Nick Verreos and "Models of the Runway" Lisa Blades at FIDM!

Class is in Session
Cute Couple: Nick Verreos with model Lisa Blades in one of his FIDM classes

This Fall Quarter, I taught a class called Elements of Fit at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM LA Campus, where I instruct students in fit, sizing and the importance of fit models. And of course, as a highlight of the class, I bring in a real live fit model. I wanted to surprise my students and I brought the fabulous six-foot stunner Lisa Blades (she'll demurely tell you she's ONLY 5'11"). Bryant Park Lisa: Lisa Blades models Carol Hannah Whitfield's gown at the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Season 6 Finale

You might recognize Lisa from the Lifetime show Models of The Runway as well as being one of two model "Muses" on my website, NIKOLAKI.com. I just love Lisa and I am happy to consider her a friend. She is a perfect size 4 and I D-I-E (sorry Rachel Zoe) over her 50" outseam (waist to floor) measurement. DIE!!!!Take Notes Kids: Lisa Blades in a NIKOLAKI muslin strapless gown, and Instructor Nick

I had her model various garments from my line NIKOLAKI, some that fit good and some, not so good, to show the students the difference. I also brought some of my Muslins/Toiles, samples made in unbleached cotton made for fittings, for Lisa to try on to show my students "the process" one has to go through in making a collection.We Love Lisa: Elements of Fit Class Fit Model session, Instructor Nick Verreos, Lisa Blades and student Earl Alcantara

The students were so excited and got all into the "Fit Model" session. They especially loved seeing Lisa and as a result, took lots of photos. Lisa was a gem, naturally, with all the attention and a perfect fit model for my class.
All Photos (except Bryant Park runway photo) taken by Eimi Akamura

Nick Verreos Mentors Fashion Designers for the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz Exhibit!

We're Off To See The Wizard!Recently I was asked to be the "Guest Mentor" for an AMAZING event involving....wait for it... The Wizard of Oz !!! In light of the 70TH Anniversary of the iconic film, Warner Bros. and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM are partnering to present The Wizard of Oz Exhibition Opening Night Gala Featuring The Ruby Slipper Collection. Dorothy's Slippers 2009: The Ruby Slippers, as seen by the eyes of the Moschino design house

Last Fall, nineteen fashion and shoe designers were asked to design modern and unique shoe interpretations based on the famous Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Designers such as Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Moschino all took part in this great event. Their outstanding designs formed The Ruby Slipper Collection, which debuted in September 2008 to kick off Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.
Warner Brothers asked the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to invite their top students of Accessory, Fashion and Footwear Design to create unique pieces for this 70Th Anniversary event. One winner will be chosen from both the Accessories (Jewelry) and Footwear categories. Both winners will be flown to New York in the Fall to celebrate the 70TH Anniversary Gala in that city. In addition, the chosen winner of the Footwear Design will ultimately form part of The Ruby Slipper Collection. FIDM Super Lab: Debut 2009 designers Johnathan Webster, Adrian Manuel, Valetina Vardanyan, and Natalie Hara await their "Wizard of Oz" assignment

Ultimately these designs will be auctioned this upcoming September for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. LA-based designer Tarina Tarnatino was asked to mentor the Accessories student designers, helping them in the creation of their jewelry. OK Kids, You May Now Begin: FIDM Alumn (and Debut '09 Graduate) Adrian Manuel begins draping his creation

At the same time, I was honored to have been asked to mentor the Fashion Design portion of this event. We chose four former students, whom I had previously taught for the Advanced Fashion Design/Debut 2009 Program, and asked them to create designs based on Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. They were very excited to participate in such a one-of-a-kind challenge and were ready to "Make It Work". The FIDM Super Lab for The Wizard of Oz was "born". I helped them with their designs, choosing fabrics and trims, draping, patterns as well as construction, bringing to life their wondrous ideas.Not So Cowardly Lioness: Adrian Manuel's illustration of his design

Next week--on Tuesday, June 9Th--will be unveiling all their designs, at a the Opening Night Gala of the Wizard of Oz Exhibition at the FIDM Downtown LA Campus. Days ago, I got a sneak peak at the almost-finished creations and I am very proud of them; they look AMAZING! This event will also launch The Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon Tour that will travel across the country. The Emerald City Green Balloon will actually be on campus for all the VIP guests! (I know, Stop It!!!). This exhibition--which includes the Ruby Slipper Collection-- will run from June 10Th through June 21st at the FIDM Museum and Galleries. And it's FREE to the public! And don't we really love (and appreciate) that!
Click HERE for the press release and for more info.