Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Goes to FIDM San Diego for 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"--The Recap!

Fashion in Sunny San Diego, Doggie Day Care, Visit from the Family...Oh and a Baseball Game!!!

Find The One Guy: Nick Verreos and the FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" attendees

Last week, as part of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's 2011 "3 Days of Fashion", I drove down to San Diego--along with my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul--to make my "Guest Appearance". First, we had to put our little doggy, Benny, in "Doggy Day Care" so he would have lots of play time, while his "daddies" went down to San Diego for the day. After an almost three-hour drive down (oh that LA to San Diego traffic!), we finally made it! Just in time...

The View: Padres Baseball game happening at the same time as FIDM San Diego's 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

The FIDM San Diego Campus is located right next to the spectacular Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. And wouldn't you know it: There was a Padres Baseball Game going on right at the same time!!! At first I didn't realize it and thought "Boy, are ALL these people with shorts and flip flops going to the FIDM 3 Days of Fashion???" I somehow forgot to see all their Padres caps, banners, flags and baseball jerseys!! Ooops...

But yes, once inside the campus, I got ready for my appearance. This was the last day of this event for them---and they had been in different workshops throughout the day, learning the intricacies of draping, sketching, trend spotting.

Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black silk jersey tunic-gown, FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

But now, they were going to see some FASHION with a Capital "F"...as I brought one of my FAVE Runway models, Amanda Fields (who also drove down from Los Angeles), to show the "3 Days of Fashion" students--over 100 of them--some of my NIKOLAKI gowns and dresses.

Raise Your Camera-Phones: A scene from the NIKOLAKI "Mini" Fashion Show, FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

You should have seen all the camera phones go up as Amanda sauntered into the room each time with a different gown/dress. It was like "mini paparazzi"!!! Afterward, I gave away prizes (the most fun were the "Best Dressed of FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion" prizes!) and of course, I signed bags, t-shirts, sweatshirts...you name it, I signed it!

Baby Blue Meets Pink: FIDM San Diego 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" guest (she made her own dress!) and Nick Verreos

We also took great photos with the FAB Petco Park Padres Baseball Game going on in the back! An additional "special bonus" of coming down to San Diego was that David's mom and nieces--the super pretty Emilie and Samantha...

La San Diego Familia: David Paul, Nick Verreos with David's mom, Conchita and nieces Samantha and Emilie, FIDM San Diego Campus balcony

Got to attend the event as well--and spend some time with "Uncle David". The girls enjoyed my lecture I think--David's mom even said I should go into the business of being an "Inspirational Speaker"...Who knows, there's still time!!! After the event, David's mom, treated us to a delicious--yet quick--dinner nearby and then we were on our way (it was 7:30pm and we had only 2 1/2 hrs to make it back before the Doggy Day Care closed. In case you were wondering, we got there at 9:56!!! Just in time...

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!

Nick Verreos Appearance at FIDM Scholarship Store TODAY--Tues May 17th: I'll be Showing Prom Looks for Under $40!

Prom King in Downtown LA!

Prom Court: Nick Verreos will be at FIDM Scholarship Store TODAY, Tuesday May 17th to Present Prom Looks

On Sunday, I filmed a FUN & FAB Prom Dress Segment for NBC-LA "Today In LA: Weekend Show" with Anchor Ted Chen--and four gorgeous models, where I showed four different Prom Looks for this 2011 Prom Season--ALL the clothes came from the AMAZING FIDM Scholarship Store, located on 9th and Grand, in the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles Campus. Now, of course, I'll be doing a little Blog about my "TV Prom Appearance" in an upcoming post!

FIDM Scholarship Store on 9th & Grand Avenue Downtown LA

But for now, I just wanted to announce that I'll be making a LIVE--and in Person--Appearance at the FIDM Scholarship Store THIS MORNING from 10-11:30AM presenting prom looks--with models--as well as helping girls--and their Mommies--pick out prom Dresses that will NOT "break the bank"! Most of the dresses and Prom Ensembles will be for under $40!!!! I know: Shut The Front Door! That's why we LOVE the FIDM Scholarship Store!!! I'll also be signing autographs and taking pics (naturally!).

So....Come out to the FIDM Scholarship Store TODAY and get your Prom Dressing ON!!!!!

Details:

What: Nick Verreos Presents CHIC Prom Looks On a Budget, all from the FIDM Scholarship Store

When: TODAY, Tuesday May 17th, 10-11:30 am

Where: FIDM Scholarship Store
919 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90015
(Corner of 9th and Grand)

Nick Verreos Goes To The Prom!! Watch tomorrow (Sunday) morning on KNBC-Channel 4 "Today In LA" Weekend Edition 7-8AM

Just In Case You Are an Early Sunday Morning Riser...

Peacock Fashion Boy: Nick Verreos at KNBC-LA Burbank Studios

If you can.... turn on your TV and tune into KNBC-LA Channel 4 tomorrow morning, Sunday May 15th. Why, you may ask? Well, kiddies, I'll be doing a FAB Prom 2011 Trends Segment on KNBC-LA's Sunday Morning News Show "Today In LA: Weekend Edition" between 7:30-8AM.

Anchor Ted Chen (above)-- whom I've done several Awards Shows Fashion Segments with--headlines the wonderful "Today In LA" Weekend Show and I'm glad to be on his show yet again...

In case you didn't know: It's PROM SEASON and I will be showing 2011 Prom Trends from the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Scholarship Store:

The FIDM Scholarship Store, located in the FIDM Downtown LA Campus, is run by students at FIDM, and kept stocked by more than 400 different manufacturers and retailers who donate their unwanted merchandise for free. All the proceeds go to the FIDM Scholarship Fund. I'm so excited to be on TV tomorrow, Sunday morning (LIVE, I might add) to be showing what great "Prom Fashion Finds" I discovered from the FIDM Scholarship Store. And PS: You WON'T BELIEVE the prices!!!

Here are the Details:

*What: Prom 2011 Fashion Trends/FIDM Scholarship Store TV Segment hosted by Nick Verreos

*Where: KNBC-TV Channel 4, Today In LA: Weekend Edition

*When: Tomorrow, Sunday May 15: Watch between 7:30-8AM

Nick Verreos Judges "Prom Advice's" 2011 Scholarship Competition!!

Win a One-Year Scholarship to FIDM! How? Keep on Reading...


It's Prom Season!! (in case you didn't know), and just in in the "nick" of time, FashionClub.com is announcing its 2011 Fashion College Scholarship Competition as part of their PromAdvice.com sister site. And guess who is their Celebrity Judge?

Celebrity Prom Judge: Nick Verreos

Yep! Me!! (Yeayy!). It's the most exciting PromAdvice.com Contest EVER!! Enter to win a full-year Scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM. As you may know, I am the Official Spokesperson of FIDM, as well as an Instructor and Alumn.

Also, several years back, I designed an entire line of "Nick Verreos Prom Dresses" which were exclusively carried by Windsor Boutiques across the country! So, needless to say, I am so excited to take part in another Prom Season!

The Rules: Do one of the following:

1) Sketch a Prom Fashion Line of your own creation, OR...

2) Design an imaginary Prom Attire Boutique

All entries must be postmarked by May 16, 2011 (and that's soon!!)


Click HERE for more details and all the information you need to know. And I look forward to looking at all the entries and choosing the WINNER! Oh, and GOOD LUCK!!!

Watch Nick Verreos and FIDM Debut 2011 on TV (KLCS-TV/PBS) TONIGHT, Sunday and Tuesday May 3rd!

Runway on PBS!

Nick Verreos emcee's FIDM Debut 2011--flanked by his "NIKOLAKI Muses", wearing NIKOLAKI gowns

Last night, a "Little Birdie"--well, a very good friend of mine--was watching PBS (he's so educated and enlightened) last night, and happened to come across the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show! He emailed me telling me "Nick! You're on PBS!!" Unfortunately, I got the email TODAY (insert sad face).

But, after a quick web-and-TV-schedule search, I found out that KLCS-TV/The Education Station, will be airing the FIDM Debut 2011 show once again TONIGHT (Saturday) at 7PM, as well as tomorrow Sunday at 3PM and on Tuesday May 3rd at 8PM (Yeayyy!).

KLCS-TV is an LA-based, non commercial educational PBS channel and in fact, is one of the most-watched PBS stations in the country! For you Southern California residents, you can find KLCS-TV on Channel 3 or 58, but make sure to check your local TV/Cable listings.

FIDM Debut Carnival Diva (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The actual show occurred only last month and it was FABULOUS! FIDM Debut is the grand culmination of almost a year's work from the esteemed Graduates of the Advanced Theater Costume and Advanced Fashion Design Departments. The Theater Costume graduates got to design costumes for a "Carnival in Rio" (above)...

FIDM Debut Russian-inspired Knitwear (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

And the Fashion Design graduates designed their first mini-collections, which ranged from directional sportswear, knitwear, menswear, children's wear to cocktail dresses and gowns. And since I am the Official Spokesperson for FIDM--along with being an Instructor and Alumn of the College, I was invited to make a "special appearance" and introduce the show!

So, mark your calendars for the DEBUT Runway Show telecast on KLCS:
Saturday	April 23, 2011	7:00 p.m.
Sunday	April 24, 2011	3:00 p.m.
Tuesday	May 3, 2011	8:00 p.m.

Channel: KLCS-TV, Channel 3 or 58--Check your local TV/Cable Listings

FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show Gala--The Nick Verreos Recap!!! Photos Galore!!!

Fashionable Gala!

Last Saturday night was the much-awaited Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2011 Gala. In case you didn't know, "Debut" is the only show like it on the West Coast-- it annually attracts more than 8,000 people over 3 days and features design by graduating students in FIDM’s Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study Programs as well as work from the Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Textile Design Students.

FIDM Debut 2011 Trophy Girls: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and his NIKOLAKI gown-clad models, Amara (Left) and Brianna Barnes (Right)

The Saturday Night Gala is a black-tie event for VIP sponsors, donors and Fashion Industry Leaders such as editors, designers, clothing company owners and the like. It is held at the Santa Monica Barker Hanger with well-appointed tables and chairs, full three-course dinner, cocktails and of course, the fashion! I was invited to assist in handing out the Scholarship Winners for next year's Debut 2012--along with Barbara Bundy, Vice President of Education at FIDM. As a bonus, I was asked to bring two of my NIKOLAKI gowns so we would have our very own "FIDM Tropy Girls" wearing NIKOLAKI Couture on stage as we handed out the Scholarships. One of them--Brianna Barnes had a Project Runway Connection:

She had modeled in BOTH Kara Janx's Season 2 Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Runway Show as well as...

Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia's Collection

The Gala was FABULOUS with a Capital "F" for sure. I, of course, donned my White Dinner Jacket, black bow tie and braces (that's "suspenders" darlings), naturally (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dishing Fashion: Nick Verreos and Kelley Nelson, FIDM Debut 2011 (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berlin/ABImages)

Bow Tie Heaven: Nick Verreos with Jim Holmes and Peter Helenek from Mattel (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Advanced Fashion Design Graduates' Debut 2011 Collections ranged from chic Parisian Audrey Hepburn-inspired separates, "Upscale American Apparel" Sporty-Spice, colorful and very innovative knitwear, menswear, FABULOUSLY tailored Little Boy's wear, to exaggerated ruffled red carpet gowns.

Here are some photo highlights:

Pretty in Stripes: A navy-blue silk skirt and striped top by Hannah Childs (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Let's Get Physical: Knit off-the-shoulder top, sheer and PVC leggings, Kristine Flanigan (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Debut 2011 Graduate Pamhidzai Mbanga and her Africa-inspired "boys" (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Best Dressed 1st Grade Plaid: Plaid double-breasted jacket, denim pants ensemble by Kamelia Stojanikova (Photo by Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ready to Rumble: Denim overalls and sweater combo from Kamela Stojanikova (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

I'm On The List: Strapless jumpsuit with inter-woven detail from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

She-Bop: Strapless printed dress from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

St. Petersburg Queens: Three knitwear looks from Adelle Louise Burda's Russian-inspired collection (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Edwardian Foxtail Boy: Asymmetrical coat, mustard pants, and rust-colored cardigan from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

London Calling: Blue leather side-zip front jacket, brown skinny pants with inseam patches and mustard-colored hoodie, from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Brunch at MOCA: Red pocketed tunic with wood (yes, WOOD!) "collar", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dinner at Nobu: Felt and chiffon ensemble with knitted "Ankle Warmers", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Leopard Who Lunches: Black-and-white Cheetah print top with "coned" sleeves and black ankle-length high-waisted trousers, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ruffled Diva: Black organza one-shouldered cocktail dress, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Fashion Security: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM Debut 2011 Security Team

All in all, it was a fabulous Debut 2011 Show. It's always great to see what the "Designers-of-Tomorrow" are doing and of course, as a former FIDM Debut Graduate myself (don't even THINK of looking up what year!!!) it's always nostalgic seeing these shows for sure, as well as the young talent up there on the runway. Naturally, I had to get a final photo with the very hard-working security team at the Debut 2011/Santa Monica Barker Hanger. They were AMAZING and so sweet and respectful to me--especially "my guy" Rick Young, who at the very least, made me look as if I was actually someone important...

Until Debut 2012...