Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sheer in RED!
Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Schaumburg Illinois Fashion Event: Mommy Peach, Uncle Nick and Lots of Fashionable Girls!
Chicago: I'm BAAACK!!!
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.
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!
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!).
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:
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!!!!").
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!
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...
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!
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
Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Season 8 Project Runway Recaps: Mundo Mondo!!!
Mondo: You Win In My Book!
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!
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":
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:
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!