Project Runway Season 5 Finale Nick Verreos Recap!!

And The Winner Is.....
Front Row and Center:As I previously wrote, I was lucky enough to have attended the actual Project Runway Finale Fashion Show at the Bryant Park tents. I even got to sit front row--almost directly across from Nina, Heidi, Michael and Season 4 Winner Miss Christian Siriano! It was a mixed blessing, to say the least: I was so excited--beyond belief--that I was sitting at such a prime spot, but then when the fashions came down the runway, the Instructor Nick in me could spot every loose thread, every last-minute made-up dart, every not-so-well sewn zipper. I was struck by the fact that there was no "Oh My God, I LOVE THAT!" moment or as a lot of people at the show were saying: There was no Christian Moment or Rami Moment or Jay McCarroll Moment, where you know there was a "Star".
I know from experience that TV makes everything look prettier than it really is (I love that--especially in my season and with a lot of the designs I did!) , and therefore was excited to see how the epsiode would pan out...

Pre-Show:
After Jerell got eliminated, it was down to an All-Girl Season 5 Finale. I figured as much because the other designers (lucky them!) who got to show at Bryant Park (as "decoys") weren't so stellar. So it was not a surprise to see Cut-and Cry Kenley, Korto and Leanne in the Finale Three. They were the best who showed that morning in New York. They had their requisite model casting (no drama there), and met with the L'Oreal and Tre Semme Make-Up and Hair experts to give their vision for their final collections.

Workroom:
In their new make-shift workroom, the designers made some good use of their limited time: Korto worked on new pieces that she felt she needed to add to her collection while Kenley looked on with disdain and some bitchy jealousy. While "Geeks Unite Empress", Leanne, just focused on her fittings (and making sure model Tia's doggie wouldn't poop on her wondrous dresses!)

The Final Show:
Kenley:Kenley's designs were nice, but not winning. The fit was good but what struck me, was a sense of "all over the place" from her. There were great fitting Edwardian sleeve dresses in fabulous prints or silk jacquards and I LOVED a black high-neck fitted dress (that model seriously must have had THE LONGEST center front neck to waist measurement I have EVER seen!) but then there were some misses. The bustier with a graphic overskirt screamed 80's back-up dancer for Toni Basil---and that's not a good thing! And the too-short Bridesmaid Dress seem to come from nowhere. Why all of a sudden, Miss I-Love-Vintage Kenley wants to do a dress I can find in David's Bridal is beyond me.
The judges thought the collection was a bit too "knock off" of Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Therefore she was eliminated.

Korto:
As I said in my recap of the Bryant Park Show, I LOVED Korto's "Sexy Girl In Liberia" vibe--my favorite looks from her were an ivory silk shantung ruffled top and wide-legged pants ensemble. I hope Korto kissed and thanked that model who wore the outfit because she WORKED IT overtime!!! I also loved the emerald green jeweled silk shantung halter gown her model, Katrina, wore. But during that final show, right as she passed the judges---and me--she flashed her g-string underwear, and I thought I had seen to San Juan Puerto Rico and back! But of course, this didn't make it into the final episode (like I said, I love TV!). Korto's collection was good but had some flaws. As I waited for Leanne's, I was still looking forward to that "Christian" or "Rami" moment of fashion epiphany.

Leanne:
As soon as the first couple of looks exited, I knew Leanne should be the winner: Her collection looked mature, sleek, cohesive and well-executed. Yes, the petal-theme was a bit redundant. But, of all the collections, it was, to me, the best. I especially loved the off-white organza top and powder-blue petal skirt ensemble, as well as her winning Wedding Gown. My only critique would be those wedge heels that were prominently featured. They were not cute. And didn't belong with the collection--or especially that gown. It was a bit of unfortunate styling. They were especially evident in that wedding dress, since the gown seemed a bit too short for the model. But other than that, I thought that Leanne's was the winning collection---and so did the Finale Judges.
Congratulations Leanne Marshall--a FIDM San Francisco Graduate residing in Portland, Oregon. Hope to see you at a FIDM event sometime soon!!!

Nick Verreos Celebrates John Wade's Birthday!!!!

Nick Verreos and fellow Project Runway Season 2 Designer, John Wade, at his Birthday Dinner

One of my best buds (did I say "buds"? OK, just shoot me!!!), John Wade had his fabulous Birthday--and Uncle Nick was invited! In case you don't know the story (I've told it many times), John and I connected right away, at LAX the day we were supposed to leave for NY to do Project Runway Season 2. We both missed our flight and he approached me at the gate--as I was wearing my Dior Sunglasses and infamous vintage red nylon fitted ski jacket. Our lives would be sewn together from that moment!
John and The Gang: John Wade and his friends at Little Door Restaurant, celebrating his Birthday
I consider John one of my best friends and he has been there through "thick and thin"--- Of course, a little has to do with our Project Runway connection but it's much more. John is very successful and is the Head of Merchandising for all the West Coast Marc Jacobs Boutiques. He also oversees their infamous windows and the creative aspect of them. I am so proud of him! In fact, recently, he just returned from Russia, where he was hand-picked to be at the Marc Jacobs Moscow Store Opening--along with Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy , the Marc Jacobs President. He recently had his Birthday (a Lady doesn't tell WHAT Birthday!) at The Little Door, a French-Moroccan restaurant that I LOVE!
Straight John: John and his fan club of lovely ladies

I was honored to have been there and been invited. I had a lot of fun. His closest and most trusted of friends --mostly from Marc Jacobs---were in attendance. The dinner (and all that Champagne and Red wine) was delicious! There was a minor "snafu" when the waiter mistakenly took my Filet Mignon dinner away even though I had barely taken two bites (they brought me a whole new one 20 minutes later), but other than that , it was fabulous! I even think John took a bite at his Birthday "cake"--a wonderful assortment of cheesecake, cookies and various sweets.
Feliz Cumpleanos John!!!!

Nick Verreos to Judge at Islands Of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas!

Nick Verreos (sans Kathy Griffin) will Judge at the upcoming Islands Of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas

As many of you know, I will be debuting (along with my design partner David Paul) my Spring 2009 Collection for my line NIKOLAKI, this upcoming November in the Bahamas, which will be held November 5-8th at the Colonial Hilton and Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Although it sounds like a fabulous "vacation", my days there will be jam-packed with fittings, model castings, make-up and hair meetings, as well lots of alterations and last-minute "Make It Work" moments. Plus of course showing my collection.
In addition, I have just found out that I will also form part of the illustrious (I use the term very loosely for me!) Judging Panel, where we will give awards in Sustainable Eco-Fashion, Culture & Fashion, and NextGen Designer Award (emerging designer award) Categories . Besides myself, the other judges include stylist and former America's Next Top Model Judge, Nole Marin, Paris-based designer, Alphadi, designer Peter Ingwersen , who was creative director for the Levi's Brand/Europe, and Susan Stein, who holds an extensive resume in the West Coast Fashion Industry.
I am looking forward to playing the part of "Michael Kors" during the judging---while Susan can be the "Nina Garcia" of the group.

Click HERE for the Press Release

Nick Verreos does Emmys SWAG well !!!!

Nick Verreos Emmys Gifting Suite Recap: In Search of a Shirt and Tie....
Ready For Some Gifting: Nick Verreos prepares to get "ExfoliKated", at Kate Somerville's White Room" Emmys Gifting Suite
Nick's Emmys Gifting Suites Recap:

This year, I was covering the Emmy"s for SOAPnet as well as doing post Emmys Red Carpet Wrap Up for TV Guide Channel, and I got invited to several of these suites.
It's a world not so many people get to partake--and frankly before Project Runway, I had no idea of what these "suites" were all about--Celebrities (the term is used very loosely in my case) get invitations--either on their own or through their publicists/managers--attend, take a photo with product, and if they are lucky, get something in return. It's a way for these companies to get publicity and build up their "PR book"--or have these celebs wear or use their products and be seen with them---like in UsWeekly, InTouch, or People. Here is my recap of my Emmys Gifting Suite experience...
Nick Verreos and Kate Somerville at her epomynous LUXURIOUS Spa on Melrose Place
Kate Somerville:
Because of my crazy schedule--and the fact that I am smack dab in the middle of making a collection--I singled out the Friday before the Emmys as the day I could visit the Gifting Suites. I was invited to Kate Somerville's Spa on Melrose Place, near the Marc Jacobs Collection Stores, as well as Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta. Here's the deal, last year, at this same event, I received a product called Kate In A Jar (now re-named ExfoliKate)and after bringing it home, used it, and instantly DRANK the Kate Somervillle "Kool Aid". It was AMAZING!!!My partner David and I were fighting for it! We even bought some more online!!! My reason for returning to Kate Somerville was to tell them how that one product really changed my skincare life!!! ( I am sounding like a darn infomercial!!!) and of course, to see if I could get some more!!
Inspecting the Seams: Nick Verreos samples a silk chiffon leopard-print gown from La Perla by Alessandro Dell'Aqua's

The Kate Somerville "White Room" , as it was called this year, was visited by actors Kerry Washington, Felicity Huffman, Will McCormack, Debra Messing, and my secret crush, from Pushing Daisies, actor Lee Pace. When I was there I recognized actress Perrey Reeves, who plays "Mrs. Ari Gold" on HBO's Entourage. Once at the Spa, I sampled a brand new skin care brush called Clarisonic, developed by the same person who created Sonicare toothbrushes and visited the La Perla room which had gorgeous to-die-for Alessandro Dell'Aqua designed leopard print silk chiffon red carpet gowns and silk cocktail dresses (see above).
I filmed some footage for the Spa, spoke to the skin care DIVA herself--and received some more of my favorite Kate Somerville products. One of these days, I promised them, I will come in to get the full-on Kate Somerville Spa treatment. For now, I will have to just fight David for her products!Oprah and the Gays: Oprah greets my friend, Ross Matthews, the fabulous "Tonight Show Intern" at Emmys Gifting Suite---yes, even Oprah Does Giftin'!!!

Platinum Publicity Melanie Segal's Emmy Gifting Suite
My next stop was Platinum Publicity's Emmys 2008 Gifting Suite on Queen's Road, near Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. My goal now was to see if I could find a dress shirt or tie I could wear for my Emmys Red Carpet moment with SOAPnet. And if I found one and wore it, I would give them a "plug". Once there, I saw the Perry Ellis room and ran like a little girl at the Barbie section at Toys 'R Us! Unfortunately, no ties or shirts, but they gave me a fabulous apple green "Man Bag" that I LOVED!!!! Realizing that there were no hopes of finding a tuxedo shirt-and-tie here, I then walked right to Make Up by Mandy, for some eyebrow fixin' and waxing (at least my eyebrows would look good on camera!). Lord knows my half Greek eyebrows needed it!!! I also picked up some beautiful towels from Distant Imported Home Decor. They are in Los Feliz/Silverlake and are owned by a half Colombian/half Turkish couple (sounds like Mom and Dad!!!) so you know I was all about their products. They said that they were towels, HOWEVER, they were so gorgeous, I am going to use them as scarves!!!! Nice Fit: Proportion Of Blu Slim Boot Cut jean for women

Being that we are in LA, the land of denim and t-shirts, there were several "booths" showing new brands of both. There were some great jeans from a brand called Proportion of Blu. The lovely pr girls noticed I liked my denim on the darker and skinnier side, and they were kind enough to give me two styles: The "Skinny" and "Slim Boot", both in a Japanese Denim dark wash. Bootilicious: Back pocket design of Proportion of Blu, men's jean

You know I will be wearing these to my events---along with my dress shirt and tie "Nick Look". Dussault Custom Ink Apparel had very Ed Hardy-esque hoodies, with tattoo-like graphic art, as well as leather accessories. Since I already "rocked" that Ed Hardy look YEARS ago (yes, even I went through the Trucker Hat phase!), I picked a beautiful leather wallet and belt with a not-so-obvious skull-and-crossbones. Here, I ran into choreographer Chris Judd.

GBK Mondrian Gifting Suite:
My final pit stop was the GBK Gifting Suite. Since I was already near Sunset, I made my way to the Mondrian to see if there, I could find my "Emmys shirt and tie". I didn't. However, there was better! As I was led through all the various suites by my trusty (and sexy) handler, before I realized it, I had a Keurig Coffee Maker (I know!!!) somehow stuffed in my own huge "Gifting bag". I also got some delicious cookies and cupcakes from a Pastry Company called Henrietta Poodlestones (isn't that THE MOST FABULOUS NAME??!!).
At another room, there were all these fabulous dolls from JAKKS Pacific. They are called JUKU COUTURE dolls and all I could think of was my niece, Casia and how much she would LOVE them (I privately wanted them for myself too!) The dolls are very high fashion--almost "collectible" looking---like John Galliano for Dior mini doll models! I must have stayed there for an hour with Michael and Anne-Marie of JAKKS Pacific, playing with the dolls, posing for photos and just being silly! Finally, there was a suite in the Mondrian, devoted solely to dogs and "Doggie Couture", from clothing, chokers, to bags and anything in between! All I could think of was my puppy Benny! I could just see him smiling and his tail wagging if "Daddy Nick" brought home a little couture for him. Alas, it was not to be. I guess I was too "D-List" to get any doggie gifts (now I know how Kathy Griffin feels!).At the last minute though, one of the doggie suites, House Of Dog, did take down all my information and promised to have a "Benny Goodie Bag" to be delivered. Benny and I can't wait!!!!

Welcome Back Uncle Nicky!!!!

I AM BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!

As you may have read, ten months ago, I moved my fabulous blogsite from here to one with a company called UBER---well, now I am BACK!!!!! As a result of the stock market and negative economic situation, the backers of UBER.COM pulled out and the company was forced with the difficult decision to shut its "web doors". I had a lot of success at UBER and was saddened by the decision, but now I am back at my old BLOG "home"--BLOGGER.

Tell your friends and bookmark it .

We are in the process of uploading and saving all the UBER posts so we can place them here sometime in the near future, as well as updating this blogsite with new photos and video to reflect all that has being going on since I left ten months ago. Slowly but surely. So please be patient.

For now, I will begin writing new posts here--- about Project Runway, all things fashion, my upcoming Islands Of the World fashion show in the Bahamas, latest TV appearances, speaking events, red carpet parties, as well everything and anything that makes "Uncle Nicky" scream with joy!!!!!

I look forward to "a new beginning" and hope you follow me along.....

I promise that it will be a BLAST!!!!! A Chic blast!

Nick