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"...

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

Fashion Catwalking as an Olympic Sport:

London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Fashion Tableaux

This past Sunday signaled the end of the London 2012 Olympics with the Closing Ceremony. There was A LOT of criticism out there in the social media/Facebook/Twitter-sphere regarding the NBC telecast of the Closing Ceremony--from the Tom Brokaw WW II "History Lesson" to the cutting off of The Who performance in lieu of watching a prepubescent boy band and a full episode of NBC's Animal Practice...but I thought London put on an amazing show--notwithstanding the criticized NBC edits. I thought it was TEN times better than the Danny Boyle Opening Ceremony and certainly much more exciting. But that's just me...

Torino Olympics Flashback: Nick Verreos--in major Torino gear--at the Closing Ceremony, Torino 2006 Winter Olympics

Six years ago, my NIKOLAKI-partner-for-life David Paul and I attended the Torino Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony. It was good but NOT London 2012 Closing Ceremony good!! I think the highlight of the Torino one was Ricky Martin--he was VERY big then and performed his "Ole Ole Ole...Cup of Life" song! But the London Closing Ceremony was a major celebration of British Music, dance, the 80's (George Michael AND Pet Shop Boys! I felt like I was 19 all over again!!!). And then, what really made me get up and start doing my "Nick Runway Walk" in my TV room was when they brought out the Supermodels and the Super Fashion! Now here's a surefire way to get a fashion designer's attention! Thank you Closing Ceremony Producers.

Catwalk Fierce: (left to right) Models Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy (model Lily Donaldson is hidden behind Gandy)

The Closing Ceremony Fashion Spectacle began as eight big "billboard trucks" made their way into the
Olympic Stadium. To the musical backdrop of David Bowie’s "Fashion", the black and white billboards were pulled back and BAM!, the billboards fell away to reveal the gold-clad models--all Top British Models wearing Top British Fashion Designer's couture.

Liza Minnelli Envy: Stella Tennant in a gold sequined suit from fashion designer Christopher Kane

Golden Gorgeous: (left to right) The only male model in the Closing Ceremony Olympics Catwalk, David Gandy in gold lurex suit by Paul Smith with Jourdan Dunn  in a Stephen Jones feathered headdress and Jonathan Saunders ivory jersey with gold lame column gown; Karen Elson  in a slit-up-to-there gold strappy gown from the House of Burberry.

Fitted, Short and Sweet: (left to right) Model Lily Donaldson in a corseted bust-pushing gown from Vivienne Westwood; Lily Cole in a gold brocade and lace knee-length dress from Erdem

Sequined Super: one of the MAJAH SUPER Models in the group--the one and only Kate Moss wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bias cut golden sequin gown with cap sleeves and scooped neckline. She SLITHERED on the runway like it was 1994 kids!!

Flared Blue Blood: Georgia May Jagger (yes, Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger's beautiful daughter) in gold silk gazar a-line dress from Victoria Beckham--there was criticism on the web-o-sphere about Beckham being included here as one of the "Top" iconic British Fashion designers, and some people suspected that this might have been a "requirement" of sorts--contractually, if she was to perform with the rest of her Spice Girls...who knows...I think it was a very pretty dress.

La Diva: And finally, Miss Naomi. Yes, kids, it wouldn't be a British Fashion Show to End all British Fashion Shows WITHOUT Miss Naomi Campbell. And she delivered darlings. Campbell STOMPED onto the London 2012 Closing Ceremony catwalk showing EVERYONE why she is who she is and why she can throw cell phones at anyone she wants---in an iridescent golden tulle dress from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The gown was very Olympics Warrior Goddess and naturally, included a dramatic and very long train.

Cheers to British Fashion, British Models and yes, the London 2012 Olympics!

FIDM.....FIDM SAN FRANCISCO 3 Days of Fashion: BLOG RECAP of my Special Appearance!

FIDM.....FIDM SAN FRANCISCO 3 Days of Fashion: BLOG RECAP of my Special Appearance!

Ready for SAN FRANCISCO!--Nick Verreos arrives at FIDM San Francisco campus for "3 Days of Fashion" 2017

Continuing with my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" 2017 Appearances, now it's time for one of  MY FAVORITE CITIES IN THE WORLD: San Francisco! In case you missed my FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" blogs so far, click HERE for FIDM San Diego and HERE for FIDM OC. Soooo....yes, now I was off to San Francisco and the FIDM SF campus for their Final Day of the 3 Days Summer Program.

Yep, We're in SF!--Iconic San Francisco Cable Car, Union Square

My flight from LA was delayed by almost 2 hours (reason: Same ol'/Same ol' SFO fog excuses). After checking in to the iconic Sir Francis Drake Hotel, I had only 15 minutes to grab a lunch...

I HAD to Take a Pic!--Nick Verreos with Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel Bellhop

DELICIOUS & QUICK: Thank you to the FAB staff at Scala's Bistro (located right next to the Sir Francis Drake Hotel), they were able to cook up a Chicken Caesar Salad in no time. And upon leaving, the waitress-Meghan--left this lovely note on my tab: LOVE HER! I think she was a fan of Season 2 "Project Runway" ;)

After finishing my very quick lunch, I put my NIKOLAKI gowns in my big GUCCI duffel bag (packed very nicely by my better half, David Paul!) and head off to the FIDM San Francisco campus in Union Square. I was super excited to be at FIDM SF for their "3 Days of Fashion" to give my special lecture, show my NIKOLAKI designs and meet all the fabulous students! Before I got started, I wanted to know how many boys were in the audience (there were a lot!) so...naturally, I hosted a "Boy Catwalk Contest"! Obviously, because of the nature of the contest, you get a variety of "enthusiastic" and more often than not, timid and often shy participants, but...the guys at the FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" were AMAZING!!!!

My Catwalk Boys: Nick Verreos with the contestants of the FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" Boy Catwalk Contest

In my many, many, MANY years of doing these events, this was THE BEST "Boy Catwalk Contest" EVER!!! The guys embraced it, brought their runway "A" game and some of them, even did death drops! The crowd LOVED it, the contestants were having a blast...and I just about started to cry when I saw how FABULOUS they all were! After their runway walks, I continued on with my special lecture as well as showed three of my NIKOLAKI designs and afterward, did a fun Meet & Greet Photo-taking session that lasted for over TWO HOURS!...

Here are Photos and I hope you enjoy!



NIKOLAKI Fashion Presentation:

Giving Back: Model enters to students' "Ooohs & Ahhhs" in my NIKOLAKI silk chiffon sequined open-back cocktail dress--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion" 

Nick Verreos with model Floriane in NIKOLAKI silk chiffon sequined cowl-neck cocktail dress--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Up Close & Personal: Class is in session...Nick Verreos allowing the students to touch the sequins (!)--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Print Beautiful: Floriane modeling NIKOLAKI printed silk chiffon "Amalfi Coast" Gown--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Gown Lecture: Nick Verreos with model Floriane in NIKOLAKI printed silk chiffon "Amalfi Coast" gown--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Model Floriane of Look Model Agency SF in NIKOLAKI deep magenta-colored silk zibeline gown, as she makes her entrance at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Mermaid Gorgeous: Model Floriane in NIKOLAKI deep magenta-colored silk zibeline gown--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Post-Appearance Meet & Greet Photos:

Meet & Greet Photo Collages--Nick Verreos and students at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Signing Time: Nick Verreos signing various items at FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Getting a Fab Lei: Nick Verreos gets a Hawaiian Kukui Nut Necklace Lei from a Oahu, Hawaii student--FIDM San Francisco "3 Days of Fashion"

Bye San Francisco!!! One last selfie in Union Square before departing San Francisco

**UP NEXT: FIDM Los Angeles Main Campus "3 Days of Fashion" Special Appearance" RECAP!!! Stay tuned...