Nick Verreos Attends "Compassion In Fashion" APAIT/FIDM Fashion Show: LA Fashion Week

Compassion IS Fashionable...

Project Runway Model Sandwich: Nick Verreos poses with Brandise Danesewich (Season 7), Amanda Fields (Season 3) and Lauren (Season 4), Backstage "Compassion In Fashion" fashion show

Last Thursday night, I was invited by my very good friend--and NIKOLAKI client--the absolutely gorgeous Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee--to attend "Compassion In Fashion" Fashion Show for Los Angeles Fashion Week. She was emceeing the entire event and she--of course--was going to wear one of my NIKOLAKI cocktail dresses.

Gorgeous Beauties: Model Amanda Fields and Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997 and Emcee of Compassion In Fashion (wearing NIKOLAKI)

"Compassion In Fashion" was a fabulous benefit event presented by the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team/APAIT and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM at the amazing Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. APAIT does wonderful work providing HIV/AIDS prevention and care especially for the Asian and Pacific Islander Community. The event was also co-sponsored by one of MY favorite retail department stores--Macy's (Love them!). Upon arriving--and checking in with Brook--I made sure her NIKOLAKI Couture dress was "just right".

Brook Lee, Compassion In Fashion (Photo courtesy of Adrian Sidney, BarTabz.com)

She chose a salmon-pink silk/linen Lurex strapless very "Mad Men" number from our collection. She looked AMAZING! Hello, she was a Miss USA AND Miss Universe! The line up for the wonderful night included a dance performance by Ek Do Teen/NDM Bollywood Dance Troupe (which was SO good!)

Model Amanda Fields wearing a Red carpet Gown design by FIDM Grad Clay Sadler, Compassion In Fashion (Photo Courtesy of Adrian Sidney, BarTabz.com)

A FIDM "Red Carpet Gown" fashion show featuring designs by FIDM Grads( Gorgeous!) as well as...

Model in Andrew Christian Fashion Show (Photo Courtesy of Adrian Sidney, BarTabz.com)

An Andrew Christian Fashion Show (HOT!). Also there was a very special T-shirt Design Contest, where FIDM Student Activities partnered with APAIT to have students design t-shirts for the organization.

There was a panel of very special--and distinguished--judges, including my good friend Alec Mapa, star of "Ugly Betty" and LogoTV's "The Gossip Queens", Greg Matsunami, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Metropark Stores, Karla Ferreira, 2009 Quest Woman Of The Year, and Melissa Magsaysay, style writer and editor for the LA Times.

The winning t-shirt designer was FIDM Fashion Design student Larry Le (modeled above by Zdenka). It was an amazing night of great fashion, gorgeous models and more importantly for a very-worthwhile cause and organization of which I wholeheartedly support.

Below are some great Videos I shot of Compassion In Fashion...and for more photos, click HERE.

Compassion In Fashion Fashion Show--Model Amanda Fields in a Clay Sadler Design:

Intro Dance Performance by NDM Bollywood Dance Troupe:

Final Walk of Andrew Christian Fashion Show, Compassion In Fashion:

Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee Announces The Winner of APAIT/FIDM T-shirt Design Contest:

Nick Verreos To Be A Celebrity Judge on Miss UNIBARSE 2010 Fantasy Doll Pageant!

Doll-Icious!!!!!
Recently, I was asked to be one of the esteemed panel of "celebrity" judges for the most unique International Fantasy Doll Web-Pageant, Miss Unibarse. Now, this is not a misspelling on my part, but you read correct: MISS UNIBARSE NOT Miss Universe. Past judges for this pageant "phenomenon" have included former Miss Universes, fashion designers, photographers, and celebrity stylists from all over the globe. Nick Verreos and Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997, in Nikolaki by Nick Verreos David Paul

Last year, my good friend, Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997 was also one of the celebrity judges and now, I guess it was my time to be asked. And I'm very happy for it. As you may know, besides fashion, I also love pageants and have dressed several beauty queens myself. Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009, in Nick Verreos for Orbit Gum Custom Gown

Here's a little background on Miss Unibarse (in case you may still be saying "Say What?"): Miss Unibarse is the Miss Universe Pageant but for DOLLS (therefore the "BAR" for "Barbie"). Its originators began this as a creative project that would marry their love of pageants, dolls and photography. Dolls are transformed into one-of-a-kind beauties representing nations from all over the world, and given the whole "Miss Universe" treatment, and then judges get to vote--just like in the Miss Universe Pageant. There are all the usual categories including Presentation, Swimsuit, Evening Gown as well as National Costume. Last Year's Miss Japan Unibarse, in Traditional Costume
Last Year's Miss Korea Unibarse (and the 2009 winner!), in Evening Gown
There are even "Fadil-esque" (very similar to the Fadil Berisha photos for Miss Universe and Miss USA) photos like the one above from last year's contest. Last year's winner: Miss Korea getting crowned (looks just like a real Miss Universe crowning moment!)

I have begun my judging and cast my first votes for the contestants and found myself--as I was clicking on all the photos--saying things like :"Oh I love HER hair!", or "Oh, she is working her pose and outfit!", and "Oooooh, she is SASSY!!!", as if they were REAL! I can't wait to see who the winner will be this year, there are LOTS of contenders. Here's a sample of this year's girls: Miss Colombia Unibarse 2010: Red hot Latina...and (almost) a wardrobe "malfunction"!
Miss Angola Unibarse 2010: Work it huney, now that's an expensive WEAVE!!!Miss USA Unibarse 2010: Love the "flip" of her hair and "sultry" stare...Miss Czech Republic Unibarse 2010: She is SOOO Ivana Trump-meets-Zsa Zsa Gabor, I just know she will end up on the arm of a Russian Billionaire in a hot minute!

To see the rest of the International Dollegates, click HERE.

Nick Verreos at the NOH8 First Anniversary Party

A former Miss Universe, an Ugly Betty Star and a Fashion Designer Party in Hollywood!Peace: Nick Verreos at the NOH8 red carpet

Last weekend--between DC and Miami, I had a respite--for packing and putting on a moisture mask, thank you very much!. I also squeezed in more party fun by attending the NOH8 First Anniversary Party at Club Marbella near Hollywood and Highland. NOH8, started by photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley, is a photo project and silent protest campaign, raising awareness for Gay Marriage Equality.Scissors and Thread: Nick Verreos poses with his NOH8 photo

Earlier this year, as part of the campaign, Adam and Jeff invited me (David and our doggie Benny also posed) to be part of the campaign and of course I was happy to pose and to use my image for this wonderful campaign. It has been a year since the campaign's inception and it was time to throw a party. Party Favors: Nick Verreos, Former Miss Universe Brook Lee and Jimmy Nguyen

After doing some red carpet interviews and posing in my DEEP V (sorry for all the chest exposure), I finally made it into the party and said "Hello" to one of my best friends, the gorgeous former Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee (who also posed for the NOH8 Campaign) who was basically in charge of the whole party. Say Cheese: Calpernia Addams, Alec Mapa and Nick Verreos, NOH8 First Anniversary Party

I also was happy to see my friend Alec Mapa, whom you may recognize from his role as fashion/celebrity dish reporter Suzuki St. Pierre of Ugly Betty, as well as the fabulous Calpernia Addams. I was there with my "bestie" Erik Moreno, who was so kind to meet me there for the party and partake in all the fun (and also take all the photos). NOH8 Party Atmosphere, Marbella Hollywood

Unfortunately, I had a very early flight to catch the following morning to Miami to do my Sears "Despierta America" TV segment and still had some packing to do, so I had to cut short my partying. Felicitaciones (that's "Congratulations" in Spanish) to Adam, Jeff and the gorgeous Brook Lee for a fabulous party and for one year of NOH8.

Nick Verreos,Brook Lee, Gilles Marini At The Damiani Rodeo Drive Event

Diamonds, a former Miss Universe, and a Who Wore It Best Moment...
Diamond Carpet: Nick Verreos and Brook Lee, Damiani Rodeo Drive

Last Thursday evening, I was invited to a red carpet cocktail reception at the Damiani Jewelers Rodeo Drive flagship. Damiani is known for its luxe diamonds--all conflict-free of course--handmade in Italy since 1924. They have a gorgeous ad campaign featuring the fabulous Sharon Stone dipped in glorious diamond necklaces and earrings. The $3 million Damiani 2009 Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bra

They are also famous for THAT $3 million (yep, MILLION!) Victoria Secret Fantasy Bra which was unveiled on Supermodel Marisa Miller at the recent 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in NYC. I decided to call my good friend--and muse, former Miss Universe Brook Lee, to be my date. I had a hunch she would enjoy looking at some diamonds. after all, diamonds are a girls best friend!
Damiani Hills: Stephanie Pratt and Nick Verreos at Damiani Rodeo Drive Cocktail Reception

The cocktail party was thrown by Hollywood Reporter to honor their 100 Power Women In Entertainment issue. The boutique was filled with guests admiring the diamonds on one side of the store and enjoying the festive party on the other. I spotted actresses Jenna Fischer ("The Office"), and hottie Colin Egglesfield ("Melrose Place") and chatted with the lovely Jamie Ray Newman (of "Eureka" and "Eastwick"). Brook is a big fan of hers and so she was excited to meet her. I was also happy to see my former FIDM student, Stephanie Pratt (from MTV "The Hills"). She looked gorgeous (she did her own make-up, she explained) and was excited to see me--I kind of rescued her from some guys who were, well, getting "too friendly" with her.
The Best Part of The Night, however...Twinsies: Gilles Marini and Nick Verreos in similar jackets

...was running into my alter ego--with six pack abs--actor Gilles Marini, from "Sex And The City" and "Dancing With The Stars". He is always the SWEETEST to me and this time was no different. But there was something that got our attention: We were wearing (almost) the SAME JACKET!!!! Next Time, Let's Call Each Other To Double-Check: Gilles Marini and Nick Verreos

Yes, the one thing you ladies fear most when you go to a party? It happened to me! And it couldn't have happened with a nicer guy! Of course, I was like "Gilles, we need to take a photo!" We did. And so we have our first "Who Wore It Best, the Nick Verreos Blog Edition"! Love you Gilles and love Damiani. Maybe during the upcoming 2010 Award Season, you might see an actress in one of my NIKOLAKI gowns--and some Damiani diamonds.

LA Fashion Week Spring 2010: A Night of "Passion...Revealed!"

LA Fashion Week gets International...
Vibiana's Cocktail: Good Day LA's Maria Quiban, Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, Passion Revealed Fashion Show, LA Fashion Week

Onto another fabulous event: Last Friday, I was invited to attend "Passion...Revealed! A Fusion of Fashion, Music and Arts", benefiting The Trevor Project, HOPE4Children, FASGI (Filipino American Service Group Inc.) and Gawad Kalinga at the fabulous St. Vibiana's in Downtown LA. There would be three designers of Filipino descent showing their latest collections. My friend, former Miss Universe, Brook Lee, was hosting the evening's festivities, so of course I had to be there to support her--and of course, see some great international fashion! I immediately saw Brook once David and I arrived. She was there with Maria Quiban, the beautiful Fox 11 Good Day LA Weather Anchor. We posed for photos and made our way to our front row seats. Imelda 2010: A gown from Philip Rodriguez

First up was Philip Rodriguez' collection. He is known as "The Fashion Czar of Cebu" and has dressed Manila high society, First Ladies of the Philippines, as well royalty. For Spring 2010, his collection, which included men's and womenswear, took inspiration from his native land and the elegant Mantones de Manila (silk shawls). Highlights were the elegant traditional Filipino Men's shirts in pineapple-organza (yep, you read right!) and his intricately embroidered black and off-white gowns.

Alexis Monsanto Muses: Good Day LA's Maria Quiban and Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, in Alexis Monsanto designs

Next was designer Alexis "Bong" Monsanto. Brook, in fact was wearing one of his designs, a very pretty navy charmeuse and chiffon gown with crystal detailing. For Spring 2010, Monsanto showed everything from strapless jersey jumpsuits, pretty blouson tops paired with skinny or wide-legged pants, and gowns made to lounge around in a very high-end resort. Monsanto even threw in a couple of hot, fat-free male models in skimpy swimsuits to bring his "resort" theme home (much to the delight of the audience).
Dubai Goes to the Venice Ball: Furne One/Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010

The third and final designer was Furne One and his line, Amato Haute Couture which he designs out of his home base in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates where he is well known. He has also designed for Heidi Klum's Germany's Next Top Model Finalists. For tonight's finale, over a dozen models made their way onto the stage in glittering, over-the-top, incredibly-beaded gowns. One more stunning and intricate than the next. The colors ranged from strawberry pink, ice-blue, vanilla yellow to mango orange.
Peach Confection: Furne One/Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010

The models' make-up was theatrical and Opera-like. On their heads were white powdered Marie Antoinette-like wigs which held small toys such as bicycles, bowling pins and even a mini helicopter. I kid you not. All of us--at least in the front--had our jaws to the floor! It was as if I had just crashed a fabulous Venice Opera House Costume Ball.

Dangling Couture: Close-Up of Furne One's Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010 gowns

When the show was over, you know I had to make my way to the back to see these Haute Couture creations up close. And trust me, they were incredible! Each with it's own built-in corset, yards and yards of ruched tulle, embroidered organza, and Swarovski crystals to make Bob Mackie blush! This was Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab--but on steroids! I can only imagine how those Dubai ladies must LOVE his gowns--and pay a pretty penny for them! If I was a Sheikha or needing a gown for the Crillon Debutante Ball in Paris, I would too!

CLICK BELOW for the Amato Haute Couture by Furne One Grand Finale:

Nick Verreos attends NOH8 Event with Alec Mapa and former Miss Universe Brook Lee

One Miss Universe, An Ugly Betty actor, a Project Runway designer and a Housewife from Atlanta: Welcome to West Hollywood!
The First Runner Up Is: "Ugly Betty" Actor and comedian Alec Mapa, Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, and Nick Verreos @ Here Lounge NoH8 Campaign Party

Last night, I was invited to the NOH8 Campaign Party at the Here Lounge in West Hollywood and of course, I wanted to go and support! I had been taping some "secret" stuff for Lifetime Networks and headed to the Formosa Cafe to meet up with my good friends; Ugly Betty actor/comedian Alec Mapa (who was performing at the party) and my lovely Hawaiian "sister" and former Miss Universe Brook Lee. Once we were done, it was time for us to make our way over to the party.Tardy For The Party: Kim Zolciak of "Housewives Of Atlanta" NoH8 Campaign Party

There were about 20 paparazzi waiting outside Here Lounge as we arrived. I thought "Is Paris Hilton here?" No, Kim Zolciak of "Housewives of Atlanta" was hosting the event, and we quickly realized they were there for her. Once inside, we also witnessed "Tell It To My Heart" Taylor Dayne belt out some serious tunes (her voice is OUT OF CONTROL!), including an amazing rendition of the Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Californication" and a Michael Jackson song! And of course, Alec Mapa did a really funny--and not-so-PG-13-rated stand-up which had me ON THE FLOOR!! Duck Taped: Kim of Housewives of Atlanta's photo for NoH8 Campaign

Miss Kim did a wonderful job as MC of the event, as she showed off a HUGE new diamond ring that Big Poppa had purchased for her. I have know idea why Kim was here on the West Coast (I'm assuming she was "taking meetings with Hollywood's movers and shakers"), but all I do know is that:
A) No one pulled her wig
B) She didn't sing "Tardy For the Party"
C) She wasn't wearing "She by Sheree" (that's for you, Andy Cohen!)
D) Oh, and I had fun for a WONDERFUL cause!

Click below for a brief video of the fabulous Kim Zolciak being introduced by the NOH8 boys, Jeff Parshley and photographer Adam Bouska:

Nick Verreos comments on the Gowns of the Miss Universe Pageant in the Bahamas--Part One!

Pageant Gown TV: It's time for a Fashion Report!!! A la Nick Verreos....Arepas Anyone? Miss Universe 2008, the beautiful Dayana Mendoza, from Venezuela and designer Nick Verreos

Yes, kids, it's that time again: Miss Universe! Pageant fans and fashionistas rejoice! The Miss Universe 2009 Pageant is just starting in the gorgeous island nation of The Bahamas! At the Atlantis Resort no less. As many of you may remember, I was one of the privileged designers to have been invited to show at the first ever Islands of The World Fashion Week last November in the Bahamas. And in fact, I got to stay at the Atlantis (out of control by the way!). Well, I guess, it's "all about the Bahamas", because they are now hosting the Miss Universe Pageant, which will air live on NBC, on August 23rd.That's a Big Microphone: Nick Verreos "Unofficially" reporting from LA on the Miss Universe Pageant Gowns

Of course, it would have been a "pageant ball" for me to have been down there giving my "Nick Fashion Commentary" on the gowns and some of the misses and "messes". But somehow, I missed that phone call (I must have been in Europe in the Amalfi Coast). It would have been fun to give reportage with a former Miss Universe, for example (hello, how about my NIKOLAKI-client, the fabulous Brook Lee?). That would have been fabuloso! But for now, someone missed a great chance. But I will still "hold the pageant gown commenting fashion torch" and do what I can do (it would have SOOOOO much better on camera!) but... Miss Universe Fantasy Fashion Reportage from Los Angeles: Nick Verreos and former Miss Universe, Brook Lee (in NIKOLAKI dress)

Over the weekend, the 84 Miss Universe contestants have been arriving in Nassau and "checking in". The first Evening Gown Photos are out and I just HAD to put in my "two cents"--unfortunately, it's a lot of "misses" within our Misses. Pun definitely intended.Case in point: Miss Hungary, Zsuzsa Budai . What fresh out of Hungarian Fashion School design student made this for her for $500 and convinced her--after way too many shots of vodka--to wear it? Is it a Hooker Convention? Or the Miss Universe Contest? Even the pose seems a bit "Hello, would you like me to be your Mistress?" Uhhh. How about "No!". Polyester satin and nylon tulle should NEVER mix. Poor thing. Miss Cayman Islands, Nicosia Lawson, and her strapless gown choice is better suited for a "Housewives of Atlanta" Junior Prom. One of my BIGGEST PAGEANT PEEVES are those damn clear Lucite Stripper Heels. And guess what she's wearing? Yep. And showing them with pride.Miss Guyana, Jenel Cox, is next on my "Chopping Block". Just because your lovely Grandmother made this, does not mean you have to wear it! Pink. Polyester. Satin. Really? Oh wait, there's a purple "peek-a-boo". I'd rather not. I like a deep neckline, however: That neckline is a bit too plunging.Finally (for now), Miss Netherlands. Four letters: DIVA. Silver Sequined Caftan. What fabulous gay man made this happen, is what I have to say? Does she look like Transgender Fierceness Miss Candis Cayne? Yes. Is it too over the top--even for Miss Universe? Maybe. But I am LIVING for it! At least, in these photos, Avalon-Chanel Weyzig, Miss Netherlands Universe is OWNING it!
It's a mess, but in a FIERCE Drag Queen sort of way. If I was doing my Fantasy Miss Universe Pageant Fashion Commentary for Bahamian TV or NBC, me and my fellow fashion co-host Brook Lee, would have DIED over her! I just know it. This is just the beginning...the pageant isn't for another three weeks! I am sure there is a lot more high slits, clear Stripper heels and polyester where this came from! And surely, some fabulous gowns as well. I will be waiting for those images. Check back here. Live ....from Los Angeles. Nick Verreos. Reporting for my "Fantasy Pageant Fashion TV".

AKA 10th Anniversary Party at Hollywood and Highland!!

Out and About: Nick Verreos at the AKA 10Th Anniversary PartyFormer Miss Universe, Brook Lee, in NIKOLAKI, with the designer Nick Verreos

Last week was the 10Th Anniversary of AKA Talent Agency Party at the Hollywood and Highland Complex' Highlands Nightclub in the heart of Hollywood. The party was CRAZY packed with agents, their clients--from actors, TV hosts, child stars, their parents (Oh Dear!) and anybody in between. I said "Hello" to Rex Lee, star of HBO's Entourage as well as others, including the beautiful Brook Lee, former Miss Universe and host for various TV shows. You can currently even see her all over LA, in those ubiquitous Verizon "Friends and Family" Spanish-language ads. I love how she is Hawaiian, yet she's doing a Spanish-language ad! She totally can pass for a Latina, at least in LA! Brook loves to wear my designs for red carpet events and naturally, she chose to wear one of my NIKOLAKI navy blue silk cocktail numbers for this one. She looked so cute that we had to pose together of course!

Marriage Equality March in West Hollywood

A Fashionable Protest: Nick, Brook Lee and actress Amy Hill in West Hollywood
Our Best "We're Angry" Smile: Former Miss Universe, Brook Lee and Nick Verreos march in West Hollywood

Last night, David and I trekked it ALL THE WAY from our "bat cave" in Downtown LA to West Hollywood to join my Hawaiian sister, the gorgeous former Miss Universe, Brook Lee at the Marriage Equality March. What a Couple: NIKOLAKI designers David Paul and Nick Verreos

In case you were in your own cave and didn't hear, the California Supreme Court decided to uphold the ban on same sex marriage and within hours a protest march was organized. I was invited to join in by the NO H8 Campaign founders, photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley who sent out a "mass email" to come and march. Can We Have an Interview? Brook Lee and Nick Verreos get interviewed by the local media

We arrived into West Hollywood and met up with Brook at our "meeting point", the Santa Monica Blvd. restaurant and bar, Fiesta Cantina. I spotted actress Drew Barrymore, and said "hello". Before I could even finish my hugs and kisses, the No H8 Campaign "march organizers" were just walking out of the bar/restaurant, along with former Miss USA (and No H8 supporter) Shanna Moakler, Miss California USA pageant director Keith Lewis, and celeb blogger Perez Hilton. That's Drew: A partial view of the lovely Drew Barrymore getting interviewed by the media

The only reason we knew is because we immediately saw the photographers go crazy and realized A) It's either Britney coming out of Fiesta Cantina (Nope) or B) The Miss California/Miss USA brigade must be making their exit (Yes).Actress and Comedian, Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope

Along with Brook, I was happy to see the ever-so-fabulous Amy Hill, actress from "All American Girl", "That's So Raven" and so much more. She's Brook's very good friend and was there to march--along with her daughter Penelope. The five of us made our way to the "Starting Gate" of the March and listened to LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "Star Trek" actor George Takei as well as other notables give wonderful "Go Get 'Em!" speeches. I Do! Scene from the March in West Hollywood

All of sudden, from behind us came a shuffle and a push, and before we could slap someone for being rude, out from the crowd came comedian Kathy Griffin pushing her mom Maggie on her wheelchair--as well as her assistant, photographers and cameramen in tow. Miss Kathy never misses a good "press op", especially when it involves supporting "her gays"!
Thanks Brook, Amy and Penelope for the serene and funny company and for adding to what became a powerful night!
Click HERE for "Access Hollywood's" take on the "celeb factor" of the March and the night.
And below is the latest PSA/Public Service Announcement from the No H8 Campaign, which incidentally features Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope, as well as Brook Lee and her son Fynnegan: