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

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!!!

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!!!!!