Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Fashion Show at 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo in Cincinnati Ohio: The Recap!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Fashion Show at 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo in Cincinnati Ohio: The Recap!!

Hola Cincinnati!!

Turquoise Man: Nick Verreos hosting Macy's Fashion Show, 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

Last week, in the midst of my FIDM 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" appearances in SF, LA, San Diego and Orange County (whew! That's a sentence-full!), I flew for an overnight trip to Cincinnati Ohio to host a FAB Macy's Fashion Show. The Fashion Show was to take place as part of 2011 LULAC/League of United Latin American Citizens Convention and Exposition's "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (United Voices: Concert for the People) featuring "Los Lobos" (yes, of "La Bamba" fame) and "El Guero".

Upon arriving from my flight from LA to Cincinnati (via Salt Lake City), I was greeted by this sign, welcoming all LULAC Convention and Expo out-of-town guests and attendees to Cincinnati. You know I had to take a quick photo as arriving passengers were impatiently trying to get onto the escalator, making their way out of the airport.

After getting to the city, I checked into The Cincinnatian Hotel, which I heard was "The Best Hotel" in town. I immediately went to my room and as it's become a "Tradition" here on my blog and my Recaps, I took photos of my bed and the room itself (it was very nice indeed!).

The shower had TWO, not just one, but TWO, of those "Rain Shower heads" PLUS SIX coming-from-the-shower-wall jet streams. I made a mental note to get up EXTRA early the following morning to enjoy that before I had to catch my flight back to Los Angeles!

I had about one hour to change from my "travel outfit" and into "I am Hosting a Macy's Fashion Show" TopMan turquoise blue jacket, Dolce & Gabbana black jacquard tie and Zara black skinny trousers ensemble and then make my way to the Duke Energy Convention Center, site of 2011 LULAC Convention and Expo--as well as my fashion show event. It was about 90 degrees HOT and Humid so thank goodness I was NOT in head-to-toe wool!!!

The Center was "busy busy busy" as attendees made their way in and out of the Expo and from various different conferences and meeting rooms. After climbing three floors on the escalators (it's a BIG place you guys!), I made it to the Grand Ballroom, site of the Concert and Fashion Show.

Concert Mistress: Melissa "Crash" Barrera Mun2 TV personality, 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

After checking in with my Macy's clients, and the producers of the fashion show as well as all the models (they were SOOOO sweet!), we had a quick rehearsal, got all my note cards and was ready to BRING on the Macy's Fashion to LULAC! The Concert's "Mistress of Ceremonies" was the beautiful Melissa "Crash" Barrera, TV host and Mun2 personality. She introduced me and well, of course, I had to begin everything...

With one of my "Nick Runway Walks" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com). Then, it was onto the Fashion. Being that it was a Macy's Fashion Show, there were LOTS of great looking clothes, naturally--and all available in two blocks distance at the nearby Macy's Fountain Place.

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

The show began with a tableaux of fun and flirty printed maxi dresses--perfect for a July 4th Bar-b-Q, cocktails in Cabo, or even "dressed up" with heels for a party.

Model Jessica in coral 2-piece suit by Evan Picone Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

We also showed tailored business attire for the professional Latina, and even some Comfy-Chic separates. Trends included tie-dye, flower prints, bold and bright colors, metallics and statement-making scarves.

In between the fashions, I even gave some "Lessons" in what dresses work best for what body types and what details (shirring, diagonal pleating) also help visually "slim" a figure. And of course, I got in on the act and even modeled with one of the gorgeous girls!

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

There were BOYS as well, kids! And they, naturally, were also wearing head-to-toe Macy's looks from Macy's-exclusive brands like INC and Alfani.

Photos Courtesy of JackFleming.com

After the fashion show ended, I went down into the Grand Ballroom area and took photos with guests as well as signed autographs and drew "Fashion Croquis" for them as well (photos above). I had A BLAST hosting the show and now it was onto watching--and listening--to "Los Lobos" and "El Guero" do their thang! And then return to my hotel and enjoy a good night's rest. In case you were wondering, yes, I got to use that AMAZEEEEEING shower back in my room the next morning! The sounds that I was making...well, I'm surprised my next door hotel neighbor didn't call the Hotel Security!!!

Ciao Cincinnati!!

Click Below for Exclusive Video of Los Lobos at "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente", 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo:

YEEZY SEASON 3 or FENTY X PUMA: is Rihanna a better designer than Kanye?

YEEZY SEASON 3 or FENTY X PUMA: is Rihanna a better designer than Kanye?

The fashion world has always been a magnet for music artists: fashion allows them to build their image, and when the love is reciprocal it makes them powerful. Therefore it is no news to see music artists stepping out their comfort zone and venturing new professions, especially when they are household names: they design and sell us perfumes, shoes, make up products…basically they influence our shopping habits thanks to their names. And that’s the point: they do not need to actually learn a new profession, because their names are big enough to validate anything they advertise.

What happens when they actually make the next step?

Well, the current New York Fashion Week has served a major couple of experiments: Kanye West sponsored by Adidas and Rihanna sponsored by Puma. 

Ok, this is like the ultimate athleisure/urban fight.

It should be an unfair comparison given that this was Kanye 3rd collection with Adidas (‘s money) and Rihanna was just debuting her first real runway show…but at the end it was not. 

Let me explain this to you: Kanye West ultimately ended up revolutioning the NYFW show schedule for an album launch party in disguise, while Rihanna actually performed an interesting runway show.

Kanye’s Yeezy Season 3 collection was a total mess: aside being a replica of the first two collections, just with better shoes and in brighter colors, the models and the venue only served as the perfect setting for an album listening party. How clever, and I mean it both sarcastically and not.

The funniest part was served by the first family of trash tv, alias the Kardashian/Jenner clan, who made a dramatic entrance to the show wearing luxurious custom pieces designed by Balmain for Kanye’s show.

So much noise for the new album T.L.O.P. (The Life Of Pablo)? Genius (even Beyoncè used the Superbowl to advertise her upcoming Formation World Tour), but was it necessary to introduce the world to this kind of "fashion"designs for the third time in a row?

Cherry on top, Kanye dreams to design for Hermès.

Enough, let’s move to Rihanna. 

Puma must be so proud of its strategy, not only Riri built off the success of last season’s flatform creeper, but she managed to bring Puma to NYFW with a collection that has made headlines all over the world. 

The goth/grungy athmosphere of the Fenty x Puma runway show was the perfect background for a collection that definitely oozed Rihanna-inspired edginess all the way out.

Sporting jet black lips, the models walked down the mirrored runway wearing oversized hoodies, lace-up jumpsuits and dresses, sheer mesh tees and almost too daring crop tops and shorts.
Street style fashion with a gothic touch. 

Yep that is 2016’s Rihanna.

The shoe department included thigh-high boxing boots, extreme creepers, wedged booties and sporty stiletto boots.

Clearly that’s how Rihanna's dream closet looks like, however I do feel skeptic about the proportions and the wearability of some looks: maybe too much for real life? 

Well, maybe it is to early to say, let the sales talk by themselves, besides I guess I have found my uniform for the ANTI World Tour.

Written by: Stella

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Fearless, Fashion Leader, Diva, Humanitarian, A Hollywood Fashion Star

Draped Queen: Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra" draped in rust-colored jersey and blue key-hole neckline dresses designed by Costume Designer Irene Sharaff (1963)

We were all saddened to find out of the passing of the LAST Hollywood Goddess: Elizabeth Taylor. She lived a life, that's for sure. I am certain that tributes will pour in for all that she did through her life--from her acting, her marriages, her men...to being a Champion against AIDS. They do not make women like Elizabeth Taylor any more. Of course, I wanted to do my own little "photo" tribute in terms of her FASHION! To me--and I'm sure to others--she was also a FABULOUS Fashion Icon. And these photos certainly prove it! From what she wore on screen--as well as off--to Academy Awards Shows, red carpet premieres, her many weddings, or just being caught by the paparazzi, Miss Taylor WORKED it OVERTIME!

Here's a Look Back:

50's Elegance: Elizabeth Taylor in a draped bust and fitted corseted dress

70's Hippie Chick: Elizabeth Taylor arriving at Heathrow Airport in London 1970, and her white hot pants ensemble and matching boots

The 90's: Elizabeth Taylor, in lemon-yellow silk crepe gown with "Devore" sleeve and neckline detail, holding her Humanitarian Oscar in 1997 Academy Awards

Dynasty Shoulders: Elizabeth Taylor in blue velvet gown with Leg o' Mutton exaggerated sleeves

Going To The Ball: Elizabeth Taylor (with Larry Forstensky in the background) wearing a canary yellow silk ball-gown skirt and silver v-neck top and shawl, 1991

Miss Taylor Never Met A Turban She Didn't Like...

Diva Sheikha: No one worked the Turban look of the late 1960's and early 70's more than Elizabeth Taylor. It was the perfect accessory to highlight and frame her STUNNING face, those eyes, and of course, once in a while, one of those priceless diamonds she owned...

Pink Turban: With Richard Burton, in pink sequin and silk gown

Seriously, this has got to be one of the MOST FABULOUS Elizabeth Taylor looks EVER--From "Boom!", a 1968 film adapted from a Tennesse Williams play where she plays an aging actress. The Fashions--designed by Tiziani of Rome-- were the actual STARS of this film--next to Elizabeth Taylor. The plunging neckline sequined gown, THAT headdress, the diamonds, the emeralds, the cigarette and then...a glass of beer! Fearless Liz! Seriously.

Fashion Diva with Her Men:

1950 Wedding to Hotel Heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton: Elizabeth Taylor in her timeless silk duchesse wedding gown with a fitted corset and full ball gown skirt

1959 Wedding To Eddie Fisher: Wearing an emerald green silk chiffon dress and veil (love the matching flowers!)

1960 Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor wins Best Actress Oscar for "Butterfield 8"--with husband Eddie Fisher, wearing an ivory silk embroidered ball gown skirt with waist rose-and-sash detail and see-through high neck top

1962 Fashionista: Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher, making an entrance in a draped open-necked gown that could be THE Epitome of CHIC in 2011--almost 50 years later!!!

Bow To The Lady: Now this is how all actresses should be "caught" by the paparazzi: Elizabeth Taylor--with Richard Burton--wearing a flower hat, elegantly tailored coat, pointed heels and a crocodile purse. Effortless.

One Shoulder Grecian: Elizabeth Taylor, in a one-shouldered draped gown with diamond brooch at shoulder and flowers accenting her jet-black hair, with Richard Burton

The ORIGINAL Brad and Angelina: In 1971, with Richard Burton--wearing turquoise blue open-necked (of course!) dress and THAT 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond!

Valentino Lace: The infamous Elizabeth Taylor/Larry Fortensky Wedding at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Bride wore a custom pale yellow Chantilly Lace tiered gown by Valentino. The entire wedding was estimated to cost $2 Million and is on the list of Forbes 20 Most Expensive Weddings! I'm sure her haute Couture Valentino gown didn't help (the budget, that is)

We'll Miss You Elizabeth.