UNDER THE GUNN....."Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Winning Designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez's Marie Claire July 2014 Fashion Spread--Pics, My Behind-The-Scenes Blog!

Latino Couple: Winning Designer and Mentor: (L to R) Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Nick Verreos, Silver Lake neighborhood, Los Angeles Marie Claire U.S. Magazine photo-shoot

As you know, back in April, I was on Lifetime Network's "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"--a Reality Competition TV Show hosted by Tim Gunn with Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra and Project Runway Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, and myself Mentoring up-and-coming designers, guiding and helping them through many "Project Runway"-like design challenges until there was one winning designer and one winning mentor.  After a very trying season, my only remaining designer--the VERY talented Oscar Garcia-Lopez--won...

Marie Claire U.S. July 2014 Cover

Soooo.....I also won as the Top Mentor of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" (YEAYYY!!!). One of the prizes I was to get was my own "Photo Spread" in Marie Claire Magazine. I was very excited at this since I could possibly feature my NIKOLAKI designs and subsequently have the Marie Claire readers get a chance to see my designs. Well kids, there was indeed a Marie Claire Photo Spread that I was part of but it was Oscar's photo spread (which indeed was one of the several prizes he got from winning the show)...

SERIIIIIIOUUUUSLEEE: Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Nick Verreos, Silver Lake neighborhood, Los Angeles Marie Claire U.S. Magazine photo-shoot

I found this out when I was told that the Marie Claire photo spread was happening but that I was just asked to show up, dressed and ready with no need for any of my designs.

Oscar Garcia-Lopez--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

Naturally, I was sad that I didn't get my own photo shoot, but I also was thrilled to be part of Oscar's Winning Marie Claire photo spread since he--after all was the BIG winner; and as a bonus, it was a chance to see Oscar since I ADORE him! This photo spread is out and on the newsstands in the Marie Claire July 2014 issue (with cover girl, actress Mila Kunis.)



The Marie Claire July 2014 "Under The Gunn" Photo Spread:

"Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Winning Designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez  Photo-Spread, Marie Claire U.S. July 2014

Photographer Emman Montalvan, Fashion Editor Sue Choi

 Here are some Behind-The-Scenes Pics I took during the shoot:

Fashion Trunk: One of the trunks that had Oscar's winning creations shipped to the L.A. photo spread location in Los Angeles

Model Fab:

 Nick Verreos with model Polina Protodyakonova (from Photogenics)--Marie Claire July 2014 "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" photo shoot, Silver Lake Los Angeles

Model Polina Protidyakonova in a batwing silver lame top and skinny trousers from "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" winning designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

Oscar, The Rack and Accessories:

 Oscar holding up his "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Finale Collection grape-colored gown--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

 The Rack--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

 The Jewelry and Shoes--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

 Fashion Editor Sue Choi--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine Project Runway: Under The Gunn Oscar Garcia-Lopez photo spread, Silver Lake Los Angeles

 Leaving the Shoot: Nick Verreos--Silver Lake Los Angeles

Winning Twosome: (L to R) Winning Mentor and Designer of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn", Nick Verreos and Oscar Garcia-Lopez--Marie Claire U.S. Magazine, Silver Lake Los Angeles

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Rachel Roy Wears Gown Designed by Under The Gunn Winning Designer Oscar Lopez to Met Gala: EXCLUSIVE Pics + Sketch!

The Met Gala 2014 Gown for Rachel Roy: Gown designed by Oscar Garcia-Lopez, Winner of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"

Photo Courtesy of Oscar Garcia-Lopez

This Monday, I had the opportunity to shoot the "Photo Spread" for Marie Claire Magazine as one of the prizes I won as the Winning Mentor on Project Runway: Under The Gunn. The photo shoot was actually for Oscar Garcia-Lopez and the beautiful finale collection he created (I don't actually get my own editorial), but I was THRILLED to be part of his big winning editorial moment, hang out with Oscar again and see all the beautiful clothing he made in a short 3 days for the big finale show!

Winning Designer and Mentor--Marie Claire Photoshoot (Left to right) Oscar Lopez and Nick Verreos

Oscar flew out to LA for one day for the shoot (I'll do a full BLOG RECAP of the day with lots of Behind-the-Scenes pics soon!). Anyhow, while we were DISHING about this-and-that, he told me that Project Runway: Under The Gunn judge--and fashion designer Diva--Rachel Roy had commissioned him to design and create the gown she would wearing to the 2014 Met Gala. Oscar allowed me to show you guys some EXCLUSIVE pics of the gown, the fabric, sketch plus how it all happened...

Here's the DISH:

Lace Met Goddess: Fashion sketch by Oscar Lopez of Rachel Roy's gown for the 2014 Met Gala

Sketch Courtesy of Oscar Garcia-Lopez

Rachel Roy contacted Oscar with less than two week's notice to design and create a gown for her that she would wear for the Met Gala. PS: what an honor! He quickly did some sketches, she approved the first one and after getting her measurements, within a couple of days, he already had a muslin sample done which he FedEx'ed to Rachel for approval. She loved it. Then it was time to make the final gown...

Gorgeous Lace: The fabric consisted of French sequined lace (very expensive!) plus English netting and silk ziberline. The design was a high-neck gown featuring a sequined lace fitted skirt and long sleeves--backed with silk organza--plus a ziberline bustier with top stitching.

Finished Gown: The neckline was created using parts of sequined lace hand-sewn in a jigsaw puzzle form. Also, the back featured a large godet--from the sequined lace--forming a train. Oscar and his staff also hand-sewed scalloped edges at the hem from the sequined lace fabric.



Here's Rachel in NYC getting ready for the 2014 Met Gala, putting on the gown:

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Roy Instagram

I heard that when Rachel received the gown, she was FLOORED at how perfect it fit her and how amazing of job he did!  Congrats Oscar! Felicitaciones and Beautiful gown! 

NICK APPEARANCES.....Benefit Cosmetics "Benebabe" Meet and Greet Event in Macy's Union Square San Francisco, The BLOG RECAP!

 Presenting....Benefit! Nick Verreos Hosts Benefit Cosmetics "Meet and Greet", Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Photo Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

This past Friday, I flew to San Francisco to not only make a Special Appearance at the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Francisco campus but to also host a fabulous event at Macy's Union Square for Benefit Cosmetics, THE Makeup Sponsor for Lifetime's "Project Runway: Under The Gunn".

Hello San Francisco: Nick Verreos Hosts Benefit Cosmetics Meet-and-Greet, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Left Photo Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

I was excited to be back in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities in the US--and the World--for this fun event. This very special "Meet-and-Greet with Nick Verreos" was a chance to make Benefit Beauty Appointments--such as "Makeupper's" and Brow "fixin's", win a $500 Macy's Shopping Spree and yes, get a chance to take photos with me--Selfies included! Here are a bunch of great photos from the event:

 Hostin' Nick: Nick Verreos Hosts Benefit Cosmetics Meet-and-Greet, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

                                            Photos Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

Benebabe Apron Fab: Nick Verreos with the Benefit Cosmetics gals--Makeup and Brow Specialists--all wearing "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Winning Designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez' designed apron, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

                                         Photos Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

Apron Nick: Now, speaking of the apron...I, naturally, wanted to put on the fabulous apron designed by my "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez. So of course, I took one of "Benebabe" estheticians' apron and put it on!

 And then, I got up on stage to show off the apron--Nick Verreos wearing the Oscar Garcia-Lopez' designed Benefit Cosmetics apron

                                           Photo Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

DJ Spinning: Nick Verreos helping DJ Junior spin the tunes for the "Nick Verreos Meet-and-Greet Benefit Cosmetics" Event at Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Meet-and-Greet Pics:

   Nick Verreos and Attendees, "Benefit Cosmetics Nick Verreos Meet-and-Greet Event" Benefit                                           Cosmetics Macy's Union Square San Francisco

                                         Photos Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

Nick Verreos and stylish attendees--Benefit Cosmetics Nick Verreos Meet-and-Greet, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Knead Bakery Selfie: I was so happy when one of the attendees gave me a delicious treat from Knead Patisserie--and then we got to take a Selfie! 

                                          Photo Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

Prom Photo Redux: I was also so excited to see my "Sister-from-another-Mister"--my ol' friend Siobhan (above) who came out for the event. I was her Prom Date back in high school and yes, we had to take a "Prom Photo" as you can see from the photo above.

Soon, it was time for me to get my Eyebrows Waxed and Tweezed...a la Benefit:

 Benefit Brow King: Nick Verreos getting his brows done, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

                                              Photos Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

Nick Verreos and the Benefit Apron Gals--Macy's Union Square San Francisco

                                               Photo Courtesy of Rachael Heim Photography

 I Left My Heart in SF...Thanks San Francisco, Thanks Benefit Cosmetics and Thanks Macy's Union Square...for a FABULOUS time!

UNDER THE GUNN.....Nick's Take, Project Runway: Under The Gunn Episode 13 Season Finale, My Inside Dish, Lots of Behind-the-Scenes Pics!

 WINNERS! Designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Mentor Nick Verreos--Project Runway: Under The Gunn Season Finale 

This past Thursday was the Season Finale of Lifetime's "Project Runway: Under The Gunn". After thirteen episodes, lots of Fashion...and DRAMA...a Winning Designer and Mentor was "crowned". Oh and yes, WE WON!!! My designer Oscar Garcia-Lopez won and as his Mentor, I won too (Yeaayyyy Team Oscar-Nick!).

Driving Miss Nick: Oscar Gracia-Lopez and Nick Verreos--Season Finale Episode "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"

Now, let's get to the Finale Episode and Fashion Show and my "Nick Inside Dish"...



The Workroom--Pre-Finale Collection:

Oscar was very excited at the prospect of making his first collection for this Finale Fashion Show. He wanted to prove to the judges that he had a vision, he could do directional, sexy, as well as elegant. He wanted to show separates, as well as a gown, of course. He also wanted to re-do his "Best Hits" but better, more luxe with a change here and a change there. Since the judges had loved his "Superhero" coat that he made in $2/yard felt, he wanted to re-do it in very expensive double-faced cashmere, for example. I told him to honor his Cuban heritage and pay "homage" to the women in his life with this collection.

Team Oscar: Oscar also got help from Natalia Fedner--one of my "Team Nick" designers who was brought back to assist him in making his collection. Natalia was amazing! From the get-go, Natalia was like "OK, Oscar what would you like me to do??!! Let's Win this!".

Mood Boy: Oscar Garcia-Lopez at Mood Fabrics Los Angeles--Since it was the final Mood shopping trip and I was lucky enough to come along with him, at the end I made sure to take photos of Oscar on the floor with all his bags of fabrics, as you can see above. He was ready to start making his collection!



The following day, after a whole day of working, draping, sewing, and fittings with his models at the FIDM "Under the Gunn" workroom...I again, made sure to capture some images since I knew that this would be the last time before the Finale Runway...

Meredith Hennessy, Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Nick Verreos--FIDM "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" workroom. Meredith was so wonderful; the perfect "Oscar Cheerleader". We ADORED her! She was always "Go Oscar!!"

If you remember, Meredith is who wore the creme "Getty Museum" caped ensemble that won him that challenge.

Team Oscar-Nick Group Shot: Biaca Palmerin, Meredith Hennessy, Nick Verreos, Natalia Fedner, Oscar Garcia-Lopez, Ashleigh, Leslie Allen and Koreen--FIDM "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" workroom

Oscar's Collection...in the making--FIDM "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" workroom

Finale Runway Night:

 Under The Gunn Finale Fashion Show Presented by Lexus--Los Angeles Theater, Downtown Los Angeles

Mentor Step-and-Repeat: (L to R) Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos--Under the Gunn Finale Fashion Show, Los Angeles Theater

My Man: For the Finale--it was all so last minute that none of us knew where it would happen until only 48 hours before. I, of course, asked production if I could invite anyone. And they said "yes!" (Yeayyy!) so naturally, my partner David Paul HAD to be there.

He literally LIVED through this whole show with me--and dressed me EVERY MORNING; he was my unpaid stylist., as well as my "Rock".

Every night, while filming, I went home and threw out my heart and soul to him--and made sure he had read the "Confidentiality Agreement" clause...over and over and over again!

For the photo above, I quickly met him in the theater a couple of hours before the fashion show would start; he wanted to wish me luck. PS: Love him!

Family Support: David also brought his mommy, Conchita (left) and one of his sisters Elise (right), who drove from San Diego to be in the audience supporting me. Both, incidentally, wore their very own NV Nick Verreos dresses--designed by David and I. And they looked beautifully chic!

Las Bellas: Speaking of family, I was very excited to see Oscar's mom (right) and his dear, dear friend, Rosa Maria (left) who flew from Florida to be at the Finale Fashion Show--along with his partner Rick--to support their Oscar. I was happy to see them backstage and give them a big hug!

Welcome to the Finale Fashion Show: Tim Gunn--host of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" greets the audience at the Los Angeles Theater--The fashion show was filmed twice. One with family and a half-filled theater of selected audience with no judges present. And the second time, was with a FULL audience--including friends and family (this is the show David and his mom and sister saw). The reason they do two shows is for editing and filming--just to make sure they have all the right footage. And also because the 2nd show (with the bigger audience) were not allowed to see the actual designers on the runway, only their designs. Very Top Secret!

Finale Judges: In this second show, the "regular" judges were introduced--Stylist Jen Rade, designer Rachel Roy and Marie Claire Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi. And then for the "big reveal", the "Super-special Guest Judges" were introduced: Neil Patrick Harris and Heidi Klum. Neil Patrick Harris is a FIERCE runway catwalker, as you can see from the photo above.

Backstage Beauties: I made sure to take some pics of Oscar's models--and collection backstage before the final show--I gathered all his "Oscar Girls" together for a group shot--above (L to R) Bianca Palmerin, Koreen, Ashleigh, Leslie Allen and Meredith Hennessy in Oscar Gracia-Lopez designs.

Coat Close-Up: Here's a back close-up of Bianca's purple-and-black plaid coat that she wore with her "finale" gown--Oscar Garcia-Lopez "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" collection

Oscar Time: Time for Oscar Garcia-Lopez to introduce his five-piece collection--which he only had TWO DAYS (!) to make...By the way, the creme colored wrist piece was made by Natalia Fedner. He wanted to wear it as an "homage" for her help and for being part of "Team Nick-Oscar".

Meredith: The first look out was this cape-top and double-slit pencil skirt. The top was made of a digitally-cut fabric and the skirt was stretch satin. It was sexy, hot, and chic va-va-voom!

Koreen: This was the second look and from the moment Koreen stepped onto the runway, the 700-people crowd erupted in applause and major "ooohs & ahhs". The audience had NOT clapped for ANYONE'S collections until now. I was backstage with Oscar and yes, I just about cried (again!). This look was a sequined and nude organza top with silk gazar palazzo's. The pants were so gorgeous; they wrapped around the legs and looked as if they were a flared floor-length skirt but oh-no, they were pants. EssssSTUNNING. The crowd thought so.

Leslie Allen: Leslie's look consisted of an ivory organza asymmetrical top with black belt and "Cheetah printed" black and nude sequined fabric. Oscar created these skinny pants with NO outseam and he wanted this top to be a "hint" of the coat that was to come...

Ashleigh: This look involved a cashmere version of Oscar's "Superhero" coat. He paired it with a pair of metallic skinny pants with mid-leg zippers from the hem up; and a silver metallic lame batwing top with exposed back.

Bianca: The final look in Oscar's collection was worn by Bianca. This was a violet-colored chiffon one-shoulder gown with a hi-lo front hem and full gathered back. He also made a cloak/coat to go with this gown in a purple-and-black plaid.

 Red Carpet Fab: Model Bianca Palmerin in Oscra Gracia-Lopez' final look

 Oscar's Collection: During the judge's critiques it was a "mixed bag"; Jen was not a fan and frankly, it didn't seem as if Zanna or Rachel were as well. I was about to faint--for both Oscar and myself. It wasn't until Heidi Klum spoke that my blood rushed back to my body: she LOVED it. She said that "There was NO CONTEST, Oscar HAD to be the winner. And then Neil Patrick Harris concurred. He said that the fact that 700 people (in the audience) basically only clapped for Oscar's collection (not even knowing who he was or having any affiliation toward him--expect his 4-person family) was a sign of who the winner should be...

 Thank You Miss Heidi! (and Neil Patrick Harris!). 

And...The Winners Are...

 Oscar!! Oh, and Nick!--The moment Oscar Garcia-Lopez is announced as the Winning Designer of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn"

 Felicitaciones: Oscar Garcia-Lopez and Nick Verreos hug it out--"Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Season Finale

 I Did It! Winning Mentor of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Nick Verreos

 **In case you missed it, you can WATCH the Season Finale HERE!