Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Diego Open House and KUSI-TV "Good Morning San Diego" Appearance--The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM San Diego Open House and KUSI-TV "Good Morning San Diego" Appearance--The Recap!

San Diego LOVE:

San Diego TV Time: (Left to right) KUSI News"Good Morning San Diego" Co-Anchor Kerri Lane, Leonard Simpson and Nick Verreos

This past weekend, I went to San Diego for some very special events I had scheduled on my "Nick Calendar": the FIDM San Diego Open House AND a KUSI News "Good Morning San Diego" TV appearance. On Friday, I left LA in the middle of the day and it took an excruciating FOUR HOURS to drive through Friday afternoon/rush hour traffic.

 David Paul and Nick Verreos--with Benny!

But I wasn't alone---along for my "LA-San Diego ride" were my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (who hails from San Diego so this gives him a chance to visit his family) and our NIKOLAKI "Mascot"--Benny, our doggie! (we LOVE Benny!). They made the ride a little better needless to say (because I slept while David and Benny drove!). 

Nick Verreos at FIDM San Diego, with Petco Park in the background

The weather in San Diego was GORGEOUS--very hot but beautiful as always (it's San Diego after all, voted one of America's Best Cities for Weather!) and after checking into our Gaslamp District hotel--the Kimpton Solamar (they take dogs!), we wondered why there were hundreds upon hundreds of people out on the streets--and we quickly realized: A) it was a Friday night and B) there were some MAJAH San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants baseball games happening at the nearby Petco Park so it was "Party Time" for lots of folks! But for us, this weekend was about Fashion Time...



First up, KUSI-TV Good Morning San Diego:

Ready for my San Diego Close Up: KUSI Fashion Guru Leonard Simpson talking "Red Carpet Gowns" with Nick Verreos, KUSI "Good Morning San Diego"

As the Official Fashion Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I was scheduled to be on KUSI News and their "Good Morning San Diego" program with anchor Kerri Lane and Fashion Expert Leonard Simpson to talk about Red Carpet fashion, the FABULOUS FIDM San Diego campus and the importance of DRAPING in creating red carpet-worthy gowns.

For the segment, I brought a FIDM Grad, Paul Hernandez (above) to show LIVE the "Art" of Draping and how one can drape on a form to then achieve the beginning of a red carpet-worthy gown. And in addition, I also brought some of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns to show the "finished" product, as it were. Two gorgeous models, 16-year-old (and six foot tall!) Makaela Maran, who hails from San Diego and my very own "NIKOLAKI Muse", Amanda Fields (who came down from LA) modeled in the segment.

Make and Hair Pre-Show Frenzy: model Makaela Maran patiently waits for her fitting while model Amanda Fields gets makeup and hair FAB ready with the help of Make-up artist James Overstreet (black shirt) and Hair stylist Brock Matthews (far right)--KUSI News San Diego Studios

Gown Fabulous: Models Makaela Maran (in turquoise blue NIKOLAKI silk ziberline scoop-necked gown with back cascade folds) and Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI gold paillette over silk chiffon column gown with diagonal cowl drape--with Nick Verreos and Leonard Simpson--KUSI News "Good Morning San Diego" TV show

Pan Up and Down: Model Amanda Fields models a NIKOLAKI gold paillette silk chiffon column gown, while FIDM Grad Paul Hernanadez is draping LIVE behind her--KUSI News "Good Morning San Diego"

The segment went seamlessly (pardon the fashion terminology pun!), and was a big hit: FIDM Grad Paul Hernandez draped a beautiful gown IN SIX MINUTES (!) live as the segment was happening showing what students can learn from attending FIDM; I showed some of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns and we got to talk fab fashion. Oh, and best of all, Benny did not bark once--as we were filming! (he was hiding in the back with "Daddy David"). High Fashion Fives to EVERYONE!



Up Next--FIDM San Diego Open House:

It wasn't all "TV Time" while I was down in San Diego--It was also "FIDM Time" as I was invited to make a special visit to the great FIDM San Diego campus and their Open House that was happening this past weekend. Open House is a unique way for high school students--and post high school of course--and their mommies and daddies (if they want to come along naturally!) to tour the campus, meet the faculty, alumn, take workshops and generally get to know the College.

As an alumni--and Spokesperson to FIDM--I always love coming to these Open Houses, telling my "story" and meeting-and-greeting all the future Fashion Divas and Divos of tomorrow.

San Diego FIDM Open House Panel: Stylist Leslie Christen and Fashion Designer Nick Verreos

Joining me for this Open House, was the gorgeous (and very tall!) celebrity stylist and "Closet Organizer Empress" Leslie Christen, who happens to be an FIDM Grad, of course. We did a panel discussion at the FIDM Orange County Open House not too long ago and I fell in LOVE with her then--she's so articulate, so talented and well, I want to do EVERY Open House panel with her! Here are some photos from our panel discussion and presentation:

Nick Verreos, Leslie Christen and model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI gown

 Nick Verreos, Leslie Christen and model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI gown

Model Amanda Fields poses as Nick Verreos describes his NIKOLAKI gown

NIKOLAKI Fierce: model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI gowns--(L) Turquoise silk jersey draped gown with copper sequin waist detail; (R) gold paillette silk chiffon column gown with diagonal cowl drape detail and high side slit--FIDM San Diego Open House

Catwalk Kids: After the panel and presentation, I MC'ed an impromptu contest--I picked six Open House attendees and had a "FIDM San Diego Open House" Runway Walk-Off!!! Everyone was amazing! In fact, they were better than me!! (Note to self: I need to brush up on my runway walk darlings!)

Meet-and-Greet: And yes, after it was all over, Leslie and I had a great time signing FIDM tote bags and taking LOTS of Facebook and Twitter photos! It was another fun and very successful Open House--and trip to beautiful San Diego!



Click Below to Watch the KUSI News "Good Morning San Diego" Red Carpet Fashion, FIDM, Draping Segment:

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Guest Appearance at FIDM Orange County!!!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Guest Appearance at FIDM Orange County!!!

Nick Goes to The OC--and brings Benny!

My Doggy Muse: Nick Verreos and Benny, and the FIDM OC 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" meet-and-greet crowd

Last week, I finished my "2011 3 Days of Fashion" Appearances and Fashion Shows at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Orange County, in Irvine California. Being that this was the final one of my "3 Days of Fashion" 2011 events--I had to bring my doggy Benny!

I Heart Benny: Nick Verreos and Benny, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

He is THE official "mascot" for NIKOLAKI!!! And Lord knows, If I had my wish, I would have gotten him in my Virgin Mobile Commercial!!! For. Sure. (He saw it and was mad--and jealous-- of me!)

I really do love the Orange County FIDM Campus (above) because they are always so "chill" yet fashionable and they never give me "shade" for bringing my son--ooops, I mean, my doggie, Benny! And the campus is so Loft-Fabulous to boot!

Posing: Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

I drove down to Irvine with David, and of course, we brought "Benny"! He loves it in the OC (of course he does!). For the "3 Days of Fashion", I was to speak on "How I Got To Where I Got" and how FIDM helped my goal of becoming a famous--and successful fashion designer. I also brought my "Muse":

Mermaid Diva: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black ziberline gown with black-and white brocade attached bustier, FIDM OC "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Beyonce Fan: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Model Amanda Fields, and some of my NIKOLAKI Gowns and dresses, for the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy. She stayed afterward to take photos and sign some of the guest's bags, t-shirts, etc. Love me some Amanda!

Clip Board Collage: My Clip Board at the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion"

After my Lecture and fashion show, I told the audience that of course, In would be around to take photos and sign anything they wanted me to sign. The FIDM OC staff was so AMAZING that they had a clipboard ready (to help me in signing) with a collage of images of me from "Google Images".

OC Barbie: Nick Verreos and a FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion attendee--and her "Nick Verreos MyScene Project Runway Barbie"

I was SOOO EXCITED, when at one pint in my "Meet-and-Greet", a young attendee brought her "Nick Verreos Project Runway Barbie"--the MyScene Barbie that was created and sold exclusively at Toys 'R Us as a result of me winning one of my Season 2 Challenges. I told this young girl that she FOR SURE would make it on my BLOG as a result! And I always keep my promises...

Fashion School Fix: FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion" Nick Verreos Hosts Walk-Off and Mini NIKOLAKI Fashion Show!

Fashion School Fix: FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion" Nick Verreos Hosts Walk-Off and Mini NIKOLAKI Fashion Show!

It's a "3 Days of Fashion" Boy Runway Walk Off!!!!

Sunny Fashion Day: Nick Verreos poses with FIDM LA's "3 Days of Fashion" attendees

First was San Francisco and now...Continuing with my Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising 3 Days of Fashion 2011 "tour", the next stop was Los Angeles!!! It was a very hot and sunny day in LA this past week when I was asked to be the "Very Special Guest" at the FIDM LA Campus' 3 Days of Fashion Finale. I was scheduled to show some of my NIKOLAKI gowns and Red Carpet Dresses and talk about all that I learned as a former Fashion Design student at FIDM--as well as owning a Fashion business for ten years.

Brown Paper Carpet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion"

This time, the organizers decided to have my event outdoors, at the FIDM-adjacent Hope Park. There was a FAB open-air stage and mini-runway set up as well as a "paper carpet" set up for my models so when they made their walk toward the stage, my gowns would not be soiled.

Open Air: Nick Verreos at the FIDM LA 2011 "3 Days of Fashion", FIDM LA Campus/Hope Park, Downtown LA

My "MC" was the wonderful Blaine Vebros, who introduced me as I began to say "Hi" to everyone as well as tell my "How I Got to Where I Got" story. I then introduced my models who sauntered out in my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Gowns that I brought especially for this event. FIDM was generous enough to provide me with the same models who happen to be on my NIKOLAKI website, Amanda Fields and Lauren Gish.

Pose Under The Sun: Nick Verreos introduces model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI turquoise silk gown, FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion"

I think the 300+ audience comprised of mostly high-school students and some of their parents, loved my "mini" fashion show and seeing the Couture-worthy gowns that I brought.

Coral Couture: Nick Verreos introducing Model Lauren Gish modeling NIKOLAKI, FIDM LA 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

As a "special bonus" to the day--in addition to having my favorite models and showing my gowns--was that Lauren (one of the models) brought her Mommy, a United Airlines Flight Attendant (and you know how much I love flight attendants!). She had just flown for about ten hours straight in on a Seoul Korea to SF flight, caught a connector flight from SF and came to LA to visit her daughter--and to see me!!! (love her!)

Walk Off: Nick Verreos talks to the FIDM LA "Runway Walk Off" contestants, FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion"

Soon after my NIKOLAKI Fashion Show ended, I decided to get the audience "going" so I looked out in the audience and saw that they were only about 8-10 boys. I brought them all up onstage and began an impromptu "Runway Walk Off", and subsequently, let the audience decide--by applause--who the best Runway DIVO was.

WORK It Huney: FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion" Runway Walk-Off Contestant doing his runway pose

I would NOT be exaggerating when I say that: It was a BIG HIT!!!! The audience went MAD! Loved it! My "Male Runway Model Contestants" were so FIERCE it was BEYOND words. This was not a planned thing but the FIDM organizers quickly got the finalists and winners some great prizes.

Wave to Nick: The FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion" autograph-and-photo line, Hope Park, FIDM LA Campus, Downtown Los Angeles

Afterward, as always, I spent the next couple of hours, signing autographs and taking those "Oh God, I hope I look good" Facebook photos. Everyone was so sweet and generous and most of all, patient (it was a LONG line!!!) The Mom's and Dad's were especially excited (love them!).

Cutie Attendees: Nick Verreos poses with some of FIDM LA's "3 Days of Fashion" attendees

A Special "Thank You" to this young "3 Days of Fashion" attendee, Kathryn Delgadillo who brought me a gift, a ring from her line Kathryn Marie

Thanks to everyone for making this FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion" so much fun! Especially my "Runway Walk-Off" boys....Much Love!

Below is a short video of Lauren Gish modeling one of my NIKOLAKI cocktail dresses at FIDM Los Angeles 2011 3Days of Fashion:

Nick Verreos Judges Fashion Club's Prom Advice Scholarship Competition!!!

Nick Verreos Judges Fashion Club's Prom Advice Scholarship Competition!!!

Best Prom Line and Store...

Decisions Decisions: Nick Verreos Judging the Prom Advice 2011 Scholarship Competition

Yesterday, I had the honor of judging the FIDM FashionClub.com Prom Advice 2011 Scholarship Competition as part of my duties for the FAB PromAdvice.com site this year--which also included blogging on Prom Dresses, What Not To Wear, and How to Take a Good Prom Photo, as well even admitting what Prom Outfit Mistakes I made, back in the day...

I was also enlisted as the "Celebrity Judge" to chose the winner of the Scholarship Competition. High School Students from all over the country submitted their entries for two separate contests: The First, more geared for students wanting to go into Fashion Design, were assigned to Sketch a Prom Fashion Line of your own creation--three sketches, including fabric swatches plus a "Theme Board" for Inspiration.

The decor at the Fashion Club's headquarters, FIDM

And the Second, more for students wanting to go into the Merchandising or even Visual Display Majors, were tasked with designing an Imaginary Prom Attire Boutique, again using Mood Boards, showing layout of the store, special "Giveaways", maybe how the website for the store would look, and so on. The winners of each would get a Full Year Scholarship to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--my Alma Mater and the school which I am the Spokesperson for.

Fashion Club's Wall of Prom Fashion Goodies, Fashion Club Headquarters FIDM

I took my job as Celebrity Judge very seriously since I knew that the future of TWO students' lives---or the next year of the life--was at stake. I arrived ready to take a look at all the entries, all the boards, all the sketches and finally narrowed them down to my Top Faves.

Board Central: Take a look at some of the boards from entries received for the 2011 Fashion Club's PromAdvice Scholarship Competition

Then, after about an hour of deliberation--and some support from my two FashionClub.com girls at the office, I did it! I chose the winners!!! In the end, it was pretty obvious who the two Winners would be and I "signed off" on my decision. Soon enough the winners will be receiving "those" phone calls and/or Congratulatory emails Yeaayyyy!).

Congrats to the Winners--I'm not telling you now but you'll find out soon enough!---and Hope everyone had a great Prom Season 2011!!!!

Prom Season 2011: Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance at FIDM Scholarship Store!

Prom Season 2011: Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance at FIDM Scholarship Store!

Prom Dress Central!

Good Morning Prom Girls: Nick Verreos poses in front of the FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown LA 9th & Grand

Tuesdays are usually my Teaching Days and last Tuesday was no exception at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. However, I also had an extra job to do that morning prior to my classes: I was scheduled to make a "Special Appearance" at the school's FIDM Scholarship Store.

The FIDM Scholarship Store is THE shopping destination for Bargain Shopping Fashionistas--As the sign above says: "75% of our store is BELOW $10". MAJAH deals kids! Designers and Manufacturers donate clothing, jewelry, fabric. In fact, I recently donated many many yards of fabric from my NIKOLAKI design company--and all purchases go straight to FIDM Scholarships for the students.

FIDM Scholarship Store: Gowns, gowns and more gowns

And for Prom Season, it's the perfect place for all the lovely "Prom Princesses"--and their Mommies--to shop at. They have an entire section of "Prom" dresses as well as Wedding gowns, cocktail dresses...you name it, it's there (see above photo).

NBC-LA Boys: "Today In LA: Weekend" anchor Ted Chen and Nick Verreos

I did a LIVE TV "Prom Fashion" segment" the Sunday before on KNBC-LA "Today In LA: Weekend" news show with anchor Ted Chen showing under $40 designer prom styles from the FIDM Scholarship Store--all styled and hand-picked by moi--and announced that I would make a special appearance at the store.

Prom Poppa: Nick Verreos with models Martha (left) and Kaela(right), FIDM Scholarship Store

For my special Prom Appearance, I brought along two lovely models, Kaela and Martha from L.A. Models Agency--who also appeared on the TV segment--to show various Prom Dress Styles. They modeled FAB and SASSY styles from short party dresses...

Kaela and Martha, Prom Princesses, wearing styles from the FIDM Scholarship Store

As well as long "Hollywood Red Carpet" gowns and "Glamour" separates--for the Prom Girl who well, wants options other than the typical "Prom Dress".

Where's Nick: Nick Verreos pops his head with a group of visitors from Tennessee, FIDM Scholarship Store

During my visit, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting a group of students--and their teacher--who came all the way from Tennessee to take a tour of the FIDM Campus--and just happened to come to the FIDM Scholarship Store at the right time...when I was there!!!! they were all soooo CUTE and a bonus: They were all "Project Runway" fans and fans of yours truly (I love that of course!).

Happy Shoppers: Mommie and daughter, FIDM Scholarship Store

Also, while I was there, a lovely Mommie and her statuesque and beautiful daughter came by (her mom had watched my NBC-TV Segment on Sunday and stopped by as a result!) Long story short: The daughter loved one of the gowns we showed on TV, tried it on and it fit PERFECTLY, and well, she BOUGHT IT!

It was a baby blue and white strapless satin Designer "Princess Gown" that retailed for about $250 and was at the FIDM Scholarship Store for under $30! Prom Princess Fashionista Happy Customer!
As I always say "Done and Done". The Prom Fashion Version.

**BONUS: Also...Don't forget to Check out my "Nick Verreos Prom Advice" on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog. I've written about many different subjects like:

*What to wear for the prom?
*What's In Style?
*Guys: What Should You Wear?
*Prom Couture on a Budget

And much more...

The latest: Tips On How To Take a Good Prom Photo! Click HERE!!!!