Nick Verreos on "Latin Connection Magazine" Cover & La Opinion L.A., La Prensa NY article/profiles!!

Latin Designing: Latin Connection Texas, My Barbie and My NIKOLAKI Models...

Nick Verreos, on the cover of this month's Latin Connection Texas Magazine

Last month, Wayne Zamora, Editor-in-Chief of Latin Connection Texas Magazine, contacted me to do an Interview and an article on me, for the magazine, and of course, I said "SI!". And then, to my surprise, I made the cover! In the write-up, you can read about my "Early Years" in Caracas Venezuela, my love of 70's Flight Attendants, and being raised by FABULOUS Latina women--and my Greek dad. I'm honored to be in Latin Connection Texas Magazine and make the cover, especially since I have a close connection to Texas since my parents, sister and my niece and nephew all live there. And of course, not to mention the fact that I never met a BIG Texas BELT BUCKLE and Cowboy Boot I didn't like!!
You can read the entire Latin Connection Magazine article HERE (go to page 6).

Also: Mi Barbie y Mis Modelos (Translation: My Barbie and my Models)...

Sequins and Gold...Red! Fashion Designer Nick Verreos poses with Models Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson wearing NIKOLAKI gowns, FIDM Los Angeles Campus

In addition to being in Latin Connection Texas Magazine, EFE Newswire Service (Spanish-language version of A.P.) and EFEAmerica.com contacted me last week, wanting to do an interview that "would go around the Spanish-speaking world about myself--a story on a Latino Fashion Designer who "did muy bueno" and became successful in this industry. Again, naturally, I said "Si, por supuesto!".

Nick Verreos at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, "19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition (photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

They also wanted to do a photoshoot that would accompany the piece--and what better place than my Alma Mater--and the College I am an Instructor and the Spokesperson for--the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM.

My Barbie! Nick Verreos shows off his "My Scene Project Runway Season 2 Barbie", FIDM Los Angeles Campus

I threw on my most fabulous red jacket (Hot Latin Color!) and gathered two of my favorite muses/models, the statuesque Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson, as well as brought them several of my NIKOLAKI gowns to try on for the shoot. The writer (and photographer) Ivan Mejia, had also asked me if I could bring "My Barbie"--the "Project Runway My Scene Barbie" I had designed (and was subsequently manufactured and sold at Toys 'R Us). He said that showing me with my Barbie would make for nice photos to go with the article.

Another Pose Por Favor: Posing with my models Amanda Fields (Left), Danika Thompson (Right) and my Assistant for the shoot, Jesse Jacobs at FIDM Los Angeles Campus

Well, in the midst of remembering to bring the gowns, getting myself ready and finishing up on my NIKOLAKI Studio work I was doing earlier in the day...I totally forgot to bring my Barbie! But, thank goodness someone at FIDM came to the rescue: Someone at the school HAD MY BARBIE in their office and they (very nicely) let us borrow it for the shoot. Yeayyy! for FIDM and Yeayyy! for having my Barbie!

Would You Like A Sleeve: Nick Verreos measures model Amanda Fields--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los Angeles Campus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

Yep, She's Tiny: Nick Verreos measures model Danika Thompson--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los Angeles Campus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

All of us--the models in my gowns, my "Project Runway Barbie", and myself--posed in front of the "Pink-tastic" FIDM Barbie 50Th Anniversary Display, which also features my other Barbie! I know...that's one too many Barbies in one paragraph!!! In the end, I had a great time doing the photoshoot and the interview for my Latinos.

*You can read the finished article:
HERE on efeamerica.com

HERE to read it from the LA Opinion Newspaper and La Prensa NY Portal Website, impre.com

And for All Time's Sake: Here's a quick video of my Winning Barbie Design on Season 2 Project Runway:

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Event Macy's Union Square

San Francisco Host With The Most: Sunglass Shopping, Hot-Dog Eatin', Manicure Polishing and Much More...Billboard Boy: Nick Verreos at Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

On Saturday, I flew into San Francisco in a flourish. Here's the rundown: Got up at 5AM, packed, showered and got dressed, got to LAX, and boarded my Virgin America 8 AM flight to the City by the Bay. My trusty car and Bob--one of my favorite drivers in SF--picked me up at SFO and whisked me off to Union Square where I was to host the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut store at Macy's San Francisco's flagship from noon-4PM.Posing Divas: Nick Verreos and models pose with the Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Sunglasses designed by Devi Kroell, Matt Murphy and Kara Ross

The weather in San Francisco on Saturday was sunny and gorgeous--perfect to be sporting some CHIC new sunglasses. Macy's and Sunglass Hut had set up a whole "Afternoon Soiree" in Level 1 of the store and I was it's "Host with the Most". I brought three of the prettiest Ford models from San Francisco to be my "Nick's Angels" for the event (all styled fabulously by Keylee Sanders, my SF Stylist DIVA from Style Studio).Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Macy's San Francisco Union Square

For the Grand Opening, we had hors d'euvres including mini hot dogs, chili-lemon peppered watermelon and sorbet ice cream sandwiches, as well as lemonade and sparkling water being passed around, to entice shoppers to come see the new shop and get in a "It's Summer and I need some Sunglasses" mood.Greetings Macy's Shoppers: Nick Verreos, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

There was a "photo booth" by Fotomio where shoppers got to try on the featured Vogue Eyewear/CFDA sunglasses and take their very own photos. Pinkies was there giving manicures to shoppers. Sunglasses On A Plate: Models showcase Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Designer Eyewear, Macy's Union Square

As a bonus--just for that day--with EVERY purchase of a pair of sunglasses, shoppers received a chic little Sunglass Hut cosmetic bag, a Gift Certificate to Pinkies AND a full size bottle of Clarins Self Tanning Gel (Hello!!!!). Between the mini-hot dogs, lemonade, photo-booth taking, the gift-with-purchase and my shouting voice of "Welcome, Come Buy Some Sunglasses!!!, the store was abuzz with shopping madness! OMG! It's Nick: Nick Verreos poses with shoppers, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

The event was a complete SUCCESS! I had a great time and the fact that hundreds and hundreds of people (shoppers, tourists strolling in, fans of Project Runway--yeayyy!!) were stopping by, kept it all lively and fun!
That's MY Barbie: Siobhan Tuvo, her daughter Sarah and Nick Verreos, Macy's Union Square Grand Opening of Sunglass Hut

A highlight was one of my very best friends, Siobhan Tuvo, stopped by and brought her oh-so-pretty daughter Sarah, whom I had not seen in YEARS!!! Sarah brought me a special somethin'-somethin': The "Project Runway My Scene Nick Verreos Barbie"!!! Well, you just know I began screaming in the microphone like a little girl! She brought it for me to sign and of course, I obliged. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous afternoon at my Sunglass Hut Macy's San Francisco Event!
Now it was time to get some rest before the next day's big event: SF Gay Pride Parade!!! Stay Tuned...

Below is a fun slideshow with LOTS of photos of the entire event. These fantastic photos were provided by Drew Altizer Photography and click HERE for even MORE photos!

Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Niece Casia!!!

Uncle Nick Says "Feliz Cumpleaños"!!!
Uncle Nick: Nick Verreos with his niece Casia Kennedy

Today, my gorgeous--and very fashionable (of course)--niece turned TEN years old! (Gosh I'm getting OLD!!!). So I wanted to embarrass her by posting a very public Happy Birthday to Casia Maria Kennedy right here on my blog. She was born ten years ago in Mexico City (yep, she's an "unofficial" Chilanga!) but now lives in San Antonio--along with her Mommy (my sister Rita) and her brother Alain.Casia's Barbie: Nick Verreos holds his winning "My Scene Project Runway" Barbie

I am her Godfather--which for me, means that when I grow old, she has to take care of me (wink wink!) and if you guys are Project Runway Season 2 fans, you'll remember when I won the My Scene Barbie Challenge I "dedicated it" to her and said that when my niece watches the show (and this particular episode), I will now be her FAVORITE UNCLE!!
Happy Birthday Casia!

Nick Verreos and Macy's: Sacramento California!!!

Double Breasted in "Old Town" Sacramento!!!The Capitol Building in Sacramento California

This last weekend--after Houston and Orlando--I flew to Sacramento, California. No, not to re-style "The Governator", Arnold Schwarzenegger, but to continue my Macy's "Tour" where I host fabulous fashion events at local Macy's promoting their Fashion Director site, and get the shoppers involved by allowing them to take the Macy's Fashion Challenge and put together Spring 2010 looks for "special challenges" and have everyone vote on the Best Look. Nick and His Girls: Nick Verreos with the SF Ford Models, Macy's Sacramento

As I exited the Sacramento International Airport , the weather was GORGEOUS so I was ready to have a stunning event! After getting picked up by the one-and-only Johnny of Johnny's Towncar of Sacramento, we drove straight to my Macy's Sacramento location in the Westfield Downtown Plaza Shopping Center. I made sure to dress very Political Business with a dash of Thurston Howell III (from Gilligan's Island) since after all, I was in the State Capital!Sacramento Peaches: Nick Verreos poses with the Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team

Once there, I got right to business and proceeded to get on the intercom system and began announcing my event: "Hi Macy's Shoppers...It's Nick Verreos, Designer, Project Runway alumn and red carpet fashion expert...come to my Macy's Fashion Director event...and win a Macy's Gift Card!". I also walked outside and into the Mall and passed out invites, telling shoppers to stop by and take the Macy's Fashion Challenge. Bring It On: The Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team bust a move

At one point, I met the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team! They wanted to take photos so in return, I asked them to show me their best move. And they did it, right there IN THE MALL! Audience Snapshot: Nick Verreos Macy's Sacramento Event

I guess all my shenanigans did the trick, because there were over 200 people waiting for me as I made my way onto the stage--including the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team!You Got The Job: Model showing off the "Interview" look styled by one of the Sacramento audience members, Macy's Sacramento

For Sacramento, there were Three Challenges: 1) Put Together Your Best Interview Ensemble; 2) Style An Outfit to Meet Martha Stewart; and 3) Style an Outfit for a Beyonce Concert. I chose the contestants by pulling names from a hat, and they each had 2 minutes to style their models, provided by the San Francisco division of the esteemed Ford Modeling Agency. Yes, I only travel with THE BEST kiddies! Posin': Stylist Liz Baca and Nick Verreos, Macy's Sacramento

The clothes and accessories were hand-picked by the fabulous Liz Baca, my Macy's Sacramento Stylist and fab Vintage Clothing "Treasure Hunter". She was great in making things easy for me and for the contestants and did a great job to convey the Spring 2010 Macy's Trends. She also happens to be an FIDM San Francisco Graduate of the Merch/Marketing Dept ('98).All The Single Ladies: The Winning "Beyonce Concert" outfit

After the three challenges concluded, it was up to the audience to chose the Overall Winning Look and its winning "Fashion Director". The winner was from the "What Would You Wear To a Beyonce Concert" Challenge. As a result, the winning contestant won a $250 Macy's Gift Card!!! I was told later that she was also the first person to arrive before my event began! Well, you know she was the FIRST PERSON I wanted to take a photo with (see above). Love her! Congratulations to her and her great "fashion eye".
After the event was finished, lots of fans and shoppers alike were waiting for autographs and to take more photos. I was so excited to see one particular one, who had purchased my Project Runway My Scene Barbie on Ebay, bought it, and brought it for me to sign!
Once done with my event, I had several hours before I would catch my flight back to Southern California and my trusty driver Johnny decided to take me into Old Town Sacramento where I enjoyed a nice late lunch, people watched and walked the streets in search for the perfect "Governator" t-shirt. Needless to say, I didn't find one that would go with my Double-Breasted jacket! Maybe next time.

Hello New Jersey: Nick Verreos Warms Up Snowy Brookdale College!!

Jersey Boy!Bundled Up: Nick Verreos lands at the Pier Village, Long Branch New Jersey

If you've been keeping up with my blog, you know I get around--two weeks ago, I embarked on a 5-city stop in a period of seven days! Yes, kiddies, I've been racking up the frequent flyer miles--and "schooling about fashion" one student fashionista at a time! This time it is all about the JERSEY SHORE--well almost! I was invited to speak to New Jersey's Brookdale Community College located in Lincroft.
But first: NYC:Old School: The Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Terminal, JFK

I flew from my Suffolk University Boston appearance into NYC and landed at JFK, where the first sight greeting me outside was the iconic TWA terminal designed by architect Eero Saarinen. I had an "overnighter" in NYC where I spent a fab evening with my very good friends Taylor and Louie. We had drinks at the ULTRA EXCLUSIVE Andre Balazs-designed The Boom Boom Room located on the 18Th floor of the new Standard Hotel. The view up there was INSANE (and so were the prices at over $20 A DRINK!!!!). If you go, YOU MUST check out the bathrooms: They also come with a floor-to-ceiling view of the Manhattan skyline (see above), that's the Empire State Building on the right! Incredible.

But the best part for me were the fabulous cocktail waitresses and hostess. They are simply the MOST STYLISH ones on this planet, dressed in their Rubin Chapelle-designed "uniforms", if you could even call them Uniforms. Cadillac Margarita Anyone? The Boom Room Room Cocktail Waitresses

I asked our cocktail girl if she was happy with her sexy ivory cascade back-pleated angel-winged mini-dress, and before I could finish, she remarked "Heck Yeah!!!". This is not the bar at your local Marriott Suites kids! BTW: The Boom Boom Room shuts down to the "regular working folk" after 8:30pm and becomes "private". So unless you're Madonna and Marc Jacobs (or a multi-millionaire Goldman Sachs broker) don't even think about showing up after that time!
Afterward, we window shopped the Meatpacking District, where I spotted this gorgeous Victorian-inspired gown at the Charles Nolan Boutique, so of course, I had to get a photo (see above). Dinner and a good-night's rest followed for my next day's New Jersey appearance.
The View From My Room: Beach view from the Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch New Jersey

About an hour-and-a-half's drive from Manhattan, I arrived in the Jersey Shore. Well, Long Branch to be exact, where I checked into the sumptuous beachfront Ocean Place Resort and Spa (thank you Brookdale College!). It was very cold (about 30 degrees) and there was still snow on the ground so the thought of donning my Speedo and Havaianas were far from my mind! I may have to return during the Summer; I hear it's AMAZING.Well-stocked: Inside the Jenna & Molly Boutique, Pier Village, Long Branch NJ

I did walk around the nearby Pier Village--in my very warm Marc Jacobs fur-lined Parka--where I checked out the shops. My favorite being Jenna & Molly. I don't know who Jenna and Molly are but they have a great eye for buying fashion for their store! Loved EVERY SINGLE PIECE in there! It's Forever 21, H & M and Intermix all rolled up into one.
Stage Fright: Nick Verreos on stage, Brookdale College Appearance

Now it was time to get ready and go to my Brookdale Community College appearance. After driving through some of the most BEAUTIFUL and stately mansions I have ever seen passing through Tinton Falls and Colts Neck (who knew New Jersey was this UPPER CLASS? Well, now I do!), I finally arrived. The Real Jersey Shore Kids: Nick Verreos is greeted by Brookdale College Fashion Society students

After a very warm greeting from the Brookdale Fashion Society, I entertained, lectured and gave some "Fashion Insider Tips" to the Brookdale College audience--and from the reaction afterward, I think they enjoyed it! Say Snooki: Brookdale College Group Shot with Nick Verreos

I, of course, had a fun time speaking with all the students and telling them dish about Project Runway and how I fell in love with fashion! I was also happy to see some instructors in the audience as well.
Barbie Fan: Nick Verreos poses with "his" Project Runway Barbie

One of my evening's highlights was seeing a guest who had arrived "armed": With the Barbie Doll I designed when I won the "My Scene Barbie Challenge" back in my season. Of course, I just about pushed everyone to get to her! I couldn't believe it! Naturally, I signed it and gave it's owner a big hug and a kiss! Did I tell you how much I love New Jersey and Brookdale Community College???

Nick Verreos at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC!

A Night of Fashion with Nick!
Purple Rains Into DC: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran stage

This last week, I flew to the US Capital, Washington DC. No, not to dress Michelle Obama (I'm still hoping) and no, not to meet with the Salahi's over tea and curry (and how to find the right lengha choli with dupatta ensemble for the next Indian Prime Minister State Dinner).Theater Diva: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran stage

I was invited by the prestigious Corcoran Gallery and College of Art and Design to give a lecture on fashion and how I got into fashion--as well as show the best of up-and-coming West Coast fashion from my alma mater (and school in which I am an instructor), the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM.No You Didn't Moment: Nick Verreos at the Corcoran, Washington DC Lecture

The last time I was in DC was when I was invited to host the California State Society's Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show at the fabulous Ritz Carlton in January. I was excited--and honored to return--this time to be part of the Corcoran's "Fashion Program". Before the event, I joked with my hosts telling them that I hoped that more than two people show up (wink wink!). Boy, they did! I was very happy to see the Corcoran theater packed as I made my way out. For about 30 minutes, I talked about how my love of fashion began, my early days in Venezuela, being inspired by Pan Am flight attendants and my mom in her chiffon caftans and bouffant J.Lo hairdos. Designer and Muse: Nick Verreos on stage at the Corcoran with NIKOLAKI-clad model projected behind him

I then presented a video of the 2009 FIDM Debut Fashion Show, showing the graduates of the Advanced Fashion Design Program and their first collections (which I helped mentor). There was a brief Q & A in which I confessed how I really did not enjoy the make-a-dress-out-of-plants challenge in my season of Project Runway and my distaste for men who love "clipping" their cell phones/Blackberry's on their waistbands.
Nick Buffet: An Hors D'oeuvres table at the Nick Verreos Corcoran Lecture and Reception

Directly following the Lecture and fashion show video, guests were treated to a wine-and-cheese reception at the Corcoran Gallery plus a special viewing of the NIKOLAKI gowns I brought all the way from Los Angeles (PS: Virgin America really needs to get a hanging closet!).
Gown Trio: Nikolaki by Nick Verreos and David Paul gowns at the Corcoran

While everyone was enjoying the hors d'oeuvres, I was busy at my "Meet-and-Greet" table, signing autographs and taking photos with over 100 guests. Would You Like A Photo: Nick Verreos signing autographs, Corcoran Gallery DC

I was happy to say "hello" to all my DC fashionistas and was especially excited to meet the one attendee who actually brought her "Project Runway Barbie" (designed by moi) in that fateful Project Runway "All Dolled Up" Barbie Challenge. As you can see from the photo below, I was DYING!!! It was a fabulous event and yes, I was happy to see that more than two people showed up to hear little ol' me. That's Going On Ebay: Nick Verreos holds up his "My Scene Barbie" that a guest brought in for an autograph

I love Washington DC (hello, I'm the son of a former US State Department Foreign Officer!) and cannot wait to return. A "little birdie" told me that my Lecture and appearance was such a success, that there could be a chance for a return visit. I can't wait to come back to my dad's former "stomping grounds". Dupont Circle and Georgetown, I am so there!

Click HERE for my interview with BrightYoungThings.com and HERE and HERE for more coverage and photos.

*All photos courtesy of Jeff Malet Photography

FIDM Project Runway Website: Uncle Nicky has fun at school!!!

FIDM Video Tour a la NickWeb Star: Nick Verreos featured in the new FIDM website videos

Well, it's official: The Season 6 Premiere of Project Runway was a HUGE SUCCESS! 4.2 million viewers! Lifetime, Heidi and Tim must be very happy (and Harvey Weinstein too). After a year's absence, the fans were still interested--naturally! In case you didn't watch it, Project Runway has "moved" to Los Angeles and my Alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM is "Project Runway Central" as the designers will be using their design, pattern and sewing studios to "Make It Work".My Other Barbie: Nick Verreos Malibu Barbie, on display at FIDM

I filmed some fun videos for the official FIDM Project Runway website and the first ones are up!
There's one of me at the Barbie 50Th Anniversary Wall where I give you a sneak peak of my "other" Barbie; one of me with some students at the Media Library/Study Lounge; and one of me at the FIDM Gallery and Museum of the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design, where FIDM grad Leanne Marshall's winning Project Runway Season 5 Collection is on display!

Click HERE for all the video madness.

Nick Verreos Debuts his Second Barbie!!!!

Nick Verreos "Hearts" Barbie!
50Th Anniversary Barbie: Nick Verreos' "Malibu Birthday Gala" Barbie Doll

Over the weekend, I had the honor and privilege of unveiling my one-of-a-kind design for Barbie at the fabulous FIDM Debut 2009 Gala in the Santa Monica Barker Hangar. Last year, a friend of mine who designs for Mattel, contacted me to discuss doing something very special for them as part of Barbie's upcoming 50Th Anniversary Celebration.

Final (Pink) Bow: Nick and his Barbie take a Bow
Photo Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

They thought it would be wonderful to partner with a fashion design school and possibly have a selected group of students design an outfit for Barbie and a one-of-a-kind doll would then be made, from the student designers' visions. As an instructor and Official Spokesperson at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles, they thought I would be the perfect conduit to help facilitate this, and naturally I did. Now, of course I also told them that it would not be a complete Barbie Fashion Show, unless I also designed a very special gown for Barbie as part of the celebration.
Ever since I was very young, I loved Barbie for her fabulousness and as many of you may know, during Season 2 of Project Runway, I won the "Design an Outfit for the My Scene Barbie Challenge". My winning Barbie Doll was subsequently produced and eventually sold-out at Toys 'R Us. It is now considered a "Collector's Barbie".
Nick Barbie No. 1: The Project Runway Nick Verreos My Scene Barbie--and dress

So of course, I was "tickled pink" at the thought of designing for Barbie once again. For this very special anniversary, I was to design a gown for Barbie's "Birthday Celebration", basically my vision for how Barbie would dress as she hosted her Birthday Gala at her Malibu Mansion. I was inspired by many things, including 1950's Hollywood Glamour, Haute Couture and even Japanese Anime Characters.
Tokyo Bow: Inspiration for my "Malibu Barbie Gown"

I also wanted to do a variation on the strapless gown that Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin wore at the 2008 Oscars from my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Collection but of course add lots of DRAMA, lots of PINK and Barbie-ize it!
Oscars Red Carpet: Actress Marlee Matlin wears NIKOLAKI gown at the 2008 Academy Awards

After I sketched the final illustration, it was handed to the genius "petite mains" at Mattel to create the doll. Even before my gown was finished, I got to see my doll, and can I just tell you: It was AMAZING!!!! (see at the beginning of the posting) It looked just like my sketch! They really can make magic happen at Mattel.

Etch-a-Sketch: My original illustration, for the doll and the actual gown
Photos Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

Now, I had to "step it up" and create a life-size gown worthy of the 12 inch doll--as well as my original illustration. The gown took over 75 hours to make (50 hours for sewing the gown plus about 25 for the hand beading) not counting my draping, fitting and pattern time. It took over 30 yards of light pink "strawberry" and "bubblegum" pink duchesse silk and rayon satin.

In the end, it was certainly a labor of Love for Barbie by everyone who had a hand in creating it. I was also honored to have had Crystallized Swarovski Elements sponsor my "Nick Verreos Barbie" and they provided all the gorgeous Swarovski crystals which envelop the back Obi-Bow detail, as seen below.

The Exit Bow: Hundreds of Swarovski crystals in degrade' style cover the back Obi-Bow
Photo Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

Since Barbie is famous for her love for crystals, sequins and stars, I wanted my gown to have this "surprise" back detail and have the crystals look as if a Star had shattered beautifully and miraculously behind Barbie--and right on her Couture Gown! My design partner David Paul, did a fantastic job of hand-beading all those crystals. The final outcome was exquisite, if don't say so myself (wait, I just did!).America's Next Top Barbie: Model Chantal Jones

And just in case you thought my life size Barbie looked a bit familiar: Well, it was none other than the stunning (and oh so sweet!) Chantal Jones, the six-foot tall runner-up from Cycle 9 of "America's Next Top Model" .

Below is great video of the Barbie Fashion Show:
Part One:

Part Two: