Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos, National Wear Red Day Go Red For Women Dash Macy's Herald Square--Recap Part Two!!

Go Red Day!!!!--Recap Part Two:

Nick Verreos Macy's Herald Square NYC, National Wear Red Day Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

And now, here is my "Part Two", and final recap of my time in NYC last week working for Macy's and the American Heart Association to help raise awareness of heart disease and February 3rd's National Wear Red Day--and of course, helping women "embrace" RED and how to dress RED for the day--and the entire MONTH (as you know, February is American Heart Month!).

Step and Go Red Repeat: Nick Verreos, Macy's Herald Square NYC Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

In my last post, I recapped my time arriving in NYC, doing a full Satellite Media Tour across the US with 30+ TV and Radio stations, as well as a brief "run-in" with my Project Runway Season 2 companion, fashion designer Daniel Vosovic. But now, it's time for the BIG DAY:

Red Required: Nick Verreos, flanked by Athena and Rafael, Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Macy's Herald Square Volunteers/Greeters

I arrived in my RED jacket ensemble (with black skinny jeans, black skinny tie, white shirt and red-white-and-black polka dot pocket hankie) at Macy's Herald Square and I was so happy to be greeted by the two cutest National Wear Red Day Macy's Volunteers: Athena and Rafael. Both were students from F.I.T. and both were braving the very cold weather with their fabulous signs, welcoming Macy's shoppers to come and attend the Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash event which I would be part of.

After a brief stop to pose by the signs and posters welcoming everyone to the event--along with my partner David Paul (above, left)--who of course, came with me for support--wearing his stylish red cardigan.

Taking the Stage: Nick Verreos with Mrs International 2011 Janet Bolin (left), Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Macy's Herald Square NYC

Our MC was the statuesque and very beautiful "Mrs. International 2011" Janet Bolin. Naturally, I LOVE me a Pageant Girl; a sash, a crown and some fabulous heels...doesn't take much for me to like you! Soon, it was time for me to take the podium. I briefly talked about how amazing of a day this was and getting the audience up to speed with the importance of National Wear Red Day and the Go Red For Women cause. And, since, yes, I was the "Fashion Guy", also letting women know that THEY ALL CAN--and should wear RED!!!

Three's Company: (Left to right) Star Jones, Elizabeth Banks, Nick Verreos Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash, Macy's Herald Square NYC

I was also joined by my co-co-presenters, actress Elizabeth Banks, who wore a very cute polka-dotted jacquard wrap-style dress and nude heels, and the ever-so-fab Miss Star Jones (I feel like she deserves a "Miss" in front of her name...ALWAYS!) in a sleeveless red stretch sateen sheath dress and red heels. They both spoke eloquently about heart disease and how important the Go Red For Women cause is to them.

It was such an honor and wonderful experience to be part of this great day and to add my "Nick Stamp" to National Wear Red Day. Afterward, Elizabeth, Star, and I all walked over to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Wall and signed it, sharing our pledge to spread the message of ending heart disease.

Red Macy's: Nick Verreos, Macy's Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Wall, Macy's Herald Square NYC

Of course, I decided to add my own "Nick" touch to my signature and not only did I write "I Go Red" but of course, I had to draw a fashion illustration of a croquis in a FAB red gown--a NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul design--naturally:

Nick Verreos, Elizabeth Banks and Star Jones, signing the Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Wall, Macy's Herald Square NYC

The photographers got a big kick out of that (I guess, they weren't used to a "Fashion Guru" actually being able to draw "on the spot"-- Mon Dieu!)--and yes, my co-presenters Star Jones and Elizabeth Banks loved it too--they were so inspired, they went back to the wall and drew hearts and kisses.

Red Dress Gown Sketch by Nick Verreos, Macy's Herald Square NYC Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

I had such an AMAZING time being part of this day and helping the cause of ending heart disease. I am a boy who was raised by wonderful and loving women so this cause is near and dear to me. I want my LADIES to live LONGER and healthier lives! Thank you Macy's and American Heart Association for allowing me to be part of this great day! Oh, and EVERYONE: Go Red!!!!

Today is National Wear Red Day: Nick Verreos, Star Jones and Elizabeth Banks GO RED!

Go Red: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, actress Elizabeth Banks and attorney, author, American Heart Association National Volunteer Star Jones, National Wear Red Day February 3rd, Macy's Herald Square. Photo: Getty Images

Today is National Wear Red Day. As you may know, I'm working with Macy's and the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement to encourage women to take action against heart disease by participating in today's National Wear Red Day!!! Along with Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks, attorney, author, TV personality and American Heart Association National Volunteer Star Jones, I took part in a spectacular Red Dress Dash at Macy's Herald Square this morning to uncover the truth about heart disease and make ending it a reality!

So, I hope EVERYONE reading this is WEARING RED today! As you can see from the photo above, I did!!! Macy's has THREE exclusive Red Dresses for sale--all for under $100--with 10% of each dresses' purchase going directly to the American Heart Association. And check out the Macy's Wear Red Sale HERE. So...go buy one of those dresses and check out the Macy's Wear Red Sale. You will look fashionable and help this wonderful cause. And yes, GO RED!!! Post photos of yourself on Twitter and Facebook in your red ensembles and encourage your friends and family to do the same!!!

I will do a FULL Recap Post--with many, many photos-- of my time in NYC for National Wear Red Day including my Satellite Media Tour where I did over 30 TV and Radio Interviews. So STAY TUNED here on this very BLOG, for MORE!!! For now...Wear Red and participate in today's National Wear Red Day!!!

Nick Verreos Attends Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA "ARTrageous"

FASHIONrageous at Macy's GLAMORAMA LA 2011:

Nick Verreos, Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011 Red Carpet, Orpheum Theater Los Angeles

This past Friday, I was invited (as well as my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul) to attend Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011. Macy's Glamorama is an AMAZING event that combines runway fashion, entertainment, music, and all the while raising money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. They do a four city tour, which includes Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and LA.

For the past 29 years, more than $29 million--yes, MILLION--has been raised for outstanding and worthwhile organizations such as AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles and many others in the other cities. Side Note: I remember actually going to one of the very FIRST Macy's Passport shows in San Francisco back when I lived in the Bay Area. I think my Mommie took me (please don't do the math!).

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 was held at the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA, and the Theme for this year was "ARTrageous". I knew this would be a fun night when the first person I ran into as I get out of my car is...

Ice Queens: Nick Verreos and Johnny Weir

Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir--looking much more fabulous than I (Thanks Johnny!!) in a Chris Benz purple knit sweater-jacket and iridescent leggings and some SERIOUS wedge bootie pumps! Now, you might know how much I am a fan of Figure Skating, and especially the Costumes. Last year, I also did some "Fashion Commentating" for Universal Sports during the Vancouver Olympics (with Johnny in fact, but he was in the Vancouver studios while I was in LA). Needless to say, it was wonderful finally meeting him. My partner David was also excited to say "Hi" to Johnny (wait until you see the last photo in this blog!)...

But back to the show:

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 had so many many highlights. Let's begin with the musical performances. First came Far East Movement (above). I knew their songs, just didn't know who sang them--but Lord Knows now I do! (I know, I'm such a loser when it comes to what "the kids" are listening to these days!). They were GREAT by the way.

Beyond great was Cee Lo Green, who had everyone on their feet by the end of the night. If I wasn't seated all the way in the back, I would have run up on stage and become a groupie/fan and started dancing with him right then and there! (Thank goodness for David that I did not!).

A definite highlight of the evening was a Special Tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who devoted so much of her life to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Tribute was presented by Sharon Stone. Ms. Stone looked every bit a Hollywood Star in a fitted royal blue side shirred dress and LOTS of diamonds (an homage to Miss Taylor I presume?). It was such a loving tribute which also included a brief yet poignant appearance by Elizabeth Taylor's grandsons, Quinn Tivey and Tarquin Wilding.

Oh and yes, then there was The Fashion:



As always, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama involved showing lots of Fashion. There were nine runway presentations showing the latest Fall 2011 looks from brands that are at Macy's: Armani Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Rachel Rachel Roy, Tommy Girl, Tracy Reese, Impulse Macy's Department, Calvin Klein, bar III...

And Papi, the underwear line. This last "runway portion" of the show was, of course, a BIG HIT with the audience--men and women alike, thank you very much. How those boys can be up on that stage almost naked is beyond me. But I guess if I had their bodies...

After the show was over, it was time for David and I to head to the After Party, which was held at the nearby California Market Center, in its expansive lobby. For tonight's Glamorama After Party, the lobby was transformed into a Las Vegas-style Nightclub. Guests arrived and began to enjoy the Patron Tequila Bar, several food/hors d'oeuvre sections (the roast beef sliders and vegi wraps were delicious!), as well as a See's Candy and Don Francisco's Specialty Coffee tables, among others.

At the After Party, I ran into my friend Ross Mathews, who was there with his partner Salvador--both looking quite dapper. Ross was working his grey H&M jacket with white piping, skinny tie and skinny jeans.

Also, a woman in a cute red dress approached me, telling me how she was a "big fan" and how her daughter would so jealous that she was meeting me. Her name was Michele and her beau turned out to be "The Young and The Restless" actor Sean Kanan (above with Michele). We had a very fun conversation which involved everything from Project Runway to our mutual love of Italy, my experience of almost drowning off the coast of Capri and his new cooking book "The Modern Gentleman". And of course, I made Michele call her daughter so I could say "Hi" and give my best Tim Gunn "Make It Work" impression. With that, it was time to say "Ciao" to them, and the fabulous Macy's Glamorama After Party.

Oh and before I forget, I promised a certain photo of David and Johnny Weir--well, Here ya go:

Get Your Hands Off My Man: Johnny Weir and NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul

It doesn't get more Figure Skating Fabulous than this! If this doesn't end up on David's Facebook, I don't know what will!