Shop Girls co-hosts Alexis Walsko and Ali Kaplan with Nick Verreos on myTalk107.1
An October visit to the Twin Cities was supposed to give “Project Runway” alum and L.A.-based TV personality/fashion critic Nick Verreos an opportunity to layer, so the weekend’s unexpectedly balmy weather threw him. He ditched the coat and scarf, but stuck with his Top Shop jacket, H&M shirt and Zara white jeans as planned for his Macy’s appearance…with the YSL boots and Gucci belt that cost more than the entire ensemble (several times over).
We covered a ton of ground during Nick’s appearance on Shop Girls, myTalk 107.1: red carpet critiques, stylist Jen Rade’s run-in with Fergie, his new TV Guide Network show, “Project Runway” dish- listen to the whole interview here. One of the more interesting topics was fame and the role it’s played in his career. Back when he was on Project Runway in Season 2, Nick says he didn’t do it for celebrity; he did it hoping to drum up orders for his line, Nikolaki. He’s gotten more TV jobs than dress orders, but every bit helps. “This is not the path I planned out,” he said, “But I’m still getting the calls to do fashion – a prom dress line, appearances at Macy’s, celebrity orders. I’m pinching myself every day.”
No longer being able to shop or walk through an airport without getting hit up for advice is a price he’s willing to pay. But if you run into the caffeinated designer and he compliments your ensemble, don’t get too cocky. “I’m really thinking you should not have worn those Crocs, honey.” Nick didn’t hold back with our radio engineer Paul Black (better known as producer of the Ian & Margery Show on myTalk 107.1). “That is a really long crotch,” he said of Black’s light wash jeans. See for yourself:
After Paul got over the surprise and sting, he agreed. You’ve got to be prepared when you work with the Shop Girls. Can’t wait to see if Paul finds himself the prescribed dark wash low rise denim before our next live broadcast.
J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler is a big fan of Red Wing Shoes - the first outside brand he brought in to what is now a substantial heritage collection. But that admiration does not extend to every style – like the ones favored by Red Wing Shoes CEO David Murphy. While interviewing Murphy for today’s St. Paul Pioneer Press article on how Minnesota brands are benefiting from the American heritage trend in fashion, I asked him about the recent New Yorker profile that detailed Drexler’s visit to Red Wing Shoes headquarters. Murphy said he showed Drexler his favorite boot, the 2156 hiker (pictured.) Drexler’s unapologetic response: “Leave that to the designers.” Nor was Drexler impressed by the World’s Biggest Boot on display at the Red Wing Shoes retail store in the company’s home town. “He wants it to be a lot more hip,” Murphy said. The New Yorker piece quoted Drexler offering to help Murphy open a store in Manhattan. Murphy says retail is not a focus for Red Wing Shoes, but the brand likely will get to New York in the next few years. And when that time does come, Murphy said he will definitely take up Drexler, widely regarded as a retail superstar, on his offer. He’s got it in print.
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