Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Recap!!

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Recap!!

A Dad Runway Walk-Off, NIKOLAKI Couture and My First Ever Autograph on a...

 Coral Fab: Nick Verreos, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Last week was the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion" Finale--at the Downtown Los Angeles Campus. I had the honor of making a "special visit" at all the other campuses, including FIDM Orange County, FIDM San Diego, as well as FIDM San Francisco. So this was my last stop for the Summer of 2012. Naturally, I had to end FIDM's "Summer Fashion Camp" with a Style Bang!!

Summer Style: Nick Verreos and "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendee, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I arrived with two of my favorite models--Amanda Fields and Lauren Gish, some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses, and my NIKOLAKI design partner--and better half--David Paul (to take all these fun blog pics as well as tend to all our precious dresses and help the models get ready backstage!). We were ready for some "3 Days of Fashion" runway fun. After my introduction, I went right into the 300+ audience of high school students (and some parents)--and I asked where the moms and dads were...

Dad Runway: Nick Verreos schools the dads on Runway , FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012" (notice the dad on the right!)

I followed with "Will the dads stand up?". Then I got this idea: why not have a "FIDM 3 Days of Fashion Runway Walk-Off"...with the dads! Done and done.

Dad Runway: Nick Verreos, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I called up all the fathers in the audience, and after a little coaxing, they all came up. I proceeded to then give them a mini "Nick Lesson" in runway walking and then it was all up to them. Their wives and daughters in attendance went WILD and so did the rest of the "3 Days of Fashion" audience. This was not on the "agenda" so I was nervous that A) the dads would be "game" and B) their daughters wouldn't turn bright red from the embarrassment.

Smiling-but nervous dads: Nick Verreos hosts the First EVER FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Dad Runway Walk-Off, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Needless to say, it was all good; the dads did MARVELOUSLY.  Take a look at these two top Dad Runway Pros:

 Hands on the Hips, Boys: Dads work it at FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 Next up were the REAL models...

Golden Amanda: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold silk chiffon and paillette gown,  FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

I brought several of my NIKOLAKI COUTURE gowns and dresses for the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy--modeled by two of my favorite Los Angeles-based runway superstars--Amanda Fields and Lauren Gish, who incidentally happen to be on my website and Look Book, as well.

 Fierce and Fabulous: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown, FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Printed Chiffon Goddess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 silk chiffon printed halter-style gown with hand-beaded applique-and-beaded trim

Le Wedding: Model Lauren Gish models NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul ivory silk ziberline "mermaid" gown with crystal-waist trim--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Sequined Princess: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 black-and-silver paillette cowl blouson gown with high slit and attached capelet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012" (we're trying to do the "Angelina Jolie" pose on the top right photo!)

After the mini-NIKOLAKI fashion show and my Nick "No Should've, Would've, Could've" Talk--there was a raffle with some of the lucky attendees winning some fabulous FIDM tote bags--signed by the models, other special "3 Days of Fashion" lecturers--and me (of course!)...

 

Bag Fab: Nick Verreos and one of the winners of the FIDM totebag--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

 And Miss FIDM 3 Days of Fashion 2012 is.....

Then--as it has become tradition--it was time for my "Nick Meet-and-Greet" where I took many, many photos and signed autographs--I asked some of the attendees to Tweet me their pics so here are some of the best---plus several from my own camera:

You Better Tag Me: Nick Verreos poses with FIDM Los Angels "3 Days of Fashion 2012" attendees

Oh and did I mention that I had my first "sign my upper chest" autograph request? Yep:

 

And she was one of the mommies! PS: LOVE the mommies. 

Thanks EVERYONE for a fantastic and very successful FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--See you next year!! (I hope!)

NIKOLAKI Designs at FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Gown and Cocktail Dress Recap!

NIKOLAKI Designs at FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"--The Gown and Cocktail Dress Recap!

Fashion Schooling...

Spartan Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013--neon green silk chiffon and silk duchesse cocktail dress with crystal trim waist (left); printed silk chiffon gown with gathered front skirt and fitted waist (right)

Several weeks ago, as the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising--my alma mater--I did my yearly FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" appearances, where I visited all of the college's campuses, staring in San Diego, then Orange County and finishing up with San Francisco and the FIDM "flagship", in Los Angeles. I did my Inspiration Talk/Lecture as well as took lots of photos with the high school students (and their moms and dads!) who attended as well as brought some of my NIKOLAKI Collection gowns and dresses--many worn by A-List Celebs such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry. So here's a Recap--and Gallery--of the gowns and cocktail dresses I brought (several from my newest NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 Collection) all in one concise blog posting--hope you guys enjoy!

Backstage Look Book: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk organza gown with multi-jewelled bust trim

Peacock Princess: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon gown with gathered skirt and fitted waist--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Lady in Red: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless silk-wool ziberline gown with side pockets and back cascade over-sized ruffles--FIDM Orange County "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

San Francisco COUTURE: Nick Verreos with model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul strapless raspberry-colored asymmetrically pleated bustier dress with side gathered mini-pouf (left), and ...

In lavender silk chiffon sequined column gown with peek-a-boo top section-- FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Flou Queen: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back, and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Front Close-Up: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2013 by Nick Verreos/David Paul
printed silk chiffon halter-neck gown with draped bodice, plunging back,
and gold and silver sequined trim--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Golden Girl: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape

Gold Fierce: Model Amanda Fields (with Nick Verreos in the background) wearing NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 gold sequin column gown with side cowl-drape and high side slit--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Ivory Wedding: Model Lauren Gish in ivory silk-wool ziberline "mermaid" shaped gown with pleated high neck, open back, crystal trim waist and full pleated back train--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

Midnight Stars: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2013 silver and black sequin gown with blouson and cowl draped bodice, princess-seamed slit and capelet--FIDM Los Angeles "3 Days of Fashion 2012"

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: