Come together and Find Your Magic by Putting it All Together! YOU could be chosen from the audience to participate in the ultimate fashion face-off and win a $100 Macy's Gift Card! Yes, kids, I am flying to Michigan THIS WEEKEND to host the Macy's Putting It All Together Fashion Event".
Join ME THIS Saturday at Twelve Oaks Shopping Center in Novi Michigan in the Macy's First Floor Impulse Department at 2pm. I'll pick lucky contestants from the audience to style models for different scenarios-- from what would you wear to your dream job interview to how would you dress on a night out with the girls. Plus, during the event I will share my "Nick Fashion Do's" and "Dont's" along with my top style tips for Spring 2011.
Here are the DETAILS:
What: Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Putting It All Together" Event
Where: Macy's Twelve Oaks Shopping Center Novi, Michigan 27550 Novi Road Novi MI 48377 1st Floor, Impulse Department
When: Saturday April 9th, 2pm
RSVP: Nope! Just show up!!!
And PS: I'll be taking Pics, signing autographs AND you might make my NICKVERREOS.COM BLOG right HERE!!!
Fashion Club Carnival: Samba DJ'ing, Colored Feathers, Dipped Chocolate-covered Marshmallows, and much more...
Let's Do It Girls! Nick Verreos leads his models, Amara and Brianna--in NIKOLAKI gowns--down the FIDM Debut 2011 Runway(photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
Last weekend's "FIDM Fashion Marathon" of Open House, Debut Shows and Fashion Club Parties was a big success! So, without further ado---it's time for the Fashion Club Party!!!
FashionClub.com--sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--is an online site for aspiring fashion designers, future fashion industry trendsetters in high schools all across the country--and across the world. It gives prom advice, shows you the hottest trends in teen fashion and jewelry and even has contests to win scholarships to go to FIDM.
In addition, It also helps students--and their instructors--start their own "FIDM Fashion Club" at their high school! Every year, during the FIDM Debut Show, Fashion Club holds their big fabulous bash--The Fashion Club Party--and for 2011, the theme was "Carnival in Rio" since this was actually the theme the Costume Design Grads had for their 2011 Debut Collection.
A HUGE tent is constructed right outside the Santa Monica Barker Hangar just for the party and hundreds of Fashion Club members from all over the US--and abroad--get special VIP tickets to attend. And of course, I get to go too!!!
Inside, plush couches and tables were draped in vibrant "Carnival" colors of aquamarine, tangerine, emeralds and cherry reds. Lots of feathers, beads and sequins were strategically strewn for further "party" effect. Plus, there was a DJ (wearing a Brazilian Carnival Headdress!) playing "Samba House" as well as pop, rock, and anything in between. Picture "Mardis Gras" but in Brazil...at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar!
As well as "got their sweet-tooth on": Lining up to the always popular Chocolate Fountain (above). There were bananas, strawberries as well as marshmallows ready for the dippin'!
Carmen Miranda Who? Nick Verreos poses with Fashion Club Party 2011 guests--with feathered boas
Also, as it has been the tradition every year at the Fashion Club Party, there was a "Take-a- Photo-With-Nick" section--or Fashion Club Celebrity Corner-- where I posed with any guest who wanted to take a photo. A professional photographer was on hand snapping away and then the photos would be printed out for them to take soon afterward.
Where's Nick? Nick Verreos (head sticking out) and a bunch of his new friends, FIDM Fashion Club Party 2011
I had a BLAST! (and I think all my new photo-posing friends did too!). But soon, it was time for everyone to move into the Barker Hangar and get ready for the 2011 FIDM Debut Show:
Silver-Suited MC: Nick Verreos onstage at the Debut 2011, Santa Monica Barker Hangar(photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
There is so much interest in the FIDM Debut Show that they have several shows over a period of three days and this one show was for all the Fashion Club Party guests--as well as thousands of other high school students, educators and parents. I was happy to introduce the show and give my little "pep talk" of what I've been up to lately and how much FIDM influenced me when I was dreaming of becoming a successful fashion designer.
No Pushing Kids: The scene in the Barker Hangar Foyer of Debut 2011 guests taking photos of me (notice the "intense" security guard)
During my introduction, I told everyone that I would be waiting for them in the Barker Hangar Foyer--or Lobby--and happy to take photos and sign anything they had! And boy, they did!!! It was a MAD crazy rush to get photos taken with me that at one point, the security guys were freaking out! For a HOT ten minutes there, I kinda did feel like one of the Jonas Brothers--well the older, bearded, silver-suited, funky-haired one! In the end, it all worked out and most everyone got their photos and autographs: I LOVED every second I spent with each and every one of my photo "dates"!
Take a Bow: Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2011 (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
I'll put up photos--and my Recap--of the actual Debut 2011 Fashion Show in another post soon--but for now...
Here's an Exclusive Video of my "FIDM Debut 2011" MC'ing and Introduction:
Hello High School Fashionistas...Moms, Dads, and Educators!!!
Welcome: Nick Verreos at FIDM Open House 2011 Los Angeles
Last Thursday began a Three-day Fashion Marathon at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, the College in which I am an Instructor and also the Spokesperson, and of course, as many of you know, the college I also graduated from YEARS ago!
This "FIDM Fashion Marathon" concludes with the very special "Debut " which is a HUGE fashion show at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar where the collections of the Advanced Fashion Design as well as Costume Design Graduates are shown.
But before that, there are other very fun events, one of which was the fabulous "FIDM Open House"--where high school students, just-accepted students, their parents, and educators come visit the FIDM campus and get to know the school, its facilities and the campus.
Fashion Director's Seats: Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM Open House 2011 Los Angeles--Hope Park, Downtown LA
FIDM has Open Houses in all of it Campuses, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Orange County. I was asked to host the Los Angeles Open House Panel Discussion, which I have done before and is always a lot of fun--as well as very informative to the audience.
Tented View: Nick Verreos and audience--FIDM LA Open House 2011
The panel included three Graduates and one current students, all from different majors: Kara Gaydosz (Merchandise Marketing graduate), Sarah Thompson (Visual Communications, Entertainment Set Design & Decoration graduate), Jonathan Gitlin (Digital Media graduate) and Erica Williams (Fashion Design current student).
Looking On: FIDM LA Open House 2011Audience
Because it was the LA Open House, it was HUGE!!! The school set up an expansive tent--or tents--adjacent to the Downtown LA campus on Hope Park, where HUNDREDS of students, parents, educators got their lunch, and then sat down to hear or Panel Discussion. This was probably the BIGGEST Open House I had hosted so I was excited!!
Naomi Who: Nick Verreos (at end of walkway)--FIDM LA Open House 2011
So excited that of course, I had to do my "Nick Runway Walk" down the center aisle of the tented seated audience! Yes, that's me--above--trying to "give" RUNWAY--to kids and parents, from all over California and the US including Arizona, Florida, NY, Massachusetts, and even Mexico City!
Bow Tie Cheese: Nick Verreos and guest, FIDM LA Open House 2011
Afterward, I spent time taking photos and signing autographs for all the "FIDM Open House Los Angeles" attendants who wanted to. I had a great time hosting the event as well as getting to meet everyone (or most everyone) there!
Heyyyyy: Nick Verreos, posing with FIDM L:A Open House 2011 guests
But soon, I had to get back in my car, do a quick outfit change and head to the Santa Monica Barker Hangar to host the FIDM Fashion Club Party and make a special appearance at FIDM Debut 2011.
Stay tuned for those photos--That posting will be FAB for sure!
Latin Designing: Latin Connection Texas, My Barbie and My NIKOLAKI Models...
Nick Verreos, on the cover of this month's Latin Connection Texas Magazine
Last month, Wayne Zamora, Editor-in-Chief of Latin Connection Texas Magazine, contacted me to do an Interview and an article on me, for the magazine, and of course, I said "SI!". And then, to my surprise, I made the cover! In the write-up, you can read about my "Early Years" in Caracas Venezuela, my love of 70's Flight Attendants, and being raised by FABULOUS Latina women--and my Greek dad. I'm honored to be in Latin Connection Texas Magazine and make the cover, especially since I have a close connection to Texas since my parents, sister and my niece and nephew all live there. And of course, not to mention the fact that I never met a BIG Texas BELT BUCKLE and Cowboy Boot I didn't like!! You can read the entire Latin Connection Magazine article HERE (go to page 6). Also: Mi Barbie y Mis Modelos (Translation: My Barbie and my Models)...
Sequins and Gold...Red! Fashion Designer Nick Verreos poses with Models Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson wearing NIKOLAKI gowns, FIDM Los Angeles Campus
In addition to being in Latin Connection Texas Magazine, EFE Newswire Service (Spanish-language version of A.P.) and EFEAmerica.com contacted me last week, wanting to do an interview that "would go around the Spanish-speaking world about myself--a story on a Latino Fashion Designer who "did muy bueno" and became successful in this industry. Again, naturally, I said "Si, por supuesto!".
Nick Verreos at the FIDM Museum & Galleries, "19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition (photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)
They also wanted to do a photoshoot that would accompany the piece--and what better place than my Alma Mater--and the College I am an Instructor and the Spokesperson for--the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM.
My Barbie! Nick Verreos shows off his "My Scene Project Runway Season 2 Barbie", FIDM Los Angeles Campus
I threw on my most fabulous red jacket (Hot Latin Color!) and gathered two of my favorite muses/models, the statuesque Amanda Fields and Danika Thompson, as well as brought them several of myNIKOLAKI gowns to try on for the shoot. The writer (and photographer) Ivan Mejia, had also asked me if I could bring "My Barbie"--the "Project Runway My Scene Barbie" I had designed (and was subsequently manufactured and sold at Toys 'R Us). He said that showing me with my Barbie would make for nice photos to go with the article.
Another Pose Por Favor: Posing with my models Amanda Fields (Left), Danika Thompson (Right) and my Assistant for the shoot, Jesse Jacobs at FIDM Los Angeles Campus
Well, in the midst of remembering to bring the gowns, getting myself ready and finishing up on my NIKOLAKI Studio work I was doing earlier in the day...I totally forgot to bring my Barbie! But, thank goodness someone at FIDM came to the rescue: Someone at the school HAD MY BARBIE in their office and they (very nicely) let us borrow it for the shoot. Yeayyy! for FIDM and Yeayyy! for having my Barbie!
Would You Like A Sleeve: Nick Verreos measures model Amanda Fields--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los Angeles Campus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)
Yep, She's Tiny: Nick Verreos measures model Danika Thompson--in NIKOLAKI gown--at FIDM Los AngelesCampus(photo courtesy of Ivan Mejia)
All of us--the models in my gowns, my "Project Runway Barbie", and myself--posed in front of the "Pink-tastic" FIDM Barbie 50Th Anniversary Display, which also features my other Barbie! I know...that's one too many Barbies in one paragraph!!! In the end, I had a great time doing the photoshoot and the interview for my Latinos.
*You can read the finished article: HERE on efeamerica.com
HERE to read it from the LA Opinion Newspaper and La Prensa NY Portal Website, impre.com And for All Time's Sake: Here's a quick video of my Winning Barbie Design on Season 2 Project Runway:
Pin Up Divas, A Fashionable Church, Sexy Tattoos, and Lady Gaga??? Welcome to Style Week LA...
Grab Your Caipirinha's...It's Fashion Week: Nick Verreos and a bevy of Pin Up Divas, including the ever-so-fabulous Karen Mamont (second from left), Stop Staring! Fashion Show
Last night, I was invited to attend the inaugural night of Style Fashion Week LA at Vibiana's in Downtown LA. Yes, kids, in case you did not know, it is LA Fashion Week Fall 2011, and there are several events/venues going on around town showcasing Los Angeles Fashion, its Designers and LA Style.
My friend, Arturo D. Chavez styled the entire show and he was kind enough to put me on the list to attend---and support the fashions and see his fabulous styling work. Stop Staring! is an LA-based clothing company headed by "Vintage Vixen", Designer Alicia Estrada, and is known for its sexy Vintage-inspired cocktail dresses, with very fitted 1940's and 1950's shapes, inspired by "Pin Up" and Rockabilly.
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy: Singers Pay Homage to the "Andrew Sisters" before the show
Stop Staring! has been in business for over ten years and has grown a cult-like status with all the Diva Pin-Up and Rockabilly girls as well as A-List celebs such as Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian and some of the "Twilight" girls. I hear the dresses are affordable AND they make them up to size 18: Hello!
Ladies Man: Nick Verreos flanked by guests of Stop Staring! Fashion Show including LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Cynthia Ruiz (2nd from left)
LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Commissioner of the Board of Public Works--and LA Fashion Champion!--Cynthia Ruiz, is a big fan of the clothing line, if not their "Muse". Every time I was at an LA event--and she was there-- I always wondered whose dresses she was wearing because: A) She always looked so good; and B) they always fit perfectly! No surprise, they were Stop Staring! Well, naturally, Cynthia was there last night, introducing the fashion show and featuring a fitted black and red number that looked divine!
I also ran into Designer Maggie Barry (above) who, as always, was working her look! Loving those gold leather winged high-tops!
The Fashion:
Retro Fitted: Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA
E! Girls Next Door Bridget Marquardt (in red) front row at Stop Staring! Fashion Show
Amanda! Model Amanda Fields modeling a red full-skirted dress, Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA
Work That Walk: Model Amanda Fields, Stop Staring! Fashion Show, Style Fashion Week LA
Post Show: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos
And Finally...Yes, that's me--with the Madame Tussaud's wax figure of Lady Gaga. She was there on display at Vibiana's Style Fashion Week LA, don't know why but YOU KNOW I had to get a photo next to her...I mean, it...I think... Happy LA Fashion Week!
Click Below for the Final Model Walk of the Stop Staring! Fashion Show:
Kids, I finally made it...well, made it to the Academy Awards: Just today, I found out that I have been invited to give my Fashion Expertise on Sunday's Biggest Red Carpet Night of The Year: The Academy Awards!
I will be joined by Tabatha Coffey of "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" and UBER Supermodel Paulina Porizkova! We will then re-group the following day with our hostess, the GORGEOUS Daisy Fuentes, to discuss "The Best" and "Not So Good" from what we saw on "TV Guide's Academy Awards Fashion Wrap" which will air Monday night!
I am so EXCITED!!!! Now, I have to go decide on a Very Important Male Fashion Dilemma: Bow tie or skinny black tie? It will all start at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific as we do a LIVEAcademy Awards Red Carpet Countdown Show and then the madness will begin with with the LIVE Red Carpet at 6 Eastern/3pm Pacific.
Click on the image below to check out all the great features on the TV Guide Academy Awards Website including all the information for the Red Carpet Pre-Show on the big night:
Beckley Team: Nick Verreos, Lawrence Zarian and Jen Rade, TV Guide Network "The Fashion Team" at Beckley Boutique
Last week for our latest episode ofTV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team", host Lawrence Zarian & Co. --by Company, of course, I mean stylist Jen Rade and I, Nick Verreos-- headed to the hip Beckley Boutique on Melrose Avenue in the heart of West Hollywood.
Since this season "The Fashion Team" was exclusively on location, shooting in all sorts of places in LA, this time we came to Beckley. This chic gem of a boutique carries brands and designers such as Camilla and Marc, Halston Heritage, Sass and Bide and Vivienne Westwood among others. They also carry a HUGE array of accessories including purses, jewelry and even luxe fragranced candles and body lotions.
Beckley Boutique, Melrose Avenue West Hollywood
For our "WTF?"/ What's The Fashion segment, Lawrence , Jen and I discussed our "Most Memorable" red carpet styles from last week's Grammy Awards and then chose our Top Five. We had a BLAST discussing Lady Gaga's "Egg" , Nicki Minaj's Cheetah-Krazy Givenchy Haute Couture (LOVED IT!!!) plus many more.
LA Girl Closet: Inside the Beckley Boutique, Melrose Avenue West Hollywood
You can search high-and-low at Beckley Boutique but you ain't gonna find those UBER out-there get ups here. This store carries sexy, comfy-chic clothes for the stylish Southern California Fashionista. Consider it like the one-stop shop for the perfect "LA Girl" wardrobe!
Vanna Verreos: Nick Verreos, Beckley Boutique Melrose Avenue West Hollywood
The Episode Debuted this past Friday but you can catch repeats:Wednesday Feb 23 1 PMFriday Feb 25 7 PMBut you can also...
Click BELOW to Watch the Previous Week's "The Fashion Team" Episode, Featuring Katy Perry and the NIKOLAKI dress she wore!!!
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