Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Viktor & Rolf--Photos + Runway Video!

Doll Muse

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 is in full swing and Saturday was the Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012 runway show. Amsterdam-born designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren showed a very colorful collection that had BARBIE written all over it! We all know the duo has a MAJAH doll obsession--no fashionista worth their Louboutin's can ever forget that iconic Russian Doll Collection from their Fall/Winter 1999/2000 Haute Couture Collection. As you will see from the runway video at the end of this post--as well as these photos--from the moment the first model Natasha Poly came out in her synthetic pink eyelashes, over-sized laced-up jacket, skirt and bra-top ensemble, it was Mattel Barbie Land Heaven!

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

They carried the over-sized lacing through out their collection, and everything, from the collars to the blouson Bishop sleeves, was exaggerated 110%. They almost looked like "Valley of The Dolls: The Barbie Edition".

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

Colors were very "Barbie"--bubblegum pinks, deep reds, and royal blues. Lots of swirl-like applique' details as well.

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

The final Ball Gowns were of Couture-like quality. We may never see these in any store. But I have a feeling Katy Perry, Rihanna or Nicki Minaj's stylists might be calling...Speaking of calling, Mattel might need to make some flight reservations to Paris to meet with these two to come up with a Europe-only "Viktor & Rolf Barbie". I, for one, will be ALL over Harrods next year to get that doll!

Click Below for Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012 Runway Show:

Nick Verreos Attends LA Gay & Lesbian Center's LifeWorks 6th Annual Life Out Loud Event at Paramount Studios

Happy Pride...at the Paramount Lot:

Nick Verreos, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event Paramount Backlot

Last night, as part of Los Angeles Pride 2011 Festivities, my dear friends Colin and John invited me to a great fundraiser event/party. It was the 6th Annual LA Gay & Lesbian Center's Life Out Loud benefiting LifeWorks, the center's youth development and mentoring program.

Where Are My Keys: Nick Verreos poses next to a new and shiny Lexus, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event, Paramount Backlot

Platinum/Presenting Sponsors included Barbie Collector (more on that later--read on) as well as Lexus. This year's honorees were Mike C. Manning, Human Rights Activist, also known from being on "MTV's Real World D.C.", as well as Zach Wahls, famous for his address to the Iowan State Legislature in support of his two moms and Gay Marriage.

The festive cocktail party, held at the Paramount Studios Backlot "New York Street", featured music--very Hed Kandi-esque "Beach House", delicious hors d'oeuvres (sliders, desserts, crudites)...

Absolut cocktails (naturally!) as well as a FABULOUS Silent Auction. For the Silent Auction, there were long tables set up on the Backlot, displaying an extensive array of items such as a BookMarc by Marc Jacobs Package, a HUGE book on the famed Italian fashion house of Pucci (a Must-Have for any Fashionista-coffee-table!), a doggie bed with doggie toys, Diesel leather bag (my friend bid on this and won!), as well as many many others.

Cher Heaven: Cher poster/canopy, Barbie Collector Tent, LifeWorks Life Out Loud Event

Now, adjacent to the Silent Auction, cocktail bars and hors d'oeuvres table--there was something that made me almost trip on my YSL Johnny Boots: There was a Barbie Collector tent set up with Super-Sized canopies and posters featuring some of the most ICONIC Barbie Collector dolls--especially for the Gays. There was Cher in all her "If I Can Turn Back Time" ensemble--no wrinkles in sight--

As well as Barbra Streisand (above) in her Sailor outfit which she wore at her Coconut Grove and Hollywood Bowl concerts in the early 60's--Miss Streisand actually designed this famous ensemble--with the help of Hollywood Costume Designer Donfeld.

Another poster/canopy in the Barbie Collector tent that caught my eye, was the "Krystle and Alexis" Dynasty Barbies (above). Two of my absolute favorites. Gosh, I just love those 80's Barbies! Look at the hair (notice Krystle's darker "under" hair color), the diamonds, the gowns!! To that note, as part of the Silent Auction, Barbie Collector put together some AMAZING baskets for guests to bid on. I was going to bid on one but alas, time ran out and I missed it! (insert SAD FACE)

Project Runway Smiles: Nick Verreos and Jack Mackenroth

After spending WAAAY too much time at the "Barbie Collector" tent, my friends finally pried me away so I could actually enjoy some nibblings and cocktails and spend time with friends--new and old. I ran into fellow Project Runway alumn, hottie muscle boy Jack Mackenroth who was in town visiting from the East Coast...

Cutie Brit: British-born singer actor, composer (and new party/event buddy!) Tom Lowe

English actor and singer (you may recognize him from his stint on the sixth season of "American Idol") and composer Tom Lowe was also at the Life Out Loud Fundraiser. He's an acquaintance of the boys I came with and was such a HOOT to hang out with. We were bonding to no end on the Hed Kandi-like house music tunes being played (we were singing them really loud much to our bystanders dismay) as well as he was giving me some traveling tips on my upcoming trip to Europe--and London especially...

Blazers Required: My good friend--and one half of my "Dates"--Colin Murphy

Finally, I had to bid Adieu to such a great event--and get back home and be depressed at the fact that I didn't get to bid--or win--any Barbie's from that amazing Silent Auction so I leave you with this Bob Mackie Circus Barbie Doll that was encased in glass (of course it was!) in the Barbie Collector Tent:

Just FAB-u-LOUS!!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Event Macy's Union Square

San Francisco Host With The Most: Sunglass Shopping, Hot-Dog Eatin', Manicure Polishing and Much More...Billboard Boy: Nick Verreos at Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

On Saturday, I flew into San Francisco in a flourish. Here's the rundown: Got up at 5AM, packed, showered and got dressed, got to LAX, and boarded my Virgin America 8 AM flight to the City by the Bay. My trusty car and Bob--one of my favorite drivers in SF--picked me up at SFO and whisked me off to Union Square where I was to host the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut store at Macy's San Francisco's flagship from noon-4PM.Posing Divas: Nick Verreos and models pose with the Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Sunglasses designed by Devi Kroell, Matt Murphy and Kara Ross

The weather in San Francisco on Saturday was sunny and gorgeous--perfect to be sporting some CHIC new sunglasses. Macy's and Sunglass Hut had set up a whole "Afternoon Soiree" in Level 1 of the store and I was it's "Host with the Most". I brought three of the prettiest Ford models from San Francisco to be my "Nick's Angels" for the event (all styled fabulously by Keylee Sanders, my SF Stylist DIVA from Style Studio).Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Macy's San Francisco Union Square

For the Grand Opening, we had hors d'euvres including mini hot dogs, chili-lemon peppered watermelon and sorbet ice cream sandwiches, as well as lemonade and sparkling water being passed around, to entice shoppers to come see the new shop and get in a "It's Summer and I need some Sunglasses" mood.Greetings Macy's Shoppers: Nick Verreos, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

There was a "photo booth" by Fotomio where shoppers got to try on the featured Vogue Eyewear/CFDA sunglasses and take their very own photos. Pinkies was there giving manicures to shoppers. Sunglasses On A Plate: Models showcase Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Designer Eyewear, Macy's Union Square

As a bonus--just for that day--with EVERY purchase of a pair of sunglasses, shoppers received a chic little Sunglass Hut cosmetic bag, a Gift Certificate to Pinkies AND a full size bottle of Clarins Self Tanning Gel (Hello!!!!). Between the mini-hot dogs, lemonade, photo-booth taking, the gift-with-purchase and my shouting voice of "Welcome, Come Buy Some Sunglasses!!!, the store was abuzz with shopping madness! OMG! It's Nick: Nick Verreos poses with shoppers, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

The event was a complete SUCCESS! I had a great time and the fact that hundreds and hundreds of people (shoppers, tourists strolling in, fans of Project Runway--yeayyy!!) were stopping by, kept it all lively and fun!
That's MY Barbie: Siobhan Tuvo, her daughter Sarah and Nick Verreos, Macy's Union Square Grand Opening of Sunglass Hut

A highlight was one of my very best friends, Siobhan Tuvo, stopped by and brought her oh-so-pretty daughter Sarah, whom I had not seen in YEARS!!! Sarah brought me a special somethin'-somethin': The "Project Runway My Scene Nick Verreos Barbie"!!! Well, you just know I began screaming in the microphone like a little girl! She brought it for me to sign and of course, I obliged. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous afternoon at my Sunglass Hut Macy's San Francisco Event!
Now it was time to get some rest before the next day's big event: SF Gay Pride Parade!!! Stay Tuned...

Below is a fun slideshow with LOTS of photos of the entire event. These fantastic photos were provided by Drew Altizer Photography and click HERE for even MORE photos!

FIDM Project Runway Website: Uncle Nicky has fun at school!!!

FIDM Video Tour a la NickWeb Star: Nick Verreos featured in the new FIDM website videos

Well, it's official: The Season 6 Premiere of Project Runway was a HUGE SUCCESS! 4.2 million viewers! Lifetime, Heidi and Tim must be very happy (and Harvey Weinstein too). After a year's absence, the fans were still interested--naturally! In case you didn't watch it, Project Runway has "moved" to Los Angeles and my Alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM is "Project Runway Central" as the designers will be using their design, pattern and sewing studios to "Make It Work".My Other Barbie: Nick Verreos Malibu Barbie, on display at FIDM

I filmed some fun videos for the official FIDM Project Runway website and the first ones are up!
There's one of me at the Barbie 50Th Anniversary Wall where I give you a sneak peak of my "other" Barbie; one of me with some students at the Media Library/Study Lounge; and one of me at the FIDM Gallery and Museum of the Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design, where FIDM grad Leanne Marshall's winning Project Runway Season 5 Collection is on display!

Click HERE for all the video madness.

Shopping Spree!

I'm in New York right now for the shoe show- which is going well by the way :)

But before I left, I took my little sister Katie on a little shopping spree.

We killed it...

For my hard work and selfless shopping that day I decided to treat myself. I also decided to go against popular vote and NOT get the studded Louboutins (unless of course, they go on sale)

So here they are- my newest purchase... the Ron Ron in Barbie Pink.

(hallelujah trumpets descend)

Yippee! Do you like?? I LOVE them. They may be one of my favorite shoes ever. They are not so high that I can't wear them often and the color is truly amazing and even better in person. I love that they are a simple, classic silhouette and that the color is the thing that makes them pop.

I wore them out of the store and for the rest of our shopping extravaganza and got lots of elevator eyes and nice compliments. That always makes me feel like I spent my money wisely. Yes- I'm that shallow.

Nick Verreos Debuts his Second Barbie!!!!

Nick Verreos "Hearts" Barbie!
50Th Anniversary Barbie: Nick Verreos' "Malibu Birthday Gala" Barbie Doll

Over the weekend, I had the honor and privilege of unveiling my one-of-a-kind design for Barbie at the fabulous FIDM Debut 2009 Gala in the Santa Monica Barker Hangar. Last year, a friend of mine who designs for Mattel, contacted me to discuss doing something very special for them as part of Barbie's upcoming 50Th Anniversary Celebration.

Final (Pink) Bow: Nick and his Barbie take a Bow
Photo Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

They thought it would be wonderful to partner with a fashion design school and possibly have a selected group of students design an outfit for Barbie and a one-of-a-kind doll would then be made, from the student designers' visions. As an instructor and Official Spokesperson at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles, they thought I would be the perfect conduit to help facilitate this, and naturally I did. Now, of course I also told them that it would not be a complete Barbie Fashion Show, unless I also designed a very special gown for Barbie as part of the celebration.
Ever since I was very young, I loved Barbie for her fabulousness and as many of you may know, during Season 2 of Project Runway, I won the "Design an Outfit for the My Scene Barbie Challenge". My winning Barbie Doll was subsequently produced and eventually sold-out at Toys 'R Us. It is now considered a "Collector's Barbie".
Nick Barbie No. 1: The Project Runway Nick Verreos My Scene Barbie--and dress

So of course, I was "tickled pink" at the thought of designing for Barbie once again. For this very special anniversary, I was to design a gown for Barbie's "Birthday Celebration", basically my vision for how Barbie would dress as she hosted her Birthday Gala at her Malibu Mansion. I was inspired by many things, including 1950's Hollywood Glamour, Haute Couture and even Japanese Anime Characters.
Tokyo Bow: Inspiration for my "Malibu Barbie Gown"

I also wanted to do a variation on the strapless gown that Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin wore at the 2008 Oscars from my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Collection but of course add lots of DRAMA, lots of PINK and Barbie-ize it!
Oscars Red Carpet: Actress Marlee Matlin wears NIKOLAKI gown at the 2008 Academy Awards

After I sketched the final illustration, it was handed to the genius "petite mains" at Mattel to create the doll. Even before my gown was finished, I got to see my doll, and can I just tell you: It was AMAZING!!!! (see at the beginning of the posting) It looked just like my sketch! They really can make magic happen at Mattel.

Etch-a-Sketch: My original illustration, for the doll and the actual gown
Photos Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

Now, I had to "step it up" and create a life-size gown worthy of the 12 inch doll--as well as my original illustration. The gown took over 75 hours to make (50 hours for sewing the gown plus about 25 for the hand beading) not counting my draping, fitting and pattern time. It took over 30 yards of light pink "strawberry" and "bubblegum" pink duchesse silk and rayon satin.

In the end, it was certainly a labor of Love for Barbie by everyone who had a hand in creating it. I was also honored to have had Crystallized Swarovski Elements sponsor my "Nick Verreos Barbie" and they provided all the gorgeous Swarovski crystals which envelop the back Obi-Bow detail, as seen below.

The Exit Bow: Hundreds of Swarovski crystals in degrade' style cover the back Obi-Bow
Photo Courtesy of Philip Cuenco

Since Barbie is famous for her love for crystals, sequins and stars, I wanted my gown to have this "surprise" back detail and have the crystals look as if a Star had shattered beautifully and miraculously behind Barbie--and right on her Couture Gown! My design partner David Paul, did a fantastic job of hand-beading all those crystals. The final outcome was exquisite, if don't say so myself (wait, I just did!).America's Next Top Barbie: Model Chantal Jones

And just in case you thought my life size Barbie looked a bit familiar: Well, it was none other than the stunning (and oh so sweet!) Chantal Jones, the six-foot tall runner-up from Cycle 9 of "America's Next Top Model" .

Below is great video of the Barbie Fashion Show:
Part One:

Part Two:

NY Fashion Week--Barbie 50th Aniversary Fashion Show Video!!!

I'm a Barbie Girl In A Barbie World....
Original Barbie: Rachel Roy's striped sequined one-piece

This last Saturday afternoon, NY Fashion Week went PINK! As in Barbie Pink! The Council of Fashion Designers of America--the CFDA--asked 50 of their member designers, to come up with their vision for a "Barbie Dream Wardrobe". From Rachel Roy's sequined Vintage Barbie opening exit bathing suit to House Of Field's futuristic one-leg jumpsuit, these American designers conjured up designs that ran the gamut from wearable and off-the-rack to "OK, Is Barbie a Drag Queen?". Other designers included Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang and Marchesa. The outfits weren't all bubble-gum pink satin and tulle and there was a lot of black and anything in between (since of course, Barbie cannot live in pink ALL THE TIME!).
Boris and Natasha Barbie: Barbie goes mysterious

Savvy fashion-watchers noted that some of the outfits were not "especially created for Barbie" but were rather dresses or pieces from the designer's collections that were "Barbie-ized" for this special tribute. Note the strapless red gown below--worn by Pennsylvania-born supermodel Sessilee--that was suspiciously similar to Eva Longoria's SAG Awards red carpet gown.
Miss Barbie: Sessilee models Apple-Red Satin Strapless Mermaid Gown

One of the standouts was--naturally--Bob Mackie's Cher-inspired "Barbie Does the Flamingo Hilton/Vegas Riviera" gold gown with feathered headdress. God Bless Bob Mackie!
Welcome to Vegas! Bob Mackie's vision for Barbie

The massive backdrop showed kaleidoscopic videos and iconic images of Barbie and the runway was, of course, pink...even Ken made a "special guest star" appearance. It all ended in a massive shower of glitter confetti with the models walking with tulle-clad little fans of Barbie...
After 50 Years, Are They Still Together? Barbie and Ken

Click BELOW for Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Barbie NY Fashion Week Runway Show: