Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Recap!!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Recap!!

A Dad Runway Walk-Off, NIKOLAKI Couture and My First Ever Autograph on a...

 Coral Fab: Nick Verreos, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Last week was the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion" Finale--at the Downtown Los Angeles Campus. I had the honor of making a "special visit" at all the other campuses, including FIDM Orange County, FIDM San Diego, as well as FIDM San Francisco. So this was my last stop for the Summer of 2012. Naturally, I had to end FIDM's "Summer Fashion Camp" with a Style Bang!!

Summer Style: Nick Verreos and "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I arrived with two of my favorite models--Amanda Fields and Lauren Gish, some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses, and my NIKOLAKI design partner--and better half--David Paul (to take all these fun blog pics as well as tend to all our precious dresses and help the models get ready backstage!). We were ready for some "3 Days of Fashion" runway fun. After my introduction, I went right into the 300+ audience of high school students (and some parents)--and I asked where the moms and dads were...

Dad Runway: Nick Verreos schools the dads on Runway , FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012" (notice the dad on the right!)

I followed with "Will the dads stand up?". Then I got this idea: why not have a "FIDM 3 Days of Fashion Runway Walk-Off"...with the dads! Done and done.

Dad Runway: Nick Verreos, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I called up all the fathers in the audience, and after a little coaxing, they all came up. I proceeded to then give them a mini "Nick Lesson" in runway walking and then it was all up to them. Their wives and daughters in attendance went WILD and so did the rest of the "3 Days of Fashion" audience. This was not on the "agenda" so I was nervous that A) the dads would be "game" and B) their daughters wouldn't turn bright red from the embarrassment.

Smiling-but nervous dads: Nick Verreos hosts the First EVER FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Dad Runway Walk-Off, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Needless to say, it was all good; the dads did MARVELOUSLY.  Take a look at these two top Dad Runway Pros:

 Hands on the Hips, Boys: Dads work it at FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 Next up were the REAL models...

Golden Amanda: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold silk chiffon and paillette gown,  FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I brought several of my NIKOLAKI COUTURE gowns and dresses for the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy--modeled by two of my favorite Los Angeles-based runway superstars--Amanda Fields and Lauren Gish, who incidentally happen to be on my website and Look Book, as well.

 Fierce and Fabulous: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Printed Chiffon Goddess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 silk chiffon printed halter-style gown with hand-beaded applique-and-beaded trim

Le Wedding: Model Lauren Gish models NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul ivory silk ziberline "mermaid" gown with crystal-waist trim--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Sequined Princess: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 black-and-silver paillette cowl blouson gown with high slit and attached capelet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012" (we're trying to do the "Angelina Jolie" pose on the top right photo!)

After the mini-NIKOLAKI fashion show and my Nick "No Should've, Would've, Could've" Talk--there was a raffle with some of the lucky attendees winning some fabulous FIDM tote bags--signed by the models, other special "3 Days of Fashion" lecturers--and me (of course!)...

 

Bag Fab: Nick Verreos and one of the winners of the FIDM totebag--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 And Miss FIDM 3 Days of Fashion 2012 is.....

Then--as it has become tradition--it was time for my "Nick Meet-and-Greet" where I took many, many photos and signed autographs--I asked some of the attendees to Tweet me their pics so here are some of the best---plus several from my own camera:

You Better Tag Me: Nick Verreos poses with FIDM Los Angels "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees

Oh and did I mention that I had my first "sign my upper chest" autograph request? Yep:

 

And she was one of the mommies! PS: LOVE the mommies. 

Thanks EVERYONE for a fantastic and very successful FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--See you next year!! (I hope!)

Project Runway for Lord & Taylor: My Dress! Original Sketch, Detail Pics + Much More!

Project Runway for Lord & Taylor: My Dress! Original Sketch, Detail Pics + Much More!

Tenth Anniversary Fab:

Grecian Blue: "Nick Verreos for Project Runway/Lord and Taylor" gathered front and back halter-neck cocktail dress in cobalt blue chiffon

Months ago, I was asked to design a dress for the Tenth Anniversary Project Runway Capsule Collection to be sold exclusively at Lord & Taylor. One designer from each of the last nine seasons was asked and I was humbled to be the "Season 2" pick. Now, who's the 10th Season designer for this Lord & Taylor collection, you may ask? Well kids, that will be known tomorrow night when this week's Project Runway episode airs.

The Challenge will be to design a dress for Lord & Taylor (the show's Store Sponsor) and the winner will then join the rest of the nine alumni to complete the ten design tableaux. Immediately following tomorrow night's episode, all the dresses will be available to purchase on LordandTaylor.com--all for under $350...

And next NEXT THURSDAY, September 6th, I (along with the other nine Project Runway alumn/designers) will be in NYC at the iconic Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship to "unveil" all the dresses to the public at a fun Fashion's Night Out event/party from 6-11 PM.

More on My Dress:

Nick Verreos Fashion Illustration of his Lord & Taylor/Project Runway Dress

Original Sketch: Here's the original sketch/design I did for Lord & Taylor/Project Runway when they asked me to be part of this exclusive capsule collection. I originally had envisioned it in a golden color with leather (or faux leather) neck and racer-back "harness" accent. It was inspired by my love of draping, Grecian Goddess and a gown style I did in my high-end NIKOLAKI line. But after some edits and adaptions from the Lord & Taylor design team, it evolved into this:

Nick Verreos for Lord & Taylor/Project Runway cobalt blue gathered front chiffon dress...

...with gathered back and iridescent organza over sequin fabric back yoke

Here's a close-up of the front halter neckline

And here were some of the other designs/sketches I also submitted to them as dress style suggestions. The two themes I was chosen to focus on were "Embellished Body Con" and "Draped"--they eventually chose the halter style as you know by now:

Nick Verreos Fashion Illustrations for Lord & Taylor/Project Runway

Here are the other Project Runway dresses for Lord & Taylor from the Project Runway Capsule Collection:

Left to right: Dresses from Bert Keeter and Chris March

Left to right: Dresses from Gordana Gehlhausen, Jay McCarroll

Left to right: Dresses from Korto Momolu, Mondo Guerra

Left to right: Seth Aaron Anderson, Uli Herzner

So, if you're in NYC next week...See you Next THURSDAY September 6th 6-11 PM, for the UNVEILING of the Tenth Anniversary Project Runway for Lord & Taylor Collection at Fashion's Night Out Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue NYC!!!!

NIKOLAKI Designs at FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Gown and Cocktail Dress Recap!

NIKOLAKI Designs at FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Gown and Cocktail Dress Recap!

Fashion Schooling...

Spartan Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013--neon green silk chiffon and silk duchesse cocktail dress with crystal trim waist (left); printed silk chiffon gown with gathered front skirt and fitted waist (right)

Several weeks ago, as the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising--my alma mater--I did my yearly FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" appearances, where I visited all of the college's campuses, staring in San Diego, then Orange County and finishing up with San Francisco and the FIDM "flagship", in Los Angeles. I did my Inspiration Talk/Lecture as well as took lots of photos with the high school students (and their moms and dads!) who attended as well as brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses--many worn by A-List Celebs such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry. So here's a Recap--and Gallery--of the gowns and cocktail dresses I brought (several from my newest NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 Collection) all in one concise blog posting--hope you guys enjoy!

Backstage Look Book: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk organza gown with multi-jewelled bust trim

Peacock Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon gown with gathered skirt and fitted waist--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Lady in Red: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk-wool ziberline gown with side pockets and back cascade over-sized ruffles--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

San Francisco COUTURE: Nick Verreos with model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless raspberry-colored asymmetrically pleated bustier dress with side gathered mini-pouf (left), and ...

In lavender silk chiffon sequined column gown with peek-a-boo top section-- FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Flou Queen: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back, and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Front Close-Up: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul
printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back,
and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Golden Girl: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape

Gold Fierce: Model Amanda Fields (with Nick Verreos in the background) wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape and high side slit--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Ivory Wedding: Model Lauren Gish in ivory silk-wool ziberline "mermaid" shaped gown with pleated high neck, open back, crystal trim waist and full pleated back train--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Midnight Stars: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 silver and black sequin gown with blouson and cowl draped bodice, princess-seamed slit and capelet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"