Project Runway Minute: Introducing the Winner of Look TV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search!

And The Winner Is...

Presenting Blake: Nick Verreos (right) and Project Runway Season 10 hopeful--and LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner, FIDM about-to-graduate student Blake Patterson (left)

Last week, as I posted HERE, I had the HONOR and yes, PLEASURE--of judging the Los Angeles Castings for the 10th Anniversary Season of Project Runway. I judged for three days along with Project Runway All Stars Season One Winner (and shorty-short-lovin'!) Mondo Guerra and Marie Claire's Website Director, the fabulous (and oh-so-sweet!), Abby Gardner.

Project Runway Season 10 LA Castings Judges (left to right) Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra, Abby Gardner

In addition, LookTV--YouTube's newest Fashion and Beauty Channel--in conjunction with the Producers of Project Runway, were running the FIRST EVER "Project Runway Skip The Casting Line" Talent Search--where we asked fashion designers all over the US to submit videos of themselves and their designs to have a chance of receiving a coveted spot at the Los Angeles Closed Castings of Season 10 Project Runway.

SO many of you submitted videos to LookTV and it was a very difficult choice, but we had to pick our Top Designer-ista. And the Winner of this first ever "Skip The Line" Project Runway Talent Search was (quick drum roll): Blake Patterson!

Plaid Blake: LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner, Blake Patterson Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings

Blake submitted his video via a special Casting we had at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles Campus. He is still a student of Fashion Design but about to graduate. He interns at the Lanvin Beverly Hills Boutique and actually procured a super-coveted internship in Paris with the House of Lanvin as well. But yes, his DREAM is to be on Project Runway--Bien sûr, il est! (Of course, it is en francais). The prize of this LookTV contest was to win a spot in the Castings so he arrived, with designs he had created--and his fun, very skinny self!

Strike a Pose: Blake Patterson doing his take on the "Couture Pose" ---juxtaposed with Dominican Republic Supermodel Arlenis Sosa and hers...I think Blake did pretty well!

I interviewed him before--and after he had to go in and face THE CASTING JUDGES (moi included!).  You can see the results in the video below plus a little bit extra: Blake LOVES to Line Dance and well, he taught me a little bit of the "Boot Scootin' and Boogie"--his fave line dance!
Will Blake Make the Final Cut and be a Designer in Season 10? What do you guys think? Is it a "Yay", "Nay"...Maybe??? 
Let us know and leave your comments here or on the LookTV Facebook Page or YouTube Page.

Click Below to watch the Video--LookTV Project Runway "Skip The Line" Talent Search Winner: 

 

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Debut 2012 --Fashion Show + Gala & Celeb Pics!

Debut Fashion-Extravaganza!!!!

Fashion Dictators: Nick Verreos and "The Dictator" actress Anna Faris, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

In my last post, I began my "FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend" Blog posting with "Part One" and highlighted the fun Spring Open House as well as the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party. So, here is Part Two: Debut 2012 Fashion Show and Gala...

Look Who's Hosting: Nick Verreos onstage at FIDM Dedut 2012, Santa Monica Barker Hanger

I was privileged enough to host two of the three Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2012 shows over the weekend--beginning on Thursday. As you may know, I am not only a Graduate of FIDM, but yes, also the college's Spokesperson and I always enjoy hosting and attending the Debut Show. "Debut" is where the "creme de la creme" of the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design graduates get to showcase their collections and designs. Back in ____ (don't EVEN think of asking!) I was one of those "creme de la creme" Debut designers so it really means a lot for me to be "back" and see the "new crop" of graduates' collections.

Nick's NIKOLAKI Girls: (Left to right) Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI lemon green silk chiffon dress, Nick Verreos, and model Beth in black-and-silver sequined NIKOLAKI gown

For this Debut 2012 presentation, I brought along two of my newest NIKOLAKI designs for Spring 2013--which were modeled by the gorgeous Lauren Gish and Beth, models from LA Models.

Notice the Hand-Beaded Capelet, Kids: Nick Verreos on stage with models in his NIKOLAKI designs, at FIDM Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Santa Monica

Lauren wore a neon green/yellow "Gladiator Dress" in silk chiffon with hand-beaded waist trim, and Beth wore a silver-and-black hand-beaded silk chiffon cowl-neck blouson gown with side-slit. They "flanked" me onstage as I did my hosting duties...

Nick and Cleopatra: Nick Verreos and model Brandise Danesewich backstage at FIDM 20912, Barker Hanger

Speaking of models, backstage I was so happy to see one of the sweetest models I know, the beautiful Brandise Danesewich--who also happened to be "Project Runway Family"--she was on Season 7 of the show as well as "Models of the Runway". She was modeling a design by one of the graduates of the Advanced Study Program in Costume Theater Design inspired by "The Phantom of the Opera".

Harlequin Opera: A design from Sarah Timm, graduate of the FIDM Advanced Study Program in Theater Costume Design, Debut 2012-- "Phantom of the Opera" theme (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Saturday night was the L.A. Fashion Gala of Debut 2012--a very fancy black tie affair where the A-List Fashion Industry is invited as well as Hollywood celebs, costume designers and general Fashionista Glitterati. I wore my midnight blue shawl-collared Zara tuxedo with an Ermenegildo Zegna dress shirt and bow tie for the occasion.

Backstage Fab: Nick Verreos with models Lauren (right) and Beth (left) with Mary Stephens looking on, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of Brandise Danesewich)

Presenting Duo: Mary Stephens Director of FIDM Fashion Design Program and Nick Verreos announcing the FIDM Scholarship winners (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

During the gala, I was honored enough to present the FIDM Scholarship Awards and trophies with my FIDM "Mom" and Mentor, the Director of the FIDM Fashion Design Program, the ever-so-stylish Mary Stephens. This year's graduates did a fabulous job in terms of their mini-collections--with designs that ranged from stiffened geometric coats a la Pierre Cardin to colorful gowns and even a collection of children's dresses.

A design by Alejandro Ortega, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate (photo of abimages.com)

A design by Randy Lee Donato, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate(photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Fashion Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger

Actress Anna Faris and "American Reunion" Costume Designer (and FIDM Grad) Mona May, and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Debut 2012 was FABULOUS, to say the least and it was an honor to be the MC as well as co-present the very important FIDM Scholarships. And of course, it was a BLAST putting on a tuxedo on Saturday night and hanging out with the likes of LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall, actress Anna Faris and yes, Miss Mona May (LOVE HER!!!)...

Finally...After the FIDM 2012 Fashion Presentations (on Thursday and Friday) I had the chance--in my "Nick VIP Tent" at Barker Hanger--to meet-and-greet with many attendees...

Here is a collage photo:

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles Open House & Debut 2012 Fashion Club Party!!!

An FIDM Open House Runway Under The "Big Tent", A "Phantom of The Opera" Fashion Club Bash, Lots of Photo-Ops...Oh, and...Jif Peanut Butter...Read on kids...

Nick Postcards From...Debut 2012 FIDM Fashion Club Party--Nick Verreos and some fashionable attendees

This past weekend was FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend, beginning last Thursday and onto this past Saturday. As the Official Spokesperson for my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, I take part in a lot of events and appearances throughout the year promoting the College, talking about FIDM to hopeful students and how the school gave me the fundamentals to launch my fashion career. The Debut Weekend is the "Oscars" of the entire FIDM school year and there are always lots of events leading up to the big Debut Fashion Show--where graduates from the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design programs show their Collections at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California.

FIDM Spring 2012 Open House:

Under the Big Tent: a scene from Spring 2012 Open House, FIDM

One of the first events I MC'ed this past weekend was the Debut 2012 Spring Open House at the Downtown L.A. FIDM Campus. Open House occurs in all the campuses and it's a way for parents and prospective students to get information on the college as well as meet alumni, instructors and take tours of the campus facilities. This Spring Open House was HUGE--hundreds and hundreds of high school students and their parents and family, gathered under a massive tent in Hope Park, next to the campus.

Any Volunteers?? Nick Verreos asks for Spring 2012 Open House "Style Walk-Off" models

After introducing myself, I held an impromptu "Open House" runway fashion show. These attendees were very stylin' so I felt compelled to have them show off their looks. And let me tell you, by the show of hands when I asked for volunteers, we could have stayed there for HOURS doing "Style Walk-Off's"!! Now speaking of the audience, as I looked for those Open House Runway volunteers, I spotted one girl sitting eating some Ritz Crackers with...

A big ol' jar of Jif Peanut Butter (it was the "Reduced Fat" kind, by the way)!! Well, you KNOW I just had to out "Miss Peanut Butter" lover (she was so sweet through it all, as she turned BRIGHT RED!)---Who brings a jar of Peanut Butter to an FIDM Debut Open House, I asked? SHE DID!!! Love her!

Tent Panel: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, Jason Leigh Shinn, Lisa Vian Hunter and Casey Murphy, FIDM Spring 2012 Open House

Following the "Open House Walk-Off" and the Peanut Butter....I finally got to hosting the Open House Panel discussion on the main stage with four current students and alumni as my guests. The panel included Casey Murphy, a current student in the Merchandise Marketing program who also happens to be Marketing Director of FIDM Mode, the campus-based magazine created and produced exclusively by students; Jason Leigh Shinn, who just got accepted (and won a Scholarship) in the IMPD (International Manufacturing & Product Development) Advanced Study program; Mallory Dempster, an alumna, who is currently a Creative Marketing Consultant with a very successful marketing agency (Mallory also happens to be a former student of mine); and our last panelist was another FIDM alumna, Lisa Vian Hunter, who owns a boutique in Seattle that carries vintage clothing as well as her own designs--she is also a contestant on the NBC's "Fashion Star" reality TV show.

Open House Smiles: Nick Verreos poses with attendees of the FIDM Spring 2012 Open House

As it has become custom, following the Panel Discussion, I did a "Nick Meet & Greet" and took lots of Facebook and Twitter pics with the Spring Open House attendees--as well as gave out signed photos.

Open House attendee Adii Kara and Nick Verreos

Nick Verreos and Open House attendee Victoria Hultquist

It was great meeting everyone--all the high school students from across the US (including Arizona, Missouri, Texas, Hawaii, etc) as well as their parents (love the Mommies and Dads!) But soon, it was time for me to be "whisked" away and drive to Santa Monica to attend the FIDM Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party at the Barker Hanger...

FIDM Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party:

The annual FIDM Fashion Club Debut Pre-Party is like the Fashion Prom--but without the awkward dates wearing the tacky rented tuxedos! I got to the Fashion Club Party at Santa Monica's Barker Hanger, right around the same time over a thousand (yes, over a thousand!) high school students and their advisers from Fashion Clubs from all over the U.S. began arriving as well.

Phantom Step-and-Repeat: The Scene at the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

The FIDM Debut Fashion Club Pre-Party tent was set up in the Debut 2012 Theme of "The Phantom of the Opera". Several HUGE chandeliers hung from the tent ceiling and the entire area was covered in draped fabric to evoke the mood of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. There was even a step-and-repeat wall where attendees could pose with a "Phantom of the Opera" and yes, there was a live DJ spinning all the latest hits (I sound soooo OLD saying that!!) as guests began trickling in...

Yummy Treats: Various tables were set up with fruits and veggies, cheeses and crackers (I did not see any Ritz Crackers and Peanut Butter!) and warm appetizers like chicken skewers...

Make-Up Fab: There was also an "Eyelash Corner" to give guests some SUPER DUPER "Fashion Club" eyelashes. Last but certainly not least...

Nick Photo Corner: there was the "Celebrity Corner with Nick Verreos"...

High-Low Posing: Nick Verreos poses with two stylish girls wearing "high-low" dresses/skirts, Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

For the next couple of hours, in my "Celebrity Corner", I took photos with many, many of the party's most fashionable guests. There was a professional photographer taking the photos which my photo "dates" could pick up from the photo printer that was set up nearby as a fun souvenir!

I had such a FAB time meeting all the stylish Fashion Club members from high schools all over the nation--as well as around California of course. As a fashion designer, it was almost like doing "Research" as I made mental notes surveying each and every one of the attendees dresses and outfits. PS: Dresses ARE BACK!!! Colorful, high-low styles, mini, long, solid, printed...you name 'em, they were there. So nice to see girls in cute stylish dresses! I took soooo many pics but one of my favorites was this one:

A Three-fer: Nick Verreos, Security Guard Rick Young, and David Paul, Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party

That's me (naturally), my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul, and in the middle, my Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Security Guard, Rick Young--He was the BEST! He made me feel as if I was Justin Bieber, protecting me from those fashionable and always well-behaved young girls and guys attending the Fashion Club Party and Debut show. He always looked very serious and I (almost) got him to smile for this one!

Following the Fashion Club Party, it was time for me to be onstage and introduce FIDM Debut 2012...

Here's a sneak peek (above with my NIKOLAKI-clad models) of what's to come...on my Debut 2012 BLOG Recap...Stay tuned kids!!!

Nick TV Minute: Nick Verreos on NBC-LA News Discussing Academy Awards Fashions--Recap!

Oscars Fashions "Nick's Picks" NBC-LA:

FIDM Spokesperson on TV: Nick Verreos on NBC-LA Channel 4, 5 PM News, discussing Oscars Fashions

As you know this was a busy weekend for me--being that it was the Academy Awards--doing lots of pre-Oscars interviews at the amazing FIDM Museum and all those Oscar-nominated costumes--as well as doing my "Fashion Expert" commentating for the TV Guide Network Countdown and Live Red Carpet Shows yesterday from the Hollywood & Highland Center (Kodak Theater). I also shot a quick "Red Carpet Review" with NBC-LA right after the Oscars Red Carpet which aired on the 11 o'clock News last night (video at the end of this post). That was yesterday and today...well, it's all about MORE Post-Oscars Fashion Talk...

I wrapped filming my TV Guide Academy Awards Fashion Wrap this afternoon and then went to the NBC-LA Studios in Burbank to shoot my LIVE segment for the 5 o'clock News with my two favorite anchors: Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry.

Fashion Talk: NBC-LA Anchors Chuck Henry and Colleen Williams, and Nick Verreos

All Awards Season long, as the Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--my Alma Mater--I have been appearing on KNBC and giving my "Hits" and "Not-So-Hits" of the Red Carpet with Colleen and Chuck. As usual, I had a great time talking fashion with them! They get very involved (I think it's a nice break from all the other not-so-fashionable news occurring in Southern California). Of course, we discussed Jennifer Lopez in that sequined gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad:

I thought she looked AMAZING--from her "Star Bun" down to that fishtail train of hers! And yes, we even discussed the possible "Wardrobe Malfunction" everyone is talking about around the "Web-o-sphere". Now, let me say my "Nick Two Cents" on this: There was NO You-Know-What shot! Do these people (who think that something might have slipped out) not know a woman's body? Whatever they think that slipped out is about 1 1/2 inches AWAY from the edge of that plunging v-neck neckline of hers. Moving on...

We also discussed Angelina Jolie. I was not a fan of the Atelier Versace velvet gown--I thought the fabrication looked heavy on her. I would have loved to have seen her in something sequined, fitted and yes, maybe with no slit. Now speaking of that slit and her now infamous Angelina Jolie Stick-The-Leg-Out Pose:

Angelina Jolie-ing: Colleen Williams, Nick Verreos and Cary Berglund, NBC-LA Studios Burbank

Colleen Williams, myself and NBC-LA reporter (and my FIDM Museum Partner-in-Oscars -Fashions-and-Costumes Fabulousness) Cary Berglund...well, we decided to do the "Angelina Jolie" (or try) following my segment! Above is the incriminating photo! Thank you FIDM and Thank you NBC-LA for a fun 2011-2012 Awards Season.

Click Below to Watch my Oscars Fashions Segment on NBC-LA 11 o'clock News last night with reporter Angie Crouch:

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

Oscars Fashions Minute: Nick Verreos Sketches Designs for the 84th Annual Academy Awards Best Actress Nominees

Red Carpet Sketching...

Since the 84th Annual Academy Awards are coming up--THIS SUNDAY NIGHT!!!---I was asked about my predictions of what the stars might be wearing. So, I thought, well, why not take it a step further and actually draw MY visions of what the Academy Award-nominated Best Actresses would be wearing if I was asked (a little boy can DREAM n'est pas?) to design and create their Oscars Red Carpet Gowns.

So, without further ado, here are my designs for actresses Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Glenn Close, and Viola Davis. All of these "Dream Illustrations" are based on some of my NIKOLAKI dresses and gowns from my collection. Let's begin with:

Rooney Mara: Rooney is the 2012 Fashion "It" Girl--the Cate Blanchett of this year. I see Rooney in something that is NOT black! She LOVES the color black and so therefore I want to take her out of her "comfort zone" and have her wear RED! I also envision her in a directional statement-making dress.

This gown is based on one of my NIKOLAKI cocktail dresses from my Spring 2011 Collection (above photo) and it features an asymmetrical neckline/top section and a very architectural cascade drape in the front of the structured silk ziberline gown.

Meryl Streep: For Meryl, I wanted to see her in something softer--more "Grecian Goddess". So I sketched this gown above. She's been wearing lots of black for recent award shows and so therefore I wanted to go in the opposite direction. The color would be a vanilla creme and it would be in silk jersey.

The gown would feature a high cowl neckline and asymmetrical open back detail with side-draped cowl, just like the original gown from my collection which I based it on (above photo). There would be figure-hugging and complimentary side pleating that would fall into a dramatic side back. It would be DRAMATIC, SEXY and oh-so fab for that three-quarter I-am-holding-my-Oscar-statuesque shot! It would also be such a departure from those too-stiff 80's suits a la Margaret Thatcher.

Michelle Williams: Gorgeous Michelle. She wore a beautiful silver-blue Chanel Haute Couture sequined gown for last year's Academy Awards and I'd love to see her in head-to-toe sequins once again. But my NIKOLAKI design would be in a lilac/lavender color --very similar to this gown of mine:

However, the sequin and color detail would Ombre from light to dark/light to heavy at the hem. My design features a plunging neckline but it is delicately hidden by an attached silk chiffon capelet. The shape would be fit-to-flare and feature a sexy side slit (she was TOO covered up at the 2012 Golden Globes).

Glenn Close: For Glenn, I wanted to also take her out of her black color fashion comfort zone and create a gown in a midnight blue. I also know she loves that Mermaid Shape so I did a variation on this, based on one of my NIKOLAKI Mermaid-shaped gowns.

The gown would be in a stiffer silk ziberline or taffeta and have hand-applied Swarovski crystal embellishment at the waist and neckline--again, for that ever-so-important three quarter shot! Finally, I would semi-cover her shoulders and biceps with horizontal pleated drape accents.

Viola Davis: Finally, for Viola, I sketched this Fashion Goddess illustration. First off, I would LOVE to see Viola in a gown of this color: apple green. This is THE color for Spring/Summer 2012 and we saw it on a lot of the Paris, Milan, NY runways. If anyone can WORK this color, it's Miss Viola. The silk chiffon gown would be gathered at the bust as well as the center front, like this gown below from my NIKOLAKI Collection:

There would be a high side slit for dramatic red carpet posing and yes, her torso--and "Sistahs" (she's been displaying them a lot lately)--would be elegantly positioned, with this gown. Finally, I added a very DIVA-like 20+ yards of silk chiffon cape attached to the gown at the back. This would flow as she walked like a Spartan Empress waiting to greet her 10,000 warriors--or her Oscar statue!

I can't wait to see on Sunday night what these actresses decide to wear to the 84th Annual Academy Awards--and if my original sketches/designs were actually better...or not-so-much!

Click Below for my "Oscar Fashion" What I Would Design For The Nominees Segment with NBC-LA's Cary Berglund from the fabulous FIDM Museum "Oscars Costumes" Exhibition: