SENSATIONAL TANYA

Back in 1988 the super sensational Tanya Fourie was beaten into second place at the Ford Supermodel of the World contest by a rather bored looking Anuschka Muzik from Czechoslovakia.

It subsequently surfaced that the result was very politically motivated since it would have been frowned upon to have a Boere-meisie from racist SA win a major competition.

After much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the part of the media, Eileen Ford awarded Tanya the same prize package as the winner stopping short of naming her joint-winner of the contest. Needless to say Tanya went on to become a Supermodel and Anuschka faded into obscurity.

2009 MR SOUTH AFRICA

It's time for the annual Mr South Africa contest. The event will be held at Carnival City on Saturday 14 March. It does seem to be a step up from the usual "lodge in the bush" or "shopping mall" affair in years gone by.

There are 15 finalists this year, and at a first glance, there are no real "world beaters" in the group, but the official head-shots are a tad misleading. A closer look at the portfolio's of the finalists reveals that there are at least a half-dozen real lookers in the group.

I know that male pageants are not everyone's cup of tea, but I suppose what is good for the gander is good for the goose. In this age of the Metrosexual Male when men are almost as neurotic about their appearance as women are (or should be), I don't have a problem with the concept of male pageants. I don't have facts and figures, but I'm sure that the worldwide hair and skincare market for men is worth billions.

The problem I do have, however, is that, whilst the organisers promote the event as a search for a "macho man" or "man of the year", they insist on having the poor dudes jumping around on stage like a bunch of "nelly queens". By all means have a musical production number with choreographed dance routines, but why oh why do they make the contestants jump around on stage like a gaggle of crazed druggies on a bad acid trip during the swimwear segment.

In any event, best of luck to all the contestants. May the best man win.

MISS / MR JIP TEEN

The JIP Tiener/Teen contest was a competition for girls and boys in the 14 to 19 age group that was first held in 2003. Finalists were selected in preliminary events staged in Beeld, Die Burger and Volksblad distribution areas.

At the national final, contestants were not only judged on physical appeal, but also on interview skills and leadership qualities that were evaluated during a series of "adventure games".

MISS BOERESPORT

The annual Boeresport Day takes place annually on 01 January in Melkbosstrand and includes the Miss Boersport contest. The contest was held in 1989 for the first time.

MISS BOERESPORT

2002 Tanya Russouw
2001 Karin Blanckenberg; Natasha Bester; Belinda Tredoux
2000
1999 Leandré Geldenhuys; Laverne Fahey; Marsha Loubser
1998 Michelle Mendes; Anél Fourie; Margaret Liebenberg
1997 Maryka van Heerden; Mariska Human; Elzanne du Plessis
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989 Marlett van Zyl; Mandy Hilton; Nikky Niemand

BLACK BARBIE

It really is such a pity that Dorah Mtetwa has such poor communication skills. She is easily the most beautiful black contestant to have graced the stage at Miss SA since the first black contestants were allowed to compete in 1977.

She is a real Black Beauty and would nail the African "spot" at Miss Universe or Miss World, but for the fact that she is required to open her mouth and string at least three words together to make a coherent sentence. She has the face and body of a Barbie doll and any international panel of judges would sit up and take notice.

Oh well! I suppose we're going to have to settle for our current intelligent B-grade title-holder to keep the flag flying, and cross our fingers and toes and hope that she has some hidden talents that will impress the judges.

81st Annual Academy Awards TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap Video

What does my love for Tilda Swinton, a "Napkin Gown" and a Thief have in common? Well, click on the above video and find out...

In case you missed the finale of our last Awards Season Fashion Wrap--here it is!!!!
This is the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap which we filmed on Monday, just a day after the Academy Awards. We all had a crazy fun time--like always--speaking fashion, jewelry and hair--and dishing as if we were all at home having chips and guacamole, and lots of Margaritas (even though of course, we weren't).
I think this was one of our best and I just cannot wait until the next Awards Season begins.
See you on the Red Carpet!

NY Fashion Week-Fall 2009 Runway Videos-Part 1

Fashion Schmashion...
Lady In Zac Posen Red: Cowl-draped shouldered plunging neck ruffled gown, Fall 2009

So, it has become a tradition of sorts here at www.nickverreos.com to, of course, talk about fashion and especially what's the "freshest" and "newest" in fashion, and particularly, on the runways. Because I was crazy-busy doing all my segments for Oscar.com and all things surrounding the Academy Awards, New York Fashion Week sort of came and went. In fact, I was going to go to NY and attend the Finale of the newest (and yet un-aired) Season 6 of Project Runway at Bryant Park, but could not, because it conflicted with my duties for Oscar.com (oh well!). I have added some great runway shows from some of the top designers who showed at last week's New York Fashion Week, as well as accompanying photos naturally.

Zac Posen:
Zac Posen Fall '09: Cowl draped shoulder bias gown

Oh, Zac, he loves DRAMA (and so do I huney!). And he gave them drama for his Fall 2009 Collection. There were loose themes of Victoriana, Joan Crawford and 1930's Hollywood in his collection, mostly confined to dresses and gowns--from bias-cut slithery silks to full ruffled mermaid shapes. Joan Crawford Shoulders: Zac Posen Fall '09 exaggerated raglan and bishop sleeved cocktail dress

There was a lot of interest and focus on the shoulders (a theme for Fall '09) therefore the Joan "No More Wire hangers Christina!" Crawford reference. Style.com wasn't necessarily won over and deemed it a bit "too much". Zac Posen, too much? Really?
Click Below for Parts 1 and 2 of Zac Posen Fall 2009 Runway Show




Oscar De La Renta:Dominican Diva: Model-of-the-moment Arlenis gives you plunging neckline

Elegant, high-society clothes for the moneyed set. This has always been Oscar De La Renta's anthem. For Fall 2009 , he did not change a thing---and thank God for his clients. Speaking of clients, if the use of more than one or two models of color (Gracias Oscar!) is any indication, I have a feeling somebody is trying to woo First Lady Michelle Obama, either overtly or covertly. Oscar De La Renta has always been known to be the favorite designer of the upper-echelons of the Ladies-who-lunch REPUBLICAN set. Violet Goddess: A violet-colored silk column one-shoulder gown, Oscar de la Renta Fall '09 (also worn by Jessica Biel to the Oscar After Parties Sunday night!)

But change is in Washington, and so Oscar may seem to be trying to change his "political" fashion colors, as they say. Whatever the (wonderful) conscious decision of using so many STUNNING Black girls, I love that his first and final model were models of color---talk about CHANGE!!!
Final Exit: Model Jourdan Dunn in a black-and-white strapless ball gown

His Fall 2009 Collection was stunning, filled with expensive silks, duchess satins and wools, and had hints of Kiera Knightley's "The Duchess" (look at that hair!). Of course I absolutely loved the stunning gowns at the end. Yes, we are in an economic recession, but don't tell that to Oscar or his ladies.
Click Below for Parts 1, and 2 of Oscar De La Renta Fall 2009 Runway Show:

Nick Verreos at the Oscars Trevor Project Viewing Party!

Oh What a Sunday...
Substitute Hostin': Nick Verreos Raffles Gift Packages at the Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Of course, as we all know, the Academy Awards were Sunday night---I had filmed all my Oscar.com segments for the Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress and my former Project Runway mentor, Tim Gunn, was given the duties to announce the winner Live on the Pre-Awards Red Carpet ABC Special. I know.... I was "bumped off" for Mr. Tim Gunn, can you believe it?? (He does have a Tide Commercial after all...and his own show).
I was invited by The Trevor Project, an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group, to attend their annual Oscar Night Viewing Party at Here Lounge in West Hollywood. I am a big supporter of The Trevor Project and was happy to attend. I also brought a "date", my good friend Colin, who happily obliged.

Nick Verreos and friend, Colin Murphy, at Trevor Project 2009 Oscars Viewing Party

Comedian and "Ugly Betty" actor Alec Mapa was supposed to have hosted it, which was an added "plus" for me to attend, since he is a friend and INCREDIBLY funny! I could only IMAGINE his funny one-liners "no-he-didn't" comments during the commercial breaks. Unfortunately, Alec was not there (a family emergency, I hear) but there were some fantastic Drag Diva performances during the breaks that kept the crowd motivated and happy! (see photos) . Looking around in the crowd, it seemed like a LOGO Network Reunion: I spotted actors from the Logo show, "Noah's Arc" as well as one of my favorite actresses, Ann Walker from "Sordid Lives" (I LOVE that show!!!). She looked EXACTLY like the character she plays on the series, Miss LaVonda. Of course, I was secretly dying!

I love me Some Purple! Nick Verreos poses with a lot of jersey print

There were also great "Ticket Give Aways"--such as tooth whitening, spa services and products galore. At one point, I was asked to help out in the ticket raffle announcing--of course I quickly got up from my chair and was excited to see the sold-out crowd's response as they were happy to see me up there QUEENIN' OUT! (and giving away stuff!)

Bollywood Fierceness: Musical Tribute to Slumdog Millionaire

A couple of hours into the Viewing Party, I realized that I had to go home to watch the end, as well as to do my "Homework" for the next day. I was filming my TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and had HOURS and HOURS of red carpet who-wore-what internet viewing.....

THE PERFECT MISS SA

I saw this picture on the Miss SA site and it suddenly dawned on me that the perfect Miss South Africa is in there somewhere.

If we were to assimilate the 3 ladies a la Borg style, we would have our next Miss Universe.

For those of you that don't know who the Borg (a fictitious species from Star Trek) are, here's a bit of info from Wikipedia:

"The Borg are depicted as an amalgam of cybernetically enhanced humanoid drones of multiple species, organized as an inter-connected collective with a hive mind, inhabiting a vast region of space with many planets and ships. They operate towards one single-minded purpose: to add the biological and technological distinctiveness of other species to their own, in pursuit of perfection. This is achieved through forced assimilation, a process which transforms individuals and technology into Borg, enhancing individuals by adding synthetic components."

With this in mind, the perfect Miss SA is:

* Face - Tansey
* Body - Megan
* Personality - Synthetic
* Class - Megan
* Intellect - Tatum
* Public speaking - Synthetic
* Attitude - Tansey
* Pageant catwalk - Megan

Academy Awards Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos!

Oscars Fashion Wrap Madness and Dior's "Junon" gown makes a Comeback???

Lisa Rinna and Nick Verreos on TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap

Yes kids, it's that time again for the Oscars Fashion Wraps---make sure to watch, starting tonight at 7, 8, 9 and 11 PM on the TV Guide Network--check you local listings and your cable provider (sounds so official!!!). Along with the "TV Guide Network Panel of Experts", stylist Jennifer Rade (she styles Angelina Jolie!), Lawrence Zarian, and colorist-to-the-stars Kim Vo, I joined in on the fun. This was our last Fashion Wrap of the 2008-2009 Awards Season and trust me, we ended with a Fashion Bang!

Look Familiar? Zuhair Murad's Spring 2009 Couture Gown and Christian Dior's "Junon" gown from Fall 1949

Speaking of a Fashion Bang: As I was watching the Pre-Oscar shows last night to see what all the actresses were wearing for the Academy Awards (since of course I have to do my "homework"), an "I-Have-Seen-That-Before" image instantly came to mind. As Miley Cyrus made her Red carpet appearance in a beaded gown by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad, I could not help but think "Oh My GAWWWD---that dress looks JUST like a very famous Christian Dior 'Junon' gown from his Fall 1949 Collection!!!!" In fact, I sprinted off my couch and instantly retrieved one of my many Haute Couture Books, "Haute Couture: The Metropolitan Museum of Art" and went right to the page that showcased this gorgeous and iconic Dior gown. See photos above for the Zuhair Murad gown as it was shown in Paris at his Spring 2009 Couture Collection, the original Dior "Junon" gown and Miley wearing the Murad gown at the Oscars Red Carpet. Looks kind of similar, what do you think?
Watch tonight on the TV Guide Oscars Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna as I get to say a little bit of something about that...as well as a lot more...
Happy Awards Season!

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 5 and 6!

EPISODE 5

EPISODE 6

As I say in the webisodes..."The votes have been tabulated and the results are in!" Check out the final two episodes of Behind the Dress where we find out which designer wins and which model is chosen to grace the Oscar Stage announced LIVE by Tim Gunn!!

All the dresses were gorgeous but the winning design and model really capture the essence of the grand event. In Episode 6, check out exclusive backstage coverage with interviews of the very excited winning model and designer.

I thought last nights Academy Awards was great and I, of course, have my opinions on all the gowns! But more on that later...

I had such a blast hosting this official Oscar Challenge and was honored to be part of such a important night in Hollywood. You can check out all the action from yesterdays festivities with exclusive coverage on Oscar.com including all the episodes of Behind the Dress.

And The Winner Is.....The Oscars Design Trophy Goes to...

I just want to congratulate the Winner of Oscars Designer Challenge: Chicago designer Sam Kori George and his gorgeous model, Lauren Gish. It was definitely one of my favorite of all the seven designs in contention. It just "screamed" Oscars Trophy Girl/1950's Hollywood Actress.

Model Lauren Gish in Sam Kori George's winning gown

His gown was a stunning technical feat of dressmaking featuring yards and yards of silk, cut on the bias , pleated and draped to envelop the model's body perfectly. I even noticed that there were no side seams to the gown. I was also told (by the designer himself) that the bodice had about twenty coiled boning sewn inside the gown so there was no chance of the strapless gown slipping down. This also made sure to create that defined hourglass figure.
Lauren looked very "Old School Hollywood Glamour" on stage at the Academy Awards as she escorted the actors and actresses when they received their trophies and awards. Congratulations to both!

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 4!

Ready Designers? Ready Models? It's time to hit The Oscars Red Carpet! Epidose 4 of Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress

Nick Behind The Scenes:

Models Getting Ready: Nick Verreos interviews models as they get ready for their "close-up"

We are almost down to the wire--the Oscars Red Carpet wire, that is. Gowns have been designed, the designers have been chosen, they have picked their models and subsequently had their fittings, and Oscars Day is (almost) upon us...

Make-Up Chairs: A view from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater stage

First, the Designers and their gowns were "debuted" to the international press at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences headquarters on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Everyone was there, from Entertainment Tonight to E! News and anybody in between with an interest in seeing who the Designers were that were hand-picked to take up the task of designing a gown for the Oscars Escort/Trophy Model.
Model Pose: Nick Verreos poses with model Gerren Taylor before she puts on her gown

I was allowed exclusive access backstage as the models were getting ready and filmed it all for Oscar.com and you will finally get to see it here in the fourth installment of the Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress. First, I met the hand-picked models as they were getting their hair and make-up done.
Glamour Board: Make-Up and Hair Story Board for Oscars Designer Challenge

The theme was "1950's Glamour, Rita Hayworth meets Eva Gardner". No one would have realized it was 9 AM when the fabulous Dior make-up artists and hair experts transformed the models as if they were going to the Oscars--at 8 PM!!
Michelle Obama at the Oscars: Chicago Designer Maria Pinto with her model, Gerren Taylor

Then, the models were whisked into their gowns and diamonds and off for the big press reveal!
Watch the exclusive interviews with all the designers, including Michelle Obama's favorite designer, Chicago native Maria Pinto, as well as establised NY designer Robert Rodriguez, LA-based designer Alan Del Rosario, Chicago-based designer Sam Kori George and NY theater-costume designer Nicolas Putvinski, among others.
Designer Alan Del Rosario with his model, about to make their "debut"

Designer Sam Kori George with his beautiful model, Lauren Gish, posing before their "red carpet" press moment

Good Luck to all of them! Tune in tomorrow Sunday to the Oscars Live, when the winning "team" is announced!

Happy Birthday To Me--Nick Verreos Celebrates in Seattle!!

Seattle Diary--The Birthday Weekend!
Put Your Lips Together...and Blow: Happy Birthday Nick!

Last week, I was invited to judge the fabulous Project Red Dress as you all may know and had a great time! In addition to this event, I was also happy to be in Seattle for my Birthday! (It was the same day as the event). But since work calls, I did my duties at Project Red Dress, judged, surveyed the gowns and dresses, did some catwalkin' on the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Runway and met with a lot of the guests (and I took a lot of photos which I am sure I will be "tagged" in on Facebook!)Beard Cake: Nick Verreos Birthday Cake

After the Project Red Dress fashion show and gala, I went to my Fairmont Olympic Hotel suite, did a bit of an outfit change and headed off to a fashion show, live concert that my Seattle friend (of Venezuelan descent) Eduardo, was producing. Because it was so late, the fashion show had ended, but I still wanted to stop by. I'm glad I did: Little did I know that he had "organized" along with a couple of my other Seattle friends, a "Birthday" mini-party! Another Venezuelan friend, the wonderful Jorge Hernandez, had commissioned and designed a "Nick" cake: He designed a delicious cake with my image--beard and faux-hawk included--I seriously could not believe it!!! I didn't even want to cut it! But I did, right into the beard! Thank you Eduardo and Jorge, you guys are too much!
Nick with Cake: Nick Verreos and Seattle Designer, Logan Neitzel, holding up his Birthday Cake

The following day, I had to give a 10 AM Workshop/Seminar on the Essence of Fit and Fit Models at the Tukwila campus of the International Academy of Design and Technology/IADT. I was happy to "instruct" Seattle design students and fans of Project Runway alike, on why a "Forever 21" small is very different from a "QVC" small, as well as bring some of my NIKOLAKI clothing line samples and show good vs. bad fit on an actual fit model.
Fit Class: Nick Verreos during his Workshop at International Academy of Design and Technology/IADT

Afterwards, I was delighted to enjoy a fantastic, family-style luncheon at Saffron Kabobs, a Bellevue Persian food restaurant (the BEST in Seattle!). I love me some Persian Food--in fact so much so, people question if instead of being half-Greek, I may be half Persian!).
Cake No. 2: Saffron Kabobs' Chocolate Cake for Nick's Birthday

Well, guess what? After eating enough Koubideh Kabob, Tahdik, Gormeh Sabzi and Saffron Rice to feed an entire family, they brought out a Birthday cake!!! Yep, it officially became Nick's Birthday Weekend!
View From The Top: David Paul and Nick Verreos at the Columbia Tower Club (notice the sea plane passing in the background)

Then, if that was not enough, David and I were treated to an amazing view of Seattle--atop 75 stories! Our driver, Amy of Amy's Limo--my "official chauffeur" in Seattle (I love Miss Amy!)--wanted to give David and I a special treat: She invited us to the exclusive Columbia Tower Club. It was Valentine's Day after all and she wanted to celebrate it with us!!! It is a private membership club, restaurant and bar where the creme de la creme of Seattle come to get away from it all--and have a private dinner, after-work business cocktail meeting or Valentine's Day drinks and cake, like us. Valentine's Day Threesome: David Paul, Amy of Amy's Limo, and Nick Verreos posing at the Columbia Tower Club

Words cannot describe the view from the Columbia Tower Club. You see all of Seattle. The iconic Space Needle looks miniscule from a 75 story view, let me tell you! We could see everything! At one point, as we took a photo, a small sea-plane happened to be passing by--and Amy captured it (see photo above). Say Cheese: Nick Verreos and a delicious Birthday Cheesecake at the Columbia Tower Club Seattle

We enjoyed our Valentine's Evening drinks and the staff then brought out a delicious Cheese Cake and sang "Happy Birthday". It was my third "Birthday Cake in two days--and I was loving it! The beautiful Seattle view, plus the cake, made for a perfect ending to my "Birthday Weekend" in Seattle. Unforgettable.

Oscar.com Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress-Episode 3!

In Episode 3 of Behind The Dress watch the designers meet their models and do their initial fittings where they make sure everything is JUST RIGHT!! Every last stitch, pull, tuck, or hem adjustment is noted and then fixed. I love when it is NY Designer Robert Rodriguez' time, he instantly calls out to his seamstress to do the fixin'--Diva!!!
I know from experience what a relief it can be to finally get that dress on the Model and see that all your hard work has paid off!! Your creation finally comes to life.

Check back tomorrow as we take you Backstage at the Oscar Fashion Show Preview!

And make sure to visit Oscar.com for frequent updates on all things OSCAR!

2009 MISS WORLD

Tatum Keshwar (Third)

2008 MISS WORLD

Tansey Coetzee (Fifth)