Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" Love:

OMG!!! Nick Verreos and FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee--and her FIDM "vintage logo" sweatshirt 

Last week, I had some very important business meetings (relating to a possible "NV by Nick Verreos" line I have been diligently working on) in NYC. Once I finished the meetings, I got on a plane and flew to one of my other favorite cities in the good ol' US of A: San Francisco! I was scheduled to make a "Nick Visit" as part of my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012" tour at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Francisco campus last Wednesday.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The weather in SF this past week was GORGEOUS! Warm but not too hot and  very clear (No fog in SF: who knew!?). The FIDM SF campus is located in the heart of Union Square so on my way there--with my trusty NIKOLAKI confidante David Paul (who of course, flew with me!)--it was very difficult to keep away from going into EVERY store to do some retail damage.

Red Carpet in San Francisco: Model Rachael Sitz modeling one of my NIKOLAKI Couture gowns--a lavender silk chiffon hand-beaded sequined column gown

There was no time for that, it was all about my Appearance and showing some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses to all the high school students who were in attendance for this final third day of the "3 Days of Fashion".

Welcome Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Over 100 students plus some of their mom's and dad's greeted me with a wonderful "San Francisco" welcome!! I spoke about my time as a young boy drawing all the stewardess uniforms while traveling on trips with my mom and dad, as well as how I decided to attend FIDM and all that has happened since, including "Project Runway", all my TV Red Carpet Expert work and of course, dressing celebs like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Heidi Klum. Speaking of my NIKOLAKI designs...

Designer and His Fashion: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI Collection silk chiffon column gown with hand-beaded lavender sequins and peek-a-boo top detail and...

Rachael in a raspberry-colored silk-wool ziberline strapless dress with draped bustier and asymmetrical skirt. And by the way, this dress was the same dress worn by Beyonce in her "Best Thing I Never Had" music video.

 Auf Wiedersehen? Nick Verreos checking out the "Rock the Runway" finalists, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 
Then, after my "Nick Talk" and NIKOLAKI mini-fashion presentation, it was on to judging the "Rock the Runway" Contest--where "3 Days of Fashion" attendees were told to dress in their most "original" outfits which expressed their most "unique" styles.

Serious Judging: Nick Verreos, Julia Anne Hill and David Paul of NIKOLAKI , "Rock the Runway" Contest, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had the privilege of being one of the judges,--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, FIDM Alumna Julia Anne Hill (she's Apparel and Design Director/Social Media Specialist for Clinton Kelly Inc.) and two hand-picked FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees. The Contest was SO much fun--not so much fun to judge (it was very, very difficult since they were ALL very good!)--but fun to see all of the students' ensembles!

McQueen'ed: One of our faves was this one young man named Diego Rivera (I know--just like the Mexican painter!)--you can see him in the photo above wearing the denim shirt, McQueen scarf and black Meggings (male leggings). I teased him because he also had FAB accessories including very expensive Hermes "Collier de Chien" cuff and Cartier "Love" bracelet. I wondered (out loud!) who his Sugar Daddy was--and if I could have his phone number??

Nick Verreos poses with the tied finalists in their "Rock the Runway" looks, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The Winner:

Colorful Winner: Nick Verreos and co-judge Julia Anne Hill and the two student judges pose with the Winner of the "Rock the Runway" contest--in the middle wearing the apple green hot-shorts and striped sweater--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

SF Smiles: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Trudy Noren (FIDM SF College Representative and Special Events), Julia Anne Hill and David Paul, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Once again, it was a very successful and fantastic FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" in San Francisco--I had so much fun meeting all the students, their mom's and dad's, judging the contest, as well as showing them my NIKOLAKI designs. I LOVE SF and cannot wait to come back!!!

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos in San Francisco April 21 to host FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Panel!!

BLOG Fabulous in SF!!!

Hello San Francisco Fashionistas!! I'm excited to announce that I will be in San Francisco--next weekend--on Saturday April 21, to be exact--to host a really FAB event: "Style, Trends & Blog Talk with Nick Verreos" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco Campus. This is a one-of-a-kind event and the very first time FIDM SF has had anything like this! And naturally, I am honored and very privileged to be the MC and be a part of it.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco Campus

As the Official Spokesperson for my alma mater--FIDM--I've had the honor of making appearances at various FIDM Open Houses and Three Days of Fashion events at this most amazing FIDM SF Campus. I just love the campus, its staff, and the students. As you may know, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area so naturally, anything SF will always have a special place in my STYLE heart!

On Saturday April 21st, beginning at 10:30 am, I will host/MC a panel discussion on the exciting world of fashion and design, trends, and the evolution of style and fashion blogs. My guests will include...

Jeanne Chan (above), creator and founder of the ShopSweetThings.com blog as well as...

Beth Spotswood, author of the Culture blog at SFGate.com...

and Lorraine Sanders, Founder of SF Indie Fashion and the author of Style Bytes, a regular San Francisco Chronicle column.

I can't wait to see you guys there (if you can come!)--This is a Not-To-Be-Missed event! Here are the Details:

WHAT: "Style, Trends & Blog Talk with Nick Verreos"--a Panel Discussion on Trends, Evolution of the Style Blogosphere, and much more...

WHEN: Saturday April 21, 2012, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

WHERE: Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco
55 Stockton Street, San Francisco CA 94108

RSVP: RSVP at FIDM.edu/go/NickEvent or contact FIDM SF for more information at 415-675-5200

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Fashion Challenge at Miami International Mall in Miami THIS Saturday!

Miami Fabulosas!!!

Nick Stylista: Nick Verreos to host Macy's "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" Event at Miami International Mall

I'm so excited to announce that I will be flying to one of my MOST FAVORITE CITIES in the U.S.A., Miami, to host one of my fun-and-fabulous Macy's events. For several years now, I've been happy--and very humbled--to be asked by Macy's to host these great in-store Fashion events. Almost two years ago, I had such a BLAST hosting a Macy's Fashion's Night Out event in Miami. So yes Miami....I am BAAACK!!!!

This coming Saturday--March 31st--I am hosting a fun "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event at Miami's International Mall located in Miami (naturalmente) and only 7 miles from the Miami International Airport.

I will pick select customers from the audience for a Fashion Face-Off!! Those audience members will then be styling models for different scenarios (like "What to Wear for a Job Interview" or "What to Wear for a Girls-Night-Out"). Then, the audience will help in choosing the winning Stylista. The lucky winner will win a $100 Macy's Gift Card!!!

During the event, I will also share my fashion "Nick Do’s and Dont's" and tips for Spring 2012 fashion. And Si kids, I will be doing it en español for my Latino audience (well, I might sprinkle some English here and there of course!!). There will also be makeup artists from Estee Lauder on hand giving free consultations.

So...if you live in the Miami area...you better come out and see me, get some "Nick Style Tips", have a chance to win some Macy's Gift Cards, and yes, I am bringing my Camera, so...you will also have chance to end up on my "Nick Blog Recap" here next week!!!

WHAT: Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge"

WHERE: Macy's , Miami International Mall West Dade,
1455 NW 107th Avenue Miami, FL 33172

WHEN: Saturday March 31, 2012 , 3 p.m.

RSVP:You can RSVP HERE or just come!! For More Information, call 305-594-6300

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos "Healthy U" Appearance--The Blog Recap!

Northwest Indiana Style Love...

Hello Fabulous: Nick Verreos poses with attendees of "Healthy U " Merrillville Indiana The Avalon Manor

This past weekend, I flew to Northwest Indiana for an appearance at the Creative Solutionz First Annual Healthy U in Merrillville Indiana. In addition to my appearance, I was giving a lecture entitled "Me, My Shape & I", a presentation about how to dress for different body types and what shapes, styles and fashions work best. To get there from Los Angeles--my home--well, I had to fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

I knew it was going to be a good flight when, at LAX, I saw that my Virgin America aircraft was titled "Runway Angel"---Love it!

VIP Pick Up: Nick Verreos, the stretch white limo...and Owen Johnson, Five Star Limousine Service driver

I finally arrived--the night before my event--and a fabulously long white stretch limousine from Five Star Limousine Service picked me up and then took me to Merrillville Indiana, about an hour and half from Chicago. I felt very VIP!! Owen, my driver was so much fun and made the ride feel like it was only 15 minutes--The Best!!

Upon arriving at the Radisson Hotel at the Star Plaza in Merrillville, I walked in and saw this AMAZING indoor pool (with waterfall!) and kids swimming in it (it must have been 10PM!) and I made a mental note: next time BRING a SWIMSUIT!!!!

The following day I was ready for my appearance and Style Seminar!! I arrived at the Avalon Manor--site of the First Annual Healthy U Expo--and I was immediately greeted by "Nick fans" (didn't realize I had any!) and the entire staff...

Healthy U Welcome: Nick Verreos and the "Healthy U" staff

Including Lourdes Castellanos, President and Organizer of the event as well as her daughter and son, Amanda and Nicolas Martinez...even her Mommie was there to say "Welcome!". Before my lecture, I had some time for some special photo-op's with those aforementioned "Nick Fans":

Indiana Cute: Nick Verreos at First Annual Healthy U Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor with Kathleen Quilligan (right) and Rachel Lieske (left)

Indiana Fashionistas: Nick Verreos with Jenn Denny and Autumn Bird-Dexter, First Annual Healthy U Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor

Fab Potions: Nick Verreos at the Freda's Potions section--Healthy U Expo, Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor

Besides all the various vendors present (and there were many!), I was so excited when I saw Freda's Potions -- I just love their Sea Salt Scrubs! There's nothing more that I LOVE than a good Body Scrub huney! (OK, maybe that and some Vuitton luggage and Gucci boots). But soon, it was time for me to be onstage and do my Lecturin' and Power Point duties:

Nick Verreos on stage, First Annual Healthy U Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor

I gave an hour+ long lecture entitled "Me, My Shape & I" about fashion and styles for different body types and essentially what works best for both the ladies--and men! I am not just tootin' my own horn but...the audience LOVED it!!! (or so they told me later!). I could just see--as my seminar was happening how the audience's faces were having those Style "Ah Ha" moments.

Right after my seminar, I asked if the attendees would pose with me...and then I got on top of a chair and posed--See photo above...

Nick Verreos and Healthy U attendee (with his own custom-designed vest!) First Annual Healthy U Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor

Cinch It Huney: Nick Verreos Meet-and-Greet Post-Lecture, First Annual Healthy U Merrillville Indiana, Avalon Manor

Red Carpet Goodbye--Indiana Style: Nick Verreos and Owen Johnson of Five Star Limousine Service

I had an absolute blast doing my lecture and educating the audience on style, fashion and what
styles would work best for their body types. The special meet-and-greet afterward was especially wonderful because I was able to give one-on-one advice to the attendees. Soon, it was time for me to catch my "VIP" ride back to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport and head back home to Los Angeles...A special Thank You to Eddie Castellanos, my "handler" (he he!) and photographer--but more importantly...
Thank You Northwest Indiana and thank you Healthy U for having me!!! Until next time, Stay Fabulous and Fashionable!!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Debut 2012 --Fashion Show + Gala & Celeb Pics!

Debut Fashion-Extravaganza!!!!

Fashion Dictators: Nick Verreos and "The Dictator" actress Anna Faris, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

In my last post, I began my "FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend" Blog posting with "Part One" and highlighted the fun Spring Open House as well as the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party. So, here is Part Two: Debut 2012 Fashion Show and Gala...

Look Who's Hosting: Nick Verreos onstage at FIDM Dedut 2012, Santa Monica Barker Hanger

I was privileged enough to host two of the three Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2012 shows over the weekend--beginning on Thursday. As you may know, I am not only a Graduate of FIDM, but yes, also the college's Spokesperson and I always enjoy hosting and attending the Debut Show. "Debut" is where the "creme de la creme" of the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design graduates get to showcase their collections and designs. Back in ____ (don't EVEN think of asking!) I was one of those "creme de la creme" Debut designers so it really means a lot for me to be "back" and see the "new crop" of graduates' collections.

Nick's NIKOLAKI Girls: (Left to right) Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI lemon green silk chiffon dress, Nick Verreos, and model Beth in black-and-silver sequined NIKOLAKI gown

For this Debut 2012 presentation, I brought along two of my newest NIKOLAKI designs for Spring 2013--which were modeled by the gorgeous Lauren Gish and Beth, models from LA Models.

Notice the Hand-Beaded Capelet, Kids: Nick Verreos on stage with models in his NIKOLAKI designs, at FIDM Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Santa Monica

Lauren wore a neon green/yellow "Gladiator Dress" in silk chiffon with hand-beaded waist trim, and Beth wore a silver-and-black hand-beaded silk chiffon cowl-neck blouson gown with side-slit. They "flanked" me onstage as I did my hosting duties...

Nick and Cleopatra: Nick Verreos and model Brandise Danesewich backstage at FIDM 20912, Barker Hanger

Speaking of models, backstage I was so happy to see one of the sweetest models I know, the beautiful Brandise Danesewich--who also happened to be "Project Runway Family"--she was on Season 7 of the show as well as "Models of the Runway". She was modeling a design by one of the graduates of the Advanced Study Program in Costume Theater Design inspired by "The Phantom of the Opera".

Harlequin Opera: A design from Sarah Timm, graduate of the FIDM Advanced Study Program in Theater Costume Design, Debut 2012-- "Phantom of the Opera" theme (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Saturday night was the L.A. Fashion Gala of Debut 2012--a very fancy black tie affair where the A-List Fashion Industry is invited as well as Hollywood celebs, costume designers and general Fashionista Glitterati. I wore my midnight blue shawl-collared Zara tuxedo with an Ermenegildo Zegna dress shirt and bow tie for the occasion.

Backstage Fab: Nick Verreos with models Lauren (right) and Beth (left) with Mary Stephens looking on, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of Brandise Danesewich)

Presenting Duo: Mary Stephens Director of FIDM Fashion Design Program and Nick Verreos announcing the FIDM Scholarship winners (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

During the gala, I was honored enough to present the FIDM Scholarship Awards and trophies with my FIDM "Mom" and Mentor, the Director of the FIDM Fashion Design Program, the ever-so-stylish Mary Stephens. This year's graduates did a fabulous job in terms of their mini-collections--with designs that ranged from stiffened geometric coats a la Pierre Cardin to colorful gowns and even a collection of children's dresses.

A design by Alejandro Ortega, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate (photo of abimages.com)

A design by Randy Lee Donato, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate(photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Fashion Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger

Actress Anna Faris and "American Reunion" Costume Designer (and FIDM Grad) Mona May, and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)

Debut 2012 was FABULOUS, to say the least and it was an honor to be the MC as well as co-present the very important FIDM Scholarships. And of course, it was a BLAST putting on a tuxedo on Saturday night and hanging out with the likes of LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall, actress Anna Faris and yes, Miss Mona May (LOVE HER!!!)...

Finally...After the FIDM 2012 Fashion Presentations (on Thursday and Friday) I had the chance--in my "Nick VIP Tent" at Barker Hanger--to meet-and-greet with many attendees...

Here is a collage photo: