Project Runway Season 9 Spotlight--Nina Garcia: A Style Diva!!

La Diva Nina:

Lots-a-Judges: The Panel on tonight's Project Runway Season 9, Episode 4 "It's All About Nina"

In honor of tonight's Project Runway Season 9 4th Episode, entitled: "It's All About Nina", I thought I would review some of her outfits over the last year or so, starting with the one she will be wearing tonight:



Aquilano.Rimondi Fall 2011 by Italian Designers Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi. These are two very talented designers and I just LOVE their clothes (and they obviously have some nice backing from someone with deep pockets--look at that show!) and of course, Nina Garcia is the perfect person to promote them.



Effortless Nina: Nina in Michael Kors for Good Morning America Appearance: Clean, chic, love how she brought back the black (that is on the waist and neckline of the dress) to those stacked strappy heels. Two Words: "Focused" & "Balanced".



Miss Barranquilla Nina: At the 2011 A&E Upfronts: Oh Dear...Nina goes Chiquita Banana!!! Who knew? This is very "Miss Colombia National Parade of Nations".



Nina in Black: Nina attends the CHANEL Tribeca Film Festival Artists Dinner in April 2011. Nina loves a pant ensemble and she knows how to make statements with STATEMENT MAKING accessories! And she clearly LOVES a pair of Black Strappy Heels.



Mommy Nina: Nina and her eldest son, 4-year-old Lucas Alexander at The Society Of MSKCC Hosts The 20th Annual Bunny Hop, March 2011. Here, she wore an elegant silver dress with poufy cap sleeves, black leggings and black stacked heels. The brooch on the waist is so genteel!



Don't Mess With Nina: Everyone: THIS is how you dress for NY Fashion Week!!! Nina Garcia dons yet another black pantsuit ensemble--this time, black tailored straight leg trousers-- perfectly hitting the floor and covering the shoes (Take a Lesson Ladies!!)--and a fur shrug, at Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Her only accessory (besides a thin bracelet): Her Blackberry, naturally.



Pockets Nina: Nina Garcia in a navy-blue printed scooped-neck dress from Oscar De La Renta Resort 2010 at the 13th Annual Rising Star Awards in January 2010. Those "Darth Vader"-looking bootie-heels are out-of-control!



J.Lo Nina: Nina goes uncharacteristically "Latina" and Sassy in this one shoulder (Nina rarely does the one-shoulder!) silver asymmetrical-hemmed dress with strappy heels and a big metallic bangle/cuff. This was in June 2010 at the CFDA Fashion Awards. BTW: Nina is disguising her new baby bump at the time (in November 2010, she gave birth to her second son, Alexander Davis Conrad).



Kooky Nina: Well, at least we have some examples of how Nina does wear--or like-color! (and not just head-to-toe black). Here she is in May 2010 at the A&E Upfronts wearing a multi-colored, multi-printed striped tank dress. Something tells me that if a Project Runway designer/contestant had created this for her, she might not have worn it...Love the black wedge heels though. Love.



Don't Miss TONIGHT'S new Project Runway Season 9 Episode 9/8c on Lifetime..and make sure to go HERE TOMORROW to read my Recap!!!!

Project Runway Season 9--Guess Who Is Blogging the Recaps for MyLifetime.com?

Yep, me...

Returning Blogger: Nick Verreos, to blog Project Runway Season 9

I'm so excited to be joining designers Mychael Knight, Johnathan Kayne Gillespie (both from Season 3) and "Momma Peach" , Peach Carr (from Season 8) as a Recap Blogger for Lifetime's Website--MyLifetime.com. I am honored (sorry, I know, I sound as if I am receiving an award!!) to be a "returning Blogger" for Project Runway.

I will--as always--try to put my "Uncle Nick" twist on things, and see the episodes both as a Designer who owns a company for ten years, a Fashion College Instructor, as well as someone who has "been there/done that", oh and yes, be a little funny and sassy at the same time :) Just a little bit. I can't wait!!!

Click HERE for my BLOG on MyLifetime.com.

Project Runway Season 9 Begins Next Week--Contestants from LA Castings I judged!

Project Runway is BAAACK!!!!

Next week, Project Runway Season 9 will debut on Thursday July 28th!! As you may know from reading my little ol' blog here--back in May, I was asked to be one of the LA Casting Judges for Season 9 which took place at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel.

I, along with Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire Magazine, and Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson (who had flown in that morning and got back on a flight that same night!) took a look at lots of contestants that day and said "yes" and "maybe" and "uh, nope" to them...My job was done months ago--so I waited until now, to see if anyone from our LA Castings had made it through!

And they did. Two of the very LARGE 20 person ensemble were from the LA Casting--First up:


Joshua Christensen, 29, is from Washington but lives in LA (or at least I think so since that's where we saw him). I recognized him the minute he walked into the castings because not too long ago (in March), I had presented him with an FIDM Scholarship to be part of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Advanced Fashion Design Program, otherwise known as "Debut". He just graduated this year from FIDM and was to begin his "Advanced Fashion Design" Debut Year this Summer. Hopefully the filming of the Season ended just in time for him to get right back into class (or maybe he's taking a year off and that's being postponed--who knows??). He was never a student of mine and therefore, I really did not know him--so I was able to judge him without any "conflict of interest" as they say. I remember LOVING his menswear designs...

Below is Joshua Christensen's LA Casting Video:

And the other contestant we saw was a man by the name of Bert Keeter:


Bert is 57 years old and attended Parsons back "in the day" (before any of y'all were probably born!)--1975-1977. He has a very solid Resume, working with some of the top American Designers like Bill Blass, Holly Harp, Arnold Scassi and even Halston! I remember him because his story took my breath--and heart away. And the fact that his industry experience was far and beyond anyone else and, to our surprise, his designs were NOT dated and in fact, chic and of-the-moment...well, to me he was a "sure thing". It will be interesting how he handles himself with the young kids vying for the coveted Project Runway Season 9 Winner title...

Below is Bert Keeder's LA Casting Video:

Click HERE to meet the rest of the Designers/Contestants.

Project Runway Season 9 Begins Filming in New York's Battery Park!

DEEEEEsignersssss...

The Black Fashion Brigade: Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia: photo from Kim Kardashian's Twitter page

Today we got a glimpse of the taping of the new season (Season 9) of Project Runway in a outdoor runway show. It looks to be the taping of the premiere episode in which an unprecedented 20 contestants are vying for the coveted title of America's Next Top Fashion Designer and the $100,000 prize. What a brilliant way to reveal to everyone the 20 contestants selected to participate in this new season.

The taping took place in New York's Battery Park...

La Heidi: Miss Heidi, looked every bit of a Femme Fatale DIVA...in a black one-shoulder princess-seamed Alexander Wang dress, Wolford tights, Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps and a Barneys NY Belt. LOVING the entire look of "Dominatrix Couture" and I especially love the slicked-back gelled "Robert Palmer Girl" hair. WUNDERBAR!!!

Kim Kardashian was the Guest Celebrity Judge and she was all serious in a black very fitted (of course!) mini dress with flange shoulders (look it up kiddies!) and white side panels; she accessorized with hoop earrings (of course, Part Two). And naturally, her hair and make-up are FLAWLESS...

Nina Garcia was wearing...

Giambatista Valli Fall 2011. Well, of course she is!!!! Leave it to Miss Nina to give it to them!!! She added her own "stamp" on it by adding a skinny belt and cinched in it--LOVE IT!

The Scene at Battery Park, on the "set" of the new season of Project Runway!!

And what would a blog post on Project Runway be without...

TIM GUNN!!! Looking so dapper in his blue window pane plaid suit, gingham tie and pattern pocket square. Tim is really stepping up the style quotient already this season. Love the "hints" of color. Keep it up!!
And...do I spot contestants behind him?! I wonder...

And as always Blogging Project Runway has the ultimate Field Report with tons of photos!

Nick Verreos Judges Los Angeles Castings of Season 9 Project Runway: A Snapshot!!

Did we find the Next Project Runway Winner in LA??

Judging Ensemble: Nick Verreos judging the LA Castings of Season 9 Project Runway

One week ago--last Monday to be exact--I had the honor and privilege of being asked to take part in the LA Castings of Season 9 Project Runway and be a Judge! This was my 7th season being part of the casting panel and of course, I was happy to be part of it again. I donned my newest ASOS jacket, one of my vintage Hermes ties and my bubblegum pink Adidas watch (I'm dropping labels left and right!), took my notepad and pen, and I was READY!

As you may already know--those of you who might in the "up and up" on all things Project Runway---the producers of the show have begun the Pre-Casting process, and have held Casting Sessions to find the next season's cast of designers in places like NYC, Chicago and Seattle. This time , it was up to Los Angeles to "bring it"! I had a great time seeing a very diverse (!) group--from just-out-of-design-school "kids" to very seasoned veterans of the fashion industry--from San Francisco, LA, San Diego and everywhere else in between!

I'll be very curious to see if any of the "Very Best" from LA made it through... Stay tuned and make sure to watch lifetime Network and the next season of Project Runway airing this summer!!!

Today Show Exclusive! Nick Verreos Wedding Gown Design for Kate Middleton!! Video + Photos and Sketch!!!

Fit for a Royal Bride...

Blushing Princess Bride: Model Kasie in my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

This morning, on NBC's "Today Show", in the run-up to the upcoming Prince William and Kate Middleton Royal Wedding, the show had a fun & fabulous segment featuring original one-of-a-kind wedding gown designs by Project Runway designers.

As I noted in the previous posting, I was asked a week ago--along with four other Project Runway alumni, to create our "vision" for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown. The segment--hosted by Anchor Natalie Morales and Today Show Fashion Editor Bobbie Thomas--showed each of our designs as well as our corresponding fashion illustrations.

Wedding Sketch: Nick Verreos "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" original fashion illustration

Here, I have added some screen-cap photos from this morning's segment, of the wedding gown I designed and created (with the AMAZING help of my NIKOLAKI partner-in-design-crime David Paul--and my INVALUABLE seamstress. I am also including the entire video of the segment at the end of this post, in case you missed it...

Le Pockets: Model Kasie in my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

The gown is an ivory silk ziberline column gown with a "Mermaid" silhouette featuring a pleated high-neck, strong shoulders, cap sleeves, side-front pockets (a girl's gotta have her pockets!) and a full pleated back train. It features a waist detail with hand-sewn Swarovski crystal beading for a "dash" of sparkle.

Couture Torso: Close-Up of beaded waist trim and pleated Bateau neckline of my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

Hint Of Back: View of back of my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

I was inspired by Architecture and wanted to design a gown that was structured yet elegant. I also considered Kate Middleton's penchant for showing her great figure (it was fitted, and had an open back) but still remained "Future Queen of England" appropriate (covering the shoulders and part of the arms).

To finish off the entire look, I added a full tulle veil (above photo) to go with the gown. Of course, I also needed a proper crown/tiara. I found the perfect one with crystals-and-pearls at Berger Beads in Downtown Los Angeles (They were so helpful!). It was wonderful seeing the gown on my model, Kasie (Love you Kasie!), on the Today Show and so happy how it all turned out!

And by the way: Visit myLifetime.com for information on "The Royal Private Sale" to win my original "Nick Verreos for Kate Middleton Wedding Gown"--as well as the other 4 Project Runway designers' one-of-a-kind dresses. Proceeds will go to charity.

And don't forget, WATCH TONIGHT'S Premiere of the Lifetime TV Movie "William & Kate: Let Love Rule" 9pm e/p.

Watch Today Show Project Runway Kate Middleton Wedding Gown Segment Below:

Nick Verreos' Vision for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown...Watch The Today Show TOMORROW Morning!

Project Runway Goes To A Royal Wedding...on The Today Show!!!

Don't miss the "Today Show" TOMORROW MORNING on NBC! Why? Well, you'll get to see FIVE Wedding Gown creations by Project Runway past winners--and alumni--including ME!!! Read on...

The Blushing Royal Couple: Prince William and Kate Middleton

As you may remember, about a month ago, Lifetime TV asked many Project Runway designers--including moi--to submit fashion sketches for "their vision" of Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown. The sketches were shown on Lifetime TV's Website and generated a HUGE buzz (a little Birdie told me they received OVER A MILLION hits the day the sketches came out!). HERE was my sketch.

Then, ONLY a week ago, I was contacted by the Lifetime TV Execs, to see if I would be one of the five hand-picked designers who would actually CREATE their vision of the gown, which then would be shown LIVE, on the Today Show, in anticipation of the Premiere of Lifetime's "William & Kate" movie (which debuts tomorrow night, 9pm e/p ). The other designers include Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, Season 6 Winner Irina Shabayeba, Emilio Sosa (Season 7) and Johnathan Kayne (Season 3).


Less than a week to make a full-on Custom NIKOLAKI gown? Sure. It's "Make It Work" time! And so I did. I decided to "change it up" a bit and created a brand new gown--a little different from my original sketch. My NIKOLAKI Studio was workin' OVERTIME this past week to get it done and delivered to NYC just in time (it arrived early this morning at 2:45AM! Thank You Fed Ex Same Day Delivery!!).

Here's a "Sneak Peak" at the new gown--well, in sketch form:

Tune in TOMORROW MORNING, Today Show, on NBC, between 9-10AM and see my gown--as well as the other designers' gowns.

*According to the latest update, the segment will be on around 9:30AM--(it was changed since, as of yesterday, the segment was going to be around 8:45AM--but as you know it's "TV Land" and changes happen!!)
To make sure, just DVR/TiVo the ENTIRE show if you can, I will!!!

Don't Miss the Project Runway Kate Middleton Wedding Gown "mini" Fashion Show!!!

Wall Street Journal Article on The Weinstein Co. Featuring a Photo of Tim Gunn and Nick Verreos

Nick and Tim...Make a "cameo" in the Wall Street Journal

A very good friend of mine was reading today's edition of the Wall Street Journal and she emailed me saying "Did you see the WSJ today? There's a photo of you and Tim Gunn?" Well, of course, I was intrigued. I asked what was the article about? She said it was regarding The Weinstein Co. and how the Weinstein's are "Tapping into TV" and of course, mentioning a little ol' show called Project Runway. I went online (the new way of reading the newspaper n'est pas?) and yes, there it was, the article and a little photo of Tim Gunn and I circa Season 2 back in (I'm not naming the year kids!) (see left). Fun times...I remember him coming to my table discussing the challenge as if it was yesterday. And yes, I still have that blue plaid Western Shirt; it's packed in my "Project Runway Archive Suitcase", in case you are wondering...

Below is the Wall Street Journal article:

MOVIE MOGULS TAP INTO TELEVISION PRODUCTION

By Lauren A. E. Schuker

The Weinstein brothers are making a renewed play for the small screen.

Harvey and Bob Weinstein are among several Hollywood movie makers ramping up television production this year, with 15 shows in development and a commitment to spend more than $10 million per year on the initiative.

The move signals a comeback of sorts for Weinstein Co., which underwent a major debt restructuring this past summer after producing a string of movies that flopped at the box office and depleted much of the $1.2 billion they raised to start the company in 2005. The restructuring, aimed at placing the studio on firmer financial footing, transferred partial control of its movie library to Goldman Sachs Group.

On the left is another fun photo I found--in my photo archives--of Monsieur Gunn and I--from "back in the day"...

To read the entire article click HERE.

Holiday Party Round-Up: The Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party--Elf Fest X!!

Magical Party...

Project Runway Couple: Nick Verreos and Kit Scarbo at the Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party

This last weekend was the Tenth Annual Magical Elves Holiday Party. Magical Elves were the original producers for the first five seasons of Project Runway. They currently are the people behind Top Chef, Top Chef Just Desserts, The Real L Word, and others. The company--headed by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz--has been having a Holiday Party for the last ten years!

For the "ELF Fest X", they went "all out" as usual, fake snow blowing at the entrance, fully-stocked bars, food for DAYS (the Vegi-Pizza slices and Pigs-in-a-Blanket were my fave), a Sushi Bar and much more.

Bieber Fever: "Elf Fest X" Hosts Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz pose with Justin Bieber cut-out

There was a Photo-Booth and even a fake cut-out of Justin Bieber for drunk--and not-so-drunk guests to live out their "I LOVE ME SOME Justin Bieber" fantasies. I brought along a couple of my best friends, naturally.

Say (Holiday) Cheese: Nick Verreos with friends Erik Moreno (l) and Matt Brubaker (center), Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

The annual party also asks its guests to bring a toy to benefit the USMC Toys For Tots Program. Waiting to get into the party--with my huge Barbie Gift--it looked as if I was the only guest who obliged by this special "Gift Request", but once I got in, it was nice to see that the "Toy Boxes" were full!

Disco Anyone: The Scene at the Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

Outside, the party was in full-on "Dance Fever" mode as the house's pool was covered in Plexiglas and transformed into a fabulous dance party with the DJ spinning tunes--from Hip Hop to Disco and 80s.

Producer Love: Nick Verreos and Michael Rucker, Emmy-nominated Producer (and friend)--Love his Vintage X-mas Sweater Vest--yes, it's a SWEATER VEST!

As always, I had a BLAST (I always do at the Magical Elves Parties) and it was especially nice to re-connect with my old Project Runway "family" from back-in-the-day (Gosh, Season 2 was SOOOO long ago!). They've always been kind and respectful to me, and I will always return the sentiments. Can't wait for next year's Holiday Party!