LA Fashion Week Spring 2012: Nick Verreos Attends Sue Wong "Lady or Vamp" Fashion Preview at Voyeur

Sue Wong Fabulous!

Feathered Empress: Designer Sue Wong, "Lady or Vamp" Spring 2012 Fashion Presentation

It's Los Angeles Fashion Week--and there are tons of fashion shows, presentations and events going on around town. One I was invited to last Thursday was the Sue Wong "Lady or Vamp" Spring 2012 Fashion Preview at Voyeur Nightclub in West Hollywood. Sue Wong, as you may know, is an LA-based designer--specializing in beautiful cocktail and evening dresses-- that sell ALL OVER the World and at all the top stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her motto is "Opulent Restraint". A month ago, I ran into her at the AMAZING "Fabulous!" Exhibit Opening at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Museum & Galleries and she said "You must come to my show!". Well, done and done!

For Spring 2012, Sue Wong's fashion presentation was titled "Lady or Vamp": As I entered the party, I noticed lots of guests dressed to the Nines--in either Black or White, tuxedos, top hats. They also all had wonderful "Sue Wong Goodie Bags" (Where were they? I never got one). Irregardless, I chose to wear a very subdued grey TopMan jacket, Hermes pocket scarf, grey Levi's skinny jeans and a white dress shirt. Not very "Lady" or "Vamp" I know...

Ladies and Vamps: Designer Sue Wong and her models, Voyeur Nightclub

The designer herself--as always--was in DIVA form--wearing an off-the-shoulder black evening dress with several very high feathers atop her hair. FABULOUS! Around the nightclub, there were various gorgeous models--dressed in beaded Sue Wong cocktail dresses and gowns, "presenting" her Spring 2012 Collection.

Vamps: Designer Sue Wong (center), Nick Verreos (left), and attendee, Voyeur Nightclub

The scene was very "Club Festive" with guests enjoying Champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres as models stationed themselves either on stage or in various "podium" sections throughout the venue. The Dresses were beaded, cocktail-length or long, and very Sue Wong!

I was so excited when I ran into one of my favorite models, Amanda Fields (above). As you know, she is a "muse" of sorts for my NIKOLAKI line and is featured on our website. Besides that, I have that "special Project Runway kinship" with her since she was a model back on Project Runway Season 3.

Model Fierce: Speaking of "Project Runway"--also modeling was Brandise Danesewich (above), who was on Project Runway Season 7 and Models of the Runway Season 2. Every time I see her--either at an event--or modeling in a fashion show--she ALWAYS takes the time to say "hello" and be the definition of CLASS. LOVE her!

Perfect Couple: Stylist Kit Scarbo and Adam Arcos, Sue Wong "Lady or Vamp" Spring 2012 Fashion Presentation, Voyeur Nightclub

Oh, and guess who else I ran into: The ALWAYS-Chic Kit Scarbo--or as "Project Runway" fans remember her--Kit Pistol from Project Runway Season 4. Kit is a FAB and very talented stylist for E!. She was in a cream beaded dress, black leather gloves and matching waist tie. But her best accessory was her beau, the very handsome Adam Arcos.

Nick and The Vamps: Nick Verreos with Karen Mamont (left) and her lovely "Vamps", Sue Wong Lady or Vamp Spring 2012 Fashion Presentation, Voyeur Nightclub

Well, after some socializing, fashion-spotting, and taking pics for this blog posting--it was time to bid "Adieu" to Sue Wong's "Lady or Vamp" Spring 2012 Fashion Preview at Voyeur. It looks like LA Fashion Week Spring 2012 is off to a very fabulous start!!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Guest Appearance at FIDM Orange County!!!

Nick Goes to The OC--and brings Benny!

My Doggy Muse: Nick Verreos and Benny, and the FIDM OC 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" meet-and-greet crowd

Last week, I finished my "2011 3 Days of Fashion" Appearances and Fashion Shows at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Orange County, in Irvine California. Being that this was the final one of my "3 Days of Fashion" 2011 events--I had to bring my doggy Benny!

I Heart Benny: Nick Verreos and Benny, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

He is THE official "mascot" for NIKOLAKI!!! And Lord knows, If I had my wish, I would have gotten him in my Virgin Mobile Commercial!!! For. Sure. (He saw it and was mad--and jealous-- of me!)

I really do love the Orange County FIDM Campus (above) because they are always so "chill" yet fashionable and they never give me "shade" for bringing my son--ooops, I mean, my doggie, Benny! And the campus is so Loft-Fabulous to boot!

Posing: Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

I drove down to Irvine with David, and of course, we brought "Benny"! He loves it in the OC (of course he does!). For the "3 Days of Fashion", I was to speak on "How I Got To Where I Got" and how FIDM helped my goal of becoming a famous--and successful fashion designer. I also brought my "Muse":

Mermaid Diva: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black ziberline gown with black-and white brocade attached bustier, FIDM OC "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Beyonce Fan: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Model Amanda Fields, and some of my NIKOLAKI Gowns and dresses, for the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy. She stayed afterward to take photos and sign some of the guest's bags, t-shirts, etc. Love me some Amanda!

Clip Board Collage: My Clip Board at the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion"

After my Lecture and fashion show, I told the audience that of course, In would be around to take photos and sign anything they wanted me to sign. The FIDM OC staff was so AMAZING that they had a clipboard ready (to help me in signing) with a collage of images of me from "Google Images".

OC Barbie: Nick Verreos and a FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion attendee--and her "Nick Verreos MyScene Project Runway Barbie"

I was SOOO EXCITED, when at one pint in my "Meet-and-Greet", a young attendee brought her "Nick Verreos Project Runway Barbie"--the MyScene Barbie that was created and sold exclusively at Toys 'R Us as a result of me winning one of my Season 2 Challenges. I told this young girl that she FOR SURE would make it on my BLOG as a result! And I always keep my promises...

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Goes to FIDM San Diego for 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"--The Recap!

Fashion in Sunny San Diego, Doggie Day Care, Visit from the Family...Oh and a Baseball Game!!!

Find The One Guy: Nick Verreos and the FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" attendees

Last week, as part of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's 2011 "3 Days of Fashion", I drove down to San Diego--along with my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul--to make my "Guest Appearance". First, we had to put our little doggy, Benny, in "Doggy Day Care" so he would have lots of play time, while his "daddies" went down to San Diego for the day. After an almost three-hour drive down (oh that LA to San Diego traffic!), we finally made it! Just in time...

The View: Padres Baseball game happening at the same time as FIDM San Diego's 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

The FIDM San Diego Campus is located right next to the spectacular Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. And wouldn't you know it: There was a Padres Baseball Game going on right at the same time!!! At first I didn't realize it and thought "Boy, are ALL these people with shorts and flip flops going to the FIDM 3 Days of Fashion???" I somehow forgot to see all their Padres caps, banners, flags and baseball jerseys!! Ooops...

But yes, once inside the campus, I got ready for my appearance. This was the last day of this event for them---and they had been in different workshops throughout the day, learning the intricacies of draping, sketching, trend spotting.

Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black silk jersey tunic-gown, FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

But now, they were going to see some FASHION with a Capital "F"...as I brought one of my FAVE Runway models, Amanda Fields (who also drove down from Los Angeles), to show the "3 Days of Fashion" students--over 100 of them--some of my NIKOLAKI gowns and dresses.

Raise Your Camera-Phones: A scene from the NIKOLAKI "Mini" Fashion Show, FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

You should have seen all the camera phones go up as Amanda sauntered into the room each time with a different gown/dress. It was like "mini paparazzi"!!! Afterward, I gave away prizes (the most fun were the "Best Dressed of FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion" prizes!) and of course, I signed bags, t-shirts, sweatshirts...you name it, I signed it!

Baby Blue Meets Pink: FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" guest (she made her own dress!) and Nick Verreos

We also took great photos with the FAB Petco Park Padres Baseball Game going on in the back! An additional "special bonus" of coming down to San Diego was that David's mom and nieces--the super pretty Emilie and Samantha...

La San Diego Familia: David Paul, Nick Verreos with David's mom, Conchita and nieces Samantha and Emilie, FIDM San Diego Campus balcony

Got to attend the event as well--and spend some time with "Uncle David". The girls enjoyed my lecture I think--David's mom even said I should go into the business of being an "Inspirational Speaker"...Who knows, there's still time!!! After the event, David's mom, treated us to a delicious--yet quick--dinner nearby and then we were on our way (it was 7:30pm and we had only 2 1/2 hrs to make it back before the Doggy Day Care closed. In case you were wondering, we got there at 9:56!!! Just in time...

Red Carpet Report: Beaded and/or Backless Gowns

BACKLESS + Beaded = GORG!

Recently, lots of actresses, models, your "Usual Red Carpet Subjects" have been GIVING Backless and/or Full-on Beaded on the Red Carpet--here are some examples--including one from my own NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection...

Sequined Hilary: Hilary Swank in Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture at the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards in Toronto Canada over the weekend. Why Toronto for the International Indian Film Academy Awards, you might ask? Well, kiddies, according to this, the Greater Toronto area has the second largest population of people of Indian descent in NORTH AMERICA!!!! Yep! Moving on...Miss Swank is wearing an absolutely stunning gown from the Lebanese designer's Haute Couture Collection--which means that EVERY single one of those beads was applied BY HAND and so were the seams that were sewn. NO machines darlings. That's why this gown would probably cost around $100,000 if you were to order it. It's a good guess Miss Hilary got it for free--lent that is...

Silver Goddess: Victoria's Secret Model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Naeem Khan at the Germany Premiere of Transformers 3. Naeem has been in the news as of late because the US First Lady, Michelle Obama just LOVES wearing his designs. He is an American Fashion Designer of Indian origin who has a very good business creating evening gowns. Love the cap sleeves, love the back train, well done! It's both chic, and UBER glamorous. I also adore that side-knot-twisted hairstyle.

Spanish actress Paz Vega at the Shanghai Film Festival in an all-over sequined backless gown featuring long fitted sleeves and (gasp!) shoulder pads! (yes, ladies, they are back...and have been for a while!). Interesting that when I looked at the photo on the right--doesn't it look as if the back of her gown just came undone? Or it's about to. Or maybe, it was hooked way beyond the edge of the back closure....who knows. (sorry too much "Fashion Terminology"). I still LIKE it. Fits her well, the oversized paillettes are great, good job Paz.

She Loves a Mini: Cameron Diaz in Emilio Pucci Fall 2011 at the Moscow Premiere of Bad Teacher. All over sequins in gold and black work well with Cameron Diaz. And she loves a mini--16-18" below her natural waist seems to be her favorite hem length. I do like that the rest of her is covered--the three-quarter sleeves the bateau neckline.

Finally...there's model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011: My NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and I just love this gown and because it fits this blog's "Category", of course, we had to add it!!! No one has worn it yet and many, many actresses and stylists have "pulled this dress" but no one has used it yet--maybe there's still time for a FAB Red Carpet Moment for this gown...

Nick Verreos on "Latin Connection Magazine" Cover & La Opinion L.A., La Prensa NY article/profiles!!

Latin Designing: Latin Connection Texas, My Barbie and My NIKOLAKI Models...

Nick Verreos, on the cover of this month's Latin Connection Texas Magazine

Last month, Wayne Zamora, Editor-in-Chief of Latin Connection Texas Magazine, contacted me to do an Interview and an article on me, for the magazine, and of course, I said "SI!". And then, to my surprise, I made the cover! In the write-up, you can read about my "Early Years" in Caracas Venezuela, my love of 70's Flight Attendants, and being raised by FABULOUS Latina women--and my Greek dad. I'm honored to be in Latin Connection Texas Magazine and make the cover, especially since I have a close connection to Texas since my parents, sister and my niece and nephew all live there. And of course, not to mention the fact that I never met a BIG Texas BELT BUCKLE and Cowboy Boot I didn't like!!
You can read the entire Latin Connection Magazine article HERE (go to page 6).

Also: Mi Barbie y Mis Modelos (Translation: My Barbie and my Models)...

Sequins and Gold...Red! Fashion Designer Nick Verreos poses with Models Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson wearing NIKOLAKI gowns, FIDM Los Angeles Campus

In addition to being in Latin Connection Texas Magazine, EFE Newswire Service (Spanish-language version of A.P.) and EFEAmerica.com contacted me last week, wanting to do an interview that "would go around the Spanish-speaking world about myself--a story on a Latino Fashion Designer who "did muy bueno" and became successful in this industry. Again, naturally, I said "Si, por supuesto!".

Nick Verreos at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, "19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition (photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

They also wanted to do a photoshoot that would accompany the piece--and what better place than my Alma Mater--and the College I am an Instructor and the Spokesperson for--the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM.

My Barbie! Nick Verreos shows off his "My Scene Project Runway Season 2 Barbie", FIDM Los Angeles Campus

I threw on my most fabulous red jacket (Hot Latin Color!) and gathered two of my favorite muses/models, the statuesque Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson, as well as brought them several of my NIKOLAKI gowns to try on for the shoot. The writer (and photographer) Ivan Mejia, had also asked me if I could bring "My Barbie"--the "Project Runway My Scene Barbie" I had designed (and was subsequently manufactured and sold at Toys 'R Us). He said that showing me with my Barbie would make for nice photos to go with the article.

Another Pose Por Favor: Posing with my models Amanda Fields (Left), Danika Thompson (Right) and my Assistant for the shoot, Jesse Jacobs at FIDM Los Angeles Campus

Well, in the midst of remembering to bring the gowns, getting myself ready and finishing up on my NIKOLAKI Studio work I was doing earlier in the day...I totally forgot to bring my Barbie! But, thank goodness someone at FIDM came to the rescue: Someone at the school HAD MY BARBIE in their office and they (very nicely) let us borrow it for the shoot. Yeayyy! for FIDM and Yeayyy! for having my Barbie!

Would You Like A Sleeve: Nick Verreos measures model Amanda Fields--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los Angeles Campus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

Yep, She's Tiny: Nick Verreos measures model Danika Thompson--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los Angeles Campus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)

All of us--the models in my gowns, my "Project Runway Barbie", and myself--posed in front of the "Pink-tastic" FIDM Barbie 50Th Anniversary Display, which also features my other Barbie! I know...that's one too many Barbies in one paragraph!!! In the end, I had a great time doing the photoshoot and the interview for my Latinos.

*You can read the finished article:
HERE on efeamerica.com

HERE to read it from the LA Opinion Newspaper and La Prensa NY Portal Website, impre.com

And for All Time's Sake: Here's a quick video of my Winning Barbie Design on Season 2 Project Runway:

LA Fashion Week Fall 2011: Nick Verreos Attends Stop Staring! Show for "Style Fashion Week LA" at Vibiana's

Pin Up Divas, A Fashionable Church, Sexy Tattoos, and Lady Gaga??? Welcome to Style Week LA...

Grab Your Caipirinha's...It's Fashion Week: Nick Verreos and a bevy of Pin Up Divas, including the ever-so-fabulous Karen Mamont (second from left), Stop Staring! Fashion Show

Last night, I was invited to attend the inaugural night of Style Fashion Week LA at Vibiana's in Downtown LA. Yes, kids, in case you did not know, it is LA Fashion Week Fall 2011, and there are several events/venues going on around town showcasing Los Angeles Fashion, its Designers and LA Style.

My friend, Arturo D. Chavez styled the entire show and he was kind enough to put me on the list to attend---and support the fashions and see his fabulous styling work. Stop Staring! is an LA-based clothing company headed by "Vintage Vixen", Designer Alicia Estrada, and is known for its sexy Vintage-inspired cocktail dresses, with very fitted 1940's and 1950's shapes, inspired by "Pin Up" and Rockabilly.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy: Singers Pay Homage to the "Andrew Sisters" before the show

Stop Staring! has been in business for over ten years and has grown a cult-like status with all the Diva Pin-Up and Rockabilly girls as well as A-List celebs such as Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian and some of the "Twilight" girls. I hear the dresses are affordable AND they make them up to size 18: Hello!

Ladies Man: Nick Verreos flanked by guests of Stop Staring! Fashion Show including LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Cynthia Ruiz (2nd from left)

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Commissioner of the Board of Public Works--and LA Fashion Champion!--Cynthia Ruiz, is a big fan of the clothing line, if not their "Muse". Every time I was at an LA event--and she was there-- I always wondered whose dresses she was wearing because: A) She always looked so good; and B) they always fit perfectly! No surprise, they were Stop Staring! Well, naturally, Cynthia was there last night, introducing the fashion show and featuring a fitted black and red number that looked divine!

I also ran into Designer Maggie Barry (above) who, as always, was working her look! Loving those gold leather winged high-tops!

The Fashion:

Retro Fitted: Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA

Rockabilly Garden Party: Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA

E! Girls Next Door Bridget Marquardt (in red) front row at Stop Staring! Fashion Show

Amanda! Model Amanda Fields modeling a red full-skirted dress, Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA

Work That Walk: Model Amanda Fields, Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA

Post Show: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos

And Finally...Yes, that's me--with the Madame Tussaud's wax figure of Lady Gaga. She was there on display at Vibiana's Style Fashion Week LA, don't know why but YOU KNOW I had to get a photo next to her...I mean, it...I think...
Happy LA Fashion Week!

Click Below for the Final Model Walk of the Stop Staring! Fashion Show:

Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week: Chanel

Black and White COUTURE Swans...

Black Swan: Supermodel Stella Tennant opens Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Show in black and white Bouclé suit and skinny black pants

Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld: The Spring/Summer 2011 Collection was VERY Chanel; lots of the traditional Bouclé suits the Ladies Who Lunch LOVE. There was a 1960's "touch" in the square shapes and minis but "modernized" a bit in the styling. For example, Lagerfeld put skinny black pants under just about everything. Couture Leggings a la Chanel.

White over Black: NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 sequin paillete cowl-neck tunic/mini dress and capelet over silk ziberline skinny pants

It actually reminded me of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection and this fabulous little number form our Look Book on Model Amanda Fields: So coincidental, and funny! Well, Karl, my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (it was his idea) and I ...um...think alike? Nevertheless, I love it!

Spiderweb Queen: White with black beading coat over black sequin skinny pants, Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Trends: Skinny black pants over EVERYTHING; 60's shapes, boxy shapes on top, fitted/skinny on bottom; white, light rose, blush, sequined details, sleeves for evening.

Themes: Black Swan/White Swan

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Highlights:

Gossamer Sheath: Light Pink sheath dress with sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Michelle Williams Oscar Choice Suggestion: Silver sequin gown with sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Shapeless and Modern: Light pink silk iridescent organza and crystal sequined
sheath gown with raglan sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Click below for the COMPLETE Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Show: