Weekend Roundup: Nick Verreos on NBC "Today In LA: Weekend" and KUSI-San Diego Golden Globes Preview with NIKOLAKI Gowns!

The "Nick, Ted and Andy Show" and NIKOLAKI Gowns Take a Road Trip...To San Diego:

Nick Today In LA: Nick Verreos Appearance on "Today In LA: Weekend" this past Sunday with Anchors Ted Chen (left) and Andy Rosa Adler (center)

Yes kids, this past Sunday was the 68Th Annual Golden Globes and I was a busy boy: As a Fashion Designer--and Instructor/Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, I am always called upon for my "Nick Two Cents" during Awards Season.

Peacock Prince: Nick Verreos at NBC-LA Studios, Burbank CA

And since this was the first "biggie", my expertise was called upon --Courtesy of FIDM--in regards to my "Predictions" of the Trends and Silhouettes for Sunday's Golden Globes for NBC-LA and KUSI San Diego (more on that below). After doing some "Homework" on what the trends were for this current Spring 2011 Season--as well as what stars wore last year in combination with what stylists were asking for and pulling from us--I tried to come up with my best "Nick Verreos Golden Globes Two Cents".

Monitor Nick: Nick Verreos on the NBC Studios Monitor

First up, I had a 7 AM Call Time at NBC Studios in Burbank California. The sun was not even up when I made my way to the studios--heck, we could barely find a Starbucks that was open--I was to be on the KNBC (local LA-NBC) Sunday Morning News Program...

"Today In LA: Weekend" hosted by the affable Ted Chen (whom I've interviewed with before) and the gorgeous Andy Rosa Adler. The interview went great: We spoke of Red Carpet Trends and what the stars might wear. I predicted All-over Beading/Sequin Dresses, Structural Gowns with Cascading Ruffles, and the Mermaid shape (not bad!)-- featuring photos from my latest NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection as examples of styles and colors you might see.

Cascading TV Ruffles: NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Gown, KNBC "Today In LA: Weekend" TV Show

Before I knew it, we were done; it was a quick segment but of course, I had so much fun! Maybe they'll bring me back come Oscars time...I'll brew up some coffee at home, get my outfit on and drive to Burbank to see those two again to discuss Award Show Fashion any day, 7AM or 7PM!

Next Up, San Diego:

Almost at the same time as my NBC interview, I received a request--Courtesy of my Alma Mater FIDM of course, to also do a TV segment for San Diego's KUSI. Because of the fact that I was to be in Burbank at the NBC Studios doing my Live Pre-Golden Globes Fashion Segment on Sunday Morning, I obviously could not be at two places at once.

San Diego Smiles: KUSI Fashion Guru Leonard Simpson and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul--KUSI-TV Studios

KUSI's Fashion Expert, Leonard Simpson--who was anchoring this TV segment--requested that, instead of me, my NIKOLAKI gowns could come down and be part of a fun Red Carpet Fashion Segment they were producing to talk about the upcoming Golden Globes fashion.

Mint Princess: San Diego model in NIKOLAKI mint green silk Zibeline One-Shoulder Gown with cascading back ruffles

My NIKOLAKI design partner, David Paul--who hails from San Diego (a chance to see his family!)-- drove down--and brought along several of our NIKOLAKI gowns. David's mom--who lives in beautiful Point Loma, was excited to be part of the fun, was enlisted by David to be his "assistant" and help in the steaming, unloading and overall preparations of our gowns for the segment: LOVE HER! Who needs Interns when they've got Mommies!!!

All-Over Beading: San Diego model shows off NIKOLAKI mint green clear sequin paillettes over silk chiffon bias-cut gown with silk inner corset

I heard the segment went fabulously (of course!). Local San Diego models featured our gowns--showing predictions of the silhouettes, colors and shapes one might see at the 2011 Golden Globes--on a makeshift Red Carpet adjacent to the KUSI San Diego Studios.

NIKOLAKI Ladies: San Diego Models show off the NIKOLAKI gowns as part of the KUSI San Diego Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion Segment

As soon as I was home after my NBC Live TV Segment, I received a call from David telling me that the segment went flawlessly. YEAYYY!!! I could finally breathe...get back in my pajamas, and relax and enjoy my restful Sunday...and later on, watch the actual Golden Globes Red Carpet--and of course do my "NickVerreos.com Live Fashion Blogging" from the comfort of my home...

San Diego's 2010 Best Dressed Awards and Dressed to the Nth Degree Fashion Show Canceled and Postponed Due to Sad Death of Julien Hug

Just hours ago, I received notice that this weekend's 2010 San Diego's Best Dressed Awards and Fashion Forward Runway Show "Dressed to the Nth Degree" Gala, produced by Leonard Simpson, was canceled due to the very sad passing of Julien Hug, the son of Denise and Bertrand Hug, the Honorary Chairs of the event.

The Gala was to take place this Saturday evening at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and was to benefit San Diego's Ronald McDonald House. I was invited to be a "Special Guest Designer" at this event from the generous sponsorship of my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, showing an exclusive preview of my NIKOLAKI 2011 Spring Collection

Julien Hug was a Contestant on ABC's "The Bachelorette" and was on his way to Palm Desert to open the family's newest restaurant Augusta Modern (the family owns two of San Diego's top restaurants Bertrand at Mr. A's and Mille Fleurs), when his body was found. we mourn his passing and respect the family's wishes for peace.

Nick Verreos Will Show his NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection at San Diego's Best Dressed Awards 2010 this Saturday, November 6th!

San Diego Couture!

NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 by Nick Verreos & David Paul (above and below)

This weekend, I will be in San Diego to show my NIKOLAKI Collection...I know--sit down! The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--my Alma Mater--is generously sponsoring the showing of our latest NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Spring Collection at THE Fashion Event of the San Diego Social Calendar: The 2010 Best Dressed of San Diego Awards.

Leonard Simpson presents his 2010 Best Dressed of San Diego Awards AND Dressed to the Nth Degree Fashion Show (of which my NIKOLAKI collection will be part of) on Saturday, November 6, to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego and I am honored to be part of this fabulous--and worthwhile--event.

Besides the dazzling fashion show and awards ceremony for San Diego's Best Dressed, there will be professionally decorated trees available for auction and Leonard Simpson will also present Fashion Designer (best known for those iconic Dynasty designs) Nolan Miller with the Fashion Forward Lifetime Designer Award.

NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 by Nick Verreos & David Paul, Black Silk Zibeline asymmetrical cocktail dress with "Fan" pleating

Hope to see you there--- Here are the DETAILS:

What: Leonard Simpson's 2010 Best Dressed Awards and Dressed to the Nth Degree Fashion Show

Where: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina 1380 Harbor Island Drive San Diego 92101

When: Saturday November 6, 2010
5PM VIP Reception 6PM Red Carpet Arrival 8PM Awards Presentation and Runway Fashion Show

Tickets/More Information: For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jill Jones Mason 858-598-2415

Nick Verreos Hosts Simon Fashion Now's STYLE WARS!

Nick LOVES San Diego!Stomp that Runway: Nick Verreos hosts Style Wars at San Diego Fashion Valley

This last weekend, I was invited to host the first ever draping competition, Style Wars, at San Diego's upscale Fashion Valley Fashion Center, as part of Simon Fashion Now. Both Tim Gunn and Christian Siriano, winner of Season 4 of Project Runway have hosted Simon Fashion Now events here in San Diego and so I was in "good company"--or at the very least, had "big shoes" to fill...(especially with the incomparable Tim Gunn!). Nick and Courtney Dwyer at the CW6 Weekend Morning Show

After a quiet and lovely Friday night dinner at the very chic Solamar Hotel Restaurant, Jsix, and a good-night's rest, I was "up and ready" for Saturday's full schedule of events. First, I was scheduled to do a couple of San Diego's top Morning Shows beginning at 8 AM to publicize Style Wars as well as Simon Fashion Now.

Click Below for my CW6 TV Interview:

I stopped by San Diego's CW6 TV and and then went over to KUSI-TV and filmed a fun interview segment for their Weekend Morning Show, starring their Fashion Forward host for Style, Leonard Simpson.

Click Below for my KUSI-TV Interview:

After my TV appearances were done, it was time for the "Main Event": I headed over to San Diego's Fashion Valley, and began my hosting duties. Ten of the top Advanced Fashion Design students from my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM were given one hour and several yards of pink taffeta and their challenge was to drape a gown or a dress. Style Wars was a Project Runway mini-challenge which seemed totally appropriate since FIDM is the new West Coast home of Project Runway. I helped mentor these students so they could achieve their utmost potential for this draping competition. If anyone knows a thing or two about time constraints and draping, it might be me.San Diego Chic: Nick Verreos and FIDM Debut Director, Mary Stephens, pose with the Simon Valley Style Wars Celebrity Judges

A panel of local celebrities and San Diego fashionistas judged the students on their draping--the only criteria being "Pick which one you like!". The judges were chic Gillian Flynn of Riviera Magazine, the very pretty Nikki Jones, from 944 Magazine, the stylish Andrea Naversen of Ranch & Coast Magazine, the gorgeous Arthel Neville, from Fox5 Morning News, and my new San Diego "BFF" , Leonard Simpson. The judges deliberated and chose Kapasa Musonda as the winner (she won a $250 Simon Shopping Gift Certificate!) and the First Runner Up was Sam Klemick, who won a $100 Simon Gift Certificate. Congratulations to my FIDM Debut Students for draping some of the most gorgeous gowns and dresses---under such time constraints and in front of hundreds of onlookers. Think Pink: Nick Verreos poses with the draped gowns and dresses from "Style Wars" (the winner is on the left)

The "Finale" display on the runway was AMAZING! Afterward, I signed photos and took pictures with lots of Project Runway fans and San Diego "mall shoppers". I also went shopping with David (who of course came with me since he is from San Diego) and did some "retail damage". I tried to support Fashion Valley, Simon Fashion Now, and the US economy, one H&M skinny pant, and Gucci belt at a time!
Enjoy the wonderful Photo Slide Show below of my fun weekend in San Diego's Fashion Valley.