Project Runway Nick Verreos Recap on MyLifetime.com

Nina's Stilettos Stayed On!

It's the Last Challenge on Season Six of Project Runway! I cannot believe this season is almost over (insert sad face). But I already heard from a little Birdie that production has already finished for Season Seven (which will be back in NY) and those designers are getting their collections ready for the next NY Fashion Week. But until now, we must discuss the "Top Five". This final challenge involved getting inspired by the J.Paul Getty Museum. Tim told the final 5 to "Blow" the Stilettos off of Nina's feet! Unfortunately, this did not happen. In the end, it was OUT for Christopher Straub and Gordana Gelhausen and IN for Althea Harper, Irina Shabayeva and Carol Hannah Whitfield. It will be an ALL GIRLS Bryant Park Finale, once again on Project Runway.

Here are my Highlights (and lowlights) of this week's episode:

--Gordana's Miss Universe Gown:I loved it! It was so ethereal and romantic and so close to the Monet painting which inspired her. If only it wasn't GRAY!!!!! Gordana will now join the list of designers who have been ROBBED on Project Runway...welcome to the club Gordana!
Natar looked regal. Like...a former Miss Universe from Russia, the gorgeous Oxana Fedorova (who was dethroned unfortunately).

--Road Kill IrinaThank Goodness for Tim Gunn and his wise suggestion to Irina: Keep the rabbit fur AWAY from the silk chiffon. After a closer look at the painting which inspired her, I could see what she was thinking but yes, it was a runway-away from looking like Fashion Road Kill.

--Odd Duck Christopher:Oh Christopher, how much do I just want to hug you and not let go. The "Odd Duck" of this season, yes you are. You love them waist-cinching corsets and you've never met a Gathered Halter Top you did not lik. And don't get me started on the fabulous Prom Dress business he could have in Minnesota after this! Your "Rock Fountain"-inspired look from this week's challenge was not one of your best. Why the stiff skirt? It's a fountain, think liquid-like...charmeuse, jersey...SOMETHING! The skirt almost reminded me of this denim Prom gown. This has Christopher ALL over it!
I just wished he would have done THIS:Andrae Gonzalo's beautiful dress, inspired by the NYC gutter water. It's the NY version of the LA Getty Center/Museum Rock Fountain. Liquid, silky, flowy--all things "fountain" and water-inspired.

For more on what I really thought of this episode, Click HERE for my entire Recap of Episode 12 on MyLifetime.com and be sure to tell me what YOU thought!

Nick Verreos Interview on MyLifetime.com!

Judging Dish
Waiting For My Call Time: Nick Verreos in his Project Runway Judges Dressing Room

Last Friday after my "Guest Appearance" on this season of Project Runway, I did an interview with the wonderful people at MyLifetime.com for their Project Runway Blog. I speak about the "judging experience" (sitting next to Heidi and Nina was daunting!), the almost FOUR HOURS we spent deliberating, as well as my love of being an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. I also speak of the reaction I got from the designers when we entered the "Runway Room" and which designer from Season Six would I ask to design something for me... Click HERE for the entire interview.

Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 6 Recaps/MyLifetime.com

Bob Mackie + Christina Aguilera= More Sequins and Feathers!!!Really, who could ask for anything more...out of Project Runway? This week's challenge was to create a FABUUUULOUS stage look for none other than Christina Aguilera. And "Sequin Zeus" himself, Bob Mackie was there to not just introduce the challenge, but also judge the results.Lady Aguilera: Christina Aguilera in her "Lady Marmalade" period

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Galleries and Museum was also one of the "stars" of this episode. I am so lucky to not just be an instructor at FIDM but also be their Spokesperson for many reasons including their one-of-a-kind Museum and Galleries.The FIDM Galleries and Museum is renown for its extensive archive of period costumes, Haute Couture as well as movie and stage costumes. And for over a decade now, their annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design and Art of Television Costume Design Exhibitions have been a must-see for all fashion and costume design aficionados. This challenge was a chance for the eight remaining designers to show if they could "Queen Out". Some did and some, not so much. If I have one complaint, it is: A lack of color! Why so somber kids? Lots of black, navy and dark dark dark. They're in Southern California for goodness sakes! You'd think that there would be a bubble gum pink or a lipstick red somewhere in the bunch!
Highlights:--Bob Mackie. Period. Diva. I wanted Carol Burnett to peek out from the FIDM Museum in his iconic Gone With The Wind drapes-on-the-window costume.
--Christina Aquilera and the fact that she wore COLOR!!!!!! (take note Project Runway Season 6 kids!)Tanisha...... and The Supremes: Althea's Model and her look and Diana Ross and The Supremes (in Bob Mackie)

--Althea's Sequined gown with a fishtail hem: Very Diana Ross and The Supremes.
--Of course Carol Hannah's winning feathered and satin gown. I would have loved some color, but it did look elegant and stage-worthy. And model Lisa Blades looked like a 1940s Hollywood actress in it.
Let down of the week:
The Pussycat Dolls Road Tour Manager probably wants to call...
Christopher-- to design their Branson Missouri Performance Costumes

--Oh Christopher, poor Christopher and his Lady Marmalade-meets-Pussycat Dolls hoochie cheap sequined fabric shorts. At least it looks like he matched the sequin "stripes" but the elastic garter belt around the thigh didn't help.

Click HERE for my full recap of this episode on MyLifetime.com, and remember to let me know what YOU thought!

Fashion Group International Kicks Off LA Fashion Week: Nick Verreos attends "Designer and Muse" Party!!!

The NIKOLAKI Muse
Shut It Down Lisa: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos, with their muse, model Lisa Blades (look how short we look next to her!)

It's the official start of LA Fashion Week and specifically Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week and to commemorate it, Fashion Group International/FGI Los Angeles had a very chic reception, The Designer and the Muse, on the rooftop of The Standard Downtown LA. Along with over thirty LA designers, David Paul and myself, were invited to partake in the festivities. David and I are the designers of our 8-year old line, Nikolaki, and we chose the stunning Lisa Blades as our muse. I can't say this enough, but we LOVE Lisa!! We met Lisa a while back (before she became a model on Lifetime's Models of The Runway). She has shot my Spring 2009 Look Book as well as posed for my website, nikolakidesign.com but she's also been our Fit Model. Not only does she have "The Body" (six feet tall and legs that go on for DAYS!!!), but she is the sweetest most down-to-Earth girl. Project Runway Ga-Ga: Model Lisa Blades (in Nikolaki), Gordana Gehlhausen, and Nick Verreos

We are in the process of finishing our 2010 Spring Collection and both David and I decided we would have Lisa wear something from the new collection. For this night's event, she wore a silk-wool Zibeline asymmetrical strapless dress in a luscious raspberry color. She looked AMAZING!!!! When she put on the dress--with her 5" platform heels, flawless smokey-eye make-up and chignon, she was a 2010 version of the Robert Palmer Girl. I could barely breathe as I saw how she looked!
Model Crazy: Lisa Blades (in Nikolaki) and CariDee English

After arriving at the event, I spotted Season 6 Project Runway designer, Gordana Gehlhausen. She was wearing one of her own designs and told me that she LOVES my Lifetime.com Recaps as well as those video blogs I shoot with my dear Andrae. She has moved to San Diego and runs a boutique there. She also told me that she was actually having a presentation of her new collection as part of Los Angeles Fashion Week, and that's why she was in town. I also met the lovely CariDee English, winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 7, who was the muse of Michele Bohbot of Bisou Bisou. CariDee (who was so sweet!) was sporting a platinum faux-hawk mullet hairstyle that I was LIVING for! Smile, You're On LA Fashion Candid Camera: Nikolaki designer Nick Verreos, Alison Nieder of California Apparel News and designer Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia

The rooftop of The Standard was filled with a "Who's Who Of LA Fashion" and I was so excited to see my fellow "Emerging Designer" judge, Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia who was there with her daughter (her muse) as well as the always stylish Alison Nieder, editor of the California Apparel News. Jersey Mommie: Nick Verreos with designer Rachel Pally (right) and her mom (left)

I also got to say "hello" to LA designer Rachel Pally, the "Queen of jersey", who was there with her muse: Her mom! (who was wearing one of her daughters silky cowl-draped jersey dresses). The last time I saw Rachel was last year at her LA Fashion Week show where I got the honor to interview her for a style show. Diplomatic Muse: Nick Verreos' mom, Raquel (far left) with other Ambassador's wives

Speaking of interviews, at the event, I was approached by a local news reporter (from Fox11 News) who was covering the party to give my thoughts on who my original muse was. Of course, I said my mother, Raquel. To me, she was JLo before Jlo! So in homage to her, I've included a photo from her "Diplomat's Wife" days--looking so "Mad Men Chic" in her bouffant, fitted-and-pouffy "day dress", along with the wives of the Ambassadors of Japan and China.

Click Below for a segment Fox 11 News did about the event, and what I said about my dear Mommie.

Nick Verreos "FIDM Tour" Continues...Juicy Couture Meets Tarina Tarantino!!

If you haven't checked out the spankin' new (OK, almost new) FIDM Project Runway Website, well let me tell you kids, you should! And I'm not saying that because I'm ALL OVER IT! (Love me some FIDM!) It's your "home" to find out all you want to know about the fabulous Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and of course, the fact that it is the new West Coast "home" of Project Runway Season 6.Nick Verreos at the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall Party with Gela Taylor and Pam Skaist-Levy, co-founders of Juicy Couture


I filmed some fun videos that give the WHOLE WORLD a "sneak peak" into FIDM, its talented students, its great Museum and Galleries, and its Barbie Wall. Brand new videos are up, which include me giving you a tour of the Juicy Couture Wall (one of the "Juicy Girls", Pamela Skaist-Levy, is a FIDM Grad in case you didn't know)

Nick Verreos and Tarina Tarantino at the 70Th Anniversary Wizard of Oz Party

In addition to an exclusive "tour" of the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall, there is also a fun video I shot in the FIDM Museum Shop , featuring the very popular--and much-sought after--Tarina Tarantino 70Th Anniversary of Wizard of Oz Jewelry.

Check it all out HERE.

Surf Wear Meets Avant-Garde? Nick Verreos Lifetime Recap of Episode 3!!

Surf And Turf

Last night's Project Runway episode was a bit of a mess, to be quite honest. Some things made sense, some did not. The design-a-surf-wear look challenge made sense, since after all, they are in Southern California. But then, they had to make a "corresponding" Avant-Garde look? What do Avant-Garde and PacSun have in common? Not too much. And this mish-mash of an episode was displayed on the runway with some good outfits and some really bad ones. Tim Gunn's Flip Flops!

There were even some bad looks which had good elements and vice versa. But no design that would make fans and viewers alike scream "That is going down in the Project Runway Hall Of Fame"! Well, maybe the LOSER'S HALL OF FAME!......

Did Nicolas and Gordana design these? Romania's threesome entry in the Eurovision Contest (left) with its missing fourth member (right, from last night's episode)

My Highlights (and "lowlights") from last night's episode:
-Tim in flip flops (Oh Dear!)
-Epperson actually speaks!
-Mitchell = Useless
-Logan and Christopher's "Drunk Laguna Beach Housewife" floppy hat outfit
-Boris and Natasha's Eurovision Contest costume (see above)

Check out my recap "Surf and (Not So Avant-Garde) Turf" HERE on MyLifetime.com under "Nick's Blog" for what I REALLY thought of the episode...

Nick Verreos on Lifetime.com Homepage!!

You Like Me ...You Really Like Me....Nick Verreos, Meet Michael Kors...on MyLifetime.com

Time to get the pigs-in-a-blanket hors d'oeuvres and the champagne out! I found out today that I was actually on the MyLifetime.com website Homepage!!! Right next to Michael Kors. I know...shut up! Did I tell you how much I love Lifetime and Project Runway? Just sayin'..... Thanks Lifetime! xoxo Uncle Nicky
Click HERE

Nick Verreos recaps the second episode of Project Runway

Who Laid The Golden Egg Dress?I am SOOOOOOO (should I add another "O"?) happy that Project Runway is back!!! I really missed Tim and Heidi! I'm even happier it's in my 'hood, Los Angeles! For this second episode, the designers were asked to design a chic pregnancy ensemble for---no, not Heidi, that will be NEXT season--but for actress Rebecca Romijn. Cheetah Girl vs. Maternity Momma: Heidi Klum and Rebecca Romijn

We learned that she is VERY PREGNANT (Twins!) and that she is TALL!!!! Look at her next to Heidi (and Heidi's is wearing some MAJOR Stiletto booties!). Besides Rebecca, the other special judge was FIDM grad (yep, she went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I teach and went to school), designer Monique Lhuillier of the dreamy and very expensive wedding gowns as well as those evening dresses that are ubiquitous on the red carpet. Her boutique on Melrose Place here in LA is GORGEOUS. She even makes dinnerware and stemware--who knew?Wedding Queen: LA Designer and FIDM Grad, Monique Lhuillier

As usual, you can check out what I had to say regarding this episode, including:
--Why I want to see more of Logan shirtless (sorry Logan)
--Why Mitchell's pregnancy outfit needs a cigarette and a bottle of Jack Daniels
--And why Johnny might have something to fall back on (if designing doesn't pan out).

Click HERE for my Recap and be sure to tell me what you think!

Oh and let me know if you want to see more of me and my Season 2 compatriot Andrae Gonzalo DISHING on myLifetime.com !!!!!

Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo Video Blogging on Project Runway At Lifetime!

The Nick and Andrae Show
Last week, right after Andrae and I previewed the Premiere Episode of Project Runway Season 6, we were "whisked" into another secret room, to film our immediate "First Impressions" of the episode and the new cast of "characters". We had a lot of fun and Lifetime needs to think of having this be a Nick and Andrae After Hours Post Show! What do you think?

Here are the Highlights, which you can't miss:
-Why Andrae was "Clutching His Pearls".
-Why we think contestant Johnny Sakalis needs his own Lifetime "Movie of the Week" (I'm sure the "Recovering Crystal Meth Organization of America"--is there such a thing?-- already has contacted him to be in next year's Gay Pride Parade).
-Who we think wears a leather Dominatrix jumpsuit and owns a whip.
-And who is MY new boyfriend.

Check Out The fun videos above and below, or go to MyLifetime.com

Nick Verreos Parties with Marc Cherry for the Season premiere of Season 6 Project Runway!

Desperate Project Runway Housewives Party!!!The Old and The New: Andrae Gonzalo, Kit Scarbo, Nick Verreos and Rami Kashou pose with Season 6 contestant Logan Neitzel

Last week, as we all know, was the much-anticipated premiere of Project Runway's new season on Lifetime. I was invited to several parties, including a party one of the models from the Models of the Runway (Lisa Blades) was throwing at a local restaurant/club. Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives was also having his own intimate viewing party and so without blinking my L'Oreal Paris mascaraed eyelash, I decided to attend Marc Cherry's bash. Desperate Housewives Divas

I met Marc at an event in LA over a year ago but he didn't know who I was. Then, this last January at the Kuwaiti Embassy Party for the Obama Inauguration in Washington DC, he approached me saying "I know we met a while back but I had NO IDEA who you were...but I have since watched Project Runway and now I know...and I'm a big fan!" Back then, he confided in me his ideas to have a viewing party for the premiere of the new season and it all came to fruition this past Thursday.The Host With The Most: Marc Cherry

I extended the invitation to a few Project Runway Alumnae so I wouldn't have to be the only one answering questions regarding what really goes on "behind the scenes". We arrived soon after the beginning of the All-Star 2-hour special episode and therefore they had to pause it, until we all got situated. Already there was Rami Kashou, finalist from Season 4 as well as some of Marc's friends. More and more guests came trickling in as waiters passed food and drink orders. The entire (almost) Desperate Housewives Wardrobe and Costume Department was there (they are HUGE FANS!!!) including the amazing Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer, Cate Adair. Season 2 designer--and fellow Lifetime Blogger--Andrae Gonzalo, came donning a celebratory red tie. Kit Scarbo of Season 3 stopped by, looking sexy, in her Catherine Deneuve-meets-Natasha ensemble. We even had a "surprise visit" (OK, I sent him the invitation so it wasn't so much of a surprise) all the way from Seattle: Season 6 contestant, designer Logan Neitzel. Yes, the new "Cutie" of Season 6. I joked that he was there so Rami could pass on the "Hottie of Project Runway" crown to Logan.
Caught In the Bathroom: Kit Scarbo enjoys the Hollywood Goddess bathroom at Marc Cherry's house

Marc Cherry was the consummate host, as he controlled the remote (yes, we had him hit the PAUSE button many times!). The entire party was catered with the most delicious "comfort" food which included an array of salads, breaded chicken breasts, vegetables and a mac-and-cheese to end all mac-and-cheeses! However, the stars of the night, for me, were the pigs-in-a-blanket hors d'oeurves. Mental note: Must return to Marc Cherry's EVERY Thursday just for that! At the end, Marc even showed us his "Hollywood Starlet" bathroom, which features portraits of EVERY Hollywood Goddess, from Myrna Loy to Lauren Bacall. Models, Meet your Designers: Lisa Blades, Nick Verreos, Carol Hannah Whitfield and Logan Neitzel

After leaving Marc's party, we somehow made it--just in time--to the Model Of the Runway Premiere Party on the other side of town. Most of the guests were leaving but we were there long enough to say "Hi" to one of my favorite models and muses, Lisa Blades as well as another Season 5 contestant, designer Carol Hannah Whitfield.The following day, Lisa stopped by my Downtown LA studio/showroom to return the NIKOLAKI cocktail dress she wore to the "Inglourious Basterds" Premiere (Dry Cleaned, even!). I was excited to see that she brought along Carol Hannah (in a cute canary yellow one-shoulder jersey dress of her design) and Logan (in extra skinny jeans and deep V-neck, of course) so we posed for some photos at my studio, including one with Tim Gunn. Well, Tim Gunn's Bubble head Doll! The new--and the old--of Project Runway--praising the God of Tim Gunn, via a doll (since we didn't have the real thing!).
Thanks you Marc Cherry for a fabulous party and good luck Carol Hannah, Logan and Lisa--hope you go far! Can't wait for this week's episode...

Nick Verreos' Project Runway Blog on MyLifetime.com

DESIIIIIIGNEEEERS: Meet the Army Wives
Lifetime Prom Date: Andrae Gonzalo and Nick Verreos pose at the Lifetime LA Offices

Well kids, Project Runway is FINALLY BACK!!!! And not a moment too soon, because if I had to be forced to watch that awful "The Fashion Show" one more time, I would have SCREAMED!! Last night was the Premiere of Season 6 on its new "home", the Lifetime Network. For months--over a year now--everyone has been speculating how the new Project Runway would be. Would it change, be more "Lifetime-esque"? The LA-haters saying "I can't believe it's not in NY!!! Boo hoo...." And because its new producers, Bunin-Murray, are known for more tawdry and brain-cell numbing shows such as "The Real World", there were "web rumors" in the bloggersphere that there would be hot tubs for the designers to get drunk in after the challenges. Relax, it's all GOOD!!! The show looks the same, just as fabulous, and with no hot tub (yet!). Just good ol' Tim giving "fatherly" advice and Miss Heidi smiling and as pretty as she could be.
Nick Verreos' Season 6 Project Runway Blog on MyLifetime.com

Lifetime has asked me to write the recaps for this season on their official website, MyLifetime.com. My Season 2 cohort, Andrae Gonzalo and I were invited earlier this week to "preview" the first episode in a secret location with a soundproof conference room (OK, I'm just being dramatic!). We had a blast, as you may imagine. Let's just say there were lots of loud "Oh no they didn't!" comments that could be heard from that secret "Viewing Room".
Hope you enjoy my recap and be sure to leave your comments and thoughts!

Check out my First Episode Recap entitled "For The Love of Bai Ling!" HERE

California Apparel News Interviews Nick Verreos: Dish from Project Runway Season 6 Castings

Lovely Orchid: Nick Verreos at Downtown LA's Urth Cafe (photo courtesy of Alison Nieder)

Just in time for the new Lifetime Network's season premiere of Project Runway Season 6, here's the fun little interview I did for the California Apparel News' ApparelNews.Net "Trade Talk" blog:

The sixth season of “Project Runway” has not even aired yet (it’s scheduled to bow on its new home on Lifetime in August), and I’m already thinking about season 7.

That’s because I recently caught up with “Project Runway” alum—and recent ApparelNews.net guest blogger—Nick Verreos...............

Continue reading more of the apparelnews.net article....

Season 6 Project Runway Model Mixer?

Meet The Models....
A couple of days ago, a friend--who shall remain nameless--emailed me to ask me if I knew anything about a Project Runway Season 6 Model Mixer happening on Sunday here in Los Angeles. I did not. I have been to busy on "design lock-down" draping and making patterns for my upcoming Islands Of the World Fashion Week show in the Bahamas. Yes, I have been able to get out every now and then (witness the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Party), but other than that, I have been glued to my pattern table! On Friday, we had fittings with our fit model, the beautiful Amanda Fields, and I asked her about this "Model Mixer", and she was as confused as I. I thought, well if anyone knew it would be Miss Amanda---NOT!!!
After a bit of amateur investigation, I got the DISH: There was indeed a model mixer for the Season 6 Project Runway models, being filmed for the new season, at the Downtown Los Angeles Elevate Lounge and it was more of "Clients: Meet the Models"...Since I was not invited, I did not go. But if I get any further info from someone who did, you can be sure, Uncle Nick (there I go, writing in Third Person Suede again!) will let you know, as long as I'm not sworn to secrecy!....