Known for his gorgeous collection of gowns and cocktail dresses worn by some of Hollywood’s well-known celebrities including Eva Longoria, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood and Heidi Klum just to name a few, designer Nick Verreos gives us a little taste of Hollywood with his new spring 2013 collection. Still using his draping technique, Verreos has created fun, classy, as well as, bright dresses for his spring collection.

With Verreos spring collection, there’s something for the bold and sexy or even just a fun day out shopping. Using bright colors such as pink, lime green, pastel blue’s and even a red dress, perfect for a day party or a night on the town, Nick gives much variety in each of his dresses. Knowing that detail, shape and length is everything when finding that perfect dress, Verreos uses the draped back and cropped front style for some of his dresses giving them a “train” effect or look. With this new line, also set at a great price ranging from $100-$180, there’s something for everyone’s shape.

With all the hustle and bustle of designing, we took time to find out where Nick Verreos finds his inspiration.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: When did you first think about becoming a designer?
NICK VERREOS: As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a fashion designer, it just took me a while to figure it out. I was always a very good artist, and as a little boy, I would sketch my mom getting ready for parties.  Then, I sketched all the flight attendant uniforms during my travels (my father was a US diplomat and my mom worked for Hilton Hotels in Caracas, Venezuela so we got to travel a lot). But it wasn’t until I was graduating from UCLA (I studies Political Science/International Relations) that I realized all I really wanted to do was pursue my childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer.

FM: Where do you get inspiration from?
NV: I got my inspiration to become a fashion designer while looking at all the Vogue magazines my mom would buy me. And then, while watching Elsa Klensch on TV, as well as “Fashion TV” on VH1, I got very inspired by the runway shows, the collections, the models. In terms of where I get my inspiration now, it’s mainly from my travels and visiting museums (paintings, sculptures), architecture, buildings. I’m most inspired by strong confident women who are not afraid to take chances when it comes to fashion and look chic, sexy and powerful, all at the same time.

FM: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and why?
NV: If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be sitting poolside in the Katikies Hotel in the island of Santorini Greece eating feta cheese and watermelon and looking over the breathtaking views!

FM: What are your favorite places to travel?
NV: I think I might have already answered that above! LOL! Yes, I would say that I love the Greek islands, particularly Santorini and Mykonos. I also love the Amalfi Coast in Italy, especially the town of Positano. Next on my list would be the island of Kauai (Princeville!),  Palm Springs (the MidCentury homes and decor!), and NYC of course. I’d love to one day visit India, Tahiti, Brazil and Croatia. I love to travel and explore!

FM: Describe your personal style?
NV: I would describe my personal style as a blend of Euro Trust-funder Meets Miami Meets London “hipster”. I love well-fitted jackets, suits, bright colored shirts and pocket hankies, Gucci loafers and skinny jeans.

FM: What was the first thing you ever designed?
NV: It was a dress for my sister to go out in. While attending fashion school, I made a lot of stuff for my sister and my mom as well. They were my first fashion experiments! They still have all my first “Nick Verreos Originals”!

FM: What’s next for Nick Verreos?
NV: Besides having EVERY woman in America wear “NV Nick Verreos” dresses, I think the next would then be, having women all over the world dressed in “NV”.

FM: Who was the worst dressed person on the red carpet that you’ve ever seen? Who was the best?
NV: Several people come to mind: Bjork and her infamous “Swan Dress”. Demi Moore at the Oscars in bicycle shorts and overskirt was also in that category and maybe Gina Davis in her white high-low gown she also wore at the Academy Awards.  In terms of the best, I love the old Cher moments when Bob Mackie would collaborate and make something incredible.  Many people would put her in the “Uh Oh” category but not me. On the other end of the spectrum,  I also think that Gwyneth Paltrow in that Tom Ford white cape gown last year at the Oscars was one of the most elegant looks.

FM: What are people most surprised to know about you?
NV: For some reason, many people are surprised that I speak fluent Spanish. And it’s mostly the Spanish-speaking people who are surprised! Almost every time I do an interview for a Spanish-language network, newspaper, website, the reporter/interviewer almost always ends with “I had no idea you spoke Spanish so well!”.  I lived in Venezuela for about a decade, so of course I speak Spanish fluently!

FM: What do you do in your spare time?
NV: Something I also do for work: Draw a lot!

For more information, visit NVNickVerreos.com.   To purchase the line, please visit Dillards.com or LordandTaylor.com

-Brittany Gavin