Nick Verreos MyLifetime.com Recap and Nick and Andrae Video Blog

Return to The Big Apple...via Tim's Snow Mobile!
Is That Tim on the Snowmobile?

We are nearing at the "End"--the end of Season Six of Project Runway. Three Ladies have made it to the Finals, which is honestly what I predicted WAAAAY back. I pretty much knew Irina Shabayeva would be there since she has been consistently strong and put out some great designs challenge after challenge. I also thought Althea Harper would be there because there was something interesting about her designs which made me "sit up and take notice". I also remembered her when I was one of the judges in the Casting sessions so I was "pulling" for her. The last one was either going to be Gordana Gehlhausen or Carol Hannah Whitfield. And of course, Logan's girlfriend won out. Pant Girls: Althea, Irina and Carol Hannah

Last night's Episode, Tim visited the ladies at their homes--in Ohio, Suburban NY and Manhattan's Upper East Side. Then they made their final trek to Bryant Park via the Grand Hyatt and a makeshift workroom which looked a lot like the one back at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA.

Here are my Highlights and Lowlights:--Tim Dirty Dancing with Heidi (enough said!)
--Tim and his biscuit-making apron. Where was Paula Deen and her food-loving brother-in-law (or one of her cutie sons!) when you really need her?--Too Much Gray Ladies! What is up with all the somber colors? All their collections are looking black and grey. But, I think I did see some color from Carol Hannah (there were some baby blues peeking through the rack) and Althea (a cute raspberry dress on the form above).--Oh, poor Carol Hannah gets sick and is stressing out--until her boyfriend Logan shows up... but to help out Althea (damn you Althea, you're a man-stealer! LOL)--I am loving Irina's gown on the floor and those chunky sweaters. I think this is hers to lose. But I just love how the editors are "setting it all up" for that "It's TOO BLACK Irina" discussion, misleading the viewers to think "well, maybe it won't be Irina...."
--One more week to go and we shall see!

CLICK HERE for my full MyLifetime.com Recap of this episode and click BELOW for my video blog of last week's episode with my Recap Buddy, Andrae Gonzalo. Notice how I paid "homage" to the outfit Chloe Dao made for me when I was "auf'ed". I love that I look like a flight attendant from some fun airline--Welcome to Nick Airways!

Project Runway Nick Verreos Recap on MyLifetime.com

Nina's Stilettos Stayed On!

It's the Last Challenge on Season Six of Project Runway! I cannot believe this season is almost over (insert sad face). But I already heard from a little Birdie that production has already finished for Season Seven (which will be back in NY) and those designers are getting their collections ready for the next NY Fashion Week. But until now, we must discuss the "Top Five". This final challenge involved getting inspired by the J.Paul Getty Museum. Tim told the final 5 to "Blow" the Stilettos off of Nina's feet! Unfortunately, this did not happen. In the end, it was OUT for Christopher Straub and Gordana Gelhausen and IN for Althea Harper, Irina Shabayeva and Carol Hannah Whitfield. It will be an ALL GIRLS Bryant Park Finale, once again on Project Runway.

Here are my Highlights (and lowlights) of this week's episode:

--Gordana's Miss Universe Gown:I loved it! It was so ethereal and romantic and so close to the Monet painting which inspired her. If only it wasn't GRAY!!!!! Gordana will now join the list of designers who have been ROBBED on Project Runway...welcome to the club Gordana!
Natar looked regal. Like...a former Miss Universe from Russia, the gorgeous Oxana Fedorova (who was dethroned unfortunately).

--Road Kill IrinaThank Goodness for Tim Gunn and his wise suggestion to Irina: Keep the rabbit fur AWAY from the silk chiffon. After a closer look at the painting which inspired her, I could see what she was thinking but yes, it was a runway-away from looking like Fashion Road Kill.

--Odd Duck Christopher:Oh Christopher, how much do I just want to hug you and not let go. The "Odd Duck" of this season, yes you are. You love them waist-cinching corsets and you've never met a Gathered Halter Top you did not lik. And don't get me started on the fabulous Prom Dress business he could have in Minnesota after this! Your "Rock Fountain"-inspired look from this week's challenge was not one of your best. Why the stiff skirt? It's a fountain, think liquid-like...charmeuse, jersey...SOMETHING! The skirt almost reminded me of this denim Prom gown. This has Christopher ALL over it!
I just wished he would have done THIS:Andrae Gonzalo's beautiful dress, inspired by the NYC gutter water. It's the NY version of the LA Getty Center/Museum Rock Fountain. Liquid, silky, flowy--all things "fountain" and water-inspired.

For more on what I really thought of this episode, Click HERE for my entire Recap of Episode 12 on MyLifetime.com and be sure to tell me what YOU thought!

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.

Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 6 Recaps/MyLifetime.com

Bob Mackie + Christina Aguilera= More Sequins and Feathers!!!Really, who could ask for anything more...out of Project Runway? This week's challenge was to create a FABUUUULOUS stage look for none other than Christina Aguilera. And "Sequin Zeus" himself, Bob Mackie was there to not just introduce the challenge, but also judge the results.Lady Aguilera: Christina Aguilera in her "Lady Marmalade" period

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Galleries and Museum was also one of the "stars" of this episode. I am so lucky to not just be an instructor at FIDM but also be their Spokesperson for many reasons including their one-of-a-kind Museum and Galleries.The FIDM Galleries and Museum is renown for its extensive archive of period costumes, Haute Couture as well as movie and stage costumes. And for over a decade now, their annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design and Art of Television Costume Design Exhibitions have been a must-see for all fashion and costume design aficionados. This challenge was a chance for the eight remaining designers to show if they could "Queen Out". Some did and some, not so much. If I have one complaint, it is: A lack of color! Why so somber kids? Lots of black, navy and dark dark dark. They're in Southern California for goodness sakes! You'd think that there would be a bubble gum pink or a lipstick red somewhere in the bunch!
Highlights:--Bob Mackie. Period. Diva. I wanted Carol Burnett to peek out from the FIDM Museum in his iconic Gone With The Wind drapes-on-the-window costume.
--Christina Aquilera and the fact that she wore COLOR!!!!!! (take note Project Runway Season 6 kids!)Tanisha...... and The Supremes: Althea's Model and her look and Diana Ross and The Supremes (in Bob Mackie)

--Althea's Sequined gown with a fishtail hem: Very Diana Ross and The Supremes.
--Of course Carol Hannah's winning feathered and satin gown. I would have loved some color, but it did look elegant and stage-worthy. And model Lisa Blades looked like a 1940s Hollywood actress in it.
Let down of the week:
The Pussycat Dolls Road Tour Manager probably wants to call...
Christopher-- to design their Branson Missouri Performance Costumes

--Oh Christopher, poor Christopher and his Lady Marmalade-meets-Pussycat Dolls hoochie cheap sequined fabric shorts. At least it looks like he matched the sequin "stripes" but the elastic garter belt around the thigh didn't help.

Click HERE for my full recap of this episode on MyLifetime.com, and remember to let me know what YOU thought!

Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap--Episode 6: Costume Designing!!

Can Fashion Designers Be Costume Designers?This last week's episode of Season 6 Project Runway was the "Design a Look for a Movie Genre" challenge. I was intrigued since I know several costume designers and my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion-crime, David Paul actually received his Master's from UCLA in Costume Design and his resume boasts either designing or assisting in designing the costumes/wardrobe for many different well known TV shows. We both watched very intently. Hollywood Costume Designer God: A look designed by Costume Designer Adrian

Hollywood has always had a strong tradition of having AMAZING costume designers, such as the incredible Adrian (he designed the costumes for The Wizard of Oz and many, many other films) and of course, Edith Head, who contributed to the UBER elegant look of Grace Kelly.
So with that, I thought this was the perfect challenge for the "LA Season" of Project Runway.
If you read my Recap on MyLifetime.com, I wrote a little bit about the fact that after seeing the designs come down the runway and who the judges picked--and didn't pick--I was a tad bit confused. I was also confused at the challenge itself and whether the designers were asked to be Costume Designers or just be Fashion Designers injecting "a bit" of costume design elements into their look. I loved how Tanisha worked Althea's "Film Noir" look with the handkerchief and black-and-white outfit; it was a strong "overall" showing for both Althea and her model. I also have to say that when model Lisa Blades came down the runway in Carol Hannah's "Action Adventure" design, I DID NOT even recognize her! I also thought they made a fabulous "tag-team" designer-and-model duo. My favorite, however was the same as the judges, Nicolas' Ice Queen. Designing costumes is definitely his forte!Incredible Arianne: Arianne Phillips (with Madonna) and an Arianne Phillips-styled W Magazine cover and photo spread

I also loved seeing Arianne Phillips as one of the judges. I personally know Arianne and admire her work. I am often in awe of her talent and what her incredible creative mind can cojure up. Besides being an Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer, she is also Madonna's Stylist and has styled all her W Magazine photo spreads as well as many FIERCE Vogue Italia ones. Love Miss Arianne!Michael Kors is coming BAAAACK!!!!!!

Speaking of judges: Don't forget, Michael Kors WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK!!!!! I know fans of Project Runway have been wondering where the heck he has been. Well, kiddies, someone's got to run his multi-million dollar empire! So, I am sure that it might have been a bit difficult to get out to LA for several days to judge, but by the looks of things, he finally got to sneak off and come back to LA!!!!
Click HERE for my Recap of Episode 6 and be sure to tell me what you thought. Maybe you can help me with my "confusion".

Nick Verreos Recaps Episode Five: The Fairy Tale of the Spewing Steamer

A "Headline" Making Episode!
Last night was Episode 5 of Season 6 Project Runway and boy was it a doozy! As a viewer, I love these make-a-dress-out-of-car-parts-and-flowers-and the kitchen sink- Challenges; they are exactly why the fans tune in to Project Runway. But as an actual participant, not so much. When Tim Gunn brought us to the Flower District, back in Season 2, to tell us we had to make dresses out of flowers, I was like "Oh Hellllllsssssss No!!!" For this episode, the remaining designers had to make an outfit using newspapers. There was drama, lying, bitchy designer dissing and best of all, lots of great designs.
My Faves Award goes to:
-Irina : Of course! That trench was FABUUUUULOUS!!!!
-Louise : Why does Louise keep getting stuck in the "middle"? I just don't get it. Week after week, she is consistently great!
-Logan: His design was sexy and very young Hollywood "It" girl. Not to mention HOW CUTE IS LOGAN??? He just needs to drink more Red Bull and put a "pep into his energy and personality" step.

Not My Faves Awards go to:
-"Boris and Natasha" Nicolas: His bitchy commentary is more amusing than his creations.
-Johnny: Liar liar pants on fire...oh but I would have loved to have seen his Hitchcockian Bleeding Birds dress.
My "Oh Snap!" Award Goes to: Tim Gunn
Tim's soliloquy at the end of last night's episode was PRICELESS!!!!! He did not hide his contempt for poor little Johnny and his Burning Man beaded necklaces.
Click HERE to read my entire Recap of Episode Five on MyLifetime.com and be sure to tell me what you thought and leave your comments!

Surf Wear Meets Avant-Garde? Nick Verreos Lifetime Recap of Episode 3!!

Surf And Turf

Last night's Project Runway episode was a bit of a mess, to be quite honest. Some things made sense, some did not. The design-a-surf-wear look challenge made sense, since after all, they are in Southern California. But then, they had to make a "corresponding" Avant-Garde look? What do Avant-Garde and PacSun have in common? Not too much. And this mish-mash of an episode was displayed on the runway with some good outfits and some really bad ones. Tim Gunn's Flip Flops!

There were even some bad looks which had good elements and vice versa. But no design that would make fans and viewers alike scream "That is going down in the Project Runway Hall Of Fame"! Well, maybe the LOSER'S HALL OF FAME!......

Did Nicolas and Gordana design these? Romania's threesome entry in the Eurovision Contest (left) with its missing fourth member (right, from last night's episode)

My Highlights (and "lowlights") from last night's episode:
-Tim in flip flops (Oh Dear!)
-Epperson actually speaks!
-Mitchell = Useless
-Logan and Christopher's "Drunk Laguna Beach Housewife" floppy hat outfit
-Boris and Natasha's Eurovision Contest costume (see above)

Check out my recap "Surf and (Not So Avant-Garde) Turf" HERE on MyLifetime.com under "Nick's Blog" for what I REALLY thought of the episode...