Gawker Nick Verreos Love--And A Note to all Sexy Warsaw Poland Office Workers
OK, so Friday morning rolled around (the day after Project Runway) and as it has become my custom, I have my big cup of coffee, sit down and get on the internets. For all these months, I LOVE reading the crazy Gawker/Defamer "Project Runway Recaps". I also secretly (I know I am coming out of the closet!) read their other recaps for the ridiculous Housewives of (fill in the city) and MTV's The Hills and The City whenever I feel like laughing out loud. I just like to read them to reassure myself that I'm not the ONLY one who thinks my brain cells are depleting when I'm watching those Housewives and MTV shows. But I digress...
This last Friday, I avoided them. I was afraid of the "Nick Verreos is NOOOOO Michael Kors" talk. But to my glee-fulness (is that a word?), someone sent me the link and told me the kind words the Recap said:"Things We Loved:
- Nick Verreos: What a delightful surprise! Nick was kicked off way too early in season two and was one of the most talented and likeable designers in Runway history, and he filled in for Ms. Kors last night. Rather than a shrill, orange gay in a dumpy outfit, we got a witty, naturally olive gay in a dapper ensemble and it made us weep nostalic tears of joy. We're starting a campaign right now: for the upcoming L.A. seasons, replace Ms. Kors with Mr. Verreos. He's smart, knowledgeable, funny, and he knows exactly what the designers are going through on the show. He may not have the name recognition of Michael Kors, who is well know to all TJ Maxx shoppers the world over, but all the Runway diehards know who he is, and that will go a long way toward making us kinda sorta deal with this Lifetime b*******."
To Read their entire Gawker Recap click HERE
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And to my Angry Polish Bretheren:
Pencil Pusher: Gordana's LookI hear that you are a bit miffed at my "She looks like an office Worker from Warsaw Poland" comment regarding Gordana Gelhausen's sad grey suit look. Sorry I wasn't specific enough, I meant to say "From pre-Cold War Communist Warsaw Poland..." You see in TV land, you must be brief with your comments.
I Need Your Communist Badge Number please: A Uniform from Eastern EuropeI didn't mean to be disrespectful to office workers in Warsaw Poland--it was a joke kiddies. I am sure that there are A LOT of sexy, glamorous and beautiful office workers in Warsaw Poland--and I am sure I will hear from them! You can go ahead and say that all Greek and Venezuelan office workers look sad and gray--and I won't take it personally.
And as Santino Rice so eloquently put it: "Lighten Up It's Just Fashion!"
Nick Verreos Judges Top Six on Project Runway!
...And the Part of Michael Kors Will Be Played By...
Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos sitting with Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Kerry Washington
What a whirlwind of a night last night! First, I hosted a fun OUT Magazine Fall Fashion event at the Macy's Men's Store in the Beverly Center from 7-9 PM, grabbed some dinner and then rushed home to watch Project Runway and of course, watch myself as I made a "special appearance" as a Guest Judge. Sitting next to Miss Heidi Klum is daunting enough---but Nina Garcia also?? Then they tell me the gorgeous actress--and L'oreal spokesperson--Kerry Washington was also going to be on hand! Let me tell you, I needed a couple extra tablets of Pepto Bismol to keep my stomach from making noises that even the designers up there on the runway would hear! Since I WAS there and spent nearly FOUR GRUELING hours of judging, from a real "insider's point of view" as well as a viewer,
Here are my Highlights (and lowlights of course!):
Are We Checking into the Plaza Athenee: Millionaire Arm Candy Looks
--Irina's Millionaire Playboy Arm Candy Uptown Look: I swear that's all I could think about when I saw the model Kalyn come down the runway: The Camel-colored woolen and fur sweater wrap, the luxe-looking (even though I agree with Nina, it was a bit Michael Levine's Couch Fabric!) tapestry strapless mini dress, the styling. Yes, it all pointed to a former model from Russia who hooked up with an overweight, not-so-cute, but BILLIONARE Playboy.
--Althea's Winning Jodphurs: We all loved this look. Very now, very fresh. The pants were great and that sweater wrap (yes, ANOTHER sweater wrap) was so cozy! This was the same model as above, BUT with no need to have a Billionaire Magnate on her arm. She has already moved on to own her own Model Agency!
Miss Minnesota 2009: Prom Dress Nightmare vs. Christopher's Bed Sheet Gown
--Christopher's Two-For-One Dress: At first glance, I was kinda liking it, as Katie stomped down the runway, but then--like a Caesar Salad that looks nice but then you begin tasting it and it has a bunch of anchovies--his dress made my face turn from "ah, that's nice" to "Oh dear, minor icky-poos". Nina's observation of a be-draggled bed sheet pretty much summed it up. He should have just ended it at the petals. Done.
Judy After Dark: Judy Jetson Halloween Costumes vs. Logan's zippered collar mini tucked-pouf look
--Everyone's Boyfriend Logan Neitzel Gets Space Age-y: Ahhhh, sad sad sad. I am sure that half the population of America will be giving me dirty looks the next time I am spotted at some random airport, for having a 25% responsibility for booting cutie Logan. I feel bad, trust me. I wish he would have done a better outfit. I know that in the past, stepping out of your comfort zone (or going "out there") is rewarded on Project Runway, but this was the wrong "stepping out". To be honest, I REALLY disliked Gordana's and might have even scored her lower than Logan's but in the end, his Judy Jetson meets Background-Dancer-in-a-Cindy-Lauper video look lost.
But I still love me some Logan. He visited me--along with Carol Hannah Whitfield (draw your own conclusions kiddies!)--at my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio not to long ago to say "hey!" (see photo above). I gave him a Nick "hey!" hug back. I hear he's moving to New York City! You get 'em Logan!
Click HERE to read my entire recap on myLifetime.com and click HERE for a fun little slide show the good people at Lifetime.com did of some of my designs.
Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos sitting with Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Kerry WashingtonWhat a whirlwind of a night last night! First, I hosted a fun OUT Magazine Fall Fashion event at the Macy's Men's Store in the Beverly Center from 7-9 PM, grabbed some dinner and then rushed home to watch Project Runway and of course, watch myself as I made a "special appearance" as a Guest Judge. Sitting next to Miss Heidi Klum is daunting enough---but Nina Garcia also?? Then they tell me the gorgeous actress--and L'oreal spokesperson--Kerry Washington was also going to be on hand! Let me tell you, I needed a couple extra tablets of Pepto Bismol to keep my stomach from making noises that even the designers up there on the runway would hear! Since I WAS there and spent nearly FOUR GRUELING hours of judging, from a real "insider's point of view" as well as a viewer,
Here are my Highlights (and lowlights of course!):
Are We Checking into the Plaza Athenee: Millionaire Arm Candy Looks--Irina's Millionaire Playboy Arm Candy Uptown Look: I swear that's all I could think about when I saw the model Kalyn come down the runway: The Camel-colored woolen and fur sweater wrap, the luxe-looking (even though I agree with Nina, it was a bit Michael Levine's Couch Fabric!) tapestry strapless mini dress, the styling. Yes, it all pointed to a former model from Russia who hooked up with an overweight, not-so-cute, but BILLIONARE Playboy.
--Althea's Winning Jodphurs: We all loved this look. Very now, very fresh. The pants were great and that sweater wrap (yes, ANOTHER sweater wrap) was so cozy! This was the same model as above, BUT with no need to have a Billionaire Magnate on her arm. She has already moved on to own her own Model Agency!
Miss Minnesota 2009: Prom Dress Nightmare vs. Christopher's Bed Sheet Gown--Christopher's Two-For-One Dress: At first glance, I was kinda liking it, as Katie stomped down the runway, but then--like a Caesar Salad that looks nice but then you begin tasting it and it has a bunch of anchovies--his dress made my face turn from "ah, that's nice" to "Oh dear, minor icky-poos". Nina's observation of a be-draggled bed sheet pretty much summed it up. He should have just ended it at the petals. Done.
Judy After Dark: Judy Jetson Halloween Costumes vs. Logan's zippered collar mini tucked-pouf look --Everyone's Boyfriend Logan Neitzel Gets Space Age-y: Ahhhh, sad sad sad. I am sure that half the population of America will be giving me dirty looks the next time I am spotted at some random airport, for having a 25% responsibility for booting cutie Logan. I feel bad, trust me. I wish he would have done a better outfit. I know that in the past, stepping out of your comfort zone (or going "out there") is rewarded on Project Runway, but this was the wrong "stepping out". To be honest, I REALLY disliked Gordana's and might have even scored her lower than Logan's but in the end, his Judy Jetson meets Background-Dancer-in-a-Cindy-Lauper video look lost.
But I still love me some Logan. He visited me--along with Carol Hannah Whitfield (draw your own conclusions kiddies!)--at my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio not to long ago to say "hey!" (see photo above). I gave him a Nick "hey!" hug back. I hear he's moving to New York City! You get 'em Logan!Click HERE to read my entire recap on myLifetime.com and click HERE for a fun little slide show the good people at Lifetime.com did of some of my designs.
Nick Verreos Films Kmart Ad!
Layaway Anyone?
Earlier this month, I shot a fun little ad campaign for Kmart and Kmart Layaway. Kmart contacted me and because of the success of the great Sears 2008 Holiday Grant A Wish Commercial I did last year (along with Ty Pennington, LL Cool J and Vanessa Hudgens), they asked if I would want to be a part of Kmart's Holiday Layaway Campaign. Did you know that Kmart is the ONLY mass discount US retailer to have Layaway Online! I know, shut up!
Two weeks ago was National Layaway Week (who knew?) and this is when the ads "rolled out" (yes, I am using a lot of Ad Terminology, try to keep up with me). I shot one in Spanish and in English. Yes, kiddies, I'm BI-lingual. The Spanish one was titled a Breve Informativo, or Brief Infomercial. I know, I should work at Berlitz! (not!). 
We shot it all at the Kmart in Burbank and I had a lot of fun with the sales associates (they were so patient and lovely!) and with the wonderful manager of the store, Lloyd (see above photo). All in all , I was honored to be representing Kmart and to have filmed a Breve Informativo for one of my favorite (yes, I like deals too!!!) stores.
Click HERE for an interview I just did regarding KMART LAYAWAY for the California Apparel News.
Earlier this month, I shot a fun little ad campaign for Kmart and Kmart Layaway. Kmart contacted me and because of the success of the great Sears 2008 Holiday Grant A Wish Commercial I did last year (along with Ty Pennington, LL Cool J and Vanessa Hudgens), they asked if I would want to be a part of Kmart's Holiday Layaway Campaign. Did you know that Kmart is the ONLY mass discount US retailer to have Layaway Online! I know, shut up!
Two weeks ago was National Layaway Week (who knew?) and this is when the ads "rolled out" (yes, I am using a lot of Ad Terminology, try to keep up with me). I shot one in Spanish and in English. Yes, kiddies, I'm BI-lingual. The Spanish one was titled a Breve Informativo, or Brief Infomercial. I know, I should work at Berlitz! (not!). 
We shot it all at the Kmart in Burbank and I had a lot of fun with the sales associates (they were so patient and lovely!) and with the wonderful manager of the store, Lloyd (see above photo). All in all , I was honored to be representing Kmart and to have filmed a Breve Informativo for one of my favorite (yes, I like deals too!!!) stores.Click HERE for an interview I just did regarding KMART LAYAWAY for the California Apparel News.
Nick Verreos at the BoxEight Fashion:Refocus Event!
Just Another Sunday Night In Downtown LA...
Housewives Meets Baywatch Meets Project Runway: Traci Bingham, designer Michael Costello, Tamra Barney and Nick Verreos at BOXeight Fashion:Refocus event
This last weekend, BOXeight, in conjunction with Flaunt Magazine and l.a. models, presented Fashion : Refocus, a weekend of designer installations, live
Spring/Summer 2010 look book photo shoots and overall, nightly fashion "partying".
Janica and Her Mohawk: Model Janica in Jerell Scott's Perter Gurnz photo installation
I was busy all weekend working (no rest for the "designer-wicked") but on Sunday, I opened a little window in my schedule when Alison Nieder, Executive Editor of California Apparel News, emailed and said "You wanna come with me and be my date?" Of course!
The Next Chanel Iman: Model at BOXeight Fashion:Refocus event
On Sunday, four designers, Kucoon, Jerell Scott (Project Runway Alumn), Linda Antico and Michael Costello were having photo shoots in various sets within the BOXeight Downtown Los Angeles "compound".
Jerell Post Apocalyptic: Jerell Scott and model
We walked in and immediately, I was taken aback by these post-apocalyptic exaggerated Mohawk hairstyles on a few of the models walking around. I soon discovered these were designer Jerell Scott's "girls". BOXeight poster boy, the hot Peter Gurnz was photographing Jerell's line and the stage as well as the fashions were, "Giving You!". Peter asked me "Why am I not shooting YOUR line?" I wondered why he didn't call me also? Maybe next time. I guarantee that my gowns and his photos would produce "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR" G-L-A-M-O-U-R kiddies!
Costello Pose: Michael Costello photo installation, BOXeight Fashion:Refocus event
Alison and I soon made our way from set to set and stumbled upon Michael Costello, a Palm Springs-based designer whom I met the week before at a Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week event. A fellow Greek, cute and such a sweet guy, I was "done and done". His set was styled to parallel his Palm Springs Boutique.
Give A Look: Lifetime's Models of The Runway Tanisha Harper and designer Michael Costello
All of a sudden I spotted a familiar face--and body--the one and only Tanisha Harper, model from Lifetime Network's Model's Of The Runway. She was one of the models in Michael's BOXeight photo shoot. After a bit of "little girl screaming" (OK, from me!), I let her do her job and pose for the photographer's camera! A couple of Michael's clients were on hand to support: Actress Traci Bingham as well as one of the Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra Barney. Both were looking VERY bust-a-licious in their Michael Costello cocktail dresses.
Yep, this was my Sunday night in Downtown LA! See you next time kiddies!
Housewives Meets Baywatch Meets Project Runway: Traci Bingham, designer Michael Costello, Tamra Barney and Nick Verreos at BOXeight Fashion:Refocus eventThis last weekend, BOXeight, in conjunction with Flaunt Magazine and l.a. models, presented Fashion : Refocus, a weekend of designer installations, live
Spring/Summer 2010 look book photo shoots and overall, nightly fashion "partying".
Janica and Her Mohawk: Model Janica in Jerell Scott's Perter Gurnz photo installationI was busy all weekend working (no rest for the "designer-wicked") but on Sunday, I opened a little window in my schedule when Alison Nieder, Executive Editor of California Apparel News, emailed and said "You wanna come with me and be my date?" Of course!
The Next Chanel Iman: Model at BOXeight Fashion:Refocus eventOn Sunday, four designers, Kucoon, Jerell Scott (Project Runway Alumn), Linda Antico and Michael Costello were having photo shoots in various sets within the BOXeight Downtown Los Angeles "compound".
Jerell Post Apocalyptic: Jerell Scott and modelWe walked in and immediately, I was taken aback by these post-apocalyptic exaggerated Mohawk hairstyles on a few of the models walking around. I soon discovered these were designer Jerell Scott's "girls". BOXeight poster boy, the hot Peter Gurnz was photographing Jerell's line and the stage as well as the fashions were, "Giving You!". Peter asked me "Why am I not shooting YOUR line?" I wondered why he didn't call me also? Maybe next time. I guarantee that my gowns and his photos would produce "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR" G-L-A-M-O-U-R kiddies!
Costello Pose: Michael Costello photo installation, BOXeight Fashion:Refocus eventAlison and I soon made our way from set to set and stumbled upon Michael Costello, a Palm Springs-based designer whom I met the week before at a Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week event. A fellow Greek, cute and such a sweet guy, I was "done and done". His set was styled to parallel his Palm Springs Boutique.
Give A Look: Lifetime's Models of The Runway Tanisha Harper and designer Michael CostelloAll of a sudden I spotted a familiar face--and body--the one and only Tanisha Harper, model from Lifetime Network's Model's Of The Runway. She was one of the models in Michael's BOXeight photo shoot. After a bit of "little girl screaming" (OK, from me!), I let her do her job and pose for the photographer's camera! A couple of Michael's clients were on hand to support: Actress Traci Bingham as well as one of the Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra Barney. Both were looking VERY bust-a-licious in their Michael Costello cocktail dresses.
Yep, this was my Sunday night in Downtown LA! See you next time kiddies!
Nick Verreos Hosts OUT Magazine and Macy's INC's Fall Collection
I am so excited to be hosting a very special event at the Macy's Beverly Center on Thursday October 29Th at 7 PM--showcasing the new I.N.C./International Concepts Fall Collection for men. It's going to be a great night of shopping, cocktails, music and some hot boys (did I just say that?). Come to Macy's Beverly Center and then go home and watch Project Runway later! PS: That is not me on the Invite above--I only wish! Can't wait to see you there!
Where: Macy's Beverly Center, Los Angeles When: Thursday, October 29Th, 7 PM What: INC's Fall Menswear Collection Cocktails Hors d'oeuvres DJTo RSVP: Call 818-509-6499
Or Click HERE for more information.
Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 6 MyLifetime.com Recap: Inspiration Challenge
Greek Goddesses? Santa Fe Turquoise Shop Owners? and Carole Cook Fantasies?This week's Project Runway episode was all about the Michael Kors Inspiration Challenge. Surprisingly, he was there and not via SKYPE (let's take a moment for the fans to rejoice!). They were to design a look based on a fabulous locale. The whole time I kept thinking "Boy, I would have LOOOOVED this challenge!".
Mykonos: My Season 2 Inspiration--for the entire show!The Highlights (and or low-lights) of this Episode:
--Michael Kors: I can only imagine the sales associates at his Rodeo Drive Flagship, shaking in their cashmere Michael Kors turtlenecks when they found out that THE BOSS would be in the store.
--Christopher's Santa Fe ensemble: She looked like a waitress at the local Santa Fe Sizzler--or the proprietor of the local Trading Post.
At least Christopher Straub's waitress at the Santa Fe Sizzler outfit didn't look like:
This...Or then again, maybe it should have!--Carol Hannah Whitfield's leaf print Palm Beach look was Easy Breezy and perfect for the Palm Beach "it" girl. I still would have loved her more if she would have gone the whole Carole Cook Caftan route!
This Is What I'm Talking About! (Love ya Carole Cook!)--Nicolas' Delusions of Greece: I love me some Nicolas but Lord knows what country he was thinking about, but it wasn't Greece.
NIKOLAKI Spring 2008: This ivory silk jersey one-shoulder dress above is Grecian-inspired, however...
This grey and white pant look above, is not.But not to worry, Nicolas Putvinski may have been "Auf'ed" by Miss Heidi, but he's done very good for himself afterward. In fact, Nicolas was part of the Oscars.com: Behind The Dress Designer Challenge in which designers from across the country were asked to design a gown to be worn by the Trophy Girl at the Academy Awards back in January of this year.
Nicolas Putvinski and his Oscar Challenge designHe did a beautiful job and in fact, when I hosted that web-show, he secretly told me how he was on the new season. I promised to keep my "Uncle Nick" mouth shut! And I kept my promise. He was very proud of his gown for the Oscars Challenge and with his performance on the show. If only he didn't have to wait a YEAR to see it, was his main complaint (I hear ya Nicolas!).
Click HERE to read my entire Recap for myLifetime.com, and make sure to leave your thoughts! I may get some angry emails from Ukrainian Arms Dealer Trophy Wives and Santa Fe Store Owners...
