Best of 2008--Nick Verreos Recap-Part I

Happy Holidays and a Happy 2009!!Nikolaki Santa: Illustration by Nick Verreos

Since 2008 is coming to an end, I thought it would be fun to do a "Best of" here on my fun little ol' blog site. I know it's very "Tyra" of me , but of course this Best of 2008 Recap is ALL ABOUT ME! Well, what I thought were all the highlights for me and what I had done throughout this past year. So without further ado, here goes my monthly Nick Highlights for 2008:

TV Guide Fashion Wraps with Lisa Rinna, Oscar's Pre-Show with Debbie Matenopoulos and Kim Kardashian; FIDM Debut 2008; NIKOLAKI gowns shine on actress Melora Hardin (NBC's The Office), Miss Alaska USA at Miss USA '08, as well as TV Guide Network's Rosanna Tavarez and Kimberly Caldwell at Amercian Idol Finale...

January---------------------------------------------------------------------------------In the beginning of January, I got called in to do some "Red Carpet Fashion Expert" commentating for the TV Guide Network and specifically, to join the expert team on Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna post-red carpet show. First up were the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards in late January. I had a blast doing it and I guess the "powers that be" at TV Guide Network liked what they saw...

February--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The following month, I was asked to do E! Entertainment's Live Pre-Oscars Show. I joined the gorgeous (and long-lost Greek sistah) Debbie Matenopoulos as well as TV personality Kim Kardashian, at the Roosevelt Hotel E! Oscars Pre-Show Studio across from the Kodak Theater, and added a little bit of testosterone (just a little) to an otherwise all-girl line up. Debbie Matenopoulos, Nick Verreos and Kim Kardashian on E! Oscars Live Pre-Show

I also got to star in the first ever E! Oscars Fashion Show where we showed gown styles that might be seen on the Academy Awards red carpet, including one of my own NIKOLAKI designs (the turquoise silk gown to the right of the photo below). I even got to take a "final bow". The E! Pre-Oscars Coverage ended with Miss Debbie giving me a bouquet of flowers as I did the "Miss Congeniality" wave and pretend-cry.Debbie Matenopoulos hands Nick Verreos his post runway bouquet

One of the best moments of 2008 for me was when Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin (Best Actress in 1988 for "Children Of A Lesser God") attended the 2008 Oscars and wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns--a black and white silk duchess fitted gown from my Spring Collection. Actress Marlee Matlin wears NIKOLAKI gown to the 2008 Oscars

This was the first time a Project Runway Designer dressed an Academy Award-winning actress at the Oscars. The gown was later featured in an issue of In Style Magazine, in their "Best Gowns of the 2008 Academy Awards" issue. Consequently, I did a live taping for a BBC Morning Talk Show "Breakfast" and offer more of my expertise on Academy Awards fashion as well as do post-award show commentary once again for Lisa Rinna's Fashion Wraps for TV Guide Network. My time with Lisa and the rest of the red carpet fashion "crew" was not over, however, as I got called upon for one last award show fashion expert chat fest for the Grammy Awards.Project Runway Season 3 Model, Amanda Fields models in FIDM Debut '08

February was also the month for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) famed Debut Fashion Show. The annual show occurs at the massive Santa Monica Airport Barker Hanger. As the Spokesperson (and Instructor) of FIDM, I introduced the show in front of a packed house of 3000 attendees and then later posed with literally, hundreds of them, for their MySpace and Facebook photos. Fun times!Nick Verreos takes photos at FIDM Debut '08

April-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Along with my partner David Paul--who as you know, co-designs the NIKOLAKI Collection with me--we designed the custom gown for the reigning Miss Alaska USA, Courtney Carroll for her to wear at the Miss USA 2008 competition. It was a sexy 1930's inspired bubblegum pink silk crepe back satin gown with Swarovski crystal shoulder accents. Miss Alaska USA in NIKOLAKI gown, Miss USA 2008 Pageant

We flew to Las Vegas to attend the Miss USA as Courtney's "special guests" and cheer her on as she won the Miss Photogenic 2008 title (which she dutifully accepted in our NIKOLAKI one-of-a-kind gown live on the NBC telecast).

Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori

During our visit to Sin City, I got to meet the beautiful Riyo Mori, the reigning Miss Universe 2007, from Japan and the stunning new Miss Venezuela, a lovely young model by the name of Dayana Mendoza. Five months later, Dayana won the Miss Universe 2008 crown in Vietnam.
Miss Venezuela (and future Miss Universe 2008), Dayana Mendoza and Nick Verreos

During April, I was invited (thanks Absolut!) to attend the 2008 GLAAD Media Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. Kathy Griffin (and her hilarious mom) opened the show. Janet Jackson was there. Nick Verreos, GLAAD Awards red carpet

So was Cindy Crawford (who accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for Herb Ritts). Even Tom Ford was in the audience, seated two rows behind me. I also got to say "hello" to actors Rex Lee of HBO's Entourage and Michael Urie of ABC's Ugly Betty, amongst others.

Actors Rex Lee (HBO's Entourage), Michael Urie (ABC's Ugly Betty) and Nick Verreos, 2008 GLAAD Awards

Actress Melora Hardin wears NIKOLAKI to host Elle Magazine event, New York City

During this month, the statuesque (and gorgeous) actress Melora Hardin (of NBC's The Office) wore my NIKOLAKI black ruffled neck fitted dress to an Elle Magazine event she hosted , along with Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys NY.Actress Melora Hardin (wearing NIKOLAKI) on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet

Melora also chose one of my silk chiffon flower-printed gowns from my Spring 2008 Collection to wear for her appearance a week later on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet in New York City.TV presenter and singer Rosanna Tavarez, wearing NIKOLAKI gown to American Idol Finale taping

The month ended in a NIKOLAKI coup d'etat when TV personalities (and hosts of TV Guide Network's Idol Chat, Idol Tonight and Reality Chat) Kimberly Caldwell and Rosanna Tavarez wore my elegant gowns to host the American Idol Finale. Kimberly Caldwell wears NIKOLAKI to American Idol Finale taping

Rosanna wore a white silk jersey Grecian Goddess gown and Kimberly wore two: A black silk duchess strapless gown for the Finale and a black and white cocktail number to interview the winner, David Cook (see video below). They began dating soon afterward. It was my dress I SWEAR! (ha ha)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

So, Today is Chrismas Eve and while being bored at home (waiting to go to dinner at my brother's) I decided I'd start my blog! WWeeee!

I'd like to start by wishing everyone a very merry Christmas! I hope that each and everyone of you reading this gets to spend quality time with those that you love. Christmas is a time of joy around the world and it brings so many people together. I will be spending my evening with my Brother, my sister-in-law, their 4 children, my mother and my boyfriend. My family is pretty small but it's always lost of fun. Tonight, I look forward to watching my nieces and nephew open their gift at midnight (family tradition).

Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO,
Awilda

Makeup look for the evening:

FACE:
MAC Moisture Lush Cream
MUFE HD Primer
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, NC40
MAC Studio Concealer, NW25
MAC MSF in Medium Plus
MAC Bronzer in Matte Bronze
MAC Lightsweep/Shadester for Contour
NARS Deepthroat Blush
MAC Fix+

EYES:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Bare Canvas Paint
MAC Star Violet allover lid
MAC Humid in Crease/Outer Corner
MAC Nylon to highlight
MAC Black Tied to deepen outer corner
MAC Blacktrack to line
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil ZERO to water line + smudged

Lips:
Prescriptives Lipgloss in Meteor

Nick Verreos on Despierta America/Univision

Miami, Sears Fashion, Sharks and Venezuelan Arepas?

Click Above Video to see my segment on Despierta America

As you may remember I filmed a Sears Commercial for their Grant A Wish Campaign for the current Holiday Ads which are running on TV right now. As a bilingual designer, I filmed one in English and one in Spanish. Two weeks ago, I flew to Miami to film a "How to Dress for the Holidays" segment on one of the most popular morning show for the Spanish-Speaking population in The US, "Despierta America". In English "Despierta America" translates to "Wake Up America!", and just like it's English-speaking counterpart, it is a four hour talk fest comprised of news, entertainment, fashion and everything in between. It is hosted by Fernando Arau, Ana Maria Canseco, Neida Sandoval, and Raul Gonzalez and there's even a dog, Cosita ("Little Thing"), who serves as their unofficial mascot.Ana Maria Canseco: Ana Maria was my co-presenter for the Despierta America Holiday Fashion Segment

For the segment, I was asked to style an entire family (dad, mom, son and daughter) for a Holiday Party in outfits that we would get exclusively from Sears. And then, of course, go Live on Despierta America all across the US and talk about the outfits. My trusty confidante and design partner, David Paul came with me to Miami. For years, David helped style and assist in the Wardrobe of various shows, including "Queer Eye For the Straight Girl", NBC's "Passions" Daytime Drama and MTV's "Undressed". Since his expertise is Styling, I had a feeling that I would be needing his assistance when it came to the shopping portion of this trip.
Rooftop Lounging: The Gansevoort South Miami Rooftop Pool and Lounge--In case you are wondering, we never got to use it or even partake the chic lounging part...

After arriving in gorgeous Miami (the weather was a balmy 75 degrees), we settled into the stylishly new and UBER hip, Gansevoort South Miami Beach Hotel. The hotel is located right on Collins Ave., where all the other fabulous hotels are. In the lobby, waiting for us was the huge aquarium/tank filled with fish and sharks. What is it about aquariums, sharks and me? They seem to be following me around! First, last month at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and now Gansevoort Miami Beach. Shark Attack! Miami Style: The Aquarium Fish and Shark Tank, Gansevoort South Miami Lobby

Needless to say, the hotel was very chic. There were gorgeous models everywhere I looked in the hotel, which led me to think that the only people in Miami (or allowed into the Gansevoort) are gorgeous models! But alas, I soon discovered that the main offices of Wilhelmina Models was located IN THE HOTEL! Not surprised. Art Basel was also going on at the same time we arrived so there were a lot of "artsy" and very stylishly "eclectic" people around. Lots of Europeans. Barely any Americans. I guess in these economic times, the Europeans are the only ones who can actually afford to travel....

The day after arriving, we went right to work. We spent an entire day shopping at a local Sears to find just the right "Holiday" outfits for our "TV Family". Along with David, the clients also provided me with a fabulous stylist who styles a lot of Despierta America segments, as well as other shoots. She was a local and knew the "lay of the land", as they say. After we found all the necessary clothing, accessories, and shoes, we went back to the hotel for fittings and now we were ready for our segment. Despierta Family: Nick Verreos poses with Despierata America's "TV Family" in their fabulous Sears Outfits

For the Mom, we picked a fitted blue and silver grey dress with a royal blue jacket to go with it. To finish her ensemble, we added some fantastic metallic shoes and clutch bag, to add that air of "festiveness" (and because metallics are so hot right now). For the Dad (he was a gorgeous model from Ford Miami!), we chose a fitted gray blazer, slick fitted pants (with a subtle plaid), a sweater and a dress shirt. To accent it all, we added a great plum-colored pocket scarf. The kids looked so CUTE in their "Holiday" outfits as well. The little girl (who has modeled in these types of TV segments before) wore a pretty 50's style red party dress accessorized with a little black purse, Heels and Headband. The little boy (who was the actual son of the "mom") looked dressy-but-casual in khakis, a black and red argyle sweater, white dress shirt and tie. Too cute! The tie was one of those new "zip-up" ties. I did not even know they made those. When I was a little boy, it was all about the "Clip-on". If you watch the segment (sorry but it's all in Spanish), I ask the little boy if he feels comfortable in his new look and he does the cutest "No" with his head---on LIVE TV!!!! I was like "No he didn't!" but in the end, he recovered and quickly did a "yes" nod ( I stopped breathing for 1.2 seconds!).
Posin' with Dad: Nick Verreos poses with model, Darian Faroy, who played "The Dad" on the Sears Fashion Segment

We shot the segment and time just flew by; it was over in less than five minutes! My co-presenter was the beautiful Ana Maria Canseco, who could not have been any sweeter. Before going live, she told me that she was a fan of me and Project Runway and how much she loved my work. I told her that the next time she visits LA or does any presenting or red carpet, she should come by my Los Angeles NIKOLAKI studio to take a look at my dresses and gowns. We might just see Ana Maria in a NIKOLAKi in the near future! I had such a great time at the Univision Studios filming the segment and meeting everyone there.Yummy Arepas: The Venezuelan "taco", it is the national "bread" of Venezuela and eaten for breakfast , lunch and dinner and can be stuffed with cheese, chicken,ham, beef or just about anything else!

I finished my morning in Miami (which began with a 4:30AM wake up call!!) by driving back to Miami Beach and to my new favorite Venezuelan bake shop, Moises Bake Shop on Collins and bought about TEN Venezuelan Arepas, Tequenos, and Empanadas! Before heading to the airport, David and I had a hearty Venezuelan-style breakfast back in our hotel before heading to the airport. It was a perfect way (for me at least) to end my quick stay in Miami.

Lauren Conrad and Nick Verreos: Fashionable Holidays!

"The Hills"---in West Hollywood...plus another Boutique Opening!Three's Company: Lauren Conrad, her high-school friend Jillian and Nick Verreos, at HERE Lounge

The weekend in LA for some people means relaxing, nice brunches at Quality, House of Pies or the hipster hangout 101 Coffee Shop/Hollywood and, of course, some last minute Holiday Shopping---yeah, I did that. But it also meant "Oh Dear, more Holiday Parties!" Over this last weekend, I was invited by my dear friend, Woody Woodbeck, whom I originally met over a year ago filming a "Where Are They Now?" Project Runway segment. We immediately hit it off and since then have been friends. He had his first Annual "It's A Woody Christmas" event at the HERE Lounge in West Hollywood and of course I wanted to be there.
As soon as I dropped my toy off in the "toy box" (it was done in association with Toys For Tots), I posed with a US Marine (in full uniform, who seemed very comfortable being amongst "The Gays") and made a beeline inside to the bar/club. The place was packed and I soon spotted my former student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM and now friend, the one and only Miss Lauren Conrad. I Love a Man In A Uniform: Nick Verreos poses, with his gift and a "Toys For Tots" Marine

Lauren was in a roped-off "VIP booth" with one of her best friends from high school, Jillian. When I saw Lauren, of course, I turned into a 16 year old screaming girl and screamed "Heeeeyyyy". Lauren and Jillian were both sportin' Urban Outfitters (you know I asked what and who they were wearing and they said "Urban!"). I guess they had gone shopping earlier that day and were showing off their purchases. I would be too. On the other hand, I was wearing year-old Dolce and Gabbana (no shopping for me unfortunately). While we were hanging out, she received a phone call and it was Brody (Jenner). She had another party to be at and so we soon double-kissed and said "Goodbye"!

Gordon Henderson Boutique Opening
Shopping For a Suit: Marc Jacobs' John Wade and Nick Verreos meet up at the Gordon Henderson Store Opening

On Sunday--after a day of shooting my entire NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection for my upcoming new Website (and Look Book), I got a call from my friend John Wade, inviting me to be his "date" at the store opening of the new Gordon Henderson Boutique on Melrose. It took me about 2 minutes to figure it out but Gordon Henderson is---as Victoria Beckham would say---MAJAH! Not only did he apprentice with Calvin Klein, he also won the prestigious Perry Ellis Award back in 1990, and had his own exclusive line of practical, sporty separates through Saks Fifth Avenue. He was also one of People Magazine's Most Sexiest Men---in 1992!!! He is doing Menswear and has a fabulous new store to showcase it. The vibe of the store, and his line of Saville Row-looking hand-finished suits and shirts, were very "Out Of Africa"--like a stylish expat living in Nairobi. Nonchalant tailored chic. He also "collects" vintage menswear pieces from Brooks Brothers as well as other brands and revamps them. So great, I even bought a piece (I know, I cannot help myself at a store opening!). If I was a rich British soccer player with style, I would definitely hit up Gordon Henderson! Just sayin' David Beckham....

Holiday Parties '08 Nick Verreos Wrap Up--Part II

Puppies Meet Project Runway, and then some...Benny: Look Over Here! Nikolaki designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with their dog, Benny

Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Party
Earlier this week, after returning from Miami (the SAME DAY!), I was off and running, in terms of my so-called "social calendar" (Thanks David, for keeping that calendar in check!). First, I was invited to the Beverly Hills Mutt Club "Jingle Bones" Party at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Boutique for dogs, right across from the fabulous Peninsula Hotel. Not only was I invited but so was my "son", Benny and his other "Daddy", David. This would be Benny's chance to get his "Holiday Party" on and maybe get the chance for his first "red carpet" moment.Doggie Party: Benny and his "buddies" at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Holiday Party

Even though my studio is in Downtown Los Angeles and the party was in Beverly Hills, we spent ONE HOUR driving in wonderful (I am being sarcastic, of course) Los Angeles traffic! And this was not "rush hour" but 7:30 PM! Almost two miles from our party destination, Benny threw up! Yep, I said it! He was OVER it and we hadn't even walked him on the red carpet!! Thank God we kept a towel in my car, just in case for lovely occurrences like this one. Benny's I-ain't-feeling-well mood did a 180 degree change once he saw all the puppies outside the event. He even behaved enough to pose for cameras on the "step and repeat" wall, as we made our way inside doggy couture "Heaven". Beverly Hills Mutt Club "divas": Celina Bojorquez and her mother Sandy Siegler, pose with Nick Verreos and Benny (featuring his new sweater from Pooch Outfitters)

Once inside, we greeted our host, Beverly Hills Mutt Club owner, the beautiful Celina Bojorquez and met her lovely mother as well as mingled with other dog-owning guests. Benny was having the greatest time smelling other dogs booties (what is that all about?) and enjoying all the other dogs. There were more than 50 people in this tiny boutique and the same amount of dogs. Big Ol' Dog: An Irish Wolfhound

But one specific canine caught my eye. It was an Irish Wolfhound (I later found out) and he was HUGE!!! Benny got under him and there was still about 12" of space left above him. I had never seen a dog that big up close! (I know , I need to get out more--maybe visit one or two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows)Doggie Daddies: Hair Stylist Dean Banowetz, his Irish Wolfhound Max, and Nick Verreos

His owner was the equally fantastic Dean Banowetz, hair stylist to the stars, including Ryan Seacrest and all of the American Idol contestants. He is the man behind Sanjaya's infamous faux-hawk up-do. Even after the one-hour LA traffic and the "sickies" incident, we all had a fun time. Benny even got to walk out with a stylish new cashmere sweater from Pooch Outfitters (see above photo) and his own engraved crystal-studded tag from Poochi Couture Luxury Dog Jewelry.

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique OpeningKortolicious: Designer Korto Momulu and Nick Verreos, Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening

On the same night as the "Puppy Party", I was also invited to the grand opening of a new Los Angeles clothing store, the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique. The problem was that I still had Benny and was not about to drive back home---an hour away in LA traffic--drop him off and then attend the boutique opening. So I just brought him along! Stylista: Nick Verreos poses with guests at Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening (she's wearing Jerell Scott's design)

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique is a new store carrying up-and-coming designers from LA and elsewhere, including the designs of several Project Runway designers such as Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, and finalists Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott as well. Once we arrived, the opening was in full gear, with guests spilling onto the sidewalk of the store---which is located adjacent to the Beverly Center Mall, on 3rd Street. Inside, it was like a small Project Runway Reunion. Miss Kit Pistol, from Season 4, was there, looking chic as always. I also said "Happy Holidays" to Jerell and Miss Korto, who was wearing one of her own designs, a stretch jersey bandeau dress which hugged EVERY INCH of her curvaceous body. She pointed out that the same dress was being sold at the store of course.
Winning Design: The pink dress at the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique reminded me of this one from Leanne's Final Collection

I spent a little bit of time looking at all the clothing Jane Doe/John Doe carried, but really wanted to see what Leanne Marshall, the Winner of Season 5, had designed to sell at the boutique (she was not at the party unfortunately). Right near the front, was her "section" of three or four pieces that she made for the store. My favorite was a mini bubble gum pink silk organza strapless cocktail dress which reminded me of the cream and baby blue two-piece ensemble from her final Bryant park Collection. It was priced at $2,000 which seemed a little high for a store that carries dresses in the $150-$500 Contemporary range, but it was still very pretty.Rising Talent: Nick Verreos with designer Alice Schoenau, whose line is carried at Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique

I was also intrigued by the designs of young Alice Schoenau. Hers were hanging next to Leanne's and I was especially drawn to a beautiful hammered/washed silk multi-tiered halter gown. Her line was pretty, directional yet still had that "wearable" hanger-appeal. I asked her how she ended up at the boutique and she told me that she literally answered an ad requesting for young emerging designers to be showcased at a new store...Simple as that! Next thing she knew, her mini-line was at Jane Doe/John Doe.
After spending about 30 minutes at the boutique opening, I almost forgot that Benny was with me (David was carrying him around!). He was having a grand ol' time with all the fashionistas, but it was almost 11 PM and it was time to go. Not to mention the fact that someone needed his walk and to go tinkle. Time to go kids...See you at the next Holiday Party!