BRIGHT YOUNG THING

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

Bright Young Thing dress by The Fifth / Glassons knitted denim jacket & hat (similar) / Famous Footwear boots (similar) / Forever New bag / Colette Hayman necklace (similar)

And here we have just a fraction of calm in between the wild weather that's caused a serious delay in posts, because apparently the sun only shines on the days I'm working (and hence why I'm pretending to hail a cab to get out of here).

On the bright side, this week's highlights did include getting to meet the Georgia and Caleb from Broods, who make the music of my soul, as well getting to prance around for 15 minutes in my Bright Young Thing dress by The Fifth label. The latter being part two of my buys from the Bowerbird Group pop-up sale that I'm hoping comes back soon because I'm having major regretsies for not buying more things... Having a blog gives me an excuse, right? Graduation is coming up in a month so that actually does warrant some shopping...

NICK VERREOS FIDM.....Nick Verreos Appearance at FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2016": Blog Recap!

NICK VERREOS FIDM.....Nick Verreos Appearance at FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2016": Blog Recap!

FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016--Nick Verreos Special Appearance

The annual FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Summer Program began last week and as the Official Spokesperson for the college, I was honored to be a "Special Guest". The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's "3 Days of Fashion" is an incredible summer program that occurs in all four FIDM campuses including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco. During the three days of the program, high school students take draping, sketching and how-to-create-a-promotional campaign workshops, do trend research shopping, be inspired by FIDM graduates, experience the incredible resources and instructors the college has to offer and...

Selfie Time: Nick Verreos takes selfie with FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016 attendees

As a bonus, the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees get to be guests at my Special Appearance and enjoy a special runway presentation of my high-end designs! The first stop on the FIDM 3 Days of Fashion was the FIDM San Diego campus. I love visiting this campus for many reasons including the fact that

A) It's San Diego, one of the cities with the most perfect weather in the US, thank you very much;

B) The FIDM San Diego campus is fabulous, intimate and OMG-Have-You-seen-the-View!? And...

C) I also love visiting because my NIKOLAKI design partner-for-life David Paul is originally from there and so it's a chance for him to visit his family! (and for Uncles Nick and David to use David's niece Emilie as our "assistant"!).



Here is a Blog Photo Recap of my Special Appearance, special "Fashion School with Nick" Lecture + Much More:

Special Guest Nick Verreos: Nick Verreos onstage at FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Lecture with a View: Nick Verres at FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Signed FIDM Tote Bags and NIKOLAKI gowns waiting for their runway--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Model Alizee Gaillard wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul strapless evening gown in black silk zibeline and silk damask--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

What's In a Gown?: Nick Verreos with model Alizee Gaillard describing his NIKOLAKI fuchsia pink duchesse satin cascade drape gown--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Model Alizee Gaillard in NIKOLAKI fuchsia pink duchesse satin cascade drape gown--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Nick Verreos with model Alizee Gaillard in NIKOLAKI chartreuse colored silk chiffon cocktail dress with jeweled crystal waist--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Nick Verreos with model Alizee Gaillard wearing NV Nick Verreos QVC UK printed jersey snap-front jumpsuit--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Fashion School With Nick Verreos: Attendees at FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016 getting a lesson in High Fashion

SMILE & POSE: Post-Appearance Meet & Greet Pics----------------------------------------------------

Nick Verreos Post-Appearance Meet & Greet Photo Collages at FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Signing Time: Nick Verreos signs autographs at FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Uncles and Niece Selfie Time: Nick Verreos and David Paul with David's niece Emilie Coon (our official FIDM San Diego "Assistant")--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

San Diego Familia: (L to R) David Paul, Conchita Encinas-Hansen, Emilie Coon, Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Petco Park View: View of Petco Park from the campus of FIDM San Diego

**UP NEXT: FIDM Los Angeles 3 Days of Fashion 2016 BLOG RECAP!!!

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 2 "Candy Couture"

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 2 "Candy Couture"

Sweet...or Not So Sweet, Fashion:

Cotton Candy Delicious: Guess What the Project Runway designers are working with this week?

Project Runway is BACK and we are now onto Season 10. It premiered two weeks ago and last week was "Episode 2", it was the iconic UNCONVENTIONAL CHALLENGE that all the fans LOVE. I, often wonder if these are the types of challenges that help discover "Next Great American Fashion Designer". But as we all know...it's all about what makes for fun and great TV.

Tim Gunn and Dylan Lauren, Project Runway Season 10

The contestants/designers meet Tim Gunn and Dylan Lauren (yes, Ralph's lovely daughter), CEO and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar. Soon, it is revealed they must create a look out of candy.

Project Runway has done this before in Season 4, where it was held at the Times Square Hershey's Store and Rami Kashou won , in case you're keeping tabs (Photo of Kashou's winning look above).

After some krazeee candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar NYC, some candy Parsons workroom draping, molding and more importantly, GLUEING...it was time for the Runway Show with Judges:

(Right to left) Heidi Klum (in a off-the-shoulder snakeskin printed ensemble), Michael Kors (in his black "uniform"), Nina Garcia (in a FAB black and gold jacket and skinny pants and FIERCE heels!), and Dylan Lauren in purple. Now, the whole point of this challenge was to somehow make a garment from candy BUT...make it look as if it wasn't made out of CANDY. Some succeed beautifully and well, some not so mucheey...



Le Good:

Beaded Candy Ball Superb: LOVED Belarus-born fashion wunderkid Dmitry Sholokhov's twisted halter dress with fitted midriff. He used black, red, and yellow candy balls and WOW!!! This should have been in the Top Three FOR SURE, some would even argue that it should have won. The candy looked like oversized beads. One could NEVER EVER tell that it was candy. Simply Superb. With all that, he just "made it through" to the next round--and somehow only landed "in the middle".

Mini Mermaid Cocktail: The first of the Top Two positions was Sonjia Williams (who is quickly looking like a contender to be in the Finals, if only from these two first challenges). She created a peplum-shaped mini dress using ivory and aqua candy balls, white chocolate covered almonds and shark gummies.

I LOVED how she created the princess seams with the candy, injected the color-blocking trend seamlessly and then finished it off with a "neck-piece" of shark gummies. She was part Sexy Mermaid, part cocktail dress, part "Mini Shark". The hat was a miss, as some of the judges said, but other than that, it was an excellent and very creative creation.

The Winner, however, was Ven Budhu. Just from the "hints" shown by the cameras in the Parsons workroom, I could just see that his design was going to be a STUNNER. And it was. The way he created this vision of serious Haute Couture using crushed colored candy, it was magical.

The perfectly geometric inlaid pieces, the stained glass effect he created with candy--it all added to a beautiful strapless cocktail dress that was reminiscent of something from an Atelier Versace Collection:

Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2012

Now, Le Bad:

Oh Buffi Jashanmal: Her Project Runway fifteen minutes are a ticking. This is so tasteless that Miss Nina is looking as if she's going to get ILL every time one of Buffi's designs come down the runway. She looks like Paris Hilton's REALLY REALLY tacky--and that's a feat!--daughter (OUCH!). I know it's only the second challenge but I am beginning to wonder how the heck she even made it onto the show.

Noodle Twizzler Dress: Also in the bottom was Elena Slivnyak's "Warrior Princess" structured dress made from a muslin base with piña colada twizzlers. The twizzlers began falling off the dress the minute the model came sauntering down the runway.

And then from not-so-far, the twizzlers began looking like a pasta noodle arts and crafts project from a 12 year old. I totally get what Irena was going for and it could have been great but...alas, it just didn't work. Poor thang.



But the Worst Was:

Oh Huney You Didn't Even Try: Just take a look at the model. She was like "Oh Dear! First, I cannot believe I have to wear this tacky creation and, second of all, I just KNOW my designer is going home". Fashion designer Lantie Foster's design was a MESS. She really did not even try. Umbrella fabric and little candy. And she tried to use the excuses of a first year fashion school student. Hashtag FAIL.



Wanna know what I really thought of this past week's Episode 2? Then read on kids....

"Sweet Tooth Couture"

Last
week, Season 10 of "Project Runway" premiered with the "Biggest Fashion
Show" in "Runway" history. This week, our little ol’ show loses not an
ounce of couture steam and keeps the strong momentum going with one of
the most iconic — and beloved by fans — "Project Runway" challenges, the
"Make a dress out of crap you would NEVER use to make a garment
challenge" … in other words, yes kids, it’s the Unconventional
Challenge. I’ve always said that this is a fun challenge to watch by the
fans and TV viewers alike, but in terms of it being a guide rule in
finding the "Next Best American Fashion Designer"… not so much.



 

Candy Re-Run


As "Plaid Heidi" saunters onto the runway congratulating last week’s
winner — cutie Christopher — she tells the designers that this is "no
time for child’s play." Instantly I think, "Oh Dear, they’re making
clothes for bratty Upper East Side kids!" But oh no, I was wrong. Soon,
the designers meet with Monsieur Gunn in front of Dylan’s Candy Store
where he is flanked by it’s owner and CEO, Dylan Lauren (Yes, of Ralph
Lauren fashion blue blood), announcing that their second challenge will
be to create a look out of candy using materials bought from Dylan’s
Candy Store naturally. Now, I remember back in Season 4, the challenge
was done at the Hershey’s Times Square store (Rami won it), so it seemed
like a slight re-run challenge idea to me, but one figures that it’s
difficult to come up with new "Unconventional Challenges" year after
year.




 

Gunnar and Christopher: Please Get a Room


After a mad "Candy Dash," the designers get their sugar tooth couture
fix, buy out half the store and then head to Parsons to #makeitwork!
The workroom quickly begins to resemble a 5-year-old’s birthday party
after a piñata has exploded. Several designers are spending their early
hours doing muslin dresses to build the foundation for their candy
creations. Others are crushing candy, gluing candy … or just eating it!
And then there’s Gunnar Siriano 2.0 and cutie Christopher who spend a
lot of their time being Bitchy Queens (more so Gunnar than Christopher)
talking smack and "throwing shade." It’s only the second week (In real
time, it’s only been like TWO DAYS since they’ve met each other!), but
there’s already this weird tension between them. I have a feeling that
either A) Gunnar feels threatened because he thought he was going to be
the only "twinky gay" or B) They just need to GET A ROOM! But I digress,
let’s move on…






Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...

Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Vegas Fab:

Vegas Fashion Boy: Nick Verreos--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

A couple of weekends back, I had the pleasure of flying to Las Vegas to host a fun-and-fabulous luncheon, Trend Lecture, as well as a VIP Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Experience for Barrett-Jackson.

This very special day was organized by the very luxurious Crystals at CityCenter--home of all the TOP high-end boutiques in the World including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford...you name it, they are there! Barrett-Jackson is the Worlds Greatest Car Collector Auction and while I was there, they were having one of their amazing Barrett-Jackson Collector Car events.

 Las Vegas View--from my suite at the Vdara  Resort Hotel & Spa

 Vdara Hotel & Spa Products

While the husbands/boyfriends/fathers are seeing the cars, the Barrett-Jackson ladies were treated to a VIP Luncheon and Shopping with moi! I arrived the day before the event and I checked into the very chic Vdara Resort Hotel & Spa. It is an all-suite hotel--the only non-smoking-no casino resort in "Sin City". I absolutely loved it. My room was AMAZING, I have to say, and such a shame my NIKOLAKI Partner David Paul--or our Benny--couldn't have joined me! After a nice afternoon swim in the resort pool, I grabbed some dinner and went to bed (no gambling for me, kids!) and got ready for the following day's events...

 Striped Fashion: Nick Verreos at Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The next day, I was ready to host this fun VIP Luncheon and Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Day. This was my very first time there and Oh Lordy: Crystals is truly unbelievable. It's like being in a Dubai shopping center...and I've never even been there (to Dubai, that is, but I assume!).

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Ready for Fall: Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas--The shopping center was ready for Fall with lots of decorations including HUGE hanging leaves and oversized jack-o-lanterns with flower-filled pumpkin heads.



First up: VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon and Trend Lecture at Social House:

Welcome Ladies! Nick Verreos Hosts the VIP Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas 

Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The Barrett-Jackson ladies were at Crystals at CityCenter Restaurant, Social House, already enjoying their pre-lunch ice teas, as I walked in and began the Hosting-with-the-Most Luncheon.

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Assouline Book Presentation VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

The ladies enjoyed a presentation from Becky Zander of Assouline unveiling "The Ultimate Car Book" to the ladies as well as a gorgeous book about fashion (which, I, naturally, was SO interested in!--bottom photo).

Barrett-Jackson VIP Luncheon Ladies--Social House Restaurant Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

After introducing myself to the guests and going from table to table
giving them Trend and Fashion advice (not that they needed it!) as well
as "How To Dress For Your Size" lecture, I also had a chance to take photos with the ladies and talk FASHION, Project Runway and yes, give them some "Hollywood Dish"...

Birkin and Couture: Nick Verreos with guests at the Barrett-Jackson VIP Social House Restaurant Luncheon--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Soon, it was time to do some of my "Nick Magic": I held an impromptu "Barrett-Jackson Catwalk Contest" with three of the ladies in attendance.

 Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Barret-Jackson Divas: I chose--by accident--three of the TALLEST ladies there (see left photo above). I first did my "Nick Runway Walk" (yes, right then and there at Social House) and then, it was up to the Barrett-Jackson Ladies to strut their COUTURE walks:

Las Vegas Runway Walk Instructing: Nick Verreos at Social House Restaurant, VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Then...it was onto SHOPPING at Crystals:



After the VIP Luncheon at Social House, I had the pleasure of joining the ladies on a Shopping Tour of Crystals at CityCenter. We went to all the fabulous boutiques including:

Tom Ford Las Vegas: Live modeling at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter; Shoes at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter

 Tom Ford Boutique--Crystals at CityCenter; Actress Gwyneth Paltrow Academy Awards 2012 in Tom Ford

Gwyneth Gown: at Tom Ford, we got to see--and touch--the famous "Gwyneth Oscar Gown" --a white silk crepe cape and one shoulder gown style which the actress wore at this year's Academy Awards. They had several color ways hanging perfectly on the store's rack.

We also stopped at Prada and got a very VIP presentation in their exclusive VIP sitting room--the Prada boutique in Crystals at CityCenter is one of the largest, by the way!

Trevi Fountain Nick Verreos: And yes, I had to go into the Fendi boutique and pose by the Trevi Fountain reproduction--right INSIDE the store!!!

I had an ABSOLUTE BLAST with the Barrett-Jackson Ladies--hosting the luncheon, giving them my "Fashion Tips", and yes, VIP Shopping with them! I have a feeling they also had a really good time (I hope!)  

A Big "Thank You" to the wonderful Barrett-Jackson ladies, all the retailers at Crystals at CityCenter for being so accommodating (and FABULOUS--Thanks for all that Champagne!) and yes, Crystals at CityCenter for being the MOST LUXE shopping center!

Click HERE for a fun interview I did with Crystals at CityCenter