DRAPES "R" US

Who on earth is dressing Miss SA? Drapes "R" Us? The woman is gorgeous and deserves much better. Every recent photograph of her looks like an advert for a drape company with frocks with little frills, and bits that hang and dangle.

Even the hair is so Drag Queens "R" Us. Come on Miss SA styling team, the drag queen look is so last year. Step up and play the game or it will be "curtains" for our lovely Miss SA at Miss Universe later this year.

Haute Olive Has Moved...to Donwtown LA!

Downtown Haute!
My friend Amara Wilson just dropped me a "little note" telling me that her little Echo Park Vintage Boutique, Haute Olive, has moved to Downtown LA! Editorial: Amara Wilson in NIKOLAKI one shoulder silk dress

Miss Amara was my "original" muse back when I began my company, NIKOLAKI, in 2001 and modeled in all my LA Fashion Week runway shows (she used to model in Paris, back in the day). I was honored enough to have been invited to her Birthday Bash back in January at the Echo Park location and got to see for myself all the fabulous Vintage "goodies" her and her minions of super-chic buyers have. Runway: Amara Wilson in NIKOLAKI runway show "A Night in Morocco", LA Fashion Week (LA Magazine style editor Laurie Pike--in black top--and singer Nikka Costa--with hat--sitting front row to the right)

When I was there, there were lots of flowy jersey caftans, DVF-looking wrap dresses, great Lacroix-inspired boleros and a mass array of vintage heels. I'm sure it's all made it's way "East" to Downtown and the Downtown fashionista hipsters will eat it up!
The new address is on 838 South Spring Street, Los Angeles California 90014. It's very near the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, so all my FIDM students-on-a-budget should get themselves over to Haute Olive!

Nick Verreos Hits Up Project Runway Season 7 Finale Viewing Party in LA!!

Project SHUT IT DOWN!!!!
I DIIIIEEE: Joey Maalouf and Nick Verreos, Project Runway Season 7 Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood

Last Thursday-- as many of you know--was the Finale of Project Runway Season 7. The Angel Mafia and Project Angel Food--along with Finalist Mila Hermanovski, "Big Brother's" Marcellas Reynolds, and Designer Andrew Christian (famous for those sexy underwear) were hosting a Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party at the West Hollywood nightclub, Eleven. I had been in town just one day from my trip to Atlanta and the OC, and of course I decided I had to attend. Underwear Party: Designer Andrew Christian poses with his models, Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood

I put on a mask, got a "Disco Nap" in and called my friends, John Wade (of Marc Jacobs and Project Runway Season 2) and Joey Maalouf (Rachel Zoe's Hair and Make-Up Stylist and co-owner of the Maalouf Salon) to be my dates. John had just returned from a ONE DAY/ONE NIGHT trip to Milan Italy (I know, FIERCE!) for the opening of the Marc Jacobs store (how he got through that Icelandic Volcano is beyond me!) and Joey is about to leave for NY for the Met and get Miss Rachel Zoe red carpet ready kiddies!). Blow Out: Hair and Make Up DIVA Joey Maalouf getting ready for the Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party

So I was happy to have them both for this one night!The party was in full swing as we got there. Soon enough, the Finale Episode was playing on the bar's flat screens and we actually stopped whatever we were doing to watch it (sometimes--OK, MOST TIMES--at these "Finale Viewing Parties" NO ONE gets to see anything!). We actually got to see the Final Episode and you could hear the crowd cheering and jeering for the winners and the finalists. Group Shot: Joey Maalouf, Nick Verreos, Andrew Christian, and John Wade, Eleven West Hollywood

In between, I got to "socialize" and ran into co-co-co-host, my good friend, Designer Andrew Christian, who even showed me sneak-preview photos of his new exclusive Andrew Christian Store (via his IPhone).I also got to chat with Palm Springs-based Designer Michael Costello, who was there with his model, the very blond Tracy Chapman, wearing one of his little cocktail dresses (above).I also ran into one of my fabulous "Muses", the one and only Runway Diva, Amanda Fields (from Project Runway Season 3) (above), who is filming a "secret show" and therefore got there a bit late. Better late than never as they say. Models Of The Runway: Alison Gingerich, Amanda Fields, Nick Verreos and Holly Ridings, Eleven West Hollywood

Speaking of models, there were LOTS of them that night, including Holly Ridings (wearing a long maxi black-and-white print dress, black leather jacket and sneakers--still the TALLEST GIRL in the room!) and Alison Gingerich from Season 7.Semi-Finalist Mila Hermanovski's Model, Brandise Daneswich was also in attendance, enjoying the Viewing Party, along with her designer.There weren't that many other Project Runway Alumn there (and no other Project Runway Season 7 Designers) however, we (John, Joey and I) get to hang out with Season 6 Designer Johnny Sakalis (above).Young Hollywood: Actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, Eleven West Hollywood

One of the nicest moments of the night (besides seeing Seth Aaron Henderson win and his family give him a congratulatory hug) was meeting young actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, who confessed their love of Project Runway and how they were "big fans"! Love them! Maybe one of these days, they will wear NIKOLAKI for a big red carpet event--who knows! They were SOOOO SWEET!

Meeting Seth Aaron Henderson, Winner of Project Runway Season 7!!

Season 4 Casting Memories...
Young at the Standard, circa 2007: David Paul, Nick Verreos, Seth Aaron Henderson, and Santino Rice

Well, look what my lovely friends at Blogging Project Runway un-earthed from their "Treasure Chest" of archival photos: Yes, that's my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul (far left), myself, Seth Aaron Henderson and Season 2 Contestant Santino Rice. Several years back (look how young and SKINNY Seth looked!!! Not to mention myself and THAT crazy t-shirt!), I judged the Season 4 LA Castings of Project Runway. Seth Aaron 2010

The castings were at the Downtown Los Angeles Standard Hotel and afterward I met up with Blogging Project Runway's Laura Kluvo for cocktails at the Standard Rooftop Bar. She had come to LA to blog about the castings and invited myself and David for apres drinks and munchies. Once there, she said "Oh, I met a lovely guy who tried out and he's stopping by as well". Yes, the "lovely guy" was Seth Aaron. Seth Aaron had tried out for Season 4's Castings but unfortunately, did not make it to the next round. Talk about perseverance, because, well, as we now know, the rest is history. Congratulations to Seth!

ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010 ROCKS Orange County: A Recap!

Rock+Fashion+Architecture+Interior Design= OC MADNESS!!!OC Red Carpet: Nick Verreos arrives at Sutra Bar & Nightclub to host ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010

Fresh off my MSN "The Victory Project" filming in Atlanta, I was dropped off at my home from LAX and then an hour later, a car was awaiting to take me to the fabulous OC! I was sponsored by my fabulous Alma Mater (and College I teach at) the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to host the 10Th Annual ROCKSTAR Event at Sutra Bar & Nightclub in Costa Mesa. Interview Please: Nick Verreos films an interview for ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010

It was a SOLD OUT event, and the nightclub was packed as guests gathered for a VIP Pre-Party, enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres of Burger Sliders, Tuna Tartar and Chicken and Beef Skewers. VIP Pre-Party Scene at Sutra Lounge, Costa Mesa

The show began with a performance by Everyday Tragedy, a "Welcome Speech" by Co-Chairs Sean Kim and Anne Yap, which soon was followed by my "Hosting Duties" and introduction of the ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010 fashion show competition. Hosting Commitee: Nick Verreos poses with event co-chairs Sean Kim and Anne Yap

Fourteen teams, sponsored by Interior Design Firms, Architecture Firms, and various Southern California Universities, got together and created designs based on a "Rock Music Theme" using Interior Design textiles and fabrications. Then, they put on a mini-show in front of a panel of esteemed judges, and were consequently judged for their performance, use of fabrications, style and designs of course. The three-hour+ event, mini-concert and fashion show ended with the announcing of the Winning Groups: Winner of "Rockstar Haworth Haute Couture 2010" was Team GKK Works Sponsored by J&J Invision. The designs and the group were very Elton John-Meets-Asian Lady Gaga-Meets-ABBA (go figure!).
I LOVED her outfit above (remember it's all made from interior design textiles and materials), and especially DIED for her...Disco Ball Glam "Bootie Heels"; I think Lady GaGa's stylist might want a pair for his client!The Prize for the "Interface Flor 2010 Best New Artist" went to Team Cal State University, Long Beach Sponsored by dTank: Hip Hop Divas. They were HOT, starting off with one DIVA being faux-made-up by her hip-hop ladies-in-waiting. The crowd really loved their performance and outfits--and so did I!Finally, my personal favorite (and I guess the judges as well), were Team SAA Sponsored by Bentley Prince Street and CBI who did "Cirque Du POP ROCK". They won the final "Allseating Best Entertainer of The Year Award" for Best Overall Performance. They seriously brought the entire Sutra Bar & Nightclub DOWN, with their very creative performance and outfits. There was a Britney Spears in her "Circus Ringleader" ensemble, a Lady Gaga (above) , and even a Michael Jackson look-a-like, all in designs made from interior design fabrications. It was the "complete package" and thoroughly entertaining.
Rock On BFF's: Nick Verreos and his new posse, Everyday Tragedy

Afterward, I had a fun time meeting-and-greeting with a lot of the guests, the teams, the winners, sponsors, and even some Project Runway fans. One of the highlights of the night was meeting the band members from Everyday Tragedy, who insisted--PLEADED--I do a "Rock On!" pose with them. So there you have it: My ROCKSTAR pose!

FIDM Debut 2010 Fashion Gala Show on TV next Saturday!

The Biggest Night of LA Fashion...Next Saturday Night on TV!!!Last month--as you may know from reading my lovely little blog--was the fabulous FIDM Debut 2010 Fashion Show Gala. Well, kiddies, in case you didn't get a chance to see it LIVE at the Santa Monica Barker Hanger last month, you have a chance to see it on TV next Saturday night, April 24Th! It will air on local LA TV station, KLCS, Channel 58, 9PM (but of course, check your local listings, on my TV, it's Channel 3/KLCS).Fashion Angels: Nick Verreos and his models in Nikolaki Collection dress and gowns, Debut 2010

In the show, I make a special appearance, giving a "sneak peak" at my next Nikolaki Collection! The Debut 2010 Show also features the collections of the ten top Advanced Fashion Design graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (whom I mentored and instructed) as well as the designs from the Advanced Theater Costume Design grads whose theme this year was "Judy and Liza" (Hellooooo!!!). Gingham Explosion: Design for Judy Garland and "The Wizard of Oz", FIDM Debut 2010

There was also the GUESS Design Challenge, where the ten fashion design students were asked to design looks for GUESS and co-founder and co-chairman, Maurice Marciano, was on hand to announce the winner! Color of the Season: Yellow blouse, with black zig-zag skirt, FIDM Debut 2010

Again, the show will air THIS Saturday, April 24Th at 9 PM on Los Angeles local TV, KLCS, Channel 58. Check your local cable listings but if you live in the LA area, be sure to get some popcorn, and check it out!

Nick Verreos Hosts "The Style List" Next Thursday, April 29Th at Macy's Beverly Center

The Style List: One Man and His Four Fashion "Angels" Yes kids, I am SO EXCITED to be announcing that I will be hosting the upcoming fashion event "The Style List" at Macy's in The Beverly Center Los Angeles this coming Thursday April 29. As you may know, last month I toured the country hosting a slew of very successful events entitled "The Fashion Director/Macy's Fashion Challenge" and now they've invited me to host this great event in my "hometown"! Join me--your "Hostess With the Fashion Mostest" (did I just really say that?) and a QUADRUPLE Fashionista All-Girl Block of designers and Industry Insiders...including one of my favorite LA-based designers (the "Queen of Jersey") Rachel Pally. Fun Fact: I interviewed her a couple of years ago for her LA Fashion Week fashion show in a great Art Deco Downtown LA Penthouse!The always-chic Laurie Pike, Style Editor of Los Angeles Magazine. Fun Fact: Laurie attended--and sat Front Row--at my very first LA Fashion week back in 2003!Daniella Clarke, designer for the premium denim line Frankie B. and...Designer Corey Lynn Calter, who is known for her pretty and quirky sportswear and very comfortable printed dresses (every "It" girl from Newport Beach to The Hamptons has at least TWO in their closets!).

Here are the Details:
WHEN: Thursday, April 29
6:30pm Sips and Apps
7:15pm Fashion Show & Shopping Party

WHERE: Macy's Beverly Center
2nd Floor, Impulse Department

RSVP by Tuesday, April 27 to events@lamag.com

Nick Verreos to Host RockStar Haute Couture 2010 Next Week!!!

Architecture, Interior Design and Fashion ROCKSTAR!!!I am SO EXCITED to announce that next Wednesday, I will be hosting Rock Star Haute Couture 2010, a rock-music inspired showdown where music fashion and media collide. Orange County's interior design and architectural firms, independent designers and students compete in a runway showdown using materials and finishes typically used in interiors donated by textile and furniture manufacturers.

The Haute Couture designs will be "inspired" by a rock music category. This 10Th Annual show will benefit IIDA Southern California Chapter Student Scholarships and Working Wardrobes, a non-profit organization that empowers men, women and young adults in crises to confidently enter the workforce with career development and wardrobe services.
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, the school of which I am the Spokesperson and an Instructor (of course, you guys know that!) has invited me to host this fabulous event! FIDM is known for being an outstanding Fashion Design college, but they also has a great Interior Design Major as well. In fact, during the infamous FIDM Debut Fashion Shows, there is a special segment: Chairing Styles--a collaboration between the Fashion Design, Textile Design and Interior Design students where ensembles and matching chairs are created--It has become a MAJOR highlight of the show (see photo above).
I arrive back from my MSN "Victory Project" filming in Atlanta the SAME day of the Rock Star Fashion Show, so I will get in my "Nick Fashion Mobile" from LAX and rush right over to host this amazing and rockin' event! I can't wait to see what the designers will come up with. Hope to see you there!

Here are the details:
When: Wednesday, April 21 2010
Where: Sutra Lounge
Triangle Square 1870 Harbor Blvd.
2nd Floor
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
*Tickets sales online is CLOSED BUT...you can get them at the door for only $35 !!!
*Make sure to TWEET about the event! Go HERE!

Nick Verreos Gets Ready For The Victory Project Atlanta!!!!

HOTLANTA FIERCE!!!As you may know, I am the "Fashion Guru" for the The Victory Project. Along with nutrition expert (Katherine Brooking), fitness expert (Kacy Duke), make-up "genie" (Chantal Moore) and a fashion expert (moi!), The Victory Project travels to 3 cities , finding four women in each city and shoot webisodes following the women and their 6-week regime to being "Victorious"! First, we went to Seattle, the Emerald City! And now, we continue on to Atlanta! The lucky Four Victory Project Ladies are:
Renee:
Holly:Nikki:And Amanda:If you want to follow these women on their journey to get fit, eat right, dress stylish and feeling beautiful, click HERE for all the videos! And be sure to check them all out on Facebook! I am flying to Atlanta THIS weekend to "surprise" the ladies next week (don't tell anyone-wink wink) and make them FABULOUS...and give them ALL my "Nick Fashion Love"!! I can't wait. I have a feeling Atlanta Georgia will NEVER be the same!!! Check here on my blog soon for how I make them OVER!!!!

Project Runway Season 8 Casting!!!!!!

Get your Portfolio, Collection and Fierce Self Ready...Season 7 is almost over kiddies. I know, I've missed several of my infamous "Nick Recaps"--I've been busy traveling for my Macy's Appearances and working on my line as well as moving into my new NIKOLAKI Atelier!!! But... Season 8 is casting NOW!!!Who Will Be The Next Project Runway Star: Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, NY Fashion Week

A "Little Birdie" told me that the producers of Project Runway, the ever-so-fabulous Bunin/Murray Productions are getting ready to chose the cast for the nest season of my favorite show Project Runway--

*Do you have what it takes to be America's Next Great Fashion Designer? *Have you always dreamed of showing your collection at New York Fashion Week? *Are you over 21 years of age? *Deadline is April 22nd...BUT DO IT NOW!!!!!
Judging Threesome: Nick Verreos, Marie Claire's Zoe Glassner and Tim Gunn, LA Season 7 Castings

Good Luck darlings! Be fabulous, fashionable, and ready to BRING IT ON!!!
Click HERE to apply!!