally arrived in The Bahamas, where our unofficial "Mr. Bahamas", the dashing Mr. Brooks, our driver awaited us with a LONG white limousine and a big smile! We had the pleasure of originally meeting Mr. Brooks two years ago when I showed my collection in The Bahamas and we were more than ecstatic to re-unite with him...and his LONG WHITE LIMOUSINE!!!

Crusing: Cruise Ships parked outside our British Colonial Hilton Pool and Private Beach

After checking in to the British Colonial Hilton, site of the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week, and getting some much needed rest, we ventured into the gorgeous Caribbean sun-drenched pool area of the hotel, only to be greeted by THREE of the biggest Cruise ships parked (literally) outside!!! These Cruise Ships weren't stuck off the coast of Mexico waiting to be rescued!

Dip In The Pool: View of the pool and private beach from our hotel room, The British Colonial Hilton Nassau Bahamas

On this first evening, we were invited to an exclusive Bahamas screening of Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll's Documentary "Eleven Minutes". Jay, in fact, was one of the starring "Guest Celeb Designers" showing at this year's Island of The World Fashion Week and so it was only natural that the documentary that followed his first official Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week Runway Show several years back, would "kick off" this week's events.

White Pant Screening: Nick Verreos at the "Eleven Minutes" Screening, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Over 100 VIP guests were invited to the screening-- including editors, designers and yes, myself.

I had seen "Eleven Minutes" back at the official OUTFEST Hollywood Screening a couple of years ago along with my Season 2 Alumn Raymundo Baltazar and Season One Finalist Kara Saun (above photo), yet I was excited to see the film again. After the film, Jay (who had just arrived from Pennsylvania) held a Post-Screening Q & A. He had not even unpacked and in fact was driven straight from airport to the movie theater so I'm sure all he wanted was a post-flight cocktail. Yet, he was gracious enough to answer all the questions.

Caribbean Queens: Jay McCarroll and Nick Verreos, "Eleven Minutes" Screening, The Bahamas

As he looked out in the audience, he almost choked...on his words...as he saw me and David and exclaimed "Nick Verreos! What Are YOU doing here???" I guess no one informed him that I would be hosting the Islands of The World Fashion Week events, and he was happily (I think!) surprised to see me there. Needless to say, it was wonderful to see Miss Jay. You never know who you might run into...in The Bahamas!!!

Next Up: Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010 Recap: Day One

Click below for a fun little video showing the beautiful beach at the Hilton in the Bahamas--and those HUGE Crusie ships:

Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll on Stylit TV

Hanging Out at the Gifting Suites with Jay...During the last Emmys, I was invited to several of those Gifting Suites where Season 1 Project Runway Winner, Jay McCarroll and myself met up to have some fun. He had told me a little "secret", that he was about to be on another Reality Show, Celebrity Fit Club. And in fact, he was two days away from his official first day of filming when he joined me on this particular Secret Room Think Pink Gifting Suite at the chic SLS Hotel in the heart of West Hollywood.
Click Below for a fun video from StylitTV featuring yours truly with Miss Jay, days before joining Celebrity Fit Club:

Emmys Gifting Suites: Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll???

Jay McCarroll: Not A Emmys Gifting Suite Virgin Anymore!!! Plaid & Polka Dots: Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll, Kari Feinstein Emmys Gifting Suite

Last week was Emmy Awards Week, and boy was I busy: Last-minute meetings with stylists, working on my new line, as well as rehearsals for TV Guide Network Emmys Fashion Wrap. Somehow I found the time to attend several gifting suites. For most of these suites, I had a special "partner-in-crime": Jay McCarroll, Season One Winner of Project Runway. He's in town for a "secret project" which at the time I couldn't talk about. But the secret is OUT: Jay McCarroll will be one of the contestants on Vh1's Celebrity Fit Club. I know: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! According to sources (from the internets), he will be joined by Bobby Brown, Kevin Federline and his ex Shar Jackson, among others. Hope my Jay is getting PAID lots of money!

SLS Hotel and Secret Room "Think Pink" Style Lounge:Nick's New BFF: Jay McCarroll and Brittany Flickinger, Winner of Season One "Paris Hilton's My New BFF"

The SLS Hotel and The Secret Room Events "Think Pink" 2009 Emmy Awards Style Lounge benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Tiger Lily Foundation was our first stop. We both enjoyed an AMAZING facial and posed with elegant watches from Jorg Gray (the one that President Obama wears). I wore one on my TV Guide Fashion Wrap taping. There were skin care products from a French line called Absolution, as well as the Aloe Vera-based Lexli 30-day Starter Kit Skincare.

The Fanny Pack Is Back: Nick Verreos sports his new leather hip belt with designer/creator Tali Morrison

Last but not least, Tali Morrison, designer/creator of Beltali let me have a HOT leather hip-belt. At this suite, Jay and I ran into Brittany Flickinger, Season One Winner of Paris Hilton's My New BFF (I don't think she had ANY idea who we were!).

Debbie Durkin's Eco Emmys Green Gifting:

Rock Icon Boys: Nick Verreos and designer/creator Ryan Trujillo with Rock Icon T-shirt

The following day, I headed to the Eco Emmys Celebrity Green Gifting and Wellness Chateau at a private estate in LA. This suite benefited several charities including GreenWish, SPCA, Free the Slaves and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It's organizer, Debbie Durkin is always so wonderful so I had to come and support! I saw some cool graphic t-shirts (made of 100% bamboo) from the line Rock Icon. It's creator/designer is a graduate of FIDM. Launch My SINGLE Line: Nick Verreos with Single Designer Galina Sobolev

I also ran into one of my favorite LA designers, the ever-so-sexy Galina Sobolev , founder and designer of the line Single, who had a booth set up at this Suite. JLo and a bunch of other celebs wear her breezy printed dresses and tunics. She's also caught the "reality show bug" and will be a contestant on Bravo's Launch My Line.

Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge What Do You Think Of Season 6? Nick Verreos answers questions for the media

Next up was the "A-List" Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge at Zune L.A. Lots of the vendors here were obviously big fans of Project Runway because they were all very excited to see Jay and I. When we arrived, Maya was there, as well as "Entourage" actor Kevin Connolly and I said "Hello" to Samantha Harris, co-host of "Dancing With The Stars", who has worn my NIKOLAKI gowns. Vintage Havana gave me a great plaid shirt and I got fun socks from Modern Amusement. I heard they were "giving away" T-Mobile Sidekicks at this suite, but I guess both Jay and I were too "D-list" to get them (yes there's a "Gifting Suite Caste System"!). I was excited when I saw the teeth whitening system, Opalescence and even more excited when the Ultradent people were kind enough to gift me with some.

The London Hotel: Madison & Mulholland Gifting Suite: Suite Threesome: Jay McCarroll, Rex Lee and Nick Verreos, Madison & Mulholland Charitable Suite

To round out my Emmys 2009 Tour of Gifting Suites, I drove to the London Hotel in West Hollywood for the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Suite. This event was special in that celebs (I use the term VERY LOOSELY for myself!) went from vendor to vendor collecting products which we then put into a gift bag for public auction with proceeds benefiting a charity of our choice. The auction is live on CharityBuzz from September 23 to October 13. I even brought an autographed photo and a very special fashion illustration to include in my bag (hopefully, they are still in there!).

All Stars Who: Korto Momulu, Nick Verreos, Jay McCarrol and Jerell Scott

Here I ran into Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott from Season 5 Project Runway. I guess this was the unofficial "Project Runway Gifting Suite". I also said "Hello" to another client of mine, actress Brenda Strong of "Desperate Housewives" and one of my "boyfriends", the always so sweet, actor Rex Lee from "Entourage". There were some great items here, including S.T. Dupont luxury lighters, pens and leather goods, Lacoste Eyewear, SmartMouth Mouthwash, and Johnny Vincent Swimwear.

Click BELOW for a video of Jay McCarroll at the SLS Hotel Emmys Gifting Suite (Be warned: Jay is being a potty mouth, of course!)

Jay McCarroll Show

Bryant Park Shows: Jay's Debut!!!

Sorry for the delay in posting this but I have been in MOVING HELL!!! I am moving my entire Los Feliz Studio to a hot new Downtown Los Angeles Studio/Showroom. It took a record-breaking 14 hours for the movers. Not pretty!!! But I digress.
When I was in New York City for the Project Runway Finale Fashion Show a couple of weeks back, I was also invited by Jay McCarroll and his fabulous PR Diva, Nancy Kane, from People's Revolution to Jay's show at the "Atelier" tent of Bryant Park.
I was seated Front Row!! (not Third , like at the PR Finale) and my "date" was my Season 2 alumni, Daniel Vosovic. In typical "Jay-esque" manner, the rest of the front-row roster was quite quirky, including among others, gay porn star, Michael Lucas (I am not kidding!!). Don't ask me how I know this, by the way. My partner, David, was seated next to him , which actually made me a bit nervous to say the least.
The show began and immediately I almost wanted to jump out of my seat, when the strains of Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls" pounded loudly through the speakers. Needless to say, I think I was singing so loudly that Daniel began kicking me under the chair.
Dominican Supermodel, Omahyra, opened the show and from that moment it was ALL JAY for 12 minutes!! Even 80's Jean-Paul Gaultier muse, Eve, made a rare appearance. I loved it! His Spring 2007 collection was fun, fresh, sexy and very forward with a nod to the Sixties Mod Era. Jay paired each outfit with great accessories including oversized sunglasses a la Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Ritchie, divine "Spage-Age " helmets and over-the-top wigs that would have made the late Divine blush. The colors, the prints, they were all Jay McCarroll. There were a pair of men's "Hot Air Balloon" -print denim jeans that I would love to own--Are you reading this Jay?? Speaking of men: one of the models was none other than my "other" boyfriend, Project Runway producer extraordinaire, Michael Rucker (check out his blogs on BravoTV.com). I had no idea that he was modeling for Jay and when I recognized him, I just about acted like a little girl at a Clay Aiken concert. He looked hot! Congrats Jay on a wonderfully entertaining show, and for showing great wearable clothes as well!!! And thanks for the Front Row Invitation and thanks for paving the road for all Project Runway designers who come after Season One.