Red Carpet Minute: Actress Tracey Gold wears NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul to 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards NYC

Actress Tracey Gold in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul, 2012 GLAAD Media Awards NYC

Last night, the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards kicked off in New York City with a gala event hosted by "Glee" stars Naya Rivera and Corey Monteith at the New York Marriott Marquis. The GLAAD Media Awards celebrate and recognize the best of the best in LGBT-inclusive journalism, film, music, television, and more.

Awards were handed out in a number of categories including Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage, won by The Advocate/Out, Outstanding Music Artist, won by Lady Gaga for her album "Born This Way" and Outstanding Talk Show Episode, won by "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for the episode "Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests."

Sexy Back: Actress Tracey Gold in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul, 2012 GLAAD Media Awards NYC

NIKOLAKI Spring 2012 bias-cut sequined cowl-back dress

I was so excited top find out that actress Tracey Gold (who of course we all know from the hit sitcom "Growing Pains") wore one of my NIKOLAKI Collection designs to attend and present at last night's 2012 GLAAD Awards NYC. Last week, she came by my Atelier/Studio and tried on several dresses and well, we all decided on this one for it's shiny-shiny "Disco-Fab" effect. I just thought it was ideal for an event like the GLAAD Media Awards. It's a silver-and-gold sequined bias-cut dress featuring three-quarter sleeves, a high bateau neckline and sexy deep cowl back. I think she looked hot, hot, hot!!!

Tracey Gold presented along with Carson Kressley (both seen above)--who accepted the "Outstanding Reality Program" award for winner "Dancing With The Stars" at last night's GLAAD Media Awards NYC. Gold, made the news not too long ago, after opposing her "Growing Pains" co-star Kirk Cameron's anti-gay comments. You Go Girl!!

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:

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...

Australian actress Sharni Vinson wears NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 to "2011 Breakthrough Awards" Red Carpet

Little Black Dress Aussie Style!!!

Sharni Vinson Wearing NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 to the Australians in Film 2011 Breakthrough Awards

Earlier this week, the stunning Australian model/actress/dancer Sharni Vinson, attended the Australians in Film 2011 Breakthrough Awards at the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Sharni acted in the very popular Aussie soap opera "Home Away" as well as of course starred in "Blue Crush 2" and "Step Up 3D". My NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and I were thrilled when we found out she wore one of our Spring 2011 dresses too the "2011 Breakthrough Awards"!!

It's a black silk-wool ziberline criss-cross draped dress with cascading skirt side folds. Of course, we here at NIKOLAKI, think she looks DIVINE!

Above is the dress Sharni Vinson wore from our NIKOLAKI Website Spring 2011 Look Book, worn by one of our models, Amanda Fields.

Carrie Underwood Wears NIKOLAKI on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"!!!

GORGEOUS Carrie Underwood!

Turquoise Winner: Carrie Underwood wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

Guess who wore one of my dresses on the Ellen Show? Yep, the one only Carrie Underwood! Multiple Grammy Award winner, Golden Globe Award nominee, three time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Female Vocalist winner, as well as (we all know!), Winner of the fourth season of American Idol, Miss Carrie Underwood wore a NIKOLAKI dress on TODAY'S "Ellen DeGeneres Show".

Chattin' Girls: Carrie Underwood (in NIKOLAKI dress) and Ellen DeGeneres, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

My NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and I were ECSTATIC when we found out that Carrie would be wearing one of our fabulous cocktail dresses on TV yesterday (they taped the show a day before) but of course, we had to keep a secret until now.

Clap For Couture: Carrie Underwood (in NIKOLAKI dress) with Ellen DeGeneres, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

She was a guest today on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to promote the new film she is starring in, "Soul Surfer", which opens tomorrow. I think Carrie looked DAZZLING in our NIKOLAKI turquoise blue silk ziberline dress featuring a high pleated neckline, open back and contrast waistband. PS: Turquoise looks GORGEOUS on Carrie!!!

It's all about color-block dresses kids---and somehow, David and I knew this when we designed this dress many many months ago for our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection. You can see the dress from our Look Book on model Amanda Fields above.

Pleated Beauty: Carrie Underwood, in NIKOLAKI turquoise blue silk dress, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

After their initial sit-down interview--where they discussed everything from her new film to her doggie, her wedding as well as her husband's closet--Carrie and Ellen also didplayed a fun little game involving a couple of audience members and some Vitamin Water.

Le Back: Carrie Underwood, in NIKOLAKI dress (left), on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

What was great about this was that we actually got to see Carrie's dress from the back as she turned around and had to throw mini water balloons for the game...Miss Carrie, you looked AMAZING in NIKOLAKI and, as one of the designers, I give you a dozen kisses for choosing to wear it!


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Click Below for video of Carrie Underwood wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show":

Nick Verreos Appearance at FIDM 3 Days of Fashion 2010 Orange County and Los Angeles!

High School Fashionistas: Bring It!!!OC Style: Nick Verreos and the audience at FIDM Orange County Campus' 3 Days of Fashion

This week was the beginning of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM 3 Days of Fashion. It's when high school (and above) students from all over the country come to see what FIDM is all about and check it out as a possible school to attend for those interested in the Fashion Industry. As many of you may know, FIDM is where I attended and got my Fashion Design Degree from, and it is also where I am an Instructor (and it's where Project Runway Season 6 was filmed!!!). I always love being invited to the 3 Days of Fashion and making special appearances at all the campuses.

First Up: FIDM Orange County: Nick Verreos and Amanda Fields pose with 3 Days of Fashion OC attendee

For 2010, I decided to bring my Nikolaki gowns and "star" models such as the fabulous Amanda Fields, who, besides being a muse and "House Model" of mine, she was also on Project Runway Season 3. We had a fantastic time in the OC (as I always do!). I even brought my "son", Benny. Yes, Benny made a "special appearance" and even did a quick catwalk down the FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion Runway!

FIDM Los Angeles:
Work The Crowd: Nick Verreos and 400+ attendees, FIDM Los Angeles 3 Days of Fashion

Over 400 High School students (and their parents) came to the final day of FIDM Los Angeles' 3 Days of Fashion, and I was the "Grand Finale"(yeaaayyyy!!!). Again, I brought model Amanda Fields and some of my Nikolaki gowns for everyone to see and enjoy.
Flamenco Queen: Model Amanda Fields in Nikolaki black silk taffeta tiered-ruffle and sequined feathered gown

Miss Amanda WORKED the runway--and crowd--wearing a black silk taffeta "Flamenco" styled tulip-shaped gown. She looked UNBELIEVABLE in it and you could tell from the "ooohs" and "aaahs" from the audience.
Print Goddess: Model Amanda Fields in Nikolaki silk chiffon gown

I also brought one of my favorite gowns, a "Hibiscus"-print silk chiffon high-neck gown which has over 30 yards of fabric. Again, the crowd went "wild" when she sauntered onto the FIDM LA 3 Days of Fashion stage/runway and showed all the kids what a model in COUTURE should look like!
Say FASHION: Nick Verreos and Amanda Fields pose with FIDM LA 3 Days of Fashion attendees

After my speaking appearance and mini-Nikolaki Fashion Show, both Amanda and I spent over an hour taking photos and signing autographs (as we did in the OC!) with all the attendees. I hope everyone had a blast, enjoyed my talk (sorry I went overtime!) and best of all, were inspired.

Click BELOW for Video of both the OC and Los Angeles 2010 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion:

Actress Tasha Smith, from Tyler Perry's Hit Film "Why Did I Get Married Too?" Wears NIKOLAKI

Tasha Smith Gives You NIKOLAKI COUTURE!!!Fire Red: Tasha Smith in red silk satin-back crepe NIKOLAKI gown

The gorgeous actress Tasha Smith, who most recently starred in Tyler Perry's hit film "Why Did I Get Married Too", (with Miss Janet Jackson!) is featured in a photo spread with her sexy HOT co-star Michael Jai White.
Happy Couple: Actress Tasha Smith (in red NIKOLAKI gown) and Michael Jai White

The editorial, which was styled by Chaz E. Foley, and photographed by John Russo, is in the current Monarch Magazine Summer 2010 Edition. Statueseque: Actress Tasha Smith in hand-beaded bias cut georgette gown with silk zibeline corset NIKOLAKI gown

Chaz recently styled another shoot for one of my favorite Los Angeles models, the exotic Suwana Perry, wearing NIKOLAKI, of course. Kudos to Chaz, John and Tasha on some great images!