Style Week Orange County 2010-The Wrap Up: Nick Verreos Hosts 2nd Annual Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition

Style Week OC 2010 Ends on a Sporty Note!

And the Winner Is: Nick Verreos with Julia Nish, the Winner of the 2nd Annual Neelde & thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

Well kids, I am writing my last posting/recap of the AMAZING Style Week Orange County 2010! I started with the recap of the debut of our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (of course), then I wrote about the very creative Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns Competition and now, it's all about the last evening of Style Week OC and the 2nd Annual Ezekiel and Active Ride Needle & Thread Competition, all of which occurred at the Irvine Spectrum.

Style Week Orange County 2010: Ezekiel Fashion Show

Seven designers, Nick Gaska, Grace Sori Hwang, Julia Nish, Alejandro Ortega, Natalia Romano, Clay Sadler and Adrienne Young--all graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM-- competed in the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Competition, and also for the prize money in the Needle & Thread Contest. Their task was to create a group of looks that would go well with the Ezekiel brand (active/surf sportswear for a hip teen-twenty-something customer) and the Active Ride (surf, skate, snowboard and everything in-between!) store.

Designs from Natalia Romano for the 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

The Surf and Activewear business in Southern California is one of the hottest fashion markets in the country and this was a GREAT opportunity for these young designers to dive right in. (Pun intended!) They were given a certain amount of time, a budget and also had time to research the brand and even meet with its design team.

Winning Design: A look from Julia Nish's designs for the 2nd Needle & Thread Competition

The Winner would get the chance to have their winning designs included in the Ezekiel Spring 2011 Collection and then produced and sold! The winner was Julia Nish--who indecently ALSO won the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Contest! (a double whammy for Ms. Nish!). The judges, who included myself, design director of Ezekiel womenswear and last year's winner, Adrian Manuel.

2009 Needle & Thread Design Contest Winner Adrian Manuel and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2010

We judged on whether or not it was in accordance to the Ezekiel brand, if it went well with the customer, did the clothes look like something the Ezekiel and Active Ride-shopping girl would like, wear and buy? All of that, plus, of course, was it cute? Julia obviously hit all the right notes.

Nick "Hearts" Active: Nick Verreos, Style Week OC Active Ride VIP After Party

Afterward, there was an Invitation-only Style Week OC After Party, at the Active Store in the Irvine Spectrum Center. There was VIP shopping (of course), a wine and Champagne Open Bar, and even an Active Ride Photo Booth.

OC Studs: Nick Verreos with the Active Ride Irvine Spectrum Center "crew" manning the "After Party VIP Guest List"

I got to film a fun "runway" segment with FIDM Productions, who were on hand to capture all the After Party fun. It was especially great to re-connect all my Active Ride "buddies" whom I had met last year when I hosted and judged the first "Needle & Thread Competition".

OC Step 'n Repeat: Nick Verreos, Rita Verreos and David Paul, Style Week OC 2010

My sister, mom, and even my precious niece (yes, the one I designed my Project Runway-winning Barbie for) were still in town and able to attend the second night of Style Week OC so of course, they came along for the "Style Week OC After Party" ride!

Uncle Nick: Nick Verreos with his niece, Casia Kennedy and sister Rita Verreos

They had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the fashion, as well as the gorgeous weather Orange County bestowed us! Here's to another fabulous and very fashionably successful Style Week Orange County!

Nick Verreos Does Good Day LA Fox 11 Morning Show--from the Irvine Spectrum: Style Week Orange County Begins!!!

Good Morning LA...from Irvine!!!!

Models strut fashions at Style Week Orange County Runway stage--including a gown from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (in the middle)-for Good Day LA Fox 11 Morning Show Live Segment

As you know, the Third Annual Style Week Orange County began last night at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The first year, Lauren Conrad--of MTV's "The Hills" showed her Collection (very apropos since she is from Laguna Beach after all!), and last year, I was invited to host--as well as judge the Ezekiel Needle & Thread Competition. This year, Ezekiel and the Needle & Thread Competition are back as well as a fabulous Project Runway-esque "Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns" Contest, where Fashion Design Graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM designed seven gowns inspired by the sleek Cadillac automobiles. In addition, I had the privilege--along with my co-Designer David Paul, to debut our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection at 7PM last night kicking off Style Week OC!

Welcome To Style Week Orange County: Nick Verreos stands at the foot of the Runway

The show was AMAZING!!! I will definitely have a FULL RECAP with photos soon! But first:
Early this past week, I drove down to the Irvine Spectrum to shoot a LIVE Segment for Good Day LA Morning TV Show--one of the most popular shows in Southern California (I just LOVE me some Steve, Jillian and Dorothy!). The night before the morning TV appearance, the clients set both David and I up overnight at...

The Coliseum Pool at the Pelican Hill Resort

The INCREDIBLE Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast/Newport Beach so we wouldn't be late to the taping. It's LIVE kiddies so they couldn't take any chances! Last year, we stayed at this gorgeous Resort and were blown away by the surroundings (very Mediterranean-style Villa in Italy!) and all the VIP treatment. Speaking of VIP, take a look at what was waiting in our room once we arrived:

A delicious plate of bread, cheeses, salami, fresh berry jams, red wine...now, THAT'S a Welcome! I never get that when I stay at the Marriott or Hilton Garden Inn's!

Check out the little cart that took us to our appointed Bungalow! Thank Goodness, it's hiding the FIVE Garment Bags we brought with us JUST for a one-night stay (well, you can actually see one Louis Vuitton garment bag hanging on for dear life!)

Hello Good Day LA: Nick Verreos, Phil Shuman and Stacie Elis, Irvine Spectrum Center

The live Good Day LA Segment went without a hitch! Dapper reporter Phil Shuman was on hand moderating it all and the very stylish Stacie Ellis (love that faux-fur vest Stacie!) of Irvine Company joined me to describe all the goings-on for this weekend's Style Week Orange County

Behind The Scenes: Good Day LA filming at the Irvine Spectrum Center

We showed fashions from the Ezekiel Collection, Macy's (a cute Corey Lynn Calter printed dress), a burgundy Leon Max dress and of course, a strapless silk chiffon gown from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection, modeled by the beautiful Anna Maria, originally from Sweden.

Nick Verreos and David Paul of NIKOLAKI at the Irvine Spectrum Center, site of Style Week Orange County

With a quick five-minute segment and mini-fashion show "Sneak Peak", we were done and as they say in the Industry: It's a Wrap! David and I packed our FIVE bags, checked out and headed back to our Los Angeles NIKOLAKI Studio to finish our collection. Oh, and yes, we forgot to Tivo it so no video--maybe GoodDayLA.com might put one up--who knows!

Nick Verreos BLOGGER for The Orange County Register Style Binge Blog

In the run-up to debuting my Nikolaki Spring 2011 Collection at Style Week Orange County, I am also blogging for The Orange County Register's "Style Binge" blog---

Yes, I'm teaching at FIDM, working on my upcoming collection, doing my TV Guide Awards Shows Fashion Wraps, making ladies GORGEOUS at The Victory Project, blogging recaps for Season 8 Project Runway as well as hosting Macy's events all over the US and now blogging for the OC! Who needs sleep when you've got all these fun things to do!!??

Read my thoughts on the recent 2010 Emmys Fashions and more on what brings me back to the OC!!!!

Click HERE to read the entire blog.

Nick Verreos LOVES The Pelican Hill Resort

Resort Rewind...OC Style!Welcome to your Bungalow: Nick Verreos stands in the entrance of his one-night Bungalow

About two months ago, I was invited to Irvine, CA on two occasions within the same week: First to do a LIVE segment promoting Style Week OC on Good Day LA TV Show and then, to host Style Week Orange County 2009 and judge the fabulous Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition. Bienvenue: David Paul at the entrance of one of the Pelican Hill Resort Bungalows

Both separate times, the clients put myself and my trusty NIKOLAKI design partner--and unofficial president of the "Nick Verreos Fanclub"--David Paul, in the most GORGEOUS Pelican Hill Resort. I have been waiting for the right time to get in a "resort feeling" to show some of the photos here on my blog--and no better time than now, during the Thanksgiving Weekend when all your are supposed to do is relax and do nothing. I wish I was THERE now, doing just that!Style Week OC Runway: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC, September 2009

Words do not describe the immensity of this resort. The Pelican Hill is located in Newport Coast, not far from my Style Week OC Appearance, which was at the Irvine Spectrum Shopping Center. From the minute you drive up, it is FIVE STAR VIP treatment all the way. In fact, I asked the front desk staff (who were extremely accommodating) if the Pelican Hill was indeed a Five-Star Resort---and if it wasn't, well, then it is under the new "Nick Verreos Five Star Resort Resort Style Guide"! They told me that it wasn't even rated yet! (well those Zagat and Michelin people better get to it!) . The lobby even smells like a million bucks! (it is scented with its own unique Pelican Hill Resort scent, I kid you not!)Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow Living Room

We stayed at a sumptuous Bungalow Suite, about the size of my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio (about 2,000 square feet): There was an entry foyer room, full living room, dining area and mini bar area, sofas galore to relax in, two HUGE flat screen TVs, a full separate bedroom, large sunning balconies and closets that actually could fill up all my Gucci belts, YSL boots and Top Shop jackets! (did I just drop THREE labels?). I don't normally take photos at the hotels I stay during all my travels but I couldn't resist!Master Bedroom at a Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow

The piece de resistance of the Bungalow were the bathrooms: One smaller full one (for guests I assume) and a Master one with a huge sunken jacuzzi tub, full shower, double sinks...I could go on and on. It was simply the most gorgeous Resort Suite I had ever stayed at. In fact, upon entering, I quickly called EVERY close friend in Los Angeles and said "You better get your you-know-what down here and spend a night in the OC!" Alas, they didn't want to drive the (with traffic) hour+ drive. So, we had it all to ourselves. But it was such a tease: We only stayed for one night both times! Infinity Caesar: Nick Verreos enjoys the Pelican Hill Resort Coliseum Pool

We even dined at the lovely Pelican Grill and got to swim (OK, maybe just stand and relax) in the HUGE 136 foot Coliseum Pool which features ONE MILLION glass mosaic tiles that were laid by HAND! (I know, shut up!). We had an amazing stay and I was missing it the minute we drove away. Maybe some day in the future we can take some more R & R time from my crazy busy schedule and enjoy the Pelican Hill Resort once again. This time, I am NOT leaving that pool!Goodnight Mr. Verreos: This was waiting for me upon my return from my hosting and judging duties--Turndown Service a la Pelican Hill Resort
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend kiddies and take the time to relax...I'll try.