Nick Verreos in SAN JOSE: Hosting the Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event at Macy's Valley Fair--The Recap!

Nick Verreos in SAN JOSE: Hosting the Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event at Macy's Valley Fair--The Recap!

¡Olé! and Fabuloso!!

Latino Panel Fab: Nick Verreos hosts Latino Style Panel Discussion with Nayzeth Carillo (second from left), Flor de Maria Rivero (center) and Lizzie Bermudez  (right)--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event",  Macy's Westfield Valley Fair SantaClara/San Jose

Photo Courtesy of flordemariafashion.com

In my last post, I recapped the event I hosted last week in Chicago's Macy's On State Street event which was a HUGE success. So, this past weekend, I flew to San Jose California, to do my second Macy's event Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Honoring Carlos Santana as "Icon of Style"at Santa Clara's Westfield Valley Fair Center/Mall Macy's. I've hosted several events at this Macy's, most recently one celebrating Brazil, so I was excited to be back!

For this latest event, I was invited to be part of the Panel Discussion on Latino Style and didn't have to host the event. Less pressure on me for not having the hosting responsibilities (Yeayy!). Joining me on this panel would be Nayzeth Carillo, of Nayzeth Beverly Hills; bi-lingual fashion blogger and fashion girl about town Flor de Maria Rivera, and musician Rolando Morales, who would later be performing for the Macy's audience and shoppers. Our host for the day was to be the fabulous Lizzie Bermudez, Pop Culture Contributor for ABC-SF Channel 7's "7Live".

Macy's Valley Fair Green Room cheese-and-crackers--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event"--Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Soon after I arrived for my panel discussion/event, Macy's informed me that Lizzie Bermudez--the actual host, was stuck in traffic and might be delayed and therefore, I would have to be the host--at the last minute (literally!). Forget that previous statement about not having the hostin' pressures (LOL!)...

Nick Verreos--studying his "script" minutes before going on--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event"--Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Well..."Done and Done" as they say! I quickly got the "script", did a quick "take a breathe" and then it was "show time"!

Vanidades Seats: free copies of Vanidades Magazines on audience chairs--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event"--Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

The Stage--2nd Floor Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

 A Full--San Jose--House: "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event"--Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

There were over 100 people in the audience attending this fab event at Macy's Valley Fair in Santa Clara/San Jose. The event began with a great Spanish dance and music presentation by Caminos Flamencos:

Castanets and Flamenco Ruffles: "Caminos Flamencos" opens the Macy's Hispanic Heritage Event at Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose--They did such a wonderful job getting the audience ready for a Latino-inspired event. I don't know if it was the singing, the guitar playing, or those Sevillana costumes, but I almost wanted to throw on a peineta/mantilla and jump up on stage and join them! After their performance, it was time for my hosting duties, honoring Carlos Santana as Macy's Icon of Style and moderating the panel discussion on his influence on style, Hispanic Culture, music, as well as taking Latina Fashion:

HOLA San Jose!!! Nick Verreos hosts "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event", Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Panelists: (left to right) Nayzeth Carillo, Flor de Maria Rivera, Lizzie Bermudez and Rolando Morales--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event", Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose--the original host--Lizzie Bermudez, in the black dress, second from right--as you can see, did eventually show up--right as we began and she was sweet enough to just let me continue being the "Host-with-the-Most"

Atmosphere: "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event",  Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Moda Macy's and Carlos Santana: In between our panel discussion I also MC'ed a fashion presentation showcasing the latest Fall 2012 looks, all accessorized (of course) with Carlos by Carlos Santana shoes, boots and bags--"Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event", Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

Color for Fall: Nick Verreos describing the fashion and accessories at the "Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Event", Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose

I had such fun hosting this FABULOSO event and moderating a great panel discussion on Latino Style and its influence in all facets of society. I think the crowd also loved it. After we finished the panel talk and fashion presentation, then it was time for meet-and-greet with the audience and taking some photos (yes, for Facebook, Twitter). Caterers soon began bringing out Latino-inspired hors d'oeuvres and juice drinks. Yes, kids, there was FREE FOOD!

I heard the mini empanadas were deliciosas! And while shoppers shopped, enjoyed the food and drinks, the event ended with some great live music from Rolando Morales and his band. At one point I even got into the "Latino Flavor", doing some salsa dancing with one of my co-panelists, the lovely Nayzeth. Thank goodness, there are NO PHOTOS or video of that. I think. 

All in all, a very fun event once again at Macy's, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Carlos Santana. I can't wait to return to Macy's Westfield Santa Clara/San Jose to hopefully host another great event! Adios for now!

Nick Verreos in CHICAGO: My Recap of the Macy's Hispanic Heritage Month/Carlos Santana Fashion Event!

Nick Verreos in CHICAGO: My Recap of the Macy's Hispanic Heritage Month/Carlos Santana Fashion Event!

Viva CHICAGO!

Chicago Love: Nick Verreos and Peach Carr, Project Runway Season 8 and All Stars Season 2 designer--Macy's On State Street Chicago Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month event Honoring Carlos Santana hosted by Nick Verreos

Last week, I flew to Chicago, to host a wonderful event for Macy's. This month, Macy's is having all these great in-store events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as well as honoring Carlos Santana as an "Icon of Style".  

Macy's On State Street Chicago called and asked if I could be part of the store's celebration and host their festivities and well, it was a quick "Si!". It also happened to be Latino Fashion Week in Chicago--and they were one of the sponsors of the event--so this fabulous event was part of the events on the Latino Fashion Week Chicago calendar.

 Park Hyatt Hotel Chicago: my room and a fabulous Eames leather lounger--chair and ottoman

I flew into Chicago the night before and checked in to the very chic Park Hyatt Chicago. My room was very nice--sleek and well-appointed. What I also loved most was the Eames leather lounger--chair and ottoman in my room. It retails for about $5,000 (I know!) so, needless to say, I almost slept THERE!

 Chicago Water Tower

The next morning, I had some time to waste and so, naturally, I went SHOPPING! The Park Hyatt is fortunately (or unfortunately to my bank account) next to the Water Tower and one block from the "Magnificent Mile"/Michigan Avenue and some of the best shopping IN THE WORLD (Darn you Park Hyatt!). I headed to TopShop, Zara and Sephora to do some retail damage, and on the way, I loved seeing the...

Plaid Chic: New Burberry Chicago Flagship Store--they're still working on it but the facade looks marvelous and very "Burberry"

The White Project: Benetton and SAIC student designs

And this great window display at the Benetton store in The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue--The white creations are by students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) sponsored by Marie Claire and United Colors of Benetton. I thought the designs were very creative and beautifully avant-garde.

Soon, it was time to get ready for my Macy's Event Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Macy's On State Street Chicago. I was so excited to be the "Host with the Most" and be part of it...

 Big Girl Cosmetics did all the beautiful makeup for the models at the event

Vanidades Magazine was also a co-sponsor. LOVE Vanidades. As a young boy back in Venezuela--where I was raised (dreaming of becoming a successful fashion designer), I remember flipping through my mommy's Vanidades looking at all the fashion and being very inspired.

Photo Courtesy of Jacinto Ariza/Gozamos.com

 

 Nick Verreos Hosting Macy's On State Street Chicago fashion event Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Carlos Santana as Icon of Style  

There were over 200 RSVP's and from what I heard, many more also showed up!! (LOVE you Chicago!). So, all the seats were taken and then it was "standing room only". I was so happy to see several friends of mine--who live in the Chicago area and came out to the event. I was extra excited to see a Project Runway alumn, designer Peach Carr (who you will see in the new Season 2 of Project Runway All Stars) also come out and support my event. Besides honoring Carlos Santana, there was a great panel discussion on Latino Style, Fashion and much more with Vanidades Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Blanco, Leanne Violette designer for Carlos by Carlos Santana Footwear and Diego Rocha, Chicago-based accessories designer and former contestant on Season 1 Project Accessories. I also presented a fashion show featuring clothes from Macy's and accessorized with shoes, boots, purses, from the Carlos by Carlos Santana collection.

 Photos Courtesy of Jacinto Ariza/Gozamos.com

Nick Latina Fashion: Macy's In State Street Chicago Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month event Honoring Carlos Santana hosted by Nick Verreos--fashions from Macy's, shoes and purses from Carlos by Carlos Santana

"The Sexy" peep-toe platform pump and Cheetah Bootie: Shoes and booties from Carlos by Carlos Santana--Macy's On State Street Chicago Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month event Honoring Carlos Santana hosted by Nick Verreos 

 Photos Courtesy of Jacinto Ariza/Gozamos.com

 Photo Courtesy of Jacinto Ariza/Gozamos.com

The panelists of the Panel Discussion on Latina Fashion and Style at this event included Diego Rocha (above photo)--from Lifetime Network's Project Accessory, as well as...

Leanne Violette, designer for Carlos by Carlos Santana Footwear (far right) with Cesar Rolon Jr. (far left), CEO of Imagen Marketing Consultants and Arabel Alva Rosales (second from left) Co-Founder and Principal of Latino Fashion Week and Nick Verreos--Macy's On State Street Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Carlos Santana event

And our other panelist was Jacqueline Blanco (far right), Editor-in-Chief of Vanidades Magazine--seen here with Cesar Rolon Jr. (far left), Nick Verreos, and Arabel Alva Rosales (second from left)--Macy's On State Street Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Carlos Santana event

 

Nick and The Chicas: (left to right) Yvette Pena, Nick Verreos and
Ana Serafin--Macy's On State Street Chicago Celebrating Hispanic
Heritage Month 

After the FABULOSO event--I spent over an hour meetin'-and-greetin' with lots of the guests, friends, Project Runway fans--as well as doing TV interviews. Here are some photos from that:

Nick Verreos--Meet-and-Greet--Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Honors Carlos Santana Event, Macy's On State Street Chicago

Nick TV Darling: Nick Verreos doing TV interviews after the Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Honors Carlos Santana event, Macy's On State Street Chicago

Thank You and GRACIAS Chicago and Macy's ON State Street and the FABULOSO audience...for a GREAT event!!! I can't wait to come back to Chicago and be with my Latinos and Latinas!!!



Click HERE for more fun photos of the event from Gozamos.com

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: