FIDM San Francisco Open House 2011: My Photo Recap!!!

60's Shift Dresses, Fashionable Students, a Fun Lecture, and ...oh, Is That Miss Raja from "RuPaul's Drag Race"???

Nick Verreos, FIDM SF Entrance

This past weekend, I took a quick trip to one of my favorite cities (and old "stomping grounds")--San Francisco--to make a visit at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's San Francisco Campus, for their annual "Open House".

The FIDM SF campus is located right in the heart of Union Square, one of the BEST--and most famous--shopping meccas in the world. I always love coming to the campus because I just LOVE the entire FIDM SF team and they always "roll out the red carpet" for me.

In addition, I always love looking at the great window displays they have as soon as one gets out into the 5th Floor "lobby" area. This time around, they had a display entitled "Pop Goes The 60's", showing colorful fashions of the 60's--from the FIDM SF "vault"--including a sassy red plaid pantsuit--accessorized by a chic red hat/turban--as well as...

A lemon-yellow wrap dress and one of my favorites, the apple-green silk shantung shift dress with encrusted sequin trim seen above on the right. But enough about the chic window displays...now onto the Open House...

Speech Mode: Nick Verreos at FIDM SF Open House 2011

After an entire morning of students, parents and families taking a tour of the FIDM SF Campus and getting to meet former graduates, faculty, the FABULOUS library, and classrooms, they get a special treat: I give my "Nick Inspiration" Lecture and share with everyone my story--from growing up in Caracas Venezuela sketching my mom and flight attendants--to finally pursuing my dream of becoming a fashion designer, attending FIDM and of course, my time on Project Runway. I was taken aback by HOW MANY people showed up for my "little ol' lecture":

It was Standing Room Only kiddies! I have been here before doing my "Nick Lectures" for past Open Houses but this was KRAZEE! (good krazee of course!). I think everyone in attendance really enjoyed it (they told me so afterward) and said that "It was really informative, inspirational" and added that I was "really funny!!".

Say "FASHION!": Nick Verreos poses with a Cuppertino-based high school Fashion Club, FIDM SF Open House 2011

Following this, I took photos with anyone who wanted as well as signed FIDM tote bags. As always, it was so much fun meeting everyone--from the high school students to their mommies and daddies!!

Spell Your Name: Nick Verreos signing FIDM tote bags, FIDM SF Open House 2011

Check out That Necklace: Nick Verreos poses with guest--and future fashion designer--FIDM SF Open House 2011

After the Open House was over, I still had several hours before I had to go back to SFO to catch my Virgin America (Love the Mood Lighting!) flight back to Los Angeles, so the FIDM SF ladies decided to send me off with some delicious cocktails and nibblings at...

Kuleto's on Powell in Union Square. Well, darling, the staff there was BEYOND-gracious as they showered my "party" with complimentary Champagne and yummy signature cocktails. Who knew someone at Kuleto's was a fan of Project Runway and TV Guide Red Carpet Shows and moi!? Needless to say, it was a great "Send Off" and a wonderful way to end a very successful Open House lecture. But wait...it wasn't over:

Posing Girls: Nick Verreos and Sutan "Raja" Amrull of "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3", Union Square San Francisco

All of a sudden, as I'm about to leave, I spotted a friendly face from LA: Sutan Amrull--"Raja Gemini" from "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3" just walking with his friends. Of course, I ran out and had to say "Hey Girl!" At the same time, we both asked "What are you doing here in SF???" and I told him I was doing my FIDM SF event and Miss Sutan was emcee'ing "Soiree 9: La Dolce Vita" 9Th Anniversary of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. We then posed and caused a minor scene right there and then, much to the delight of the German tourists walking by. Love me some Raja!!

Now...I was really ready to catch my flight back home to LA--Until next time SF...

Nick Verreos Goes to the FIDM Fashion Club Party--and Debut 2011 Part One!

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.

May I Serve You Some Crudités? Nick Verreos, inside the FIDM Fashion Club Party 2011

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!

Guests including high school students, accepted-to-FIDM students, their teachers, and a mom or two thrown in for good measure--got all dressed up in their best "after-five" and were greeted with "Fashion Club Goody Bags" and enjoyed Crudités (above), tropical punch...

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:

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM Open House Los Angeles!!

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 2011 Audience

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!

Until next time...

Los AngelesTimes: Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibit Mention!

LA Times Love!

Academy Award-Nominated Costume Designers Colleen Atwood ("Alice In Wonderland"), Mary Zophres ("True Grit") and Nick Verreos, FIDM "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

Yesterday--on my Birthday no less!!! I opened up my Los Angeles Times--the BIG Sunday Edition--and there was a FABULOUS article--written by Ellen Oliver--about the opening of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at my Alma Mater (and College I am an Instructor and Spokesperson at) the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM.

And the best part (well, not the best part but it was nice!): It included a wonderful photo of myself, and the Academy Award Nominated Costume Designers, Colleen Atwood (for "Alice In Wonderland"), and Mary Zophres ("True Grit") as well as a short & sweet quote. It was a bit of a shock and (nice) surprise to be having my coffee and scrambled eggs---and then all of a sudden see the photo! Thanks LA Times and by the way, it begs repeating: Wonderful article!

Below is the Los Angeles Times Sunday Edition Article, published yesterday:

Scene & Heard: Costume designers in the spotlight

At the preview of "The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design," two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood said Johnny Depp wanted his Mad Hatter costume to capture the flavor of a mood ring. So she layered his topcoat with multiple colors of silk.

Standing beside his costume from "Alice in Wonderland," Atwood said the challenges of designing for Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter included the changing sizes of the characters. "Alice shrinks and grows, and Helena's big head made her neck look as thick as a thigh," Atwood said, adding that she solved that problem by creating a collar to narrow the appearance of Bonham Carter's neck.

An estimated 1,400 guests, mainly members of the Costume Designers Guild, turned up on Feb. 5 to view more than 100 costumes from 21 films at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's museum (www.fidmmuseum.org) in Los Angeles. Four of the five nominees for this year's Academy Award for costume design were represented: "Alice in Wonderland," "True Grit," "The Tempest" and "The King's Speech." (The fifth film is "I Am Love.")

"In the best pictures, the costumes are subtle," said Nick Verreos, an FIDM instructor and "Project Runway" personality. "The goal of costume design is to create real people, but when it's a fantastic movie like 'Alice,' the costumes have to be fantastic."

For the rest of the article , CLICK HERE.

Nick Verreos Attends the Unveiling of FIDM's 19th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition !

Costume Extravaganza!

Cassiopeia Nick: Nick Verereos poses with "Clash of the Titans" Costume Tableaux, FIDM Museum & Galleries "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last Saturday evening was the Gala Party for the unveiling of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries here in Los Angeles. Of course, being that I am a FIDM Grad (don't even try and look up the year!), Instructor, and the College's Official Spokesperson, I was invited to this grand annual party to get a "sneak peak".

Armour and Plisse: "Clash of the Titans" Costumes Designed by Lindy Hemming, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition features over 100 costumes from over 20 films of 2010, including ones nominated for this year's Oscars "Best Costume Design".

Costume Royalty: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Speaking of Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominations...Included in this exhibition are these 2011 Academy Awards Best Costume Nominees:

"Alice In Wonderland" Costumes by Colleen Atwood (yes, that's Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter ensemble as well as Mia Wasikowska's Alice Dresses!)

"True Grit" Costumes Designed by Mary Zophres

"The Tempest" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (who won last year's 2010 Academy Award for Costume Design for "Young Victoria"), as well as...

"The King's Speech" Costumes Designed by Jenny Bevan

Other Highlights in the Exhibition (there were SO many so I had to edit!!! You will have to come and see ALL of the Costumes for yourself!) include:

"Inception" Costumes Designed by Jeffrey Kurland--above is Marion Cotillard's black embroidered sequin gown and coat

"Burlesque" Costumes Designed by Michael Kaplan--above is one of Christina Aguilera's "Showgirl-esque" sequined costumes

"Shutter Island" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (Leonardo DiCaprio's costume is on the far left--didn't realize how tall he is!)

"Coco Chanel & Ivor Stravinsky" Costumes Designed by Chattoune and Fab

As well as "The Kids Are All Right" Costumes Designed by FIDM Graduate Mary Claire Hannan

My Better Half: NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Opening Night Party" on Saturday was a HUGE success and as always FIDM Museum & Galleries know how to throw a VIP Party: A great tent was set up outside of the Museum, which featured an entire buffet of delicious foods (a mashed potato self-service bar I heard!) as well as fully stocked bars for anyone in the mood for cocktails.

Nick Hearts KCRW: DnA host Frances Anderton interviews Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Opening Night of "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Besides seeing all the amazing costumes on display, I spent the entire time doing Media/TV/print interviews with everyone from ABC-LA News to KCRW's DnA Radio Program host Frances Anderton as well as the LA Times, Daily Bruin and many, many blogs. I also got to mingle with some guests:

Momma Nick: Nick Verreos with "Momma", FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

First up, I was verklempt with excitement upon seeing Momma, the DIVA behind EC2 Costume House, the home and purveyor of Bob Mackie's Archives--LOVE her Gerber Daisy Hair Pin and Boucle Tweed with over-sized pearl necklace "Lady Who Lunches" ensemble!

Photo Courtesy of Laura Diaz

Including CBS-TV News Anchor (and FIERCE Latina!) Laura Diaz and her good friend Megan Telles (above). I just adore Laura, she was so sweet, she wrote THIS for her CBSLosAngeles.com blog write-up on the Exhibition...

I also ran into my good friend, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic Blooger, Jayne Seward (above with moi) who was "working" her chic harem-pant chiffon jumpsuit and new Prada heels (love me some Prada!).

Mini Costume Fans: Nick Verreos poses with the youngest of the 19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Opening Night Party guests

I also ran into three "Little Costume Designer Fans" at the Party. The precious one (I know, which one??) on the far right is Frances Anderton's daughter! Love her cropped pants, cap and "shrunken" blazer! Tres Mini-Chic!

You MUST come to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and check out this brand-new Exhibition. It's THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD where you will see these costumes! If you love motion pictures, films, actors, costume design and fashion...well, the FIDM Museum & Galleries is YOUR PLACE! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!!

Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Here are the Details:

What: 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Opens Tuesday February 8Th (yesterday!!!) and runs through to Saturday April 30Th.
Hrs/Days: 10am-4pm/Tuesday-Saturday Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Check out this video from KABC-TV Los Angeles featuring the Exhibit and a quick Interview I did with ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Reporter Adrienne Alpert: