Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010-The Final Recap: Night 3--Haiti Relief Fashion Show!

Finale Night Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010, Haiti Relief Fashion Show, Awards...and fun at Atlantis Resort!

Fashion Hammock: Nick Verreos filming a TV interview in The Bahamas, British Colonial Hilton

Happy Thanksgiving Week!! Hopefully, you enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, had fun with friends and family, rested and well, got out and "exercised" your shopping duties! While taking some "down-time" during this Thanksgiving, I figured, this would be the perfect time to post my last Recap of the AMAZING time I had a couple of weeks back in The Bahamas at the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week. In case you missed my other previous postings, you can go HERE, as well as HERE and HERE to get caught up.

Vive Haiti: Dignitaries, fashion designers and models at "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

But now, we're onto the last and Final "Runway 3" night of this annual affair which showcased designers, fashions, and accessories from the Islands of The World!! The "crowning jewel" of this final night was the Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show. VIP guests who were present for this final night included all the Guest Designers who showed this year at Islands of The World Fashion Week, such as Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll, Indashio from NY and Oliver Tolentino from Los Angeles (via The Philippines). Dignitaries including the Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas as well as the Haitian Ambassador to The United Nations were also on hand to witness the beautiful designs from Haitian Designers and artisans.

Haiti Handbag: Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Haiti Flag" sequin purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

I had the honor of hosting this final night and from the moment I stepped onstage and uttered (OK, yelled!) Sak Pase Nap Boule (Haitian Creole for "What's Happening?...We're Chillin'" I was told), we were off to a fabulous night to benefit the beautiful nation of Haiti.

Runway Scene: Maguy Durce dress and purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show

The collections ranged from stunning day-to-evening wear, impeccable jewelry, as well as fantastic purses and bags from Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, Maguy Durce, Artisans du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary, among others.

Sak Pasé Nick: Nick Verreos hosts "Runway 3" Final Night of Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 The Bahamas

Soon afterward, it was time for the second part of the evening: The Announcing of the Winners for the first ever "In Search of The Next Oscar" design competition, in addition to the NextGen Designer and Eco-Fashion Designer Awards. Continuing my emcee duties, I especially LOVED this part of the evening. I channeled being the host of the Miss Universe or Miss World pageants as I announced the Winners with much DRAMA!

The Winner of the "In Search of The Next Oscar" was...


Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic, whose sequin-and-satin gowns/cocktail attire took the grand prize. She spoke little English and as I am Bi-lingual, I was her official translator during the contest and when announcing the winner. I think she didn't need any translating, however, when I called out her name!

Bahamas up-and-coming designer (and our unofficial NIKOLAKI Assistant, Intern/"Boy Friday" from two years ago), David Rolle won the NextGen Award (seen above getting his award) with his edgy designs. He won a Scholarship to Parsons The New School of Design in New York! (Funny side note: Minutes before he was announced the Winner, he approached me backstage asking about possible schooling opportunities for him, either in LA or NY! He had NO IDEA...)

And finally, I announced the Winner of the Eco-Fashion Award, Designer Oliver Tolentino (above), and his strapless off-white gown made of pineapple fabric (yes, I said PINEAPPLE!). It also had actual hand-sewn cultured pearls woven into it!

Beauty Under The Bahamas Stars: Miss Bahamas 2010 Braneka Bassett with Nick Verreos, After Party at the British Colonial Hilton

The night ended with a festive VIP After Party at the British Colonial Hilton (site of the Islands of The World Fashion Week) with a delicious buffet, drinks and musical entertainment where guests, editors, models, photographers and designers got to party all night under the gorgeous Caribbean moonlight!

Bahamas Free Time!!

Rainbow Conch: (L-R) David Paul, Nick Verreos, Tomas Frenes, Jay McCarroll, Matthew, Arawak Cay Nassau The Bahamas

Naturally, it wasn't all work for yours truly. Luckily, we had some "down time" prior to the evening's Runway Shows and my hosting duties to enjoy the sights of the GORGEOUS Bahamas. One day, Tomas Frenes Vice President of Mode Isles (Producer of the Fashion Week) as well as Owner of Tomas Frenes Design Studio in Miami (and my King Teddy Bear!) took Jay McCarroll, Matthew, David Paul and I to have CONCH at The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, where in the back of the restaurant, we discovered a brightly colored wooden wall which of course, we had to take photos in front of.

On another day, David and I also went to Paradise Island and the Atlantis Resort. We certainly couldn't leave The Bahamas without getting a little Atlantis in. Since the last time I was here (2 years ago when both David and I showed our NIKOLAKI Collection at the 2008 Islands of The World Fashion Week), I had been wanting to go back and do those infamous Atlantis Resort water slides.

Well kids, I did it: That's me midway down The Leap of Faith--yes, in them shorty-shorts! (Thanks David for that AMAZING photo). And don't EVEN think about magnifying it! I'm sure the look of sheer horror on my face is neither pretty or fashionable. With that, I bid a warm Goodbye to The Bahamas and Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Until the next time...

Below are Three Exclusive NICKVERREOS.COM videos from "Runway 3" night of Islands of the World Fashion Week 2010:

Announcement of the Eco-Fashion Designer Award:

Final Model Walk and Bow of Maguy Durce Fashion Show: "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:




Final Model Walk and Bow of Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:



Final Model Walk and Bow of Michel Chataigne, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:

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Nick Verreos Hosts Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 Bahamas Day 2: In Search of The Next Oscar, Indashio, Oliver Tolentino!!

Welcome To The Bahamas Club!

Turquoise Hosting: Nick Verreos poses at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 Red Carpet

Darlings: We're now onto Night Two--or "Runway 2"--of The Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. This was the night I was to host the "In Search of The Next Oscar" Fashion Design Competition. After the previous evening's great start, with the NextGen Designers and Eco-Fashion Designs Presentations, I didn't know how IOTFW would be able to "bring it", but they sure did! They OUTDID themselves!!!

My day began, as I pulled the curtains in my hotel room and witnessed one of the two BIGGEST Cruise Ships known to man: The Royal Caribbean Allure of The Seas. The one with Central Park in the middle (along with REAL birds in it!), a skating rink and like 25 floors! Yep, THAT ONE! (see above photo). It was just arriving into Nassau as I was trying to make my morning coffee! They need to have a fabulous Project Runway-esque show up in there--and hire me to host it! Just sayin'...

Well, now onto the Second fashiontastic night of Islands of The World Fashion Week:

Caribbean Cocktail Hour: Tomas Frenes, Nick Verreos, Beverly Taylor, Oliver Tolentino, Owen Bethel and Louis Sarmiento, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

The night began with a VIP Cocktail Hour where attending fashion designers, editors, and fashionistas alike got to mingle and discuss the wonderful Bahamian weather, hospitality, and yes, the fabulous fashion! I opened the night's festivities with my "DIVA" (I have to put it in quotes thank you very much!) runway walk "blessing" and then we were off, starting with the "In Search of The Next Oscar" Design Presentation.

Violet Sequins: A Design by Georgina Esther Dominican Republic, Finalist "In Search of the Next Oscar" Design Competition

This Contest was created to find the next great Island Designer and was coined after Dominican Republic-born Oscar de la Renta. The Finalists were Georgina Esther from the Dominican Republic, who showed cocktail and evening wear, and Raynelis Howell from the Turks & Caicos, who showed sportswear separates as well as cocktail ensembles:

Models showing the designs of Raynelis Howell, Finalist "In Search of The Next Oscar" Design Competition

Both had their own unique point of view and the judges--Simon Collins Dean of Fashion Parsons The New School of Design, Louis Sarmiento, Senior Director for IMG Fashion, and Fashion Designer Jay McCarroll, had their work cut out for them (Thank goodness I was just hosting!).

Nina Michael Heidi...What Do You Think: Nick Verreos hosts "In Search of The Next Oscar" Design Competition Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

I brought both Georgina and Raynelis out--with their model muses--for a Q&A session--a la Project Runway--with the judges, which turned out to be a big hit with the audience--maybe not so much with the finalists who were a bit , shall we say, nervous. The announcement of the Winner would actually happen on Day Three so stay tuned...

Red Bull Barbie: Indashio takes his Finale Walk, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Another highlight of the evening were the Runway Shows of Guest Designers Indashio and Oliver Tolentino. Indashio--whom you might remember winning VH1 Glam God Reality TV Show, is a stylist/designer out of NYC. Miss THANG pushes buttons. And huney, he sure did in The Bahamas. For his final walk, he danced his way--holding a Red Bull--in full DRAG bubblegum pink feathered dress, wig and make-up! The Crowd went CRAZY!

Strike A Pose: A look from Indashio modeled by Miss Bahamas 2010 (and Top 20 Finalist at Miss World 2010) Braneka Bassett, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (photo courtesy of Adrian Richards)

As for his collection, it was very colorful, Club-Kid cool, and just the right side of H&M-meets-TopShop; lots of sexy neon-colored mini dresses, printed one-shoulder Resort-wear for that stylish girl arriving on to the Bahamas via the Royal Caribbean Allure of The Seas.

Six-Pack Sailor: A look from Indashio, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

And he didn't forget the boys: They were either wearing a THONG swimsuit or sexy low-slung colorful pants. Next up was Philippine-born Los Angeles-based fashion designer Oliver Tolentino. He was the complete opposite of Indashio--in terms of his Ladies-Who-Lunch...and Black-tie Gala Collection.

Fashion Designer Oliver Tolentino and his Muse, model Tutay Maristela, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Oliver has dressed former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos, and was also a Finalist in the Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind The Dress Competition at this year's Academy Awards. His Collection was elegant, showed lots of intricate draping, bows and ties, and used fabrications such as pineapple and abaca fibers.

He even flew in his muse, Filipina model Tutay Maristela, who STOMPED the runway OVERTIME in his gowns. Take a look at that pose above which she did at the end of the runway: WOOOORK!!!!!!

Matchy-Matchy: Host Nick Verreos and model Tutay Maristela (wearing Oliver Tolentino) at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

It was a wonderful ending to a fantastic second night at the Islands of The World Fashion Week here in The Bahamas.
Stay Tuned for "Runway 3" or Day Three---darlings, there's even more from my fun time in The Bahamas to come!

Click below for the Finale of Indashio's Show:

Click below to watch me host "In Search Of The Next Oscar" Design Competition:

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Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010-Day One: Jay McCarroll Fashion Show and Much More!

Project Bahamas...

Triumphant Walk: Jay McCarroll takes his bow with model in tow at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (photo courtesy of Lyndah Welles)

After I arrived in The Bahamas--to GORGEOUS weather BTW (thank you Weather Gods!)--we settled in, got to rest my weary jet-lagged head and attended the Exclusive Bahamas Screening of Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll's Documentary "Eleven Minutes" on "Arrival Day".

Island Fashionistas: Tomas Frenes, Vice President of Mode Isles/Islands of The World Fashion Week, David Paul and Nick Verreos, Designers NIKOLAKI

The following night was the real First Night--dubbed "Runway 1"-- of Runway Shows for the 2010 Edition of Islands of The World Fashion Week at the divine British Colonial Hilton.

The night began with a fiery and very sexy Opening Performance/Dance Number by Bahamas Dance Troupe "Silk and Steel" highlighting the Island Carnival Flavor (above photo).

Bag Crazy: Models show Harl Taylor BAG designs, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

This was soon followed by fashion shows from several Island designers including these gorgeous bags from Harl Taylor BAG from The Bahamas. Models sauntered in various colored catsuits but the fabulous straw bags--in all shapes and sizes--were the stars. They were adorned with gorgeous Mother of Pearl, seashells, gemstones and hand-carved Bahamian mahogany accents. In addition, there was also a sexy swimsuit runway show from ICandy Swimwear, designed by Margot Ga.

Catwalk Divas: Jay McCarroll's models take their final walk at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (Photo courtesy of Lyndah Wells)

A definite highlight of this first night of runway shows at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 was Debut Presentation of Jay McCarroll's Spring 2011 Collection. He had not shown a full collection, well, since the one documented in "Eleven Minutes" so the anticipation was palpable in the capacity-filled Runway "tent" at the Hilton. It was well worth the wait: The clothes were gorgeous!

Violet Queen: Model wearing Jay McCarroll Spring 2011, Islands of The World Fashion week 2010

The Collection was SOOOO Jay McCarroll: The brightly hued colors, the simple sheath shapes turned complex with intricate seaming and fun details such as his "Jay" circles. The models were STUNNING and fabulously styled by the designer himself, down to last purse and shoe detail...

Caribbean Neon: Model in Jay McCarroll Spring 2011, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010 (Photo Courtesy of Lyndah Wells)

Speaking of shoes, the models platform heels were covered with colored socks found THE DAY OF THE SHOW, in a Bahamas Outdoors Market (Love that!).

Click Below to watch the Finale of Jay McCarroll's Spring 2011 Collection:

The Rest of "Runway Day 1", at Island of The World Fashion Week 2010:

Bahamas Reporting: Nick Verreos and The Bahamas Weekly Reporter, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Besides the fun and very colorful presentation of Jay McCarroll's new collection, the first night of runway shows also consisted of the NextGen Designers Presentation as well as the Eco-Fashion Designers Presentation. The Competitions were judged by Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion Parsons The New School of Design, Louis Sarmiento Senior Director of IMG Fashion and Jay McCarroll.

Bahamian Cocktail: Model in David Rolle design, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Final Bow: NextGen Designer Finalist David Rolle of The Bahamas and his model, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

The favorite in the NextGen Category was up-and-coming Bahamas designer David Rolle. I have a personal connection to David because he helped both myself and my NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul two years ago when we showed at the 2008 Islands of The World Fashion Week. He was INVALUABLE. He was backstage steaming, pressing and holding up our gowns. He was so pro-active, always asking questions and never complaining. He was a Designer's DREAM intern and assistant at the time.

Proud Poppas: NIKOLAKI Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with NextGen Designer Winner David Rolle

And so both David and I were so proud to see his debut collection. I joked and told him that we felt like "Proud Poppa's". His designs were both directional yet elegant and sell-able--all at the same time. He even hand-cuffed all the models:

Yep, I said HAND CUFFED them (look closely above!). A few nights later, at the Final Night of the Islands Of The World Fashion Week, David Rolle won the NextGen Award and a Scholarship to Parsons New School for Design. Congrats to "our" David Rolle!

Click Below to watch David Rolle win the NextGen Designer Award:

Next Up: "Runway Night 2" of Islands of The World Fashion Week...

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Nick Verreos and Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010--Arrival and the Bahamas Screening of Jay McCarroll's "Eleven Minutes"!

The Bahamas...Here I Come!!!!

Uncle Nick and Mommy Peach: Nick Verreos with Project Runway Season 8 Designer Peach Carr and Daughter Molly at LAX

Last week, I flew to the Caribbean island nation of The Bahamas to host The Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of actually debuting my Spring 2009 Collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week...but this time, I was invited back to host. Less steaming...less model fitting...less alterations...less stress!! And more hosting fun time. My trip began at LAX with a BANG...as I made my way to my gate, my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (who of course came with me), yelled "Is that Peach?" Yep, wouldn't you just know that Peach Carr, Project Runway Season 8 Designer was in the same terminal waiting to catch a flight back to Chicago (she had flown to LA to attend an event) with her daughter! Well, I thought this was a fabulous start to my Bahamas Islands of The World Fashion Week Adventure!

Flossy-Flossy Limo: Nick Verreos and Mr. Brooks, the "Ultimate VIP Driver" in The Bahamas, Nassau Airport

After about 8 hours of flying and a Miami-to-Nassau connection, David and I finally arrived in The Bahamas, where our unofficial "Mr. Bahamas", the dashing Mr. Brooks, our driver awaited us with a LONG white limousine and a big smile! We had the pleasure of originally meeting Mr. Brooks two years ago when I showed my collection in The Bahamas and we were more than ecstatic to re-unite with him...and his LONG WHITE LIMOUSINE!!!

Crusing: Cruise Ships parked outside our British Colonial Hilton Pool and Private Beach

After checking in to the British Colonial Hilton, site of the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week, and getting some much needed rest, we ventured into the gorgeous Caribbean sun-drenched pool area of the hotel, only to be greeted by THREE of the biggest Cruise ships parked (literally) outside!!! These Cruise Ships weren't stuck off the coast of Mexico waiting to be rescued!

Dip In The Pool: View of the pool and private beach from our hotel room, The British Colonial Hilton Nassau Bahamas

On this first evening, we were invited to an exclusive Bahamas screening of Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll's Documentary "Eleven Minutes". Jay, in fact, was one of the starring "Guest Celeb Designers" showing at this year's Island of The World Fashion Week and so it was only natural that the documentary that followed his first official Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week Runway Show several years back, would "kick off" this week's events.

White Pant Screening: Nick Verreos at the "Eleven Minutes" Screening, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010

Over 100 VIP guests were invited to the screening-- including editors, designers and yes, myself.

I had seen "Eleven Minutes" back at the official OUTFEST Hollywood Screening a couple of years ago along with my Season 2 Alumn Raymundo Baltazar and Season One Finalist Kara Saun (above photo), yet I was excited to see the film again. After the film, Jay (who had just arrived from Pennsylvania) held a Post-Screening Q & A. He had not even unpacked and in fact was driven straight from airport to the movie theater so I'm sure all he wanted was a post-flight cocktail. Yet, he was gracious enough to answer all the questions.

Caribbean Queens: Jay McCarroll and Nick Verreos, "Eleven Minutes" Screening, The Bahamas

As he looked out in the audience, he almost choked...on his words...as he saw me and David and exclaimed "Nick Verreos! What Are YOU doing here???" I guess no one informed him that I would be hosting the Islands of The World Fashion Week events, and he was happily (I think!) surprised to see me there. Needless to say, it was wonderful to see Miss Jay. You never know who you might run into...in The Bahamas!!!

Next Up: Islands Of The World Fashion Week 2010 Recap: Day One

Click below for a fun little video showing the beautiful beach at the Hilton in the Bahamas--and those HUGE Crusie ships:

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Nick Verreos to Host "In Search of The Next Oscar" Design Competition: Islands of The World Fashion Week Bahamas 2010!

Caribbean Red Carpet Couture Hosting!!

Junkanoo Nick: Nick Verreos in The Bahamas, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008 Welcoming Night Party

I am beyond excited to announce that I will be flying to The Bahamas TOMORROW!!! No, not to ride the dolphins, or slide on the Atlantis's Leap of Faith but to be part of...

The Island Of The World Fashion Week 2010 fashion shows and festivities. In addition, I have also been invited to host a fabulous Fashion Design Competition "In Search of The Next Oscar". Not as in the Academy Awards Oscar, but as in Oscar de la Renta, the Dominican Republic-born fashion designer. This competition will recognize and honor the island-based designer whose collection reflects a cohesive meeting point between ready-to-wear and Haute Couture.

Take A Bow: NIKOLAKI designers Nick Verreos and David Paul with models, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

As many of you may know, I was privileged enough--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul--to go to the Bahamas two years ago to show our NIKOLAKI Collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008.

NIKOLAKI at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

Showing our gorgeous gowns and dresses at the Islands of The World Fashion Week was an amazing one-of-a-kind experience which needless to say garnered TONS of press for us, including many top US and international publications.

NIKOLAKI at Islands of The World Fashion Week 2008

The elegant venue, the stunning models--everything was up to par with any top Fashion Week around the World. In short, The Bahamas does it right when it comes to showcasing the best of Fashion from the World's Islands!!!

This year's IOTW Fashion Week will run November 11-13th with fashion shows EVERY NIGHT at the elegant British Colonial Hilton. Highlights include Special Celebrity Designer Jay McCarroll--yes, Winner of Season One Project Runway--who will be showing his collection on Opening Night; the Search For The Next Oscar design competition on November 12Th and ending with the Haiti Relief Fashion Show on November 13Th.

Above are the Schedule of Events for Islands of The World Fashion week 2010. Click HERE for Tickets!!

See you in The Bahamas!!!!

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