Nick Verreos in Novi Michigan's Twelve Oaks Mall: Macy's "Putting It All Together" event--The Recap!

Detroit Fashion Gals, Michigander Fashionistas, Exclusive Blogging Project Runway Interview...and George Clooney????

Michigander Gals: Nick Verreos poses with Macy's "Putting It All Together" guests (and "Project Runway" fans), Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

This last Friday, I flew to Detroit Michigan to host one of my FAB Macy's "Putting It All Together" events. Just days before, I was in Chicago Macy's State Street and then, had to fly back to LA to take care of some dress-making NIKOLAKI business--and then later in the week, I was back on a plane--to Detroit. I was hosting at Novi Michigan's (about 30 miles from Detroit) Twelve Oaks Mall Macy's the following day--on Saturday.

Upon arriving into Novi, I checked into the very chic "The Baronette Renaissance" Boutique Hotel. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the decor: It was very Mid-Century Modern Boutique-y. I WANT EVERY piece of furniture for my own home!!!

The Baronette Renaissance Hotel Lobby, Novi Michigan

I've been to many a Boutique Hotel in my "frequent flyer" travels and I must say, The Baronette Renaissance was one of THE BEST! Loved that Lobby, with the fireplace and sectional sofa decor. It was a nice "welcome to Novi" after flying (almost) across the US.

The hotel was designed by David Ashen of d-ash Design and as of now: He is my new Interior Design "boyfriend"! If I had all the money in the world, I would order those chairs in the photo above as well as that glass table with the wooden legs. Love.


I also sneaked a peak into the "Kitchen" area (top photo) of The Baronette Renaissance, which was just as sleek and well-designed as the rest of the lobby--and of course, it's mini-fridge was well-stocked with a Michigan Icon: Faygo Soda, as you can see. I, unfortunately, never got the chance to try one, but...maybe next time!

Look Who's Here: Nick Verreos, Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

But now, it was on to my Macy's "Putting It All Together" Event! The Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi Michigan was abuzz as shoppers gathered around and recognized me as I made my way into the store. Immediately, I told the store manager that I wanted to make an announcement on the intercom and he was happy to make my wish come true.

Novi Stage: Nick Verreos, Macy's "Putting It All Together" event, Twelve Oaks Mall

Soon enough, the First Floor Impulse Department section, which was blocked off for the event, was full with EVERY seat taken and in fact, it became "Standing Room Only". Prior to the event, I was SO excited to see "Tbone" from MY FAVORITE Project Runway Fan Site--Blogging Project Runway--waiting for me--to do an "exclusive" interview and video. It was also great to see my good ol' friend, Lisa Gilpin of GM and formally with Saturn (sponsor of Project Runway!).

Blogging Friends: Lisa Gilpin, Nick Verreos and "Tbone" of Blogging project Runway, Macy's Twelve Oaks Novi Michigan

Naturally, I couldn't contain myself and gave them a big hug--and did the interview (see videos at the end of this posting!). But then, it was time for "Putting It All Together": I chose-- randomly--members from the Macy's audience, to be "Macy's Stylists" and "Put Together" outfits for three challenges...

Including "A Night Out With The Girls", "Brunch With The Girls" and "Shopping With Nick" (above photo). The winners, picked by the rest of the audience, won $100 Macy's Gift Cards while the runners-up got $25 Macy's Gift Cards as well (not bad!).

Contestant Interviewin' : Nick Verreos interviews contestants at the Macy's "Putting It All Together" event, Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

There were LOTS of Mommies and their daughters and so, of course, at the end, I brought up some of the little future Fashionista/Macy's Top Models and had then do a little Runway Walk on stage with me to cap off this fun Macy's Twelve Oaks "Putting It All Together" event.

I had the BEST time in Michigan with my lovely Michigander DIVAS! I was especially verklempt, when I met a beautiful attendee, Maxine Gardner (above), who actually had a special "Gift" for me: Gorgeous Photo-Cards designed by her!! I couldn't believe it! The fact that someone took the time to come to Macy's and my event and bring me a wonderful gift!? Done and Done! By the way, you can click HERE to see her website and those gorgeous cards from her fundraising company, Artful Vision.

Michigan's Top Models: Nick Verreos with models Caitlyn (L) and Austyn (R), from Real Style Agency, Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan "Putting it All Together" event

I had a great time and I thank EVERYONE for coming out! And of course, for shopping at Macy's (hello!). But then, I was off to the Detroit Metro Airport to catch my flight back to Los Angeles. Now, I thought my exciting day was over, but...after getting to the airport and checking in, I went through security and had about two hours to waste away. I decided that since I was hungry, I should get a turkey sandwich at the "Waterworks Bar & Grill" at the Delta McNamara Terminal near my gate. As soon as I was about to take my first bite, I look up, and who do I see:

George Clooney and his girlfriend, the beautiful Elisabetta Canalis! Yep, not kidding. In fact, I almost didn't notice him (gray sweater, gray pants, salt-&-pepper hair, glasses) but it was she who caught my eye. She was in jeans, black Ugg boots and sunglasses and no make-up but still, I was like "She's beautiful and...she looks familiar!!! They sat ten feet away, ordered drinks and burgers. The entire kitchen staff was tripping over themselves being all looky-loos. To make a long story short: They were both on my flight back to LA! And yes, the Delta flight attendants, pilot and co-pilot were a MESS! At one point, I wondered if anyone was flying the darn plane because they were all in the front First Class Galley acting like they needed to be there (they were just looking at Mr. Clooney, but pretending not to--it was kinda cute actually!).

It was a very "Hollywood/Celeb Sighting" ending to my fun Detroit Michigan trip. Who knows, maybe next time I visit Novi, I might see Lady Gaga!

Click Below for Blogging Project Runway Interview with Tbone--Part I:

Click Below for Blogging project Runway Interview with Tbone--Part 2:

Carrie Underwood Wears NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul: Latest Press!

Check This Out!!! Love...

Fashion Q & A/TwitPic.com: Carrie Underwood in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul

So excited to see some FAB web press on Miss Carrie Underwood wearing our NIKOLAKI turquoise blue Spring 2011 dress last week on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show":

Style.com The Fashion Feed/BloggingProjectRunway

Just Jared

Here's Carrie Underwood in our dress--once again--with Ellen, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", last week

Meeting Seth Aaron Henderson, Winner of Project Runway Season 7!!

Season 4 Casting Memories...
Young at the Standard, circa 2007: David Paul, Nick Verreos, Seth Aaron Henderson, and Santino Rice

Well, look what my lovely friends at Blogging Project Runway un-earthed from their "Treasure Chest" of archival photos: Yes, that's my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul (far left), myself, Seth Aaron Henderson and Season 2 Contestant Santino Rice. Several years back (look how young and SKINNY Seth looked!!! Not to mention myself and THAT crazy t-shirt!), I judged the Season 4 LA Castings of Project Runway. Seth Aaron 2010

The castings were at the Downtown Los Angeles Standard Hotel and afterward I met up with Blogging Project Runway's Laura Kluvo for cocktails at the Standard Rooftop Bar. She had come to LA to blog about the castings and invited myself and David for apres drinks and munchies. Once there, she said "Oh, I met a lovely guy who tried out and he's stopping by as well". Yes, the "lovely guy" was Seth Aaron. Seth Aaron had tried out for Season 4's Castings but unfortunately, did not make it to the next round. Talk about perseverance, because, well, as we now know, the rest is history. Congratulations to Seth!

Post Project Runway Finale Brunch and Wrap Party-New York

Hours After being Crowned the Winner: Leanne and Nick Verreos at Official Wrap party (I did not know she had won of course!)

Finale Wrap-Ups....Since last week was the final episode of Season 5 Project Runway, I thought it would be fitting to do some "Season 5 Wrap Ups". During my trip to New York City last month to attend the Bryant Park Show, I was lucky enough to have been invited (along with David, of course) to a Post Finale Brunch as well as to the Wrap Party that occurred the same day of the Finale Show, and hours after the last "And the Winner Is'" episode was shot. I saved these fun photos and my recap of the day (and night) until now....Hope you enjoy!

Bloody Mary or Mimosa?Brunch Dishing: Saturn's Lisa Gilpin, Nick Verreos, and friend Taylor Schultz

Every season, after the Project Runway Finale Bryant Park Show, it has been the tradition for Bravo to throw a fabulous "Post-Show Brunch" at Bryant Park Grill next to the tents. It was a great way for clients, producers and former Project Runway alum, to mingle, dish on the show and grab some delicious omelets and Mimosas...However, for some reason, this season, this Bryant Park Grill Brunch was not occurring. David and I were ready to head back to our hotel and have our own intimate post-show dishing brunch---until my good friend, Lisa Gilpin, of Saturn (and my Front Row seat-mate at the show), invited us to a "hush-hush" brunch at the stylish Royalton Hotel, being thrown for clients and sponsors of the show, including L'Oreal, Tre Semme, Bravo and of course, Saturn. David and I also brought our NY friend, Taylor Schultz, who attended the finale show with us (he was tickled of course!)Royalton Post Show Brunch: David Paul, Laura K, and Molly, smiling after a couple of Mimosas

Once there, we were so happy to see the entire Blogging Project Runway "crew", Miss Laura K., "TBone" and "The Scarlett". Between all of us, we set up our own Project Runway booth at the restaurant and proceeded to have a delicious brunch and one too many Mimosas and Bloody Mary's. We discussed who our favorites were, who we thought should win, whose collection was the best (and the worst) and so on. It may not have been like the traditional Bryant Park Grille Brunch, but we had a great time nonetheless.

The Official Wrap Party:
White Pants After Labor Day? John Wade and Nick Verreos Break the Rules, New York City, September '08
After the wonderful Royalton Hotel Brunch, David and I returned back to our hotel, The Hudson, to grab a "Disco Nap" so we would be ready for what the evening had in store for us. Well, because of the early morning "call time" for the Finale Bryant Park Show, our supposed brief nap, turned into a full-blown 4 HOUR SIESTA!!!! Once up, I checked my Blackberry and got messages, inviting me to the Official Wrap Party being given by the producers of the show. On our way out of the hotel, guess who we ran into? Season 2 Designer and Marc Jacobs West Coast Manager, John Wade! He was in New York to attend his boss' New York Fashion Week Spring '09 Collection, as well as for the Marc Jacobs "Buys"-- when all the stores' managers survey the collection and decide what they will order for their boutiques. By coincidence, he happened to be staying at The Hudson and was returning after a 14-hour workday. I begged him to come with us to the Wrap Party, but he could barely keep his eyes open. He did just for the two seconds it took to take a photo(see above).Wrap Party Sandwich: Saturn's Lisa Gilpin, Nick Verreos and Season 5 Finalist, Korto (looking REALLY HAPPY!)

Once at the Wrap Party, I was happy to say "Hi" to all the Season 5 Designers and "feel out" the ones who showed at Bryant Park (to see if I could take a good guess who had been crowned the winner of Season 5). I immediately greeted Leanne Marshall, and met her boyfriend and friends, who came out from Portland. I assumed she had won, since I thought her collection was the best. I even congratulated her (even though, of course, I did not know who had really won) but her and friends had major "poker faces" on: Her demeanor seemed solemn, sad and to be honest, not one of a "winner". Maybe she was just so tired from it all, which is totally understandable. I then made a bee-line to Korto. Maybe I could see if she was acting like a "winner". She was. If she could have, she would have been dancing on top of the bar's tables! She was dancing, singing, having a Gay Ol' time! So, that left me thinking: Did Korto win? Because she sure was acting like it.
Leanne's Muse: Nick Verreos with Leanne Marshall's model, Tia, at Season 5 Wrap Party, New York City, September '08

I also recognized some of Season 5 Models, including Leanne's (Tia), as well as Korto's, the Latinalicious (my tribute to Blayne!), Katrina Munez. Of course, I also made a point to say Hello to the great Magical Elves producers, cameramen, and sound guys present. I tried to get something out of them, in terms of who won. But no one was telling. I left the party thinking that Korto had won, BUT with a little bit of doubt on my mind...Little did I know!!
Make Me A Project Runway Supermodel: Nick Verreos hangs out with Season 5 Models at the Season 5 Wrap Party in New York City, September '08

Season 6 Project Runway Model Mixer?

Meet The Models....
A couple of days ago, a friend--who shall remain nameless--emailed me to ask me if I knew anything about a Project Runway Season 6 Model Mixer happening on Sunday here in Los Angeles. I did not. I have been to busy on "design lock-down" draping and making patterns for my upcoming Islands Of the World Fashion Week show in the Bahamas. Yes, I have been able to get out every now and then (witness the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Party), but other than that, I have been glued to my pattern table! On Friday, we had fittings with our fit model, the beautiful Amanda Fields, and I asked her about this "Model Mixer", and she was as confused as I. I thought, well if anyone knew it would be Miss Amanda---NOT!!!
After a bit of amateur investigation, I got the DISH: There was indeed a model mixer for the Season 6 Project Runway models, being filmed for the new season, at the Downtown Los Angeles Elevate Lounge and it was more of "Clients: Meet the Models"...Since I was not invited, I did not go. But if I get any further info from someone who did, you can be sure, Uncle Nick (there I go, writing in Third Person Suede again!) will let you know, as long as I'm not sworn to secrecy!....

Project Runway Season 5 Nick Verreos Recaps!!!!

Make Me OVER!!!!! MTV Style

Soon after this episode aired on Wednesday, a very good friend emailed me and the "Subject" line of the email read "Things I Learned From Watching This Episode of Project Runway". I was intrigued. I scrolled down. There was only one sentence:
Jerell's Junk-In-The-Trunk, and Kenley Should Have Been Gone.
Well, there was more to this episode, but...I will make sure to include something about those two saucy things...

The Challenge:
In a season filled with "Strolling-Down-Project-Runway-Memory-Lane", it would be fitting that this episode (the same episode where yours truly was eliminated), would re-hash my season's "Make Over Challenge". But of course, there was a 2008 Season 5 twist: The remaining five designers had to make over themselves but they had to be inspired by various musical genres. And I'm not talking about "Musical", as in Judy Garland/Chorus Line/Bob Fosse Jazz Hands Musical--if only it could be!!!

The Workroom:
It's Suede's time to go... I think...
I am not sure why-- maybe because I had attended the Project Runway Finale Fashion Show several weeks ago and
A) even a 2 year old could figure out who were the Top Four and who was not (it was THAT kind of season unfortunately)
and
B) since Joe was "auf'ed" last week, I had this instinctive "feeling" that it was Third Person Suede's time to say "Ciao"...
With that in mind, I wondered how the editors and producers would construct this episode to, well, let's just say, not make it so obvious.
Kudos to them because they did not. It was all about Miss Kenley....

Kenley: Hip Hop Confusion
The Workroom environment seem to be productive for all the designers save Miss Cut-and-Cry-Kenley. Her challenge was to design a "Hip-Hop" ensemble for "Geeks Rule" mousy Leanne, From the beginning, it was obvious, Kenley had slept through Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Jazzy Jeff , and Run DMC---like all at once!
I may not be a "Hip-Hop afficionado", but HUNEY, I know what a girl from that genre should look like---and it AIN'T high waisted fitted skinny jeans!!! See Lil' Mamma below.
I love that the other designers were allowing her to "dig her own design grave" when she kept asking them for their opinion on what she was working on. I would have LOVED to have been right there-- in between Jerell and Korto-- because the camera would have caught me giving a "She CRAZYYYYYY" look......but telling her "Oh, yeah Kenley...that looks REALLY GOOD!!!!" (cut to my face grimacing "Not So Much")

Kenley and Tim: Bitch Slap!
OK, that's it: It's ON! I have had students like Miss Kenley (rarely)...who think that "they are all that" and that no one else knows any better. The result: Let's just say that "Instructor Nick" gave them a classy, if not restrained, VERBAL BITCH SLAP. I am glad Tim did the same to Kenley during their workroom exchange.
Who do you think you are Kenley? It's called respect. You are not John Galliano...or Tom Ford...or Hubert de Givenchy...you are not a fashion design genius. So, be humble and listen to constructive criticsm. Tim is not trying to fail you or be in competition with you. Who would have THUNK it? Kenley is Season 5's Santino!!! I would have never guessed. I, for one, did not see it coming.

The Runway:
The Good: Fashion Rocks! Kenley as a Rejected Pussycat Doll
Most of the Designer Make-Overs were exceptional. The best being Jerell's "Britney Is Making A Comeback" ensemble for Bitch-slapped Kenley (that's my new name for her), as well as Korto's Gay Sid Vicious Punk ensemble for Suede. Jerell transformed Kenley into a pop princess--big hair, sequined breast accents and tacky-yet-appropriate stretch mini dress and all. She looked like a rejected Pussycat Doll---which is a good thing! At least in this challenge.

Suede is a Gay Adam Ant
It was all about the extra time Korto took in customizing her total look--from the bleach-dyed skinny jeans to the chains which finished the look off pefectly. Suede looked like the cover of an Adam Ant record--with some Boy George added in for a bit of "gay". Miss Korto correctly became this season's Chloe Dao and won the challenge--even though her model--Suede--didn't fare so well....

The Bad: Junk In The Trunk!
Leanne's cowgirl ensemble for Korto wasn't cute. It was a yawn. I think she could have taken it to another level: Add some gold fringe and maybe make some tight bootie-hugging jeans that would have screamed Tammy Wynette-meets-D Squared fashion show.

The worst for me was (surprise) Kenley's supposed Hip Hop-inspired outfit for Leanne. It was more Alicia Keys, less Lil' Mamma. She missed the mark COMPLETELY. Leanne looked hot though. I loved seeing her in super-tight, albeit bad-fitting skinny high-waisted jeans. And that asymmetrical hair chignon was a vision that would make the Sheer Genius judges BLUSH!

The worst, according to the judges, however, was Suede's tamed rock and roll outfit for Jerell. I have to admit that after I saw that crotch "pouch", I could see nothing else, and neither could my entire Blackberry address book of friends who were texting me with their comments! I guess we can all thank Suede for showing us Jerell's "buzinezzz", but it was not enough for him to slip through. It was Suede's time to go. Like I said, I had a feelin'.
Four more to go...

Familiar Connection

The word is out! If you haven't heard already, my sister Rita is a contestant on the new season of Survivor: Fiji. I did a posting on BravoTv.com which you can read HERE. They didn't make it easy to find on their website, so I thought just in case some of you missed it and wanted to read a little bit about the connection I would give you the heads up. Also, BPR is always on top of it! You can read a few questions I answered for them HERE.
And on another related topic: I ask forgiveness for the double pooka sheel necklaces , the large Turquoise chokers AND the hipster studded belt. This photo is about 4 years old! At least the one shouldered silk dress style my sister is featuring is STILL being ordered by stores! I guess I was a bit "ahead of my time".

Uncle Nick Gettin' Jiggy

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Did everyone see this posting from Blogging Project Runway?! I nearly spit up my eggnog laughing at these! Click HERE to see me as a dancing elf and even do that infamous Roger Rabbit Dance that I spoke of HERE!

Click HERE to go to BPR for the original posting where you can also see Andrae, Daniel Franco and yes, even Tim Gunn as Dancing Elves!

I will Be in San Antonio, TX for Christmas with the family and then NYC for New Years!

Thanks to everyone for all the love shown to me this year (can you believe it has just been one year since PR2?), it has been truly amazing and I continue to be humbled by all the support and encouragement shown to me. Feliz Navidad!!

Barbie is for REAL!

The wonderful Laura Kluvo over @ Blogging Project Runway recently informed me of the fabulous Ebay auction taking place involving my Project Runway Barbie, a Messenger_Bag autographed by myself, Diana Eng and Tim Gunn and a BPR T-Shirt that I also autographed and did a Barbie sketch on. She said there was some question as to whether or not the signature on the Barbie box was authentic. I just thought I would do a quick posting to assure everyone that it is absolutely real!! While autographing the Barbie for Marcia, the Grand Prize Winner of BPR's 1st contest, Laura slyly slipped in a second Barbie to sign. How great that she stashed it away and brought it out at just the right time to help boost the BPR Parsons Scholarship Fund. So bidders, rest assured that it is an authentic autograph and that you are bidding for a worthy cause. Happy Bidding!