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September Trends 1: Fade Away

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Flaring Keira!

Keira Knightley is in the Canadian fashion magazine, Flare. She opens up on power of fashion, the importance of family and the highs of fame. The British actress said she doesn’t want to emulate anyone else, she’s perfectly happy trying to figure out everything on her own. She looks stunning in these photos:







*Click on the photos for larger view.

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EMU Australia: Judging the New Face of EMU

EMU Australia, Australian Lifestyle Footwear and maker of fabulous sheepskin boots invited me to be one of their Celebrity Judges to find "The New Face Of Emu Australia". What does the winner get , you may ask?
Well, darlings, they will win a one year modeling contract and become the New Face of EMU, a free trip to Australia to shoot the campaign and appear in a nationally advertising ad shown in a major fashion magazine. Hundreds of young beautiful women across the USA submitted their photos as well as brief bios/applications stating their height, hobbies, as well as likes and dislikes. I was happy to be in the company of fellow Greek, the beautiful, Debbie Matenopoulos, host of E! Daily 10, who was also asked to judge the lovely beauties. Last week, the field was narrowed down to the top 12 and we were asked to pick our top 3. On September 1st, the winner will be chosen. Click HERE to see the 12 Finalists as well as the great EMU footwear collection.

Tyra Banks: On America's Top Model

The countdown to the catwalk had already begun. "Top Model" will premiere on The CW on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET, just before the debut of "Gossip Girl." But before anything else, here's another teaser of the show: Tyra Banks on her very-sexy-futuristic costume.

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Beauty Top 10

The fall runways dictated strong brows, sleek hair, and incredibly loud lips. Elle round up the ten trends that will rule this season.

1. Cleopatra Eyes
The bold, bright look of the Cleopatra eye certainly isn't a trend for the shrinking violet. It echoes the ancient Egyptian with heavy liner, an aqua lid, and a strongly defined brow. Wear it with all black to make a major statement.


2. Defined Brows

The bold brow made a major statement on the runways, with simple, neutral makeup as a backdrop. However, some chose the strongly defined arch "to anchor the face"; the Mommy Dearest-inspired look also popped up.


3. Film Noir Waves
Cascading waves a la Old Hollywood made appearances everywhere for fall: Gucci, Missoni, and Valentino. It references the film noir heyday of the '40s and keeps things soft and romantic. Wrapped small sections of hair in the front around a curling iron, then brushed through them to soften the curls.


4. French Nails

Last fall, black nails were everywhere; when spring arrived, tips took a completely contrasting route and went white. This fall, the two trends make a blissful union with the reverse French manicure, a new take on the two-tone classic.


5. Full Makeup

For the right occasion, a full face of makeup can have a perfectly dramatic effect. Play up both eyes and lips, but keep skin looking fresh and natural. According to master makeup artist, Tom Pecheux (Ferragamo), "It's important to stick to complementary colors, like deep plums and brick red, or else it's overly disco '80s." By the same token, keep hair sleek and simple.


6. Golden Accents
Gilded accents will give anyone a truly ethereal glow. A bit of shimmering powder will do the trick at home.


7. Liquid Liner
Winged cat eyes are back in a big way—think Sophia Loren and Catherine Deneuve, all liquid liner, and tons of sex appeal. "Liner had a painterly shape this season, almost like a flick of the watercolor brush," says Pat McGrath, who employed the technique at Prada and Louis Vuitton. She also recommends leaving lips neutral to draw the attention to the eyes.


8. Messy Hair
Your forehead isn't the only place you'll want to banish shine this season. "Intentionally dull hair looks new," says Redken creative consultant Guido. "Very Parisienne coquette." A little baby powder (or a dry shampoo) will have you looking matte and fabulous in no time.


9. Neon Lips

Not since the '80s have lacquered lips in neon hues had such a prominent place in the beauty lexicon. Paint the pouts a bright shade somewhere between pink and red and layer the color on with your fingers in order to "control intensity." Go easy on the eyes to let the neon lip take full effect.


10. Sleek Hair

For sleek, straight hair, New York stylists looked no further than their own backyard for inspiration. It's all about simple elegance.Not a lot of design, but amazing quality.

2007 Teen Choice Awards

This year, the live awards show was co-hosted by Hilary Duff and Nick Cannon with live performances by Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Fergie.

Winners included Jessica Alba and Zac Efron for the coveted Female and Male Hottie awards, along with top honors going to popular High School Musical 2 co-star Vanessa Hudgens for Choice Breakout Artist - Female.

Other winners included Justin Timberlake as Choice Male Music Artist, Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus for Choice Summer Artist and Choice TV Actress in a comedy, and Ugly Betty star America Ferrara for Choice TV Breakout star.

During her acceptance speech for the female hottie award, Jessica Alba told the audience:

“I would like to dedicate this award to a young man who has been on my mind for the last 19 years: Ross. Ross didn't love me. I was pigeon-toed, I had a sway back, I was slightly cross-eyed, buck-toothed, I sucked my thumb. Look at me now, Ross! Look at me now! [Ross] promised that if I kissed him he would choose me for baseball ... I was still chosen last. I never trusted men again.”

Click here to view more winners

What's New in Prada?....Fall/Winter 2007

If you're prada fanatic, then this post is for you! See the latest bags and shoes...I really like their vibrant colors :D





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Meet Me in St. Louie!

Homecoming

Last week, I was invited by Alive Magazine to host St. Louis Fashion Week , as well as show my Fall/Holiday collection at their stellar Forbidden Fashion Show. I was very much looking forward to visiting St. Louis, my birthplace, since I had not been back since I was like 10 years old. I still have family there, my Uncle Ernie Verreos, his wife, my fabulous Aunt Marina (a former Diva Greek singer) and all of my cousins. I arrived in St. Louis to a painful 95 degree August evening (with 98 % humidity!) It wasn't pretty. After the never-ending heat of Los Angeles, and the stifling heat of New York that I have been dealing with while filming my MSN Style Studio fashion segments, I thought "God , please give me a break!" Not!

Once I checked in to the fabulous Chase Park Plaza Hotel, I phoned my uncle, who spared no time to pick me up, and take me to the restaurant my cousins own--Anthonino's Taverna --a Greek and Italian eatery and bar in the St. Louis' "Little Italy" area called The Hill. My cousin Anthony was there and quickly greeted me with a big hug and my favorite drink of choice--a Cadillac Margarita--to cool me down! He also satisfied my hunger by serving me Spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) , Bruschetta , and a St. Louis delicacy, toasted raviolis( don't ask, but really good!). Anthony's dad is Italian , therefore the half Italian/half Greek menu. As you can see in the photo, we Verreos' love color--just take a look at my uncle's lovely Hawaiian print shirt and my cousin's bright green "Italian Stallion" T-shirt.

The next day was filled with several local radio stations to promote St. Louis Fashion Week and the evening's fashion show. You can guess that my experience with toasted raviolis the night before became great fodder for my interviews. I also did a fun interview with the local NBC station which can be seen HERE. The "pregnant pause" that occurred when the charming local news anchor asked me what I thought of St. Louis fashion and/or style is priceless.
St. Louis ,Missouri actually has a great history with the American fashion industry being the headquarters of the now defunct May Co. as well as having a very prominent Garment District (now bustling with Loft renewal galore!) that once housed many of the top Millinery and shoe ateliers in the US. I was scheduled to "host" the Forbidden Fashion Show and be the highlight of St. Louis Fashion Week, and I was honored to do so. The sold-out show was held in a Downtown St. Louis Loft space and featured many local designers, as well as Project Runway Season 2 designer, my friend, Kara Janx (say it with a South Africa accent!). Her line is carried exclusively at The Time Boutique in Downtown St. Louis and does extremely well. Those kimonos are still selling out! Attagirl! My 12-piece Fall 2008 line was at the end of the show, along with the lines of two other great designers. I was excited to see my family in the audience (Uncle Ernie cleans up very well, as you can see in the picture working his suit, along with my cousin, his daughter Fifi) I also got to interact with all the St. Louis fashionistas attending the event. I had a great time. Thanks St. Louis! I hear my uncle, aunt and cousins were very proud of me. They kept saying "You're a celebrity!". No, hardly, I'm still their "Nikolaki" (little Nick) .
Click HERE to see an interview from the event with local style arbiter and personality , "Dsly" as well as clips from my part of the fashion show.

From Arches to Space Needles!

After finishing my hosting duties at St. Louis Fashion Week last night, I am off to do an appearance with Andraeeeeeee in Seattle at the La Mode Fashion Show for IADT!

This one will be fun because I will have a partner in crime with Andrae this time. On Saturday we will be giving a seminar at the IADT Campus and Andrae will even be part of the silent auction creating a sketch of a one-of-a-kind garment live at the seminar.

I'm going to have to pick up some of that world famous Seattle coffee when I get there to help me make it through this weekend!

For more on the Do You La Mode Fashion Show click HERE.

America's Next Top Model: Cycle 9 Contestants


Who's your bet among these 13 aspiring models? Watch out for they'll be walking on runway this coming September 19.

Click here to know more....

Christian Louboutin's Peep-Toe Pumps: Hollywood Shoes

It's the fashion kiss of death in Hollywood: Showing up on the red carpet, only to find that some other starlet is wearing the exact same gown. But when it comes to shoes, all of the A-list seems to have the same pair, and no one seems to mind.

Everybody's talking of none other than Christian Louboutin and his black peep-toe pumps. Simple, elegant and ridiculously expensive, these babies have proven irresistible to Angelina Jolie, Ashley Olsen and Nicole Richie (who even sported 'em on her court date).

Price: about $800. Knowing your shoes can face everything from photogs to a DUI charge: priceless.




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Top 10 Accessories for Fall/Winter 2007

Black is back! For this season make sure that black and leather accessories will be on top of your It List. Here are the 10 (or shall I say 11) must-have accessories for fall and winter from Net-a-Porter. If you can't have all, at least have one!


1. Burberry Prorsum - Get Waisted. The wide triple-buckle belt

2. Christian Lacroix - Charm School. The wood and glass charm necklace

3. Fendi. Gemology. The suede chunky-rib belt with large stone

4. Marc Jacobs. It's A Cinch. The black leather knot belt

5. Celine. Drive Time. The black leather driving gloves

6. D&G. Glove Story. The black leather fur-trimmed gloves

7. Erickson Beamon. Off The Cuff. The black metal cuffs with black stones

8. Roberto Cavalli. Hat Trick. The black felt wide-brimmed hat

9. Cloe. Inner Circle. The Marcia multi-sphere necklace

10. Miu Miu. The Skinny. The fuchsia leather belt

11. Burberry Prorsum. Run The Gauntlet. Tha black patent-leather gloves

Wearable Fashion Trends 19: The Roaring Twenties


Cloche hats, pearls and gloves - who said a girl can have too many accessories? The 1920s played inspiration to design duo Proenza Schouler, with beautiful dropped shoulder coats and flapper dresses looking extremely prim and proper. Ladylike also showed up at Marc Jacobs, where beautiful silk blouses were worn with calf-length skirts and day hats. Think Agatha Christie's murder mystery novels...


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Heidi Klum: New Face of Jordache

Heidi Klum, a Victoria's Secret model and TV host of the ever-popular Bravo series "Project Runway", will represent skinny jeans by Jordache.

The ads feature a topless Klum, shot from behind, holding equestrian gear while standing on the balcony overlooking Los Angeles at the Chateau Marmont.

With retro high-waisted jeans making a comeback but the denim market already awash with designer brands, using a famous face like Klum's will likely garner some attention for a brand like Jordache.




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Back To My Roots--St. Louis Fashion Week

UPDATE: For a fun video I did on KSDK NBC St. Louis click HERE

Just as quickly as I unpacked from San Diego, I will be re-packing to head off to the place of my birth, St. Louis, Missouri to host the 1st ever St. Louis Fashion Week. I was honored to be the 'Cover Boy' of the St. Louis Magazine, ALIVE. Click HERE to read the article that accompanied the cover spread. As you will read, although I was born in St. Louis, I did not grow up there, so it will be nice to return for the 1st time since childhood. If you are in the St. Louis area come join us where I will be showing some designs from my Fall 2007 collection, alongside several local designers and fellow Project Runway Alum, Kara Janx.

Fashion and The Beach

Just returned from my crazy week in San Diego where I showed a "preview" of my NIKOLAKI Resort/Spring 2008 Collection at an event at the W Hotel organized for me at their fabulous Beach Bar. As you know, I love telling a story and this was no exception.My collection was based on Cleopatra arriving in Rome to look for her Marc Antony, but in 2008! And these were the fabulous dresses she had in her Louis Vuitton trunks. Here are a couple of shots from the runway show, which went well: No models falling, no broken high heels, no ripped seams or broken zippers! The model in the aquamarine silk gown is , in fact, my sister Rita, former Survivor: Fiji contestant, who flew out, along with my whole family , from San Antonio, Texas .The press, media and guests I spoke to said that it was a complete success. They loved the show and the collection. From backstage ,I could see people's jaw dropping and could hear the "oohs and ahhs", which I guess is a good reaction.
Prior to Thursday night's show, I did several TV morning talk shows--NBC, FOX and local KUSI--promoting the event, fashion show and my "celebrity bartending".
For morning talk show interview on KUSI Click HERE and click HERE for my interview on FOX.

Wearable Fashion Trends 18: A Skirting Way

Out of the picture for the last couple of seasons - overshadowed by its sister the dress - skirt is firmly back in fashion focus.

There's nothing like wearing a skirt to make a woman feel feminine yet empowered. It's a garment with many moods; the knee-length is perennially practical, the midi is easy and carefree while the mini is bold and brave. Check out the new season's skirt shapes with net-a-porter's tips on how we should wear them...

Contorversial: Fall's Must-Have Shoes

V Magazine used a controversial fashion editorial to showcase this season’s must-have shoes. Combining images of the female form and stylist Brian Mollov’s foot-wear picks for the fall is facing a lot of scrutiny by more conservative types.

The photography by Bela Borsodi is being met with varied opinions. Some of the bloggers may find it ridiculous: naughty imagery was being used to sell footwear, others may think it was an innovative approach.

It all depends who you ask—either way, the ad was effective. It got attention, it’s been talked about, and the images will remain in our minds.

It’s body art. It’s creative. And yes, it’s edgy.

The following pictures were edited to hide some "private" parts. Look closely and share your opinion!


From left:
Diesel
Prada
D&G


From left:
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière
Tod's
Dior by John Galliano

From left to right:
Calvin Klein
Giuseppe Zanotti
Bally

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