NICK APPEARANCES.....STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Finale Night RECAP!

MC Nick Verreos: Nick Verreos hosts Finale Night of STYLE WEEK OC 2014, Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Two Saturday's ago, I had the pleasure--and honor--of debuting, along with my co-designer and partner David Paul--our latest NIKOLAKI Spring 2015 Collection at STYLE WEEK OC 2014 at the Irvine Spectrum Center. You can check out my blog recap of that HERE.

STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center, Finale Night

For the last six years, I've also been honored to host STYLE WEEK OC events and this year, I did the same: I hosted Finale Night which included my NIKOLAKI fashion show, as well as the Spectrum Collection and the Celebrity Cruises Design Competition.

 Nick Verreos--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

I had such an incredible time hosting the STYLE WEEK OC events once again--the weather was perfect; the location--under the Giant Ferris Wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Center--was gorgeous; and the full-house audience was THE BEST! Oh, and yes, the models and fashions were great as well!!

Here are Photos from the Spectrum Collection, the Celebrity Cruises Design Competition as well as lots of photos from the post-fashion shows Step-&-Repeat...

 The Spectrum Collection--Fall 2014 Fashions from various Irvine Spectrum Center retailers:

 Bebe

 Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Francesca's Collections

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Kaitlyn

                                                   Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Max Studio

 Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Nordstrom

                                                 Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Tommy Bahama

                                                  Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 White House/Black Market

                                                   Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Windsor Fashions

                                                  Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward



Celebrity Cruises Design Competition--Designs by FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising designers--The Challenge was to Create Looks Inspired by Celebrity Cruises destinations and what the FIDM designers/students would imagine a chic traveler wearing to those specific cruises. The Celebrity Cruises Destinations were Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe and finally, the Galapagos Islands. It was a very "Project Runway"-like challenge (except for the you-only-have one-day-to-do-it)...

Celebrity Cruises Design Competition designs, STYLE WEEK OC Irvine Spectrum Center

I had the honor of being one of the judges of the Celebrity Cruises Design Competition, alongside Allison Sylvester, General Manager of Irvine Spectrum Center Nordstrom; Julie Gallego Orange County Fashion Writer; and Marilys Ward Regional Team Manager Celebrity Cruises



Here were their creations + the Winning design...

 Alaska: Shawl-collar off white jumpsuit with long sleeves and plunging neckline

Designer: Leonides Garcia

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

The Caribbean: neoprene halter crop top, cross-over bias-cut "raw twill" multicolored skirt

Designer: Luar

 Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Europe: teal silk crepe and chiffon princess seamed gown with scrunched self-fabric straps featuring gold applique trim

Designer: Vanessa Puccini

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

 Galapagos Islands: "devore"-like chiffon hi-lo top in mint green, white satin low-waist loose-fitting pants, low-slung leather hip-double pouch (yes, this designer also made this chic "Explorer" accessory!)

Designer: Leetal Platt

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

And the Winner Is...

Galapagos Islands! This look was fabulous in that it was very Chic-traveler, hipster-influenced; the top reminded one of the waters and the Galapagos Tortoises, and I also loved that the designer thought of the Charles Darwin/Explorer history of the islands and made that great "fanny pack". Leetal won the $2,000 prize! (in the form of a SUPERSIZED check!).

Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Post STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Finale Night Step-&-Repeat Photos:

Presenting...Celebrity Cruises & Style Week OC: Nick Verreos--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

                                                   Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Nick Verreos and Winner of the 2014 Celebrity Cruises Design Competition, Leetal Platt--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Nick Verreos with FIDM designers/students of the 2014 Celebrity Cruises Design Competition: (L to R) Leonides Garcia, Luar and Leetal Platt--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Pageant Posing: Nick Verreos does his best Pageant Poses with OC pageant Queens--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

                                               Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Style Prom Couple: Nick Verreos and TV Host/Stylist/Beauty Expert Emily Loftiss--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

                                                 Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Blogger Love: Nick Verreos with various Bloggers who attended STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Finale Night, including one of my faves--Amanda Nguyen of feastfashionfaves.com (second from right)--Check out her FABULOUS blog on my NIKOLAKI fashion show HERE!

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Assistance With A Smile: Nick Verreos with the WONDERFUL--and very friendly--Irvine Spectrum Guests Services Staff--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

                                                  Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Can We Get Security!!?? Nick Verreos and the Irvine Spectrum Center Guests Services Staff-STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Uncle Style: David Paul of NIKOLAKI with his niece Emilie Coon (she loved all the fashion  shows!), and Nick Verreos--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

(L to R) Conchita Hansen (David's mom), Nick Verreos, Emilie Coon (David's niece), David    Paul and his sister Marisa Coon--both mom and sister are wearing fabulous NV Nick Verreos    dresses!--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Nick Verreos and David Paul with David's dad, Brian Paul (far left) and his wife Priscilla Paul  (far right)--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center 

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

An OC Active Wear Kid's Ad: David's niece Emilie Coon with 4 Irvine Spectrum center-shopping      (and skateboarding) boys (those boys really wanted to take a photo in the Step-&-Repeat!)--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photos Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

(L to R) Photographer (and one of our best friends) Johnny Nicoloro, David Paul and Nick      Verreos--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center 

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

NIKOLAKI designers David Paul and Nick Verreos--STYLE WEEK OC 2014 Irvine Spectrum Center

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

Thank You STYLE WEEK OC!! I had an AMAZING time and THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the OC for yet another FABULOUS Style Week OC!!! XOXO

Photo Courtesy of Evans Vestal Ward

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Season 13 Project Runway Episode 10 Recap: Mary Kay Challenge

Tim Gunn and Luis Casco, Mary Kay Global Makeup Artist--Episode 10 "Project Runway"

On last week's "Project Runway" on Lifetime, it was time for another sponsor to get the spotlight. This time it was the Official Makeup Sponsor for Season 13, Mary Kay. Tim Gunn and Luis Casco, Mary Kay Global Artist, introduced the "Mary Kay Challenge" to the remaining designers.

The challenge was to Create a Makeover Look For Randomly Selected Muses. The designers were sent to Washington Square Park in Manhattan to ask random women if they wanted a makeover and get a new dress made by a "Project Runway" designer? Now, I know how difficult it can be to stop people "on the street" and diplomatically tell them that they may be a "candidate" for a makeover. In the beginning, the designers were shown not having an easy time at it...

Designer Alexander Knox and a random young woman not wanting to participate--Episode 10 "Project Runway"

As it is with any show like this--in the event that something like this occurs--smart producers make sure to have "plants" (people who have been previously cleared to be OK to be part of this). And this seems what might have happened since suddenly, as if by "magic", the designers found willing victims--I mean, participants for the Makeover Challenge:

Designer Kini Zamora and his muse, on a bench in Washington Square Park NYC--Episode 10 "Project Runway"

Back in the Workroom...

New Model Form: While watching the episode, I was intrigued at the sight of something I hadn't really seen before in any season of "Project Runway"--adjustable forms. For previous "Real Women" challenges, the designers just had to "Make It Work", like add shoulder pads or folded muslin to the regular forms to "pad them up" to the size of their "Real Women". But this season--and for this episode--the designers got some MAJOR help--with the additional use of these "adjustable" body forms. I'm sure there are many a past "Project Runway" contestant right now bitter about the fact that they didn't get that luxury. On a similar note: I'm still bitter that we didn't even have dotted pattern paper back in Season 2! We had to take our draped muslin pieces and use it as our pattern to cut our fabric, which was NOT an easy task.



The Ugliest Thing Tim Gunn Has Ever Seen...

Butt Ugly: While doing his check-in's he admitted to 22 year-old still-in-school Alexander Knox, that his creation was "One of the most HIDEOUS garments" he'd ever witnessed in his entire existence. Ouch. It was a mess. My favorite part, besides hearing Tim say "It's butt ugly!", is Char's reaction when listening in to what Tim was telling poor Alexander:

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!! No He Didn't.

Speaking of Char...

ZipperGate: Tim had given the 2-minute warning for time, and Char Glover's model put her romper look on and while trying to unzip the zipper, it "broke". Well, kids, I don't think that's really what happened. If you want to know what I think occurred...you'll have to read my RECAP HERE.



The Runway:

Judges: (L to R) TV Host and Model Asha Leo (who?), actress Michelle Monaghan, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum--Episode 10 "Project Runway"

The Best:

Emily Payne: Designer Emily Payne created this "Flamenco Fab" look for her muse, Julia. I LOVED the fan top and red/navy blue polka dots but thought she may not have needed such a full, tiered/ruffled bottom; the "Star" and only interest should have been that neck ruffle. Nevertheless, it was quite unique and exuberant.  And best of all, her client/model/muse loved it.

Thierry Mugler designs, circa early 1990's

Her muse, by the way, mentioned that she really liked Thierry Mugler and Emily mentioned that this was a bit of an influence on the design. To be honest, I didn't see Thierry Mugler but instead, I thought it was more...

Christian Lacroix: Viva España!

Kini Zamora: Kini did a very good job here with this denim ensemble for his muse. She wanted to go out on a Date Night. I thought she looked older (in a good way), mature, and more dot.com entrepreneur as opposed to bedraggled and broke college student.

Korina Emmerich: Korina's creation was the Winner. Her deep purple leather moto jacket with boucle front was excellent and chic. And I really liked how she incorporated her model's Ballet influence (she's a ballerina) into the fan pleated skirt. Well done!...although I will say that those booties were a BAD styling choice.



The Uh Oh:

Amanda Valentine: The positive: I like the striped print. Negative: Lots; it's waaaay too short--both the entire length and the short-waist, the corners point downward, and generally, it isn't flattering. It's like she put on a dress that is two sizes too small for her.

Char Glover: After Tim gave Char an extra 10 minutes to put in another zipper, her model luckily walked the runway without having to hold her hand down her side to cover a busted zipper. She's a pre-school teacher and wanted an outfit to go out in. This might be appropriate for Vegas but other than that, it's two seconds from being too hoochie.

Alexander Knox: Two days and he did this?? And this was his SECOND creation since the first was deemed "Hideous" by Mr. Gunn. If that one was hideous, this one was "MEH!"; it looked like she had made it herself in her first Home Economics class in Jr. High School. It was badly made, badly styled and looked like Amateur Hour. I feel that if Tim hadn't crucified him in the critiques, he possibly could have done better with his original creation.

Guess Who Went Home?

Here's my RECAP for this past week's "Project Runway" Episode 10: Mary Kay Challenge...LOTS to discuss:

Season 13, Episode 10: Second Saves and Mary Kay Makeovers

This week’s episode begins with a quick, yet telling, intro: TWO clips from the previous week’s challenge showing Still-in-Design-School Hipster Boy Alexander. I thought this was odd considering the fact that he was barely a blip in last week’s challenge. Then, I surmised: “Uh Oh! He’s going OUT this week!” Yes, kids, I’ve become a bit too savvy even for the “Project Runway” editors. Time for this week’s recap including my two cents on what I think of Char’s zipper snafu drama plus much more.

In addition to the clips of Alexander, the intro is highlighting two other things. First, the designers are discussing NY Fashion Week, since they all know by now (in terms of numbers) that they will be showing their collections, whether as a decoy or a finalist; and secondly, they're all talking about winning the show. The designers meet up with Tim Gunn and Luis Lasco, Mary Kay Global Makeup Artist (gotta love those titles). Luis discusses that the Mary Kay brand stands for "Discover What You Love" and that it’s about helping women discover both their inner and outer beauty. With that, Tim announces that it’s the Mary Kay Challenge: to create a makeover look for randomly selected muses. He tells the designers that they are going to Washington Square Park and have only 30 minutes to find their models/muses. They are also getting an additional 30 minutes to chat/take their measurements and $200 for materials. Best of all, it’s a two-day challenge.

Once they get to Washington Square Park, the designers...

To Read the rest of my Blog Recap, Click HERE!