Nick Verreos Takes on Style Week Orange County--and LOVED IT!!!

Behind the Orange (Fashion) Curtain!

Double Breasted in Orange County: Nick Verreos at the Style Week OC Active Ride After Party

If you've been keeping up with my lovely blog here, you may remember that last Monday, I went down to the Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County to shoot a TV segment for "Good Day LA", Southern California's most watched morning news/talk show. The reason: To promote Style Week Orange County and the fashions that would be shown this year. Well, three days later I was BACK!
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS as David and I made our way to Orange County and checked in to our OUT OF CONTROL home for the next few days, the Pelican Hill Resort (more on that in another post!). We got ready and headed to the Irvine Spectrum to check out the fashion shows. I was "blown away" by how fabulous everything was--from the modern and chic stark white runway stage to the stunning models hand-picked from LA's top modeling agency LA Models to the sectioned off area for red carpet and VIP guests. It was like Smashbox/Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week but outdoors under a balmy evening breeze and 75 degree weather. In other words: It was better!
The Greek-Venezuelan Michael Kors: Nick Verreos judges the Needle and Thread Competition, Style Week Orage County

The evening began with the SOLD OUT (!) Designer Showcase Fashion Show and the Needle and Thread Competition, a contest sponsored by Ezekiel and Active Ride Shop. Six fashion school grads--who just happened to be ALL from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, my alma mater (Go FIDM!)--were chosen to design looks inspired by the Ezekiel Spring 2010 Collection. Mentor Nick: Nick Verreos flanked by Needle and Thread Contestants Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Valentina Vardanyan, and Adrian Manuel

By coincidence, it happened to be that 5 out of 6 designers were former students of mine, so it goes without saying that even though I was "officially" there as a judge, I still felt like a "proud poppa". All six did amazingly well! They created designs that were "spot on" in following the Ezekiel brand but at the same time, injected their own design "DNA" into each garment.And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos announces the winner (and Second Place) of Needle and Thread Competition

It was a tough decision but we ended up choosing the talented 21 year old San Jose native (now residing in LA) Adrian Manuel as the winner. When his designs came down the runway, my fellow judges (all female) were emitting "oohs" and "aahs". Of all the 6 "contestants", he really nailed it! Therefore, we awarded him with the $4,000 (I know, shut up!) Top Prize. Second Place went to Liz Sandhoefner (who was a Debut FIDM 2009 Grad, along with Adrian). She received a $2,000 second place prize. As I announced them as the winners I think I saw tears come down their ecstatic faces. Yes, I was clutching my pearls for them!
Can You Spell Your Name? Meeting and Greeting at Irvine Spectrum Active Ride Shop After Party

Following the Needle and Thread Competition and Fashion Show, I was whisked off (by security guards no less--who am I Miley Cyrus?) to the After Party at the Irvine Spectrum's Active Ride Shop, where guests drank Champagne and mingled with all the designers. One...Singular Sensation:Nick Verreos and fans do their best Chorus Line Pose

I was also there to do a meet-and-greet with all the fashion show guests. I was humbled to see a long line of fans and fashion show guests alike (I'm just happy if two people show up!) and proceeded to sign and take lots of photos.
Miss Iraq: Nick Verreos poses with Iraq-born designer Oday Shakar and his models

Afterward, as I made my way back to my awaiting town car (yes, the clients got me limo! Love them!), I spotted a stunning six-foot tall model in a black gown so you just know I had to approach her. As it turned out it was a model, the Nigerian-born Tracy Acholonu, along with one of the Style Week OC featured designers, Oday Shakar (I missed his show because of the autograph signing). Of course, she was wearing one of his designs, along with a couple of other models. I might have missed his show but I got the "VIP Viewing" up close and personal--and it was all COUTURE!!
Next Up: My Macy's Appearance at the Irvine Spectrum....but first, I had to get a good night's rest at the fabulous Pelican Hill Resort...Toodles!

Click Below for a Video of Me Announcing the Needle and Thread Competition Winners at Style Week Orange County (and a "Nick" runway demonstration!):

MISS ENGLAND 2009

There are very rarely ugly contestants at an international pageant. The contestants usually range from attractive to gorgeous, yet, because it is a contest based essentially on physical appearance, some girls at the pageant will be called more beautiful than others and the ones left behind are unfortunately labelled the "ugly ducklings in the pond".

When a contestant is criticised for her physical appearance, the criticism is based on a comparison with the other girls competing. From a universal perspective, however, even the least attractive contestant at the pageant is far more attractive than the average girl on the street.

Rachel Christie, who was crowned Miss England a while back is, in my books at least, a very attractive girl. She is an accomplished track and field athlete, and chances are very good she will be named to the British Olympic Team in 2012. Unfortunately she was far from the prettiest girl at the pageant.

The voters that participated in online voting for Miss England share my sentiments and she only placed 49th out of 54 contestants. Her win was also very controversial and a number of the contestants spoke out in the media about the sorry state of affairs at the pageant.

Whatever your opinion of Miss Christie, what should be considered is that England has failed to make the semi-finals of the Miss World pageant since "pa fell off the bus", and I would not be in the least bit surprised if she wins the Sports Award in Johannesburg and is fast-tracked into the semi-finals. Perhaps that played a big part in the decision to appoint her Miss England. Who knows.

CUE FANFARE

One of my biggest gripes about current beauty pageants is the music, and the fanfare leading up to the announcement of the winners.

Remember how the fanfare at Miss Universe in the 80's and 90's created excitement and dramatic effect as each runner-up was announced? As each runner-up was announced the fanfare would step up one notch until it reached a crescendo just before the announcement of the winner?

It's not a pageant fanfare, but it is my favourite fanfare of all-time. The 20th Century Fox fanfare.

Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week Fashion Angel Emerging Designers Video!!!

Angel Judges: Jeffrey Sebelia, Nony Tochterman and Nick Verreos last month judging the "Fashion Angel Awards", Downtown LA Fashion Week

On October 13Th, 5 PM at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week will have it's Fashion Angel Emerging Designers Showcase Fashion Show. I was invited--along with fellow Los Angeles designers Randolph Duke, Project Runway Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Petro Zillia DIVA, Nony Tochterman, to form the Emerging Designers 2009 Judging Panel. Last month, I posted about our judging day/luncheon, and here's a "sneak peak" video of what's to come--with an introduction by Randolph Duke.


Click HERE for tickets and more info.

Nick Verreos enjoys "A Night of Emotion" at LA Dogworks!

Vampires Like Dogs...Orange Carpet: Nick Verreos at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

Yes, it's orange. But it's still a "red carpet". Last week, before my trip to Orange County to attend and judge Style Week OC, I was invited to "A Night of Emotion", an event benefiting Good Dog Animal Rescue as well as to raise awareness for the National Service Dogs Foundation and Fidelco Guide Dogs Foundation. Not Benny: Rita and Nick Verreos hold a Chihuahua puppy at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

As some of you may know, I own a beautiful Dachshund/King Charles mixed dog whom David and I rescued over a year ago, so ever since, I have become a "Dog Poppa" as well as a big supporter of all things canine. LA Dogworks is a fabulous "Doggy Hotel"/Kennel where we leave Benny when we have to go out of town (insert "sad face" here) and the location of this "orange carpet" event.Sisterly Love: Rita Verreos in ivory and printed silk charmeuse NIKOLAKI dress, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I didn't bring Benny so instead I brought my sister, Rita Verreos, who had been visiting in Los Angeles while filming a pageant runway coaching video (she coaches pageant girls by the way).
She came over to my studio and of course I let her borrow a little NIKOLAKI cocktail dress for the occasion. I showed my sister where Benny stays while we are away and we enjoyed some delicious Joe's Pizza slices as we surveyed items up for auction. Dog-Loving Couple: Actors Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin from HBO's "True Blood"

I spotted Stephen Moyer and his fellow "True Blood" actress Anna Paquin. Aren't they engaged? I wanted to say "Hello" to Anna and commend her on how pretty she looked but it was a "No-Can-Do" situation: She was either holding on to Stephen for dear life and looking frazzled, or she was surrounded by too many people. I didn't want to be an added bother, as they say.Nick Verreos and stylists George Blodwell, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I did get to hang out with stylist George Blodwell (clients include Bill Maher, Helen Mirren), who was looking very dapper as always. The event was great and I'm glad to have attended for such a good cause. I think my Benny would have enjoyed it though. Maybe next time!

LADY IN RED

20 years ago, the elegant Helen Lewis was the favourite to win the Miss South Africa crown. She was beautiful and classy. Then the nutters on the Miss SA Committee decided to break the mould and select a winner that was "not your typical beauty queen".

Needless to say we ended up with a Miss SA that was as unruly as her mop of frizzy hair, and we passed up on someone who would have worn the crown with dignity and grace. Helen Lewis was our Lady in Red in 1989.

Nick Verreos Camps It Up for more FIDM Videos!!!!

Continuing the FIDM Tour with your Guide, Nick Verreos...Computer Couture: The Computer/Study Lab Room at FIDM, Downtown LA Campus

"We're walking...we're walking..." Isn't that what we hear from those cheesy tour guides through The Louvre? Well, my Tour of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is more of a fun video tour with no big paddle or brightly colored umbrella being held up (maybe I should try and hold up some pink taffeta?). FIDM's updated website has all these new videos up--starring who else? Me, of course! Here are two new ones, in case you might have missed them. Coffee Tie Dye: FIDM Grad and Season 5 Project Runway Contestant Kelli Martin and her design

One features FIDM grad Kelli Martin's (who was on Season 5 of Project Runway) winning "Gristedes Challenge" dress and the other is of me hanging out at the actual Sewing Room where Project Runway Season 6 contestants sewed ALL their garments!!!

Nick and Kelli Martin's Vacuum Cleaner Bag and Coffee Filter Project Runway Dress:

Nick Verreos at the Project Runway Sewing Workroom--with 2 current FIDM students:

There are lots more--so be sure to check them out HERE --And see you next time I continue the FIDM Tour. Until then...as Tim Gunn says "Carry On!"

I KNEW THIS WAS COMING

In my post-pageant "review" of the Miss SA Teen pageant I wrote that the event took place "before a crowd of a few hundred bikini and speedo clad onlookers reeking of Piz Buin and an array of other suntan lotions". What I had wanted to say was "before a crowd of a few hundred bikini and speedo clad onlookers reeking of Piz Buin, cheap wine and stale sex", but decided against it.

"...spring break activities traditionally include binge drinking, recreational drug use and casual sex...It is common for companies to market during spring break, for instance Coca-Cola, Gillette, MTV, and branches of the United States armed forces." (Wikipedia).

Whilst the above photographs are from events in the USA and not from the Sun City event, I cannot imagine that "Spring Break" would be any different here than it is in the rest of the world. In any event!

Apparently a number of Miss SA Teen parents are up in arms because their daughters were expected to parade before an "unruly hoard of drunken men". In addition, eyebrows are being raised at the results since there were 3 Sun City employees on the panel of judges, and there were no computers at the event yet the results were printed on a sheet of paper and not hand-written.

Could it be a case of sour grapes in some instances? Possibly! Will "bitchin' and moanin'" achieve anything? Probably not! The official response will more than likely be that the girls and their parents knew that the event was being staged during "Spring Break", that they should have known what happens at an event of this nature, and that they should not have signed the entry form in the first place if they had issues with the event.

Go figure!

Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap--Episode 6: Costume Designing!!

Can Fashion Designers Be Costume Designers?This last week's episode of Season 6 Project Runway was the "Design a Look for a Movie Genre" challenge. I was intrigued since I know several costume designers and my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion-crime, David Paul actually received his Master's from UCLA in Costume Design and his resume boasts either designing or assisting in designing the costumes/wardrobe for many different well known TV shows. We both watched very intently. Hollywood Costume Designer God: A look designed by Costume Designer Adrian

Hollywood has always had a strong tradition of having AMAZING costume designers, such as the incredible Adrian (he designed the costumes for The Wizard of Oz and many, many other films) and of course, Edith Head, who contributed to the UBER elegant look of Grace Kelly.
So with that, I thought this was the perfect challenge for the "LA Season" of Project Runway.
If you read my Recap on MyLifetime.com, I wrote a little bit about the fact that after seeing the designs come down the runway and who the judges picked--and didn't pick--I was a tad bit confused. I was also confused at the challenge itself and whether the designers were asked to be Costume Designers or just be Fashion Designers injecting "a bit" of costume design elements into their look. I loved how Tanisha worked Althea's "Film Noir" look with the handkerchief and black-and-white outfit; it was a strong "overall" showing for both Althea and her model. I also have to say that when model Lisa Blades came down the runway in Carol Hannah's "Action Adventure" design, I DID NOT even recognize her! I also thought they made a fabulous "tag-team" designer-and-model duo. My favorite, however was the same as the judges, Nicolas' Ice Queen. Designing costumes is definitely his forte!Incredible Arianne: Arianne Phillips (with Madonna) and an Arianne Phillips-styled W Magazine cover and photo spread

I also loved seeing Arianne Phillips as one of the judges. I personally know Arianne and admire her work. I am often in awe of her talent and what her incredible creative mind can cojure up. Besides being an Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer, she is also Madonna's Stylist and has styled all her W Magazine photo spreads as well as many FIERCE Vogue Italia ones. Love Miss Arianne!Michael Kors is coming BAAAACK!!!!!!

Speaking of judges: Don't forget, Michael Kors WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK!!!!! I know fans of Project Runway have been wondering where the heck he has been. Well, kiddies, someone's got to run his multi-million dollar empire! So, I am sure that it might have been a bit difficult to get out to LA for several days to judge, but by the looks of things, he finally got to sneak off and come back to LA!!!!
Click HERE for my Recap of Episode 6 and be sure to tell me what you thought. Maybe you can help me with my "confusion".

COMMERCIAL BREAK

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PRINCESS OF THE WORLD 2009

Miss Nicaragua, Kathiel Lampson, was crowned Princess of the World 2009 in Prague on Saturday night. She beat 39 other contestants to win the pageant that also goes by the title Miss World & Europe Junior. South Africa's Kim Senogles placed second, and third place went to Katrina Pavia from Malta.

Kim is a former Miss SA Teen finalist and was the first runner-up to Miss Earth SA 2008. With her second place, she becomes the first contestant from South Africa in four attempts to finish in the Final 3 at the pageant. Bravo Kim!

MISS INTERCONTINENTAL IS MISS VENEZUELA

Miss Venezuela, Hannelly Quintero, was crowned Miss Intercontinental in Minsk, Belarus earlier this evening. Hannelly was the Venezuelan delegate at Miss World 2008 in Johannesburg. She placed in the Final 15 and was named Continental Queen of the Americas.

At the pageant in Minsk, the other countries to make the Final 5 were Belarus, Puerto Rico, Poland and Curacao. Whilst observers will argue that the contestant from the host country was awarded a token second place, Miss Belarus deserved her placement in my opinion.

South Africa's Jezelle Kruger did not make the Final 15.

MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009

The new Miss Intercontinental will be crowned in Minsk later today. South Africa's representative is Luzaan Jezelle Kruger, a 20-year-old beauty therapy student from the Vaal Triangle.

After lunch I'll be off to search for a rainbow to jump over, a star to wish upon, a four-leaved clover, crossing my fingers and toes, perhaps even scrounge around for a horse-shoe, hoping for a win...or a place. Hell, I'll settle for a special award.

MISS SA TEEN 2009

Remember when the Miss SA Teen pageant was a glitzy, glamorous affair? When they had magnificent sets, a fantastic supporting cast and a bevy of beautiful swans in ballgowns gliding across the stage? The audience was dressed to the nines and it was a toss-up to decide whether they had upstaged the contestants on stage or not. Those were the days!

(Fade violins! Cue beatbox!)

The Miss SA Teen pageant was held yesterday in the Valley of the Waves at Sun City. The porta-stage, vinyl back-drops, cardboard props and mall frocks set the stage for the 11th annual Miss SA Teen pageant. Before a crowd of a few hundred bikini and speedo clad onlookers reeking of Piz Buin and an array of other suntan lotions, the new Miss SA Teen was crowned. The winner was Chante Jantjies. You go girl! You rock!

THE MISS SA SEMI-FINALIST GUESSING GAME

Once upon a decade or two ago, the Miss SA organisers of the day would publish the names of all the regional semi-finalists in regional newspapers for all to see. The report was usually accompanied by a group photograph of the 15 or so semi-finalists (there were usually 75 semi-finalists).

Then in 1994, Doreen Morris implemented the regional finalist system, and the selection of a provincial winner would be held in a major shopping centre in each of the 9 provinces. Once again, the process appeared transparent and the selection was witnessed by a crowd of interested parties and members of the public.

Since 2000, the Miss SA selection process has became a cloak-and-dagger affair, and to be perfectly honest, it is easier so smuggle nuclear secrets out of Russia than it is to obtain a reliable list of semi-finalists. Pageant fans and enthusiasts have had to resort to all sorts of devious tactics to lay a hand on the official list of semi-finalists.

It's just become a silly game. I, for one, have become tired of having to rely on a " a source" or "someone in the know" or "a friend in the industry" or "Sophie, the tea lady at Sun International" or "Jemimah, the cleaning lady at Cap Events". Why don't they just pop the names on the Miss SA website and get it over and done with?

In any event. On with the "big reveal".

Semi-finalist #23 is Tamsin Groom. That's right, it's Tamsin, not Tasmin as has been reported online. Tamsin hails from KwaZulu-Natal and is currently a law student at Stellenbosch University. She did her first professional "shoot" shortly before entering the pageant. A google search for Tamsin Groom will result in references to Dr Tamsin Groom, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health from Scotland.

Semi-finalist # 24 is supposedly one Sarah-Jane Smith. Whilst the surname of the semi-finalist is indicated as Smith on the e-mail that was sent to successful entrants, her first name, statistics and occupation remain a mystery.

Whilst there are only 24 addressees on the aforementioned mail, there now appears to be an additional 6 semi-finalists that are not mentioned in the mail. How or why they were suddenly included in the semi-finals remains a mystery (the pageant should be renamed Miss Secret Service SA). A google search for these 6 additional semi-finalists gives one questionable search results, but here goes.

Carol Makhathini is a model and Sharks cheerleader from Durban. She was a runner-up in the Miss Cafe Vacca Matta 2008 pageant and is 1,70m tall.
The next semi-finalist is supposedly Nolwandle Sikhakhane. She could be Nolwande Sikhakhane (Miss Soweto 2007) or Lwandle Sikhakhane (Miss Earth SA 2009 finalist). Perhaps they are one and the same.

Next up is Mahlatse Mkhawana. She was one of my personal favourites and then a runner-up in Miss Earth SA 2009.

Another possible semi-finalist is Refiloe Motsei. The name Mpho Motsei has been bandied about, but I can't find anyone by that name online, and this is the closest I could get. Her photograph has also incorrectly been identified online as that of Lerato Mokoena.

The final two additional semi-finalists are supposedly Nataschia Beukman and Babalwa Retyana. The only references to Nataschia are a FaceBook account and some or other school camp in Limpopo, and the closest I got to Babalwa Retyana is Babalwa Ratyana, a finalist in Miss Port Elizabeth 2008.

Hell's bells! I think SA pageant enthusiasts should ditch the pageant world and sign up for the CIA or MI5. Methinks all the "spy" crap would be a walk in the park compared to eliciting information about the Miss SA pageant.

MISS VENEZUELA 2009

After watching a late-night movie on M-Net last night, I logged onto the USB Forum to see what is happening in pageant lala-land. I saw a link for an online broadcast of the Miss Venezuela pageant, and in a moment of madness, decided to sit up and watch the pageant for the first time.

Although I am a huge fan of the pageant and it's concept of pageant beauty, the broadcast did drag on for what seemed an eternity. I could not quite decide if it was the endlessly long bellowings of the entertainers or the shoe, yoghurt, shoe, bank, shoe, body lotion, shoe or shoe commercials that were more annoying.

Needless to say, the thousands of screaming and yelling fans that filled the auditorium put South African fans to shame. The atmosphere was electric, and to think that they were supporting a contestant that does not, in most instances, even live in the district or region she is representing speaks volumes for their passion for pageants.

The highlight of the broadcast, apart from the coronation, was definitely the appearance of Stefania Hernandez. I don't care what her detractors say about her or her win at Miss Universe, she is simply sensational. I will even go so far as to say that she is even more beautiful than the stunning Dayana Mendoza.

After more random entertainers and commercials, the Top 10 and then the Top 5 were announced. Just before the Top 5 were announced, I did notice that there were only 9 contestants on stage. I later read that Miss Distrito Capital fainted and would not progress even if selected, although I must have missed her "platso grandioso".

When the placements were eventually announced, I was disappointed that my personal favourite, Miss Tachira, only placed fourth. I was, however, satisfied when my second favourite, Miss Miranda, went on to win the main title, although I will be the first to admit that my Uncle Osmel has a lot of work to do if he hopes for a hat-trick at Miss Universe next year.

Whether Miss Venezuela wins Miss Universe or not, any one of the current batch of Miss SA semi-finalists, as good as she might be, is going to struggle to place higher than Venezuela next year.

2009 SEMI-FINALIST: LEBOGANG KEAGILE

Lebogang Keagile was a runner-up at Miss Earth SA 2008 and a finalist in Miss FTV Africa 2009. She is 1,74m tall and measures 86-56-91. She is semi-finalist # 22.

2009 SEMI-FINALIST: TAKI SIMELI

Next up is semi-finalist #21. Her name is Taki Simeli, she is 1,75m tall and measures 81-65-95.

2009 SEMI-FINALIST: MICHELLE BRUNO

Michelle Bruno is 1,75m tall and measures 90-65-93. She is semi-finalist #20.

2009 SEMI-FINALIST: JOANNA JEWELL

Joanna Jewell is semi-finalist #19. Joanna was a runner-up in the Miss Dolphins 2008 pageant. She is 1,76m tall and measures 81-60-90.

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!)