Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns Good:

Gown Runway: The Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition, Shanghai China

The Biggest International Beauty Pageant in the world is happening in
Ordos Inner Mongolia China, as we speak--the 62nd annual Miss World 2012 (The finals are August 18th). Ordos isn't exactly Sao Paulo, Miami, Las Vegas or a typical fabulous destination to hold big international beauty pageants, but the host city payed a ton of money and from what I can see, they are doing a fantastic job organizing and showcasing their gem of a city in northern China.

 Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela

116
contestants from 116 nations, islands and territories are competing for
the title of Miss World, won by Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela last year. The ladies have
been in China to for several weeks, attending functions, photo-op's, rehearsals, and various events and official competitions, such as "Beach Beauty", "Sports", "Top Model", and so on.

Of the many events and competitions, one of my faves is the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" where
all the contestants model evening gowns from fashion
designers from their homelands.This contest occurred in Shanghai last week so without further pageant-gown-ado...here are my "Nick Faves" in the World Fashion Designer Award evening gowns--and don't worry kiddies, following this post I will be doing my very popular "What the HECK Was She Thinking??" posting.

Miss Sri Lanka Sumudu Prasadini: This was one of my favorite gowns from seeing the photos. This ivory gown had elements of Grecian Goddess and Sari Princess with its draped one shoulder effect. It was dramatic and elegant. Outstanding job Miss Sri Lanka and her designer. Score: 9.8

Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire: Red was a popular color for the contestants this year (it's always a popular beauty pageant gown color!). This red with silver sequin applique plunging neckline fitted gown on Miss Ireland was one of my Top Faves from this Miss World 2012 World Fashion Designer Award Competition. This is a perfect example of a gown that can work for an international beauty pageant but in a major awards red carpet as well. It fits perfectly, her hair is great and she wisely kept the accessories to a minimum. Miss Ireland must have some Good Style Gays near her! Score: 9.9



Some other Red Dresses I liked:

China People's Republic and England:  Miss China PR Wen Xia Yu (left) wore a simple red fitted gown with sheer bateau neckline and sequin applique. She looked very pretty in it. Score 8.8.



Miss England Charlotte Holmes (right) wore a copper-red colored one shoulder gown with sequin Empire-waist detail. It flowed gloriously down the catwalk/stage and looked modern and red carpet-worthy. Score: 9.0.

Miss Philippines Queenierich (love her name!) Rehman: One of the best in RED! Her gown is very Marchesa-meets-Givenchy Couture (see "Miss Nepal" toward end of this post) the Pageant Version--it looks expensive, well-made, red carpet-and-runway ready--and fits her beautifully. Score: 9.6

Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay: This red strapless number could have easily gone into "Hoochie Coochie" territory--you've got the sheer, the high slit...but somehow it worked on her.

 Gucci Fall 2011 (left) Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2011 (right)

Gucci and Givenchy Haute Couture recently (Fall 2011) showed a lot of gowns that were not lined--just like the red gown on Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay. Hers reminded me of one of those styles from the runways. I just wished the shoes weren't so "clunky" and why the mini box on them?? Too tacky-licious. Strappy heels huney. Next time. Score: 9.0

Printed Beauty: Usually it's Hit or Miss when wearing a printed dress---on the Red Carpet as well as in international beauty pageants. I think it works here on the very pretty Miss Ethiopia Melkam Endale. I LOVE the colors and silhouette of this dress. The neckline and gathered torso/bust detail is fabulous as well. Score: 9.2



Best in Ivory:

Georgia and Israel: Another popular color (or non color) in the pageant world is ivory/white. Lots of ladies wore white and these were several of the best, in my eyes. Miss Georgia Salome Khomeriki (top left) wore a one shoulder draped chiffon and satin gown. It featured a very high slit BUT it was rather hidden among all the chiffon over-layering. The gown was very Pronovias and it worked on her. Score: 9.2



Miss Israel Shani Hazan looks STUNNING in this fit-to-flare gown that hugs her EVERY curve perfectly. The gown itself isn't so exciting but it does the job of making her look elegant, it fits her well and she doesn't look HOOCHIE (Thank You!) . The six foot tall beauty almost looks REGAL. Score: 9.7

Miss Russia Elisaveta Golovanova stayed safe with this creme halter-style gown with yes--a big side slit (hello, it's a beauty pageant of course!). The gown wasn't earth shattering in style or "Wow" appeal but like I said, she played it safe. Score: 8.6

Miss Bolivia Mariana Garcia wore a blush-colored strapless gown (more pink than ivory but I chose to put her here nonetheless). I liked this gown. It could have gone "Feather KRAZEE" in a hot minute (wait 'till you see my "Oh NOOOO!!!" posting) but it didn't. I like the beaded swirl patterns on the dress as well and the gown fits her nicely. Score: 9.0

I think Miss Guatemala Monique Aparicio looks very "RetroFab" in this orange duchesse satin gown. The color pops onstage, and the dress looks expensive. I also love that she had added a retro hairstyle too-very Oscar de la Renta meets Jackie O--the Guatemalan version. Score: 9.4

Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen: One word: WOW.  From head to the tips of her stacked heel pumps: fab! The elegance of the black color, the waist-defining detail of the thin jeweled belt, the high-neck contrasted with the slit (yes, if there was one criticism, it's that slit is WAAAAY to high darling!). One of my faves (if only she closed up about four inches of that slit!). Score: 9.8

And finally, a "Wild Card" Good One:

Miss Nepal Shristi Shrestha (try and say her name FAST four times!): First off, she's very pretty. The picture above may not be a good one but there is something about this gown that made me stop and go "Oh, I think she looks HOT!" I know that maybe some of you out there might think it's a bit much but trust me darlings, you haven't see my "Oh Dear!" list yet. I like the gown because it's modern, it's sexy but not HOOCHIE and evokes a Couture-like feeling.

Marchesa Fall 2012 (left) and Beyonce in Givenchy Custom, Met Ball 2012

It reminds me a lot of Marchesa (above, left) and the Givenchy gown Beyonce wore to the Met Ball (right) earlier this year. Miss Nepal's gown is a good Knock-Off of both combined! Score for Miss Nepal's gown: 9.5



Up Next: My "Oh NOOOO!!!!" List from the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition...




Here's a Sneak Peak of the MESSES:

 Feathered Vegas Gay Pride Float on Miss Ukraine

Oh Huney: Miss Mongolia is SERVING Nefertiti Mongolian Goddess!

***STAY TUNED to the rest of the Hot Messes!

Beyoncé wears NIKOLAKI In Her New Music Video: "Best Thing I Never Had"

Beyoncé wears NIKOLAKI In Her New Music Video: "Best Thing I Never Had"

Beyoncé in NIKOLAKI, "Best Thing I Never Had" music video

I just returned from almost two weeks in London, Mykonos (Oh how much I miss those beaches!!!), Rome and Florence, Italy, where, along with my design and business partner David Paul, we showed some of our NIKOLAKI Collection for the first ever Miami University of Ohio "Summer In Italy" Fashion Show. More on the entire trip in an upcoming blog posting later, of course (working on editing the 400+ photos and videos!). While there, I received word that Beyoncé--yes, THE Beyoncé--wore one of our NIKOLAKI dresses in her latest video "Best Thing I Never Had".

Beyoncé Prom Diva: Beyoncé in NIKOLAKI, "Best Thing I Never Had" music video

We grabbed some screen caps here from the video where she is doing a "look back" at a "younger Beyoncé" and where she wears our silk-wool ziberline fuchsia strapless dress with side draped detail. I was so excited that I think I actually stopped my sunbathing in Mykonos and yelled a "Go Miss Beyoncé!" in front of about 200 Italian and Australian fellow beach-goers!

MTV.com does a style "look by look" of the video HERE

Above is the dress from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection modeled by model Lauren Gish Photo by Evans Vestal Ward

Click Below to watch the entire "Best Th9ing I Never Had" Music Video:

Nick Verreos Chica Orbit and "Geek To Chic" Winner Attend People En Espanol "50 Mas Bellos" (50 Most Beautiful) in NYC: The Recap!

Nick Verreos Chica Orbit and "Geek To Chic" Winner Attend People En Espanol "50 Mas Bellos" (50 Most Beautiful) in NYC: The Recap!

CHICO Orbit!!!

Dirty Mouth? Not Here: Chica Orbit and Nick Verreos at the Orbit Gum VIP section, People En Español "50 Más Bellos" Party NYC

Last week, I flew to NYC to have some "ChicaOrbit" fun: As you may know, I am the new "Chica Orbit Style Guy" and in the past have designed several Orbit Gum-inspired red carpet dresses for Chica Orbit as well as other celebs.

Perfect Couple: Nick Verreos and Chica Orbit, arriving at the People En Español "50 Más Bellos" Party NYC

This past week, I was invited to attend the fabulous People En Español "50 Más Bellos" (50 Most Beautiful) Party in NYC as well as film some fun Style Tip vignettes--to be featured on the ChicaOrbit.com site (en Español, por supuesto!), as well as help style the Geek To Chic Winner for the fuchsia carpet of the "50 Más Bellos" Party. Yes, that's a MOUTHFUL! But , you see, that's why you need some Orbit chicle, so you keep your mouth fresh and clean--and be fashionable at the same time!!!

Orbit Posers: Chica Orbit and Nick Verreos, at the People En Español "50 Más Bellos" Party NYC

For the party, I donned my best Orbit-blue teal jacket, accessorized it with my custom Swarovski-crystal Orbit pin, and a pocket scarf, especially made from the new "Strawberry Remix"-flavor Orbit Gum print. My date for the night was none other than: Chica Orbit! She's the Latina version of the Orbit Gum Girl; just as fun, just as gorgeous and just as sassy! Chica Orbit came in her best "Orbit" uniform--a white cotton pique dresses with oversized buttons, an Orbit Gum foulard (neck scarf) and white almost-to-the-knee boots.

Chic to Chic: Nick Verreos , "Geek To Chic" Winner Noemi Salazar and Chica Orbit, walking the fuchsia carpet, People En Español "50 Más Bellos" Party NYC

At the party's fuchsia carpet, we were met by the winner of the Chica Orbit Geek To Chic Contest. The beautiful Noemi Salazar won this contest and as a result, got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a makeover--make-up and hair by professionals, as well as walk the carpet at a fabulous event and the icing on the cake...I outfitted her in a custom "Nick Verreos For Orbit" one-shoulder cocktail dress in an Orbit Gum print (very subtle).

Strawberry Fields: Chica Orbit at the Orbit Gum VIP Lounge, People En Español "50 Más Bellos"

Once inside the party--held at Gustavino's NYC-- we headed straight to the Orbit Gum Strawberry Remix VIP Lounge area. It was done like a patio/courtyard--with a booth and benches and HUGE strawberries created using Orbit Gum packages (love that!). We hobnobbed with all the top Spanish-language Celebs, from novela actors and actresses, to beauty queens, TV hosts and some of the People En Español 50 Most Beautiful, of course.

Las Mas Bellas: Nick Verreos with past "Nuestra Belleza Latina" Winners Melissa Marty (Left) and Ana Patricia Gonzalez (Right): I had met Melissa (in the fuchsia pink dress) before in Miami during an appearance I made in Univision Network's "Despierta America" Morning News Show, and we hit it off right away! I absolutely ADORE her! Tan Bella!!

Nick Verreos and Spanish-language TV ICON and DIVA, Charytin: My mom is going to be soooo happy when she sees this photo!!!

Nick Verreos with the GORGEOUS Mexican-born actress Litzy: She was SOOOOO sweet, telling me what a big fan she was of "Project Runway" and me! Well, you know, I was ready to take her back to LA with me after that! Done and Done. Love her!

The Party was so much fun and I had a blast walking the Fuchsia Carpet and attending the En Español "50 Más Bellos" Party with the ever-so-FABULOSA Chica Orbit!!!

Here's a quick video from the night with myself, Chica Orbit and the Geek To Chic Winner, Noemi Salazar:

The Following Morning...

Buenos Dias Fashionistas: Nick Verreos with Univision "Al Despertar" Anchor Marijoel Duran (far right), and models wearing NIKOLAKI Collection

I woke up bright and early (3:30AM to be exact! My hats off to all the morning anchors out there!) to drive to New Jersey (I was staying in Manhattan) to film a LIVE Morning TV Segment on Univision (Spanish-language Network) NYC affiliate, Channel 41 WXTV "Al Despertar" News Show. My segment was on around 6:45AM and I was invited to recap the fashion from the previous night at the "50 Más Bellos" Party as well the fun I had with Chica Orbit.

Red Carpet Muchachas: "J Lo", "Sofia" and "Giselle" models in NIKOLAKI dresses and gown, Univision "Al Despertar" TV Segment

And as a special treat, I brought along gowns from my NIKOLAKI Collection to show trends from some of the top ladies on the Red Carpet. Three lovely ladies (one of them happened to be the daughter of "Al Despertar" anchor Marijoel Duran) wore dresses and gowns that I brought to show examples of styles that would be worn by FABULOUS A-List Latinas like Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara and Giselle Blondet, TV Personality and hostess of Univision's "Nuestra Belleza Latina". The TV segment went perfectly and all the women in the studio--anchors and my lovely "models" were smitten with my designs (por supuesto!). With that, I returned to Manhattan to do a bunch of interviews, and then check out of my hotel and waive"Ciao" (for now) to NYC and Chica Orbit...Until Next Time!!!

Click HERE for an interview I did with MyLatinoVoice.com

Click HERE for a fun interview I did for Examiner.com

Nick Verreos and Orbit Gum: Geek To Chic Contest, People En Español and Chica Orbit!!!

Nick Verreos and Orbit Gum: Geek To Chic Contest, People En Español and Chica Orbit!!!

Fashion + Gum= ORBIT!!!

Quieres Chicle? Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez in Nick Verreos /Orbit Gum Gown, People En Español 50 Más Bellos Event

I am SO EXCITED to announce that I am the "Style Guy" for "Chicle Orbit"--the most stylish gum in the WORLD!!!!! And as part of this, Orbit announced a fun contest for the Spanish-speaking fans called "Geek To Chic".

Those who entered this contest (by submitting photos) now have the chance to have their look "transformed" from Geek--to CHIC--by none other than, ME!!! Si, YO!!! (yes, I'm so Bi-lingual!) and then showcase your new look FABULOSO on the People En Español 50 Más Bellos/50 Most Beautiful Red Carpet coming up next week!!!

Orbit Universal Queen: Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009 in Orbit Gum-print inspired gown by Nick Verreos, People Magazine En Español "50 Más Bellos" Event, NYC

If you have been following my blog, you may already know that I have partnered in the last few years with ORBIT GUM--to design "Red Carpet-worthy" dresses for the Latina Orbit Gum Girl, "Chica Orbit", as well as other celebs. Last year, I made a custom one-shoulder gown for Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela 2008 and Miss Universe 2009, using an Orbit Gum print for last year's People Magazine En Español 50 Más Bellos/50 Most Beautiful Gala.


Above is my original sketch for the one shoulder gown I created and designed (and had the fabric made too!!!).

Now That's A Purse: Nick Verreos, Chica Orbit and Univision's "Fashion Guy" Rodner Figueroa, Premios Juventud 2010 After Party, Miami

I also designed a cocktail red carpet dress for the current Chica Orbit--using the same Orbit Gum Print--for her to wear during the 2010 Premios Juventud an awards show for Spanish-speaking celebrities in the areas of film, music, sports, fashion, and pop culture--kind of like a cross between the MTV Music Awards and the "Kid's Choice Awards".

In 2007 for that year's "Premios Juventud"--along with the AMAZING assistance of my NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul--we created an ivory silk duchess satin "Watteau-back" strapless dress--with custom "Orbit Gum" pillbox hat (very Jackie Kennedy!)-both featuring the Orbit Logo. We even made the scarf to watch one of the gum flavors!

Well, CHICOS, I am back at it again---and soon I will be in New York City to attend the People En Español 50 Más Bellos/Most Beautiful Event and transform one lucky winner from Geek to Chic!!!
(and now for my Spanish-speaking Readers): Buena Suerte y acuerdate: Orbit Sensación Limpia...no matter what!


*Follow Chica Orbit HERE on Twitter
*And HERE !!!