Winky Wink: John Wade and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage West Hollywood
Last night--between all the prepping for my"High Kicking With The Rockettes" FIDM Event, working on my upcoming Nikolaki Spring 2011 Collection, and still unpacking from my Europe work/R&R trip, I found time to venture out to West Hollywood to the very quiet and chic Petit Ermitage Hotel in West Hollywood, to say Ciao to two of the BEST human beings in the world: My VERY GOOD friends John Wade and Joey Maalouf.
Petit Ermitage Entrance
Why? Because they are moving to New York City! John and I met--and officially launched what will be a lifelong friendship--when we were both on Season 2 of Project Runway. He is now at Marc Jacobs and has been there for quite a while. And he is moving (sad face).
Bon Voyage: Erik Moreno, David Paul and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
He's still with Marc Jacobs darling...don't you worry! And Joey Maalouf, the WUNDERKID hair guru and co-owner of Maalouf Salon and Rachel Zoe's hair-and-make-up guy on the hit show, The Rachel Zoe Project is moving along with him.
Petit Ermitage Rooftop Pool
They held a Going Away Party at the Rooftop Pool area, and invited all their besties. Everyone from the Marc Jacobs Collection and Marc by Marc Jacobs LA stores were out GIVING fashion! Will Miss You: Magda Berliner, John Wade, Nick Verreos and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
I even said "hello" to L.A. Designer extraordinaire, Madga Berliner who's a great friend of John's and wanted to stop by and say "Bye". It was a bittersweet party since I love them so much and will miss them terribly...but I am happy that they are both making the move! Watch out NYC, the BOYS are comin'!
Fashionista Filming...and Shopping!Happy Fashion: Nick Verreos, Jennifer Rade and Lawrence Zarian, Kitson LA
This last week, I had the pleasure of filming a little TV segment with the tall glass o' water host of TV Guide Network Fashion Teamco-host Lawrence Zarian and my lovely Award Show Fashion Wrap "sistah", the one and only Miss Jen Rade, costume designer and stylist to none other that Angelina Jolie among other A-List celebs.
We were at Kitson Los Angeles on Robertson (no Paris Hilton OR Nicole Richie sightings unfortunately--or fortunately!) filming a fun little segment and loved EVERY minute of it! So much so, that afterward I went shopping (quelle surprise!) and bought a fun bubblegum pink Adidas digital watch! Note to self: Never bring my credit card if I film in a store!!! Hello!
Buonasera Firenze!Color Happy: Althea Harper and Nick Verreos in Florence Italy
Two weeks ago I flew--along with my partner David Paul---to Europe. First stop: Florence Italy: Well, we actually flew from LA to Rome and took a train to Florence. We had purchased--or so we thought--tickets on the "Fast Train", Eurostar, but we knew something was "not smelling right" when we noticed THREE HOURS had passed and we were still NOT THERE! A "dead giveaway" should have also been the fact that there was NO AIR CONDITIONING for an hour: Yes kids, we got on the WRONG train! Gucci Not Happy: Nick Verreos arriving at the Florence Santa Maria Novella Station
We somehow boarded the Regionale, the "regional" let's just say more "pedestrian" train which instead of the nonstop 1 1/2 hr Eurostar to Florence, takes you through a FOUR HOUR twenty-stops-later way! Well, needless to say, we had been traveling for about 24 hours when we FINALLY arrived at our destination. I was invited (for the second year in a row!) by Miami University of Ohio to give my lecture on fashion and Project Runway to the English and Journalism students of their Summer Study Program in Florence. As a "special treat", another Project Runway Alumn was also invited: designer Althea Harper, Finalist from Season 6. She had not arrived yet because of travel problems (who would have thunk it!?). When we finally got off the train, Florence was SCORCHING HOT, 90 degrees and about 80% humidity (sweat-o-rama!!!).
Being Florence, David and I had to of course, do some Il Porcelino rubbing:Snout Luck #1: Nick Verreos rubs Il Porcelino, Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, Florence Italy Snout Luck #2: David Paul rubs to return to Florence--in milder weather he hopes
That night--after checking in--we (Althea finally made into town!) were happily greeted by the Summer in Italy "Emperor", our host Dr. Mark Bernheim and enjoyed a lovely dinner with all the Miami University of Ohio Summer in Italy students and their advisers/instructors. Polimoda Tour: The following day, we gathered near the Arno River to head to the Polimoda International Institute Fashion Design and Marketing , one of the top Italian Institutions devoted to fashion. Approximately 50 students (and some parents) came with us to get their "Florence Fashion Fix". Florence has deep roots in fashion as you may know: Both the Houses of FerragamoANDGucci were founded here! On the way, both Althea, David and I enjoyed chatting with the students (mostly the girls of course!) and their moms on all things Project Runway naturally. In case you were wondering, yes, I gave LOTS of DIRT on the show and the behind-the-scenes. You gotta take the Miami University Summer Italy Program to find out what that was! Like last year, we toured the gorgeous campus, thehilltopVilla Strozzi and as a bonus, got an introduction from... Polimoda's Dean,Linda Loppa as well as...Kim Coston (above), a former professor at Polimoda-FIT who taught my Project Runway Season 2 alumn, Daniel Vosovic. One of the highlights of visiting the school was the rotunda "Foyer", where traditionally, the institute displays some of the latest creations from its top students. On display were these amazing ensembles, in muslin/toile, designed and constructed by the students. My favorites included an intricate Elizabethan-inspired leotard that featured "crinoline" exaggerated Bishop sleeves, boned bodice, a ruff, and even shoulder "horns". It had overtones of 16Th Century Costumes, Alexander McQueen and Vampire Goddess Couture (is that enough of a description for you?). Another garment being displayed was of a dress, both demure in its coverage but elaborately sensual in its drapery and pattern technique:The front was pleated and full and the back had multi-layered ruffles: It was a "party" from all angles. It was so delicately made, it had the look of a silk gazar dress. But the pièce de résistance was an Alien-like caged structure knotted and tied with inner boning and wiring: I can't imagine an Italian actress such as fashion diva Monica Bellucci or Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani ever wearing this, but I guess that's not the point. I was awestruck by the construction and appearance. On display were the designer's conception sketches and even... a Barbie Doll mini-model with a paper mock-up. The Polimoda Tour ended with a lunch and a group photo-op with some of the not-so-camera shy Miami University students. Firenze Vice: Jerry Ingram and Nick Verreos
I also had to pose with my "Eurotrash brother from another Mother", the incredibly talented fashion photographer Jerry Ingram, who was also part of the All-Star group that day. We seriously look like the Italian Version of "Miami Vice"!
Here is a short video showing the fabulous Polimoda Institute Library:
But now, it was onto our Lectures back at the Summer Study Program in Italy headquarters at the Istituto Gould, or Gould Institute.
Nick and Althea Lectures:Lecture Dressing: Nick Verreos and Althea Harper pose with students, in very cute Summer dresses
Althea went first and did a fabulous job discussing how she got started in fashion and how she conceived her Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Collection. After a brief "get some espresso" break, I then spoke about my love of fashion, flight attendants and South American aristocratic divas, my road to Project Runway and what I have done since--and also spoke about the power of "new journalism" and branding. May I Have More Wine? Nick Verreos and Miami University of Ohio Summer Program director, professors, and students, "Final Night Dinner" at Golden View Open Bar Restaurant
The students--and moms--in attendance all enjoyed our lectures and in fact, wanted more, which I guess is a good thing. That evening, we were treated to a "Ciao Dinner" at the very chic Golden View Open Bar Restaurantoverlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. Last year, we had our final night dinner here and I loved going back! Always the nicest ending to a great two days with the Miami University of Ohio team and students.
For more... *Read Professor Annie Blair's Blog, MiamiOhioFirenze, HERE *Read Miami University student Kelsey's blog, Subdued Chaos HERE, where she has a nice write-up on Althea and me.
Back To School Runway!!!! What are you doing this Thursday...before going home to watch Project Runway? Well, I've got the answer for you: You're coming to see me host a FAB Kmart Back-to-School Runway Show!!!This Thursday, August 5Th, I will be hosting a fashion show at the Kmart Store in Burbank!I am so excited to be hosting this very special show--only two in the entire nation--one in Chicago and one in Southern California!As an uncle to my niece and nephew Casia and Alain (see above), I know how important it is for kids to be stylish and how mommies (and uncles!) love VALUE. And Kmart has BOTH! The show will give LA tweens and teens the chance to be among the first to see some of the back-to-school must-have pieces from...Selena Gomez' exclusive Dream Out Loud line(above and below) As well as... Rebecca Bonbon (the creator of Hello Kitty). Both Selena and Rebecca's lines are exclusively at Kmart--I know: Shut Up!!Plus there will be many more great styles and brands many.In addition to hosting the whole show, I'll also be giving fashion tips on what's hot this school year AND the first 125 attendees will receive a $25 Kmart gift card. I'll also select ONE LUCKY tween or teen from the audience to MODEL!!!!! And if that's not enough, I'll be giving away $100 Kmart gift cards to five people attending!!!!! It's open to EVERYONE, no RSVP needed , just come!!!!!
*Here are the Details: What:Kmart Back To School Fashion Show Where:Kmart Store Burbank1000 North San Fernando BoulevardBurbank CA 91504 When: 5-7 PM
I'M BAAACK...writing my Project Runway Recaps, that is!
Hi Project Runway fans! As you already know (of course!), the Premiere Episode of Project Runway Season 8 happened last night! Even though I am in Europe, I got to see it! Lifetime asked me to write the recaps for this brand new season so of course, I "made it work", almost 6,000 miles away from my LA home!Nick Verreos says "Bonjour" from Paris France, YSL Retrospective Petit Palais
Here's to a new season of our beloved show and hope you read--and enjoy--all my Recaps which will be published on the MyLifetime.com website the day following each episode. Here's a "tease" of my First Recap: Bonjour Designers! I am in Europe and happen to be writing this first Recap from Paris. The City of Lights and The City of Fashion! Yes, I know: Shut The Front Door! Thanks to the magic of hotel satellite TV, I can "Make It Work"! So let's get started.
We're BAAAACK!
Tim has dry cleaned his suits and wiped his glasses clean; Heidi has a new shag-a-delic 'do; Michael is re-bronzed and Nina has polished her new Louboutin's. This could only mean one thing: Project Runway is back! Seven seasons and...
Click HERE to continue reading my entire recap of Episode One of Project Runway Season 8
Hollywood Fashion Art and Music...FIERCENESS!!!Ethos Smile: Nick Verreos hosts Project Ethos: Love Sick (photo from www.LookBookLA.com) Several hours after arriving from Miami, I took a "power nap", and freshened up to make my way into the heart of Hollywood to the Music Box Theater to host Project Ethos: Love Sick. Ten designer lines, dozens of artists plus fab fashion and accessories exhibitors took part in this great event, Project Ethos. Photo Courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com
David Paul (above), my partner-in-Nikolaki-crime, of course, came with me...to make sure I wouldn't pass out from too much flying and lack of sleep... Shoulder Pleating: Nick Verreos in Mike Cheng Custom Jacket, "Project Ethos: Love Sick" red carpet I got a "little bit dressed up" and decided to wear my custom-made jacket by Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Debut 2009 Graduate Mike Cheng. Photo Courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com
I was secretly hoping that the attendees were going to be dressed up too--so I wouldn't look "out of place", but part of me kept thinking "it's Hollywood, they'll be all in t-shirts and jeans!". But no kiddies--once I arrived, everyone was GIVING...Fashion, that is!!!! Reunited: Nick Verreos and Amara Wilson, "Project Ethos: Love Sick" red carpet
Upon arriving, I ran into my original "Muse" and the model who came with me to the Project Runway Season 2 Castings, the gorgeous Amara Wilson who runs the fabulous Haute OliveVintage Boutique in Downtown Los Angeles. Fashiiiiion: Nick Verreos, Joey Maalouf and John Wade, Project Ethos: Love Sick fashion show/event (photo courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com) Also, my very good friends, Joey Maalouf and John Wade came for support. I just LOVE them! I invited them to come and they were like "Done and done!". The show began...Photo Courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com
with a live performance from recording artist Miguel (HOT!) and then was followed by a fashion show...Photo Courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com
Featuring ten different designers including B.Vika, Katorey Swimwear, Hardkaur, Jajo Couture...Photo Courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com
Arka (above), Nicholas Tarr, B. Vika, andKymaro CardiWrap, among others.One of the featured designers was none other that Anna Lynett from last season's Project Runway. Josephine performing at Project Ethos: Love Sick (photo courtesy of www.LookBookLA.com)
The show--and event--was a HUGE success and it ended with a performance from dance-music DIVA Josephine. Trust me when I say this about Project Ethos: It was AMAZING!!!!! Love them, love the art, the music, the fashion. Southern California...well, all of the West Coast needs a little bit of Project Ethos. It does Style Good! *Click HEREfor more coverage and photos from Look Book LA
*Click HERE for a fun interview I did with BringItBackThailand.com
Click Below for a Runway Video from Project Ethos Hollywood 2010:
Wasilla Fashion Cop... Just a reminder to check out the new July 26Th issue of Us Weekly, where in the last pages, I am giving my "Nick Two Cents" in the Fashion Police Section of the magazine. I have been one of the "Fashion Cops" dishing out the "Oh no she didn't!" for almost two years now and let's just say there's always LOTS to write about! In this very hot "Bristol and Levi are getting Married!" issue, I comment on Mary-Kate Olsen's head-wrap turban (very Samantha from "Sex And The City 2" the tween version!) and... Claudia Schiffer's not-so-Supermodel fashion sense. Be sure to check out my every-other week Us Weekly "Fashion Police" installments and see you at the airport newsstands kids!
Winky Wink: John Wade and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage West Hollywood
Bon Voyage: Erik Moreno, David Paul and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
Petit Ermitage Rooftop Pool
Will Miss You: Magda Berliner, John Wade, Nick Verreos and Joey Maalouf, Petit Ermitage
