Nick Verreos and Orbit Gum: Geek To Chic Contest, People En Español and Chica Orbit!!!

Fashion + Gum= ORBIT!!!

Quieres Chicle? Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez in Nick Verreos /Orbit Gum Gown, People En Español 50 Más Bellos Event

I am SO EXCITED to announce that I am the "Style Guy" for "Chicle Orbit"--the most stylish gum in the WORLD!!!!! And as part of this, Orbit announced a fun contest for the Spanish-speaking fans called "Geek To Chic".

Those who entered this contest (by submitting photos) now have the chance to have their look "transformed" from Geek--to CHIC--by none other than, ME!!! Si, YO!!! (yes, I'm so Bi-lingual!) and then showcase your new look FABULOSO on the People En Español 50 Más Bellos/50 Most Beautiful Red Carpet coming up next week!!!

Orbit Universal Queen: Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009 in Orbit Gum-print inspired gown by Nick Verreos, People Magazine En Español "50 Más Bellos" Event, NYC

If you have been following my blog, you may already know that I have partnered in the last few years with ORBIT GUM--to design "Red Carpet-worthy" dresses for the Latina Orbit Gum Girl, "Chica Orbit", as well as other celebs. Last year, I made a custom one-shoulder gown for Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela 2008 and Miss Universe 2009, using an Orbit Gum print for last year's People Magazine En Español 50 Más Bellos/50 Most Beautiful Gala.


Above is my original sketch for the one shoulder gown I created and designed (and had the fabric made too!!!).

Now That's A Purse: Nick Verreos, Chica Orbit and Univision's "Fashion Guy" Rodner Figueroa, Premios Juventud 2010 After Party, Miami

I also designed a cocktail red carpet dress for the current Chica Orbit--using the same Orbit Gum Print--for her to wear during the 2010 Premios Juventud an awards show for Spanish-speaking celebrities in the areas of film, music, sports, fashion, and pop culture--kind of like a cross between the MTV Music Awards and the "Kid's Choice Awards".

In 2007 for that year's "Premios Juventud"--along with the AMAZING assistance of my NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul--we created an ivory silk duchess satin "Watteau-back" strapless dress--with custom "Orbit Gum" pillbox hat (very Jackie Kennedy!)-both featuring the Orbit Logo. We even made the scarf to watch one of the gum flavors!

Well, CHICOS, I am back at it again---and soon I will be in New York City to attend the People En Español 50 Más Bellos/Most Beautiful Event and transform one lucky winner from Geek to Chic!!!
(and now for my Spanish-speaking Readers): Buena Suerte y acuerdate: Orbit Sensación Limpia...no matter what!


*Follow Chica Orbit HERE on Twitter
*And HERE !!!

Nick Verreos Heats Up Miami and Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: Part Dos!

THE Dress, The Blue Carpet, the After Party, My Twin...and SHAKIRA video!!!One More Photo Please: Chica Orbit (in Nick Verreos for Orbit Gum Dress) and Nick Verreos, 2010 Premios Juventud

Well, the day finally arrived: After several days in Miami, filled with fittings, alterations, adding last minute crystals and some hot-and-humid Miami Premios Juventud pre-events, of course, Thursday was upon us!Presenting Orbit: Nick Verreos before going onto the blue carpet, 2010 Premios Juventud

It was going to be VERY HOT out on the "blue carpet" and so I decided to wear a white jacket, white dress shirt, purple TopMan skinny pants (they were a hit!) , an Etro silk pocket scarf, and I even had David Paul (my Nikolaki partner) make me a custom Orbit Gum Logo Swarovski pin for my lapel (very cute!). Chica Orbit was radiant in my creation: The dress fit perfectly, she looked gorgeous and when she put on the earrings and held her clutch, well, I was a proud Premios Juventud "Prom date"! We were ready to go...In the waiting area, I ran into a bunch of kids who just happened to be the back-up singer/dancers for Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" performance which opened the awards show. Some of them recognized me from Project Runway and were big fans so of course we took photos!
Now onto the Blue Carpet:
Chica Orbit in Nick Verreos Custom for Orbit, 2010 Premios Juventud

Here's a view of the Chica Orbit in my "Orbit Print" dress, showing the draped cowl back.
In addition to the cocktail dress, the clutch, the earrings and other accessories, I also made a custom pocket scarf, using another print from Orbit's new "retro" collection. Univision's "Fashionista" from El Gordo y la Flaca, Rodner Figueroa (who co-hosted the Pre-Show), wore it.

My Twin?
Not Me: Mario Domm (center) of the Mexican band, Camila

During my entire time in Miami, at least TEN people stopped me (on the street, airport workers, even at the Premios Juventud blue carpet!) asking me if I was Mario Domm from the band Camila? I didn't even know who they were (I'm a bit late with the Latin soft-rock music world!) but when I almost got in a fight with a cab driver who INSISTED that I was him, I finally had to Google him to see for myself who my doppelganger was. I guess it's the hair, the skin color and the beard. I'm flattered since I'm sure I could be his (very) older brother! I wonder if he ever gets asked "Are you Nick Verreos from Project Runway?". Doubt it! (laugh out loud)

The After Party:
The Scene at the Biltmore Hotel Ballroom, 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

Following the blue carpet, we went straight to our seats and watched the entire show. In case you don't know: It was THE highest rated program on Thursday night, beating out ALL four major networks and it was the No. 1 topic on Twitter WORLDWIDE that night! After the show, we got in a special bus, which transported us to the Official Premios Juventud After Party at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
The Biltmore Ballroom was set up with a dance floor, a DJ, several Open Bars, and even Cirque du Soleil-like dancers/performers in hyper-shocking costumes. Waiters also -passed around delicious hors d'oeuvres like chicken mini quesadillas, fried jumbo shrimp and burger sliders, were passed around for the guests to enjoy.
Novela Chica and Chico: Chica Orbit, Rosario Abarca and Mexican actor Eugenio Siller, Biltmore Hotel 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

It seemed like "everyone who was everyone"--except maybe Enrique Iglesias and Shakira--were there! I spotted lots of those Mexican Galanes--heartthrob soap-opera actors--and my date , the Chica Orbit was happy when I "forced" her to take photos with them!
Nuestra Bellezas: Designer Dannette Sotero, Nick Verreos and Melissa Marty, Biltmore Hotel 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

I was also excited to run into Melissa Marty, Nuestra Belleza 2008, who co-hosted a Despierta America Sears segment with me last year. She looked very sexy in a fitted color-blocked dress. I just love her; she was SO sweet and SO happy to see me (and visa versa).
Chica Orbit and I ended the night by meeting-and-greeting the "Orbit Gum Girls" who were at the 2010 Premios Juventud After Party, handing out lots of Orbit Gum! Love those bags. Must get one for my next trip to Miami Beach! Until next time kiddies.

The EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS:

Chica Orbit and Nick Verreos Make An Entrance:

Shakira Madness on the "blue carpet":

Shakira "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" Performance:

Nick Verreos Heats Up Miami and Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: Part Uno!

Part One: Swarovski Crystals, Hot & Humid Miami...and a Run-In with Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez?
Orbit Gum Limo: Nick Verreos rides the limo with "Chica Orbit", Rosario Abarca

Last week, I flew to Miami. Why, you may ask? Well, kids, for the last three years, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Wrigley's and Orbit Gum--the most fashionable gum in the planet thank you very much--in creating perfect red carpet dresses, inspired by Orbit Gum, for Premios Juventud. In 2008, I designed...A very "retro" strapless white silk duchess dress (with an Orbit Gum "Jackie O" pillbox hat of course!). And in 2009... I created this "Orbit Blue" silk jersey Grecian goddess dress above. This time, the clients LOVED the gown I designed for Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez for People En Español"50 Most Beautiful" gala, that they asked me to create a brand new one, inspired by that one, to highlight the brand new retro-printed boxes Orbit Gum just released. Therefore, for this 2010 Premios Juventud, I designed a one-shoulder with a back draped cowl shorter "cocktail" version of Stefania Fernandez's long, flowing Batwing gown (sketch above).
Swarovski Worktable: David Paul's Chica Orbit Accessories-in-the-process

Back at my studio in LA--for the last three weeks--I have have been working "feverishly" to create the dress and get the print made. Once again, I enlisted the help of my favorite printer First2Print--LOVE THEM! I also had the AMAZING aid of my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul, who created the perfect silver faux python skin clutch, "Orbit" earrings and bracelets, using HUNDREDS of gorgeous Swarovski Crystallized Elements sequins.
Last Tuesday, I arrived to Miami to my "Home Base", the sprawling Loews Hotel and Resort in Miami Beach. It was GORGEOUS (the hotel) and the weather, well, very HOT (95 degrees) and HUMID (70%). The hotel is right on the beach (that was my view!) and features a stunning pool, a fabulous spa and restaurants galore! But no time for that since just a couple hours after dropping my suitcase, it was time for a fitting with my Chica Orbit, the beautiful Peruvian-born Rosario Abarca. Just A Peak: Chica Orbit fitting the Nick Verreos "Premios Juventud 2010" dress and the earrings, Loews Hotel Miami Beach

She tried on the dress and it fit PERFECTLY! (this was the first time ever meeting her!). She looked BEAUTIFUL! Like an "Orbit Gum Barbie" come to life! After little minor alterations (close the slit just a little bit) and deciding if the clients liked my custom "Orbit" accessories (they loved them), it was time for a little shopping and sightseeing...
Tourist Nick: Nick Verreos poses in front of the former Gianni Versace Mansion, The Villa by Barton G.

Of course, I walked into Ocean Drive and ventured to The Villa by Barton G., best known as The Gianni Versace Mansion. I also did a little bit of "retail damage" naturally, but the heat was overpowering my sweat glands and I ran back to the hotel after an hour! I then received a message from my friend Roston Ogata, Creative Director for the Miss Universe Organization (and "Momma Chaperone" to Miss Universe). He was in town, along with Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009, and wanted to hang out. Done and Done, Part DOS!
Delicioso: Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009, eyes her Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas

After a shirt-change (remember, it's 95 Degrees and 70 % humidity!), I made my way to The Viceroy Hotel (very fancy-schmancy!) where they were staying and as I arrived Stefania, Roston, and a few friends were at the lobby waiting for me. The friends had brought the STUNNING Stefania (who was in town for some TV shoots) Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas as a "Welcome" care package (yummy!). Viceroy View: Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009 and Nick Verreos, The Viceroy Hotel Downtown Miami

For my part, I brought her some of my Nikolaki gowns that I took with me to Miami. Maybe she might wear one when she goes to Las Vegas in August for Miss Universe 2010. Who knows? Later that night, I was invited to a Pre-Premios Juventud "VIP Tour" party/concert featuring the very popular Venezuelan reggaeton duo, Chino y Nacho. Stefania LOVES them so she pleaded if she could come. Well, done and done! Hello, she IS Miss Universe after all.
Miami Vice: Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, Premios Juventud VIP Tour Pre-Party/Concert

We had a great time but called it a night right after Chino y Nacho's performance: Stefania was leaving back to NYC and I had to get some rest for the next day's Premios Juventud Awards Show. I was to help my "muse", the Chica Orbit get ready and styled correctly, as well as walk the blue carpet along with her.
Stay tuned for my Recap of the night! Ciao for now.

Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez wears Nick Verreos for Orbit Gum Gown!

La Mas Bella Miss Universe!Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009 in Nick Verreos for Orbit gown, People En Espanol Magazine 50 Mas Bellos (50 Most Beautiful) Event

Tonight, while I was hosting my Macy's "Sex And The City 2" event at the Macy's Union Square in San Francisco, another fabulous event was happening on the other side of the country: The People En Español Magazine's "50 Mas Bellos" (50 Most Beautiful People) Gala in New York City! Two weeks ago, I was commissioned by ORBIT GUM to design and create a red carpet gown--inspired by one of the chic new ORBIT GUM Wrappers--for the MOST GORGEOUS: Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009, from the country I was raised in: Venezuela! And so yes, tonight, Stefania stepped onto the "Mas Bellos" red carpet wearing my "Nick Verreos for Orbit" gown--a chiffon gown featuring a one-shouldered batwing sleeve, gathered and draped front with high side-slit and "mini" train. I sent Stefania several sketches of my designs for her to chose from and she decided on this very "Elizabeth Taylor-Meets-JLo in Capri" style which was actually one of my favorites that I sketched out (OK, it WAS my favorite!). Alongside my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, we collaborated in creating the design, and we also enlisted the aid of one of the BEST Fabric Printing Companies in Los Angeles (they also have offices in NY), First2Print, who were able to print the custom Orbit design.... onto 20 yards of chiffon in two days! (UNBELIEVABLE!). First2Print were AMAZING!!!
The results were FANTASTIC, if I don't say so myself (I just did!). I am so honored to have been asked to collaborate with Orbit Gum, once again, to create a red-carpet worthy gown and this time for my compatriota, the MOST BEAUTIFUL Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009.
Stay tuned for an upcoming posting, I will show you some "behind-the-scenes" of the process of creating this custom gown! For now , hope you enjoy these photos:

Nick Verreos: Bon Jour!!!

American in Paris!: Visiting the Eiffel Tower (along with THOUSANDS of others!)

Greetings! Sorry for the lack of postings over the last few weeks but as you may have figured out from my previous posting, I have been in Europe for the last few weeks where I had the honor of giving a Fashion Lecture to the Wonderful students of Miami University of Ohio.

And with no rest for the weary, I am now in Miami, FL styling the lovely Chica Orbit Girl (Raquel Jimenez) to walk the Red Carpet of the Premios Juventud Awards in a NIKOLAKI dress!

I will, of course, blog about the Awards and all my many adventures in Europe in the next week.

Until then, make sure to tune in to the Premios Juventud Red Carpet Pre-show at 7pm on Univision and you will hopefully see Raquel wearing NIKOLAKI and maybe even see little ol' me!!

ORBIT GUM Dress

Chicle! Chicle!

Last month, in the midst of design , draping and making all the patterns for my upcoming Spring 2008 Collection--which I am debuting at the W Hotel San Diego fashion show--I received an email from the Wrigley's Orbit Gum "people" asking me to come up with sketches/ideas for a "Concept" and "Red Carpet" dress based on the Mojito Flavor Orbit Gum. They said, if I was chosen, the new Latina Orbit Gum girl, the beautiful Raquel Jimenez, would then wear it at the upcoming Premios Juventud, the Latin version of the Teen Choice Awards.

Well, I was intrigued, to say the least. I sketched about 11 designs and after much client discussion--and a little bit of my input--they choice one of my more elegant yet still fun designs. I had done several, more costumey Miss Universe Parade of Nations Miss Dominican Republic-with-a-lemon/lime-on-her-head types of styles but I am happy with the one that was chosen. It reflected my sexy-yet-elegant sense of style, but was still an obvious nod to the Mojito Orbit Gum.

The budget to make this creation was very good but there was one catch: The Awards Show would be in a week!! Well, it became like another Project Runway Challenge for me. The model, Raquel was in Spain and therefore emailed me her measurements and would not be present for any fittings so I would have to just go by my years of experience to make this custom dress without an actual person and go by her measurements only. I kept hearing Tim Gunn in my ear saying "Make It Work!" Well, in the end, I did, with the aid of my partner, David, who painstakingly helped me in cutting the dress as well as making the fun ORBIT GUM pillbox hat AND Mojito scarf.

I then flew to Miami (former Miss Universe and Marc Anthony's ex, Dayanara Torres was seated 2 seats away from me!) and the next day would have an early morning fitting (it was perfect, thank goodness) and then attended the Premios Juventud and walked the Red Carpet (it was purple, go figure), amongst such Latin pop stars as RBD , Enrique Iglesias, and Daddy Yankee. The fans on the bleachers were so cute in that they were all screaming "Chicle! Chicle!" as we walked the carpet. I yelled back "Orbit Mojito! Orbit Mojito!". I was surprised that many of them were "Oh , you're Nick from Project Runway!!" Not surprising the show has a huge Latin fan base. I love me some Miami...as well as Orbit Gum too!!!!