Bienvenido a Puerto REEEEECOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Miss Puerto Rico: Nick Verreos and his Macy's Puerto Rico Models, Plaza Las AmericasOne week ago--to the day--I went to the Caribbean Island (and unofficial 51st US State) of
Puerto Rico, to host one of my many
Macy's Fashion Director Events. I was SOOOO EXCITED to be coming to Puerto Rico. Why? First of all, I am half Latino and speak fluent Spanish and grew up in Venezuela--which is like Puerto Rico but in South America.
Also: This was my second time in the island. Back in my
UCLA/College days, I spent a very crazy Spring Break in
Puerto Rico with my College roommates and friends where I had to call my parents back home to wire me money because I had none to pay for a hotel! But this time I was going for work and actually staying in a nice hotel...
The
Sheraton Hotel and Casino near the
Convention Center. No beach or poker-playin' time, unfortunately. Need I remind you, I am here for Fashion and for Work! I arrived the night before my event and was surprised to see what awaited me at the
American Airlines Gate:
Yummy Yummy: Sancocho There were two people--with a whole "Soup Kitchen"-like set up--serving what I think was
SANCOCHO! Now, in case you are Latin-food deficient,
Sancocho is a traditional soup consisting of vegetables and (usually) large pieces of meat, served in a broth. As I walked out of my LONG flight, the entire gate was filled with waiting passengers (for the next flight I presume?) with Styrofoam bowls of the stuff. I was like
"What the H***???".
Welcome to Puerto Rico!!! It's like the "lei" of Puerto Rico I guess!
AM Modeling: Nick Verreos flanked by his Univision "Tu Mañana" Morning Show ModelsVery early the next morning--the day of my event--I was scheduled to do an interview--and mini-Fall Trend Fashion Show with models--with the local
Univision Morning Show,
"Tu Mañana". When I showed up, I really had no idea what to expect and if they even knew who I was. But all that changed the minute I met my new GIRLFRIEND:
Matchy-Matchy: Nick Verreos and Nuria Sebazco, on the set of Univision's Puerto Rico "Tu Mañana"The gorgeous
"Tu Mañana" anchor,
Nuria Sebazco. She went LOCA: She was like "OMG,
te quiero! I read your blog..loved your Barbie! I loved you on the show..." Well, that was IT for me! I wish I had her as my every day Wake Up Alarm Clock! The interview and mini fashion show went great and I had a lot of fun with everyone at
Univision Puerto Rico.
But now, it was time to get ready for my Puerto Rico
"Director de Moda Evento" (translation: Fashion Director Event) at
Macy's Plaza Las Americas.
We had three great Challenges, where audience members styled our models for special occasions which I came up with, such as
Dressing for Puerto Rico High Fashion Week and
"What Would You Wear For an Interview?".
Hug It Out: Nick Verreos and and old friend of his family who resides in Puerto Rico, Dyneli, who came out for the eventEveryone had a lot of fun--especially me--and it was great to meet the fans of
Project Runway in Puerto Rico. Hopefully I can return to this gorgeous island and possibly be invited to show my
Nikolaki Collection like I showed in the
Bahamas two years ago at
Island of The World Fashion Week. I love me the Caribbean that's for sure!
One of the Pools at the Sheraton San Juan/Convention Center and the View of San Juan from the Pool DeckBefore leaving the following morning (I had a plane to catch to host another
Macy's Fashion Director event, this time in
Nashville Tennessee!), I had to at least get a photo of the Hotel's pool and some "Caribbean-esque" Palm Trees. Otherwise, people would have not believed that I was even there! Sorry no Beach-y photos, but I did get to see them from my airplane window when I left.
Adios Puerto Rico, Te Amo! Now, I wonder where I can get some Sancocho in Los Angeles?????
For Some Great Interviews I did in Puerto Rico (both in Spanish) Click Below:
Click HERE for my Interview with Puerto Rican Newspaper "Primera Hora" 
Click HERE for an Interview with "El Nuevo Dia"
Well this Friday, I get on another airplane and head to Minneapolis, Minnesota! I'm hosting my Macy's Fashion Challenge Event Saturday October 9Th at the Macy's Southdale Center, in the suburb of Edina about 11 miles from Minneapolis I've been told. Details on what I'll be doing are above on the "Invite".
I'm very excited because this will be my first time in the state of Minnesota. The clients have warned me to bring a coat because it might be cold--I did my research and the "weatherman" says that on Saturday, it will be a high of 69 and a low of 54. Not too cold. Very San Francisco-esque. I'll take that!
I was going to bring my FABULOUS Marc Jacobs Collection parka with fur hood but...I have a feeling A) That might be to heavy for 60 Degree weather and B) The stares from the Minneapolis Airport Security might get me a "Full Body Scan"...
