Nick Verreos to Host the Rockettes at FIDM Thursday August 12Th!!!

Kick With Nick!

Hi kids! Well, I just got some FABULOUS news: I've been asked to "Welcome" the World-famous Rockettes to Downtown LA at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM!!! First, they will be showing their exclusive costumes to a selected group of FIDM's Advanced Fashion Design as well as Costume Design Students at a very special workshop.

But right afterward, I will "officially" welcome them at the Grand Hope Park, adjacent to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Campus. They are here in Southern California to promote their upcoming Radio City Christmas Spectacular performances at the Honda Center Dec. 6-7, as well as Nokia Theatre L.A. Live Dec. 9-12Th!!!

They will be there, in Costume, to show me how to Kick it! I will try and do my best "Nick High Kick" and then I have a feeling that the lovely Rockettes will then show me how to REALLY kick it:

So, join me tomorrow, August 12th from 2:30-3 PM to help me welcome the World Famous Rockettes! Maybe you will get to "Kick It with The Rockettes" too---and here's a BONUS:

Tomorrow, by showing up, you can enter to win TWO tickets for Opening Night of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes at the Nokia Theater for Thursday December 9Th!!

Here's The Dish:
What: "Kick It With Nick" Welcome The Rockettes with Nick Verreos
When: Thursday August 12Th
Where: FIDM Grand Hope Park, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90015
Time: 2:30-3 PM
No RSVP's needed, just show up!!!

Nick Verreos Gives FASHION at FIDM's 3 Days of Fashion for FIDM San Diego and FIDM San Francisco!!!

FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion Wrap Up!Nick Tattoo: Nick Verreos draws an original fashion sketch on San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendee's arm!!

These last two weeks of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (the college I teach at) school calendar "Summer Break" were busy for me: No rest for the wicked as they say. I traveled to several FIDM Campuses making special appearances for the FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion, a great summer program for high school students who are interested in fashion and possibly attending FIDM post-high school. I already visited the OC and Los Angeles campuses so next up was San Diego and San Francisco.

FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion (in LA):Jumbo-tron Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM LA Campus for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion

For the 2010 3 Days of Fashion San Diego, they came up to LA, instead of me coming down to them (it cut down on my travel!). About 200 students--and some parents-- showed up for my "Nick It's A Wrap!" seminar on their last day. Nikolaki Trophy Girl: Model Lauren Gish in Nikolaki sea-foam sequin bias-cut one-shoulder gown

I also brought one of my favorite models, the lovely Lauren Gish, who just happened to be THE Trophy Model for last year's Academy Awards after winning the Oscar.com Behind The Dress competition, which I hosted. She modeled some of my Nikolaki dresses and gowns for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendees. Form a Line: Students await photos and autographs with Nick Verreos

I had a great time being both the "special guest" and host (yes, I was on "double-duty"!). After my "How I Got Started In Fashion" story, I introduced my gowns to the kids. All I could see was a sea of camera phones going off! Point Loma Love: Nick Verreos and Model Lauren Gish (in Byzantium-colored zibeline NIKOLAKI cocktail dress) with students from Point Loma High School

And of course, all this was followed by autograph and photo ops (those Facebook photos better make me look cute!). I signed A LOT of bags, sweatshirts and even someone's arm. When I asked two beautiful young girls what High School they attended, they said Point Loma High School. This just happens to be my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul's alma mater! Needless to say, David yelled a little "Yeaaayyyy!!!".

Next Up, San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion: Last week, I was extra excited to return to San Francisco (I had just been up there the previous week to host my Macy's event and to ride in the SF Pride Parade!). The Hotel Monaco SF must think I LIVE there since I stay there so often! Can I Put this in the Overhead Bins: Nick Verreos enters FIDM SF Campus, Nikolaki gowns in tow

After checking in, I made my way to the FIDM San Francisco location, right in the heart of Union Square. I brought my garment bag of Nikolaki Couture all the way from LA (it's just a 55 minute flight!) to have a mini Nick Verreos Fashion Show to cap that city's 3 Days of Fashion.
But first: The FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Design-A-T-shirt Contest:FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion T-shirt Design Entries lining up for the fashion show

Last year, there were 8 entries but this year, the number of entries shot up to 41(!). On hand to help me judge the contest was the lovely Julia A. Hill, an FIDM SF Grad AND the Executive Assistant to "What Not To Wear's" Clinton Kelly (I know, shut the front door!).Sitting Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Clinton Kelly's Executive Assistant, Julia A. Hill, a FIDM SF Grad

She lives and works in NY but flew out just to be at the FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion and be a Guest Speaker and really, my new best friend.
There were some very creative entries this year, ranging from a hand-painted and beaded neckline-trimmed, belted dress (one of our Top 3)...
To this "deconstructed" design which was one of our favorites as well for it's directional aesthetic. Very Martin Margiela-esque. After naming the winners, it was time for me to show my Nikolaki gowns and dresses on the gorgeous San Francisco-based model, Rachael Sitz , seen above modeling a magenta duchesse silk satin cocktail dress.She did a fabulous job and fit into my dresses perfectly (no fittings kiddies, she's a perfect runway size!). Above, she is showing the front of my Nikolaki gold lurex and silk bias-cut one-shoulder cascade ruffle gown...
And here she is showing the back. I think all the high school kids present--approximately 200 of them--enjoyed seeing my gowns (I hope so!). We ended my appearance at FIDM SF with giving away some great FIDM bags, one of which included a special "surprise" (besides my fashion illustration and autograph!): A stylin' new Flip Camera. Here I am picking the winner and my trusty "helper", the ever-so-chic Trudy Noren, SF FIDM Director of Special Events and College Rep. I just LOVE her Piazza Sempione multi-colored shift dress (you KNOW I asked her to "drop" the label!). I can't wait to return to San Francisco and do it all over again and see what great t-shirts the kids will design, as well as what new fabulous shift dress Trudy will have on!

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:

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM SuperLab Disney's "Alice In Wonderland" Fashion Show Gala/Part I: Backstage, Red Carpet and Fashion Show!!!

Mad Hatter Couture!!!

Hat Queen: Nick Verreos hosts the Alice In Wonderland FIDM Fashion Show Event

This last week was the unveiling of the FIDM "Alice In Wonderland" Fashion Extravaganza at a big "Media Only" event Disney held at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Grand Hope Park backlot. Disney approached FIDM to showcase the wonderful Colleen Atwood-designed costumes for the film and they both had a GENIUS idea: Why not get FIDM grads and/or fashion design students involved in creating modern-day Alice In Wonderland ensembles. Designers...Make It Work: FIDM SuperLab Designers and their Red Carpet Creations

Well, of course, we took it one step further: As an instructor and Spokesperson for the college, I was invited to Mentor and be the "Stimulus Package" and actually head the entire Alice In Wonderland FIDM SuperLab! FIDM SuperLab directs special project collaborations for advanced level students and grads in partnership with the industry. Therefore--as I stated in my previous "Sneak Peak" blog posting--we hand-picked six FIDM designers (most of whom I instructed in the past) and asked them to design and create Red Carpet Gowns inspired by the film. The results were SPECTACULAR as you'll see.Tea Party: The scene at Hope Park and FIDM

FIDM was transformed into a vision of "Underland" with a center stage and runway with hedges and all--to mimic the Garden in the beginning of the film--before Alice goes into the Rabbit Hole. Bless The Runway: Nick Verreos does a "Model Walk Off"...alone!

I was also asked to be the Mad Hatter "Master of Ceremonies" for the entire event ( I took extra Mylanta and Pepto Bismol to calm my nerves!). I decided to throw on my recently purchased Zara cropped jacket with mini-tails and a fabulous Hugh Simms bow tie (love his ties!).The party began with a walk down the red carpet of course. I took lots of photos with my Mad Hatter-ettes (above). Now, let me explain, I arrived to the party without that hat but those pesky red carpet photographers insisted I put one one--so of course, I obliged.I also posed with the illustrious Colleen Atwood, Costume Designer for "Alice In Wonderland" as well as...
Estonian-born singer Kerli, who's hit "Tea Party" from the film recently hit #5 on the Billboard charts...
and naturally, I had to have the support of my NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul as I multi-tasked through all my assignments. Backstage was all a buzz as the models--all from LA Models--as well as the designers got ready for their Alice In Wonderland close-up on the runway:
Backstage Cat Eyes: Model Sarah Deanna and Nick Verreos
On The Runway: Cheshire Cat Red Carpet Gown by Kapasa Musonda
Backstage Bunny Fashion: Nick Verreos and model Laura Larue in her White Rabbit Red Carpet dress
Red Heart Pout: Model Amanda Fields (also from Project Runway Season 3 and one of my NIKOLAKI muses!), and Nick Verreos
On The Runway: Red Queen Red Carpet gown designed by Clay Sadler
Seeing Double: Nick Verreos poses with models , including Holly Ridings of Lifetime's Models of The Runway Season 2 (to my left), and designer Natalia Romano
On The Runway: Tweedledee and Tweedledum Red Carpet designed by Natalia Romano
On The Runway: Mad Hatter Red Carpet, designed by Angela Avanesyan, modeled by Zdenka
On The Runway: Alice Red Carpet Gown designed by Dominique Pearl David, modeled by Carla Salomao
Downtown LA Tea Party: Kerli performing at the FIDM and Disney Alice In Wonderland Party

Right after the fantastic Red Carpet FIDM SuperLab Runway Show, guests were treated to a three-song performance from Kerli right in the middle of Grand Hope Park which then was followed by the opening of the actual Alice In Wonderland Museum Exhibit! But you will have to go read my "Part Two" Posting for photos and recap of that.... For Now:

Click HERE for complete coverage--and special videos--from Zap2It.com, and...

Click Below for videos of the Alice In Wonderland FIDM SuperLab runway show:

Nick Verreos to Mentor FIDM SuperLab Project for Alice In Wonderland!!!

Mad Hatter FASHION!!!!
Mad Hatter Mentor: Nick Verreos with FIDM Designers (left to right) Natalia Romano, Angela Avanesyan, Clay Sadler, Dominique Pearl David, Airi Isoda and Kapasa Musonda

I am so proud to announce my participation in the unveiling of a First-Of-Its-Kind Alice In Wonderland Exhibition at my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM... In celebration of the debut of Alice In Wonderland Blu-ray and DVD on June 1, 2010, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, in partnership with Disney Consumer Products, are unveiling a one-of-a-kind Alice In Wonderland Exhibition (at the FIDM Museum and Galleries) FREE to the public, beginning May 27Th and running through September 30Th.Collen Atwood's Original Red Queen illustration for Alice In Wonderland

In lieu of this fabulous Exhibition, I was invited to lead a very special FIDM SuperLab Project where FIDM Fashion Designers were asked to design and produce Red Carpet-worthy gowns and/or dresses inspired by six iconic characters in the film. Yes, I was asked to be the Mentor and Inspiration Mad Hatter for this incredible project! Most of these FIDM designers have been my students and I can't wait to see what they created! Illustration DIVA: Colleen Atwood's illustration of The Red Queen, Alice In Wonderland

The Alice In Wonderland characters we chose to "inspire" the designers include: Alice (of course), The Red Queen, The Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum and The Mad Matter (Johnny Depp's fabulous character).

Below is a "Sneak-Peak Video" of the FIDM SuperLab for Alice In Wonderland:


Also, check out Elle.com for more "Alice In Wonderland" FIDM SuperLab Couture fun!!