Nick Verreos Pays a Special Visit to FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Diego's Fall 2010 Open House!

San Diego Fashionistas...

San Diego Posing: Nick Verreos at FIDM San Diego Open House

A couple of weekends back, I drove down to San Diego to make a "Spacial Appearance" at the San Diego Campus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM. I am an Instructor at FIDM, as you may know, as well as the Official Spokesperson for the last several years. It is always a joy to visit all the different campuses of the College and get to know prospective students , their parents, as well as high school students thinking about attending FIDM and beginning their studies--and eventual careers--in fashion.

I have been to the gorgeous San Diego Campus before--for its Grand Re-Opening two years ago, as well as other functions. This time, I was there for the Fall 2010 Open House. The Open House is a chance for students thinking about going to FIDM, to tour the school, meet alumni and advisers, and get information about all that FIDM has to offer.

Petco View: Nick Verreos (from a previous FIDM San Diego Appearance) and the View of Petco Park, FIDM San Diego Campus

I just love the new San Diego Campus: It's located in Downtown, just off the very hip Gaslamp Quarter and next to the immense Petco Park. The view from the College's balcony is INCREDIBLE!!! The space is designed by Architect Clive Wilkenson and showcases a Loft-like modern feel that mirrors what a Design School should look like!

A highlight for me is the FIDM San Diego Library/Resource Center (see photo above). I especially love it's Magazine Section (I wish my coffee table looked like that!).

Barbie On Top: Nick Verreos Barbie, FIDM San Diego Library

And they even have one of my Barbie's (see above photo). Yes, the one I designed for the "My Scene Barbie Project Runway Challenge" back in my Season (2) and was sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us for a very limited amount of time.

For FIDM San Diego's Fall Open House, I was invited to give a "pep talk" lecture to the students--and their parents--and I stuck around afterward to pose for photos, sign bags (provided by FIDM!) and even drawing some original fashion illustrations on their bags!

Fashion Illustration 101: Nick Verreos draws a fashion croquis on a student's bag, FIDM San Diego Fall 2010 Open House

The room was PACKED and they even had to bring in extra chairs I heard! I brought along a slide-show of my latest Spring 2011 NIKOLAKI Collection, as well as images of celebs wearing my gowns on the Red Carpet, for everyone to enjoy during my lecture. I had a really good time--as always , and cannot wait to return to San Diego! Good Luck and Happy Holidays to all the prospective FIDM San Diego students!!!

Nick Verreos Gives FASHION at FIDM's 3 Days of Fashion for FIDM San Diego and FIDM San Francisco!!!

FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion Wrap Up!Nick Tattoo: Nick Verreos draws an original fashion sketch on San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendee's arm!!

These last two weeks of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (the college I teach at) school calendar "Summer Break" were busy for me: No rest for the wicked as they say. I traveled to several FIDM Campuses making special appearances for the FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion, a great summer program for high school students who are interested in fashion and possibly attending FIDM post-high school. I already visited the OC and Los Angeles campuses so next up was San Diego and San Francisco.

FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion (in LA):Jumbo-tron Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM LA Campus for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion

For the 2010 3 Days of Fashion San Diego, they came up to LA, instead of me coming down to them (it cut down on my travel!). About 200 students--and some parents-- showed up for my "Nick It's A Wrap!" seminar on their last day. Nikolaki Trophy Girl: Model Lauren Gish in Nikolaki sea-foam sequin bias-cut one-shoulder gown

I also brought one of my favorite models, the lovely Lauren Gish, who just happened to be THE Trophy Model for last year's Academy Awards after winning the Oscar.com Behind The Dress competition, which I hosted. She modeled some of my Nikolaki dresses and gowns for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendees. Form a Line: Students await photos and autographs with Nick Verreos

I had a great time being both the "special guest" and host (yes, I was on "double-duty"!). After my "How I Got Started In Fashion" story, I introduced my gowns to the kids. All I could see was a sea of camera phones going off! Point Loma Love: Nick Verreos and Model Lauren Gish (in Byzantium-colored zibeline NIKOLAKI cocktail dress) with students from Point Loma High School

And of course, all this was followed by autograph and photo ops (those Facebook photos better make me look cute!). I signed A LOT of bags, sweatshirts and even someone's arm. When I asked two beautiful young girls what High School they attended, they said Point Loma High School. This just happens to be my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul's alma mater! Needless to say, David yelled a little "Yeaaayyyy!!!".

Next Up, San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion: Last week, I was extra excited to return to San Francisco (I had just been up there the previous week to host my Macy's event and to ride in the SF Pride Parade!). The Hotel Monaco SF must think I LIVE there since I stay there so often! Can I Put this in the Overhead Bins: Nick Verreos enters FIDM SF Campus, Nikolaki gowns in tow

After checking in, I made my way to the FIDM San Francisco location, right in the heart of Union Square. I brought my garment bag of Nikolaki Couture all the way from LA (it's just a 55 minute flight!) to have a mini Nick Verreos Fashion Show to cap that city's 3 Days of Fashion.
But first: The FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Design-A-T-shirt Contest:FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion T-shirt Design Entries lining up for the fashion show

Last year, there were 8 entries but this year, the number of entries shot up to 41(!). On hand to help me judge the contest was the lovely Julia A. Hill, an FIDM SF Grad AND the Executive Assistant to "What Not To Wear's" Clinton Kelly (I know, shut the front door!).Sitting Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Clinton Kelly's Executive Assistant, Julia A. Hill, a FIDM SF Grad

She lives and works in NY but flew out just to be at the FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion and be a Guest Speaker and really, my new best friend.
There were some very creative entries this year, ranging from a hand-painted and beaded neckline-trimmed, belted dress (one of our Top 3)...
To this "deconstructed" design which was one of our favorites as well for it's directional aesthetic. Very Martin Margiela-esque. After naming the winners, it was time for me to show my Nikolaki gowns and dresses on the gorgeous San Francisco-based model, Rachael Sitz , seen above modeling a magenta duchesse silk satin cocktail dress.She did a fabulous job and fit into my dresses perfectly (no fittings kiddies, she's a perfect runway size!). Above, she is showing the front of my Nikolaki gold lurex and silk bias-cut one-shoulder cascade ruffle gown...
And here she is showing the back. I think all the high school kids present--approximately 200 of them--enjoyed seeing my gowns (I hope so!). We ended my appearance at FIDM SF with giving away some great FIDM bags, one of which included a special "surprise" (besides my fashion illustration and autograph!): A stylin' new Flip Camera. Here I am picking the winner and my trusty "helper", the ever-so-chic Trudy Noren, SF FIDM Director of Special Events and College Rep. I just LOVE her Piazza Sempione multi-colored shift dress (you KNOW I asked her to "drop" the label!). I can't wait to return to San Francisco and do it all over again and see what great t-shirts the kids will design, as well as what new fabulous shift dress Trudy will have on!

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM San Diego Debut Fashion Show!

Uncle Nicky Goes Traveling, Part One: The San Diego Edition
Runway Struttin': Nick Verreos at the San Diego Debut Fashion Show

This last weekend was a busy one: I was invited to host a great fashion show in San Diego sponsored by that city's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Campus on Saturday afternoon and the next day, I was scheduled to be in Seattle for a big photo shoot for a new campaign I am doing with MSN and their new Victory Project. Time to "Make it Work", as Tim Gunn would say. The Debut Fashion Show--a yearly runway show highlighting the final collections of the top graduates of FIDM's Advanced Fashion Design Program--goes "on the road" each year to several of the FIDM campuses. And this time, it was sunny San Diego!
Model Love: Nick Verreos gets hugs from Mercedes, Lisa and Tanisha

Years ago, I was actually one of those fashion design graduates in FIDM's Advanced Fashion Design Program and now, I am actually one of the instructors in this exclusive program. You may remember (if you've been keeping up on my blog) that these were also the graduates who got to design for Barbie (yeah!)
Gown Happy: Model in Clay Sadler's gown, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

The site of the fashion show was the Westin Horton Plaza right in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego. The show featured the designs of FIDM graduates Charles Ryan Sands, Clay Sadler, San Diego native Sara Lighthall, Mike Cheng, Adrian Manuel, Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Lacey Osberg, Valentina Vardanyan, Johnathan Webster and Natalie Hara. Untied: Models wearing Sara Lighthall's designs on the runway, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

Several of them have already done very well: Adrian is working with Single, Charles Ryan interned at Chado Ralph Rucci for his most recent NY Fashion Week Collection, Natalie launched her own company, Natalia Romano and several of them are in Italy as we speak, studying at an exclusive Haute Couture fashion design school.
Muse Mercedes: Modeling at the FIDM San Diego Debut Show (left), and modeling for Nikolaki (right)

A special treat for this San Diego show was seeing lots of my favorite models--including one of my first "Model Muses", the gorgeous Mercedes. She was one of the very first models we ever used when we launched NIKOLAKI back in 2001 and we have remained friends ever since. Lisa Blades models FIDM Debut graduate Valentina Vardanyan's creation

Also on hand was Lisa Blades, whom you might recognize from Lifetime Networks Models Of the Runway show, as well as Tanisha Harper. Both of them are finalists in the show and got a chance to model at Bryant Park (so excited for them!). Jonathan models Charles Ryan Sands' screen printed jeans, coat and scarf, FIDM San Diego Debut fashion show

To the delight of the young audience, there were also lots of male models strutting down the San Diego runway, including Jonathan , the runner-up from Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel". He is THE SWEETEST guy! Love him!
HIIIIIIIII Everyone! Nick Verreos and the line at the Westin Horton Plaza Ballroom

After the show was over, I told the audience that I would be happy to take photos and sign anything! Well, little did I know that hundreds of high school students (their mommies and daddies too!) would be waiting for me in the lobby. I think even some of them got some photos with the models as well which I am sure will end up on Facebook. Get ready to be tagged!
Cheeky Kisses: Nick Verreos and his "fans", San Diego FIDM Debut Show

It was a wonderful afternoon of fashion and models. Maybe there were some future FIDM Debut 2014 Graduates in the audience. Who knows? Thanks for a great time San Diego! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go catch a plane to Seattle! Where's my trench coat when I really need it?

Nick Verreos at FIDM Three Days of Fashion: San Diego

Go Padres!!!!Lovin' The Stage: Nick Verreos speaks to San Diego FIDM Three Days of Fashion audience

This last week I went to beautiful San Diego to make a special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Diego campus, right next to PETCO Park for the FIDM Three Days Of Fashion. San Diego's Pacific Beach from the Catamaran Resort and Spa

David and I drove down to San Diego for the event and FIDM generously put me up at the Polynesian-inspired Catamaran Resort and Spa in the lovely Pacific Beach area of San Diego. Afterall, with traffic, the drive there can take up to 3+ hours (don't believe anyone who tells you it's just an hour and a half, not on this planet!). So, it was nice to relax before the appearance the following day.Photos With A View: Nick Verreos poses for photos at the FIDM San Diego Campus balcony

I love doing these events and appearances because I get to hang out with fun and very fashionable high school students who come from all over the country. The Three Days of Fashion is a three day seminar/workshop where high school students get to know FIDM. They go shopping, have trend seminars, even drape and sketch. Seriously, I wish I had known about this when I was in high school (OK, they probably did not have this "back in the day").San Diego Group Shot: Nick Verreos and model Heather Chantal Jones pose with FIDM San Diego Three Days of Fashion organizing staff

I love coming to San Diego, because this is where David Paul's (my design partner and Vice President of NIKOLAKI) grew up and his wonderful family still lives here. His mom even came to my appearance! Also, as you may know, I have a special place in my heart for San Diego, since it's where I showed my Spring/Summer 2008 Collection at the W Hotel San Diego. Here's a quick video of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Show at the W San Diego, to refresh your memory:

Nick Verreos and Model Heather Chantal Jones, wearing the silk jersey gown Carrie Ann Inaba wore on ABC's Dancing With The Stars

Guess who also came down from LA? Model Heather Chantal Jones, from America's Next Top Model Season 9--and MY 50th Anniversary Barbie Model!!! She made a special trip to model some of my NIKOLAKI Collection for the kids. She was gorgeous and so sweet! We had a great time with everyone (I LOVE the FIDM San Diego staff--they're the sweetest and most accommodating!) and stayed for over an hour to sign autographs and take lots of photos!

FIDM San Diego Grand Opening: New Campus, New NIKOLAKI Collection!

Couture in San Diego....Nick's "Angels": Nick Verreos flanked by his models in NIKOLAKI

Several weeks back, I was invited to attend the grand opening of the beautiful and sleek new FIDM San Diego Campus. I had just returned from my week in The Bahamas, where I debuted my Spring 2009 Collection at the Islands of The World Fashion Week and I guess I was in a showing-my-gowns mood. Because I also decided to bring an amuse bouche of my brand new collection to Southern California, and specifically to add some high fashion to this grand event. FIDM was wonderful enough to bring 3 of my favorite models from LA Models to San Diego especially for the event to model my beautiful gowns and dresses. As usual, no detail was spared.Trunk Show: Nick Verreos and models in NIKOLAKI gowns pose for photographers at FIDM San Diego Opening-Night Gala

Since David Paul--my "better half"--is from San Diego, and his family still live there, it's always a chance for him to have his family see us as well. So of course, we invited them to attend the opening party. The new campus is located in Downtown San Diego right next to ---literally, I am not kidding!---PETCO Park. PETCO Park is the new ballpark for the San Diego Padres.Classroom With A View: The View of PETCO Park from FIDM's new San Diego Campus

They also hold concerts there as well (Madonna just played there!). PETCO Park was built because previously, the San Diego Padres used to play where the football team--the San Diego Chargers--played but locals tell me that IT WAS A MESS. So they built a separate stadium for the Padres so the fans would be happy (OK, that's FAR TOO MUCH Sports Talk from me---I feel almost BUTCH!). Sitting Pretty: Model Amber sits and poses in a black silk taffeta tiered NIKOLAKI gown with jeweled encrusted feathered trim

The new campus sits in one of those shiny new office/condo buildings San Diego seems to have a lot of in that area, and it was designed by architect Clive Wilkinson. South Africa-reared, LA-based Wilkinson has also designed several other FIDM campuses , as well as for Google and Nokia. His strength is in creating livable and/or workable spaces that provide an organic, and almost seamless environment by the ingenious use of walls, glass, and loft-like elements. The new campus is modern, un-pretentious and a perfect reflection of what an up-to-the-minute directional design school should look like.
Raspberry Couture: Model poses in NIKOLAKI raspberry-colored silk duchesse strapless fitted gown with Japanese "obi-style" pleated detail and silk velvet ribbons

As guests arrived, they were greeted by an informal fashion show--trunk show style--of our NIKOLAKI Spring '09 Collection. As David was "behind the scenes" making sure the models changed correctly and had the right accessories and were zipped-up properly, I mingled with guests, took photos and showed off the gowns to attending guests. The models did several outfit changes; we began with some cocktail looks and morphed into full out GLAMOUR , as the evening's festivities progressed. Many women were overheard muttering "oooh, I love that" and "oooh, I really like that", and "oooh, how much is that?" followed with an "oooh, I can't afford that...". Generally, it was a nice showcase to give this "elite" San Diego audience a taste of NIKOLAKI, especially from a former FIDM student like myself (too many years ago, so don't even try and ask).
San Diego Mayor Talks Fashion? Mayor Jerry Sanders thanks Nick Verreos and the beautiful models for their participation in the festivities

The Grand Opening was filled with many of the "Who's Who" of San Diego, including it's Mayor, the honorable Jerry Sanders and his stylish wife as well as many of San Diego's artistic and business elite, including a San Diego Padres' executive/owner and also one of the beautiful local TV anchorwomen. Even it's architect--the aforementioned Clive Wilkinson-- was in attendance to survey his "baby". The party atmosphere culminated into high gear as
hors d'oeuvres and cocktails were passed around to the 200+ guests as the party moved to one of the top floors of the building, overlooking the immense PETCO Park and the gorgeous San Diego skyline.

Nick Verreos at FIDM San Diego Campus Re-Opening--Wednesday Night!

New FIDM San Diego Campus!

Come and Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new San Diego Campus! Designed by the world-renowned architect Clive Wilkinson, the new Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/ FIDM San Diego Campus is ready for its ribbon-cutting ceremony (or is it spaghetti bias-cut silk satin ribbon cutting?) It is located right near the immense Petco Park and adjacent to the UBER-hip San Diego Gaslamp District. I have been invited to attend the opening Wednesday night and will be showing some of my newest NIKOLAKI gowns for all the VIP special guests to see!
Click HERE or call 1.800 624.1200 for more info.
See you there!