FIDM.....FIDM Los Angeles Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion": BLOG RECAP!!!

FIDM.....FIDM Los Angeles Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion": BLOG RECAP!!!

It's 3 Days of FASHION!!--Nick Verreos onstage with model Amanda Fields Bennett wearing NIKOLAKI silk charmeuse and "feathered" taffeta gown--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Time for the FINAL FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" for Summer 2017! In the past two weeks, I have had the pleasure of visiting the FIDM campuses throughout California for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" Summer Program--you can check out my BLOGS on those HERE for FIDM San Diego, HERE for FIDM OC in LA, and HERE for FIDM San Francisco. So now, it was time for my "Special Appearance" at the FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion"!

Onstage Nick: Nick Verreos--with "3 Days of Fashion" MC Andre Barnwell--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Here are my photos from last week's FABULOUS and SUPER FUN FIDM "3 Days of fashion" 2017 including my "Special Appearance", a special Fashion Presentation of my NIKOLAKI gowns on models, plus a DAD CATWALK CONTEST (!) and a Meet & Greet after all the fun.

Let's start with that aforementioned "Dad Catwalk Contest":

The Dad Winners: Nick Verreos with the three finalists of the "Dad Catwalk Contest" atb FIDM LA Main campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017. 

Right as I got onstage to begin my "Special Appearance", I asked all the dads in the audience to come up onstage and then I surprised them (or shocked them, depending on who you speak to!) when I told them that they were to walk the "runway" for the FIDM 3 Days of Fashion Dad Catwalk Contest.

Runway Dads: Dads of students attending FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" doing their "catwalk"--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

They were all AMAZING and good sports about it (Thank Goodness no one got mad at me!), and in fact our top winning dad, really embraced the term "catwalk" when he literally got on the floor--on all fours--and began slithering like a cat--or Runway Panther! You can only imagine the reaction from the crowd--and especially his daughter! (she was snapping photos and filming video naturally!). I'm sure if you looked on Instagram long enough, you'll find the "blackmail" video :)--Now, let's get to the REAL models:



The NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation:

Amanda Fields Bennett modeling NIKOLAKI burgundy colored silk dress onstage with Nick Verreos--FIDM Main Campus LA "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Model Amanda wearing NIKOLAKI burgundy colored silk charmeuse and "feathered" silk taffeta tea-length gown--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Model Amanda wearing NIKOLAKI copper & gold sequined silk gown with capelet detail--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Model Amanda in NIKOLAKI "Pop Art" multicolored polka dot silk crepe column gown with plunging neckline and long sleeves--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Model Alizee Gaillard wearing NIKOLAKI canary yellow silk crepe-back satin one shoulder column gown with silk organza side cascade detail--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Nick Verreos with model Alizee wearing NIKOLAKI canary yellow silk crepe-back satin one shoulder column gown with silk organza cascade detail--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Model Alizee in NIKOLAKI bubblegum pink silk crepe-back satin "Sari"-inspired draped gown--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Nick Verreos presenting model Alizee in NIKOLAKI grape colored beaded silk gown with back cowl drape--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

NIKOLAKI Divas: Models Alizee (left) and Amanda (right) wearing NIKOLAKI gowns at FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Custom FIDM Tote Bag Winners: Nick Verreos poses with the three FIDM Tote Bag Winners at FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Post-Appearance & Fashion Presentation Meet & Greet Photos:

A Lot O' GUCCI: Nick Verreos poses with student sharing his love for Gucci--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Meet & Greet Smiles: Nick Verreos poses for photos with students (and parents!) during the Meet & Greet portion of FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

SOOOO CUUUTE: When one student came up to me to take a photo and was so overcome with emotion that she started to cry...then I started to cry...and then, well, we all were a CRYING mess! It was so endearing and touching!--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

EVERYONE SAY "FIDM!": Group shots of students (including some with my book "A Passion For Fashion"!) attending FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

It Takes a Mini Village: (L to R), Model Amanda Fields Bennett, FIDM Special Events Assistant (and my "3 Days" GOD!!) Spencer Williams, NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul and Nick Verreos--FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

That's A Wrap!: Nick Verreos with students attending the final day of FIDM LA Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who attended this year's FIDM 3 Days of Fashion!! I LOVED meeting each and everyone of you! XO, Nick

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos at "3 Days of Fashion" FIDM OC and FIDM San Diego-The Recap!!

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos at "3 Days of Fashion" FIDM OC and FIDM San Diego-The Recap!!

Fashionista Summer Camp:

Nick and Benny: Nick Verreos, his doggie "Benny" and a very tall FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee

It's Summer and you know what that means: "3 Days of Fashion" time! The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has its annual "3 Days of Fashion" every Summer as a way to introduce high school students to FIDM as well as what they might look forward to if they choose to apply and eventually attend the College. This is what you get if you attend FIDM's "3 Days of Fashion":

• Take workshops like Draping the Dress, where you'll create a
  3-dimensional design on a fitting form; Concept to Consumer, which
  focuses on design and merchandising; and Creating a Promotional
  Campaign, where you'll work on a photo shoot and a special event.


• Learn step-by-step how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure.


• Work with other students from all over the world who share your passion for this industry.


• Be inspired by successful FIDM Graduates who are pros in the field.


• Experience FIDM's amazing resources and learn from our stellar instructors.

Talking Nick: Nick Verreos, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I am always happy to come out and make "special appearances" at all the FIDM campuses' (Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) "3 Days of Fashion" events on the final day. Last week, on June 20th, I began my "FIDM 3 Days of Fashion" Tour at the Orange County campus located in Irvine California which was then followed by my appearance at the San Diego Campus three days later. Here's my BLOG RECAP of these first two events:



FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion":

Runway OC: Nick Verreos and two of the "FIDM OC" "Runway Walk-Off models, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I always love coming to the FIDM Orange County campus for many reasons, but especially, because I can bring my little doggie Benny!! Oh, and yes, I also brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses! My appearance to the FIDM OC campus began with an impromptu Runway "Walk Off", where I went into the audience and chose three attendees--two girls and one boy (yes, A BOY!!) to show me how well they could give me "Runway". They all did a great job. Afterward, I got up onstage and spoke about my experience attending FIDM and all that I learned from the college as well as what I have been up to lately (A LOT!!!). As I said in the start of this post, I also brought some of my gowns for the "3 Days of Fashion" guests to see.

Printed Queen: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 silk chiffon printed gown, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Naturally, I had to also bring one of my favorite top models from LA--the gorgeous Amanda Fields---who's also one of my NIKOLAKI Muses. She wore three of my designs, including the silk chiffon gown above...

NIKOLAKI COUTURE: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI silk chiffon lavender sequined one-shoulder dress (atop) and red silk-wool ziberline strapless NIKOLAKI gown with back cascade detail, FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

As well as the lavender-colored sequined one-shoulder dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her perfume, and a red silk ziberline strapless gown (both seen in the photos above).

Afterwards, as always, I had a Meet-and-Greet. Here are a couple of photos I took with FIDM Orange County's "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees in the photos above.



FIDM "3 Days of Fashion San Diego":

 Chattin' : Nick Verreos at the FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Several days after my visit to FIDM Orange County, I drove down to San Diego--with my NIKOLAKI Design Partner, David Paul--a native of San Diego--to make my next "3 Days of Fashion" appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Diego campus.

 Posin': Nick Verreos, FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Traffic from LA to San Diego was CRAZY (as you can imagine!) so about 3 1/2 HOURS later, we made it; I don't know how my jacket wasn't wrinkled from sitting in the car for that long (and my forehead wasn't overly shiny from the "OMG: Look-at-all-the-traffic stress!") but it was "all good" eventually once we arrived.

San Diego Gals: Nick Verreos during the FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012" Meet-and-Greet--notice the one girl in the right photo--she brought a copy of "Greek Circle" Magazine with the cover featuring one of my NIKOLAKI designs in one of my Fashion Week shows (LOVE HER!!)

The day was GORGEOUS (is there any other type of day for San Diego??) and coincidentally, there was a San Diego Padres game happening at the PETCO Park (which happens to be NEXT DOOR to the FIDM San Diego Campus). Once I arrived, I got right to work and judged the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012 Rock the Runway" fashion show--where attendees got to feature their original and unique styles in different categories:

Rock The Runway San Diego: Nick Verreos judges FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012" Rock The Runway Contest

I also brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses (naturally) for this event for a very special fashion show to be modeled by yes, Amanda Fields. I was so excited when I found out that my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul's mom (Conchita) and his youngest niece--the beautiful Emilie Coon--were in attendance. 

Model Fab: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Collection, FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

So, unbeknownst to me--David put his niece to work, helping our model Amanda get prepped and ready for the fashion presentation. Here are a couple of pics of our NIKOLAKI model and David's niece Emilie backstage:

Model and David's Niece: Amanda Fields (left, in NIKOLAKI Collection dresses) poses with Emilie Coon (David's niece), FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

San Diego Smiles: (Left to right) David Paul, David's youngest niece Emilie Coon, Nick Verreos, David's mom Conchita Encinas-Hansen--FIDM San Diego "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had such a fun time at the San Diego and Orange County FIDM campuses last week--and more importantly, I think all the high school students--and their moms and dads--also had a good time too--and hopefully left with a little more knowledge and information about what makes FIDM so great!!!



Next up: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"...

NICK VERREOS FIDM.....Nick Verreos Special Appearance at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016: BLOG RECAP!

NICK VERREOS FIDM.....Nick Verreos Special Appearance at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016: BLOG RECAP!

San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion Fun: Nick Verreos "Special Appearance" at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Rounding out my "Special Guest" appearances these past two weeks for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's fabulous "3 Days of Fashion" Summer Program, the FIDM San Francisco campus was the last stop--and a SUPER WONDERFUL one to boot! Previously, I had the honor of making special visits at the FIDM San Diego, FIDM Los Angeles and FIDM Orange County campuses and so San Francisco was the last one to get to.

Many of you may know that I spent my teenage years in the Bay Area, after my family moved to San Bruno and subsequently, nearby Millbrae. To make a long story short, I always have a special affinity for San Francisco since, well, I kinda grew up there (or at least nearby!). So...back to my visit to FIDM San Francisco...

Uh OH!--I was flying out of LAX to SFO via Virgin America. My flight was scheduled to depart at around 10 am. We boarded but 15 minutes later, we were all deplaned. Yep, we were asked to leave the aircraft! Then, it was announced our gate was changed and then, our departure time was changed from that 10 am time to...2:30 PM. It would have been fine but, that was EXACTLY the time I was supposed to be at the FIDM San Francisco campus--with my NIKOLAKI and NV Nick Verreos dresses--ready to speak to about 100 students! So, needless to say, this was NOT AN OPTION. Luckily the airline found a space for me--and my gowns--on the 11am flight and...

I Made It!--Nick Verreos in Union Square San Francisco

So, thank goodness, I made it to FIDM San Francisco just in time and everything worked out FABULOUSLY! Here are all the photos to prove it:

Fashion Audience: Nick Verreos speaking at the FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Special Guest: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Group Selfies!!!--Nick Verreos takes selfies with attendees at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

My NIKOLAKI and NV Nick Verreos Fashion Presentation:

Kaftan Maxi Fab: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NV Nick Verreos for EVINE Live printed jersey knit "kaftan" maxi dress--FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Angel Wing Sexy: Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI printed silk charmeuse "angel wing" backed gown--FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Paillette Couture: Model in NIKOLAKI ivory colored silk sequined encrusted bias-cut draped cocktail dress--FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Draped Goddess: Nick Verreos with model Rachael Sitz wearing NIKOLAKI grape colored silk jersey draped gown--FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Draped Princess: Model in NIKOLAKI grape colored silk jersey draped gown

Sequined Fab: Model in NIKOLAKI ivory silk sequin encrusted bias-cut draped cocktail dress

A Passion for Fashion!! Time to sign photos announcing the release of my NEW BOOK "A Passion for Fashion"--Available for Pre-Order NOW on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble

Post-Appearance Meet & Greet Photos:

Smile and Pose: Nick Verreos with attendees at FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016

Love You Cecile! Posing for a selfie with Cecile Fayen--my "unofficial" SF Social Media Director and FIDM San Francisco Photographer

NV Gals: I just about LOST IT upon seeing the wonderful Trudy Noren and Suzi Wehner, college reps and educators for FIDM San Francisco, wearing my NV Nick Verreos for EVINE Live color-blocked Moto Jacklets #LoveThem 

My SF Fairy Godmother: After 17 years working as a College Rep and Fabulous 3 Days of Fashion EMPRESS for FIDM, the amazing Trudy Noren has decided to move on...I will miss her soooo much! I respect, admire and love her. This is not the end but just the beginning! 

After the FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion 2016--I joined my FAVE SF Project Runway designer, Candice Cuoco as well as the rest of the FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion team at MKT Restaurant and Bar, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco...

Runway Divas: Nick Verreos and Candice Cuoco--MKT Restaurant and Bar, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

A Toast to FIDM San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion!--MKT Restaurant & Bar, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

**A Special "Thank You" to Cecile Fayen for taking A LOT of these photos! I "Heart" you Cecile! And Michelle Prior-Alameda for,  just being you...and for helping with getting the model out perfectly! XOXO, Nick