Project Runway Season 9 Begins Filming in New York's Battery Park!

DEEEEEsignersssss...

The Black Fashion Brigade: Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia: photo from Kim Kardashian's Twitter page

Today we got a glimpse of the taping of the new season (Season 9) of Project Runway in a outdoor runway show. It looks to be the taping of the premiere episode in which an unprecedented 20 contestants are vying for the coveted title of America's Next Top Fashion Designer and the $100,000 prize. What a brilliant way to reveal to everyone the 20 contestants selected to participate in this new season.

The taping took place in New York's Battery Park...

La Heidi: Miss Heidi, looked every bit of a Femme Fatale DIVA...in a black one-shoulder princess-seamed Alexander Wang dress, Wolford tights, Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps and a Barneys NY Belt. LOVING the entire look of "Dominatrix Couture" and I especially love the slicked-back gelled "Robert Palmer Girl" hair. WUNDERBAR!!!

Kim Kardashian was the Guest Celebrity Judge and she was all serious in a black very fitted (of course!) mini dress with flange shoulders (look it up kiddies!) and white side panels; she accessorized with hoop earrings (of course, Part Two). And naturally, her hair and make-up are FLAWLESS...

Nina Garcia was wearing...

Giambatista Valli Fall 2011. Well, of course she is!!!! Leave it to Miss Nina to give it to them!!! She added her own "stamp" on it by adding a skinny belt and cinched in it--LOVE IT!

The Scene at Battery Park, on the "set" of the new season of Project Runway!!

And what would a blog post on Project Runway be without...

TIM GUNN!!! Looking so dapper in his blue window pane plaid suit, gingham tie and pattern pocket square. Tim is really stepping up the style quotient already this season. Love the "hints" of color. Keep it up!!
And...do I spot contestants behind him?! I wonder...

And as always Blogging Project Runway has the ultimate Field Report with tons of photos!

Nick Verreos Judges Los Angeles Castings of Season 9 Project Runway: A Snapshot!!

Did we find the Next Project Runway Winner in LA??

Judging Ensemble: Nick Verreos judging the LA Castings of Season 9 Project Runway

One week ago--last Monday to be exact--I had the honor and privilege of being asked to take part in the LA Castings of Season 9 Project Runway and be a Judge! This was my 7th season being part of the casting panel and of course, I was happy to be part of it again. I donned my newest ASOS jacket, one of my vintage Hermes ties and my bubblegum pink Adidas watch (I'm dropping labels left and right!), took my notepad and pen, and I was READY!

As you may already know--those of you who might in the "up and up" on all things Project Runway---the producers of the show have begun the Pre-Casting process, and have held Casting Sessions to find the next season's cast of designers in places like NYC, Chicago and Seattle. This time , it was up to Los Angeles to "bring it"! I had a great time seeing a very diverse (!) group--from just-out-of-design-school "kids" to very seasoned veterans of the fashion industry--from San Francisco, LA, San Diego and everywhere else in between!

I'll be very curious to see if any of the "Very Best" from LA made it through... Stay tuned and make sure to watch lifetime Network and the next season of Project Runway airing this summer!!!

Today Show Exclusive! Nick Verreos Wedding Gown Design for Kate Middleton!! Video + Photos and Sketch!!!

Fit for a Royal Bride...

Blushing Princess Bride: Model Kasie in my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

This morning, on NBC's "Today Show", in the run-up to the upcoming Prince William and Kate Middleton Royal Wedding, the show had a fun & fabulous segment featuring original one-of-a-kind wedding gown designs by Project Runway designers.

As I noted in the previous posting, I was asked a week ago--along with four other Project Runway alumni, to create our "vision" for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown. The segment--hosted by Anchor Natalie Morales and Today Show Fashion Editor Bobbie Thomas--showed each of our designs as well as our corresponding fashion illustrations.

Wedding Sketch: Nick Verreos "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" original fashion illustration

Here, I have added some screen-cap photos from this morning's segment, of the wedding gown I designed and created (with the AMAZING help of my NIKOLAKI partner-in-design-crime David Paul--and my INVALUABLE seamstress. I am also including the entire video of the segment at the end of this post, in case you missed it...

Le Pockets: Model Kasie in my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

The gown is an ivory silk ziberline column gown with a "Mermaid" silhouette featuring a pleated high-neck, strong shoulders, cap sleeves, side-front pockets (a girl's gotta have her pockets!) and a full pleated back train. It features a waist detail with hand-sewn Swarovski crystal beading for a "dash" of sparkle.

Couture Torso: Close-Up of beaded waist trim and pleated Bateau neckline of my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

Hint Of Back: View of back of my "Kate Middleton Wedding Gown" design, Today Show

I was inspired by Architecture and wanted to design a gown that was structured yet elegant. I also considered Kate Middleton's penchant for showing her great figure (it was fitted, and had an open back) but still remained "Future Queen of England" appropriate (covering the shoulders and part of the arms).

To finish off the entire look, I added a full tulle veil (above photo) to go with the gown. Of course, I also needed a proper crown/tiara. I found the perfect one with crystals-and-pearls at Berger Beads in Downtown Los Angeles (They were so helpful!). It was wonderful seeing the gown on my model, Kasie (Love you Kasie!), on the Today Show and so happy how it all turned out!

And by the way: Visit myLifetime.com for information on "The Royal Private Sale" to win my original "Nick Verreos for Kate Middleton Wedding Gown"--as well as the other 4 Project Runway designers' one-of-a-kind dresses. Proceeds will go to charity.

And don't forget, WATCH TONIGHT'S Premiere of the Lifetime TV Movie "William & Kate: Let Love Rule" 9pm e/p.

Watch Today Show Project Runway Kate Middleton Wedding Gown Segment Below:

Nick Verreos' Vision for Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown...Watch The Today Show TOMORROW Morning!

Project Runway Goes To A Royal Wedding...on The Today Show!!!

Don't miss the "Today Show" TOMORROW MORNING on NBC! Why? Well, you'll get to see FIVE Wedding Gown creations by Project Runway past winners--and alumni--including ME!!! Read on...

The Blushing Royal Couple: Prince William and Kate Middleton

As you may remember, about a month ago, Lifetime TV asked many Project Runway designers--including moi--to submit fashion sketches for "their vision" of Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown. The sketches were shown on Lifetime TV's Website and generated a HUGE buzz (a little Birdie told me they received OVER A MILLION hits the day the sketches came out!). HERE was my sketch.

Then, ONLY a week ago, I was contacted by the Lifetime TV Execs, to see if I would be one of the five hand-picked designers who would actually CREATE their vision of the gown, which then would be shown LIVE, on the Today Show, in anticipation of the Premiere of Lifetime's "William & Kate" movie (which debuts tomorrow night, 9pm e/p ). The other designers include Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, Season 6 Winner Irina Shabayeba, Emilio Sosa (Season 7) and Johnathan Kayne (Season 3).


Less than a week to make a full-on Custom NIKOLAKI gown? Sure. It's "Make It Work" time! And so I did. I decided to "change it up" a bit and created a brand new gown--a little different from my original sketch. My NIKOLAKI Studio was workin' OVERTIME this past week to get it done and delivered to NYC just in time (it arrived early this morning at 2:45AM! Thank You Fed Ex Same Day Delivery!!).

Here's a "Sneak Peak" at the new gown--well, in sketch form:

Tune in TOMORROW MORNING, Today Show, on NBC, between 9-10AM and see my gown--as well as the other designers' gowns.

*According to the latest update, the segment will be on around 9:30AM--(it was changed since, as of yesterday, the segment was going to be around 8:45AM--but as you know it's "TV Land" and changes happen!!)
To make sure, just DVR/TiVo the ENTIRE show if you can, I will!!!

Don't Miss the Project Runway Kate Middleton Wedding Gown "mini" Fashion Show!!!

Wall Street Journal Article on The Weinstein Co. Featuring a Photo of Tim Gunn and Nick Verreos

Nick and Tim...Make a "cameo" in the Wall Street Journal

A very good friend of mine was reading today's edition of the Wall Street Journal and she emailed me saying "Did you see the WSJ today? There's a photo of you and Tim Gunn?" Well, of course, I was intrigued. I asked what was the article about? She said it was regarding The Weinstein Co. and how the Weinstein's are "Tapping into TV" and of course, mentioning a little ol' show called Project Runway. I went online (the new way of reading the newspaper n'est pas?) and yes, there it was, the article and a little photo of Tim Gunn and I circa Season 2 back in (I'm not naming the year kids!) (see left). Fun times...I remember him coming to my table discussing the challenge as if it was yesterday. And yes, I still have that blue plaid Western Shirt; it's packed in my "Project Runway Archive Suitcase", in case you are wondering...

Below is the Wall Street Journal article:

MOVIE MOGULS TAP INTO TELEVISION PRODUCTION

By Lauren A. E. Schuker

The Weinstein brothers are making a renewed play for the small screen.

Harvey and Bob Weinstein are among several Hollywood movie makers ramping up television production this year, with 15 shows in development and a commitment to spend more than $10 million per year on the initiative.

The move signals a comeback of sorts for Weinstein Co., which underwent a major debt restructuring this past summer after producing a string of movies that flopped at the box office and depleted much of the $1.2 billion they raised to start the company in 2005. The restructuring, aimed at placing the studio on firmer financial footing, transferred partial control of its movie library to Goldman Sachs Group.

On the left is another fun photo I found--in my photo archives--of Monsieur Gunn and I--from "back in the day"...

To read the entire article click HERE.

Holiday Party Round-Up: The Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party--Elf Fest X!!

Magical Party...

Project Runway Couple: Nick Verreos and Kit Scarbo at the Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party

This last weekend was the Tenth Annual Magical Elves Holiday Party. Magical Elves were the original producers for the first five seasons of Project Runway. They currently are the people behind Top Chef, Top Chef Just Desserts, The Real L Word, and others. The company--headed by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz--has been having a Holiday Party for the last ten years!

For the "ELF Fest X", they went "all out" as usual, fake snow blowing at the entrance, fully-stocked bars, food for DAYS (the Vegi-Pizza slices and Pigs-in-a-Blanket were my fave), a Sushi Bar and much more.

Bieber Fever: "Elf Fest X" Hosts Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz pose with Justin Bieber cut-out

There was a Photo-Booth and even a fake cut-out of Justin Bieber for drunk--and not-so-drunk guests to live out their "I LOVE ME SOME Justin Bieber" fantasies. I brought along a couple of my best friends, naturally.

Say (Holiday) Cheese: Nick Verreos with friends Erik Moreno (l) and Matt Brubaker (center), Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

The annual party also asks its guests to bring a toy to benefit the USMC Toys For Tots Program. Waiting to get into the party--with my huge Barbie Gift--it looked as if I was the only guest who obliged by this special "Gift Request", but once I got in, it was nice to see that the "Toy Boxes" were full!

Disco Anyone: The Scene at the Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

Outside, the party was in full-on "Dance Fever" mode as the house's pool was covered in Plexiglas and transformed into a fabulous dance party with the DJ spinning tunes--from Hip Hop to Disco and 80s.

Producer Love: Nick Verreos and Michael Rucker, Emmy-nominated Producer (and friend)--Love his Vintage X-mas Sweater Vest--yes, it's a SWEATER VEST!

As always, I had a BLAST (I always do at the Magical Elves Parties) and it was especially nice to re-connect with my old Project Runway "family" from back-in-the-day (Gosh, Season 2 was SOOOO long ago!). They've always been kind and respectful to me, and I will always return the sentiments. Can't wait for next year's Holiday Party!

Nick Verreos Season 8 Project Runway MyLifetime.com Blog/Recap: Finale-Part 1!!!

Lacroix 2.0, Pattaya Bay, Whole Foods Sales Girls and Mommy-Daddy Therapy...Yep, It's Project Runway, the Almost-last Episode!

Is the Camera On: Andy South consoles Michael Costello during "Finale Part 1", Project Runway Season 8

Oh Dear! Yes, those were basically the only two words I could muster after watching Thursday night's "Finale Part 1" of Project Runway Season 8. The episode began cute enough and pretty typical in terms of previous "Road to NY Fashion Week" Project Runway Episodes...

The remaining 4 Designers get their "Congratulations" from Heidi and Tim and then are sent off to their respective home bases to make their Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week Collections. Tim jets off to Hawaii, Denver, Palm Springs and Portland. After 6 weeks, they return to NY for their last Challenge that will narrow down the Top Three Finalists who will show at NY Fashion Week. The Runway Show at Parsons occurs and then it all heads south from there, concluding in what could have been an advertisement for Mommy-Daddy Therapy sessions.

Highlight: Mondo's Circus

For me, there was one Winner and that's it. When Mondo Guerra's 3-piece mini collection came out, it was like "Done and Done". The judges gave him both positives and negatives, saying he had to somehow learn how to tame the "Print Beast" inside him. Well, he can't do much, because the collection is done kiddies! And I like it , circus prints and all.

It all reminded me of Christian Lacroix (Spring 2009 Haute Couture above), well, the H&M version. After Mondo, in my opinion, any of the other three could have been out. Yes, I might have chosen Andy or Gretchen instead of Michael C. but I KNEW Gretchen wasn't going--she's the "Wendy Pepper" of the Season, so you know they were keeping her!

Lowlights: Andy's Warrior Divas go to Pattaya Bay

What happened to Andy South? I was so looking forward to a whole army of Andy Warrior Goddesses ready for battle in almost all black, fierce, well-fitted dresses. He went from this FIERCE look above...to this below...

Is this what happens when Project Runway Finalists go home. They do great in the pressure cooker of the show's surreal competition environment but then they return home and lose their style? Wassup Andy?

Instead of Warrior Divas, his 3-piece Laos/Buddha-inspired mini-collection was a cross between something Imelda Marcos would wear (Hello Silk Shantung!!??) and...

Something you'd see on the Pattaya Bay Girls in Thailand. Now, mind you those two inspirations sound HOT, but I don't think that's what he had in mind.

Lowlights: Gretchen's Vegetarian Girls Who Don't Want to Get Laid

Her designs were so not exciting, so not NY Fashion Week and so something you might see at some Granola-Crunchy store, as Michael Kors kept alluding to. All that was missing was some Birkenstocks and some incense. Take a look at this lovely example:

Muffin Top Alert: This poor girl is a size 2 or size 4 MAX...AND somehow, Gretchen still gave her a Muffin Top! Seriously.

Lowlights: Housewives of New Jersey Meets Liza Minelli

I really liked (and so did the judges), the one copper silk charmeuse gown he made but the other two choices were not my faves, especially that fringed top (Miss Heidi LOOOVED it!) and lace embroidered pants look: On top, she's a cast member in "Chicago" and on the bottom, she's Liza Minelli!

It looked a little too "Real Housewives of New Jersey" on a night out on the town. Michael Costello was Auf'ed and proceeded to have THE "I'm a Failure To My Parents" meltdown. After he dried his tears, Michael C. actually did get to show at Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week--along with like 44 of the other contestants (yes, I'm exaggerating!). I know it's not the same, but still. In case you missed Michael C.'s NYC Fashion Week Finale Collection...you can click HERE to see it. I liked most of the looks but I wasn't a fan of...

Nipple Alert: This multi, multi, MULTI-layered ruffled gown with a see-through bustier seen on Season 1 Models of The Runway Model Lisa Blades. I love Miss Lisa, she's my friend, muse, and of course, has modeled LOTS of my gowns and dresses. But I, as a designer, would probably have NEVER put her in this. But what a trooper Miss Lisa! So, there you go. I'm betting on Miss Mondo to win. Anyway, to read what I REALLY thought of this last episode:

Here's the Beginning of my MyLifetime.com Blog/Recap for this "Finale Part 1" Episode:

Road To Therapy (I Mean New York Fashion Week!)

I cannot believe it's almost OVER! We are in the last lap of this season's "Project Runway" and it's been a KRAZEE marathon! This episode left me shaken. To be honest, immediately after watching, all I could focus on was that I may need to re-think my recap and instead write an open letter to all parents entitled "How Not to Mess Up Your Children's Lives." But then I wouldn't be able to discuss this last DRAMATIC (and oh-so-fashion-boring) penultimate episode. So here we go…

Click HERE to read my Entire Recap and make sure to leave your "two cents".

Project Runway Season 8 Finale at NY Fashion Week: My Thoughts Predictions...and Video of Chloe Dao!!!

EVERYONE Gets To Go To NY Fashion Week!!!! (Warning: Spoiler Alert!)

Guess Who The Final Guest Judge Is: Nina Garcia, Jessica Simpson (in Michael Kors), Michael Kors and Heidi Klum

TEN designers from this current season of Project Runway showed last Thursday morning at the new site of Spring 2011 NY Fashion Week--Lincoln Center. Because Project Runway ended last weeks episode with ten contestants, ALL the remaining designers got to show in order not to spoil the "TV Finale Episode"--I was lucky enough to have been invited (I guess procuring tickets could be "a little crazy"!) BUT...alas I was unable to fly to NYC and attend because, as always: Duty Calls! I was flying to Miami to host the Macy's Fashion's Night Out Event and Fashion Show at the fabulous Aventura Mall.

Fashion's Night Out Macy's Miami/Aventura Mall Sneak Peak: Nick Verreos with Papi Underwear Spokesmodel Leonardo Corredor

Now back to the I-gotta-sit-through-TEN-Collections: Really there were only the Top Three left (or four sometimes) but because of the fact that ten were still "on TV", this is why this happened. Same thing as last season. I think it's NOT COOL. Sixteen Designers actually get to make it onto Project Runway, and now it seems that more than half of them (approx. 63 %, yes, I did the math kiddies!), make it to New York Fashion Week! Not only is that crazy, unfair but then it's almost like a surefire thing you'll make it to Fashion Week if you're still among the ten left! Isn't showing at NY Fashion Week one of the "Prizes"? It seems that Project Runway has fallen into current society's unfortunate pattern of giving out "trophies" even to the losers. But I digress.

From the Photos of the Collections, Here is my Fave (just one) and Oh-What-Were-You-Thinking?

Here are two looks from Mondo Guerra's Collection, my favorite. It was VERY "Jay McCarroll" (Winner of Season 1) don't you think?

Fun, quirky, SALEABLE, maybe not so Bergdorf's but more Barney's Co-Op...still love it. Who would have thunk it? Go Latin Urkel!

General Patton Gretchen showed lots of coochie-cuting shorts sportswear. Again, from the photos, I was a little bit bored. I'm sure the fabrics were luxe but nothing to be like "Ooooh Girl, I'm forwarding those photos to my fashionista friends"!

Oh Michael C.! I am so routing for you baby. He did gowns and evening wear but something was amiss. Here's one of my favorite Muses (and besties!), model Lisa Blades, wearing one of his Final Collection gowns and yes, the top IS see-through! I wonder what those little kids in the front row (there are ALWAYS some little kids--children of the sponsors, TV big-wigs, producers, family etc.) were thinking? I know that Jason Wu just showed A LOT of see-through tops but...

And then he also showed this diaphanous pleated chiffon gown...and...are those her panties??? It's called A LINING Michael C.! Well, we will have to wait a few more weeks to see who the actual Top Three are and who really "made it" to Fashion Week. Wait, they ALL did!!!

Click Below to see my good friend, MISS Chloe Dao, Winner of Season 2, commentating after seeing the Finale Fashion Show (I LOVE what she says!!!!):