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!

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 and David Paul Debut their Spring 2011 Nikolaki Collection at Style Week Orange County OCTOBER 1st!!!

DIVAS in the OC!

For the Tenth Anniversary of our NIKOLAKI Line, David Paul and I decided to debut our Spring 2011 Collection at the fabulous Style Week Orange County! Last year, I was asked to host...

The great Ezekiel Needle & Thread Competition, where FIDM Fashion Design Grads exclusively participated--as part of Style Week Orange County. Of course, I had a blast! After years spending many a Three-Day Weekend R&R time in beautiful Laguna Beach...who knew I would be back hosting a fabulous design contest and fashion show!

NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul, at Islands of The World Fashion Week, Bahamas

And this year, I will be showing at Style Week OC! David and I have been "busy bees" for the last four months working on our Spring 2011 Collection and now we are (almost) ready!

All I can say about our upcoming Spring 2011 Collection is that it will be full of Red Carpet Glamour and that, it was inspired by our recent Europe trip as well as...

Former socialite/fashion diva of the early 20Th Century Rita De Acosta Lydig and this...

Giovanni Bondini Panting of Mrs. Howard Johnston from 1906. That's all I can say for now--stay tuned for more soon! I'm so excited to be showing Friday October 1st! The Fashion Show begins at 7 PM and the wonderful thing about this show is that everyone can see it! It will be held in the center of Irvine Spectrum and can be viewed by all!

Here are the Details:
NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Fashion Show

Date: Friday October 1st Time: 7 PM
Where: Style Week Orange County Irvine Spectrum, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine California 92618
RSVP: No RSVP Necessary, just be there!
Media and Press: Please Email
Stacie Ellis at sellis@irvinecompany.com
Jane Gillespie at janegillespie@cox.net

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.

Nick Verreos Macy's Appearance--Irvine Spectrum Center

Next at Macy's : The Nick Verreos Comedy and Fashion Show Hour!
Can't Stop Talking: Nick Verreos with model Lauren Gish at Macy's In-Store Appearance, Irvine Spectrum Center

As part of of the Style Week Orange County calendar, I was invited to do an in-store appearance at Macy's in the Irvine Spectrum. So, last Saturday, a day after my judging duties for the Needle and Thread Competition, I left my INCREDIBLE Pelican Hills Resort Bungalow and packed up 6 of my NIKOLAKI gowns and threw on my Kelly green Levi's Matchstick jeans (gotta bring color to the OC!) and was ready to go!In Store: The scene at Macy's Spectrum Center, Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance

At Macy's , I was excited to meet the lovely models LA Models had provided me for my NIKOLAKI mini-trunk show: The serenely beautiful Lauren Gish and the exotic Jazmine, who was of Persian-Brazilian descent. Side note: Is there any other profession you could be when you have such an exotic mix?! David Paul--my NIKOLAKI co-designer-- came with me and helped set up, steam and make sure our gowns looked their best. I laughed when I saw where I would be speaking: The Michael Kors section. Oh how fun! Michael, Jazmine and Nick: Nick Verreos with model Jazmine at the Michael Kors Department, Macy's Irvine Spectrum Center

It was standing-room-only for my "Nick Macy's Show". I spoke for over an hour about my career as a fashion designer and my 15 years in the industry. I spoke about my early inspirations (Pan Am flight attendants and Miss Venezuela) as well as how I went from studying International Relations at UCLA to graduating Suma Cum Laude from FIDM. Black Column: Model Lauren in NIKOLAKI sequin one shoulder gown

In between , I showed various gowns from my collection, including the gown Dancing With The Stars co-host Samantha Harris wore on the show. I think the audience enjoyed their time because they asked LOTS of questions and looked very interested (was Macy's giving out free Martini's?) I was just happy no one fell asleep! One of the the best moments was when one of the attendees asked if I ever thought of being a comedian? I didn't even know what to say, other than I was flattered and just told her that I didn't mean to be funny. She didn't budge: "No really", she added "you really should do a stand-up show!". Thanks darling, but I'll stick to fashion design--I have enough jobs already to add "Comedian" to my resume. Look at these Sequins: Nick Verreos shows detail of gown to the Macy's audience

Afterward, Macy's gave out some great shopping gift certificates and everyone seemed to be very happy. I also took more photos with everyone who took time out of their Saturday shopping to come and see me--and my NIKOLAKI gowns. All in all, it was a very successful in-store appearance and I was happy to end my Orange County "Fashion Weekend" on such a good note!

Nick Verreos Takes on Style Week Orange County--and LOVED IT!!!

Behind the Orange (Fashion) Curtain!

Double Breasted in Orange County: Nick Verreos at the Style Week OC Active Ride After Party

If you've been keeping up with my lovely blog here, you may remember that last Monday, I went down to the Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County to shoot a TV segment for "Good Day LA", Southern California's most watched morning news/talk show. The reason: To promote Style Week Orange County and the fashions that would be shown this year. Well, three days later I was BACK!
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS as David and I made our way to Orange County and checked in to our OUT OF CONTROL home for the next few days, the Pelican Hill Resort (more on that in another post!). We got ready and headed to the Irvine Spectrum to check out the fashion shows. I was "blown away" by how fabulous everything was--from the modern and chic stark white runway stage to the stunning models hand-picked from LA's top modeling agency LA Models to the sectioned off area for red carpet and VIP guests. It was like Smashbox/Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week but outdoors under a balmy evening breeze and 75 degree weather. In other words: It was better!
The Greek-Venezuelan Michael Kors: Nick Verreos judges the Needle and Thread Competition, Style Week Orage County

The evening began with the SOLD OUT (!) Designer Showcase Fashion Show and the Needle and Thread Competition, a contest sponsored by Ezekiel and Active Ride Shop. Six fashion school grads--who just happened to be ALL from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, my alma mater (Go FIDM!)--were chosen to design looks inspired by the Ezekiel Spring 2010 Collection. Mentor Nick: Nick Verreos flanked by Needle and Thread Contestants Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Valentina Vardanyan, and Adrian Manuel

By coincidence, it happened to be that 5 out of 6 designers were former students of mine, so it goes without saying that even though I was "officially" there as a judge, I still felt like a "proud poppa". All six did amazingly well! They created designs that were "spot on" in following the Ezekiel brand but at the same time, injected their own design "DNA" into each garment.And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos announces the winner (and Second Place) of Needle and Thread Competition

It was a tough decision but we ended up choosing the talented 21 year old San Jose native (now residing in LA) Adrian Manuel as the winner. When his designs came down the runway, my fellow judges (all female) were emitting "oohs" and "aahs". Of all the 6 "contestants", he really nailed it! Therefore, we awarded him with the $4,000 (I know, shut up!) Top Prize. Second Place went to Liz Sandhoefner (who was a Debut FIDM 2009 Grad, along with Adrian). She received a $2,000 second place prize. As I announced them as the winners I think I saw tears come down their ecstatic faces. Yes, I was clutching my pearls for them!
Can You Spell Your Name? Meeting and Greeting at Irvine Spectrum Active Ride Shop After Party

Following the Needle and Thread Competition and Fashion Show, I was whisked off (by security guards no less--who am I Miley Cyrus?) to the After Party at the Irvine Spectrum's Active Ride Shop, where guests drank Champagne and mingled with all the designers. One...Singular Sensation:Nick Verreos and fans do their best Chorus Line Pose

I was also there to do a meet-and-greet with all the fashion show guests. I was humbled to see a long line of fans and fashion show guests alike (I'm just happy if two people show up!) and proceeded to sign and take lots of photos.
Miss Iraq: Nick Verreos poses with Iraq-born designer Oday Shakar and his models

Afterward, as I made my way back to my awaiting town car (yes, the clients got me limo! Love them!), I spotted a stunning six-foot tall model in a black gown so you just know I had to approach her. As it turned out it was a model, the Nigerian-born Tracy Acholonu, along with one of the Style Week OC featured designers, Oday Shakar (I missed his show because of the autograph signing). Of course, she was wearing one of his designs, along with a couple of other models. I might have missed his show but I got the "VIP Viewing" up close and personal--and it was all COUTURE!!
Next Up: My Macy's Appearance at the Irvine Spectrum....but first, I had to get a good night's rest at the fabulous Pelican Hill Resort...Toodles!

Click Below for a Video of Me Announcing the Needle and Thread Competition Winners at Style Week Orange County (and a "Nick" runway demonstration!):

Style Week Orange County Begins: Nick Verreos Judges Needle and Thread Competition

Good Day OC: Style Week Orange County Begins!!!!Good Day OC: Nick Verreos and Suzanne Marques, Good Day LA Fox 11 Reporter, at the Irvine Spectrum Center

Thursday September 24Th begins "Style Week Orange County", a celebration of fashion, style and FABULOUSNESS, at the Irvine Spectrum Center. It will run through Saturday night, September 26Th. You will get to see the best of OC brands and emerging designers at five fashion shows attracting the likes of special guests Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Joffrey Lupul of the Anaheim Ducks; Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets; Big Black from MTV; the entire LRG Skate Team and ME!!!!

Lady in Red: Model in NIKOLAKI Gown on Good Day LA

To promote the start of Style Week OC, on Tuesday morning, I shot a very fun segment for Good Day LA, the Number One Morning News Talk Show in Southern California. The STUNNING Suzanne Marques was on hand to interview me and show highlights from the Style Week OC 2009 fashion shows. I even brought one of my NIKOLAKI gowns! It was all so quick and trust me kiddies, Live TV is CRAZY!!!!

On Friday, I will be at the Ezekiel Fashion Show and to introduce and actually judge (along with the other celeb judges) the "Needle And Thread Competition". Six FIDM grads (the creme de la creme of course), were chosen to design original looks inspired by the Ezekiel Spring 2010 Collection. It will be like a mini Project Runway...in the OC!!!!
Nick Makes an Appearance at Macys Saturday at 1 PM--don't miss it!

I will also be at Macy's in the Irvine Spectrum Center on Saturday at 1 PM; I will be giving a "mini-lecture" on how I got started in fashion, talk about Project Runway and even bring some of my red carpet NIKOLAKI gowns for all to see! Don't miss it!!!!

Information on the Fashion Show Schedules can be found here: StyleweekOC.com And in case you didn't know, VIP Tickets can be purchased for ONLY $10 !!!!!! (I know, shut up!)

Click BELOW for the fun video of the segment: