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 !!!

Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor--My Recap!

Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor--My Recap!

What a Night!!!

Fifth Avenue Boy: Nick Verreos posing in front of the Project Runway/Lord & Taylor Collection Window Display (violet-blue dress design in the background by Nick Verreos)

Last week, I flew to New York City for the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Tenth Anniversary festivities as well as to unveil the ten piece "Project Runway Collection at Lord &Taylor" which, of course, included my dress design. First up was the Project Runway VIP 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship. As you may know, I was asked--along with eight other Project Runway designers plus Christopher Palu who won the "Lord &Taylor Challenge" a couple of weeks back--to design a dress for the exclusive 10th Anniversary Project Runway Collection to be sold at Lord & Taylor exclusively. I was the "Season 2" pick for the line.

 Presenting Project Runway: Nick Verreos--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

I flew to NYC with my NIKOLAKI partner-for-life, David Paul. After settling in, we got ready. I put on my never-worn-before Dolce & Gabbana Collection black and white mini polka dotted tuxedo silk satin jacket, pink dress shirt and pocket scarf, skinny jeans, Gucci boots and was ready to go! (Thank you David for styling me so fabulously!).

Taxi Mates: (Left to right)fashion designer Gordana Gehlhausen of Season 6 Project Runway, David Paul of NIKOLAKI, Nick Verreos--Lord &Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship Window Display

David and I took a cab from the hotel with the ever-so-lovely Gordana Gehlhausen, Project Runway alumna from Season 6 (LOVE HER!). It was a very hot-and-humid NYC early evening and the taxi we took LIED to us--telling us it had air conditioning but really, it was just blowing hot air (in other words, I was SCHVITZING!). After arriving at Lord & Taylor, we posed for photos outside in front of the beautiful window displays featuring our dresses, which I'd never seen before--in person that is.Then, we high-tailed it inside to the party.

Figure Skating Queen Alert: Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and Nick Verreos doing media interviews--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

The party was in full swing on the second floor as we arrived. I knew that this was a very VIP party when I saw a very long "red carpet" step-and-repeat with lots of media, photographers and various press. I did interviews in both English and Spanish for several entertainment shows. At one point--out of the corner of my eye--I spotted Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi whom I would later get to say "Hi" to inside the party. She was in NY for the launch of her new activewear line Tsu.ya by Kristi Yamaguchi.

Best Dressed: Lord & Taylor President Bonnie Brooks and Tim Gunn (left photo); Bonnie Brooks and Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia (right photo)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

VIP Guests: Also there was Project Runway Mentor Tim Gunn (he was so sweet when saying "hello" to David and I and asked about our little Benny!!), Lord & Taylor's President Bonnie Brooks (who was a Guest Judge during the "Lord & Taylor Challenge" a couple of weeks back), as well as Marie Claire Fashion Director, the UBER chic Nina Garcia. Tim, Bonnie and Nina were doing a Champagne toast to the Tenth Season of Project Runway with ALL of this season's designers--who were also there at the party. It was all captured by a bunch of cameras who were filming this soiree for a future episode of Project Runway (I assume the Finale one perhaps?).



A Moment of Figure Skating HEAVEN:

Triple Axl Love: Nick Verreos with Olympic Gold Medalists Kristi Yamaguchi and Sarah Hughes, Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

I was BEYOND excited when upon arriving at the party--and after a little bit of mingling--Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hugues saw me and we then began screaming like 15-year-old school girls (OK, I did!!). She then turned and motioned to someone else to come...and would you believe it, it was Miss Kristi Yamaguchi, of course! Well, I almost had a Triple Lutz Heart Attack! If you know anything about me, you might know that I'm a BIG Figure Skating Fan (remember the "Make a Costume for Sasha Cohen Challenge" from my Season of Project Runway?) and I especially love to comment on the costumes. I've had the pleasure of doing Figure Skating Costume commentary for the Torino Winter Olympics (2006), Vancouver Winter Olympics (2010) and many national and international figure skating competitions for NBC, Universal Sports and ICE network.

Fashion Pairs: Nick Verreos and Sarah Hughes--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

It was so wonderful seeing them. We talked fashion, Project Runway and some figure skating DISH. I even teased Kristi about how "HUNKY" her husband is (he was blushing!) Both of them--as you can see from the pictures above--looked AMAZING and PS: Sarah, those fuchsia pumps were DIVINE! Running into these two Goddesses of Figure Skating made my night. Oh, yeah, and David's too: he REALLY REALLY loves Figure Skating!



Who Else Was There...Season 10 Designers:

Season 10 Designer Alicia Hardesty and Nick Verreos--I was one of the Casting Judges for Season 10 in Los Angeles, and Alicia was one of the contestants we advanced to the next round, so I was happy to see her and congratulate her for getting on the show!

Girls Night Out: Nick Verreos with Season 10 Designers Beatrice Guapo (left) and Lantie Foster (right): they were so sweet. Luv them--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Face Scrub: Nick Verreos and Season 10 Designer Kooan Kosuke: It's pretty obvious that Kooan was having A LOT of fun at this party--he was a HOOT and a half (and I got a surprise and unexpected facial exfoliating treatment from his hair while posing with him!)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Project Runway Alumni from Past Seasons:

The party which really was a "celebration" of reaching the ten season mark, was sort of a "reunion" of sorts since there were lots of designers representing all the previous nine seasons. Besides keeping in touch via email or texts, I don't get to really "hang out" much with many of the Project Runway alumn so it was nice seeing so many of them in one room. Here are some that I was very happy to see:

 Social Butterfly: Nick Verreos with Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

 

 Pastel Perfection: Season 6 Finalist Althea Harper--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

 

 PR Boys: Nick Verreos with designers Michael Costello (Season 8) and Bert Keeter (Season 9) 

 

Three's Company: Nick Verreos with designers with Uli Herzner (Season 3) and Gordana Gehlhausen (Season 6) (right photo)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Group Fab: (Left to right) Bert Keeter (Season 9), Uli Herzner (Season 3), Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, Nick Verreos and actress and model Yaya DaCosta--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Season 2 Duo: Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Where's Andrae?? Well, kids, as you can see, he was at last week's bash! I had not seen Andrae in AGES-since he left LA to move to NYC--so it was nice to run into him. In case you're wondering he still has NOT gone to Red Lobster with Tim Gunn (if you are a TRUE fan of the show, you'll understand).



TRUE All Stars--Project Runway Winners Snapshot:

Project Runway Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll, Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, All Stars Season 1 Winner Mondo Guerra, and Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

After much socializing, reuniting, who-are-the-finalists? DISHING and Figure Skating Goddess LOVE...I almost forgot to actually check out my dress at the Lord & Taylor Project Runway Collection section, so...I got this close-up photo:

Nick Verreos for Project Runway 10th Anniversary Collection Dress, available exclusively at Lord & Taylor

Watch a fun video highlighting the night:

***Up Next: The BLOG Recap of my Special Appearance at Lord & Taylor for Fashion's Night Out NYC and Project Runway !! 

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" Love:

OMG!!! Nick Verreos and FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee--and her FIDM "vintage logo" sweatshirt 

Last week, I had some very important business meetings (relating to a possible "NV by Nick Verreos" line I have been diligently working on) in NYC. Once I finished the meetings, I got on a plane and flew to one of my other favorite cities in the good ol' US of A: San Francisco! I was scheduled to make a "Nick Visit" as part of my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012" tour at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Francisco campus last Wednesday.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The weather in SF this past week was GORGEOUS! Warm but not too hot and  very clear (No fog in SF: who knew!?). The FIDM SF campus is located in the heart of Union Square so on my way there--with my trusty NIKOLAKI confidante David Paul (who of course, flew with me!)--it was very difficult to keep away from going into EVERY store to do some retail damage.

Red Carpet in San Francisco: Model Rachael Sitz modeling one of my NIKOLAKI Couture gowns--a lavender silk chiffon hand-beaded sequined column gown

There was no time for that, it was all about my Appearance and showing some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses to all the high school students who were in attendance for this final third day of the "3 Days of Fashion".

Welcome Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Over 100 students plus some of their mom's and dad's greeted me with a wonderful "San Francisco" welcome!! I spoke about my time as a young boy drawing all the stewardess uniforms while traveling on trips with my mom and dad, as well as how I decided to attend FIDM and all that has happened since, including "Project Runway", all my TV Red Carpet Expert work and of course, dressing celebs like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Heidi Klum. Speaking of my NIKOLAKI designs...

Designer and His Fashion: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI Collection silk chiffon column gown with hand-beaded lavender sequins and peek-a-boo top detail and...

Rachael in a raspberry-colored silk-wool ziberline strapless dress with draped bustier and asymmetrical skirt. And by the way, this dress was the same dress worn by Beyonce in her "Best Thing I Never Had" music video.

 Auf Wiedersehen? Nick Verreos checking out the "Rock the Runway" finalists, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 


Then, after my "Nick Talk" and NIKOLAKI mini-fashion presentation, it was on to judging the "Rock the Runway" Contest--where "3 Days of Fashion" attendees were told to dress in their most "original" outfits which expressed their most "unique" styles.

Serious Judging: Nick Verreos, Julia Anne Hill and David Paul of NIKOLAKI , "Rock the Runway" Contest, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had the privilege of being one of the judges,--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, FIDM Alumna Julia Anne Hill (she's Apparel and Design Director/Social Media Specialist for Clinton Kelly Inc.) and two hand-picked FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees. The Contest was SO much fun--not so much fun to judge (it was very, very difficult since they were ALL very good!)--but fun to see all of the students' ensembles!

McQueen'ed: One of our faves was this one young man named Diego Rivera (I know--just like the Mexican painter!)--you can see him in the photo above wearing the denim shirt, McQueen scarf and black Meggings (male leggings). I teased him because he also had FAB accessories including very expensive Hermes "Collier de Chien" cuff and Cartier "Love" bracelet. I wondered (out loud!) who his Sugar Daddy was--and if I could have his phone number??

Nick Verreos poses with the tied finalists in their "Rock the Runway" looks, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The Winner:

Colorful Winner: Nick Verreos and co-judge Julia Anne Hill and the two student judges pose with the Winner of the "Rock the Runway" contest--in the middle wearing the apple green hot-shorts and striped sweater--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

SF Smiles: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Trudy Noren (FIDM SF College Representative and Special Events), Julia Anne Hill and David Paul, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Once again, it was a very successful and fantastic FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" in San Francisco--I had so much fun meeting all the students, their mom's and dad's, judging the contest, as well as showing them my NIKOLAKI designs. I LOVE SF and cannot wait to come back!!!