LOS ANGELES, Apr 3, 2003/ FW/ --- Nikolaki (Neek-o-lah-key) is the company created by designers Nick Verreos and David Paul. Held offsite in Culver City, Nikolaki managed to fill the Smashbox hall.

The fall 2003 collection brought an array of glamour in the form of silk and wool houndstooth. However, their fashion show began with a bang and ended with a discrete cough.

The first outfits shown were a combination of wool houndstooth and silk that were not only attractive but trendy. A wool houndstooth hunting jacket paired with Bordeaux colored silk velvet gathered hem capris was particularly wearable.

Overall the Nikolaki pant styles were fresh and attractive. Styles made for the younger generation with a splash of color and vibrancy. Side gathered cargo pants brought a nice twist to this popular look.

The problems for Nikolaki came with the dresses.

A bronze silk blouson mini dress described in the program as Grecian inspired appeared more Star Trek inspired than anything. It was a glam version of the classic Star Trek ladies uniform detailed with crystal beads.

Stripped silk dresses created an eyesore. The bold stripes looked as if a child had taken their crayons out and colored in a blinding rainbow. There was, however, one exception. A crimson halter gown was made playful by the addition of the stripped silk in accents along the shoulders.

From good to bad to worse, the finale showcased what not to wear to any event – especially a fashion event. An A-line ballgown created of Bordeaux colored silk satin and feathered ziberline caused more than one person to wonder if a mistake had been made. The gown looked as if made from the entire uncured coat of an animal or perhaps an ancient feather duster.

All in all Nikolaki has some remarkable youthful outfits perfect for dressing up and down simultaneously, but the dress designs are rather hit or miss.