0 NY Fashion Week Spring 2011: Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu-- Photos and Runway Video!

COLOR, Voluminous Shapes vs Fitted, Purples and Violets, Black & White, 70's Vibe, Prints and Korea???!!!

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Disco Girl

As we know, NY Fashion Week Spring 2011 occurred several weeks back--and from all accounts, the new venue at Lincoln Center got an A. I was invited to the Project Runway Season 8 Finale which was held at Lincoln Center but unfortunately, work called and I had to be in Miami to hosts Fashion's Night Out for Macy's...I've been busy traveling for those Macy's events as well as working on my own NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection with my partner David Paul so I didn't get a chance to post some of my favorites and highlights from this last NY Fashion Week. I'll try and post more from Milan and Paris, of course, but for now here a few of my thoughts plus photos and video from NYFW.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011:

It's all about the 1970s for Marc Jacobs Spring 2011. Imagine photos from 1976 Vogue Magazine with Iman (above), Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger, the Charlie Perfume ad...models with crimped hair, strong smokey eye and even stronger lipstick. All that's missing is the doorman at Studio 54!

It was VERY Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche too! Maybe the young Fashion School Kids of these days are too young too remember but I DO...

Le Pouf: Voluminous violet-colored dress with side pockets

Where's my Cointreau: Wide violet-colored pants, printed knit top, fabulous hat...very Sonia Rykiel...

Golden Girl: Gold kimono-sleeved jacket and micro shorts

Traveling to Vietnam First Class Ma'am: Red floor-length skirt suit with matching safari jacket

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011:
Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera was inspired by the traditional clothing of Korea as well as botanical plates. Alright Carolina, you go there darling!

In the photos below you could see that inspiration translate into those top hats which are worn as part of Korean costume as well as obi-wrapped ties and bows--very Korean Airlines Flight Attendant Having Cocktails...As usual, she sent out her signature white shirts and blouses (which she always wears for her bow) as well as dresses and suiting perfect for her Park Avenue clientele.

Anybody for Kimchi Tonight: A Khaki sheath dress with floral applique, tucked-draping and that fabulous Korean-inspired hat

Wrap It Up: Chanel Iman models a shapeless & color-blocked (TWO Spring 2011 trends in one!) dress with an obi-tied accent

Where's The Ball: The Finale Gown in heavy ivory jacquard with black accents and of course, side pockets.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Collection:
NY Wunderkid Designer--and Michelle Obama's fave--also went rather 70s with his Spring 2011 Collection. And just like Marc Jacobs, seemed to have rather overt nods to the Master, Yves Saint Laurent. Case in point: The see-though blouses, the perfectly tailored pleated pant suits and printed cocktail dresses straight from a "vintage" 1990 YSL Collection. I'm sure when those aforementioned blouses get to a Saks Fifth Avenue near you, they will probably be lined in silk habotai or come with a nice little silk camisole. If not: Ladies, you are on your own...

No Bra Required: White see-through tied blouse with full-pleated natural-waisted trousers

I Need a Virginia Slims: Above-the-knee printed silk ruffled dress

Ebony and Ivory: Black and white ensemble featuring a striped bustier and front cascade ruffled straight skirt.

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Runway Video:

0 Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Schaumburg Illinois Fashion Event: Mommy Peach, Uncle Nick and Lots of Fashionable Girls!

Chicago: I'm BAAACK!!!

Mommy Peach and Uncle Nick: Peach Carr from Season 8 Project Runway and Nick Verreos, Macy's Woodfield

Last week, in all my getting-ready-to-debut-my-NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection-madness, I flew to Chicago for ONE DAY: I got up at 4 AM, caught a 6AM flight to Chicago, arrived at about 11AM just in time for my Macy's Woodfield Fashion Challenge Event in Schaumburg Illinois.

Macy's Woodfield Mall, near Chicago Illinois

The Village of Schaumburg, as it is officially called, is a suburb of Chicago and very close--thank goodness--to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport--it just took 15 minutes to get there (love that!). I also loved that it was COLD. After being in gorgeous--but hot & humid Miami, Puerto Rico, and 113 Degree LA--it was nice to have some natural air conditioning, let me tell you!

Munchies for Nick, Macy's Woodfield Mall "Green Room"

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a "Green Room" spread of ice-cold water, and a cheese and veggie platter (Thank You Macy's!). But then, my lovely Macy's PR girls told me "Nick, we have a special guest who would like to say Hi": It was Peach Carr (yes, "Mommy Peach" from this season of Project Runway!) We'd never met but had been corresponding via Facebook, so when I saw her, I put down that celery stick and ranch dressing dip and hugged her so hard, I wrinkled her very nicely pressed Military-inspired jacket (very Fall 2010 BTW!).

Here's Peach: Nick Verreos introduces Peach Carr to the Macy's Woodfield Fashion Challenge audience

Once I began my Fashion Challenge Event, of course, you just KNOW that I had to call her out in the audience (she was in the front row with her beautiful daughter) and get her up on the stage and introduce her to everyone! I was so excited to see that the Macy's floor where my event was happening was PACKED:

The packed Macy's Fashion Challenge/Nick Verreos Event at Macy's Woodfield

It was mostly standing room only. I don't think the Macy's organizers expected that many people to show up (maybe it was my LOUD voice yelling on the microphone telling people to "come and take the Macy's Fashion Challenge w/ Nick Verreos!!!!").

Meet The Parents Look, from a Macy's Woodfield audience member

As with all my other Macy's Fashion events, I chose three audience members, gave them "Challenges" such as "How To Dress To Meet your Boyfriend's Parents" and "What Would You Wear To A Red Carpet Event such as Chicago Fashion Week". I gave them 2 minutes to quickly pick our clothes from the racks, style their models and then, the rest of the audience would chose the Winner, who would get a $100 Macy's Gift Card!

Sequined Model: Nick Verreos, audience member and model Erica Milde, of Season 1 Models of The Runway/Project Runway Season 6

In addition to Peach from Project Runway Season 8, one of the models we used for this event looked a little bit familiar to me. So I asked...

And yes, it was Erica Milde from Season 6 (The "LA Season") of Project Runway and from Season 1 of "Lifetime's Model's Of The Runway" (seen in above photo, on the right). She was so sweet and worked the looks the audience members had styled for her very well.

Speaking of the audience: For some reason, I guess I am "big" with the little girls and the tweens (Watch out Justin Bieber!) because they were out in full Fashionista force!

And the Most Fashionable Audience Member Award Goes To: Nick Verreos hugs a "fan" and an audience member, Macy's Fashion Challenge Woodfield Mall

At one point, when I went to hug one of them after taking a photo, she actually cried! I know: Shut The Front Door! So cute. After my event was over, I also held impromptu "What Should You Wear to Your Homecoming Dance" styling sessions with several girls from the audience. It's Homecoming Season and the girls--and their moms--were out shopping and in need of "Nick Tips". Note to Macy's Execs: Bring me back for a "Homecoming Tips Event" next year!

Macy's Midwest Sandwich: Nick Verreos and his Macy's PR Girls

But sadly, soon after my "Homecoming Tips" session, I had to catch my flight back to Los Angeles--yes, all in one day: I arrived at 11AM, and was back at Chicago O'Hare by 5PM! Crazy. Even the American Airlines ticket counter people were like "Didn't we just see you!". Thank you to my lovely Macy's PR Girls (seen above) who were so kind, and so helpful (especially in taking all these photos!).

Click HERE for a fun interview I did with the very stylish Jena Gambaccini of ChiCityFashion.com

0 Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Season 8 Project Runway Recaps: Mundo Mondo!!!

Mondo: You Win In My Book!

Stylin' Mondo

Look at you Mondo! You WIN!!!! You win in my heart and you win in this Episode!!!! Of course, everyone and their Project Runway-loving mom knows that, in this episode, my little Latin Urkel, revealed to the Basic Cable viewing audience--as well as Heidi, Nina, Michael and guest judge, Designer Rachel Roy--that he was HIV+. It was a major moment for Project Runway and you just know that it will be the "For Your Consideration Emmy Voters" DVD that will be sent in the mail. On top of that, I was BALLING!!!! But, there was more: For this, Episode 10 of Season 8 Project Runway, the designers got the fabulous HP TouchSmart Technology Computer Challenge where they had the privilege of designing their own custom fabric along with their look. I'm not a fan of re-hashing old challenges, but I do love this one kiddies!

As a "Twist", Daddy Tim Gunn, had "surprise Guests": The Designer's Moms: Mondo, had some bonding time with his lovely Madre (above) and...

Michael Costello, even got a visit from his "Mini Me" son (he's sooooo adorable!).

Christopher's Mom was nowhere to be seen, but...in her absence was his partner/boyfriend. And Kudos for Lifetime for keeping that kiss! Love that in this photo they are just enjoying some Shrimp Cocktail...Go figure: Skinny buffed Up Gays do eat!

Off The Shoulder Barbara Walters

Now let's get to the Runway: Speaking of Cutie Christopher, he just LOVES creating designs for an older customer, bless his heart. That off-the-shoulder printed top and those slacks are SO very Barbra Walters. Like something she would definitely wear on "The View":

My Least Favorite was Andy South's:

He struggled the entire time, saying that he was in a "Memory Bubble" and was not even trying to hide his disdain for his own design. I wouldn't either: It was a MESS! There was NO DESIGN!

She looked like trashy singer Ke$ha after waaaay too many Long Island Ice Tea's from some late-night Hollywood Blvd D-list nightclub. Yep, I said it.

Miss Guatemala Does Cocktail

But, according to the judges, it was Valerie Moyen's aka "Miss Guatemala's" time to go. It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't good either. I know how it works now, she was on the bottom last time so the show was "setting it up" for you to not be soooo surprised when she was "Auf'ed". But the Winner:

Where Can I get Those Pants?

Was my dear little Mondo. His design was EXQUISITE! When his model came out on the Runway, I was like "WORK!!!!!". Seriously. That mitering of his great print was flawless, and she looked (I just HATE this word, but it applies) FIERCE. Go on Miss Mondo. Take your Project Runway Crown. This IS your Moment. I just have a feeling about who might win this whole thang...Just sayin' (I really don't know!).

Here's a "Sneak Peak Intro: to my MyLifetime.com recap:

Positive Tears Of Fashion

Hello, "Project Runway" kiddies: I am in the midst of finishing up my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection, which — along with my design partner David Paul — we will debut at tonight's fabulous 3rd Annual Style Week Orange County. But even all the alterations, fittings and last-minute craziness couldn't stop me from watching this week's "Project Runway"!

Get the Kleenex Out
Well, hope you had the box of Kleenex out, because this was a MAJAH tearjerker of an episode. Amongst all the usual "Project Runway" shenanigans: a new challenge, surprise guests and more Gretchen "Two Cents" critiques, we had a HUGE revelation from one of the contestants, my little darling Latin Urkel, Mondo Guerra. So shall we just get started?........

To Read the entire Recap, Click HERE!

0 Nick Verreos Does Good Day LA Fox 11 Morning Show--from the Irvine Spectrum: Style Week Orange County Begins!!!

Good Morning LA...from Irvine!!!!

Models strut fashions at Style Week Orange County Runway stage--including a gown from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (in the middle)-for Good Day LA Fox 11 Morning Show Live Segment

As you know, the Third Annual Style Week Orange County began last night at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The first year, Lauren Conrad--of MTV's "The Hills" showed her Collection (very apropos since she is from Laguna Beach after all!), and last year, I was invited to host--as well as judge the Ezekiel Needle & Thread Competition. This year, Ezekiel and the Needle & Thread Competition are back as well as a fabulous Project Runway-esque "Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns" Contest, where Fashion Design Graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM designed seven gowns inspired by the sleek Cadillac automobiles. In addition, I had the privilege--along with my co-Designer David Paul, to debut our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection at 7PM last night kicking off Style Week OC!

Welcome To Style Week Orange County: Nick Verreos stands at the foot of the Runway

The show was AMAZING!!! I will definitely have a FULL RECAP with photos soon! But first:
Early this past week, I drove down to the Irvine Spectrum to shoot a LIVE Segment for Good Day LA Morning TV Show--one of the most popular shows in Southern California (I just LOVE me some Steve, Jillian and Dorothy!). The night before the morning TV appearance, the clients set both David and I up overnight at...

The Coliseum Pool at the Pelican Hill Resort

The INCREDIBLE Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast/Newport Beach so we wouldn't be late to the taping. It's LIVE kiddies so they couldn't take any chances! Last year, we stayed at this gorgeous Resort and were blown away by the surroundings (very Mediterranean-style Villa in Italy!) and all the VIP treatment. Speaking of VIP, take a look at what was waiting in our room once we arrived:

A delicious plate of bread, cheeses, salami, fresh berry jams, red wine...now, THAT'S a Welcome! I never get that when I stay at the Marriott or Hilton Garden Inn's!

Check out the little cart that took us to our appointed Bungalow! Thank Goodness, it's hiding the FIVE Garment Bags we brought with us JUST for a one-night stay (well, you can actually see one Louis Vuitton garment bag hanging on for dear life!)

Hello Good Day LA: Nick Verreos, Phil Shuman and Stacie Elis, Irvine Spectrum Center

The live Good Day LA Segment went without a hitch! Dapper reporter Phil Shuman was on hand moderating it all and the very stylish Stacie Ellis (love that faux-fur vest Stacie!) of Irvine Company joined me to describe all the goings-on for this weekend's Style Week Orange County

Behind The Scenes: Good Day LA filming at the Irvine Spectrum Center

We showed fashions from the Ezekiel Collection, Macy's (a cute Corey Lynn Calter printed dress), a burgundy Leon Max dress and of course, a strapless silk chiffon gown from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection, modeled by the beautiful Anna Maria, originally from Sweden.

Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI at the Irvine Spectrum Center, site of Style Week Orange County

With a quick five-minute segment and mini-fashion show "Sneak Peak", we were done and as they say in the Industry: It's a Wrap! David and I packed our FIVE bags, checked out and headed back to our Los Angeles NIKOLAKI Studio to finish our collection. Oh, and yes, we forgot to Tivo it so no video--maybe GoodDayLA.com might put one up--who knows!