Nick Verreos Hosts Style Week OC 2011--Opening Night Rack Rave Party at the Irvine Spectrum: The Recap!!!

Style Week OC 2011 Opening Night Party: Fashion, Candy, Prizes, and a BLOG CRUSH!

On The OC Big Screen: Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave Opening Night Party, Irvine Spectrum Center

This past Friday night I had the honor of hosting the Opening Night of the Fourth Annual Style Week Orange County at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California. Last year, as you may know, I showed my NIKOLAKI Collection--along with my design partner David Paul--and it was a HUGE success, so I was happy to return. Style Week OC 2011 is going on all THIS WEEK with TEN can't-miss events including 3 Spectrum Runway Presentations, 5 Fashion Island fashion shows--including collection showings and appearances by designers David Meister and Rachel Roy as well as many, many other events. This past Friday night was the Opening Night Rack Rave Party which yours truly, was hosting.

Color Happy: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum (Photo Courtesy of "Blog Crush")

After a rather traffic-free drive from Los Angeles to the OC (we were lucky!)---David and I checked in to the FABULOUS Pelican Hill Resort--my "home away from home"---while I hosted Friday night's festivities.

Welcome Yummy: The Welcome Spread, Pelican Hill Resort Newport Coast

The Pelican Hill is UNBELIEVABLE! I knew it was going to be a good night when we walked into our Bungalow and found a delicious "Spread" of Chanti, bread, cheeses, and meats--as well as a lovely "Welcome to the Pelican Hill Resort" note form Managing Director Giuseppe Lama.

After a brief lunch poolside at the Coliseum Pool & Grill, overlooking the breathtaking 136 feet circular Coliseum Pool (above photo) it was time to head back to our Bungalow, so I could get ready!

The OC weather was just PERFECT for tonight's kick off Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave outdoors bash at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The scene had a Fashion Carnival ambiance with a fab stage, DJ Mike Bless spinning the tunes, and a sectioned off area for all guests to enjoy the party with the stunning lit-up Irvine Spectrum "Giant Wheel" overseeing everything.

The "Rack Rave" party included nine great Irvine Spectrum Center retailers: Macy's, Nordstrom, Target, Salvation, H&M, Max Studio, Forever 21, Kaitlyn and Active Ride Shop and Fuzziwigs Candy Factory. Each retailer had a tent/table where they featured clothing, accessories as well as fun games and prizes, Make-Up and Brow sessions, sandal "be-dazzling" and even some "Goodie Bags". Gorgeous models, representing each Rack Rave retailer came on stage , then took their position at each tent, showing the latest for Fall 2011:

Models showing the latest from Irvine Spectrum Center Retailers including: Macy's, Max Studio, H&M...

Salvation, Target, Nordstrom...

Forever 21, Kaitlyn, Active Ride Shop

A BIG HIT with the overflowing Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave crowd were the Fuzziwigs Candy Factory tables, set up front-and-center. Once the organizers pulled the ropes to allow guests into the Rack Rave area...EVERYONE ran to it as if Halloween was TOMORROW! Moms, dads, and kids of course. There seemed to be HUNDREDS of people lined up to get their candy!!

A BIG highlight for everyone attending was when I announced the Target Winners--I was jealous in that I think someone got themselves some Missoni for Target--and some cute stuffed Target Dogs (so cute!!) I even autographed one--I'm sure it's on Ebay right now!

Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave--The Blog Crush VIP section

But a BIG highlight for me--was meeting all the "Blog Crush" OC Bloggers who were in attendance in a roped-off VIP section of the party. After doing my MC duties and being, the "headmaster" of the Rack Rave fashion carnival (and trying to corral all them Candy-Loving guests!), I headed right to them:

OC Blog Love: Nick Verreos with the Blog Crush Ladies (Photo Courtesy of "Blog Crush")

Bloggers from the Orange County area were invited to cover this Style Week OC 2011 kick off party including Michelle Fryer of LifewithDylan.com and Shel Cosmetics Blog, Heather Bandura of Sixty Minute Housewife, Lydia Poblano of The Vintage Mama , Marcy Taylor of Suburban Mama, Sonia Marsh of Gutsy Living/SoniaMarsh.com, Marcy Massura of marcymassura.com and The Glamorous Life, Jennifer Klein of 3 Before 30, Lynzee Moore of mooremischief.com, Suzanne Broughton of suzannebroughton.com, Jami Rogers of This and That/JamiAllyn.wordpress.com, Amanda Elhaj of Amanda's Favs, Carrie Braun of Get Carried Away, and Lana Waggoner of SheLivedInAShoe.com . It was a major "Nick Love Fest" in that Blog Crush VIP section. Let's just say I was screamin' and sweatin' A LOT and having a blast with all of the ladies!

Afterward, I signed LOTS of autographs and took photos with lots of the Rack Rave attendees. I was SO happy to see so many "Project Runway" fans who came out for this party. I was especially surprised by how many very young fashionistas said that they were especially fans of Me and My Season!!! (I was like, "were you FIVE when it aired??"LOL!). It was a FABULOUS event and in addition, a very successful Kick Off to Style Week OC 2011.

Model Love: Model Lauren Gish (one of my NIKOLAKI website Divas!) and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

OC Style: Nick Verreos with two very styling OC Fashionistas, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

NIKOLAKI Duo: David Paul and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

And Don't Forget: I'll be back to the OC NEXT Friday--when I host Close out the week with Runway Glam Slam featuring the Cadillac: Contemporary Design Fashion Show and LOTS, lots more. I can't wait!

Nick Verreos Attends Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA "ARTrageous"

FASHIONrageous at Macy's GLAMORAMA LA 2011:

Nick Verreos, Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011 Red Carpet, Orpheum Theater Los Angeles

This past Friday, I was invited (as well as my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul) to attend Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011. Macy's Glamorama is an AMAZING event that combines runway fashion, entertainment, music, and all the while raising money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. They do a four city tour, which includes Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and LA.

For the past 29 years, more than $29 million--yes, MILLION--has been raised for outstanding and worthwhile organizations such as AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles and many others in the other cities. Side Note: I remember actually going to one of the very FIRST Macy's Passport shows in San Francisco back when I lived in the Bay Area. I think my Mommie took me (please don't do the math!).

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 was held at the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA, and the Theme for this year was "ARTrageous". I knew this would be a fun night when the first person I ran into as I get out of my car is...

Ice Queens: Nick Verreos and Johnny Weir

Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir--looking much more fabulous than I (Thanks Johnny!!) in a Chris Benz purple knit sweater-jacket and iridescent leggings and some SERIOUS wedge bootie pumps! Now, you might know how much I am a fan of Figure Skating, and especially the Costumes. Last year, I also did some "Fashion Commentating" for Universal Sports during the Vancouver Olympics (with Johnny in fact, but he was in the Vancouver studios while I was in LA). Needless to say, it was wonderful finally meeting him. My partner David was also excited to say "Hi" to Johnny (wait until you see the last photo in this blog!)...

But back to the show:

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 had so many many highlights. Let's begin with the musical performances. First came Far East Movement (above). I knew their songs, just didn't know who sang them--but Lord Knows now I do! (I know, I'm such a loser when it comes to what "the kids" are listening to these days!). They were GREAT by the way.

Beyond great was Cee Lo Green, who had everyone on their feet by the end of the night. If I wasn't seated all the way in the back, I would have run up on stage and become a groupie/fan and started dancing with him right then and there! (Thank goodness for David that I did not!).

A definite highlight of the evening was a Special Tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who devoted so much of her life to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Tribute was presented by Sharon Stone. Ms. Stone looked every bit a Hollywood Star in a fitted royal blue side shirred dress and LOTS of diamonds (an homage to Miss Taylor I presume?). It was such a loving tribute which also included a brief yet poignant appearance by Elizabeth Taylor's grandsons, Quinn Tivey and Tarquin Wilding.

Oh and yes, then there was The Fashion:



As always, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama involved showing lots of Fashion. There were nine runway presentations showing the latest Fall 2011 looks from brands that are at Macy's: Armani Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Rachel Rachel Roy, Tommy Girl, Tracy Reese, Impulse Macy's Department, Calvin Klein, bar III...

And Papi, the underwear line. This last "runway portion" of the show was, of course, a BIG HIT with the audience--men and women alike, thank you very much. How those boys can be up on that stage almost naked is beyond me. But I guess if I had their bodies...

After the show was over, it was time for David and I to head to the After Party, which was held at the nearby California Market Center, in its expansive lobby. For tonight's Glamorama After Party, the lobby was transformed into a Las Vegas-style Nightclub. Guests arrived and began to enjoy the Patron Tequila Bar, several food/hors d'oeuvre sections (the roast beef sliders and vegi wraps were delicious!), as well as a See's Candy and Don Francisco's Specialty Coffee tables, among others.

At the After Party, I ran into my friend Ross Mathews, who was there with his partner Salvador--both looking quite dapper. Ross was working his grey H&M jacket with white piping, skinny tie and skinny jeans.

Also, a woman in a cute red dress approached me, telling me how she was a "big fan" and how her daughter would so jealous that she was meeting me. Her name was Michele and her beau turned out to be "The Young and The Restless" actor Sean Kanan (above with Michele). We had a very fun conversation which involved everything from Project Runway to our mutual love of Italy, my experience of almost drowning off the coast of Capri and his new cooking book "The Modern Gentleman". And of course, I made Michele call her daughter so I could say "Hi" and give my best Tim Gunn "Make It Work" impression. With that, it was time to say "Ciao" to them, and the fabulous Macy's Glamorama After Party.

Oh and before I forget, I promised a certain photo of David and Johnny Weir--well, Here ya go:

Get Your Hands Off My Man: Johnny Weir and NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul

It doesn't get more Figure Skating Fabulous than this! If this doesn't end up on David's Facebook, I don't know what will!

Nick Verreos on KCRW's "DnA" Radio Show !!!

Nick HEARTS KCRW!!

Costume Talk: KCRW "DnA" Radio Show Host Frances Anderton and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

As you know, last weekend was the Gala VIP Opening Night Party of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Museum & Galleries. The Exhibit is OPEN to the public (it opened this last week) and in case you didn't get the "memo": It's FREE!!! On Opening Night, I did a great interview with one of my favorite LA Radio Personalities, the affable Frances Anderton of KCRW's "DnA" show.

NIKOLAKI Meets Costume Design A-List: Nikolaki Designers David Paul(L) and Nick Verreos(R) with "Alice In Wonderland" Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

The interview ended up as part of this month's program entitled "The Art of Rodarte: Black Swan and Design for the Movies" where Frances discusses Academy Award-nominated film "Black Swan" and also interviews Rodarte Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy. I was humbled and honored to have been part of this great DnA program.

Click HERE to listen to the entire Podcast of "The Art of Rodarte: Black Swan and Design for the Movies", originally broadcast yesterday February 15Th

Weekend Roundup: Nick Verreos on NBC "Today In LA: Weekend" and KUSI-San Diego Golden Globes Preview with NIKOLAKI Gowns!

The "Nick, Ted and Andy Show" and NIKOLAKI Gowns Take a Road Trip...To San Diego:

Nick Today In LA: Nick Verreos Appearance on "Today In LA: Weekend" this past Sunday with Anchors Ted Chen (left) and Andy Rosa Adler (center)

Yes kids, this past Sunday was the 68Th Annual Golden Globes and I was a busy boy: As a Fashion Designer--and Instructor/Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, I am always called upon for my "Nick Two Cents" during Awards Season.

Peacock Prince: Nick Verreos at NBC-LA Studios, Burbank CA

And since this was the first "biggie", my expertise was called upon --Courtesy of FIDM--in regards to my "Predictions" of the Trends and Silhouettes for Sunday's Golden Globes for NBC-LA and KUSI San Diego (more on that below). After doing some "Homework" on what the trends were for this current Spring 2011 Season--as well as what stars wore last year in combination with what stylists were asking for and pulling from us--I tried to come up with my best "Nick Verreos Golden Globes Two Cents".

Monitor Nick: Nick Verreos on the NBC Studios Monitor

First up, I had a 7 AM Call Time at NBC Studios in Burbank California. The sun was not even up when I made my way to the studios--heck, we could barely find a Starbucks that was open--I was to be on the KNBC (local LA-NBC) Sunday Morning News Program...

"Today In LA: Weekend" hosted by the affable Ted Chen (whom I've interviewed with before) and the gorgeous Andy Rosa Adler. The interview went great: We spoke of Red Carpet Trends and what the stars might wear. I predicted All-over Beading/Sequin Dresses, Structural Gowns with Cascading Ruffles, and the Mermaid shape (not bad!)-- featuring photos from my latest NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection as examples of styles and colors you might see.

Cascading TV Ruffles: NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Gown, KNBC "Today In LA: Weekend" TV Show

Before I knew it, we were done; it was a quick segment but of course, I had so much fun! Maybe they'll bring me back come Oscars time...I'll brew up some coffee at home, get my outfit on and drive to Burbank to see those two again to discuss Award Show Fashion any day, 7AM or 7PM!

Next Up, San Diego:

Almost at the same time as my NBC interview, I received a request--Courtesy of my Alma Mater FIDM of course, to also do a TV segment for San Diego's KUSI. Because of the fact that I was to be in Burbank at the NBC Studios doing my Live Pre-Golden Globes Fashion Segment on Sunday Morning, I obviously could not be at two places at once.

San Diego Smiles: KUSI Fashion Guru Leonard Simpson and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul--KUSI-TV Studios

KUSI's Fashion Expert, Leonard Simpson--who was anchoring this TV segment--requested that, instead of me, my NIKOLAKI gowns could come down and be part of a fun Red Carpet Fashion Segment they were producing to talk about the upcoming Golden Globes fashion.

Mint Princess: San Diego model in NIKOLAKI mint green silk Zibeline One-Shoulder Gown with cascading back ruffles

My NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul--who hails from San Diego (a chance to see his family!)-- drove down--and brought along several of our NIKOLAKI gowns. David's mom--who lives in beautiful Point Loma, was excited to be part of the fun, was enlisted by David to be his "assistant" and help in the steaming, unloading and overall preparations of our gowns for the segment: LOVE HER! Who needs Interns when they've got Mommies!!!

All-Over Beading: San Diego model shows off NIKOLAKI mint green clear sequin paillettes over silk chiffon bias-cut gown with silk inner corset

I heard the segment went fabulously (of course!). Local San Diego models featured our gowns--showing predictions of the silhouettes, colors and shapes one might see at the 2011 Golden Globes--on a makeshift Red Carpet adjacent to the KUSI San Diego Studios.

NIKOLAKI Ladies: San Diego Models show off the NIKOLAKI gowns as part of the KUSI San Diego Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion Segment

As soon as I was home after my NBC Live TV Segment, I received a call from David telling me that the segment went flawlessly. YEAYYY!!! I could finally breathe...get back in my pajamas, and relax and enjoy my restful Sunday...and later on, watch the actual Golden Globes Red Carpet--and of course do my "NickVerreos.com Live Fashion Blogging" from the comfort of my home...

NIKOLAKI Website: Revamped and Refreshed for the New Year : Spring 2011 Look Book Plus More!!

Happy New Year...Happy New Website..and Facebook Page!!!

Hope everyone had a safe, relaxing and utterly fabulous New Year's!!! To start off 2011 just right--I decided--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner-in-crime David Paul--to "revamp" our NIKOLAKI Website, and add the fresh-off-the-fashion-presses photos from...

Our new Spring 2011 Look Book, shot by the amazing photographer, Evans Vestal Ward.

We used two of our favorite models Amanda Fields and...

Lauren Gish, and shot it all at The Focus Studio, the only daylight photo studio at a California Beach (Venice Beach in case you are wondering). It is home to many a fashion editorial--from Replay Denim Catalog Shoots to Details Magazine covers to a Janet Jackson CD cover. The Make-Up and Hair for our photo shoot was done by Adrienne Sanchez and she did a stupendous job of incorporating our vision for a Euro-chic chignon and flawless Just-Got-Back-From-The-Amalfi-Coast make-up.

Click HERE for the re-designed NIKOLAKI Website and...Click HERE to check out our new NIKOLAKI Facebook Page...Make sure to click "Like" and join it...

Nick Verreos Attends Opening Night of "West Side Story" Pantages Theater Hollywood

I Want To Be in....Amereeeeeeeca!!!!!!

What Would Anita Wear: Nick Verreos, West Side Story Opening Night Pantages Theater Hollywood

This last week, I ventured into Hollywood to enjoy a "Night of Theater" and support one of my favorite organizations, The Actors Fund-- and attend the Opening Night of "West Side Story" at...

The Pantages Theater in Hollywood!! As my date, I brought...

My NIKOLAKI partner David Paul (above), who actually had sung "One Hand, One Heart" at his sister's wedding years ago--Yes, we're both "Theater Lovers"!!!

I had NEVER seen "West Side Story" on the stage but of course, I'd seen the film and even back as a little fashion designer-dreaming boy in Caracas Venezuela, I could hum "America" and pretend I was Rita Moreno! We arrived to a packed outside lobby, got our tickets and quickly passed by the Red Carpet area--which seemed to be buzzing with a lots of stars from both the Hollywood "world" as well as the Broadway Stage--and even some Daytime Drama/Soap opera stars, for good measure.

I did get to see (off in the red carpet distance): My Fellow Greek "sister" actress Nia Vardalos, looking gorgeous in a black ensemble (above) as well as...

The ever-so-stunning, actress Anne Jeffreys (above), in a dashing and very elegant red pantsuit with white Pashmina shawl...

And even actress Jo Anne Worley (above), known for "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" TV Show as well as a frequent Celeb Guest on "The $10,000 Pyramid" and (my favorite) "Match Game". The performance of West Side Story was amazing: David and I LOVED it!!! All the actors and dancers did a fabulous job. Kudos to Michelle Aravena,who played "Anita" and did Rita Moreno proud in doing it! Kyle Harris and Ali Ewoldt--who played "Tony" and "Maria" also did a superb job! I left the show, wanting to Google who these actors were and naturally, wanting to YouTube the musical and see/hear all the iconic songs---all over again!!! ...I think that's a good thing!
If you're in LA--you HAVE to go see it!!!

Click Below to watch Rita Moreno doing "America" from West Side Story: