Fun in Atlantis Resort, Bahamas: Nick Verreos Lets Loose!!

"Uncle Nick" Has Fun in the Bahamas! Sharp Suits: Bahamian police in their finest uniforms, Nassau.

To put a punctuation in my Bahamas Islands of The World Fashion Week recaps, I thought it would only be appropriate to end with photos and recollections of my "Fun Day" in this gorgeous Caribbean Island, and especially my adventures at the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island.View from my Pool Chair: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island.

The ever-accommodating Islands of The World Fashion Week clients booked both David and I at the unbelievable Atlantis Resort and from the moment we were dropped off at it's main entrance, all I could think of was "Oh My God, this is HUUUUUGE!". I was really looking forward to staying at the Atlantis because up to now all I had as a reference was two TV shows: The Oprah Winfrey Show and Regis and Kelly. I remember watching these shows when they filmed from The Atlantis and all I could think was "One of these days...I want to go there!". Well, be careful what you wish for. Here I was, witnessing one of the largest tropical resorts in the world. Picture this: Combine two Las Vegas Bellagio Hotels, Disneyland, a Huge Water park, and add a Beach. The end result: The Atlantis in Paradise Island. View from My Room: A Tropical Paradise in the Atlantis, Paradise Island

During my week in the Bahamas, we were treated like royalty and attended many "Fashion Week" parties as I previously wrote. The third day there, at the "Culture and Arts Welcoming Party", I was met by a couple of surprise guests: My beautiful niece and nephew, Casia and Alain. My parents had flown in from San Antonio Texas, where they now reside, and brought the kids with them--as a surprise to me. I knew my parents were flying to the Bahamas--in support of my fashion show--but I had no idea that my nephew and niece were coming along. They instantly jumped on top of Uncle Nick and didn't let go---except when I threatened to push them into the fire-filled limbo dancing segment; that's when they ran away! Junkanoo Greeting: Alain, Junkanoo performer, Casia and Nick Verreos

Of course, the next day, they just wanted to have an entire "Play Day" with their uncle, but unfortunately, I was there to work. I had fashion show judging to do, press interviews, fittings and alterations as well as other peripheral fashion week duties. Toward the end of the week, however, I managed to end my "day of duties" early and got a nice afternoon to spend with them, where we ended up enjoying the Atlantis Water slides and nearby beach.
Conch Anyone? Alain, Uncle Nick Verreos and Casia, show off Bahamas culinary must-try delicacy, conch fritters

But first, I had to have a plateful of the famous Bahamian Conch Fritters that all our local hosts kept raving about (they were curiously good, crunchy and somewhat spicy, which I like!). Of course, Alain and Casia didn't even go near it! The word Conch does not sound as appetizing to a 12 and 9 year old, the way popcorn chicken and fries do!
Now, we were ready for Uncle Nick to finally get his toes wet. Four days in the Bahamas and I had not even stepped in a pool! So you know, I was ready!Manta Ray Heaven: A lagoon filled with Manta Rays at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

In case you didn't know, the Atlantis Resort has a 97-acre waterscape, featuring 20 million gallons of lagoons, pools, waterfalls and subterranean aquariums. Some of lagoons are filled with sharks, Manta Rays and with what seemed like every other species of fish known to man! And that's not to mention all the water slides strewn all over the resort. It seems that at almost every turn, there was a new water slide adventure. Take a Dip: My niece Casia and nephew Alain get ready to swim in one of the Atlantis resort pools

It's a kid's PARADISE! Of course, my niece and nephew went CRAZEEE! It's not necessarily an adult's resort--if you want quiet, relaxing, no-kids-screaming getaway---you might have to go somewhere else for that (I hear there's a more "adult" Cove section of the Atlantis, which we never got to see). Jaws Alert! A Shark swims by my niece and nephew,Casia and Alain, in the Mayan Temple Lagoon/Aquarium

My nephew immediately dared me to go on the famed Mayan Temple, a 60 foot vertical drop (yep, that's what I said) that ends in a clear tunnel INSIDE a shark-filled lagoon. I am not going to lie (if my nephew reads this, he will get a good laugh!), but I was NERVOUS! But I did it. Like THREE TIMES! We also enjoyed the nearby Challenger slides where you can challenge your "slide partner" to a slide race. Casia and I challenged each other. I think she won.
We ended our late afternoon with a quick run to the beach (it was late and getting dark).
Click below for a fun little video I filmed of my nephew and niece in the Atlantis Resort paradise Island Beach:



Toward the end of our stay in the Bahamas, David and I finally got to have some downtime, unfortunately, Hurricane Gustav was approaching and the weather drastically changed from sunny gorgeous to "Are we in Seattle?". But that did not stop us from having a "Nick & David Day" at the Atlantis Slides. This time, it was David's turn at the slides since he had not stepped foot in water the entire time we had been there! We did the Mayan Temple vertical drop slide (I dared him this time), and the 120 foot Power Tower, which featured 4 different slides, including a 50 foot drop into darkness (that was cool!). We also did the Lazy River, a relaxing slow float through a portion of the resort, where you just sit on an inner tube and let the man-made currents do their thing. I am too hyperactive and that one bored me to tears! I couldn't wait to get back on that Mayan Temple vertical drop instead!
Bahamas Dinin': Dinner at the Seafire Steakhouse in the Atlantis Resort, Paradsie Island

To cap our stay at the Islands of The World Fashion Week, we decided to have a wonderful dinner in the resort. The Atlantis features over 20 restaurants, some world-renowned such as Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and Nobu . We ended up having our final-night dinner at the Seafire Steakhouse with David's Mom and her friend, Blanche (both of whom came to the Bahamas via San Diego to see our Spring '09 Collection) and our VIP Hostess/Coordinator/Assistant/Manager/Model/Girl about Town, Miss Vanessa Pritchard. I called her my amazonian "Girl Friday". You may recall how in my last "Bahamas" posting (scroll below), I wrote about her elite lineage and how her family were the founders of John Bull, one of the premiere Caribbean high-end shopping boutiques in the Caribbean.
As much as we loved our week in the Caribbean, we could not wait to get back to our doggy, Benny, whom we had left at his "Doggy Resort" at LA Dogworks for a week. You can tell how much Benny missed "Daddy" David (and vice versa) from the photo below!David reconnects with our 1 1/2 year old dog, Benny, after a week in The Bahamas

The new Miss California--and the Nick Verreos "connection"

California Pageant GirlsMy sister with the Miss California USA '09 Winners

Last weekend, the new Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA for 2009 were crowned in the fabulous Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Spa. The winners were the tall blond Miss La Jolla, Carrie Prejean and 17 year old Chelsea Gilligan. I, unfortunately, could not attend but my sister, the beautiful Rita Verreos was there. She was invited to the lovely desert city, because Rita actually trains the Miss California's in their runway walks, posing, speech and everything else that makes them then go on to perform so well at Miss USA--as well as in life.
As much as people like to "hate" on pageants and the crazy world that surrounds them, all the training that occurs does lead these young women to fulfill their best potential. My sister--a product of the enviable Miss Venezuela Organization training--can attest to this.Nick Verreos and E! Academy Awards Models: On the far right is Carrie Prejean, the future Miss California USA '09

I'm not sure if the new Miss California USA, Carrie, remembers this, but she actually modeled for me, earlier this year, when I filmed the E! Entertainment Pre-Academy Awards Fashion Show Special. I told her how GORGEOUS I thought she was and how she should be Miss California USA! Well, I was about nine months ahead of myself! Because she did! Rita Verreos (in "vintage" Nick Verreos design) and Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 from Texas

At this years gala, my sister Rita wore a vintage Nikolaki/Nick Verreos silk charmeuse bias cut gown which I made over 12 years ago for her! And ( as she reminded me), it was all HANDMADE!!!!! I don't know if my sewing machine was not working or I wanted to be "couture" but I believe her! Her memory is better than mine. Meeting of The Pageant Minds: Shana Moakler and Rita Verreos at Miss California USA '09 Pageant, Palm Springs

She said she had a great time and had fun hanging out with Crystle Stewart, the gorgeous Miss USA 2008 from Texas (whom my sister also helped train), actress and model Shana Moakler (who became Miss USA 1995 when the actual Miss USA, Chelsi Smith won the Miss Universe title) and choreographer and former dancer/actor Cris Judd.

Nick Verreos Parties at the Bahamas Islands of The World Fashion Week

Bahamas Party Recap--Part Three of my Islands of The World Fashion Week ReportThe first ever Islands of The World Fashion Week wasn't all about the runway and seeing and judging beautiful clothes from all over the world. It was also about the major parties that engulfed the island nation of the Bahamas to celebrate the fashion week's debut. Welcome to the Bahamas: Junkanoo Performers greet Islands of The World Fashion week guests

As "VIP guests", both David and I were invited to all the parties and special events, which ended each Fashion Week's night with food, dancing, showcasing what Bahamians know best: How to party! Every evening, there was something to do---and a limousine waiting for us to get us to the festivities! Yes, kiddies, VIP all the way (loved that!) Limo Ridin': Susan Stein, David's Mom, Conchita, Louis Sarmiento, and Vanessa Pritchard

We were joined by my fellow judge, the fashionable DIVA and El Paseo Palm Desert Fashion Week Director, Susan Stein, Fashion Week Daily Publisher Louis Sarmiento (such a cutie--sorry Louis!), David's lovely mom, Conchita, who came all the way from San Diego, California to see our show and our hostess-with-the mostest, Miss Vanessa Pritchard (who we coaxed, kicking and screaming, to model in our NIKOLAKI show!) . Modeling Muse: David Paul, model and VIP Hostess, Vanessa Pritchard (in NIKOLAKI), and Nick Verreos

Vanessa comes from a long dynasty of Bahamian creme de la creme, as I call it. Her family began and own John Bull, originally a Tobacconist started by Sir Asa Pritchard, now a retail chain of boutiques which sell all the high-end international brands exclusively in the Caribbean, such as Gucci, Fendi, Rolex and Cartier---you name them , they've got it!

Welcome Night Party: Dancing Queen: Nick Verreos dancing up a storm at Islands of The World Fashion Week Party

The day after we arrived in the gorgeous Bahamas, David and I went directly to work, meeting the models, doing fittings, and casting our show. This took A WHOLE DAY, I kid you not. But we had 30 gowns to fit on 15 girls, and to also match shoes and accompanying jewelry of course. After a full day of work, we were ready for some fun: The first night we were treated to a "Opening Reception" at the Greycliff Humidor Churrascaria Brazilian Restaurant, where we drank Champagne and ate local hor d'oeuvres. Here, I was introduced for the first time to many of the participating designers from all the various island nations from the Caribbean and beyond. We also posed and took what was to be the first of many, many photos (watch out MySpace and Facebook!) Culture and Arts NightThe second day , I took in a day's worth of runway shows since I was one of the official judges for the Eco-Sustainable and Culture and Next-Gen Designer Awards. That night, we were picked up by our trusty driver, and shuttled to this fabulous estate, where the event's organizers treated us to a fabulous "Welcome Party" highlighting the Culture and Arts of the Bahamas, with a strong emphasis on Junkanoo--the Bahamian New Year's Celebration. I know I had really only been in Nassau three days, but this was by far my favorite night so far! The evening began with a fabulous Bahamian song-and-dance number by an ensemble cast of local performers, then there was limbo dancing (with fire-lit limbo sticks!), a powerful drum performance by an acclaimed local artist and even a celebratory Junkanoo procession of costumed tuba and brass--playing musicians and dancers (see above).

Click below for wonderful video of what greeted us at this "Culture Night" at Island of The World Fashion Week:

Marley Resort Party:Caribbean's Next Top Models: Nick Verreos and David Paul surrounded by the Top Models of the Caribbean at Marley Resort and Spa Fashion Week Party

Marley Resort Party:
The next night, we attended a late-night party at the Marley Resort, in Cable Beach, Nassau. Originally a governor's mansion, Marley's widow, Nana (Rita) Marley bought it and now runs this expansive and lush resort and we were privileged to have been there. We dined and danced the night away with other attendees of the Islands of The World Fashion Week, as well as all the models and participating designers.

A Thousand and One (Bahamian) Nights: Nygard Cay ResortThroughout the entire week, we were forewarned about the "Final Night Party" and how unbelievable it would be. As we got into our "Super Stretch" limousine, we knew something special would be ahead of us. After an hour drive from our Atlantis Resort Hotel, we ended up in Lyford Cay in Nassau, New Providencia, then passed by a glorious gated community, through an obviously tony upper class neighborhood with colonial style mansions galore--including Sean Connery's home as well as other Hollywood A-Listers. Center Of Attention: The Bar at Nygard Cay

We then arrived at the famed Nygard Cay, a 6 acre/150,000 sq. ft. resort founded by Clothing Designer (based out of Canada, you can also find his designs at Dillard's) and Multi Millionaire Peter Nygard. We thought we had arrived in another world altogether! We look up and there were these immense architectural masterpieces of Mayan style temples greeting us. Nygard supposedly lives in the "Private Area" of the resort but it is available to rent--for $42,000 a day! Oprah Winfrey has. He also has his own private Boing 727 jet. Bahamian Vollyball: A view of one of the many pools at Nygard Cay

I think my mouth was completely open (in a permanent awestruck pose) for about an HOUR after arriving at Nygard Cay. It is really one of those things that you just have to see to believe. Countless pools, a private theater, your own secluded beach, a complete discotheque and even a bedroom that juts out from the main "temple mansion" and hovers inexplicably over the ocean. I swear it was something out of a James Bond movie! If you can make so much money and be able to own a jet and a mansion like this selling at Dillard's then sign NIKOLAKI up!
Nygard Disco: The view of the Nygard Cay Resort Discotheque ( Peter Nygard made a rare appearance--he's the blond man with a turquoise sweater around his neck, to the right of center)
Nikolaki Sandwich: David Paul, model Kamela, and Nick Verreos at Nygard Cay Party

The party was INCREDIBLE!! Everything was taken care of: From the endless buffet of delicious food to the fully-stocked open bar, to the various artists, singers and dancers who entertained us, it was as if we were celebrating New Year's Eve in major VIP fashion! LA Fashion Week: LA-based Designer Kevan Hall, David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI at Nygard Cay

There were even models strewn throughout the resort , semi-naked, in full body paint, serving jello shots (Click on video below!) We danced, ate and drank the night away, until we couldn't anymore---and like Cinderella, we had to catch our "carriage" back to the Atlantis. It was a fabulous ending to an incredible debut of Islands of The World Fashion Week.

Click below to watch a fun video of LA Designer Kevan Hall, Nick Verreos, David Paul, Vanessa Pritchard and other guests partaking in the "Islands of The World Jello Shots" at Nygard Cay Resort Party!!

Amanda Lepore and my friend YOZMIT/Miss Yo, in NY!!!

Miss YO Hits Amanda Lepore's Birthday in NY!!!

Cleavage Darling: Amanda Lepore and my friend, Miss Yo, at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party

One of my oldest friends---and former FIDM school mate from AGES ago (I'm not tellin')---moved to the Big Apple about a year ago (after stints in Los Angeles and Paris) and has now become part of the fashionable NY nightlife "glitterati". I miss my Miss YO (as I affectionately call her but she goes by Yozmit, her stage name) and our going-out days. She was a muse and a source of inspiration during my "early days" when I was breaking into the Los Angeles fashion industry.

Vintage Nikolaki: Rita Verreos (in Nikolaki gold silk gown), Nick Verreos, and Miss Yo (in black veil and gold "crown"), and model in Nikolaki

In fact, she came to each and every one of my early fashion shows and even opened my Fall 2002 NIKOLAKI "Morocco" Collection with an incense-burning catwalk that people still remember to this day!

Yozmit is doing amazingly well, where she is known for her performance art and dance pieces she does for various organizations and putting on fabulous theatrical shows. In fact, several months ago, she even performed in front of Madonna and Justin Timberlake (I know!) at Madonna's VIP after party.

Beret Queen: Yozmit at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party

Well, I was so jealous when she sent me these photos of her at Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party last week, celebrated, where else? New York City of course. I wasn't invited (I'm too old and far too not-so-fierce to be part of that "In" Crowd), but Yozmit was there, soaking it all in.

Lips and Bust: Yozmit, Birthday Girl and Amanda Lepore-- Amanda Lepore's Birthday Party NY

Yozmit wore a fitted khaki jacket with Edwardian sleeves, a gold sequined beret, denim mini skirt, a tie-front striped blouse and a fur coat (or was it part of her purse?). Miss Lepore, on the other hand, was giving you CLEAVAGE darling (quelle surprise) in a very fitted silver and black PLUNGING neckline dress. Those nails look DEADLY Miss Amanda! Love them! Hope she didn't scratch my little Miss Yo.

Nick Verreos Celebrates with Lily Collins and Mary Norton

A Purse Love Story: Nick Verreos and Lily CollinsIn Pursuit of a Bag: Nick Verreos and Lily Collins pose in the Mary Norton Boutique

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining one of my favorite gals--the one and only Miss Lily Collins--to celebrate the launch of the Lily Bag and Jane Ballet Flat at the elegant Mary Norton Boutique located on Melrose Place. Both items were designed by Lily and will be carried exclusively at the Mary Norton Boutique, naturally.
Months ago, I filmed a pilot with the beautiful Lily Collins for a Nickelodeon show and had the most amazing time and I had not seen Lily in awhile so I was ready for some "Lily and Nick" bonding!The Lady In Red? Or Dark Pink? Lily Collins posing next to her designs (you can spot her Mom, Jill in the background)

Both of us had just returned to Los Angeles from a bit of traveling---I had just arrived from doing an event in San Diego---and Lily, well, she had barely unpacked from her recent trip to Madrid, where she won the "International Model " Award at a Glamour Magazine Event there. Yeah, let's recap this: Lily goes to Spain, Nick goes to San Diego. Purse and Shoe Diva: Mary Norton and Nick Verreos, at her chic boutique

The Mary Norton boutique is located on what is fast becoming the mini Rodeo Drive of Los Angeles, right near Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta, as well as one of my favorite spas, Kate Somerville. I had just arrived in the store when Miss Lily spotted me and we started jumping up and down like 19 year old girls (oh wait, SHE IS 19 years old so what's my excuse?). She looked so pretty in a Temperley strapless dress as she proceeded to show me the fabulous bag (love the tassel and chain as well as the textured "flap") and the Jane Ballet Flat. So cute! And you know what's even cuter: The fact that proceeds from every sale goes to benefit the Maple Counseling Center. Click HERE for more information. Go USC: Lily Collins poses with her College friends who came out to support her at the launch of her Lily Bag and Jane Ballet Flat

I had a really fun time with Lily and her UBER stylish mom, Jill (you know how much I love the Mommies), who was sporting ivory palazzo pants and a black knit (cashmere?) top. Oh and did I mention the red crocodile (or was it Python?) skin Loewe bag? I love me some Loewe, the "Hermes" of Spain, in case you didn't know kiddies. Goyard who? It's all about Loewe. I also got to meet Lily's best friends from college. They were so cute and we dished a lot about Project Runway (they're fans!). Even though they all attend USC (I'm a UCLA Bruin myself), I still liked them!