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 at the LA Mart Designers' Forum Panel Discussion on Color Theory!

Designing Women...and Men!
Good Morning Color: Nick Verreos and Luxe Magazine Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jaccarino, LA Mart Designers' Forum, Color Theory

Last week, after my quick weekend jaunt to San Francisco to host the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut at Macy's Union Square and then riding on the Macy's "float" at the 40Th Anniversary SF Pride Parade, I returned to LA to join a fabulous panel discussion on Color Theory as part of the LA Mart 2010 Designers' Forum series. Of course, I decided to "Color Represent" and wear my bright cerulean blue (I call it "Mylanta Blue"!) TopMan jacket.The Giant Chair, LA Mart Design Center parking lot, Downtown Los Angeles

The LA Mart Design Center is the West Coast's preeminent Interior Design shopping destination for retailers and designers. It features Southern California’s most comprehensive collection of fine regional and national residential showrooms available to the trade professional. I was invited--as the sole "Fashion Voice" in a discussion on how important color is to artists, interiors, interior design, as well as fashion.
Merry Norris, Nick Verreos and moderator Pamela Jaccarino discuss their love of orange and blue

The panel discussion was moderated by Pamela Jaccarino, Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Magazine, who flew out from her home in Palm Beach Florida just for this! I was joined by the Art Consultant/Advocate and all-around DIVA Merry Norris; Principal Merry Norris Contemporary Art. Besides other projects, she had a firm hand as liaison for the Gateway LAX Enhancements Project, an improvement initiative which included the massive LED-lit pylons by multimedia artist Paul Tzanetopoulos. So, yes, you can indirectly credit her for that amazing "Welcome to LA" art installation!Designing Panel: Left to right: Michael Berman, Merry Norris, Nick Verreos and Pamela Jaccarino, LA Mart Designers' Forum Discussion on Color Theory

To round off our panel was Michael Berman, Principal at Michael Berman Ltd. The topics ranged from how passionate we are about color, how color can change a room, a person's outlook on life, and how Color Trends even begin. I spoke of those "Top Tier" designers who basically direct what colors will be the hottest for the season and how it all trickles down to the masses. The event was a huge success as can be seen by the packed house (above photo). Before we began, the organizers had to look for more chairs to accommodate the guests who were arriving. I guess that's a good thing. I Want This Couch: Nick Verreos enjoys some post-discussion R & R, LA Mart Design Center

After our hour-long discussion, there was a post-discussion Champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception, catered by Market, where many attendees approached me and thanked me for such a lively and informative discussion and how nice it was to hear a "fashion perspective". Now, if I could only afford all the great furniture and home accessories I saw at the LA Mart Design Center, then I would be "set"!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Event Macy's Union Square

San Francisco Host With The Most: Sunglass Shopping, Hot-Dog Eatin', Manicure Polishing and Much More...Billboard Boy: Nick Verreos at Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

On Saturday, I flew into San Francisco in a flourish. Here's the rundown: Got up at 5AM, packed, showered and got dressed, got to LAX, and boarded my Virgin America 8 AM flight to the City by the Bay. My trusty car and Bob--one of my favorite drivers in SF--picked me up at SFO and whisked me off to Union Square where I was to host the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut store at Macy's San Francisco's flagship from noon-4PM.Posing Divas: Nick Verreos and models pose with the Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Sunglasses designed by Devi Kroell, Matt Murphy and Kara Ross

The weather in San Francisco on Saturday was sunny and gorgeous--perfect to be sporting some CHIC new sunglasses. Macy's and Sunglass Hut had set up a whole "Afternoon Soiree" in Level 1 of the store and I was it's "Host with the Most". I brought three of the prettiest Ford models from San Francisco to be my "Nick's Angels" for the event (all styled fabulously by Keylee Sanders, my SF Stylist DIVA from Style Studio).Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Macy's San Francisco Union Square

For the Grand Opening, we had hors d'euvres including mini hot dogs, chili-lemon peppered watermelon and sorbet ice cream sandwiches, as well as lemonade and sparkling water being passed around, to entice shoppers to come see the new shop and get in a "It's Summer and I need some Sunglasses" mood.Greetings Macy's Shoppers: Nick Verreos, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

There was a "photo booth" by Fotomio where shoppers got to try on the featured Vogue Eyewear/CFDA sunglasses and take their very own photos. Pinkies was there giving manicures to shoppers. Sunglasses On A Plate: Models showcase Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Designer Eyewear, Macy's Union Square

As a bonus--just for that day--with EVERY purchase of a pair of sunglasses, shoppers received a chic little Sunglass Hut cosmetic bag, a Gift Certificate to Pinkies AND a full size bottle of Clarins Self Tanning Gel (Hello!!!!). Between the mini-hot dogs, lemonade, photo-booth taking, the gift-with-purchase and my shouting voice of "Welcome, Come Buy Some Sunglasses!!!, the store was abuzz with shopping madness! OMG! It's Nick: Nick Verreos poses with shoppers, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

The event was a complete SUCCESS! I had a great time and the fact that hundreds and hundreds of people (shoppers, tourists strolling in, fans of Project Runway--yeayyy!!) were stopping by, kept it all lively and fun!
That's MY Barbie: Siobhan Tuvo, her daughter Sarah and Nick Verreos, Macy's Union Square Grand Opening of Sunglass Hut

A highlight was one of my very best friends, Siobhan Tuvo, stopped by and brought her oh-so-pretty daughter Sarah, whom I had not seen in YEARS!!! Sarah brought me a special somethin'-somethin': The "Project Runway My Scene Nick Verreos Barbie"!!! Well, you just know I began screaming in the microphone like a little girl! She brought it for me to sign and of course, I obliged. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous afternoon at my Sunglass Hut Macy's San Francisco Event!
Now it was time to get some rest before the next day's big event: SF Gay Pride Parade!!! Stay Tuned...

Below is a fun slideshow with LOTS of photos of the entire event. These fantastic photos were provided by Drew Altizer Photography and click HERE for even MORE photos!

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 to Join Panel at LA Mart Designers' Forum 2010: Color Theory

It's all about COLOR!!!!I am honored to announce that I have been invited by the LA Mart, to be part of a panel to discuss the topic of COLOR and its IMMENSE importance, in "Session Two" of the LA Mart Design Center's Designers' Forum 2010 Business Matters. Color Theory: Forecasting the Impact of Tones and Hues.The Moderator of this "Hot Design Topic" will be the fabulous Pamela Lerner Jaccarino, Editor-In-Chief, Luxe Interiors and Design, and my co-panelists include Michael Berman, Principal, Michael Berman Ltd. and Merry Norris, Principal, Merry Norris Contemporary Art. Learn how the dynamics of economics, social issues, fashion, art, entertainment, technology and lifestyle, as well as consumer needs, moods and aspirations, translate into fresh, forward-thinking color palettes and interior products that instantly connect with today’s design-savvy customer.
RSVP and learn all about the future of COLOR:

Date: Tuesday , June 29Th
Time: 11 AM; reception: 12:00 PM
Location: LA Mart Design Center 1933 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90008
RSVP: ltsironis@lamart.com or 213-763-5813

Nick Verreos Attends 3rd Annual Seattle Forbidden Fashion Show: Recap and Photos!!!

Seattle Part Deux: Red Couture Exits to Make Room for Sexy Swimsuits!
Soccer legs: Model wearing Under U 4Men, 3rd Annual Forbidden Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)

Immediately following my stint as Judge and "Special Celebrity Guest" at the Third Annual Project Red Dress Fundraiser Fashion Show extravaganza, I prepared myself for the next fashion show, also taking place at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Spanish Ballroom: The Forbidden Fashion Show. No time for "outfit change" so I kept my Project Red Dress-themed red jacket and black silk jacquard Dolce & Gabbana tie on...Iridescent Runway: The HOLO Grid Holographic Catwalk, Spanish Ballroom, Fairmont Olympic Seattle Hotel (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)

Red Couture "Out" (for now) and "In" with lingerie and swimsuits! The Ballroom cocktail "lobby" was packed as the HOLO Grid Holographic Runway was cleared and guests were escorted to take their seats. I was invited as a "Special Guest" once again, but this time no judging--just enjoying a front-row seat viewing the most perfectly toned bodies in the Emerald City (Note to Self: More Time on the Tread Mill!!!).
Venezuelan Oprah: Nick Verreos and Eduardo Khawam, 3rd Annual Forbidden Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)

This time around, instead of Poison Waters (who hosted PRD), it was Fordidden Fashion Show Producer/Director and Co-Host, my good friend Eduardo Khawam who gave me a seat next to him in his VIP Interview Chat Section. The fashion show was comprised of the latest styles for Spring/Summer 2010 for lingerie, underwear as well as swimsuits.Holographic Pool: Models showing swimsuits from Tininha's Boutique and Cintli Jewelry by Beto Yarce (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)

I heard a "Casting Call" was sent out for "Seattle's Most Perfect Bodies", and by the looks of what I was seeing, they were all there!
*Click HERE for a quick and fun interview with Seattle's MK of OUTview Online right after seeing the fashion show!
Under-dressed: Model wearing Bend The Rules Underwear, 3rd Annual Forbidden Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)
Beach Fierce: Models wearing Adicora Swimwear and DB Deseo Jewelry (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)
Adicora Swimwear Designer (and Forbidden Fashion Show Co-Host) Niveen Heaton and Nick Verreos, 3rd Annual Forbidden Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Jorge Hernandez)
The Space Needle: View from South Lake Union area

The following night, I was once again a special guest at the "Forbidden Show After Party" held at the Little Red Bistro and Studio in Seattle's South Lake Union area. Little Red Bistro and Studio, Seattle

Models, designers, sponsors and everyone-who-is-anyone in the Seattle "Fashion Scene" were there to enjoy the special Forbidden Fashion Show cocktails, great dance/house music and some delicious French-inspired cuisine. The Trench Is Back: Nick Verreos poses with Forbidden Fashion Show models, show producer/director Eduardo Khawam and Adicora Swimwear designer Niveen Heaton, Little Red Bistro/Studio Seattle

I had a fun night chatting with the guests, especially the models, trying to find out their diet and work-out routine to get those "Forbidden Fashion Show" physiques. Here's a hint: I don't think it involves the delicious Steak Campagne I enjoyed for dinner there at the Little Red Bistro!
Thank you Seattle for a lot of of Red Couture...and "forbidden" Fashion Fun!