Nick Appearance Minute: My Recap of Fashion's Night Out at Lord & Taylor in NYC!!

Nick Appearance Minute: My Recap of Fashion's Night Out at Lord & Taylor in NYC!!

FNO Fab!

XOXO, Nick Verreos: Nick Verreos signing autographs at Lord & taylor's Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

Last week, as you may know, I was in NYC for various Project Runway/NY Fashion Week/Fashion's Night Out (FNO) events, activities and parties. In one of my recent posts here on my nickverreos.com blog, I gave a fun (or at least I thought it was fun!) RECAP of the Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor to celebrate ten seasons (Oh Lord, I feel like a Project Runway Grandpa!) of the show. It was a very VIP event and a great Reunion of past contestants/designers---but without the DRAMA and stress of those sometimes not-so-nice televised Project Runway Reunions (Yeay!).

Make It Work FNO: Lord & Taylor Fashion's Night Out Celebrates Project Runway 10th Anniversary

The following evening on Fashion's Night Out Thursday, I was invited by the Weinstein Company--Co-Producers of Project Runway--to be part of the Lord & Taylor Fashion's Night Out Project Runway event.

Nick Verreos with Lord & Taylor President Bonnie Brooks--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

The store was having many, many different events and celebrities that night--including the one-and-only Miss Kim Kardashian who was there autographing her new fragrance, as well as my new best friend, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, who was doing a Meet-and-Greet autograph session for her new activewear line.

The Dress Address: Project Runway 10th Anniversary Dress Collection at Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship

So, in addition to all that, Lord & Taylor thought it would be fun to have it's FNO shoppers get to meet various Project Runway Designers and SHOP the exclusive ten-piece Project Runway Dress Collection--one of which included MY fabulous design (Hello!!).

Nick Verreos Dress design for the Project Runway Dress Collection at Lord & Taylor

Since my dress was a cobalt blue color, I also decided to give COLOR, in terms of my outfit for the night bringing out my favorite (and only) teal blue blazer, striped bow tie and purple pocket handkerchief.



The Event:

I'm a Big Fan: Nick Verreos--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

From the very moment I stepped into the 2nd floor--where the Project Runway FNO event was happening--it was a sea of people--all fans of Project Runway--lots of young girls, their mommies (love the mommies!), fashionista boys, and anything in between! It was just THE CUTEST!! So many people---kept coming up to me "OMG! You were my FAVORITE...I really LOVED your Barbie dress!" and so on...it was very endearing to say the least.

Oooh I see a Crown: Nick Verreos spots a beauty pageant fan in the audience--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

For the next four + hours, I NEVER stopped posing for photos, signing t-shirts, bags...it was madness...and I LOVED IT! I was schvitzing (as you can imagine) and at one point, I had my own personal forehead wiper--this lovely Project Runway fan (a mommie, of course) who made sure I was "semi-matte" throughout it all. Thank you darling!

Queen For a Day: Nick Verreos with "Jr. Teen Miss New York American Coed" --she was SOOOO CUTE!!! She even pretended to crown me! I'm sure there are photos or video of that somewhere...Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

Season 10 Designers Get all Arts and Crafty at Lord & Taylor:

Markers + T-shirts = Make It Work: Nathan Paul and Alicia Hardesty (foreground) --designers/contestants of Season 10 Project Runway creating original t-shirts for Fashion's Night Out 2012 customers at Lord & Taylor

While I was on the 2nd floor spending many hours taking photos, signing autographs and DISHING on Project Runway with fans...this season's designers were on another floor of the expansive Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship, creating original t-shirts for the FNO customers. My NIKOLAKI design partner--David Paul--was kind enough to take a break from taking pics of me--to go see what else was happening and got some fun shots:

What Would You Like Me To Draw: (Left to right) Lantie Foster, Alicia Hardesty and Nathan Paul, designers/contestants of Season 10 Project Runway making original t-shirts for the Lord & Taylor Fashion's Night Out 2012 crowd

Fuzzy T: Season 10 designer/contestant Kooan Kosuke--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

Now, back to the 2nd Floor and some fun Project Runway Alumn Photos:

Alumn Party: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Uli Hezner (Season 3 Finalist), Mondo
Guerra (Season 8 Finalist, Season 1 All Stars Winner), Gordana
Gehlhausen (Season 6), and Valerie Mayen (Season 8)--Lord & Taylor
Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012event

Black vs. Prints: Nick Verreos with (Left to right) Bert Keeter (Season 9) and Gordana Gehlhausen (Season 6 and Season 1 All Stars)--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

Season 2 Divas: Nick Verreos with Season 2 Winner--the WONDERFUL Chloe Dao: It was so much fun to see Miss Chloe. I just LOVE her--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

 

Fifth Avenue Sidewalk Posing: Project Runway Season 2 Winner Chloe Dao and Nick Verreos

Because I just couldn't get enough of her, after the Lord & Taylor FNO event, we actually went to Pastis Restaurant in the Meatpacking District and had cocktails and a very very delicious dinner!

Bedazzled: Nick Verreos with JS Collections/JS Group Designer Henry Picado (in charge of our "Project Runway Dress Collection", to my right) with his design team, stylist and beautiful fit model (far left)--Lord & Taylor Project Runway Fashion's Night Out 2012 event

Oh and Look!! An FNO customer (yes, another Project Runway fan/mommie!) actually put on my 10th Anniversary Project Runway Collection Dress and modeled it:

Mykonos Blue Diva: Nick Verreos with customer wearing his"Nick Verreos Dress Design" from the Project Runway 10th Anniversary Dress Collection--available exclusively at Lord & Taylor

Family Chic: My NIKOLAKI design--and life partner--David Paul and I invited his half-sister--Andrea Paul (who happens to live in NYC and attend NYU) to come and enjoy the Lord & Tayor Fashion's Night Out festivities and support my appearance--Needless to say she had a BLAST! We were very happy to see her (and she looked so cute in her chic and very Marc Jacobs Spring 2013 pixie hair cut and styling!).



It was a fun Project Runway Fashion's Night Out event and I was happy to be part of it and more importantly--very happy to have met each and every on of the mommies, gorgeous girls and fab fashionista boys--who took the time to come to the 2nd Floor and get a little piece of "Project Runway". Just the fact that you even wanted to take a pic with me...well, "done and done" as they say. Thank You!!!

Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Did Anyone "Wow" Me, Finale Runway Show DISH from the Bleachers, Side Boobs and Wonky Center Backs...Oh, and The Winner Is...

NY Fashion Week Stars: (left to right) Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Jennifer Hudson and Nina Garcia--the judges for the Finale Episode of Season 10 Project Runway

Last night was the Finale Episode of Lifetime Network's Project Runway Season 10. This is the episode when the four top designers get to show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week. Because of when the season was filmed (they shot the season over this past Summer),the collections they showed were for Spring/Summer 2013. The actual runway show occurred in early September, and I was there.

NIKOLAKI Duo: Nick Verreos and David Paul--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I happened to be in NYC with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul for meetings in my NYC showroom with various big department stores for a new line of mine, NV by Nick Verreos, so it was nice that I could also attend this Project Runway Finale fashion show at Lincoln Center.

So, the big question is Did Any of The Designers "WOW us"?. All season long, Tim, Nina, Heidi, Michael...and ME (on my Lifetime.com Blog) PLEADED that someone...anyone "Wow Us". And nothing (except for Christopher Palu's FABULOUS "Rockettes" creation). So, then it was down to the final four, and even Miss Heidi (in last week's episode) suggested for them to "Wow" her (and the rest of the judges) with their Finale NY Fashion Week 10-look collections. So...did they? Well, out of 4 designers one did bring the Wow!

The Best Seatmates: Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll, Nick Verreos and Season 2 Winner Chloe Dao--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I sat next to Jay McCarroll and Chloe Dao, Project Runway Season 1 and Season 2 Winners, respectively. And let me tell you, we had a BLAST. Not just because we like each other (a lot!) but because of the running commentary we had going through the runway show. Lifetime Network really missed an opportunity to have us mic'd and be doing a LIVE video feed that would later be on their website--"The Chloe, Jay, and Nick Show". If only you heard what we were saying (very quietly and discreetly but still...). Now, before I get to my RECAP of the episode and my "Two Cents" on the Finale Collections, I wanted to reiterate that sitting there in the Lincoln Center bleachers and then watching it on TV, edited and on HD, is a whole different thang. With that said...



Christopher Palu:

Christopher was the cutest--and funniest this season--when it came to his queeny/bitchy commentary. And he also won four challenges so I called him the Season 10 "Golden Boy". When it came time for his Finale Collection, it was a bit of a potpourri. I was a little disappointed. It was too much black and too much leather--for a Spring/Summer Collection (yes, there's always some black in every season's collection, but especially this coming Spring/Summer 2013, it's ALL ABOUT COLOR!).

I Liked: If I had to pick an item I really liked from his collection, it would be this cropped leather jacket. This was chic, young and fresh albeit very Fall.

Not So Mucheey: This was his first "exit"/look and judge Michael Kors really liked it. I liked the top but it was the skirt that was a bit off-putting. It was mainly the "OH HUNEY" thigh showing in that slit. It made an impact as she began the show, and well, at least in my row, it wasn't a good impact.

The Gown: I liked Christopher's "finale" gown. It was very him; the raw edge bias-cut ombré organza panels...this gown had his "signature". But then when the model turned around, the Fashion Instructor-For-The-Last-9-Years set in, and...

Wonky Back: I noticed all thee "ooopsies". The back silver/gray panels should have matched. Period. Unforgivable. And then, the "lifting up" of the center back and the finishing of the invisible zipper was sloppy. This is something I saw from many of my fashion school students when making bustiers and strapless dresses/gowns. The center back should have been "tru'ed"/shaved off, so it would not "lift up" like you see in the photo. It also shows that the zipper was sewn incorrectly--it was stretched out. Call me a "Sewing Negative Ninny" but sorry. this is a sign of someone who needs a little more time in, as Tim Gunn says "the Fashion Incubator". That back should not look like that in the NY Fashion Week "stage". Never.



Melissa Fleis:

Melissa was one of the designers in the LA Castings that we let through to the "next round" when I judged. I loved her Chic Goth Girl aesthetic and designs, especially since she looked like the complete opposite with her nice bubbly personality and blond hair (usually those girls look like Rooney Mara!).

I Liked: The new "blood orange" leather asymmetrical dress she made. The draping, pleating, high cowl-neck...so FAB! Paired with the hair and those booties: Go Girl!

I also liked the look above. Thank goodness she took out those Johnny Depp "Pirates of the Caribbean" turn-up oversized cuffs. This model looked sleek and in control.

Not So Mucheey: This blue and black leather "swimsuit" was a big "Oh No She Didn't"--as an attendee, sitting there LIVE in the Finale runway show. Why? Well, as she walked, you could see her underwear. It was a bit disconcerting, to say the least as well as HOOCHIE. I was surprised to see that from Melissa. But on TV, this looked so SUPER Fab! So, there you go...what matters? TV or sitting there in the audience watching it?

Uh Oh: THE White Tank Dress. It took the model--what felt like TEN MINUTES--to make it to the end of the runway and back--as I sat there in my seat and watched this. She could not walk in that dress. Not because of her heels, but because of the lack of sweep in the hem. She need a slit. ASAP. And then, I noticed the side-boob. Again, the Fashion School Instructor in me screamed "Add 3 inches to the side seam and fill in the side, PLEASE!". 

More Side Boobage: And yeah, the white dress wasn't the only garment with a peek-a-boo breast sighting. This LBD above also needed my "Nick V. Pattern Making 101" help. Notice the double-stick tape. Major No No. 



Fabio Costa:

Fabio--Freegan, Dumpster Diving, UBER skirt-wearing bearded hipster...I LOVE his own sense of style. He reminds me of Malcolm McLaren's "Buffalo Gals" from the early 80's. Or a really hip Amish from Brazil! His collection WOWED. Not in a "OMG That's some COUTURE fabulousness!" but more of "That's a breath of fresh air" wow. The pastel colors, the askew draping...the directional styling. It was modern, fresh and "The Next Thing".



I Liked All These:

Layered Buffalo Gal 2013: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Charmeuse Chic: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 1930's Dinner Party: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

When I walked out of the show, back in September, Jay, Chloe and I all said "It's Fabio!" in terms of whose was the the "Winning" collection. But as seen from last night's episode, we were WRONG. Shows you how much we know.



The Winner: Dmitry Sholokhov

It was Belarus-born former professional ballroom dancer Dmitry, who took home the prize.  He was in my Top Two for sure. I liked a lot of his looks because they were elegant, very NY fashion editorial but, I felt there was a bit of a disjointed quality to the ten-look collection as a whole...



I Liked:

Houndstooth Cocktail: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Jacket and Cowl-pant Love: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 One Shoulder Sleek: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

But then, he brought out a "fringed" and sequined gown:

Ballroom Dancer Fashion Week: I am sure his intentions were right--finishing his collection with a impact of a supposed "red carpet"-looking gown. But it's just the effect it had when shown with the rest of his looks. It was like "WHU..WHU...WHUUUT???" The silhouette is actually quite nice, perfect for the next Miss Universe. But, it just did not go with the rest of his polished looks. It was a very expensive-looking version of an actual Ballroom Dancing Dress...

Ballroom Dress Muses

I just did not think he needed it. In the end, it did not matter. He won the Grand Prize! And now, Dmitry Sholokhov goes down in Wikipedia and IMDB history. Good luck Dmitry!

Віншуем і жадаем поспеху (according to "Google Translate" this means "Congrats and Good Luck" so I hope it means that! LOL!)

OK, so A) What did you think? And B) Here's my Final Recap of this season's Project Runway...Enjoy and PLEASE, don't forget to let me know what you REALLY thought after my Recap on the MyLifetime.com BLOG site

Waiting for the WOW

Le FINALE. Yes, kids, last night was the
Finale of “Project Runway.” Four designers showed on the biggest fashion
stage—Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. All season long, the judges,
Tim (and I) have made a plea for the designers to “WOW US.” So did they
succeed on the most important stage? Well, before I answer that, I
have lots of other things to say, so if you will indulge me...



Middle-of-the-Road Four

When we last left our four designers—Christopher, Dmitry, Fabio and
Melissa—they had gone home (or to somebody else’s home) to create their
collections. Five weeks passed, and they returned to NYC and showed
three looks to Heidi, Michael and Nina. It was hinted that one designer
may be eliminated, but our esteemed judges could not make up their
minds, and so all four designers stayed to show at NY Fashion Week.



No Wigs Allowed

As we begin this Finale episode, there are quick recaps of what the
judges told each of the designers that their collections needed. Fabio’s
garments lacked sophistication and required polish; Dmitry’s needed to
look younger; Christopher’s leather items were praised, but the judges
wanted more “wow”; and Melissa’s clothes were deemed “limited.” In
addition, we can’t forget all the questionable styling issues from last
week, including those wigs (Fabio, Melissa), HOOCHIE leather shorts
(Melissa, Christopher) and Dmitry’s dowdy girls. They now had two days
to somehow correct their styling mishaps and improve on what they
already had.



Producer Nick

If I had produced what would be next in the episode, I would have begun
with Tim walking into the workroom and announcing to the four designers
that he recruited a Hollywood A-List stylist to come in and guide these
kids through the 101’s of Runway Show Styling, followed by a shopping
excursion to Lord & Taylor with an unlimited budget for accessories.
A second scenario would have involved Tim dragging out some of the
auf’ed cast members (like they’ve done in the past—with their
downtrodden attitudes) to help the finalists in their last 48 hours.



Mood Shopping Gift Card

In reality, Tim eventually does walk in—not to introduce a stylist or say that Kooky Kooan
will be everyone’s intern for the next two days, but, among other
things, to give the designers an extra $300 to shop at Mood. This is a
not-so-subtle way of telling the designers that their collections need
help. At Mood, Fabio looks for more luxe fabrics to add sophistication...



 To read the rest, CLICK HERE !!!