NICK APPEARANCES.....Dillard's Scottsdale Arizona In-Store Appearance for NV Nick Verreos, TV Appearances: The Recap!

Color Me Fab: Nick Verreos with models in "NV Nick Verreos" Spring 2013 dresses--Nick Veerreos In-Store Appearance for "NV Nick Verreos" dress line launch event Dillard's Scottsdale Arizona Fashion Square

NV Nick Verreos--available at Dillard's

Last week I flew to Arizona to do my first Dillard's In-Store Appearance for my new NV Nick Verreos dress line. As you may know, I just launched my very affordable contemporary dress line NV Nick Verreos (priced from $108-$168) based on a lot of the Red Carpet dresses worn by many celebs from my high-end more expensive NIKOLAKI collection. The collection is carried at about fifty Dillard's stores across the US and I felt, this was the perfect time to make some in-store appearances to promote the line. My first stop was the Dillard's in Scottsdale Fashion Square.

 Nick Verreos--In-Store Appearance for "NV Nick Verreos" dress line launch at Dillard's Scottsdale Arizona Fashion Square

My event was this past Saturday but I arrived a couple of days before to do some TV appearances to publicize the event. First, I checked in to my hotel--The Saguaro Hotel Scottsdale. My NIKOLAKI and NV Nick Verreos design partner, David Paul and I chose this hotel because we loved the fun colorful design, Palm Springs-like look of it all (they have one in Palm Springs as well, naturally) and the photos of the pool. Boy were we naive to even think that on a business trip we would even get to use the fabulous pool. Needless to say, we did not; our schedule was jam-packed and we barely found time to sleep. But I did find time to take a photo of the great and colorful room:

Love the colorful striped bed-throw--The Saguaro Hotel Scottsdale Arizona

The (never used) Pool--The Saguaro Hotel Scottsdale Arizona

After arriving on Thursday, checking in, getting dinner and some sleep, I had to be up early on Friday to prep for an appearance on the "Arizona Midday" KPNX (an NBC affiliate) Phoenix Channel 12 TV Show. The show is broadcast live beginning at 1 PM which means I had to start getting ready for it around 9AM of course! I was bringing two models--all in my new NV Nick Verreos dresses to promote my in-store appearance at Dillard's plus discuss the latest in Spring/Summer trends. After I got there, the show's host, the beautiful Destry Jetton, told me that my segment would come after a "Coffee Talk" segment they had to do--where they discuss "Hot Topics" of the day. Well kids, Destry immediately said "Why can't Nick be part of our 'Coffee Talk'?" Naturally, it was "done and done":

Coffee Talk Ladies--and a Gentleman: Nick Verreos joins the ladies on "Coffee Talk" segment, KPNX Phoenix Channel 12 "Arizona Midday" TV Show

Here are pics from that TV appearance:

Nick Verreos with "Arizona Midday" TV Show host Destry Jetton

Pop of Color: Model Rachel Marie in "NV Nick Verreos" Spring/Summer 2013 dresses--"Arizona Midday" KPNX Phoenix Channel 12 TV Show

After my "Arizona Midday" TV Show appearance, I went to the Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square to "survey" the lay of the land for my appearance the next day--as well as check out the dress styles and accessories--all put together by the most FABULOUS Denise Ames, Director of Special Events/Western Division for Dillard's. PS: I ADORE her! She organized everything to such amazing perfection. Can I make FIVE clones of her? Please? Like TOMORROW!!??

 Dressed and Ready: Nick Verreos with his "NV Nick Verreos" models, Rachel Marie (L) and Kaylee Esplin (R)--"Arizona Midday" KPNX Phoenix Channel 12 TV Show

Also, for our first TV segment we wanted to show a third dress but only had two models, so Denise's assistant, a very tall and beautiful Kaylee Esplin (the blond model in the green dress above) rose to the occasion and modeled for the very first time--we ended up using her for our other TV segment as well! Thank you Kaylee, you ROCK!

(Left to right): Dan Kluvo, James Kluvo, Nick Verreos, Kaitlin Kluvo (in the NV Nick Verreos dress she bought!)

 Family Dinner: (Left to Right) James Kluvo, Dan Kluvo, Laura Kluvo, Maria (Will's girlfriend), Nick Verreos, Conchita Hansen, David Paul, Will Kluvo 

Before I realized, it was time for both David and I to head back to our hotel and get "freshened up" (splash & spray!) for a wonderful--and very special dinner at FnB with Blogging Project Runway's Laura Kluvo and her family. Laura has supported me through all these years and I consider her my "Project Runway Fairy Godmother". We were also joined by David's mom, Conchita, who flew in from San Diego to come to my in-store event and support her son and I. We LUV her!

The following morning, it was "rise & shine" very early in the AM as I had to be on KTVK-3TV's "Good Morning Arizona" in the 9 AM hour promoting my NV Nick Verreos/Dillard's appearance as well as discussing Spring/Summer 2013 Trends:

Apple Green, Watercolor Prints, Grecian Goddess: Nick Verreos with models in "NV Nick Verreos" dresses with "Good Morning Arizona" Weekend co-anchor Tess Rafols (far right)

Good Morning Arizona: Nick Verreos with models Jayohna Williams, Rachel Marie and Kaylee Esplin in NV Nick Verreos dresses--KTVK-3TV "Good Morning Arizona" weekend TV Show

After my Morning TV Show appearance, it was time to get some breakfast, do a quick outfit change and head to the Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square and get ready for my In-Store Appearance--here are some pics from that:

 David Paul and his mommy Conchita Encinas Hansen--Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square, NV Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance

One Shoulder Peach Fashionista: A mannequin on the floor at the Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square, Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance

The Stage Is Set: NV Nick Verreos/Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance, Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square

Picture Time: David Paul taking pics of the event--NV Nick Verreos/Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance, Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square

Nick Verreos and model Jayhona Williams in NV Nick Verreos "Lydia" pop art/geometric printed jersey tunic dress--NV Nick Verreos/Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance, Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square

Nick Verreos and model Rachel Marie in watercolor printed "Davida" crepe halter dress--NV Nick Verreos/Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance, Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square

Nick Verreos and model Rachel Marie in "Heidi" dress--a black one-shoulder jersey and faux leather dress that Heidi Klum wore---NV Nick Verreos/Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance, Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square

And The Winner Is: After my mini-"NV Nick Verreos" Fashion presentation at Dillard's, I chose one person from the audience who would win a free "NV Nick Verreos" dress PLUS a personal styling session--where I would pick the perfect accessories that would go with the "NV Nick Verreos" dress she would pick.

Surprised Winner: Nick Verreos with the winner Constance Rossnen (second from right) who won a  free "NV Nick Verreos" dress and Personal Styling Session

Green Fab Winner: Constance (the winner) chose this gorgeous draped jersey dress from my "NV Nick Verreos" collection--and I picked this FAB straw bag, pumps plus earrings and necklace that would go with the dress--all free and all part of her prize!



Meet-and-Greet:

After my event, I had the chance to meet-and-greet everyone who came by for my event, all the shoppers plus many Project Runway fans who came by. Of note was the lovely Claire Callahan (left photo, above) who is a BIG Project Runway fan, and her mom bought her my "NV Nick Verreos" turquoise draped dress with jeweled waist embellishment!! (PS: LUV her!)

High School Sweethearts: I was also moved when I saw that one of my old high school classmates--Patty Starling Hayward--from Mills High School Class of (Don't EVEN think about it!)--who lives in Arizona, stopped by with her beautiful daughter (I feel OLD!!) to see me and support me/my appearance. Oh, and by the way, she also bought THE NV Nick Verreos "Heidi" dress!! I owe her a Prom Dance. Like yesterday! Thank you Patty: I love ya!

Nick Verreos with models (left to right) Jayohna Williams, Rachel Marie and Kaylee Esplin in "NV Nick Verreos" Spring 2013 dresses--Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square In-Store Appearance

Team Fab: (Left to right) Model Rachel Marie, David Paul, Janet Scibetta (my "NV" QUEEN!), Nick Verreos and Jayohana Williams--Dillard's Scottsdale Fashion Square Nick Verreos/NV Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance

Click HERE to watch my "Arizona Midday" TV Show KPNX Channel 12 NBC Segment



Click HERE for a great write-up from ScottsdaleFashionista.com

PROJECT RUNWAY.....HP Project Runway Designer Reunion Party 2013

Alumni Bash:

Blue Carpet: Nick Verreos--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

A couple of weekends back--during my time at New York Fashion Week--the day after attending the Project Runway Season 11 Finale Fashion Show at Lincoln Center, I got invited to attend a FAB & FUN bash: The Project Runway HP Designer Reunion Party! Friday, the day the NYC BLIZZARD hit, was the day of the PR fashion show but thank goodness the party was the following night.

The blizzard had passed but all that remained was a bunch of slushy nasty muddy snow on the streets (not good for my YSL Johnny Boots my dear!). But no nasty muddy snow could keep my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul and I away from A PARTY!

The HP blue "Welcome to the Party" gown greeting everyone at the end of the "blue carpet"--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

When we walked in to the Skylight West space, checked our coats, and quickly made it up an elevator which opened up to a fab fashion party atmosphere with a blue carpet and step-and-repeat where guests got to have their "red carpet moment". In the very expansive space, the room was filled with several open bars positioned throughout the party. They were serving Champagne, regular cocktails as well as "specialty drinks" such as the "Tim Gunn Vodka Martini" (my personal fave!). Being that it was a Fashion Party, there were models positioned in different areas showing prints made by Project Runway designers using the HP/intel technology (as seen on the show). I wish they had those back in my Season but oh well...we missed out back in...never-mind! Here are some pics of the models and their HP prints:

Printed Statuesque Goddess: the STUNNING Aminat Ayinde--Emilio Sosa's model on All Stars Season 2 (I am OBSESSED with her!). She was modeling Emilio's printed HP design separates--an off the shoulder corset top and cropped skinny pants. Fun Fact: the Lagos, Nigeria 5' 11" beauty was on Cycle 12 of America's Next Top Model in 2009 and almost won...she came in third.

 HP Intel Project Runway prints on walls and models--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Naturally, being that it was a Project Runway Designer Reunion Party, there were LOTS of  Project Runway designers. All (I think!) of this current season's (Season 11) designers/contestants were there. I had not met most of them so it was nice to say "Hi". Now, here's the interesting part: since this party was held A DAY after the Finale Runway Show, the Winner of the season had already been "crowned" (the night before), so amongst them was the Winner. Now, I have a hunch of who the Winner is of this season, but...they sure weren't giving me any clues. Everyone looked very happy to be there--save for a couple who had already been eliminated on "TV time" and well, they were just enjoying the booze and hors d'oeuvres being passed around...Here are some photos I got with some of this current season's designers:

Bow Tie Brothers: Season 11 designer Benjamin Mach and Nick Verreos--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Cocktail Time: Nick Verreos with Season 11 designer Cindy Marlatt--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Dandy Fab: Nick Verreos with Season 11 designer Daniel Esquivel (right), and his sister--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

 Group Shot: Nick Verreos with Season 11 designers (left to right) Matthew Arthur, Michelle Lesniak Franklin, Stanley Hudson and Benjamin Mach--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

South American Power: Nick Verreos with Season 11 designer Layana Aguilar--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Native American Mommy: Nick Verreos with Season 11 designer Patricia Michaels--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

I also got some photos with some "Past" Project Runway Alumn:

Nick Verreos with Season 7 and All Stars Season 2 designer (and Tony-nominated Costume Designer!) Emilio Sosa--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Nick Verreos with Season 10 designers Lantie Foster and Alicia Hardesty--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

My Finale Fashion Show Seat Buddies: Nick Verreos with Season 10 Finalists Fabio Costa and Melissa Fleis--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Our Florence Italy Girlfriend: Nick Verreos and David Paul with Season 6 and All Stars Season 2 designer Althea Harper--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

My Season 2 Wife: Nick Verreos with Season 2 and All Stars Season 1 designer Kara Janx--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

Blogging Project Runway Love: Nick Verreos with Blogging Project Runway "Mommy" Laura Kluvo--Project Runway HP Designer Reunion NY Fashion Week Party, Skylight West

It was a great party and David and I had a lot of fun taking photos, mingling, enjoying the cocktails, the HP Intel printed models, and getting to meet all this season's designers and especially getting to see some of the "old ones" like the Love of my Season 2 Life, Miss Kara Janx...Thanks HP Intel and Project Runway for inviting me, I had a BLAST! Until next season and next New York Fashion Week!