Runway designer talks spring fashion and Latin fusion
People en Español magazine’s 50 Más Bellos (50 Most Beautiful) gala brought together some of the most glamorous and talented Latinos on Thursday evening at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. Nick Verreos, celebrity designer/stylist and former contestant on Project Runway, walked the red carpet alongside this year’s “Chica Orbit”.
Verreos, and partner David Paul, are the co-creators of Nikolaki Design, having designed gowns worn by Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Carrie Ann Inaba, Haylie Duff and Kathy Griffin. Their collection is carried in over 100 stores including Nordstrom, Henri Bendel and Fred Segal.
Verreos partnered with Orbit gum to design an Orbit-inspired dress for “Chica Orbit”. Last year, Verreos designed a custom one-shoulder gown for Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela 2008 and Miss Universe 2009, using an Orbit gum package print.
“This year Chica Orbit will walk the red carpet, and I will be right next to her as her designer, and she my muse. I’m very excited because I’ve never been to the actual event,” said Verreos. “I will pretend I am one of the 50 ‘mas bellos’”.
Orbit collaborated with People magazine in a contest, Geek to Chic, giving one Spanish speaking fan the ultimate makeover. Fans submitted photos and the winner attended the People event last night in her very own red carpet moment.
“My mantra is every woman should have their own daily ego-boost,” explained Verreos. “It doesn’t matter if you’re going to happy hour or to the grocery store to buy milk. Dress up and feel great about yourself. This is ‘muy chic’!”
Verreos and I talked style predictions the day of the event. “I love Latin red carpet events! Latinos love color. They are passionate! We will see a lot of fuchsia, aquamarine, as well as strong colors like salmon orange,” said the designer. “We will see fitted, structured gowns, as well as mermaid silhouettes and some strapless.”
He foresaw Sofia Vergara, Colombian actress and one of the women being honored at the gala, wearing Carolina Herrera, Venezuelan-born designer. Another Latina honoree, Giselle Blondet, Puerto Rican TV host, Nuestra belleza latina (Univision), is known for her gowns and use of color.
Verreos’ Panamanian background is a strong predominance of his inspiration. He spent his early childhood in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to the United States at age 12. Memories of watching his mother dress up are the reason she is his primary muse. “My mother had a big Buffon hairstyle. I refer to her as J-Lo before there was a J-Lo,” jokes Verreos. “The fabulously feminine part of my design comes from my South American roots. I want to put women on pedestals so they have their moment. I know how hard Latin women work.”
Verreos’ Greek ancestry from his father’s side also reflects in his aesthetic, as he described his runway style a blend of fiery color, ultra femininity, and Grecian goddess-like.
From the runway, to the streets of New York and Los Angeles, Verreos admitted there are major differences in women’s fashion. LA is a culture of jeans and flip-flops mixed with red carpet glamour, but “New York steps it up!” he exclaimed. “New York ladies are known for their 6-inch pumps, pencil skirts, and the look that says ‘Honey, open the door because I’m coming in!’ There is a severe fierceness that New York style brings.”
Regardless if you are casual-glam or fiery-chic, COLOR is strong for this spring season, advised Verreos. Pair a little black dress with a royal blue trench coat, or add color to your shoes. “I’m seeing emerald, apple green, oranges, corals, and of course, blues and turquoise.” The designer is also adamant about cinching at the waist to balance your body. The big stacked heel is strong for spring too, but Verreos predicted a lighter, strappy heel for the fall.
Verreos encourages fashion rule breaking, such as wearing white after Labor Day, because that rule is “so 1956”. If there is one rule of fashion to always follow, it is to dress up if an invitation says so. “If the invitation says cocktail dress attire, then do it! I get dressed for Broadway, and I can’t stand to see women in shorts and flip flops at the theater. It’s about respect!”
As Verreos continues to evolve Nikolaki and complete their fall collection, he will live out his passion for styling. “I love seeing my sketches and visions come to life, worn by real women. It will always bring me back to when I was 8 years old in Caracas looking up at my mom on her way to the Embassy party. It is wonderful to make pieces for women as a thank you for being so chic and wonderful.”
