0 Europe 2012: "Florence Meets Hollywood" NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation

Alta Moda Italia!

Red Carpet in Firenze: Nick Verreos flanked by two Italian models in his NIKOLAKI Collection gowns, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation as part of my Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" Program visit, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy --and in case you are wondering the model on my left is 6' 2" WITHOUT heels!
Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Last month, I had the honor--and pleasure--of flying to Italy with my better half--my NIKOLAKI design partner-for-life David Paul--to be part of a very special event. For the last four years, I have been invited to take part in Miami University of Ohio's "Summer in Italy" program.

It is a highly popular Study Abroad program from Miami University's College o Arts and Sciences in the Department of English, where students travel to Italy, taking English and Journalism courses in Florence Italy and of course, get to experience life there as well as the importance of fashion to that city. Part of my visit includes a special "Fashion Lecture" (in a later post!) but...

This year, with the fabulous help of photographer, creative director and fashion producer EXTRAORDINAIRE Jerry Lee Ingram, the school also organized an amazing fashion presentation titled "Florence Meets Hollywood" where I got to show some of my very exclusive red carpet NIKOLAKI gowns to a specially-invited audience in Firenze Italia! The event was being held at the Consorzio Palazzi/Palazzo Bombicci Pontelli Guicciardini Strozzi in the Sala Rosa or Pink Room of the Florence University of the Arts/FUA.

Traveling Ensemble: Nick Verreos, arriving in Florence Italy via TrenItalia

After a twelve hour flight from Los Angeles to Rome and a 1 1/2 hour "fast-train" to Florence, David and I finally arrived. The following day, we helped set up for that evening's presentation.

 Gowns In Waiting: NIKOLAKI Collection gowns post-steaming, waiting their final destination--will it be a Mannequin form or a LIVE model?

 Galleria NIKOLAKI: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Gowns, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation at the Sala Rosa, FUA Florence Italy

We steamed and pressed the NIKOLAKI gowns--some worth over $10,000--that  we brought all the way from the US and then set them up on well-appointed mannequins in the GORGEOUS room the event being held in.

Gallery Preparations: "Florence Meets Hollywood" set-up, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 
Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Fashion Nerves: David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI getting the mannequins ready for the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

NIKOLAKI Twosome: David Paul and Nick Verreos, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy  
Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Then we got back to our hotel, did an outfit change and we were ready to go! A great red carpet was set up to welcome guests at the Florence University of the Arts and up to the Sala Rosa--or Pink Room, site of the event.

  

 Guests at "Hollywood Meets Florence" Fashion presnetation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy Photos courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Including Firenze glitterati as well as FUA students (some of which were BIG "Project Runway" fans!) as well as of course, the Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" students I was scheduled to lecture to the following day.

Hot in Florence: Nick Verreos (with fan) and "Florence Meets Hollywood" Co-Cost Grace Joh--in NIKOLAKI Collection strapless red silk dress--Editor-in-Chief of Blending Magazine and Chair of FUA School of Journalism, Communications and Publishing

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

MC Nick: Nick Verreos hosting "Florence Meets Hollywood", Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 
 Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Not only did I show some of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns on gorgeous models from Absolute Models Florence (with great hair/makeup by Ronnie Cosma Bigalli), but on display at this AMAZING Sala Rosa "ballroom" at the Florence University of the Arts palazzo where incredible creations by Mazzanti Piume, creators of some of the most amazing feathered designs in the world--from hats, runway gowns, historical costumes to much much more. Here were some of the feathered headdresses at the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation:

Hat Couture: Designs from Mazzanti Piume, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Also, as part of this very special one-of-a-kind fashion presentation, the architectural fashion creations and fab purses and necklaces from Emilia Siano and her brand, Libra Project were on display (photo above) as well as modeled.

Silver Goddess: Model in NIKOLAKI silver and black sequined cowl neck gown with attached capelet, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Final Walk: Models from Absolute Models Florence at the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Italy Fashion Group: (Left to Right) Model in NIKOLAKI black and silver sequined gown; Nick Verreos; designer Emilia Siano of Libra Project; Model in NIKOLAKI black organza strapless gown with jeweled bust line; Model in Emilia Siano/Libra Project designs; Grace Joh in NIKOLAKI Collection red silk ziberline cocktail dress and Mazzanti Piume hat; and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy  
Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

The show and presentation was a fabulous success! I am so thankful to everyone who took part in helping make the event happen--and especially the guests who endured the over 100 degree temperatures that fell upon us inside the super-filled Sala Rosa during this very hot-and-humid Florence July evening! I was so happy to not just host it but be part of it, bringing my NIKOLAKI gowns--along with David Paul--to gorgeous Firenze ITALIA and to "fashion enlighten" the great Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" Program students and of course, everyone else who attended. Stay tuned for Part Two of "Europe 2012" and my "Summer in Italy Miami University of Ohio" visit--next, up a visit to Polimoda, and photos and recap from my Fashion Lecture.

Click Below for the Florence Meets Hollywood Video:

0 Nick Verreos Season 8 Project Runway MyLifetime.com Recaps: The Resort Challenge!!

Couples Resort!

Tim Gunn and Michael Kors Await their Mimosa Brunch

This week was the Finale Fashion Show of Project Runway Season 8 in NYC Spring 2011Fashion Week. If you are reading this blog, you're probably already a fan of the show and know this of course. So, by now, all the "insiders" know who won the show...but in "TV Time", we're still on Episode 7 and there are lots of designers left on the show to weed out before we get to that (already happened) Finale NYC Fashion Week Fashion Show.

Resort Fashion Photo Shoot in Mykonos

So...this week (in "TV Time"), the designers met up with Father Tim and Diva Kors in front of (I presume) Heidi Klum's yacht where they were told of the new Challenge: To design a Resort Look, worthy to pack on a trip to say Mykonos, or the Amalfi Coast.

However, some of the designers thought they were going to either a tacky Las Vegas Pool Party hosted by Jon Gosselin...or a Pot Luck Picnic with Barbara Walters. It seemed as if some of these kids didn't know what "Resort" meant...They also were thrown a "Twist", to pair up and construct each other's designs...So you know there was lots of You-Can't-Make-Patterns-Michael C. DRAMA!!

Now, let's begin with showing you How Uncle Nicky Does Resort:

Last Month in Positano, the Amalfi Coast: Nick Verreos ready for dinner and some Limoncello...

And now...let me show you how some designers DO Resort:

Ready For the Yacht to Capri: Gucci by Frida Giannini, Resort 2011

St. Tropez Boho Caftan Chic: Chanel Resort 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld

And from one of our esteemed Project Runway Judges, Designer Michael Kors: Aspen Lodge Aperitif Hour from Michael Kors Resort 2011 (this one MIGHT have ended up on the bottom if one of the contestants would have made it, I ASSURE YOU!!!!)

I loved Andy South's bi-colored halter swimsuit with matching pareo/overkirt. This was VERY Resort and soooo chic.

It reminded me of Pucci Spring 2010 from Norwegian Designer Peter Dundas. But it was "too saleable" for the judges. And you don't want to be "Saleable" on Project Runway I guess...

"Latin Urkel" Mondo, designed a little ensemble that only a Gay Man's Best Girlfriend at the Roller Disco would wear. That or some Hostess at Jon Gosselin's Vegas Pool Party

(see top of this blog!). Cute but so not "High Rent" Resort Mondo...

Speaking of High Rent: Casanova went to the other extreme. The judges kept saying it looked too much like something a 70 year old would wear.

Well, Barbara Walters, here's your next Resort Ensemble, courtesy of Cuchi-Cuchi Casanova!

Here's a "Sneak Peak" at my Recap for this week:

You Want Me to Wear THAT to the Maui Hilton???

Oh these kids … these Season 8 "Project Runway" kids … More and more, as I watch, I feel like an old fogey designer/instructor, wanting to slap them all upside their coiffed heads with my pattern ruler for not really having a clue as to what the heck Resort Wear really is and for the "I-just-don't-do-patterns" excuses … But, I digress. Let's get to the matter at hand: This week's episode involves going on a fashionable vacation, more of the Michael C. He-Can't-Sew-fest (I am SOOO OVER that!) and a sad adios.

Mimosas With Michael Kors
The remaining designers were instructed — by drop-crotch, silk-charmeuse-pant-wearing Heidi — to meet Tim Gunn and "a very special guest" at the marina (didn't realize Manhattan had a marina!) for a mimosa-filled brunch. Once they arrived, Tim and Michael Kors were waiting for them, flanked by a fabulous yacht. The designers' Challenge: to create a Resort Wear look that captures their point of view, and is interesting, eye-catching and, of course, super fashionable. Kors also reminded the designers that Resort Wear could be anything from a swimsuit to a gown. Oh, what fun, I thought! I just recently returned from three weeks in Europe, where I spent some R&R time on the Amalfi Coast, so I KNOW what these resort divas wear; I was READY! But it seemed that some of the contestants were not......

To Read The Entire Recap...Click HERE on the MyLifetime.com Site.

0 Europe 2010: Nick and David's "Excellent Adventure" Continues: Positano and Capri!!

Caprese Salads, Bruschetta and Limoncello in Positano...and almost DROWNING in Capri!!

Positano, Italy:

Positano Heaven: View of Positano from the beach

Last month, David and I went to Europe--first as part of my Florence Italy lecture for the Miami University Summer In Italy Program, and then for some much-needed R & R. On my last post, I wrote about our Florence stay, and now we are off to the gorgeous cliff-side town of Positano in the Amalfi Coast. We had gone there, for our first time, last year and almost DIED, at how beautiful it was. So we had to return.

To be honest, we wanted to try another beach-side resort, even in another country. We looked at Ibiza, Mykonos, even Croatia. But because of our limited time in Europe and odd airline and ferry travel departure day regulations, we succumbed to Positano once again! We checked in at the most lovely Eden Roc Hotel, nestled halfway between the highest part of the cliff and the beach. The staff was UNBELIEVABLE: Always helpful, always sweet and always calling us "Mr Nick" or "Mr David". Love them!

Beach Bunny: David Paul enjoys the Positano Beach

After our first night arrival, we spent the following THREE relaxing days at the beach. Nothing to do, but soak in the hot Italian sun, swimming, eating Buffalo Mozzarella and Bruschetta, and drinking Limoncello. Exactly what I wanted to do: No work, little stress, and no Blackberry (OK, maybe a little bit!).

No Fanny Pack and Teva Sandal Zone: Nick Verreos in Positano

Positano is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. And yes, it's expensive kids, you're paying for that view! The bougainvillea-lined streets are serene and perfect for post-dinner walks. Also, what I love: You don't see many tourists sporting fanny packs and Teva sandals, thank you very much. People DRESS UP at night. The women don their best dresses, great jewelry, sandals or heels (yes, heels!) and men wear "Summer blazers" and even (gasp) tucked-in pressed dress shirts (who knew!).

Capri Day Trip: (and the almost Drowning!)

View of Positano from our boat to Capri

On one of our "Beach Days" , David and I decided to go to the island of Capri and spend the entire day there. Every time I open a Vogue Magazine or a Women's Wear Daily/WWD and see one of one of those obnoxious "Postcards From The Maldives" with some designer like Michael Kors, Donna Karan or Behnaz Sarafpour, I just want to SCREAM, but now here was my chance to take one of those odiuos photos...from Capri!

Hey Sailor: David Paul enjoying the boat ride to Capri

There are many ways one can get to Capri but we decided on Lucibello and doing their more "private" boat ride option. The boat, which only had about 4 other couples, left Positano very early in the morning and then cruises around the famous island exploring the spectacular coast for about three hours including the famous Grottos like the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto), as well as the Arco Naturale (natural stone arch) and the Punta Carena (lighthouse).

While on the boat, we noticed SEVERAL HUGE yachts just off the coast. I was waiting for Heidi Klum and Seal and their kids to come running out of one of them!

During our sightseeing boat ride, we arrived at the Green Grotto (above). The Captain stopped the boat and announced that we could go swimming here while he could then meet us on the other side of the Grotto afterward. So David and I--as well as another couple--decided to dive off the boat.

Pre-Almost Drowning Happy: Nick Verreos ready to go swimming...

About 60 seconds in the gorgeous turquoise blue water, I had a PANIC ATTACK! My 30 years + of swimming expertise all but escaped me and I began to drown! I wish I was being "Nick dramatic" but no, I couldn't stay afloat! So, I somehow paddled my way (with all the force I could muster) to the rocks lining the arched cave and held on for life. Where was David you might ask? Huney he had NO CLUE of what was happening as he had swam beautifully under the Grotto and was awaiting the boat to jump up. The other couple in the water yelled "Where's Nick?" and that's when they all realized what was happening. The Captain threw a small boogie board. I jumped off the cliff, caught it and climbed onto the boat. As I looked down, my entire leg was BLEEDING! Yes, I had CUT myself unknowingly, on the underwater rocks. Pretty.

Shop-a-holics: David Paul and Nick Verreos (can you spot the Band-Aids?) in Anacapri, Capri

About ten Band-Aids and an hour later, we finally made it to the Island of Capri. My visions of looking like a fabulous Greek-Venezuelan version of Jackie Onassis vacationing in FABULOUS Capri all but left my mind as I docked looking like a hot, almost-drowned, scratched-leg mess! But I made the best of it.

View of Marina Grande (the main port) from atop the Capri hills, Capri

The Island of Capri was stunning. David said that it reminded him of a "very nice" Catalina Island (off the coast of California). I wouldn't know since I've never been to Catalina Island but I am sure Catalina doesn't have Prada, Cavalli, and Valentino Boutiques. Just sayin'.

We took the funicular (cable car) up to the city of Capri (very Rodeo Drive on an Island!) shopped and even took a hang-on-for-dear-life bus ride to another city, Anacapri. There, we did more sightseeing and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The city of Anacapri is very high atop the island so the views were spectacular! Hours and hours of lounging and walking around the gorgeous island and we almost forgot that we had to catch our boat back to Positano.

One more mental snapshot of that gorgeous Capri view and we were off, back to our boat, and back to Positano to finish off our "Lazy Days in the Amalfi Coast"...

And get ready for our EasyJet flight to Paris, our next--and final--stop.

Click Below for Videos from our Boat Ride to Capri and the hilltop view from the hills of Capri:

See you next time as I recap our très chic trip to Paris and the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective Exhibit!