2010 Emmy Fashion Wrap with Lawrence Zarian, Jennifer Rade, Nick Verreos and.....Countess LuAnn de Lesseps!

Red Carpet Dishing with the Countess...

Red Carpet Group Shot: Nick Verreos, Jennifer Rade, Lawrence Zarian and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, TV Guide Network Emmys 2010 Fashion Wrap

Yesterday, I had an early call time (not as early as my KNBC "Sunday LA" call time!) for my TV Guide Emmys 2010 Fashion Wrap.

The most affable Lawrence Zarian is the new host and he did an AMAZING job! He hit a "Red Carpet Home Run"! Love him, admire him, and well, just wanna put him in my TopMan blue Jacket Pocket! As usual, I was joined by my "sister"...

The most stylish and UBER talented stylist-to-the-stars, Miss Jennifer Rade (above, with moi) Our very special guest was "Real Housewives of New York City" star, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps. OK, let me begin with: She was AMAZING!!! I had never met her and yet, the first words out of her mouth were "Hi Nick, I know all about you..you are a FABULOUS designer, and your dad was a Diplomat and you grew up in Venezuela and you interned in Switzerland..."

Fashion Sandwich: Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Nick Verreos and Jennifer Rade, TV Guide Network Emmys Fashion Wrap

I was like "Oh no you didn't!" Somebody did their Homework. This, kiddies, is rare. Can you say "Money can't buy you CLASS?" If you cannot, I'll sing it! Six feet tall, size 2 and all FABULOUS! I loved to doing the TV Guide Emmys 2010 Fashion Wrap and had a blast with all of them!

It was also a special joy when Kim Vo (above, second from right) joined us to dish on the hairstyles. He was wearing the most comfy--and chic-- Louis Vuitton denim driving shoes and I actually threatened him, saying that he would probably leave here BAREFOOT! I can't wait to do this again for the next Awards Show!

In case you missed the show--and our "Best" and "Oh Rita Wilson, What Were You Thinkin'?", click BELOW for the entire TV Guide Emmys 2010 Fashion Wrap Episode:

Nick Verreos Talks Emmy Awards Red Carpet Fashion with NBC4's Ted Chen

Emmy Fashion Talk!

Anchor Couple: Nick Verreos and Ted Chen, KNBC Studios

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early (5AM!!!!!), after arriving home from Chicago and shooting The Victory Project, to head over to NBC Studios to talk Emmy Fashion with Ted Chen on News Raw: Sunday LA. As everyone knows, the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were held this last Sunday and Fashion is always a hot topic! Needless to say, I always have a lot to say on the topic of FASHION so I was happy to join Ted at such an early hour!!
Click below to watch the entire segment and see what I predicted correctly (Lots of beading, embellishments and Black) and what I missed the boat on (The ladies from "GLEE" bringing a youthful vibe to the Red Carpet...NOT!)

Nick Verreos on TV Guide Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Wrap--Watch Tomorrow Monday, August 30, 8/7 Central

Emmys Fashion Madness: A Designer, A Stylist, A Hair Expert..and a NYC Housewife!
I'm so excited to be joining the TV Guide Network once again and the Fashion Wrap "gang" for the 2010 Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Wrap...For this new season, the show will be hosted by the tall and sexy Lawrence Zarian. Also joining the panel again is stylist-to-the-stars, the UBER stylish Jennifer Rade (see us above filming at Kitson LA).I'm always excited to work with Kim Vo, hair stylist and color DIVA!!!! And this year we will also be joined by none other than... Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (I know! Shut The Front Door!) from Housewives of New York City. This should be a lot of fun, I cannot wait! We film very early tomorrow morning and trust me kids, I'll be Tweeting! (did I just say that??)

Watch tomorrow night on the TV Guide Network, 8/7 Central.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Kyra Sedgwick in Monique Lhuillier

Actress Kyra Sedgwick wears a simple Cabernet red/maroon strapless A-line shaped gown from FIDM-grad--and LA based designer Monique Lhuillier, from her Fall 2010 Collection shown in New York. It's simple, maybe too simple for me. The abstract clutch is a great balance to the simplicity of her gown. It's a "safe" choice for her but a HUGE improvement from last year.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Julianna Margulies in L'Wren Scott Fall 2010

Julianna Margulies: I would have put money (about $20!) that Julianna would wear Narciso Rodriguez, but she did not, surprise surprise. This time she chose a dark navy-almost black "Tank Gown" by designer L'Wren Scott (yes, Mick Jagger's "main squeeze") from her Fall 2010 Collection. L'Wren Scott is famous for her skin-tight sheath dresses, following the silhouette of this gown. What I love about Julianna is that she sticks to here aesthetic. She is pure Americana--no tricks or "bells and whistles" just "sportswear"--and it works for her.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen Resort 2011

"Mad Men" actress Christina Hendricks shows up at the 2010 Emmys in a crepe, chiffon and feathered Zac Posen Resort 2011 gown featuring, what else? Yes, SLEEVES! (it's a trend kids). I like it better on her than the model! Ten Points for Christina--so great to see her wearing color since she has been wearing black lately and everyone else seems to also favor black and navy this year. This lilac color looks amazing on her and you can bet she will stand out, and be photographed OVERTIME! Her hair is great and that mini sequined clutch is just the right accessory--next to her "sisters"!!

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Dianna Agron, another actress from "Glee" stepped onto the Emmys Red Carpet in Carolina Herrera Resort 2011. The gown, a strapless "Antique Lace" double-tiered design, is elegant and very "Spanish Contessa" for sure...But it looks a bit too "mature" for a young actress like Dianna. It's just so funny that I would have guessed the "Girls from Glee" to be all "fresh" and "dynamic" and "young" in terms of their fashion choices yet both her and Lea Michele have dressed a tad bit "too old". I should just be happy they look elegant and put together, which they both do!!

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Heidi Klum in Marchesa Fall 2010

My Supermodel "Sister" has arrived! Heidi Klum in Marchesa Fall 2010. Georgina Chapman, one of Marchesa's co-creators and designers (and Harvey Weinstein's wife) was a judge on last week's Project Runway episode, so it seems fitting she would chose Marchesa to wear to the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards (Project Runway and Heidi are both nominated yet again!). Heidi likes it "short and tight"; only Heidi--and her 6 foot long legs--can pull a dress like this off! When comparing it to the original in the Marchesa Look Book on the right, it even looks as if it was SHORTENED even more! Go Miss Heidi! Loving the hair as well as the statement-making necklace.

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: January Jones in Versace Atelier

January Jones in Versace Atelier. Donatella Versace doesn't even show her Atelier Collections any more in Paris and therefore, these gowns are only available for a select few editors, stylists and clients around the world. Jones--whose becoming known as a "Fashion Red Carpet Risk Taker" (who knew?) wore Versace Atelier last year at the Emmys and scored BIG!(I loved that strapless ivory Mermaid gown). This year, she wears a high-low (another trend in gowns) strapless violet-blue gown that would probably retail in the $75,000 range. But she gets it for free--lent of course. She's definitely making a "fashion" Statement here. The WWD fashionista crowd will just "L.O.V.E." it, I am sure. And I have to say, it's kind of growing on me too! Not a fan of the straightened hair though. She looks VERY editorial, but not sure if the entire "Look" translates on the Red Carpet. But she will get photographed that's for sure!

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen

Anna Paquin looks very Spartan Queen/Toreador in this black (a color trend for the Emmys 2010) and gold Alexander McQueen Resort 2011. The gown--designed by Sarah Burton, who took over as Creative Director after the designer's untimely death--features a high-low shape, long train and gold Bullfighter Epaulets-and-Bust Detail suggesting a Toreador's Bolero. I like her clean, up-swept hairstyle and her bangles. The shoes--well, I wished she would have worn the ones in the McQueen Resort 2011 Look Book on the right.

Anna is a "Fashion Girl" and this dress will definitely keep everyone talkin'!!

62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What? Lea Michele in Oscar De La Renta Resort 2011

Another Oscar De La Renta! (Their PR Department was working overtime darlings) This time, Lea Michele, star of "Glee" wears Oscar De La Renta Resort 2011 midnight blue strapless silk taffeta and organza ruffled gown. I like the gown, but not so much on her. I think the hair is wrong (too severe) and she should have lost the necklace. It just ages her. But these actresses have so many jewelry companies lending them multi-million dollars jewels--via their stylists and agents--they feel compelled to "Thank Them" by wearing them all.

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Claire Danes in Armani Prive

Armani Prive scores high with Claire Danes. It's a strapless--fitted to an inch of her life-- golden creme "Siren" gown with a dramatic train (of course!) from his Fall 2010 Couture line as seen on Supermodel Carmen Kass on the right. The gown looks simple enough but trust me, there's a corset built inside that would rival any from the Marie Antoinette days! It is just so crazy to me that whereas before, Haute Couture (gowns costing from $50,000 to $150,000 EACH!) were reserved just for the Oscars, now the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Houses are "expanding" their Awards Show PR Network and lending these for Emmys, Golden Globes and even (gasp!) the Grammys!

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Tina Fey

Tina Fey (LOVE HER!) is one of those celebs that either "Gets It" or "Misses It" on the Red Carpet. This time, in my opinion, she got it! She's wearing a fitted high-necked blue-gray gown featuring with black embroidery, from Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011. The cap sleeves (sleeves-on-a-gown are a trend ladies!), the Mermaid train, and waist-defining seam, all aid in giving Tina a sleek silhouette. The up-swept 'do ages her just a little bit, so I would have rather seen her let her hair down (but not as "carefree" as the models').

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards: Who Wore What?: Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Kim Kardashian stepped onto the 62nd Emmy Awards Red Carpet looking absolutely STUNNING! Classic. Grecian. Goddess. As a designer, I'm a BIG FAN of those three words, so it's pretty obvious I would like this! This white chiffon Halter gown is from Marchesa Resort 2011 and features a jeweled halter "Cleopatra" neck which really frames Kim's beautiful face. Her hair, and the simple diamond cuff, are perfect as well.

Nick Verreos Talks Emmy's Red Carpet on KNBC-TV Digital's "News Raw: Sunday LA" Morning Show Tomorrow!!

Good Morning Los Angeles!

Nick Verreos hugs Emmys Statuesque

My plane has barely landed in LA from my trip to Chicago and I haven't even unpacked my bags, but...I just found out that I have to be up at 6 Am tomorrow morning. Why you might ask?

I will be LIVE on NBC's LA affiliate KNBC-TV Digital's (Channel 4.2) Sunday Morning News Show, "News Raw: Sunday LA" at 7 AM discussing my "Nick Two Cents" on what the stars might wear on the Emmys Red Carpet Sunday night. The show is hosted by Ted Chen and Meteorologist Carl Bell.

I was a guest on the same show last year for the Oscars and they've invited me back! So, if you are one of those "Weekend Early Risers" and love Fashion, Awards Shows Red Carpet and want to know some pre-Emmys FASHION DISH, then tomorrow morning get some Starbucks, toast your bagels and tune in!

*What:Nick Verreos on KNBC-TV Los Angeles Digital Weekend Morning News Program "News Raw: Sunday LA", discussing Emmys 2010 Fashion

*What Channel: Channel 4.2, Channel 225 on Time Warner, Channel 804 Cox, and Channel 304 on Charter Cable

Nick Verreos Project Runway MyLifetime.com Recaps: Episode 5!

Gretchen Drives A.J. off the Project Runway Bus!

Keanu and Sandra 2.0: A.J Thuvenot and Gretchen Jones driving the Project Runway Bus

Hi faithful Season 8 Project Runway blog readers! I've been in GORGEOUS Chicago (the weather here has been so PRETTY!!!!) filming my fun & fabulous "Reveal" fashion segments for MSN.com The Victory Project Chicago so I am writing this to you from my hotel room (the very swanky Peninsula Hotel!!) "business center". This last week's episode was the infamous Team Challenge...

The Headlining Star of this Team Challenge Episode was none other than Gretchen Jones. She was the losing team's "Bus Driver" (to coin Mr. Kors) and she drove all her little passengers to the Fashion Doldrums. I am still not over how she has transformed from that first episode intro: "I'm-just-a-sweet-girl-from-Portland-who-loves-to-design-using-sustainable-fabrics Gretchen" to a savvy-cutthroat-reality show villain.

The Good:

Cuchi Cuchi Casanova's elegant, refined and (finally) not tasteless winning ensemble! Loved it and love the looks he is giving me: One week he's a "Fashion Boy Scout", and the next...

He is Samantha's Gay Best Friend from "Sex And The City 2" (that is some cleavage huney!).

The Not So Good:

A.J. Thuvenot's shirt-tunic, riding pants and boots ensemble were so NOT A.J.'s "style"(where's the bright pink, the bows, toys dangling from bustiers??) and looked like...

Professional Equestrian/heiress Athina Onassis Roussel de Miranda (above)... on a budget!

Well, with no further stalling...here's my Episode 5 MyLifetime.com Project Runway Recap:

Bus Driver Gretchen Steers Her Passengers Into a Drab, Messy Ditch

One word: WOW! What an episode! Three things off the bat: Why do I have a strong urge to A.) douse myself with rubbing alcohol to rid myself of all the nastiness, B.) feel like I would NEVER want to be on a team headed by Gretchen and C.) want to bring some Kleenex to poor ol' Michael C. to try and console him? This last episode got me all riled up: There was DRAMA, egos, lots of crying, a designer wanting to leave and another designer becoming the official LOCA of this season. I cannot wait to get started …

Click HERE to read my entire Recap (and be sure to leave your comments!)

Miss Universe 2010 Final Evening Gowns: Nick Verreos and his "Pageant Red Carpet Wrap"!

AND THE WINNER IS......

Last night was the Miss Universe 2010 Live Telecast Show. And boy, was it a DOOZY! I've been blogging about the National Costumes, as well as the Preliminary Evening Gowns (just because I am a Pageant QUEEN---and a designer)--and since I have designed a gown for the gorgeous outgoing Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez, in the past--I had to watch! I won't even get into how awkward and teleprompter-deficient Bret Michaels was (You're FIRED!) and how GREAT NBC Today Show host Natalie Morales was (loved her pronunciations!). You can read that stuff HERE. But this posting--and this blog--is ALL ABOUT FASHION, and specifically, what I thought of those evening gowns.

Miss Universe 2010: Jimena Navarrete

First of all: Felicitaciones to Miss Nuestra Belleza Mexico, Jimena Navarrete, who won the Miss Universe 2010 title last night. She was one of the prettiest women of the night.

The Top 5: (Left to Right) Miss Philippines, Miss Ukraine, Miss Jamaica, Miss Australia and Miss Mexico

But it wasn't until the beautiful--but not so bright--Miss Philippines Venus Raj, messed up on her Final Question (Question: What Mistakes Have You Made? Answer: Nothing!" How about the answer to THIS question!), that we knew Jimena was "in contention".

Now, here is my "Nick Verreos' The Good and The Bad" for the Final 10 Contestants in the Miss Universe 2010 Evening Gown Competition:

Lucky in Red: Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete

Miss Mexico's (and now, Miss Universe 2010) fire red gown was GORGEOUS. Just perfect. One shoulder: Check. Flowy and Grecian-Goddess: Check. Not cheap-looking and overtly tacky: Check. No Slit to show her you-know-what: Well, close but she still looked great. Last year, Stefania Fernandez Miss Venezuela, won in a red gown and well, now so did Jimena. I guess next year EVERY contestant will be wearing a RED GOWN (hopefully not!).

Lady Sings the Blues: Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillips

One of my not-so-favorite gowns was the polyester mess Miss Jamaica wore last night. Here's the Good News: I liked the shoulder-covering cap sleeves. The Bad News: I disliked EVERYTHING else. It looked like a $299 dress from "Aunt Martha's Boutique in Kingston" (if there is such a thing). The bust seaming rippled with bad construction and that inset embroidered lace SCREAMED Toddlers & Tiaras. Poor thang. The positive is that the minute Miss Jamaica took to the stage in the Opening Number, I knew she was a contender and she almost became Miss Universe. Was it the dress that did her in?!

Silver Fox: Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

Miss Philippines' silver lame gown was one of the best of the night. I loved the over-sized bow and how flowy and dramatic the entire look was. She carried it really well too (good training Venus!). The color and the small amount of sequins were ideal to make a dramatic statement on stage. If only she could answer questions...

Happy Just To Be Here: Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell

Miss Australia was a surfer girl who could not be less comfortable in this gown if you put this on a Straight Mechanic! She still somehow worked it out. You just KNOW she'd rather be in flip flops and a bikini. But this was still a good choice: V-neck re-embroidered with a nice delicate color and heck, it hit the floor and was the right length. She got "Nick Verreos Points" for that!

Sophisticated Lady: Miss Ukraine, Anna Poslavskaya

Miss Ukraine's gown was one of the best--for me--when she debuted it during the Preliminaries. It is a very classic gown featuring vanilla/creme caviar beading, an off-the-shoulder neckline and a nice dramatic sweep. She just looked a bit...well...old. Like she already had herself a multi-millionaire Russian arms-dealer husband and all she wanted to do is shop at Louis Vuitton...for an entire YEAR!

See-Through Sister: Miss Albania, Angela Martini

Miss Albania was Sex-On-a-Gown! See-through, sexy and HOT! To wear this type of gown, it's good to balance it with elegant slick hair (she did) and modern metallic pumps (she did) so I'm all for it. This is the Miss Universe Pageant after all! Would I recommend this for the Red Carpet? Never. But having your "Diva Moment" at the MU Pageant is definitely the time for this gown.

Purple Haze: Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint

Oh Miss South Africa. It looks like she went shopping at the same boutique Miss Jamaica went to. Cheap, iridescent, polyester (trust me, I know!) and way too much asymmetry going on. It's a distracting gown. I liked the color though (and she was SO beautiful!).

Golden Goddess: Miss Ireland, Rozanna Purcell

Miss Favorite To Win The Crown, Miss Ireland, went onto the Miss Universe 2010 "Runway" and OWNED IT! Like I always say: "No Should've Would've, Could've!". You only get ONE chance to be in the Miss Universe Pageant..and some of these girls sleep through it. But Miss Ireland did not! I liked her gown: It showed her fabulous curves, and gave her some elegance. I was not a fan of the up-do, or that necklace, but oh well...she still looked fabulous! I honestly think if she were styled in a more modern way she could have possibly won the entire pageant.

Sexy Senorita: Miss Guatemala, Jessica Schell

Miss Guatemala Jessica Schell: Because she was such a "dark horse", she was actually one of my favorites. I liked this gown; the high-neck, the fitted silhouette, the delicate all-over beading. It looked expensive. The fit was a tad bit too tight and her SISTERS were OUT! (and she had a difficult time walking) but other that: Good Job on your Evening Gown Miss Guatemala!

Pretty in Pink: Miss Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente

I gasped when I saw Miss Puerto Rico's light lilac/pink gown: I LOVED IT! I'm sure that many "pageant fans" might not have liked this, but I did. She gave you DRAMA and it looked very Haute Couture and the fit was just right. It was refreshing to not see ANOTHER cheap polyester rippled-seam re-embroidered lace-and-satin dress. Gracias Mariana: Viva Puerto Rico!

Winner of Miss Photogenic and Best National Costume:
Miss Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul

Finally, an "Honorary Evening Gown" mention to Miss Thailand. I was a fan of this gown when I saw it for the Preliminaries and on stage last night, it looked even more stunning. It was very Versace Atelier and looked well-made, fit her exquisitely, and the styling was on-point. Congrats to her for winning the Best Costume (it was one of my faves!) and Miss Photogenic. How do you say "Go Girl" in Thai?

Miss Mexico attends the After Party

So far so good Miss Universe 2010...loving the silver 'After Party" gown...

Click Below for some fun Miss Universe 2010 Videos:

The Top 10 Evening Gown Competition (Gowns start at 8:44):

Top 5:

Friday September 10th Los Angeles Celebrates Fashion's Night Out: Nick Verreos Films a PSA and "Unveils" T-Shirt!

City of Angels Fashion's Night Out: Shopping, Fashion Shows and Much More...

Fashion's Night Out L.A. Winning T-shirt Designer, FIDM Graphic Design student Marc Blaskovits, and Nick Verreos

As many of you fashionistas know, last year was the first installment of Fashion's Night Out, a shop-till-you-drop Retail EXTRAVAGANZA created by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. But it was ONLY in NYC. Well, it was a big success and the Fashion's Night Out "bug" caught on and now will be held all over the world and in other major US cities: On Friday, September 10Th, Los Angeles will also have it's very own Fashion's Night Out...

Posing Divas: Marc Blaskovits, Nick Verreos and Cynthia Ruiz

The AMAZING Cynthia Ruiz, City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner and President, is the brain-trust of LA's Fashion's Night Out 2010 and she has been working her fitted sheath dress-wearing-self OVERTIME to make sure L.A. BRINGS IT ON!!

T-Shirt Happy: Nick Verreos and FIDM Graphic Design Student Marc Blaskovits pose with the Fashion's Night Out L.A. T-shirt

The "Home Base" will be at the Beverly Center, and at 5PM, will hold it's Opening Ceremony to all the shopping festivities as well as a fashion show featuring the designs from L.A.'s top designers including myself and my line NIKOLAKI. Over 300 stores will be open late--and shuttles will be able to take you from the Beverly Center to all the nearby shopping meccas like Robertson Blvd., Melrose Avenue and West 3rd Street. A Fashion's Night Out L.A. T-shirt Design Contest was also commissioned and the winning designer was Marc Blaskovits, a Graphic Design Student from FIDM.

T-shirt Couture: Nick Verreos--at his Nikolaki Studio--wearing the winning Fashion's Night Out L.A. t-shirt designed by FIDM student Marc Blaskovits

Last week, Cynthia asked me to film a Public Service Announcement for Fashion's Night Out City of LA, and of course I said SI! We filmed it at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (which was perfect since the Winning T-shirt designer is from FIDM-and I'm also an Instructor there). After the filming, I procured an EXCLUSIVE Interview with Marc on what inspired his winning design. I'll put up the PSA I filmed when it's done and edited but for now...

Click BELOW for my Exclusive Interview with the Winner of the Fashion's Night Out LA T-shirt Design Contest:


*The T-shirt is FOR SALE at the FIDM Store at the FIDM Campus, 919 South Grand Avenue, L.A. 90015

*For more on Fashion's Night Out L.A. Events, click HERE