Postcard: New York City August 2011--McQueen Exhibit, Dream Downtown Hotel

A Pool in a Manhattan, a balcony in a NYC Hotel, a 2 1/2 hr Wait for McQueen and DELICIOUS Pizza? Read on...

Nick Verreos, Dream Downtown Hotel Pool NYC

A couple of weeks ago--between my crazy schedule of co-running my NIKOLAKI design company, designing, draping and making patterns for the next collection, filming TV Show Pilots, and trying to AVOID answering questions of "Why Are You Not on Project Runway All Stars?"--I had to fly to NYC with my design-and-business partner David Paul for an important business meeting. Well, let's just begin with how much I love NY. Love. I have many friends there so I can't wait to arrive. But I was a little bit scared since, well, for the last few weeks, it had been like 10,000 DEGREES HOT. I don't do HOT HUMID WEATHER very well! My T-zone doesn't "likey". But--thank goodness--the weather had "cooled" down--to a respectable 80-something degrees. I really didn't have an option, since this was the only time we could have this business meeting.

Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition, Metropolitan Museum NYC

Also, I remembered that the FAB Metropolitan Museum Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibition was going to close soon and my partner, David, had not gone...so, this would be the PERFECT opportunity!



David and I booked ourselves into the newly-opened Dream Downtown Hotel, which is located near the "Meatpacking District"/Chelsea area. It had a pool. Enough said. Done and done. Upon arrival, we went to our Deluxe Room and I just about SCREAMED...



We had a balcony! (above photo) Who has a balcony in a NYC Hotel? Well, we never had. It even had a little chair as well. Yes, it was a vertiginous balcony about 18" wide but still, it was a balcony. The room was spacious--for NYC standards.



The room also had a interesting "Girl Scout" painting which I was obsessed with. But the "piece de resistance" (besides the balcony, pool, painting), was that there were ETRO bath and grooming products in the bathroom:



I LOVE me some Etro! After our business meetings, we returned to our hotel and enjoyed a day in the Pool:

Dream Downtown Hotel Pool

Dream Downtown Hotel Pool Beach area

The next day we headed off to the Metropolitan Museum to see the Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibit. I had been to it when it first opened but David had never been. And it was THE LAST WEEK!!!! So, No Should've, Would've, Could've...Just Do It!!!

Metropolitan Museum Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibition, Final Week lines

Metropolitan Museum NYC

We braved a 2 1/2 hrs wait (when I first went, I barely waited in line!) hanging out in the Met's immense entrance upstairs balcony area (in line of course!). Finally, we made it in. It was PACKED and not so comfortable of an experience (for both David and I) to be 10 people-deep from the actual clothes and trying to read what they were.

Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum NYC

Since I had already "been there, done that", I really didn't care. But, yes, I felt bad for David. He even rented the Audio Equipment (my suggestion) which well, if you can't even see the displays, what's the point?

Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Exhibit, Metropolitan Museum NYC

After it was all said and done, we did it, and more importantly, David got to see (kind of) the

Exhibition: The dresses, gowns, shoes, videos...were AMAZING!!! (the accompanying book is A MUST BTW!) We will really be PISSED if it comes to Los Angeles and the almost-three hour wait and barely-seeing-anything (for David) was for nothing!!

David Paul and Taylor Schultz, Maritime Hotel La Bottega NYC

After our trip Uptown to the Exhibition, we capped off our time in NYC with drinks and dinner with our very good friend Taylor--first at the Maritime Hotel's "La Bottega" for cocktails and then Artichoke Pizza: Yum and Yummier...





PS: I LOVE NY!

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:

Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010-The Final Recap: Night 3--Haiti Relief Fashion Show!

Finale Night Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010, Haiti Relief Fashion Show, Awards...and fun at Atlantis Resort!

Fashion Hammock: Nick Verreos filming a TV interview in The Bahamas, British Colonial Hilton

Happy Thanksgiving Week!! Hopefully, you enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, had fun with friends and family, rested and well, got out and "exercised" your shopping duties! While taking some "down-time" during this Thanksgiving, I figured, this would be the perfect time to post my last Recap of the AMAZING time I had a couple of weeks back in The Bahamas at the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week. In case you missed my other previous postings, you can go HERE, as well as HERE and HERE to get caught up.

Vive Haiti: Dignitaries, fashion designers and models at "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

But now, we're onto the last and Final "Runway 3" night of this annual affair which showcased designers, fashions, and accessories from the Islands of The World!! The "crowning jewel" of this final night was the Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show. VIP guests who were present for this final night included all the Guest Designers who showed this year at Islands of The World Fashion Week, such as Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll, Indashio from NY and Oliver Tolentino from Los Angeles (via The Philippines). Dignitaries including the Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas as well as the Haitian Ambassador to The United Nations were also on hand to witness the beautiful designs from Haitian Designers and artisans.

Haiti Handbag: Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Haiti Flag" sequin purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

I had the honor of hosting this final night and from the moment I stepped onstage and uttered (OK, yelled!) Sak Pase Nap Boule (Haitian Creole for "What's Happening?...We're Chillin'" I was told), we were off to a fabulous night to benefit the beautiful nation of Haiti.

Runway Scene: Maguy Durce dress and purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

The collections ranged from stunning day-to-evening wear, impeccable jewelry, as well as fantastic purses and bags from Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, Maguy Durce, Artisans du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary, among others.

Sak Pasé Nick: Nick Verreos hosts "Runway 3" Final Night of Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 The Bahamas

Soon afterward, it was time for the second part of the evening: The Announcing of the Winners for the first ever "In Search of The Next Oscar" design competition, in addition to the NextGen Designer and Eco-Fashion Designer Awards. Continuing my emcee duties, I especially LOVED this part of the evening. I channeled being the host of the Miss Universe or Miss World pageants as I announced the Winners with much DRAMA!

The Winner of the "In Search of The Next Oscar" was...


Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic, whose sequin-and-satin gowns/cocktail attire took the grand prize. She spoke little English and as I am Bi-lingual, I was her official translator during the contest and when announcing the winner. I think she didn't need any translating, however, when I called out her name!

Bahamas up-and-coming designer (and our unofficial NIKOLAKI Assistant, Intern/"Boy Friday" from two years ago), David Rolle won the NextGen Award (seen above getting his award) with his edgy designs. He won a Scholarship to Parsons The New School of Design in New York! (Funny side note: Minutes before he was announced the Winner, he approached me backstage asking about possible schooling opportunities for him, either in LA or NY! He had NO IDEA...)

And finally, I announced the Winner of the Eco-Fashion Award, Designer Oliver Tolentino (above), and his strapless off-white gown made of pineapple fabric (yes, I said PINEAPPLE!). It also had actual hand-sewn cultured pearls woven into it!

Beauty Under The Bahamas Stars: Miss Bahamas 2010 Braneka Bassett with Nick Verreos, After Party at the British Colonial Hilton

The night ended with a festive VIP After Party at the British Colonial Hilton (site of the Islands of The World Fashion Week) with a delicious buffet, drinks and musical entertainment where guests, editors, models, photographers and designers got to party all night under the gorgeous Caribbean moonlight!

Bahamas Free Time!!

Rainbow Conch: (L-R) David Paul, Nick Verreos, Tomas Frenes, Jay McCarroll, Matthew, Arawak Cay Nassau The Bahamas

Naturally, it wasn't all work for yours truly. Luckily, we had some "down time" prior to the evening's Runway Shows and my hosting duties to enjoy the sights of the GORGEOUS Bahamas. One day, Tomas Frenes Vice President of Mode Isles (Producer of the Fashion Week) as well as Owner of Tomas Frenes Design Studio in Miami (and my King Teddy Bear!) took Jay McCarroll, Matthew, David Paul and I to have CONCH at The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, where in the back of the restaurant, we discovered a brightly colored wooden wall which of course, we had to take photos in front of.

On another day, David and I also went to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Resort. We certainly couldn't leave The Bahamas without getting a little Atlantis in. Since the last time I was here (2 years ago when both David and I showed our NIKOLAKI Collection at the 2008 Islands of The World Fashion Week), I had been wanting to go back and do those infamous Atlantis Resort water slides.

Well kids, I did it: That's me midway down The Leap of Faith--yes, in them shorty-shorts! (Thanks David for that AMAZING photo). And don't EVEN think about magnifying it! I'm sure the look of sheer horror on my face is neither pretty or fashionable. With that, I bid a warm Goodbye to The Bahamas and Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Until the next time...

Below are Three Exclusive NICKVERREOS.COM videos from "Runway 3" night of Islands of the World Fashion Week 2010:

Announcement of the Eco-Fashion Designer Award:

Final Model Walk and Bow of Maguy Durce Fashion Show: "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:




Final Model Walk and Bow of Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:



Final Model Walk and Bow of Michel Chataigne, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show: