0 Pageant Minute: Natalie Pack is crowned the new "Miss California USA 2012" !

The New Miss California USA is...a Former America's Next Top Model Contestant!!!

I Can't Believe It: Natalie Pack (right), as she is announced as the new "Miss California USA 2012", Palm Dessert, CA

This past Sunday evening, a new "Miss California USA" was crowned. The statuesque (six feet tall, kids!), UC Irvine Junior, Natalie Pack, who represented "Miss Hoag Hospital 2012" (OK, I'll go with that!), was crowned "Miss California USA 2012", at the McCallum Theater in Palm Dessert. She wore a seductive one-shoulder gold sequined gown--to perfectly match her golden side-swept'ed hairstyle--when she got her crown. Natalie was very "Old Hollywood Glamour" with her Rita Hayworth-if-she-were-a-blond looks...

Blonde Ambition: Natalie Pack, Miss California USA 2012

She will be California's representative in this year's "Miss USA" Pageant which will either occur in Las Vegas or Miami. I think they're still trying to figure out what city will play host...So, now it's time to train for that--and get herself a gown worthy of "Miss USA".

If the very pretty Natalie looks familiar, it's because this is not her "First Time at the (spotlight) Rodeo": she was on the Reality TV Show "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 12, back when it aired in 2009.

Natalie Pack, from America's Next Top Model Cycle 12

During her casting session, she revealed to host Tyra, Miss Jay and Jay Manuel that yes, she was from Palos Verdes and came from money, but it wasn't "Gossip Girl" money. She was a brunette then, and was eliminated while the show was in Brazil. She came in sixth.

Well, that was 4 years ago and things are much brighter now for her: she's the Most Beautiful Woman in California! Here she is in the photo above after being crowned "Miss California USA 2012" in her column gold sequined gown.

There are some rather high expectations for her since last year's "Miss California USA", the beautiful Alyssa Campanella (above) did very well, in fact, she won the top title of "Miss USA" and was named a Semi-Finalist at last year's "Miss Universe" in Sao Paulo Brazil. I think that Natalie will probably do very well since she fits that role of being the ideal model/pageant beauty that the Miss Universe Organization is looking for:

Above are a couple photos of the new "Miss California USA 2012" from her professional modeling days

Alexa Jones, Miss California Teen USA 2012, Rita Verreos, and Natalie Pack "Miss California USA 2012"

My beautiful sister, Rita Verreos, was there in Palm Springs, training the "Miss California USA 2012" contestants (she's a Pageant and Stage Presence Coach, you know) and you can see more photos from the pageant HERE.

Congrats Natalie, we'll all be excited to see you compete at the Miss USA Pageant and of course, see what Gown you choose!

Here's Video of Natalie Pack "Miss California USA 2012" on KTLA the morning after her win:

And, here's video of her "Best Moments on America's Next Top Model Cycle 12":

0 Watch Nick Verreos on E! Latin America on "Style Star"!!

Latinos Con Estilo!

Nick With Subtitles: Nick Verreos on E! Latinoamérica Style Star TV Show

I had been traveling this last week doing events for Macy's in Chicago and in the Detroit area as well as an appearance in Boston for Emerson College when I got a "surprise" text from my WONDERFUL sister Rita Verreos--who happens to be vacationing in Panama with my Mom and visiting some family. My mother's family are originally from Panama--in fact, two of my great uncles were Presidents of that country!

But I digress...she text'ed me a photo of me on TV appearing on an E! Latinoamérica show called "Style Star"--yes, the SAME "Style Star" that has been shown here on the States in the Style Network.

Of course, I knew that my "Style Star" show was on the Style Network but had no idea--until my sister's text--that it was also being shown throughout Latin America! Needless to say, I was LOCO to find out!

Currently, they are showing the episodes where I--along with other style experts--give our "Style Two cents" on stars such as Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard, as well as Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham, among others.

Click HERE for all the E! Latinoamérica Programming and if you happen to be in Panama Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, or anywhere else where Spanish is the official language--turn your TV to E! and don't be surprised if you might see me--with subtitles--even though--since I am fluent in Spanish, they really didn't need the subtitles :)
Estrella con Estilo!!!

0 Style Week Orange County 2010-The Wrap Up: Nick Verreos Hosts 2nd Annual Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition

Style Week OC 2010 Ends on a Sporty Note!

And the Winner Is: Nick Verreos with Julia Nish, the Winner of the 2nd Annual Neelde & thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

Well kids, I am writing my last posting/recap of the AMAZING Style Week Orange County 2010! I started with the recap of the debut of our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (of course), then I wrote about the very creative Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns Competition and now, it's all about the last evening of Style Week OC and the 2nd Annual Ezekiel and Active Ride Needle & Thread Competition, all of which occurred at the Irvine Spectrum.

Style Week Orange County 2010: Ezekiel Fashion Show

Seven designers, Nick Gaska, Grace Sori Hwang, Julia Nish, Alejandro Ortega, Natalia Romano, Clay Sadler and Adrienne Young--all graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM-- competed in the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Competition, and also for the prize money in the Needle & Thread Contest. Their task was to create a group of looks that would go well with the Ezekiel brand (active/surf sportswear for a hip teen-twenty-something customer) and the Active Ride (surf, skate, snowboard and everything in-between!) store.

Designs from Natalia Romano for the 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

The Surf and Activewear business in Southern California is one of the hottest fashion markets in the country and this was a GREAT opportunity for these young designers to dive right in. (Pun intended!) They were given a certain amount of time, a budget and also had time to research the brand and even meet with its design team.

Winning Design: A look from Julia Nish's designs for the 2nd Needle & Thread Competition

The Winner would get the chance to have their winning designs included in the Ezekiel Spring 2011 Collection and then produced and sold! The winner was Julia Nish--who indecently ALSO won the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Contest! (a double whammy for Ms. Nish!). The judges, who included myself, design director of Ezekiel womenswear and last year's winner, Adrian Manuel.

2009 Needle & Thread Design Contest Winner Adrian Manuel and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2010

We judged on whether or not it was in accordance to the Ezekiel brand, if it went well with the customer, did the clothes look like something the Ezekiel and Active Ride-shopping girl would like, wear and buy? All of that, plus, of course, was it cute? Julia obviously hit all the right notes.

Nick "Hearts" Active: Nick Verreos, Style Week OC Active Ride VIP After Party

Afterward, there was an Invitation-only Style Week OC After Party, at the Active Store in the Irvine Spectrum Center. There was VIP shopping (of course), a wine and Champagne Open Bar, and even an Active Ride Photo Booth.

OC Studs: Nick Verreos with the Active Ride Irvine Spectrum Center "crew" manning the "After Party VIP Guest List"

I got to film a fun "runway" segment with FIDM Productions, who were on hand to capture all the After Party fun. It was especially great to re-connect all my Active Ride "buddies" whom I had met last year when I hosted and judged the first "Needle & Thread Competition".

OC Step 'n Repeat: Nick Verreos, Rita Verreos and David Paul, Style Week OC 2010

My sister, mom, and even my precious niece (yes, the one I designed my Project Runway-winning Barbie for) were still in town and able to attend the second night of Style Week OC so of course, they came along for the "Style Week OC After Party" ride!

Uncle Nick: Nick Verreos with his niece, Casia Kennedy and sister Rita Verreos

They had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the fashion, as well as the gorgeous weather Orange County bestowed us! Here's to another fabulous and very fashionably successful Style Week Orange County!

0 ATTENTION San Antonio: Nick Verreos is coming to IADT!

Poster/Invite to IADT San Antonio's Imagine 2010 Fashion Show

Last year I co-hosted International Academy of Design and Technology's/IADT Imagine 2009 Fashion Show and I guess it was such a hit, they invited me back this year! This time around, I will be hosting the Imagine 2010 IADT Runway Fashion Event on March 19th (next week!) along with my beautiful sister Rita Verreos. Brother and Sister Act: Rita Verreos and Nick Verreos at the 2009 IADT Imagine Fashion Show

This is now going to be my 3rd time back to IADT San Antonio and they always put on a great event! And proceeds will benefit the non-profit Career Education Scholarship Fund. I love coming to San Antonio because my family lives there so it's a great excuse to see them!

DETAILS:
*Doors will open at 6 p.m. *Photo and interview opportunities also will be available beginning at 6 p.m. *7:00pm Runway Show *9:00pm Fashion Club After-Show Party *Tickets are $15 - $35 (great prices!!!) and are available for purchase on ticketmaster.com.

Come enjoy a fabulous night of fashion and support the San Antonio Designers of tomorrow! Hope to see you there!

0 Nick Verreos "Pageant Talk": The Miss California USA 2010 Edition

Sashes, a NIKOLAKI Gown, and Michael Phelps?
Crowning Moment: Miss CA USA 2010 with Rita Verreos (my sister) in a Nikolaki gown, handing the bouquet

A couple of months back, in November, the Miss California USA 2010 Pageant took place. Keith Lewis, its director, asked me to be a judge but unfortunately "duty calls" and I had to fly to Miami to film one of my Sears Holiday Gift segments for Despierta America. But my sister, the lovely Rita Verreos was there. Meagan Tandy, Miss CA USA 2007 and Rita Verreos at the recent Miss CA USA 2010 festivities

My sister, who was a former Miss Venezuela contestant "back in the day"--is now a very sought after Pageant Coach. She has helped many a hopeful Miss California USA contestant to walk, talk and act like she already has the crown on her head. This year, the pageant was held in Rancho Mirage at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Of course , the Miss California USA Organization and Keith Lewis have been in the news as of late because of all the events surrounding Carrie Prejean, her eventual dethronement, and all the subsequent backlash. So, more than ever, a lot of people's eyes were on this pageant.Crownin' and Sashin': Rita Verreos, in ivory Nikolaki gown, stands onstage at the Miss CA USA 2010 PageantBack View: Rita Verreos in Nikolaki gown, Miss California USA 2010 Pageant

For the pageant, my sister wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns of course--an ivory silk crepe column gown with a draped bust and embroidered back which I designed years ago ("vintage" Nick Verreos). Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA 2010

The winner of the Miss California USA 2010 Pageant was a 24 year old from Ventura County named Nicole Johnson. She's very pretty and has a resemblance to singer Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls. She does come with a bit of gossip as well (it wouldn't be Miss California USA without it!): She used to date Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. I'm sure this little bit of dish might bring some added attention to her when she goes to Las Vegas for the 2010 Miss USA Pageant in April. Or maybe not. My pageant spies told me that the actual crowd favorite was former UCLA Bruin Women's Volleyball player, six foot one inch tall Nana Meriwether who represented Beverly Hills. And the Winner Is: First Runner Up Nana Meriwether (left) and Miss CA USA 2010, Nicole Johnson (right)

The "pageant talk" was that Nana had everything: The stunning all-over beaded open-back gown, the poise, the DIVA walk. Who knows why she didn't get the top crown? Maybe next year she will be the winner (they can try again and again in the Miss CA USA rules). Speaking of gowns, from what I can see in the photos, they looked quite nice. At least there weren't too many clear stripper heels and I-just-bought-this-in-Santee Alley Downtown LA dresses.
Except... Ironically enough, the winner's dress was, to put it nicely, not so good, if not the worst. From looking at these photos (see close-up above) and from reading the blogs of guests who were there, Nicole's burnt orange/red halter gown looked ill-fitting and a bit on the cheap side. Maybe for the Miss USA 2010 Pageant, she'll give this one to "Pageant Goodwill" and her First-Runner Up, Nana Meriwether, will let her borrow hers.

Good Luck to Nicole and the rest of Keith's Miss CA gals!
*A Special 'Thank You' to Husam Abedaker for some of the photos used here.