As a young child, Verreos' memories surrounding the Star Wars saga coincide with his family's relocation from Venezuela to the United States. "I was 10 when my family and I had recently arrived to the U.S., and I first saw A New Hope for the first time," Verreos recalls. "A memory that is still captured in my head is of me sitting in the theater when the lights go out, and John Williams' amazing score begins blaring out the speakers and those words start scrolling up. I swear my heart beat so fast I almost fell out of the seat. I still get shivers just seeing that intro and hearing that music; it brings me back to when I was just a boy."
"I think at the time, as a young kid, it was great to disappear from the real world and be entertained by such a grand fantasy film," Verreos continues. "I was always a fan of sci-fi, in fact 'Space: 1999' was one of my favorite TV shows growing up, so being a fan of Star Wars was a natural fit for me. The escapism of it all, the 'what's out there in the other planets,' the strange creatures, and especially the costumes, was enthralling for me. I also think that in a way, it helped develop my curiosity for other cultures and countries. By dreaming and being able to suspend myself to other worlds, it eventually made me a far more creative individual in the long run."
The memorable costumes of the Star Wars saga seemed to trigger a special appreciation that would later inspire Verreos as he began his fashion career. "The most fashionable character of the saga is a toss up between Princess Leia and Queen Amidala," Verreos says. "Princess Leia's infamous metal bikini was so Paco Rabanne meets Courreges -- hot! She was the Bridgite Bardot of galaxy. In The Phantom Menace, Queen Amidala was giving us intergalactic couture. She was a Dior fashion show by John Galliano all wrapped up into one person -- a mini diva! When I first saw those Queen Amidala costumes in Vogue magazine, I remembered sketching more voluminous gowns with heavier fabrics. I fantasized that I would do a runway collection with very theatrical, bigger-than-life ensembles, something that Queen Amidala would wear. I used her as my muse and client."
While Queen Amidala's style inspired Verreos to try new elements in his own designs, that doesn't mean there weren't a few fashion victims in the saga that even the Force couldn't fix. "Oh dear, Obi-Wan Kenobiand that hemp-looking robe and that 1980s Flock of Seagull-meets-Duran Duran braid of his -- bad, bad and more bad!" Verreos laughs. "I would cut that braid off and give him some color, maybe around the neckline or the edges of his robe -- something!"
Jedi fashion faux pas aside, Verreos has nothing but respect for costume designer Trisha Biggar and her fantastical creations. "The FIDM exhibit, which was shown at the school I teach at, was so beautiful and inspiring," Verreos says. "To see those costumes up close and personal was a great moment for me. These one-of-a-kind costume designs are now icons in the world of Hollywood costume-making."
"It's so very important to honor costume designers and the silent workers in the wardrobe department for their work," Verreos says. "I admire and adore Trisha Biggar's wonderful and inspiring designs. Costume designers work tirelessly just like the producers, directors, and screenwriters -- if not more sometimes! They are essential to the overall look of a movie, especially a period film or one such as Star Wars. Living with a costume designer, I know firsthand how often times they are given a tiny budget, a shorter deadlines, and a lack of respect from directors and producers that treat them as 'silly little dressmakers.' So it's refreshing to see Star Wars fans caring about Trisha's hard work and her incredible team of talented and qualified craftsmen, drapers, pattern makers, sewers, and illustrators." "It's these people who attend school to learn the craft, then apply it for years by working on film and television," Verreos adds. "Just because costume-making and designing is a tactile thing and considered a 'craft,' does not mean it worth any less than the special effects or acting in a film. So kudos to Trisha Biggar and all the other costume designers."
Find out more information about Verreos and his work on his blog.
Read more interviews with the other design contestants from season two of "Project Runway" here: Project Runway: Style Wars.
