Nick Verreos Season 8 Project Runway MyLifetime.com Recaps: The Resort Challenge!!

Couples Resort!

Tim Gunn and Michael Kors Await their Mimosa Brunch

This week was the Finale Fashion Show of Project Runway Season 8 in NYC Spring 2011Fashion Week. If you are reading this blog, you're probably already a fan of the show and know this of course. So, by now, all the "insiders" know who won the show...but in "TV Time", we're still on Episode 7 and there are lots of designers left on the show to weed out before we get to that (already happened) Finale NYC Fashion Week Fashion Show.

Resort Fashion Photo Shoot in Mykonos

So...this week (in "TV Time"), the designers met up with Father Tim and Diva Kors in front of (I presume) Heidi Klum's yacht where they were told of the new Challenge: To design a Resort Look, worthy to pack on a trip to say Mykonos, or the Amalfi Coast.

However, some of the designers thought they were going to either a tacky Las Vegas Pool Party hosted by Jon Gosselin...or a Pot Luck Picnic with Barbara Walters. It seemed as if some of these kids didn't know what "Resort" meant...They also were thrown a "Twist", to pair up and construct each other's designs...So you know there was lots of You-Can't-Make-Patterns-Michael C. DRAMA!!

Now, let's begin with showing you How Uncle Nicky Does Resort:

Last Month in Positano, the Amalfi Coast: Nick Verreos ready for dinner and some Limoncello...

And now...let me show you how some designers DO Resort:

Ready For the Yacht to Capri: Gucci by Frida Giannini, Resort 2011

St. Tropez Boho Caftan Chic: Chanel Resort 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld

And from one of our esteemed Project Runway Judges, Designer Michael Kors: Aspen Lodge Aperitif Hour from Michael Kors Resort 2011 (this one MIGHT have ended up on the bottom if one of the contestants would have made it, I ASSURE YOU!!!!)

I loved Andy South's bi-colored halter swimsuit with matching pareo/overkirt. This was VERY Resort and soooo chic.

It reminded me of Pucci Spring 2010 from Norwegian Designer Peter Dundas. But it was "too saleable" for the judges. And you don't want to be "Saleable" on Project Runway I guess...

"Latin Urkel" Mondo, designed a little ensemble that only a Gay Man's Best Girlfriend at the Roller Disco would wear. That or some Hostess at Jon Gosselin's Vegas Pool Party

(see top of this blog!). Cute but so not "High Rent" Resort Mondo...

Speaking of High Rent: Casanova went to the other extreme. The judges kept saying it looked too much like something a 70 year old would wear.

Well, Barbara Walters, here's your next Resort Ensemble, courtesy of Cuchi-Cuchi Casanova!

Here's a "Sneak Peak" at my Recap for this week:

You Want Me to Wear THAT to the Maui Hilton???

Oh these kids … these Season 8 "Project Runway" kids … More and more, as I watch, I feel like an old fogey designer/instructor, wanting to slap them all upside their coiffed heads with my pattern ruler for not really having a clue as to what the heck Resort Wear really is and for the "I-just-don't-do-patterns" excuses … But, I digress. Let's get to the matter at hand: This week's episode involves going on a fashionable vacation, more of the Michael C. He-Can't-Sew-fest (I am SOOO OVER that!) and a sad adios.

Mimosas With Michael Kors
The remaining designers were instructed — by drop-crotch, silk-charmeuse-pant-wearing Heidi — to meet Tim Gunn and "a very special guest" at the marina (didn't realize Manhattan had a marina!) for a mimosa-filled brunch. Once they arrived, Tim and Michael Kors were waiting for them, flanked by a fabulous yacht. The designers' Challenge: to create a Resort Wear look that captures their point of view, and is interesting, eye-catching and, of course, super fashionable. Kors also reminded the designers that Resort Wear could be anything from a swimsuit to a gown. Oh, what fun, I thought! I just recently returned from three weeks in Europe, where I spent some R&R time on the Amalfi Coast, so I KNOW what these resort divas wear; I was READY! But it seemed that some of the contestants were not......

To Read The Entire Recap...Click HERE on the MyLifetime.com Site.

Europe 2010: Nick and David's "Excellent Adventure" Continues: Positano and Capri!!

Caprese Salads, Bruschetta and Limoncello in Positano...and almost DROWNING in Capri!!

Positano, Italy:

Positano Heaven: View of Positano from the beach

Last month, David and I went to Europe--first as part of my Florence Italy lecture for the Miami University Summer In Italy Program, and then for some much-needed R & R. On my last post, I wrote about our Florence stay, and now we are off to the gorgeous cliff-side town of Positano in the Amalfi Coast. We had gone there, for our first time, last year and almost DIED, at how beautiful it was. So we had to return.

To be honest, we wanted to try another beach-side resort, even in another country. We looked at Ibiza, Mykonos, even Croatia. But because of our limited time in Europe and odd airline and ferry travel departure day regulations, we succumbed to Positano once again! We checked in at the most lovely Eden Roc Hotel, nestled halfway between the highest part of the cliff and the beach. The staff was UNBELIEVABLE: Always helpful, always sweet and always calling us "Mr Nick" or "Mr David". Love them!

Beach Bunny: David Paul enjoys the Positano Beach

After our first night arrival, we spent the following THREE relaxing days at the beach. Nothing to do, but soak in the hot Italian sun, swimming, eating Buffalo Mozzarella and Bruschetta, and drinking Limoncello. Exactly what I wanted to do: No work, little stress, and no Blackberry (OK, maybe a little bit!).

No Fanny Pack and Teva Sandal Zone: Nick Verreos in Positano

Positano is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. And yes, it's expensive kids, you're paying for that view! The bougainvillea-lined streets are serene and perfect for post-dinner walks. Also, what I love: You don't see many tourists sporting fanny packs and Teva sandals, thank you very much. People DRESS UP at night. The women don their best dresses, great jewelry, sandals or heels (yes, heels!) and men wear "Summer blazers" and even (gasp) tucked-in pressed dress shirts (who knew!).

Capri Day Trip: (and the almost Drowning!)

View of Positano from our boat to Capri

On one of our "Beach Days" , David and I decided to go to the island of Capri and spend the entire day there. Every time I open a Vogue Magazine or a Women's Wear Daily/WWD and see one of one of those obnoxious "Postcards From The Maldives" with some designer like Michael Kors, Donna Karan or Behnaz Sarafpour, I just want to SCREAM, but now here was my chance to take one of those odiuos photos...from Capri!

Hey Sailor: David Paul enjoying the boat ride to Capri

There are many ways one can get to Capri but we decided on Lucibello and doing their more "private" boat ride option. The boat, which only had about 4 other couples, left Positano very early in the morning and then cruises around the famous island exploring the spectacular coast for about three hours including the famous Grottos like the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto), as well as the Arco Naturale (natural stone arch) and the Punta Carena (lighthouse).

While on the boat, we noticed SEVERAL HUGE yachts just off the coast. I was waiting for Heidi Klum and Seal and their kids to come running out of one of them!

During our sightseeing boat ride, we arrived at the Green Grotto (above). The Captain stopped the boat and announced that we could go swimming here while he could then meet us on the other side of the Grotto afterward. So David and I--as well as another couple--decided to dive off the boat.

Pre-Almost Drowning Happy: Nick Verreos ready to go swimming...

About 60 seconds in the gorgeous turquoise blue water, I had a PANIC ATTACK! My 30 years + of swimming expertise all but escaped me and I began to drown! I wish I was being "Nick dramatic" but no, I couldn't stay afloat! So, I somehow paddled my way (with all the force I could muster) to the rocks lining the arched cave and held on for life. Where was David you might ask? Huney he had NO CLUE of what was happening as he had swam beautifully under the Grotto and was awaiting the boat to jump up. The other couple in the water yelled "Where's Nick?" and that's when they all realized what was happening. The Captain threw a small boogie board. I jumped off the cliff, caught it and climbed onto the boat. As I looked down, my entire leg was BLEEDING! Yes, I had CUT myself unknowingly, on the underwater rocks. Pretty.

Shop-a-holics: David Paul and Nick Verreos (can you spot the Band-Aids?) in Anacapri, Capri

About ten Band-Aids and an hour later, we finally made it to the Island of Capri. My visions of looking like a fabulous Greek-Venezuelan version of Jackie Onassis vacationing in FABULOUS Capri all but left my mind as I docked looking like a hot, almost-drowned, scratched-leg mess! But I made the best of it.

View of Marina Grande (the main port) from atop the Capri hills, Capri

The Island of Capri was stunning. David said that it reminded him of a "very nice" Catalina Island (off the coast of California). I wouldn't know since I've never been to Catalina Island but I am sure Catalina doesn't have Prada, Cavalli, and Valentino Boutiques. Just sayin'.

We took the funicular (cable car) up to the city of Capri (very Rodeo Drive on an Island!) shopped and even took a hang-on-for-dear-life bus ride to another city, Anacapri. There, we did more sightseeing and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The city of Anacapri is very high atop the island so the views were spectacular! Hours and hours of lounging and walking around the gorgeous island and we almost forgot that we had to catch our boat back to Positano.

One more mental snapshot of that gorgeous Capri view and we were off, back to our boat, and back to Positano to finish off our "Lazy Days in the Amalfi Coast"...

And get ready for our EasyJet flight to Paris, our next--and final--stop.

Click Below for Videos from our Boat Ride to Capri and the hilltop view from the hills of Capri:

See you next time as I recap our très chic trip to Paris and the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective Exhibit!

Europe 2010: Florence Part Due!

Hot & Humid in Firenze, an 8-Euro Step-Climber and Cocktails at the Continentale BarPanoramic Duo: David Paul and Nick Verreos, top of the Duomo Florence Italy

Last weekend, my Nikolaki partner-in-crime, David Paul and I returned home to Los Angeles from our almost two week work-and-some-R-&-R trip to Europe. We first went to Florence, where I was invited by Miami University of Ohio to give my Lecture to the European Summer Program students, along with Project Runway Season 6 Finalist Althea Harper. You can read my recap of that HERE, in case you missed it. Tourist Chic: Nick Verreos in Florence Italy

So since we were in Florence, after the lecture we decided to hang out an extra day and night and well, take in some of the sights and sounds (and tastes) of the city--as well as even climb the almost 500 steps to the famed Duomo/Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiori. Entrance to Hotel Lungarno, Florence Italy

We decided to "treat ourselves" for our one extra night in Florence and stay at a very nice hotel, the Hotel Lungarno, located right on the Arno River. Even though we paid a "nice Euro" for a supposed "Deluxe Room" with a view, we were surprised A) to find the air-conditioning to be less than the standards for a 4-star hotel (could not go below 20 Celsius/about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and B) our supposed view (which was the only reason we booked the hotel) was...Less than fabulous (see above photo). Time to rate Hotel Lugarno a "Not-so-much" on my next Trip Advisor review. I guess we should have complained and maybe they might have upgraded us but we just weren't in the mood.
Well, at least, we were right next to the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio (above photo).
So, what does "Uncle Nicky" do: He goes shopping! David, as well as myself, decided to get out of our not-so-cute 4-star hotel room and go shopping. The weather was very HOT and HUMID so we just wanted to be INSIDE a place that had proper air-conditioning, preferably anything below 20 Celsius thank you!After a nice lunch, we wanted to go to the Duomo and maybe consider going up to the top. Duomo Interior: Vesari's fresco, completed by Federico Zuccaro

Last year, when we came to Florence, we didn't do the Duomo, so this was our chance.
We walked around the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiori and found the line to go up not so bad so we paid 8 Euro each and ventured up the 463 steps. Yes, you read right, 463 steps! It took about 45 minutes to get up there--including the in-between "breaks". But we finally made it, breathless and heaving. But we made it:
Better Lungs Than Me: David Paul poses with a panoramic view of Florence in the back, top of the Duomo
Take the Photo, I'm NOT Sweating: Nick Verreos, top of the Duomo, Florence Italy

The view was spectacular, I must say, and we were happy that up there, the weather was much milder. We spent about 20 minutes at the top --enough time to regain our normal heart rate and take some photos. then , it was back down 463 steps! Apres Duomo Happy Hour: Nick Verreos enjoys a cocktail at the Continentale Bar and Sky Lounge, Florence Italy

To finish our extra day/night in Firenze, I took David to my new favorite bar, the Hotel Continentale Bar and Sky Lounge (I had gone there two nights before with Althea Harper). they are part of the same chain as the Hotel Lungarno that we were staying at and now we realize that we should have stayed there! Note to self: We will the next time we return!

Next up: Amafi Coast R&R Heaven in Positano...Stay Tuned.

Below is a video BEFORE we began our climb to the top of the Duomo:

Nick Verreos and Althea Harper Meet Up in Florence Italy!!!

Ciao Italia!
Italian Couple: Althea Harper and Nick Verreos pose at the Hotel Continentale rooftop bar with a view of the Campanile of the Palazzo Vecchio

Hi kiddies--and faithful nickverreos.com followers! Sorry I have not been updating the blog, but I have been in Europe! I know: Shut Up! I have been in Italy and France for both work and pleasure. And this is the first break I have gotten so I felt the urge to give you a "sneak peak" of what's more to come. Over a week ago, I flew to Florence Italy to give a lecture as part of Miami University of Ohio's Summer In Italy Program (second year in a row that I have been invited!!).
As a "Double Project Runway Bonus", not only did I fly to Florence but so did Season 6 Finalist, Althea Harper. Yep, she joined me in Florence to also give a lecture! Of course, I will give you the full Recap later but I just wanted to give you a "tease", including the photos you see here.
View of the Arno River, Florence Italy

I had an AMAZING time---even though it was about 100 degrees and the humidity was well, it felt like 70 % (lots of sweating darlings--not cute!). But if I'm going to sweat, I'd rather be in Florence doing it...and with the beautiful Althea...and about 50 lovely students from Miami University of Ohio!
On Top: Nick Verreos at the top of the Santa Maria del Fiore (le Duomo) Florence Italy

I just left the Amalfi Coast, and the gorgeous city of Positano and now I am in Paris--I HAVE to go see the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective at the Petit Palais! Stay tuned for my full "Europe 2010 Recap" soon!
Ciao!