Friday, February 26, 2010

0 Nick Verreos AND Johnny Weir: Frozen Runway Part 2!- Review of the Olympic Ladies Free Skate Costumes!

2010 Olympics Figure Skating Red Carpet!!!
Bob Costas Who?: Nick Verreos anchoring the Universal Sports Desk in Westlake Village, CA

Fresh of the heels of my Universal Sports Commentary of the Olympic Ice Dancing Costumes, I was back for more! This time we were discussing the amazing Ladies Free Skate Finals and in the Vancouver Studio, joining in on the discussion was none other than....JOHNNY WEIR!!!

We had a great time discussing all the top ladies costumes and Kristi Yamaguchi and Peter Carruthers even presented me with quite a surprise finish to the segment!!! A perfect Figure Skating Costumes ending to mirror a most fabulous 2010 Winter Olympics Ladies Figure Skating Final!

Click BELOW to see the entire segment and make sure to not miss the ending:

Thursday, February 25, 2010

0 ATTENTION New Jersey: Nick Verreos is coming Next Week to Brookdale College!!

Nick Travel Speaking Engagement Bonanza--the East Coast Edition Continues:

Next week--after Washington DC AND my speaking engagement in Boston, Massachusetts, I will be coming to New Jersey!!! No, not to spy on Snooki and The Situation (PUHLEEEASE, if only I could remove THAT Bumpits from her hair!), I've been invited to speak on Wednesday March 3rd at New Jersey's No. 1 Liberal Arts College, Brookdale. Famous Alumni include: NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams as well as director/actor and...now infamous I-am-too-fat-for-Southwest Airlines passenger Kevin Smith (he isn't!), among others. The evening is organized by the Brookdale Fashion Society in conjunction with Student Life and Activities. If you are near Brookdale College (or a student there) and happen to be free on Tuesday night...come say "Hi"!

SEE BELOW FOR ALL THE INFO:

An Evening with Nick Verreos of Project Runway
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Nick Verreos received national attention after appearing on Project Runway, and has since enjoyed success as a red carpet fashion expert on E! Entertainment Network, TV Guide Network, and SoapNet.

Nick's also appeared on MTV's The Hills, WB's Crowned, and Project Runway Canada. He is a "Glam Squad Stylist" on MSN.com's Style Studio. Under his label NIKOLAKI, Nick and his partner David Paul have designed gowns for Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Carrie Ann Inaba, Haylie Duff and others. Their collection is carried in over 100 stores including Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, and Fred Segal.

Join the Brookdale Fashion Society and Student Life & Activities in an entertaining evening with Nick Verreos! Brookdale students with ID are free, general admission is $5.

Contact: Marilyn Ryder -(732) 224-2553 Contact Email: mryder@brookdalecc.edu Location: Student Life Center at 7 PM

Click HERE for more info.

0 Nick Verreos Gets PINK'ed! Tarina Tarantino Beauty Launch Party

Shimmer, Sparkle...and Lots of Pink!Party People: Nick Verreos, Tarina Tarantino and Jennifer Uner, Tarina Tarantino Beauty Launch, Siren Studios Hollywood

Tarina Tarantino held a fabulous Hollywood Bash to launch her complete cosmetics collection last night Siren Studios in the heart of Hollywood. Inspired by her popular jewelry line, Tarina is offering fun products such as Conditioning Lip Sheen, Eye Dream Hypershadow and Fleur de Lash Mascara, as well as items like the Sparklicity Shimmer Dust, which sprays a mist of glitter (it was in my Goodie Bag and YOU KNOW I will be using it!). The line is available exclusively at Sephora stores.
Pink Diva: Tarina Tarantino on the pink carpet

I was so excited to stop by and congratulate my good friend Tarina and her husband Alfonso Campos. They've always been so kind and supportive of me, and I just LOVE THEM! I made sure to wear my very own Tarina Tarnatino "Wizard of Oz" crystal-studded Heart Pin, of course.
If Only I Had a (Red Sequined) Heart: Nick Verreos on the pink carpet

I was happy to meet up with my other good friend, Jennifer Uner, who oversees the Los Angeles Fashion Week Calendar and created the Los Angeles Fashion Awards, in which I was a presenter one year. Since I arrived alone, I was happy to make her my official party date!
Make-up Vanity Booths, Tarina Tarantino Beauty Launch, Siren Studios Hollywood

The party was HUGE. A DJ spinning great retro tunes (I am sure HALF the 20-something crowd didn't even recognize those great late 70's disco songs!), bars serving and yummy hors d'oeuvres being passed around. There were even Make-Up Vanity Booths with make-up artists ready to "Tarina Tarantino" you up with lots of shimmer! Of course, there were lots of celebs: At one point, I spotted Kelly Osbourne (in leather and plaid with a big ol' Chanel bag) and... Debi Mazar, who always looks fabulous, sporting a gorgeous Tarina Tarantino necklace.
I also ran into the two cutest girls of the night: Actresses Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies, who play "Cat" and "Jade" respectively on Nickelodeon's Victorious TV show which premieres March 27Th. They actually approached me and confessed what big fans they were and how much they love my designs and Project Runway. Ahhhh, Love them! A perfect way to end a fun evening.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

0 ATTENTION Boston:Nick Verreos visits Suffolk University on March 1st!!!!

Next week, fresh off my Washington DC Smithsonian ARTrageous! Event, I will be traveling to Boston! I have been invited to speak at Suffolk University and talk about my experience as a designer, entrepreneur, design company business owner--and of course ALL THINGS Project Runway, including my "Inside Dish" as a judge on the show--as well as a contestant, naturally! My lecture will be part of Suffolk University's "Unity Week 2010"/Multi-Cultural Summit.

I am so excited to be coming back to Boston. I can't wait!
Click HERE for more info.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

0 Nick Verreos Returns To Washington DC: ARTrageous! 2010 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Guess who is coming back to Washington DC next week? Yes, moi! I first visited Washington DC during the Obama Inaugural in January 2009, to host an Inaugural luncheon and showcase my "First lady" inspired gowns and late last year I returned... to do a speaking engagement at the prestigious Corcoran Gallery of Art-College of Art and Design. Both were great successes. I guess Washington DC really likes Nick Verreos (sorry about the Third Person), because next week, I will be flying to DC to attend ARTrageous! 2010, a fabulous fundraiser and party (and a must-have ticket on the DC social calendar!) at the Smithsonian Art Museum. The event is NEXT SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27Th and by attending, you will be supporting family and public programs at the Museum and its Renwick Gallery (love that!). This year’s ARTrageous! will also celebrate fashion to highlight recently acquired artwork, Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery, by Karen LaMonte. LaMonte’s sensual life-size cast-glass dresses invoke the history of fashion and femininity, from classical Greece to contemporary America. This piece will definitely set the stage for a fashionable and fun night.

Hope to see you there!

Schedule:
7:00-9:00pm Special Dinner with artist Karen LaMonte and designer Nick Verreos

8:00-11:30pm Gala Reception with live music

Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum 8th & F Streets, NW, Washington D.C.

When: Saturday February 27, 2010

For Tickets: Purchase tickets below, or call (202) 633-4550 for assistance.

To purchase Tickets click HERE

0 Nick Verreos on CNN International World Report Morning Program

Where's Anderson Cooper?
Good Morning World: Nick Verreos discussing the Olympic Figure Skating Costumes on CNN International's World Report Morning Program

Yesterday turned out to be a Figure Skating Bonanza Day for me (and my trusty partner-in-figure skating crime, David Paul, who came with me): First
, I went to the brand new Universal Sports Studios--located about an hours drive from Los Angeles--to shoot a LIVE VIA SATELLITE interview for the Figure Skating Review and Preview Show with Kristi Yamaguchi, Peter Carruthers and host Terry Gannon. I had a great time commenting on the Ice Dancing costumes for the Original Dance Olympic Competition.CNN Diva: CNN International anchor Anjali Rao, who is based out of the Hong Kong CNN bureau

Then, later that day, I was contacted by, CNN , to again (quelle surprise?), give my "Nick Two Cents" on the crazy (and not so crazy) Figure Skating Costumes.
I went to the CNN Los Angeles Headquarters on Sunset Blvd. to shoot another LIVE VIA SATELLITE segment--this time it would be with the CNN International World Report Morning News Program. Anchor Anjali Rao, interviewed me from the network's Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. The program is watched in over 200 countries all over the world--it's not the "US CNN" but the version you would see, say if you were in a London or Paris hotel room and you tuned into CNN on the TV.We discussed the "Outrageous": Johnny Weir's Blades of Glory-esque "Rocking The Tassel" pink-and-black costume the Swiss Burberry Logo-a-Gogo Pairs and of course...the Russian Aboriginal "re-worked" but still-culturally-insensitive costumes. We also talked about the "Artsy" costumes such as:
The German's "Send In The Clowns" Marcel Marceau-like get-ups, which over-shadowed and distracted from their performance, and finally, we had to discuss the "Fab" costumes, like Evan Lysacek's Vera Wang Snake Charmer and Shen and Zhao's tastefully beautiful costumes. Before I knew it, the segment was over and we were wrapped, just like that. At the same time I was shooting, guess who else was there? Well, Larry King of course. He was taping his show and after he was finished, I had the privilege of meeting him (thanks to the lovely CNN Make-Up and Hair Team!). The minute I get tape of the segment, I will put it up here on my blog. I promise.

Read this fun blog from someone who was there and who just happened to be having her 1st day at work!: Heather In Hollywood.

Happy Olympic Figure Skating...now we're onto the Ladies!

Monday, February 22, 2010

0 Frozen Runway With Nick Verreos: Figure Skating Costume Controversy and Much More...

Live...From Vancouver California...
Hi Figure Skating Kids! Well, I had a crazy morning--good crazy! This morning, I was honored to have been invited as a special commentator on my new favorite show, "Figure Skating Review/Preview" on the NBC/Universal Sports Channel. I taped a live segment discussing the Ice Dancing Costumes--yes, including the CONTROVERSIAL Damnina and Shabalin "Aboriginies Gone Wrong" costumes--from the Universal Sports Los Angeles Studios in Westlake Village.I almost fell off my YSL "Johnny" Boots (not Johnny Weir boots!) when I found out that THE one-and-only Kristi Yamaguchi as well as Olympic Silver Medalist Peter Carruthers would be on hand (in the Vancouver Studios) to listen to my "Nick Two Cents". Host Terry Gannon introduced me as I tried to state my case for my "Designer" Best and Not-so-Best from last night's Original Dance from the Olympic Ice Dancing Competition. Kudos to pronouncing my name better than anyone has in the last FOUR YEARS Terry! My mom and dad thank you!
Click BELOW for my Ice Dancing Costumes Commentary segment on the "Figure Skating Review/Preview Show" on the Universal Sports Channel:


And in case you want more I will be back on Friday to discuss the Ladies Figure Skating Finals!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

0 NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Videos and Review: Jason Wu, Marchesa and Herve Leger

Fashion Week continues in NY...

First up: Jason WuFor Fall/Winter 2010 Jason Wu--otherwise known as "Michelle Obama's Favorite Designer", showed lots of grays, burnt oranges, lemon yellows, greens and golds in his collection. The shapes were rather masculine and slouchy, like your dad's cardigan or old blazer, as opposed to fitted princess-seamed batteau-necked shift dresses (preferred by the First Lady, of course) . But he didn't altogether lose his "lady-like" side when he showed pretty and flirty chiffon skirts and softly gathered dresses. Wu said he was inspired by the late photographer Irving Penn, both the man and his photographs. One of my favorite looks is this oversized cashmere coat (above) which opened the show, worn by Polish Supermodel Anja Rubik.
Click Below for the Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show:


Marchesa:Georgina Chapman (aka Mrs. Harvey Weinstein) and co-designer/founder Keren Craig decided to show their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Installation style (smart) where the stars were the clothes. They've done this in the past and it has proved well for them. Marchesa is a red carpet favorite, especially among the "Harvey Weinstein Girls"--his A-list actresses such as Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman as well as others. For Fall/Winter 2010, they continued doing what they do best. Their gowns and dresses are meticulous, opulent and serene, as well as abstractly elegant. There were royal blues, blacks, pale pinks, whites and lipstick reds, which I love. We know it's Fall but who cares? Bring on the colors! Details included snake-charm/octopus-like accents embroidered and hand-sewn into the dresses--as well as folded and pleated Origami-like "explosions". One of my favorites was this gown above which would fit a stunning (and very rich) bride as well as an Academy Awards Best Actress nominee any day!
Click Below for the Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Show Installation Video:


Herve Leger by Max Axria:
Max Axria and his wife Lubov are smart. They certainly do not need me to tell them that! For their Herve Leger Collection, they sent out S-E-X; in the form of tight above-the-knee bandage dresses the house is known for. One after another, in Winter whites, lots of gray, gunmetal, black, and nude colors; His models were Leger Warrior Queens! Azria said the theme was "Athletic", as in laced-up tennis shoes and of course, I am sure the Olympics were on his mind. Not sure if those healthy size 8 Downhill Skiers would even be able to fit into these, but they looked great on these size 0 models (too skinny btw!). Nevertheless, these are dresses EVERY SINGLE model wants to wear. Hopefully those models can work enough to earn those dresses $3,000+ price tag!I loved the last black one-shoulder dress which coincidentally, wasn't a typical "Herve Leger" tight-fitting bandage dress but still retained all the sensuality of one.
Click below for Herve Leger by Max Axria Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show:

0 Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 7 Recaps: Little Fashionistas!

Project Gymboree!!!!!Heidi Klum in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

On last week's Project Runway, the episode begins with Heidi Klum sauntering onto the runway (as she always does) and then inviting eleven of the cutest little girls to stand next to her. Posing there with all those little girls next to her, I had a vision of the most CHIC "Mother Gigogne from The Nutcracker" I have EVER seen! Well of course she was, because she was wearing one of my designs! Yes, to begin this delightful episode, Miss Heidi wore one of my NIKOLAKI silk jersey one-shoulder dresses and looked beautiful in it! But I digress. There was a reason why those little girls were there: The next challenge was to design a fashionable look for little girls.
It was cute watching all those precocious little girls invade the Parsons Workroom, annoying the heck out of some of the designers. Miss "Housewives Of Atlanta" Anthony Williams was the best, saying EXACTLY what I would be saying--and with the same Southern Belle accent! The designers got a late visit from Tim Gunn, where he announced a "twist": Not only were they to create a fashionable little girls look but a companion ensemble for their "Mommie" Models. I knew there had to be something else since the designers were almost done with those Little Girl's dresses, leaving them wondering "OK, what else do I have to do, 'cause I'm done!"Cut to the Runway and designer (and multi-million dollar brand) Tory Burch, this week's Guest Judge, was on hand to access the best Mini-Me and Mommie looks in the bunch. Who would not be able leave their "Designer Ego" at the Gymboree door and which designer would be able to marry the best of what a little girl would like AND add their own unique designer stamp to it.

My Faves:Mila Hermanovski's Mommie-Daughter Duo was one of my favorites, hands down. The minute the two stepped onto the runway, I also knew Burch would LOVE IT! The coat, the little girls dress was SOOOOOO Tory Burch! Both looks were polished, fun and fashionable and very Mila (Hello Color Blocking!).Surprisingly, Season 7's "Logan", Jesse LeNoir designed two great looks for his little girl client and his model. There was a bit of a Cartoon-y touch to both looks but somehow they worked. To be honest, I didn't "get" the askew/semi-twisted detail he did on the Little Girl's Dress; it looked like a mistake. I just wanted to run up onto the runway and shift the damn dress into it's proper vertical position!I loved the fitted day-to-cocktail dress Emilio Sosa created for my favorite model, Holly, it was very RM by Roland Mouret so it's no surprise Miss Heidi Klum also loved it (Heidi loves her Mouret's!). BUT....that little girls dress was a Communion Dress from Salvation Army! It was three sizes too big on her. And the length was too long, needing about 12" to be chopped off of it, like NOW!But the real Winning Duo was Seth Aaron Henderson's Mommy and daughter. First of all, I have to concur with THE Michael Kors: That jacket was FAAAAABULOUS! Add to it, the model's styling, hair and overall look and she was the most fashionable Mom on the Project Runway stage. And to be honest I haven't even noticed model Valeria Leonova until now! The little girls dress was a perfect complimentary to his rockin' chic mom.That jacket--with the star and "SA" patched back insignia--was stellar. The houndstooth fabric, the exposed zipper hardware; this was a little jacket every daughter of a "Hollywood Mommy" would want. I could totally see it at Kitson Kids and selling off the rack for $150, no problem!

The Not-So-Good:Amy Sarabi missed the mark this week. She has been one of my "ones to watch for" in this season...until now: What was she thinking? As she was cutting all those pieces up in the workroom, I wished I could have reached over through the TV screen and A) Snapped her out of this Arts-and-Craft nightmare and B) Taken all those cut-up pieces and dumped them in the nearest Parsons waste bin. There were elements of the Little Girls Look which were fun (the slouchy turquoise sweater, those flouncy leggings) but together, all the elements made her look like a little version of a tarot card reader on the Venice Boardwalk!
Amy's Inspiration?: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (left) and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (right)

And then, there was the Model/mom: Her outfit reminded me of a look that wouldn't even make the cut for "Muppet Dress" French Designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac or even Spain's "Wacky" Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. The two looks lacked the directional elegant edge which Amy has been showing in previous challenges.

Next Up, Jonathan's Toilet Paper Dresses:
Oh Jonathan Peters, you slayed me with these two looks, and not in a good way. I get the "conceptual" vibe as judge and Marie Claire Fashion Editor Nina Garcia suggested, but I don't think this was the challenge to go Conceptual. The canary yellow and black-and-white colors on the Little Girl's Dress were great but where he went wrong was adding the bolero and rolled toilet paper organza center front accents. Then, he went on to add the rolled toilet paper motif all over his model's dress. All I could think of was Kors saying "Ohhhh, it looks as if TOILET PAPER threw up all over your dress!!!!" Even this "Toilet paper Gown" in the photo above looks better than Jonathan's dress. I was sure he would be "auf'ed" this week.

But, Instead , it was Janeane Marie Ceccanti's Time:

Let me be honest: I kinda liked these. I don't really know why the judges came down so harshly on Janeane Marie. Both outfits consisted of cute, very wearable clothes. The colors were fine and the proportions, just right. The little girl's ensemble was fine and I can see it at an upscale kid's store in Brentwood or the Hamptons. It was very Malia and Sasha Obama. Was the Model/Mom's look ultra fashionable? No. But I didn't think they were bad enough to be eliminated for. I really felt Jonathan's were worse. And Amy's was definitely less flattering to wear. But this was a case where those other two have been consistently better in previous challenges. She was at the bottom last week and therefore, I think it was "written" in the so-called reality show script, for her to be eliminated. Janeane, if somehow you can get the email of Michelle Obama's press and social secretary, tell her you would be happy to send the First Daughters some clothes--I think they would like them!
See you next week for another Recap kiddies! Ciao!
 
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