Life After 'Project Runway'--NY Daily News Article
Retail Nightmares, Private Clientele Heaven: The Good and the Bad of being a Designer
A couple of weeks back, while I was stuck in bottleneck LA traffic--on the way to a meeting--I got a call from a reporter/writer from the NY Daily News, who was doing an article about "Life After Project Runway" , and asked to interview me. As the interview went along, I started mentioning both the "Good" and the "Bad" of my early experiences when I first launched my line, NIKOLAKI, back in 2001--pre-Project Runway. I had accounts with over 100 stores, including Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, Fred Segal as well as many small upscale boutiques in LA and NY. The story that made the reporter go "wait, wait, come again?" was how lots of times stores would order and 3-6 months later when we delivered on the order, the store chose not to take it, because of lack of funds. Crazy. But true. Read below for the entire article, including other interviews with Season 4 designer Chris March, as well as Rami Kashou, among others:
Life after 'Project Runway'
"Project Runway's" network shift from Bravo to Lifetime may have fans guessing about changes to the show's format. But it won't change the fact that the hit series has become a QVC for the rich and powerful.
A rising number of celebrities are commissioning clothes from the show's designers, cementing it as a breeding ground for fashion's future.
LA-based fashion designer Nick Verreos received national and international attention after appearing on Bravo's Project Runway Season 2 and quickly became a "fan favorite" after winning the "Barbie Challenge".His design and doll were subsequently sold at Toys 'R Us stores across the nation.Nick has dressed celebrities such as actresses Eva Longoria and Brenda Strong of "Desperate Housewives", "Access Hollywood's" Nancy O'Dell, and various Miss USA's and Miss Universes and most recently he designed the gown which was worn by Miss California 2007 in the Miss USA pageant. Nick has provided Fashion Commentary for several shows on E! Entertainment, the TV Guide Channel and VH1.He has also appeared as Lauren Conrad's Instructor on The Hills and was invited to the Torino Olympics to give his insight on Figure Skating Costumes.Recently, Nick signed a deal with retailer Windsor Fashions to design a "Nick Verreos for Windsor" Prom Dress line as well as become the spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), the school where he teaches part-time.Somehow Nick still finds the time to design his high-end line of gowns and dresses, NIKOLAKI, along with David Paul.
Nick is so beautiful, inside and out! I met him at a gift suite and he is so sweet, Nick as a fellow "sew-er" don't forget me at uniquebabycakes.com!! I'm still holding your cake. Wendy
