Nick Verreos: Model Crazy at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2009

Model Muses, Pink Carpet, Fergie, and Going Live to the World!Where's My Million Dollar Bra: Nick Verreos gets ready for his Modelinia.com pink carpet assignment

One day I am in Miami shooting a Live segment and dressing a family in wonderful outfits from Sears, the next I am in NYC getting ready to cover the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show for the hot model site, Modelinia.com, sponsored by BING (love me some BING!) As you may know: I LOVE MODELS! I had covered previous Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows when they were in LA and so I was ready for this really, really, really tough assignment (wink wink!). I knew that lots of my straight male friends would be very jealous! (Love it!).
Backstage: Miss Universo: Nick Verreos poses with Miss Universe 1991 from Mexico and Director of Nuestra Belleza Mexico (Miss Mexico), Lupita Jones

The day of the show, I headed to the Seventh Regiment Park Avenue Armory early in the morning to begin my "behind the scenes" interviews as the models got ready for hair and make up. Once there, I was excited to recognize Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991 from Mexico, who was there with Televisa Mexico.Churrasco Heaven: Nick Verreos hugs supermodel Caroline Trentini

Backstage was crazy packed and I was happy to get quick interviews with lots of the top models, including Brazilian 6 foot stunner and Vogue cover model Caroline Trentini, Lindsay Ellingson, Izabel Goulart and .... the first Asian model to ever grace a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Liu Wen (see photo above), among others. Liu was so excited and still in awe that she was going to be in the show.

VS Fashion Show Pink Carpet:
After I wrapped up these interviews, I made my way outside the Armory and positioned myself to do all the official pink carpet interviews for Modelinia.com as well as for Livestream all over the world. I got to interview Virgin Chairman Sir Richard Branson, Costume Designer and stylist Patricia Field (of "Sex and the City", "Ugly Betty" and "Devil Wears Prada"), the Kigs of Leon, as well as a barely coherent Ivana Trump (God bless her!). Angel vs. Devil: Heidi Klum and Russell Simmons, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Pink Carpet

But the highlight was a fun and impromptu interview with Heidi Klum and Russell Simmons. I brought some props, Devil Horns and an Angel halo (I was asking all the pink carpet attendees if they were an "Angel" or a "Vampire/Devil"). I proceeded to ask Heidi and Russell to put them on and much to my delight (and surprise), they did! I was so excited that I forgot to turn the halo so it would sit correctly (I know I'm dizzy!). Fortunately Miss Heidi fixed it but only after the photographers got to her and Russell.
Boom Boom Boom: The Black Eyed Peas performing at the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The show was amazing: The Black Eyed Peas and Fergie performed. She looked toned and sang really well. The runway was set up with thousands, if not millions of Swarovski crystals.Miss Sweden: Supermodel Caroline Winberg works the Swarovski-encrusted runway

The light show illuminating the stage was incredible and a certain German Supermodel who just had a baby actually modeled in the show (take a guess). She looked RADIANT! You can watch it all when it airs Tuesday December 1st on CBS.

After Party Pink Carpet:Herve Leger Miller: Marisa Miller at the After Party pink carpet

Afterward, I got in a cab and made it to M2 Ultralounge to finish up my Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Marathon, to cover the official After Party pink carpet. Here, it was models and more models as they were done with their runway duties and exchanged their sexy lingerie for equally sexy Herve Leger bandage dresses. Almost EVERY model had one on! Was the press office of Herve Leger just giving them away? Whatever the reason, they all looked hot in them. VS Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Supermodel Chanel Iman, Victoria's Secret After Party

Maybe one of these days, I can lend them a NIKOLAKI dress or two just to change it up a bit. When I asked the models what was the first thing they would do the next day, most said "having LOTS of waffles!". The gorgeous Marisa Miller added "...and I am DYING for cupcakes!" I was happy to grab a quick photo with one of my favorite models, Chanel Iman. Just look at that stunningly sweet face of hers. Finally after my pink carpet After Party duties, I made my way inside the party, and braved my way through a heavily guarded VIP section and got to say "Thank You" and "Auf Wiedersehen" to Heidi Klum.

Click below for a great video of all the goings-on at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show:

Nick Verreos' Appearance on Univision Network's "Despierta America"

Nick Hearts Sears...and Miami!Trunk Full of Clothes: Nick Verreos with all his purchases from a local Miami Sears

Last week, I flew to Miami, one of my favorite cities in the US--and the world--to shoot a LIVE fashion segment for the Spanish-speaking "Good Morning America", the Despierta America TV Show. Last year I was honored to have been picked as one of the personalities--along with High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens, rapper/actor/mogul LL Cool J, and "ABC Extreme Home Makeover's" Ty Pennington--to be part of the Sear's "Grant A Wish" Holiday TV Commercials. And so, Sears called upon my "fashion expertise" once again to dress an entire family in fashionable clothing for the upcoming Holiday parties.Stylish Family of The Year: Nick Verreos with his "TV" family , all wearing Sears (including me!)

I arrived early to "set up shop" and shop (no time to check out Gloria Estefan's mansion on this trip!). You see, I'm not that kind of fashion expert who just shows up the day of the filming to "pretend" that I styled and picked out the clothes. I actually did! The day prior to the segment with my trusty right-hand man, David Paul, we shopped for eight hours and picked out dozens and dozens of dresses, suits, sweaters, purses, and accessories. We then had fittings and decided the ensembles that would work best. After deciding on the best four looks, I was ready for my 7 AM Call Time the following morning at the Univision headquarters of Despierta America.
Despierta Couple: Despierta America Co-host Ana Maria Canseco and Nick Verreos

For my appearance, I was being interviewed by the wonderful Ana Maria Canseco, co-host of the show. Last year, I also did a similar segment and Ana interviewed me as well so I was happy to see her again! Once on the set, I said "Hola" to the rest of the Despierta America hosts and took photos with a Project Runway fan, the beautiful Melissa Marty "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2008".
Nuestra Belleza Latinos: Melissa Marty and Nick Verreos

My segment involved showing the styles I picked from Sears for the family, discussing the great Sears Layaway Program (pick out your gifts now, pay over time and once you're ready to pay the entire amount, pick up everything and you're done!), as well as showing how you can get great stylish gifts for under $25!!! All in a THREE MINUTE segment! Say Cheese: Check out the little boy while we were getting ready to go live on the air

After I was finished, I couldn't believe how fast it all went. Everyone had a blast doing it and the kids were especially so sweet and loved playing dress up. Everyone was "blown away" at how great they looked and especially the prices. Style at a great discount. I know, it sounds like a commercial, but it is TOTALLY la verdad--the truth!

Click Below for the complete Despierta America Segment:

Nick Verreos Crashes the Project Runway Season 6 Finale Party!

...Well, not really, I was Invited!
NYC Project Runway Finale Party: Logan Neitzel, Irina Shabayeva and Nick Verreos at Tenjune

I am finally back home in Los Angeles--after traveling across the country for the last five days. First I went to Miami to shoot a LIVE Despierta America (the Spanish-language "Good Morning America") fashion segment for Sears, and then headed off to NYC for the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (more on both those trips in later posts). Since I am in a Project Runway "mood" (make sure to check out my final recap for this season), I wanted to show you guys all the great photos I took (well, thank my trusty partner and "Nick Verreos Blog" staff photographer, David Paul for that!) at Irina Shabayeva's After Party celebrating being the Season 6 Winner of Project Runway.
Uncle Nick and his Angels: Finalists Carol Hannah and Althea pose with Nick Verreos @ Tenjune

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was on the same night as the Finale of Project Runway but of course, I wanted to come by and celebrate Irina's win. At around midnight, after finishing my "OMG, look at how gorgeous Marissa Miller and Chanel Iman look!" Livestream shoot for Modelinia.com and saying my Goodbye's to Heidi Klum, I headed for Tenjune, the hot Meatpacking nightclub located beneath the luxury steakhouse STK, the location of Irina's celebratory After Party.Hearts around my Head: Logan Neitzel and Nick Verreos at Tenjune

I immediately spotted Irina, who was holding court in the back of the nightclub, and congratulated her with a big hug and an "Uncle Nick" scream. She was all smiles, finally thankful that it was all over. I also ran into everyone's boyfriend, cutie Logan Neitzel. If Project Runway ever had a Hottie Calendar, he would be the cover model, shirtless and with those silver skinny jeans of his (sorry Logan!). Nick Verreos and Season 6 designer Epperson at Tenjune

Logan recently moved all the way from Seattle to NYC and is setting up shop with Carol Hannah and Epperson, from what I hear. Sounds like a "Season Six Commune" to me--and a possible new Lifetime Show (Note to self: Contact Lifetime Execs). Speaking of Carol Hannah, she was also there as well as Finalist Althea Harper (she's so tall!) and I even got to say "Hello" to Epperson, who was very "Sporty Elegant" in blazer, blue dress shirt and sweater with an over-the-shoulder leather messenger bag (yes, I don't miss the details!). Model Happy: Nick Verreos and Season 6 Winning Model Kalyn Hemphill

Finally, I was happy to meet Irina's winning model from Models of The Runway, the lovely Kalyn. She was wearing a pretty red dress (Irina's design, of course). I had a lot of fun and I'm very thankful to Irina for inviting me. The bonus was seeing everyone else who was also there and were so generous with their super-kind words of support for me. Part of me did feel like a "Project Runway Grandpa" amongst all of them (I was the ONLY Project Runway Alumn there!) but I will gladly take that crown.

Project Runway Season 6 Finale--Nick Verreos Recap Extravaganza!

Season 6 Postscript: Gray and Black Finale Fest, Power to The Ladies, And Suzy Menkes' Fab Hair!
The Final Three: Irina Shabayeva, Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield

Season 6 Nick Postscript:
Last Thursday was the Final Episode of Project Runway Season 6. This was the season that some thought would not even make it on TV, because of the whole Bravo/Lifetime lawsuit. But after a year, it did make it on air. I feel that a lot of the "something is missing from the show" had A LOT of to do with the fact that while filming this season, NO ONE really knew what was going to happen, and trust me kiddies that can change the entire "air" of the environment--from producers, designers, to even Tim Gunn, and obviously, the judging situation. There were lots of expectations for this season. It was filled with Hollywood star power: Christina Aguilera, Lindsay Lohan, Bob Mackie, Eva Longoria Parker. There were also lots of tears, kooky "characters", lots of drama, and some would argue "blah" fashion but in the end, the winner, especially redeemed the season with a very polished finale collection.

LA and FIDMThe fans were divided on the LA locale. I loved it, of course, since I am an LA-based designer, and so are several Project Runway alumn such as Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sebelia and Finalist Rami Kashou. I thought it was a great idea to bring Project Runway to LA, the land of the red carpet. I was also excited for the fact that my alma mater and school I teach at, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, became the show's West Coast "home". If there's any criticism, I feel maybe the challenges didn't live up to the locale. Next season the show will return to NYC (fans rejoice) but I still have high hopes for a return to LA and now that the behind-the-scenes drama has been settled, I hope a future LA season will be HOT!

Petition for HD Lifetime TV!One final note: Not many people have realized this but Lifetime is NOT in HD/High Definition. And it makes such a difference, especially for a show such as this. So when lots of people stop me on the street and ask "Why does the show look different?" and I tell them this, they say "Ohhh, TOTALLY!!!". I hope that maybe by the next season, it will change to HD. The entire show will look much better. Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers for some Lifetime HD!

Suzy Menkes Rocks:Just look at her. And her iconic Alexandre hairstyle. Diva. I loved that she was the Final Judge. This is the kind of fashion industry professional who should be judging the Finale Collections. Kudos to the producers for getting her. A fabulous coup. Regular "TV folk" might have no clue who she is but trust me, she is one of the most influential fashion writers and critics of fashion. Fashion is truly her life. Don't mess with Suzy...or her Up-Do!

And now for the Finale Collections: Here are my "Nick Faves":
Irina Wins!
Of course NYC-based Parsons graduate "Meana Irina" won! I predicted as much. Even with an almost-all black collection, hers was a stand-out. It was perfectly put together. Designers need to think of the ENTIRE LOOK and tell a story--and she did, beautifully. I could have had a "Top Eight" favorites for her, but here were my top 3.Winning Model: Kalyn, in Irina's "13Th Look"

I Need my Metro Card: Irina's grand and chic knits

Met Opening Gown: I LOVED this gown, the final look from Irina's Finale Collection

Althea Goes To Zara, 1st Runner Up
Althea's Finale Collection was chock full of basics for the stylish, hip, modern woman. Althea's customer lives in NYC, Paris, Berlin or Barcelona and wants to look great in separates. A lot of her looks, however, reminded me of the stylish window mannequin displays at shops such as Zara or Topshop. This could be a good thing or not so good. She wanted to look for the future but it was very NOW. Nevertheless, these are my Top 3 from the collection.Emerald Style: I thought this look was modern and sexy; I especially loved the unusual tucking on the dress and the shrunken leather jacket

Heading to a Club in the Meatpacking: America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner, Jaslene Gonzalez looks great in Althea's silver-gray side draped mini dress. It was one of my favorite of her pieces.

Let Her In: This is the outfit you want to wear if you are trying to get into a club, a fashion show, or a chic Manhattan magazine party! The drop-crotch pants are SO NOW and again, she was ON with the shrunken leather jacket. These are must-have pieces for the modern girl-about-town.

Carol Hannah Whitfield: 2nd Runner Up, Cooties and all
Carol Hannah struggled in NYC being sick but, with the help of Christopher Straub, her trusty assistant, she made it work. I loved her draping and cowl Grecian Goddess shapes. The judges kept going on and on about her "tailoring" but I didn't see any of that. The following three looks were my faves.Cowl Cocktail: Golden beige side cowl-draped "First Look" dress

Thank GOD for COLOR: Project Runway All-Time Supermodel Amanda Fields, working it OVERTIME, in Carol Hannah's No. 13 teal jersey draped gown

Glorious Lisa: Model Lisa Blades in the striking finale gown, showing Carol Hannah's unique ruffle, petal and folding detail--her hair and make-up was "Gorg"!

Congratulations Ladies!
For my entire Season Finale Recap, Click HERE on MyLifetime.com and make sure to let me know what you thought. See you next season kiddies!