Nick Verreos's Blog, page 16

PROJECT RUNWAY.....BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS of "Rio Vacation" Challenge, Episode 8

  Color Fab--Models backstage at Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway" in designs from Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio"--Brooklyn NY


On Episode 8 of Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway" , the remaining designers wee challenged to create looks for actress Morena Baccarin for a Vacation Getaway in Rio de Janeiro. Baccarin is from Brazil and the episode focused on her Brazilian background and having the designers include elements of that South American country into their designs. In addition, the challenge was done in Teams of three designers.

Here are EXCLUSIVE behind-the-scenes photos I got as a Consulting producer...






 Actress Morena Baccarin Ready to Judge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





Stylist Marni Senafonte, judging Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY




BEFORE THE RUNWAY Backstage Models, Designs: 




Rio Resort--Models backstage before the runway in designs from Episode 8 "Rio Vacation" Challenge, Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





  Winner Swimwear--Model Thijin Bol in look from designer Hester Sunshine--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





  Chic Resort--Model Sarah Victoria in look from designer Bishme Cromartie--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge, Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn  NY





Resort Drama--Model Nora in look from designer Garo Sparo--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





 Colorful Beach--Model Mimi Tao in look from designer Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





Where's my VIP Cabana?--Model Asia in look from designer Tessa Clark--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





  (L to R) Models Thijin Bol, Sarah Victoria and Nora in designs from Hester Sunshine, Bishme Cromartie and Garo Sparo--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





 (L to R) Models Mimi Tao, Asia and Sonia in designs from Jhoan "Sebastian" Gray, Tessa Clark and Lela Orr--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY





  (L to R) Models Nora, Sarah Victoria and Thijin Bol in designs from Garo Sparo, Bishme Cromartie and Hester Sunshine--Episode 8 "Blame It On Rio" Challenge--Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway"--Brooklyn NY

NICK APPEARANCES.....2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon RECAP!

Nick Verreos at the 2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles


Last week, I had the honor of being invited by the INCOMPARABLE Ilse Metchek , to give "The Road Ahead" speech to the 2019 California Fashion Foundation/CFF Scholarship Luncheon. The California Fashion Foundation is part of the California Fashion Association , offering scholarship support to students in the apparel and textile  industries.






Special Guest--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles


Many, many, many years ago, as a FIDM student, I was a recipient of what was then called the TALA--Textile Association of Los Angeles--Scholarship, which is what the CFF is now. Now, it was a very humbling experience to return as the


Here are PHOTOS from the wonderful 2019 CFF Scholarship Luncheon:




Speech Time--Nick Verreos giving "The Road Ahead" Speech at the 2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles





Nick Verreos with FIDM B.A. of Design Student Valarie Chiu and her designs--at the 2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles







Designs from FIDM B.A. of Design Student--and CFF Scholarship Award Winner Valarie Chiu--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles


Here are the Designs--and Scholarship Winners--from some of the other participating Colleges & Universities:






Long Beach City College--Nick Verreos with student and scholarship winner from Long Beach City College--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles





Otis College of Art & Design--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles





Academy of Art University San Francisco--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles





California State Polytechnic University-Pomona-- 2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles






Fullerton College--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles







      Los Angeles-Trade Technical Collage--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation                                Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles







       California State University-Long Beach--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation                          Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles







        Mt. San Antonio College--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship                                        Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles







  Woodbury University--2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon,                                         California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles






Ready for The Road Ahead--Nick Verreos at the 2019 2019 California Fashion Association Foundation Scholarship Luncheon, California Market Center, Downtown Los Angeles

FIDM.....Film & TV Costume Design Costumes Exhibit Inspired by Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter: RECAP!

Costume Designer Accolades--(L to R) Barbara Bundy FIDM Vice President of Education, Costume Designer Ruth Carter, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs Nick Verreos, David Paul--"Wakanda" and Ruth Carter-inspired Film and TV Costume Design Program Exhibit Reception-- FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


Last week, we had a VERY SPECIAL Event and Exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to celebrate the FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program and Students and Costume Designs they created inspired by Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter ("Black Panther") and the "Wakanda" world she costume-created.






FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Exhibit--The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles




Jacqueline Saint Anne, Director of FIDM Film and TV Costume Design, challenged her students to create individual costumes, each inspired by "Wakanda" and various tribes/cultures from around the World; to create their own "Wakanda" versions inspired by those indigenous cultures/tribes.






 Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter with students from the FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program--FIDM Los Angeles




As a WONDERFUL surprise bonus, Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Ruth Carter made a special visit to the Event to check out the Exhibit and the costumes of our FIDM Film and TV Costume Design students. She was so amazing, inspiring and supportive of the students and their work. We are in dept for her support to the program and to our students.

Here are photos from the Exhibit and the Costumes of the students:






  Costumes from (L to R) Brooke Young (Siberia/Russia), Patrick McKernan (Kashmir/India), Anna Lin (Taiwan)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





  Costumes from (L to R) Madeline Shepard (Andaman Islands/India), Victoria Hastings and Alana Acosta (Kazazhs/Mongolia)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Costumes from Grace Hutchins (Maoris/New Zealand), Patrick T. Young (Inuit/US, Canada, Greenland, Denmark), Jamie Zhao (Tibetan/China) and Leslie Samano (Mexico)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





Costumes from Leslie Samano (Mexico), Patrick McKernan (Kashmir/India), Victoria Hastings (Samoa/South Pacific), Patrick T. Young (Inuit/US, Canada, Greenland, Denmark)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





  Costumes from Alana Acosta (Kazakh/Mongolia), Brooke Young (Siberia/Russia), Grace Hutchins (Maori/New Zealand)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages





 Costumes from Jamie Zhao (Tibetan/China), Madeline Shepard (Andaman Islands/India), and Anna Lin (Taiwan)--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages


From Sketch....To Costumes:




  Sketch and Costume from Jamie Zhao, inspired by Tibetans/China--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





 Sketch and Costume from Madeline Shepard, inspired by the Jarawas of the Andaman Islands/India--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





  Sketch and Costume from Anna Lin, inspired by Taiwan--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





Sketch and Costume from Patrick McKernan, inspired by Kashmir/Northern India--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





Sketch and Costume from Grace Hutchins, inspired by the Maoris/New Zealand--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





 Sketch and Costume from Patrick T. Young, inspired by the Inuit, Arctic Peoples of the US, Canada, Greenland, Denmark--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles





  Sketch and Costume from Victoria Hastings, inspired by the Samoans/South Pacific--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program 2019 Exhibit--FIDM Los Angeles







  FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos checking out the student's designs and costumes, FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Exhibit Reception--FIDM Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







  (L to R) Jaqueline Saint Anne, Director of the FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program, Nick Verreos, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair and Barbara Bundy, FIDM Vice President of Education--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Exhibit Reception--FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages







Academy Award Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter with students of the FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Program--FIDM Film and TV Costume Design Exhibit Reception--FIDM Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

FIDM.....Special Presentation to the Desert Sands Unified District + FIDM Museum Tour: BLOG!

Nick Verreos and David Paul, FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs--with Models Amanda Fields Bennett and Alizee Gaillard in their NIKOLAKI sequined gowns--FIDM Los Angeles


Last month, as one of our duties as the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs, David and I MC'ed a very special group of students and educators visiting from the Desert Sands Unified School District (La Quinta, Indio)...






Nick Verreos--FIDM Los Angeles





FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul--FIDM Los Angeles


Not only did we talk about our roles as





Model Stage--Nick Verreos and David Paul describing their NIKOLAKI sequined gowns to the Desert Sands Unified School District audience--FIDM Los Angeles







Nick Verreos with model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gold-and-copper silk chiffon sequined capelet Gown--FIDM Los Angeles







Nick Verreos with model Alizee Gaillard in NIKOLAKI mint-colored silk ziberline and silk chiffon sequined one shoulder bias-cut gown--FIDM Los Angeles







NIKOLAKI Divas--Models Amanda Fields Bennett and Alizee Gaillard in NIKOLAI by Nick Verreos/David Paul sequined gowns




Following our NIKOLAKI gown presentation on stage, I gave the Desert Sands Unified School District visiting group pf students and educators a VIP Tour of the 27th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at FIDM Museum:




Tour Guide--Nick Verreos giving a tour of the 27th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition to the visitors from the Desert Sands Unified School District--FIDM Museum





Group Photos--Nick Verreos, David Paul and Models in their NIKOLAKI gowns with visiting group of students and educators from the Desert Sands Unified School District--FIDM Museum





Fashion Boys...and Ladies--Designers and FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul with models Amanda Fields Bennett and Alizee Gaillard in their NIKOLAKI sequined gowns--FIDM Los Angeles

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Behind The Scenes of "Elegance Is The New Black" Episode 7 Challenge

An Elegant Line Up--Models backstage in looks from Season 17 "Project Runway" Designers (L to R) Bishme Cromartie, Jamall Osterholm, Venny Etienne, Hester Sunshine and Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 7, Brooklyn New York


In Episode 7 of Bravo TV's "Project Runway" Season 17 , the remaining designers were challenged to create a look that "redefined" what Elegance is--the challenge was entitled "Elegance Is The New Black" and was inspired by items in Brandon Maxwell clear Acrylic Bags . The bags contained items from sequined headphones, limes, vintage hairbrush/comb/mirror, fake dollar bills, and a perfume bottle. Some of the looks lived up to the "Elegant" theme and some...not so mucheey. As a Consultant Producer on the Season, I was backstage ready to capture photos that we needed get to make sure we got the designer's/contestants looks...but also (I didn't know it then!), I could use here in my BLOG!

Here are some of the photos:






Gowns, Dresses and Sportswear--Models in designs from Season 17 "Project Runway" Designers (L to R) Lela Orr, Sonia Kasparian, Renee Hill, Garo Sparo and Tessa Clark--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 7, Brooklyn New York





Winning Elegance--Colombian Model Paula Nieto wearing strapless design in velvet-and-satin plaid from Jamall Osteholm inspired by a perfume bottle--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 7, Brooklyn New York





Fuchsia Chic--Model Thijin Bol in pink-and-red tuxedo striped sheath dress design from Venny Etienne inspired by Rose Champagne Bottle--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 7, Brooklyn New York





Pink Suiting--Model Mimi Tao in pink twill pants-and-sleeveless jacket-vest and silk satin camisole top from Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey inspired by orchids---Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 7, Brooklyn New York





Black-and-White Goddess--Model Yuen Sze Jia in black-and-white gown from Lela Orr inspired by white porcelain statue--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Brooklyn New York





Flou Et Tailleur--Model Sonia Trzewikowska in printed satin blouse and asymmetrical trumpet skirt from Bishme Cromartie inspired by a Mannequin Hand with Jewelry--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Brooklyn New York





Pasties Apple Green--Model Sarah Victoria in green taffeta "pick-up" long skirt and mesh illusion top with pasties and cuffs, designed by Hester Sunshine inspired by feathers--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Brooklyn New York

PROJECT RUNWAY.....BRAVO TV For Your Emmy's Consideration "Project Runway" Display BLOG RECAP!

Display Boys--Nick Verreos and David Paul and a Creation from Season 17 "Project Runway" Designer Hester Sunshine (from "Camping Episode")--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.


Last month, David and I were tasked with putting together a FABULOUS Fashion Display of some of Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Looks for a very special "For Your Emmy Consideration" Event that was happening at the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana  in Downtown Los Angeles for Emmy's voters. This event was organized by Bravo TV and a way to remind Emmy Voters that Bravo TV shows--such as "Project Runway" and "Top Chef" should be on their minds when thinking of Best Competition Reality Shows...






Fashion Trunk--Dress Forms in the back of my car, ready to transport "Project Runway" designs to the "For Your Emmy Consideration" Bravo TV Event


As a Consulting Producer on the Season of "Project Runway" , naturally I was pretty knowledgeable of the looks/designs and also, David and I had put together a very successful Fashion Display not too long ago for Bravo TV using some of this current designer's looks for a Television Critics Association Press Launch Event HERE. So...naturally, they asked us to do it all again, but using actual designs from this season...








Style Cathedral--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.


David and I gathered looks from this season's Challenges (ones that have aired), had them delivered,...then we got dress forms, and steam the looks and brought them to Vibiana's and...it was "Done & Done".

Here are photos from the wonderful Bravo's Season 17 "Project Runway" Display we created:








Step & Repeat--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.









Setting Up--Creations from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Looks from "A Human" and "Printed Challenge" Episodes, Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Ready For The Emmy's Close-Up--Creations from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Designs from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers (L to R) Renee Hill, Tessa Clark and Afa Ah Loo--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Creations from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers Venny Etienne (L and Center) and Garo Sparo (R)--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Print Fab--Creations from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers (L to R) Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey, Hester Sunshine and Kovid Kapoor--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Survival Style--Creations from Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Designers (L to R) Renee Hill and Hester Sunshine--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.





Look Line-Up--Photos from the Runway, Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17--Vibiana "For Your Emmy Consideration Bravo TV Event: Project Runway and Top Chef", Vibiana's Downtown L.A.

FIDM.....Footwear Designer Sarah Flint Speaks to FIDM Students, Reception: BLOG!

FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs David Paul and Nick Verreos with Footwear Designer Sarah Flint--Sarah Flint Reception, FIDM Los Angeles


As FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs , David Paul and I are also in charge of various other Programs at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM including the Footwear Design Program . Recently, we had the privilege of having the very talented and successful Shoe Designer Sarah Flint visit our FIDM Campus to speak to the students as well as for a very special Reception in her honor...










Sarah Show--Footwear Designer Sarah Flint at the FIDM Campus, speaking to students, instructors, educators about How She Got Started in the Footwear Business--FIDM Los Angeles


Sarah Flint spoke to a packed room of students, educators, instructors, talking about how she got she got started in the shoe-wear business, designing, and had A-listers such as Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, Amal Clooney wearing her shoes.



Afterward, FIDM hosted a lovely Reception in her honor...










  David Paul, Sarah Flint and Nick Verreos--FIDM Los Angeles

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2019 Finals: EVENING GOWNS TOP TEN!

Best In Gown?--Miss USA 2019 Top Ten Finalists in Evening Gown (L to R) Miss District of Columbia USA Cordelia Cranshaw, Miss North Carolina USA Cheslie Kryst, Miss New Mexico USA Alejandra Gonzalez, Miss Ohio USA Alice Magoto--Miss USA 2019 Finals. Reno Nevada


This past week was the 68th Miss USA pageant, held in Reno Nevada. Fifty-one contestants vied for the top coveted crown in U.S. beauty pageants, with the winner being 28 year-old Cheslie Kryst Miss North Carolina USA 2019. Kryst hails from Charlotte North Carolina and besides being in beauty pageants, she is a practicing attorney.






Waving Beauty--Miss USA 2019--Cheslie Kryst Miss North Carolina USA 2019--waves at the audience after winning the Miss USA 2019 crown--Miss USA 2019 Finals, Reno Nevada






Miss North Carolina USA Cheslie Kryst, in her Introduction Look and Swimsuit--Miss USA 2019 Finals--Miss USA 2019 Finals, Reno Nevada


She is the 3rd "Miss North Carolina" to win the Miss USA crown. 2019 is the first year in history to have THREE African American women win the top U.S. beauty pageants--Miss America, Miss Teen USA and now, Miss USA.







Top Two--(L to R) Miss North Carolina USA Cheslie Kryst and Miss New Mexico USA Alejandra Gonzalez--Miss USA 2019 Finals, Reno Nevada







Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst "Miss North Carolina USA"--Miss USA 2019 Finals, Reno Nevada


And now...THE GOWNS!!! 







Naturally, in my "Sashes & Tiaras" BLOG,  I love to discuss the Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns. This year, every contestant in the Top Ten Evening Gown Competition wore designs from the pageant's sponsor, Sherri Hill. So it's time to go through my TOP 10...of the TOP TEN Miss USA 2019 Finalists' Gowns...beginning with my TOP No. 1 Choice:









1. Miss Ohio USA Alice Magoto--If I had to pick a favorite gown of the Top Ten, this one worn by Alice Magoto, Miss Ohio USA, would be it. Magoto's gown shimmering ivory gown featured a sequined covered column dress with a plunging v-neckline, sequined lace applique top section and chiffon "Elizabethan" sleeves. It was a definite gown statement and looked impressive, elegant and quite regal on stage. She looked like the Princess or Queen of a country--or First Lady at a State Dinner Gala. I also loved her swept-back hair and the drop earrings...as well as the fact that I could NOT see the shoes (she hid those awful nude platform pumps from me! Thank You).

Score: 9.45





2. Miss Maryland USA Mariela Pepin--Mariela wore my second choice for "Best in Gown" in this canary yellow column dress. The design featured sheer-like panels of netting and silver criss-cross sequined trim. The dress fit well and was tasteful (long sleeves and not-too-plunging neckline) and elegant but yet had that just-right stage impact (with the color). The shoes were a BIG MISS but I just pretended as if they weren't there (except when I am forced to see them in the photo above).

Score: 9.25





3. Miss Oklahoma USA Triana Browne--The "Nude Gown" is still running strong in pageants Ladies and Gentlemen! Here we have a nice example of that popular "Nude Gown" in this shimmering design worn by Miss Oklahoma USA. The dress featured beautiful beading detail throughout in slightly swirl-like vertical shapes which elongated her figure. The entire look was very "Cher"/Bob Mackie-like which I loved. I also appreciated the perfect length. If there was any critique, she needed more "support" up there to hold up the "sistahs".

Score: 9.20





4. Miss Kansas USA Alyssa Kilnzing--The only black gown in the Top Ten made a nice impact with me and in my list here. Alyssa wore a column-shaped black velvet halter-style dress featuring beaded trim at the neck, midriff and edges of the slit. Naturally--since IT IS A PAGEANT GOWN--there was a super high slit which has now become so cliche and frankly boring and predictable...but on a good note, it showed off those great shoes that matched the gown perfectly!

Score: 9.10





5. Miss North Carolina Cheslie Kryst--The eventual winner of the pageant--Miss North Carolina USA--wore this white one shoulder gown for the Miss USA 2019 Finals Evening Gown Competition which made it into MY Top Five. The design featured a simple/classic Princess Seam column shape and nicely draped crystal trim hanging off her arm. Oh and yes, it also had a super-high side front slit. Cheslie displayed the gown well onstage and made it impacting. I also BOW DOWN to her for styling it well with those silver strappy heels--and not those tacky nude platform pumps. Bravo.

Score: 9.00









6. Miss New Mexico USA Alejandra Gonzalez--Alejandra caused a big sensation during the Miss USA 2019 Finals for her beauty and stage-impact, especially when she wore this super bright highlighter yellow satin-and-sequins gown. The dress featured a crystal covered bodice with a bejeweled cross-body accent, and a full satin taffeta gown skirt. The skirt was side draped in a way to expose her leg on the side as shown in above photo. While I appreciated the color, the overall style/shape and look was a bit too "Barbie/Pageant Betty" for me (the crystals...THE TAFFETA!); it just didn't look High Fashion enough...it was more "Sweet Sixteen", less Fabulous Miss USA.

Score: 8.85





7. Miss District of Columbia USA Cordelia Cranshaw--Cordelia was one of the prettiest constants in the pageant and she walked really well. She wore this scarlet red colored gown featuring sequined lace and draped satin. The gown fit beautifully and the color was great for her and I liked the DRAMA of it. I just had a problem with the actual style; it was a little too 90's and Pageant Typical. It didn't take me to a "New Gown Place". And those shoes: Insert sad emoji!

Score: 8.60





8. Miss Florida USA Nicolette Jennings--Nicolette oozes sexiness and is sooooo gorgeous. It almost seemed redundant for her to be wearing such a super sexy gown on top of it all. But oh well, why not?! I gave her points for presentation (which I think is all that counts officially within the "Evening Gown Competition" rules for the judges) and liked the bead work and "Grecian Goddess"-like chiffon fullness, but overall the dress itself was too Vegas Showgirl. I know that Sherri Hill has been doing these dresses for a while and many a pageant queen has worn it, but...I just think it's two minutes away from Tackylicious: It's a gown...nope, it's a sequined bodysuit...nope...it's a Gown WITH a sequined bodysuit. Somehow when Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad did it many, many, many Haute Couture seasons ago, it was a novelty. Now, not so mucheey.

Score: 8.50





9. Miss Arkansas USA Savannah Skidmore--In my 9th spot is this red gown worn by Miss Arkansas USA. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and was covered in sequined applique. Overall it is a nice gown. But that's it. Nothing extraordinary, no real design detail...just Pageant Basic. At least she nailed the "Safe" checkbox, but seriously, any pageant queen could have worn this in 1990. And that's not a good thing. At least in my eyes.



Score: 8.35



Finally...



10. Miss Nevada USA Tianna Tuamoheloa--Oh, here we go again: Another "It's a Gown...Nope, it's a Bodysuit". I almost just wanted her to remove the big clunky taffeta ball-skirt and just walk out in the one shoulder sequined leotard! While it did show off her perfectly toned figured (Wow!), it just lacked taste. And the clunky nude platform heels reminded me of late-night dancers at a Reno Nevada Casino.

Score: 8.00








CONGRATULATIONS Cheslie Kryst for winning Miss USA 2019!!! And Good Luck at Miss Universe later this year!

PROJECT RUNWAY.....Behind The Scenes Episode 6: Create a Video Game Heroine Fashion Diva

Video Game Style--Models (L to R) Aviana, Thijin and Mimi Tao in designs from Season 17 "Project Runway" Designers (L to R) Bishme Cromartie, Hester Sunshine and Garo Sparo--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17


In Episode 6 of Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 , the designers were challenged to create a look for a female video game protagonist--a Video Game Fashion Diva. The results went from SUPER FAB to "Whip It Good!" (continue reading) to a "Bond-ette" and a "Going-to-Church" ensemble (as described by the designer)...As a Consulting Producer, I got the chance to get some EXCLUSIVE Behind-the-Scenes photos of the Challenge. Check out all my photos:



Before the models are sent out to film the Runway scene, we gather them up backstage to get group as well as individual photos...




Model Holding Area--Models waiting for the Runway in designs from (L to R) Designers Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey, Sonia Kasparian, Venny Etienne, Jamall Osterholm and Rakan Shams Aldeen--backstage at Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6









Whip It Good!--(L to R) Models Thijin Bol in Designer Hester Sunshine creation and Mimi Tao in "Fashion Dominatrix" design (therefore the whip) by Designer Garo Sparo--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6





Winning Look--Model Thijin Bol in design from Hester Sunshine in ploy-cotton, vinyl, ribbed knit and iridescent organza--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6





Video Game Fashion Dominatrix--Model Mimi Tao in design from Garo Sparo in stretch knit, faux leather, suede and Latex--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6







Miller's Daughter--Design from Tessa Clark in wool felt, ribbed knit, inspired by a miller's daughter--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6









Queen of  Fashion Hearts--Model Aviana in design from Bishme Cromartie in Lurex satin and brocade...and the design on dress form in the workroom--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17, Episode 6





Medieval Warrior--Model Nora in design from Renee Hill in knit jersey, wool--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 6





Monk Style--Model in design from Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey in felt and Lurex satin--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17





Draped Queen--Model Paula Nieto in design from Sonia Kasparian in satin and georgette--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 6





Going to Video Church--Model Asia in design from Venny Etienne in crepe, knit, lace applique and feathers--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 6









Model in design from Rakan Shams Aldeen (seen in lower photos in the workroom) in perforated faux leather and Lycra--Rakan was eliminated as a result--Bravo's "Project Runway" Season 17 Episode 6




**WHICH ONE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN???

FIDM.....FIDM DEBUT 2019: Meet and Greet Photos at the FIDM DEBUT VIP Tent!

DEBUT Meet & Greet--Nick Verreos with FIDM DEBUT 2019 attendees--FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA


Following this year's FIDM DEBUT show , I had the privilege of meeting-and-greeting anyone who wanted to stop by afterward....in my very own "FIDM DEBUT VIP Tent", located right next to the event at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. I had a BLAST meeting everyone, taking photos, selfies, group photos and giving LOTS of hugs and fashion double kisses!



Check out my Behind-the-Scenes BLOG with all the photos:




Nick Time--Nick Verreos at the FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA







  Presenting DEBUT--Nick Verreos at the FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA





  FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chairs Nick Verreos and David Paul--FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA


 Meet & Greet Photos:




 Hugs--Nick Vereros with FIDM DEBUT 2018 attendee (and her friend interested in the Tent's ceiling!)--FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA





Nick Verreos with Raymundo Balthazar, who was a designer on Season 2 of "Project Runway" (with me!) and an FIDM Alum, and his friends--FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA






Pose and Selfie--Nick Verreos with FIDM DEBUT 2019 attendee, posing for a photo and taking a selfie--FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA






More Meet & Greet Pics:

















Meet & Greet Collages--Nick Verreos with FIDM DEBUT 2019 attendees at the FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA





That's a Wrap!--Nick Verreos at the FIDM DEBUT 2019 Meet and Greet VIP Tent, The Barker Hangar Santa Monica CA