Nick Verreos

Style Interviews is excited to introduce to you Nick Verreos, Project Runway’s Season 2 alum and designer of NIKOLAKI fashion line. In this interview Nick talks about life after Project Runway, his partnership with David Paul creating NIKOLAKI fashions, his designing style, and his plans for the future.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
When I was very young, my family and I traveled because my dad was a Diplomat so I became fascinated with the uniforms of the flight attendant (remember it was the 70’s and they were cuter then). Then, in my early teens, I found myself drawn to looking at magazines such as Vogue, as opposed to looking at the Sports section of the newspaper. I would then be inspired and draw collections in my notebooks that my mom had bought me.

How did your involvement with Bravo’s Project Runway Season Two come about?
I watched season one of the show and loved it, of course. Then I began receiving emails and messages from friends in the industry telling me that the Season Two casting was taking place and that I would be perfect for it. As an established Southern California designer who had shown at LA Fashion Week, been in magazines already and was also an Instructor of Fashion Design, I was a bit apprehensive about doing it. I felt both that I was “above that” and at the same time, afraid that I would be rejected from that first round of casting and not even make the cut. Thank God I wasn’t. Looking back, I can’t believe I ever had those reservations or feelings.

How would you describe your experience on Project Runway?
Two words: Fashion Olympics! It was an incredible experience throughout. Some weird “fashion” adrenaline kicked in, that I never knew I had, and I was able to sustain the surreal work and living environment that the show asks of its designers/contestants. I loved being at Parsons and the thought of creating work that would then be seen my millions of people, including my friends and family. Up to then, I was growing disillusioned with the fashion industry as a whole and how much I had struggled and nothing seemed to be happening. The show gave me that bit of added battery life that has changed my outlook on life and work.

What projects have you been working on since the show?
Apart from continuing to design my line, NIKOLAKI, last year, I became part of the “Glam Squad” of fashion and beauty experts for MSN’s “Style Studio” which I am extremely proud of. I also became the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, the school I teach at. Besides this, I have been making appearances as a fashion expert/commentator on red carpet post-awards shows on TV Guide Channel as well as E!. Did I mention I barely sleep anymore?

“Nikolaki is for a confident, sexy, ultra feminine woman. I would love to have women as diverse as Charlize Theron, Panelope Cruz, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Kylie Minogue wear NIKOLAKI. A boy can dream, right?”

NIKOLAKI is a partnership between you and David Paul. How did this business relationship evolve and how do you make it work?
I began NIKOLAKI (which means “Little Nick” in Greek) in 2001, soon after Henri Bendel ordered my first dress line. I asked my partner, David Paul, if he wanted to be my design and business partner, because I could not do this alone. It’s like “Donny and Marie”—He’s a “little bit Country” and I’m a “little bit Rock & Roll” and when we design it is the perfect “ying” and “yang” situation. He tames me and makes all my drawings/ideas more palatable for an elegant, sexy every-day woman, as opposed to the South American Diva Princess (my “imaginary muse”) whom I design for.

Who do you see wearing NIKOLAKI?
Nikolaki is for a confident, sexy, ultra feminine woman. I would love to have women as diverse as Charlize Theron, Panelope Cruz, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Kylie Minogue wear NIKOLAKI. A boy can dream, right?

Can you tell us about the NIKOLAKI collection for this season?
For Spring ’08, I continued to take advantage of the “Grecian Goddess” theme that was in the air. The theme of my collection was “Cleopatra in Rome 2008” and what she would bring with her to meet her Marc Anthony. We did a group of sinuous white silk jersey draped gowns and then added some dresses in bold graphic floral prints, as well as bright turquoise and fuchsia colors.

Can you tell us about the NIKOLAKI collection for this season?
For Spring ’08, I continued to take advantage of the “Grecian Goddess” theme that was in the air. The theme of my collection was “Cleopatra in Rome 2008” and what she would bring with her to meet her Marc Anthony. We did a group of sinuous white silk jersey draped gowns and then added some dresses in bold graphic floral prints, as well as bright turquoise and fuchsia colors.

Where can we shop for NIKOLAKI fashions?
Before Project Runway, our line was available in over 100 stores, from Henri Bendel to Nordstrom, to high-end boutiques such as Fred Segal, Diavolina and EMc2 in Manhattan. I have scaled down because of my busy schedule and last year, we began selling “By Special Order” through our website, www.nikolakidesign.com. This has actually worked out really well. In the future, we hope to have a “web store”, where women can purchase NIKOLAKI tops and dresses online. The gowns will still only be available by appointment only.

Which celebrities have you designed for and how was it like collaborating with them?
I was very thrilled when last month, Academy Award-winning actress (and “Dancing With The Stars” contestant) Marlee Matlin wore my gown to the Oscars. That was a coup for us. Her stylist contacted us and actually picked a gown from the collection and the next thing we knew, we were watching her, in the gown, being interviewed by Regis Philbin at the Live Pre-Oscars Show. Also, we designed a custom gown for “Desperate Housewives” actress Brenda Strong for the ’06 SAG Awards, which subsequently made the “Best Dresses of ‘06” lists of several publications. This collaboration began with her publicist contacting us. We then worked together on everything from the style to the color and fabrication. It all depends on the client. Other actresses who have worn NIKOLAKI in the past have included Patricia Arquette, Eva Longoria, Melora Hardin of NBC’s “The Office” and TV presenters Nancy O’Dell and Debbie Matenopoulos.

How would you define your designing style?
My designing style is mixing confidence, elegance and sexiness. She’s the European socialite’s daughter; she’s the Kuwaiti Princess, or the woman from Kansas who is going to a Charity Black Tie event. When I design I pretend every girl has their own “red carpet’ moment. Men want her and women are jealous at how amazing she looks. My design philosophy involves fusing my Mediterranean heritage with Roman sculpture-like draping, sensuous lines with hints of historical past fashion and a look into the future.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
Art, architecture, visiting museums (the Metropolitan in NY and Queen Sofia in Madrid are my favorites). Also, I love looking at costume and history of fashion books as well as going to the FIDM Library and scouring 1930’s and 1940’s Vogue’s and Bazaar’s for inspiration.

What does it take to succeed as a fashion designer?
Several things are important, including a passionate love for fashion of course, savvy business sense, recognition of “branding yourself” and perhaps more importantly, an investor from Dubai wouldn’t hurt, to throw you lots and lots of money for those first ten years until you finally turn a profit!

How would you describe your own style?
Quirky Elegant Dandy. In the past, I was very much into more casual Abercrombie and American Eagle clothes (the Southern Californian in me) but not too long ago, I had an epiphany and realized that I wasn’t 22 any more. I now wear mainly dress shirts, ties, handkerchiefs, vests and blazers. It’s Eurotrash with a touch of Savile Row tailoring perhaps—but from H & M and Zara!!!

What’s next for Nick Verreos?
I will continue designing my line and look forward to my MSN Style Studio shoots which I really love doing and hopefully helping more women achieve their “inner Diva” with my style advice. I will continue teaching and doing more fashion expert TV appearances. I think the world is ready for a bearded Greek-Venezuelan version of Carson Kressley and Tim Gunn, don’t you? (don’t answer that!)

It was such a pleasure to interview Nick you can discover all about his NIKOLAKI line at www.nikolakidesign.com

Meghan Fabulous

Meet Meghan Fabulous the creator of Meghan Los Angeles fashion line, a favorite among celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ashley Tisdale and more. Meghan created her line with her Los Angles roots and forward thinking women on her mind. In this interview Meghan tells us how her fascination with fashion design began, her favorite designers of all time, her design philosophy, and the launch of Meghan Loft at Harrods London this May.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
When I was 4, my mom would buy me loads of costume jewelry from the thrift store. and I would pile it on all at one time and walk up and down the streets of my neighborhood pushing a tiny pink shopping cart, I loved being glamorous at a young age.

How was the concept for Meghan Los Angles born?
I wanted to create a line from my Los Angeles roots, fashion for forward thinking women. The goal was to find the spaces where sexy and classy converge, and I think we have done that.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the styles and colors of your designs?
I draw a lot of inspiration for my designs from nature; natural colors are so intense and the textures are infinite. I love using animals, insects, and flowers in my prints – I design all my own prints.

“I am blessed to have had Angelina Jolie, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ashley Tisdale, Rebecca Romijn, and dozens of others who have worn my clothes. This really large and amazing celebrity fan base has developed around my line.”

What would be one of your most memorable garments you’ve ever designed?
I did a very tongue and cheek collection for Spring 2006, about celebrities and partiers at a fun and far out motel weekender. There were two special dresses – the nudie card dress and the beer cap dress – so much fun! I did have some help in drinking all 700 beers during my international travels, to make the whole dress.

What is your design philosophy?
Don’t take fashion too seriously!!! We aren’t finding the cure for cancer or saving children – It’s just clothes and an expression of your inner self.

How would you describe the Meghan Los Angeles Fall 2008 collection?
My theme is Dirty Diana; she is feminine with a hard edge. She is confident and courageous yet still embraces her refined and soft curves. Fall 2008 is all about contrasts – engaging the extremes in design, playing bright colors with dark ones and soft chiffon against structured lambskin. Dirty Diana is soft & hard, naughty & nice.

What should we expect to see at Meghan Los Angeles in the upcoming season?
Going forward, I am developing new techniques in my fabrications that will make my silks completely washable! They are blended with other eco-friendly fibers to create the perfect sexy & sophisticated “must-have” items, but with amazing longevity.

When is the exclusive Meghan Loft at Harrods London scheduled to launch and where else can we shop for Meghan Los Angeles fashions?
Launch is scheduled for beginning of May 2008! I am excited about this venture because it is 100% me – the clothes, the wallpaper, the fixtures and the accessories. Fans can check meghanfabulous.com to find all of the boutiques and department stores that carry my line.

Which celebrities are big fan of Meghan Los Angles fashions?
I am blessed to have had Angelina Jolie, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ashley Tisdale, Rebecca Romijn, and dozens of others who have worn my clothes. This really large and amazing celebrity fan base has developed around my line.

Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
I love the quirkiness of Elsa Schiaparelli, and John Galliano for Dior. I really admire the drive and vision of Marcia Curly Israel and Vivian Westwood.

How would you describe your own style?
My style is eclectic – I can’t decide on one trend! I love testing new trends out before I sell it to my customer. I think my personality really shines through in the collection.

What’s next for Meghan Fabulous?
We would love to develop an accessories division as well as launch a Men’s collection

It was a pleasure to interview Meghan you can view all of her amazing collections at www.meghanfabulous.com

Melissa Odabash

Meet Melissa Odabash, the talented designer behind the Melissa Odabash fashion line. Melissa is known for designing some of the most exquisite swimwear on the market. In this interview Melissa talks about how it all began, the latest from the Melissa Odabash collection, and even describes her own style.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
I began at seventeen moving from New Jersey to Europe and modeling swimwear in Italy for top designers. Doing so, I gained knowledge of fit, fashion and haute couture, and decided to try designing my own swimwear. Some designers didn’t get that a swimsuit should change the way you feel, from anxious to carefree. My designs are about flattering your figure and feeling great.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
For my 2008 collection, I drew inspiration from African prints and Indonesian sunsets, a fusion of red, orange, raspberry and green sit alongside sexy metallic’s and signature animal prints

How would you describe the Melissa Odabash dress collection?
Classic with a vintage feel. They can be worn day into night. They are fun and flirty.

“Some designers didn’t get that a swimsuit should change the way you feel, from anxious to carefree. My designs are about flattering your figure and feeling great.”

Why do you insist on quality of materials when it comes to your designs?
I love high quality fabrics like Italian and French lace and lined silks and satins- they add another dimension to the dress.

 

 

 

Can you tell us more about the Melissa Odabash collection for this season?
This collection consists of the classic triangle shape, halters, and daring cut outs. I use stone, wood, and gold embellishments, while shell detail, and metallic rings remain from last season.

How does your experience as a fashion model influence Melissa Odabash today?
I was modeling tons of swimwear and everything was really cut badly and in horrible patterns. So I decided to launch a solid swimwear line with a flattering fit.

Where can we shop for the Melissa Odabash fashions?
Scoop NYC, Intermix, at the new Melissa Odabash boutique in London

Which celebrities are big fan of Melissa Odabash fashion?
Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Elle MacPherson

How do you describe your own style?
Definitely flip flops, The Amaya cowboy hat (avail every season from me), usually a white string bikini with my white crocheted dress and my beach bag; named funny enough, Melissa, with all my beach necessities (I can fit my kids stuff too.)

It was a pleasure to interview Melissa you can check out more of her amazing designs at her website: www.odabash.com/