Europe 2012: "Florence Meets Hollywood" NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation

Europe 2012: "Florence Meets Hollywood" NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation

Alta Moda Italia!

Red Carpet in Firenze: Nick Verreos flanked by two Italian models in his NIKOLAKI Collection gowns, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation as part of my Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" Program visit, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy --and in case you are wondering the model on my left is 6' 2" WITHOUT heels!

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Last month, I had the honor--and pleasure--of flying to Italy with my better half--my NIKOLAKI design partner-for-life David Paul--to be part of a very special event. For the last four years, I have been invited to take part in Miami University of Ohio's "Summer in Italy" program.

It is a highly popular Study Abroad program from Miami University's College o Arts and Sciences in the Department of English, where students travel to Italy, taking English and Journalism courses in Florence Italy and of course, get to experience life there as well as the importance of fashion to that city. Part of my visit includes a special "Fashion Lecture" (in a later post!) but...

This year, with the fabulous help of photographer, creative director and fashion producer EXTRAORDINAIRE Jerry Lee Ingram, the school also organized an amazing fashion presentation titled "Florence Meets Hollywood" where I got to show some of my very exclusive red carpet NIKOLAKI gowns to a specially-invited audience in Firenze Italia! The event was being held at the Consorzio Palazzi/Palazzo Bombicci Pontelli Guicciardini Strozzi in the Sala Rosa or Pink Room of the Florence University of the Arts/FUA.

Traveling Ensemble: Nick Verreos, arriving in Florence Italy via TrenItalia

After a twelve hour flight from Los Angeles to Rome and a 1 1/2 hour "fast-train" to Florence, David and I finally arrived. The following day, we helped set up for that evening's presentation.

 Gowns In Waiting: NIKOLAKI Collection gowns
post-steaming, waiting their final destination--will it be a Mannequin form or
a LIVE model?

 Galleria NIKOLAKI: NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul
Gowns, "Florence Meets Hollywood"
Fashion Presentation at the Sala Rosa, FUA Florence
Italy

We steamed and pressed the NIKOLAKI gowns--some worth over $10,000--that  we brought all the way from the US and then set them up on well-appointed mannequins in the GORGEOUS room the event being held in.

Gallery Preparations: "Florence Meets Hollywood" set-up, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Fashion Nerves: David Paul and Nick Verreos of NIKOLAKI getting the mannequins ready for the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

NIKOLAKI Twosome: David Paul and Nick Verreos, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy  

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Then we got back to our hotel, did an outfit change and we were ready to go! A great red carpet was set up to welcome guests at the Florence University of the Arts and up to the Sala Rosa--or Pink Room, site of the event.

  

 Guests at "Hollywood Meets Florence" Fashion presnetation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy Photos courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Including Firenze glitterati as well as FUA students (some of which were BIG "Project Runway" fans!) as well as of course, the Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" students I was scheduled to lecture to the following day.

Hot in Florence: Nick Verreos
(with fan) and "Florence Meets Hollywood" Co-Cost Grace Joh--in
NIKOLAKI Collection strapless red silk dress--Editor-in-Chief of Blending Magazine
and Chair of FUA School of Journalism, Communications and Publishing

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

MC Nick: Nick Verreos hosting "Florence Meets Hollywood", Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy 

 Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

Not only did I show some of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns on gorgeous models from Absolute Models Florence (with great hair/makeup by Ronnie Cosma Bigalli), but on display at this AMAZING Sala Rosa "ballroom" at the Florence University of the Arts palazzo where incredible creations by Mazzanti Piume, creators of some of the most amazing feathered designs in the world--from hats, runway gowns, historical costumes to much much more. Here were some of the feathered headdresses at the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation:

Hat Couture: Designs from Mazzanti Piume, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Also, as part of this very special one-of-a-kind fashion presentation, the architectural fashion creations and fab purses and necklaces from Emilia Siano and her brand, Libra Project were on display (photo above) as well as modeled.

Silver Goddess: Model in NIKOLAKI silver and black sequined cowl neck gown with attached capelet, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Final Walk: Models from Absolute Models Florence at the "Florence Meets Hollywood" Fashion Presentation, Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy

Italy Fashion Group: (Left to Right) Model in NIKOLAKI black and silver sequined gown; Nick Verreos; designer Emilia Siano of Libra Project; Model in NIKOLAKI black organza strapless gown with jeweled bust line; Model in Emilia Siano/Libra Project designs; Grace Joh in NIKOLAKI Collection red silk ziberline cocktail dress and Mazzanti Piume hat; and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul, "Florence Meets Hollywood" Sala Rosa FUA Florence Italy  

Photo courtesy of Melissa Grace Kreider

The show and presentation was a fabulous success! I am so thankful to everyone who took part in helping make the event happen--and especially the guests who endured the over 100 degree temperatures that fell upon us inside the super-filled Sala Rosa during this very hot-and-humid Florence July evening! I was so happy to not just host it but be part of it, bringing my NIKOLAKI gowns--along with David Paul--to gorgeous Firenze ITALIA and to "fashion enlighten" the great Miami University of Ohio "Summer in Italy" Program students and of course, everyone else who attended. Stay tuned for Part Two of "Europe 2012" and my "Summer in Italy Miami University of Ohio" visit--next, up a visit to Polimoda, and photos and recap from my Fashion Lecture.



Click Below for the Florence Meets Hollywood Video:

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" : The Recap!

San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" Love:

OMG!!! Nick Verreos and FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee--and her FIDM "vintage logo" sweatshirt 

Last week, I had some very important business meetings (relating to a possible "NV by Nick Verreos" line I have been diligently working on) in NYC. Once I finished the meetings, I got on a plane and flew to one of my other favorite cities in the good ol' US of A: San Francisco! I was scheduled to make a "Nick Visit" as part of my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012" tour at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising San Francisco campus last Wednesday.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The weather in SF this past week was GORGEOUS! Warm but not too hot and  very clear (No fog in SF: who knew!?). The FIDM SF campus is located in the heart of Union Square so on my way there--with my trusty NIKOLAKI confidante David Paul (who of course, flew with me!)--it was very difficult to keep away from going into EVERY store to do some retail damage.

Red Carpet in San Francisco: Model Rachael Sitz modeling one of my NIKOLAKI Couture gowns--a lavender silk chiffon hand-beaded sequined column gown

There was no time for that, it was all about my Appearance and showing some of my NIKOLAKI Collection dresses to all the high school students who were in attendance for this final third day of the "3 Days of Fashion".

Welcome Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Over 100 students plus some of their mom's and dad's greeted me with a wonderful "San Francisco" welcome!! I spoke about my time as a young boy drawing all the stewardess uniforms while traveling on trips with my mom and dad, as well as how I decided to attend FIDM and all that has happened since, including "Project Runway", all my TV Red Carpet Expert work and of course, dressing celebs like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Heidi Klum. Speaking of my NIKOLAKI designs...

Designer and His Fashion: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI Collection silk chiffon column gown with hand-beaded lavender sequins and peek-a-boo top detail and...

Rachael in a raspberry-colored silk-wool ziberline strapless dress with draped bustier and asymmetrical skirt. And by the way, this dress was the same dress worn by Beyonce in her "Best Thing I Never Had" music video.

 Auf Wiedersehen? Nick Verreos checking out the "Rock the Runway" finalists, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 


Then, after my "Nick Talk" and NIKOLAKI mini-fashion presentation, it was on to judging the "Rock the Runway" Contest--where "3 Days of Fashion" attendees were told to dress in their most "original" outfits which expressed their most "unique" styles.

Serious Judging: Nick Verreos, Julia Anne Hill and David Paul of NIKOLAKI , "Rock the Runway" Contest, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I had the privilege of being one of the judges,--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, FIDM Alumna Julia Anne Hill (she's Apparel and Design Director/Social Media Specialist for Clinton Kelly Inc.) and two hand-picked FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees. The Contest was SO much fun--not so much fun to judge (it was very, very difficult since they were ALL very good!)--but fun to see all of the students' ensembles!

McQueen'ed: One of our faves was this one young man named Diego Rivera (I know--just like the Mexican painter!)--you can see him in the photo above wearing the denim shirt, McQueen scarf and black Meggings (male leggings). I teased him because he also had FAB accessories including very expensive Hermes "Collier de Chien" cuff and Cartier "Love" bracelet. I wondered (out loud!) who his Sugar Daddy was--and if I could have his phone number??

Nick Verreos poses with the tied finalists in their "Rock the Runway" looks, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

The Winner:

Colorful Winner: Nick Verreos and co-judge Julia Anne Hill and the two student judges pose with the Winner of the "Rock the Runway" contest--in the middle wearing the apple green hot-shorts and striped sweater--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

SF Smiles: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Trudy Noren (FIDM SF College Representative and Special Events), Julia Anne Hill and David Paul, FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Once again, it was a very successful and fantastic FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" in San Francisco--I had so much fun meeting all the students, their mom's and dad's, judging the contest, as well as showing them my NIKOLAKI designs. I LOVE SF and cannot wait to come back!!!

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"...