NV NICK VERREOS
Red-Carpet Glamour for Everyday Dressing
Los Angeles designer Nick Verreos was recently at the Dillard’s store in Scottsdale, Ariz., and another in Pembroke Pines, Fla., to introduce his new dress collection, NV Nick Verreos, which bowed in April at Dillard’s and Lord & Taylor stores. On June 8, Verreos is making another in-store appearance at a Dillard’s in San Antonio.
The collection—“over three years in the making”—is designed by Verreos and his partner, David Paul. The two also co-design the red-carpet collection Nikolaki.
Verreos’ ebullient personality and quick wit made him a fan favorite during his stint on the second season of “Project Runway.” The opportunity led to steady work providing fashion commentary for programs such as the TV Guide Network,the Style Network, NBC and CNN. He is also an instructor and spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
All of these experiences are incorporated in the new collection, which adds a dose of red-carpet glamour to day-to-“cocktails-with-her-girlfriends” dresses.
“Every girl deserves a red-carpet moment,” Verreos said. “Even if it’s a [job] interview, that’s their red-carpet moment.”
Targeting a young contemporary customer, NV Nick Verreos is retail priced between $108 and $169, a niche Verreos said is in demand but underrepresented in stores.
“David and I thought it wasn’t there because there wasn’t a market,” Verreos said. “We found out the girls are there—they’re just not finding the brands. [With NV Nick Verreos,] you’re getting the look of a boutique dress but at department-store prices. For $108, you get a great-quality dress—with pockets that actually work.”
Produced in China, NV Nick Verreos features many of Verreos and Paul’s signature details, such as feminine draping and luxe details found in their high-end Nikolaki line.
“I’m still keeping our DNA,” Verreos said. “There’s draping, a little bit of sparkle—but it’s not ‘Toddlers & Tiaras.’”
Verreos is designing, draping and making the patterns for each piece. “It’s my baby! This is a big deal for me; I have to be hands-on,” he said, adding that he’s enjoying the challenge of producing high-end looks at more-moderate prices.
“It’s sort of like that ‘Project Runway’ challenge. Make it work,” Verreos said. “With Nikolaki, working with $1,000-per-yard fabrics, I’m playing dress-up. [With NV Nick Verreos,] you have price restrictions. But can you take a seam out? Can you take out a little bit of yardage and still get that great drape? I feel very happy I haven’t compromised anything.”
One dress, dubbed the “Heidi” dress, was inspired by a Nikolaki dress worn by “Project Runway” host and model Heidi Klum on “The Conan O’Brien Show.”
“It may not be silk from Italy, but the girl feels like she’s getting that red-carpet moment,” Verreos said.
The NV Nick Verreos collection is designed for the fashion-savvy young professional looking for something distinctive and on-trend.
“She wants to look fabulous but not wear the same dress that 22 other girls have,” Verreos said. “She reads all the fashion magazines; she knows what the trends are.
Verreos describes the fit as “sexy fit but not overtly—leave that to the juniors.” And he credits his partner and co-designer for providing balance to the designs. “David reins me in,” Verreos said. “He knows when it’s appropriate to go Sofia Vergara and when it’s not.
The designer is also including “a little plastic surgery” with every dress. “Call me Dr. Nick,” he said. For example, stretch woven fabrications provide a little added support, asymmetrical hems make the legs look longer, and much of the design details are above the waist—to give the wearer that perfect ¾ shot whether she’s behind her desk or seated across her date at dinner.
“Every girl should have that ego-boost dress,” Verreos said. “Hopefully, my dresses can take her from gloom to glam in two minutes.”
In addition to selling in 50 Dillard’s and 10 Lord & Taylor stores, the line is available at Verreos’ website (www.nvnickverreos.com).
New York showroom Soulstar Creations carries the collection. For more information, call (212) 730-2411.
