Miss Universes Brook Lee and Justine Pasek at NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Runway Show at Style Week Orange County...and more!!!

Crowning Couture...

Muses and Designers: Justine Pasek, Miss Universe 2001, Nick Verreos, Rita Verreos, David Paul and Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997, Style Week OC, NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Fashion Show

As promised...I have more photos from our fabulous debut NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Runway Show at Style Week Orange County. In the previous post, I highlighted photos from the collection. Now, it's all about my special guests and some "Backstage Photos" including close-ups of the Make-Up and Hair plus trying to capture the madness of it all....

Our Hawaiian Beauty: NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verroes share the runway stage with Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997 in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Silk Zibeline strapless cocktail dress

David Paul (my NIKOLAKI Co-Designer and partner-in-crime) and I were ECSTATIC when we found out that two of the most GORGEOUS women in the Universe were attending our show: Brook Lee Miss Universe 1997 (and the last Miss USA to get that crown kiddies!) and just-as-beautiful from Panama, Justine Pasek, Miss Universe 2002. Brook wore one of our NIKOLAKI silk Zibeline pleated cascade cocktail dresses just for the occasion.

Sister Love: David Paul and Nick Verreos pose with Rita Verreos--in NIKOLAKI black & white printed plunging neckline dress, Style Week Orange County NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Runway Show

My mother is originally from Panama so she was SO excited to meet the gorgeous Justine Pasek. I was more than happy to see them--as well as my mom, and my sister, Rita Verreos and my niece Casia, who all flew from San Antonio Texas just for our show! Also, it was great to see David's entire family who drive up from San Diego just for the show. Speaking of beauty queens, my sister was a former Miss Venezuela 1988 Contestant and a contestant on Survivor: Fiji. Yep, she can eat bugs AND can do that "pageant pose"...

Backstage DISH:

Our exciting NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Fashion Show, as you may know, took place at the Irvine Spectrum Center, with the gorgeous Ferris Wheel as a backdrop (above). And like with every fashion show, the real exciting stuff is all backstage!

Model Holly Ridings showing the make-up for NIKOLAKI Spring 2011

We asked the Make-Up Artists to give DRAMA: Strong eyes, light pink lips; very Robert Palmer Girls thank you very much. After seen some of our models, I even went back to the make-up artists and asked for MORE!!!

We wanted the hair to be slicked-back, side-parted chignons: The best hairstyle to show off our gowns and sexy cocktail dresses. Again, one of my favorite models, Holly Ridings (above) shows off that perfect chignon. Even with all the craziness backstage, I somehow got some of our fabulous models to stop, pose and take a photo! I made sure their dresses were ON, before I captured these photos:

Backstage Divas: Models Lauren Gish and Carla Salomao in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011, Style Week Orange County

Hands On The Hips: Model Mercedes Cornet strikes a pose in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011, Style Week Orange County

Triple NIKOLAKI Threat: Models Eugena Washington, Saleisha Stowers and Lauren Gish, backstage, in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011, Style Week Orange County

I made sure the zippers were zipped, the hang-tape was hidden and that the dresses were on correctly. Thank Goodness David was back there with me. Without him and his fastidious Eagle-Eye, some of our gowns would have been on backwards (dressers can only do so much, bless their hearts!)

Zip It Up: David Paul zips up model Zdenka, backstage NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Fashion Show, Style Week Orange County

It all turned out great and we were very happy with the results. And the models loved our gowns and dresses and felt like FABULOUS Goddesses in them. Right Before they went out onto the runway, I gave them one advice: Be Beautiful!!! OK , I told them more...

Le Mariage: NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos pose with their final look, Sarah Deanna in the final NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Wedding Gown

I also said: "You Are Gorgeous!", "Work It!", and "Go out there and make EVERY woman jealous and EVERY man want you!". Yep, that's about it. They smiled and went on their runway merry way....

Click Below for a quick video of the beginning of our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Runway Show:

NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection Debuts at Style Week OC

NIKOLAKI Goddesses Rule Over Style Week OC!

Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI take their bow after showing at Style Week Orange County Spring 2011 (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

This past Friday night, the Irvine Spectrum--and its fabulous Ferris Wheel became the backdrop to the start of the 3rd Annual Style Week Orange County. I was honored to have been invited to show my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection--along with my Co-Designer David Paul. I was also asked to host the "Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns" and Ezekiel's 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competitions, both of which featured original designs from graduates of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (my alma mater and the college I am instructor at).

Showstopper: Amanda in raspberry Silk Zibeline raglan-sleeved fitted gown with keyhole neckline and full-pleated train (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

Our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection kicked off Style Week OC and by all the compliments and effusive praise we received afterward, it was a big success. Backstage, through all the madness of getting the models out, it was fun to hear all the "ooohs" and "aahhs" coming from the audience, even through the pumping Rihanna-Lady Gaga-Freemasons soundtrack. For Spring 2011, our Inspiration springboard was this stunning American socialite from the early 1900's, Rita de Acosta Lydig. A beauty of Cuban and Spanish descent (David and I loved that since both of us are half-Latino), she was, by all accounts FABULOUS and loved fashion.

Red Carpet Entrance: Brazilian-born Carla in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 lilac-colored silk chiffon sequined gown with peek-a-boo top detail; Model Holly Ridings seen in the back in creme silk jersey sequined epaulet draped dress (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

In addition, we were also inspired by the Amalfi Coast and the colors in the ocean and bougainvillea. We used raspberry, lilacs, turquoise, black & white and cremes as well as an abstract watercolor print. In terms of fabrications, we chose sumptuous and yes, very expensive fabrics such as Silk Zibeline from Italy, hand-beaded sequin Silk Chiffon as well as delicate silk jerseys and silk chiffons.

We kept the accessorizing and styling to a minimum, using a mix of Gold and Silver cuffs and bracelets. And the AMAZING heels all our models wore were from Michael Antonio.

Cocktail Hour: Eugena in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 strapless raspberry Silk Zibeline dress with asymmetrical mini side "pouf" and draped bust detail (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

We were excited to have some fabulous models walk our Spring 2011 Runway, some of which you might recognize, including the stunning Amanda Fields (who opened our show naturally) from Season 3 Project Runway, and the statuesque Holly Ridings from Models of the Runway 2/Project Runway Season 7. The beautiful Saleisha Stowers, Winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 9, and Eugena Washington, Second Runner Up to Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model also modeled in our show.

Where's My Yacht: Mercedes Cornet (who modeled in our First Show back in 2001!!!), in a NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 printed silk chiffon one shoulder gown with high side slit (photo courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward)

With this collection, we were definitely making a "Red Carpet" statement--from the gowns to the cocktail dresses to the easy-breezy yet still elegant tunics. Every woman deserves to have their "Rita de Acosta Lydig Moment" and with this collection, we are allowing them to!

I will have more photos of the other shows, the "Special Guests", the scene at Style Week Orange County, on later posts, but for now...

Below is a complete Slide Show from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection and for even more GREAT photos click HERE for a slide show from 944 Magazine:

Nick Verreos Hits Up Project Runway Season 7 Finale Viewing Party in LA!!

Project SHUT IT DOWN!!!!
I DIIIIEEE: Joey Maalouf and Nick Verreos, Project Runway Season 7 Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood

Last Thursday-- as many of you know--was the Finale of Project Runway Season 7. The Angel Mafia and Project Angel Food--along with Finalist Mila Hermanovski, "Big Brother's" Marcellas Reynolds, and Designer Andrew Christian (famous for those sexy underwear) were hosting a Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party at the West Hollywood nightclub, Eleven. I had been in town just one day from my trip to Atlanta and the OC, and of course I decided I had to attend. Underwear Party: Designer Andrew Christian poses with his models, Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party, Eleven West Hollywood

I put on a mask, got a "Disco Nap" in and called my friends, John Wade (of Marc Jacobs and Project Runway Season 2) and Joey Maalouf (Rachel Zoe's Hair and Make-Up Stylist and co-owner of the Maalouf Salon) to be my dates. John had just returned from a ONE DAY/ONE NIGHT trip to Milan Italy (I know, FIERCE!) for the opening of the Marc Jacobs store (how he got through that Icelandic Volcano is beyond me!) and Joey is about to leave for NY for the Met and get Miss Rachel Zoe red carpet ready kiddies!). Blow Out: Hair and Make Up DIVA Joey Maalouf getting ready for the Season 7 Project Runway Finale Viewing Party

So I was happy to have them both for this one night!The party was in full swing as we got there. Soon enough, the Finale Episode was playing on the bar's flat screens and we actually stopped whatever we were doing to watch it (sometimes--OK, MOST TIMES--at these "Finale Viewing Parties" NO ONE gets to see anything!). We actually got to see the Final Episode and you could hear the crowd cheering and jeering for the winners and the finalists. Group Shot: Joey Maalouf, Nick Verreos, Andrew Christian, and John Wade, Eleven West Hollywood

In between, I got to "socialize" and ran into co-co-co-host, my good friend, Designer Andrew Christian, who even showed me sneak-preview photos of his new exclusive Andrew Christian Store (via his IPhone).I also got to chat with Palm Springs-based Designer Michael Costello, who was there with his model, the very blond Tracy Chapman, wearing one of his little cocktail dresses (above).I also ran into one of my fabulous "Muses", the one and only Runway Diva, Amanda Fields (from Project Runway Season 3) (above), who is filming a "secret show" and therefore got there a bit late. Better late than never as they say. Models Of The Runway: Alison Gingerich, Amanda Fields, Nick Verreos and Holly Ridings, Eleven West Hollywood

Speaking of models, there were LOTS of them that night, including Holly Ridings (wearing a long maxi black-and-white print dress, black leather jacket and sneakers--still the TALLEST GIRL in the room!) and Alison Gingerich from Season 7.Semi-Finalist Mila Hermanovski's Model, Brandise Daneswich was also in attendance, enjoying the Viewing Party, along with her designer.There weren't that many other Project Runway Alumn there (and no other Project Runway Season 7 Designers) however, we (John, Joey and I) get to hang out with Season 6 Designer Johnny Sakalis (above).Young Hollywood: Actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, Eleven West Hollywood

One of the nicest moments of the night (besides seeing Seth Aaron Henderson win and his family give him a congratulatory hug) was meeting young actresses Bella Thorne and Stefanie Scott, who confessed their love of Project Runway and how they were "big fans"! Love them! Maybe one of these days, they will wear NIKOLAKI for a big red carpet event--who knows! They were SOOOO SWEET!

Nick Verreos Takes The PLUNGE at the Gen Art LA Fashion Alumni Celebration at the Hollywood Roosevelt

Well...Welcome To LA FASHIIIIOOOONNNN!!!!!!!!!!Purple Daze: Nick Verreos walks the carpet, Gen Art LA Fashion Alumni Celebration, Hollywood Roosevelt Tropicana

Last week, on March 16Th, my good friend--and Los Angeles Fashion DIVA--Jennifer Egan, Vice President of Gen Art National Development, Marketing and the company's "IT" girl---invited me to attend the Gen Art LA Fashion Alumni Celebration, held at the Tropicana Pool of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Pool Party: Jen Egan of Gen Art holds court at the Tropicana Pool, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The event/party was designed to give props to the LA fashion alumni who "have helped shape and influence the design community".
T-Zone: Jen Egan grabs Nick Verreos for a Clean & Clear "Prom" Interview, Hollywood Roosevelt Tropicana Pool

Jen was also holding court and doing some fun on-camera interviews for the party and the skincare company CLEAN & CLEAR, who were there promoting their CLEAN & CLEAR Skincare Makes Your Prom Beautiful from Start to Finish-Designer Dress Competition.
Prom Couple: Nick Verreos and Jen Egan of Gen Art, Hollywood Roosevelt Tropicana Pool

She just happened to grab me at one point--after I finally wheedled my little purple Top Shop-pants-wearing-butt into the party--to do one of those "prom interviews". Of course, I talked about how both guys and girls need to be matte-blotted both before and during their "prom fabulous" moments with some of their Oil Absorbing Sheets!
I was really excited to see my good friend--underwear and bathing suit KING--designer Andrew Christian (above) who was working his fitted gray shirt and skinny tie.
Wanted: Nick Verreos and Kit Scarbo, Hollywood Roosevelt Tropicana Pool

As I made it through the Hotel Roosevelt's Tropicana, it soon became evident that it was beginning to look like a Project Runway "Love fest" Reunion of sorts: Besides seeing Jeffrey Sebelia (Winner of Season 3) and Rami Kashou (Finalist from Season 4) briefly, I ran into Project Runway Season 4 Contestant, and Stylist to the Stars, the one and only Kit Scarbo. There aren't words enough I can write here on my blog to tell you how much I love me some Kit!
Color Blocked: Nick Verreos with Project Runway Season 7 Model Brandise Danesewich (left) and Designer Mila Hermanovski (center)

I also saw Season 7 Designer, Mila Hermanovski. The last time I saw Mila was many months ago when she stopped by my NIKOLAKI design studio (I had no idea that she was on this season's Project Runway) looking for gowns to fit on our good friend and client Carrie Ann Inaba--whom she was freelance styling at the time-- for last season's Dancing With The Stars show. She was there with her model, Brandise Danesewich, whom I happened to just see at the FIDM Debut 2010 Fashion Gala.
And speaking of models, I had a "Nick Model Orgasm" when I ran into Lifetime Network's "Models of The Runway Season 2", Alison Gingerich (left) and--one of my personal favorites-- AMAZONIAN Runway DIVA, 6 foot + tall Holly Ridings (right). Don't know what they were doing at the Gen Art Fashion Alumni Celebration party...but I didn't care! Look at the big ol' smile on my face. Nick HEARTS Models, Project Runway...and Gen Art!