Nick Appearance Minute: Macy's Union Square San Francisco "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Fashion Show Event--The Blog Recap!

Obrigado SF!!! 

SF Smiles: Nick Verreos poses with SF Blogger and Stylist Lindsey (left) of the Complacency Kills Blog and her beautiful friend Cynthia Riddell (right), "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show/Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Last Thursday, I flew to San Francisco to host two Macy's in-store events celebrating the new Macy's  "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Campaign. My first stop was Macy's Union Square San Francisco! If you know a little bit about me, you may know that I spent much of my adolescence and high school years in the SF Bay Area even though many, many years ago, I "defected" and moved to Southern California. That doesn't mean that I didn't leave my HEART in SF...because I did, and I still LOVE IT! 

I was especially excited because my NIKOLAKI design partner and partner-for-life--David Paul--decided to also come with me for support (and to be my "official BLOG photographer") and as a bonus, his mom, Conchita (in above photo enjoying a Brasil-inspired cocktail) also decided to join in on the fun, flying in from San Diego!

I want to be at that Beach: Macy's Union Square San Francisco "Brasil: A Magical Journey" five-stories high poster

I've had the fabulous pleasure of hosting various in-store events at the iconic Macy's Union Square so it's always a joy to return. For Spring/Summer 2012, Macy's is "Going Brazilian"...with a campaign that captures the spirit of this rich and intriguing culture through specially curated in-store shops, Brazil-themed events in stores and a fundraising program to benefit the Amazon Rainforest. 

The Macy’s "Brasil" campaign also collaborated with various designers and clothing manufacturers to create Brasil-inspired designs to be sold exclusively at Macy's. Designers like Trina Turk, BCBG Generation, Neon for Impulse, and even Francisco Costa, Women's Creative Director of Calvin Klein, who created a mini-collection just for this Macy's "Brasil" campaign.

All Seats Taken: the Scene at "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Macy's Union Square San Francisco, 2nd Floor Impulse Department

My job for the night was to host a very special runway fashion show with "Brasil"-inspired looks, themes and trends, as well as join in on the party fun, and mingle with the guests and enjoy the Brazilian-themed festivities. There were delicious hors d'oeuvres ( several Brazilian shoppers were GUSHING about the Pao De Qeuijo/Brazilian Cheese Bread that was being passed around the party so Kudos to the catering chefs!) and cocktails being passed around as guests mingled, shopped and sat down for the runway show. DJ Antonio of Braza! kept the mood very "Brazilian Beach Lounge House" with his tunes in the background. Guests also received special "Gifts with Purchases" including a colorful make-up bag, Braza! CD's and if they bought Nike merchandise, and actual soccer ball!!

Coral Nick: Nick Verreos hosting "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

I had a blast showing all these fashions to the packed house on the second floor Impulse Department of Macy's Union Square. The models were GREAT and such good sports when I made them stop mid-runway (without letting them know I would do that beforehand) to point out the bright colors and prints, shirring and/or sequined detail on a specific garment.

Color Fabulous: Nick Verreos (center) with all the "Brasil: A Magical Journey" models and stylist Katie Porter (second from left), Macy's Union Square San Francisco

They were all pros and looked fabulous in their colorful, Brasil-inspired designs styled by the gorgeous--and very pregnant Katie Porter as seen from the photo above.

Post runway show, it was all about meetin'-and-greetin' (how do you say that in Brazilian-Portuguese??), posing with attendees while some of the models posed on stands set up throughout the store...

 Nick Verreos and DJ Antonio Guedes "Brasil: A Magical Journey" runway show event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

SambaDa, "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

All attendees then finished off the night's events listening and dancing to SambaDa. I also encouraged and helped everyone to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!!!! And trust me, they did! Lots of the guests kept stopping me asking me "Where can I find that dress I saw during the runway show?" or "Where's that printed tunic that one of the models wore onstage?". I was happy to help naturally!

Ready for Dinner: Conchita Encinas Hansen, David Paul and Nick Verreos , Scala's Bistro San Francisco

Following the event, David and his mommie Conchita and I headed to Scala's Bistro for a DELICIOUS post-event dinner to end my first very successful Macy's SF Bay Area event last weekend. I had the halibut and it was DIVINE! No pics here but if you go to my Twitter page, you'll see the photo of that aforementioned dish!

Next Up: A Tour of "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk"  Exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco AND my Macy's San Jose Valley Fair "Brasil" event last Saturday! Stay tuned kids...

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Hosts Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge": The Recap!

Bienvenido a Miami!!!

Peachy Nick: Nick Verreos hosts Macy's "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" Spring 2012, Miami International Mall

Over the weekend, I flew out to Miami to host a fun event for Macy's at the Miami International Mall. In the past, I've traveled to many cities to host these in-store events for Macy's--including Miami--so I was happy to be back! The event, entitled "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" incorporates a Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show showing all the trends of the season to help customers get Style Ready for the season.

Pink Carpet Ready: Nick Verreos hosting the Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

In addition, there's also a "Contest", where customers get to play "Stylist for a Day" and dress models using clothes from Macy's for specific challenges ("What would you wear to an Office Interview", for example). And they have to do this in TWO MINUTES (yowsah!). Then, the models change into these outfits, come back out and the public/customers vote (by hootin' and hollerin') on which Stylist For a Day did a better job. The overall winner receives a $100 Macy's Gift Card!!

Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" stage and runway

Upon arriving to the Miami International Mall Macy's, I went straight to the area where I would be MC'ing this fun event. The stage looked SUPER fab--and so did the bright pink carpet runway and audience chairs and "goodies" on them! Speaking of goodies...

Sweets for Nick

Waiting for me in the Macy's "Green Room" where these yummy cookies (notice the "Macy's Red Star" ones!) for me to have while I studied my note cards to host the event. The great Macy's staff even got me some really strong Cuban coffee, a "Cortadito", which is pre-sweetened espresso with steamed milk. So, now I was READY!!! (and probably would be up until next Wednesday for that matter!).

Swimsuit Host: Nick Verreos flanked by his Macy's Models (Left to Right), Aleman, Lauren, Ariana, April (above Nick) and Vila, Macy's Miami International Mall

I began the event by welcoming the audience in both Spanish and English--it's MIAMI after all--and then went right into a Spring/Summer 2012 Bathing Beauties Fashion Show showing all the latest in swimwear available at Macy's on our fabulous models Aleman, Vila, Ariana, April and Lauren.

Swimsuit Shot: Model Ariana modeling latest in swimwear styles for Spring/Summer 2012, Macy's Miami International Mall

Suit Runway: Here's a shot of the "Work Scene" runway segment, where I introduced "Office-appropriate" styles during my "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event, Macy's Miami International Mall--this fashion segment coincided with one of the challenges I gave for the "Macy's Fashion Challenge" contest, "What Would You Wear for a Job Interview".

Grecian Goddess Trend: Nick Verreos describes a Spring/Summer 2012 Prom Trend, Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

We also had an "Evening Affair" segment--which again, coincided with one of the "Fashion Challenges" in the competition: "What Would You Wear to an Evening Gala, Prom, Red Carpet Awards Event". Here, I showed the latest styles in "Dress Up" gowns and dresses...

It's 'Prom Season" and well, if you want a prom dress--head to Macy's and especially the Miami International Mall Macy's (if you're in South Florida), because as you can see from the photo above, their department is stocked!!!

Pageant Gals: Nick Verreos does his best "Bevelled Pageant Pose" with "Miss Coconut Grove USA 2012" Ariana Vila (left) and "Miss South Miami Teen USA 2012" Lauren Hernandez (right)--they were two of my models and well, naturally I had to "Pageant Pose" with them!!!

Buenos Aires winner: Nick Verreos poses with the Winner of the "Macy's Fashion Challenge Spring/Summer 2012", who received a $100 Macy's Gift Card to shop with. The lovely girl (on the left in jeans) was from Argentina and a big Project Runway "Nick" fan (LOVE HER!!) and she did really well in styling her final challenge of "How To Dress For a Girl's Night Out". Felicitaciones to her!!! As you can see from her big ol' smile, she was REALLY happy!!!

After the event and fashion show were over, I took time to do a "Meet & Greet" and take photos with the attendees and customers. I really had an absolute BLAST hosting the event and especially meeting everyone afterward.

Marlene Mercado and Nick Verreos, Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

One of my favorite moments was meeting Marlene Mercado, who came with her mom and she shared the fact that both her and her mom were HUGE "Nick" fans and yes, she told me that "I should've won my season". I told her that I felt as if I did :)

But soon, it was time for me to head off to the Miami International Airport to catch my flight back to Los Angeles. Yes, it's sad when you have to come to Miami and do an "in-and-out"--no South Beach, no palm trees, no pool time (Don't Cry For Me Argentina...I mean, Miami!!!).

But...once inside the Miami International Airport American Airlines terminal, I HAD to head over to "La Carreta" Cuban Cuisine Restaurant and get some to-go for my flight. What did I get:

A chicken empanada of course! And don't you worry, it did not stink up the plane--I have better sense than to bring stinky McDonald's inside a plane unlike some other people....
Thanks Miami, Macy's and Miami International Mall for a FABULOSO event and for reminding me how much I miss and LOVE Miami---oh, and thanks "La Carreta" for that delicious empanada. Almost better than those American Airlines warm nuts...

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos, National Wear Red Day Go Red For Women Dash Macy's Herald Square--Recap Part Two!!

Go Red Day!!!!--Recap Part Two:

Nick Verreos Macy's Herald Square NYC, National Wear Red Day Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

And now, here is my "Part Two", and final recap of my time in NYC last week working for Macy's and the American Heart Association to help raise awareness of heart disease and February 3rd's National Wear Red Day--and of course, helping women "embrace" RED and how to dress RED for the day--and the entire MONTH (as you know, February is American Heart Month!).

Step and Go Red Repeat: Nick Verreos, Macy's Herald Square NYC Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

In my last post, I recapped my time arriving in NYC, doing a full Satellite Media Tour across the US with 30+ TV and Radio stations, as well as a brief "run-in" with my Project Runway Season 2 companion, fashion designer Daniel Vosovic. But now, it's time for the BIG DAY:

Red Required: Nick Verreos, flanked by Athena and Rafael, Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Macy's Herald Square Volunteers/Greeters

I arrived in my RED jacket ensemble (with black skinny jeans, black skinny tie, white shirt and red-white-and-black polka dot pocket hankie) at Macy's Herald Square and I was so happy to be greeted by the two cutest National Wear Red Day Macy's Volunteers: Athena and Rafael. Both were students from F.I.T. and both were braving the very cold weather with their fabulous signs, welcoming Macy's shoppers to come and attend the Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash event which I would be part of.

After a brief stop to pose by the signs and posters welcoming everyone to the event--along with my partner David Paul (above, left)--who of course, came with me for support--wearing his stylish red cardigan.

Taking the Stage: Nick Verreos with Mrs International 2011 Janet Bolin (left), Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Macy's Herald Square NYC

Our MC was the statuesque and very beautiful "Mrs. International 2011" Janet Bolin. Naturally, I LOVE me a Pageant Girl; a sash, a crown and some fabulous heels...doesn't take much for me to like you! Soon, it was time for me to take the podium. I briefly talked about how amazing of a day this was and getting the audience up to speed with the importance of National Wear Red Day and the Go Red For Women cause. And, since, yes, I was the "Fashion Guy", also letting women know that THEY ALL CAN--and should wear RED!!!

Three's Company: (Left to right) Star Jones, Elizabeth Banks, Nick Verreos Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash, Macy's Herald Square NYC

I was also joined by my co-co-presenters, actress Elizabeth Banks, who wore a very cute polka-dotted jacquard wrap-style dress and nude heels, and the ever-so-fab Miss Star Jones (I feel like she deserves a "Miss" in front of her name...ALWAYS!) in a sleeveless red stretch sateen sheath dress and red heels. They both spoke eloquently about heart disease and how important the Go Red For Women cause is to them.

It was such an honor and wonderful experience to be part of this great day and to add my "Nick Stamp" to National Wear Red Day. Afterward, Elizabeth, Star, and I all walked over to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Wall and signed it, sharing our pledge to spread the message of ending heart disease.

Red Macy's: Nick Verreos, Macy's Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Wall, Macy's Herald Square NYC

Of course, I decided to add my own "Nick" touch to my signature and not only did I write "I Go Red" but of course, I had to draw a fashion illustration of a croquis in a FAB red gown--a NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos & David Paul design--naturally:

Nick Verreos, Elizabeth Banks and Star Jones, signing the Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash Wall, Macy's Herald Square NYC

The photographers got a big kick out of that (I guess, they weren't used to a "Fashion Guru" actually being able to draw "on the spot"-- Mon Dieu!)--and yes, my co-presenters Star Jones and Elizabeth Banks loved it too--they were so inspired, they went back to the wall and drew hearts and kisses.

Red Dress Gown Sketch by Nick Verreos, Macy's Herald Square NYC Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash

I had such an AMAZING time being part of this day and helping the cause of ending heart disease. I am a boy who was raised by wonderful and loving women so this cause is near and dear to me. I want my LADIES to live LONGER and healthier lives! Thank you Macy's and American Heart Association for allowing me to be part of this great day! Oh, and EVERYONE: Go Red!!!!

Today is National Wear Red Day: Nick Verreos, Star Jones and Elizabeth Banks GO RED!

Go Red: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, actress Elizabeth Banks and attorney, author, American Heart Association National Volunteer Star Jones, National Wear Red Day February 3rd, Macy's Herald Square. Photo: Getty Images

Today is National Wear Red Day. As you may know, I'm working with Macy's and the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement to encourage women to take action against heart disease by participating in today's National Wear Red Day!!! Along with Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks, attorney, author, TV personality and American Heart Association National Volunteer Star Jones, I took part in a spectacular Red Dress Dash at Macy's Herald Square this morning to uncover the truth about heart disease and make ending it a reality!

So, I hope EVERYONE reading this is WEARING RED today! As you can see from the photo above, I did!!! Macy's has THREE exclusive Red Dresses for sale--all for under $100--with 10% of each dresses' purchase going directly to the American Heart Association. And check out the Macy's Wear Red Sale HERE. So...go buy one of those dresses and check out the Macy's Wear Red Sale. You will look fashionable and help this wonderful cause. And yes, GO RED!!! Post photos of yourself on Twitter and Facebook in your red ensembles and encourage your friends and family to do the same!!!

I will do a FULL Recap Post--with many, many photos-- of my time in NYC for National Wear Red Day including my Satellite Media Tour where I did over 30 TV and Radio Interviews. So STAY TUNED here on this very BLOG, for MORE!!! For now...Wear Red and participate in today's National Wear Red Day!!!

Nick Verreos Attends Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA "ARTrageous"

FASHIONrageous at Macy's GLAMORAMA LA 2011:

Nick Verreos, Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011 Red Carpet, Orpheum Theater Los Angeles

This past Friday, I was invited (as well as my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul) to attend Macy's Passport Presents GLAMORAMA 2011. Macy's Glamorama is an AMAZING event that combines runway fashion, entertainment, music, and all the while raising money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. They do a four city tour, which includes Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco and LA.

For the past 29 years, more than $29 million--yes, MILLION--has been raised for outstanding and worthwhile organizations such as AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles and many others in the other cities. Side Note: I remember actually going to one of the very FIRST Macy's Passport shows in San Francisco back when I lived in the Bay Area. I think my Mommie took me (please don't do the math!).

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 was held at the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA, and the Theme for this year was "ARTrageous". I knew this would be a fun night when the first person I ran into as I get out of my car is...

Ice Queens: Nick Verreos and Johnny Weir

Olympic Figure Skater Johnny Weir--looking much more fabulous than I (Thanks Johnny!!) in a Chris Benz purple knit sweater-jacket and iridescent leggings and some SERIOUS wedge bootie pumps! Now, you might know how much I am a fan of Figure Skating, and especially the Costumes. Last year, I also did some "Fashion Commentating" for Universal Sports during the Vancouver Olympics (with Johnny in fact, but he was in the Vancouver studios while I was in LA). Needless to say, it was wonderful finally meeting him. My partner David was also excited to say "Hi" to Johnny (wait until you see the last photo in this blog!)...

But back to the show:

Macy's Glamorama LA 2011 had so many many highlights. Let's begin with the musical performances. First came Far East Movement (above). I knew their songs, just didn't know who sang them--but Lord Knows now I do! (I know, I'm such a loser when it comes to what "the kids" are listening to these days!). They were GREAT by the way.

Beyond great was Cee Lo Green, who had everyone on their feet by the end of the night. If I wasn't seated all the way in the back, I would have run up on stage and become a groupie/fan and started dancing with him right then and there! (Thank goodness for David that I did not!).

A definite highlight of the evening was a Special Tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who devoted so much of her life to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Tribute was presented by Sharon Stone. Ms. Stone looked every bit a Hollywood Star in a fitted royal blue side shirred dress and LOTS of diamonds (an homage to Miss Taylor I presume?). It was such a loving tribute which also included a brief yet poignant appearance by Elizabeth Taylor's grandsons, Quinn Tivey and Tarquin Wilding.

Oh and yes, then there was The Fashion:



As always, Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama involved showing lots of Fashion. There were nine runway presentations showing the latest Fall 2011 looks from brands that are at Macy's: Armani Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Rachel Rachel Roy, Tommy Girl, Tracy Reese, Impulse Macy's Department, Calvin Klein, bar III...

And Papi, the underwear line. This last "runway portion" of the show was, of course, a BIG HIT with the audience--men and women alike, thank you very much. How those boys can be up on that stage almost naked is beyond me. But I guess if I had their bodies...

After the show was over, it was time for David and I to head to the After Party, which was held at the nearby California Market Center, in its expansive lobby. For tonight's Glamorama After Party, the lobby was transformed into a Las Vegas-style Nightclub. Guests arrived and began to enjoy the Patron Tequila Bar, several food/hors d'oeuvre sections (the roast beef sliders and vegi wraps were delicious!), as well as a See's Candy and Don Francisco's Specialty Coffee tables, among others.

At the After Party, I ran into my friend Ross Mathews, who was there with his partner Salvador--both looking quite dapper. Ross was working his grey H&M jacket with white piping, skinny tie and skinny jeans.

Also, a woman in a cute red dress approached me, telling me how she was a "big fan" and how her daughter would so jealous that she was meeting me. Her name was Michele and her beau turned out to be "The Young and The Restless" actor Sean Kanan (above with Michele). We had a very fun conversation which involved everything from Project Runway to our mutual love of Italy, my experience of almost drowning off the coast of Capri and his new cooking book "The Modern Gentleman". And of course, I made Michele call her daughter so I could say "Hi" and give my best Tim Gunn "Make It Work" impression. With that, it was time to say "Ciao" to them, and the fabulous Macy's Glamorama After Party.

Oh and before I forget, I promised a certain photo of David and Johnny Weir--well, Here ya go:

Get Your Hands Off My Man: Johnny Weir and NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul

It doesn't get more Figure Skating Fabulous than this! If this doesn't end up on David's Facebook, I don't know what will!