Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos at "3 Days of Fashion" FIDM OC and FIDM San Diego-The Recap!!

Fashionista Summer Camp:

Nick and Benny: Nick Verreos, his doggie "Benny" and a very tall FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee

It's Summer and you know what that means: "3 Days of Fashion" time! The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has its annual "3 Days of Fashion" every Summer as a way to introduce high school students to FIDM as well as what they might look forward to if they choose to apply and eventually attend the College. This is what you get if you attend FIDM's "3 Days of Fashion":

• Take workshops like Draping the Dress, where you'll create a 3-dimensional design on a fitting form; Concept to Consumer, which focuses on design and merchandising; and Creating a Promotional Campaign, where you'll work on a photo shoot and a special event.
• Learn step-by-step how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure.
• Work with other students from all over the world who share your passion for this industry.
• Be inspired by successful FIDM Graduates who are pros in the field.
• Experience FIDM's amazing resources and learn from our stellar instructors.

Talking Nick: Nick Verreos, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I am always happy to come out and make "special appearances" at all the FIDM campuses' (Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) "3 Days of Fashion" events on the final day. Last week, on June 20th, I began my "FIDM 3 Days of Fashion" Tour at the Orange County campus located in Irvine California which was then followed by my appearance at the San Diego Campus three days later. Here's my BLOG RECAP of these first two events:

FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion":

Runway OC: Nick Verreos and two of the "FIDM OC" "Runway Walk-Off models, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I always love coming to the FIDM Orange County campus for many reasons, but especially, because I can bring my little doggie Benny!! Oh, and yes, I also brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses! My appearance to the FIDM OC campus began with an impromptu Runway "Walk Off", where I went into the audience and chose three attendees--two girls and one boy (yes, A BOY!!) to show me how well they could give me "Runway". They all did a great job. Afterward, I got up onstage and spoke about my experience attending FIDM and all that I learned from the college as well as what I have been up to lately (A LOT!!!). As I said in the start of this post, I also brought some of my gowns for the "3 Days of Fashion" guests to see.

Printed Queen: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 silk chiffon printed gown, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Naturally, I had to also bring one of my favorite top models from LA--the gorgeous Amanda Fields---who's also one of my NIKOLAKI Muses. She wore three of my designs, including the silk chiffon gown above...

NIKOLAKI COUTURE: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI silk chiffon lavender sequined one-shoulder dress (atop) and red silk-wool ziberline strapless NIKOLAKI gown with back cascade detail, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

As well as the lavender-colored sequined one-shoulder dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her perfume, and a red silk ziberline strapless gown (both seen in the photos above).

Afterwards, as always, I had a Meet-and-Greet. Here are a couple of photos I took with FIDM Orange County's "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees in the photos above.

FIDM "3 Days of Fashion San Diego":

 Chattin' : Nick Verreos at the FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Several days after my visit to FIDM Orange County, I drove down to San Diego--with my NIKOLAKI Design Partner, David Paul--a native of San Diego--to make my next "3 Days of Fashion" appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Diego campus.

 Posin': Nick Verreos, FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Traffic from LA to San Diego was CRAZY (as you can imagine!) so about 3 1/2 HOURS later, we made it; I don't know how my jacket wasn't wrinkled from sitting in the car for that long (and my forehead wasn't overly shiny from the "OMG: Look-at-all-the-traffic stress!") but it was "all good" eventually once we arrived.

San Diego Gals: Nick Verreos during the FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012" Meet-and-Greet--notice the one girl in the right photo--she brought a copy of "Greek Circle" Magazine with the cover featuring one of my NIKOLAKI designs in one of my Fashion Week shows (LOVE HER!!)

The day was GORGEOUS (is there any other type of day for San Diego??) and coincidentally, there was a San Diego Padres game happening at the PETCO Park (which happens to be NEXT DOOR to the FIDM San Diego Campus). Once I arrived, I got right to work and judged the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012 Rock the Runway" fashion show--where attendees got to feature their original and unique styles in different categories:

Rock The Runway San Diego: Nick Verreos judges FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012" Rock The Runway Contest

I also brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses (naturally) for this event for a very special fashion show to be modeled by yes, Amanda Fields. I was so excited when I found out that my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul's mom (Conchita) and his youngest niece--the beautiful Emilie Coon--were in attendance. 

Model Fab: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Collection, FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

So, unbeknownst to me--David put his niece to work, helping our model Amanda get prepped and ready for the fashion presentation. Here are a couple of pics of our NIKOLAKI model and David's niece Emilie backstage:

Model and David's Niece: Amanda Fields (left, in NIKOLAKI Collection dresses) poses with Emilie Coon (David's niece), FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

San Diego Smiles: (Left to right) David Paul, David's youngest niece Emilie Coon, Nick Verreos, David's mom Conchita Encinas-Hansen--FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had such a fun time at the San Diego and Orange County FIDM campuses last week--and more importantly, I think all the high school students--and their moms and dads--also had a good time too--and hopefully left with a little more knowledge and information about what makes FIDM so great!!!

Next up: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"...

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House--The Recap!

OC Open House Fun, Entertainment Panel and some GORGEOUS Titanic-era Fashion...

Nick Verreos hosts the FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House Entertainment Panel

This past weekend, I visited the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County campus in Irvine California to make an appearance at their fun--and yes, very informative--Spring 2012 Open House.

The Open House is a way for prospective students--as well their parents/family/friends--to get to visit the campus, do a tour, get to know the facilities, meet faculty, learn about all the different majors; generally, get to know what the college has to offer.

I have a great time visiting all the four different FIDM Campuses throughout the year. As a bonus to my "appearance" this past Saturday at the FIDM OC Open House, I also hosted an "Entertainment Panel" discussion featuring FIDM Alumni:

FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House Panel: (Left to right) celebrity stylist Leslie Christen (2001 FIDM Merchandise Marketing Grad), host Nick Verreos, and Sarah Beers (2002 FIDM Graphic Design Grad)

They included the statuesque Leslie Christen, stylist and fashion editor, who runs a fabulous Life Styling business, where she offers Closet Edit and Organization, personal, online, and men's styling, as well as many other services. She also happens to be the stylist to the newest UBER rich housewife of Bravo's hit show "Real Housewives of Orange County", Heather Dubrow.

Marvel Entertainment's Sarah Beers, FIDM Graduate--FIDM Orange County Open House 2012

And our other alumna for the Entertainment Panel Discussion was Sarah Beers. Sarah is a 2002 FIDM Graphic Design Graduate and now, she is the Creative Merchandising and Promotion Manager at Marvel Entertainment. She brought with her some of the products which she oversaw and helped develop recently at Marvel--including lots of the fun "The Avengers" products (as seen from above photo).

Panel Talk: We did two separate Panel Discussions so most (hopefully all!) of the Open House attendees got to hear us talk about our experiences at FIDM, what we learned from the college and our majors, as well as how we took it all and applied it to our current entertainment-based jobs--whether they be fashion design, red carpet reporting, graphic design, product development and/or styling. Afterward, we got some great feedback from the attendees (both prospective students and their parents) who felt that yes, we gave them A LOT of information that helped them.

Nick Verreos (center), Leslie Christen (left) and Sarah Beers (right) pose with FIDM Orange County Open House 2012 attendees

It's always the "icing on the cake" when Mommies (or dad's) come up to me and tell me "Nick, that was SO informative and this Talk really helped...not only me but more importantly my daughter/son..." I only wish I had something like this, when I was struggling to decide what to do in my life, so that is why I love doing these events.

After our event, I made sure to do my "Nick Meet-&-Greet"--Here are some pics from that:

The FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House was a big success and I was so happy--and honored--to be part of it. Finally, can I just mention the extra-extra bonus fabulousness of coming to the FIDM Orange County Open House?

From Day to Evening Couture: "Titatic Era Fashion" Exhibition, FIDM OC Gallery

Paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, FIDM Museum (in the OC) had a petite exhibition--entitled "Titatic Era Fashion"-- of 1912 garments.

  

The garments and accessories on display are all part of the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, a Proposed Acquisition of the FIDM Museum & Galleries, which the FIDM Museum is fundraising to acquire:

Promenade Ensembles c. 1912--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

Evening Ensemble c. 1912--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

Sable fur hem detail of a 1912 Haute Couture evening ensemble--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

The mannequins on display (and their corresponding fashions) are all from 1912 and represent the elite First Class passengers and the Haute Couture they would be wearing at the time of the voyage (they are NOT from actual Titanic passengers). It is truly remarkable to be able to see so many incredible ensembles in such excellent condition from this time. It's a MUST SEE if visiting the OC and especially the FIDM OC campus!

Nick Appearance Minute: Meet Nick Verreos at Open House FIDM Orange County THIS SATURDAY, April 28th!

OC Fashionistas...Get Ready!

Meet & Greet: Nick Verreos THIS Saturday April 28th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

This Saturday, April 28th, I will be in the OC for a very special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House!!! "Open House" is an event designed to help prospective students get to know the College, meet Alumni, instructors, facilities and get a sense of the College as a whole and all that it has to offer. As you already may know, I am an alum of FIDM (Class of ...Don't EVEN Try and Look Up The Year!!) as well as the College's Official Spokesperson.

FIDM Orange County, Irvine California

I do various events for the College throughout all their campuses and I'm especially excited whenever I am invited to the OC!!! FIDM Orange County is located in Irvine and can't be missed with its FAB bubblegum pink facade.

This Saturday, I will be there to host an Entertainment Panel Discussion and speak about how I got started in fashion, share thoughts about being a red carpet fashion expert on TV Guide Network, Style Network, and NBC-LA as well as a lot of "Inside Dish" on the entertainment side of the Fashion World and the upcoming new Season 10 of Project Runway!!!

Panel Guests: (Left to right) FIDM Alumni Sarah Beers (2002) and Leslie Christen (2001)

Joining me are two FIDM Alumni: Sarah Beers--a 2002 FIDM Graphic Design Grad--who is Creative Merchandising and Promotion Manager at Marvel, and Celebrity Stylist Leslie Christen--a 2001 FIDM Grad in Merchandise Marketing--who is currently working on  Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County".


Come to the FIDM OC Spring 2012 Open House, get to know the College, check out our very informative Entertainment panel, and yes, stay to take photos and get some valuable advice on pursuing a career in fashion and/or the fashion/entertainment field.

What: FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

When: Saturday April 28, 2012, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.


Address: 17590 Gillette Avenue, Irvine California 92614-5610

RSVP: Open To The Public and FREE-- RSVP HERE or call 949.851.6200

For Press Inquiries/Media Contact: Shirley Wilson swilson@fidm.com 213.624.1200 x2625

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos at FIDM Orange County Open House Summer 2011

Fun In the OC...



This past Saturday, as one of my "duties" as the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, I made a trip to the FIDM Orange County Campus for their annual FIDM Summer 2011 Open House. FIDM Open House is a chance for high schoolers (and post-graduates) and their parents to check out FIDM, its facilities, alumn, instructors as well as the curriculum--just in case they might be thinking of attending a fashion college.

FIDM Orange County Campus, Irvine California

I live in LA so I thought "heck, it'll take just 45 minutes to get there!" (it has before). Nope, try almost TWO HRS...On a Saturday morning! Yep, welcome to the world of LA Traffic. Finally, I made it and just in time for my first "Lecture/Special Appearance". FIDM OC invited members of the FAB Nordstrom Brass Plum (BP.) Fashion Board to come and check out FIDM OC Summer 2011 Open House--and hear me speak!

Southern California Nordstrom BP. Fashion Board...and Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County Summer 2011 Open House

Members of the Nordstrom BP. Fashion Board from all these different areas/local shopping centers were already waiting for me as I walked in and did "my thang"! I told them all about my recent Europe Trip and my new FAB red "Man Bag" as well as how I got into fashion, my love of sketching, talked about Project Runway, owning a fashion design business for ten years, as well as having celebs like Beyonce, Katy Perry and Heidi Klum wear my NIKOLAKI creations.

Nick Verreos Doing the "Hands on the Hips" pose with Nordstrom BP. Fashion Board members, FIDM OC

Afterward, I posed with EVERY Nordstrom BP. Fashion Board group and even met a BIG FAN--who was almost crying (well, a bit teary eyed) when she met me:

LOVE her!!! (look at my "Clutch my Pearls" face!)

Then it was onto my next Lecture at the FIDM OC Summer 2011 Open House. These were general--but still VERY IMPORTANT!-- guests who came to the Open House to check out the Campus. I loved this group as well because there were several "Mommies and Daddies" in the audience, so you KNOW I had to give a couple "Mom & Dad" high-fives! There were also several attendees who GAVE some Fashion LOOKS!!! Naturally, I had to get some pics:

Funky Hair, Custom Tees and Stripes: Nick Verreos poses with two attendees at FIDM OC Summer 2011 Open House

Blue Fashion Boys: Nick Verreos poses with a FIDM OC Summer 2011 Open House attendee--with (almost) matching blue-colored H & M skinny jeans

Until next time FIDM OC!!! Bye for now!