FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show Gala--The Nick Verreos Recap!!! Photos Galore!!!

Fashionable Gala!

Last Saturday night was the much-awaited Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2011 Gala. In case you didn't know, "Debut" is the only show like it on the West Coast-- it annually attracts more than 8,000 people over 3 days and features design by graduating students in FIDM’s Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study Programs as well as work from the Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Textile Design Students.

FIDM Debut 2011 Trophy Girls: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and his NIKOLAKI gown-clad models, Amara (Left) and Brianna Barnes (Right)

The Saturday Night Gala is a black-tie event for VIP sponsors, donors and Fashion Industry Leaders such as editors, designers, clothing company owners and the like. It is held at the Santa Monica Barker Hanger with well-appointed tables and chairs, full three-course dinner, cocktails and of course, the fashion! I was invited to assist in handing out the Scholarship Winners for next year's Debut 2012--along with Barbara Bundy, Vice President of Education at FIDM. As a bonus, I was asked to bring two of my NIKOLAKI gowns so we would have our very own "FIDM Tropy Girls" wearing NIKOLAKI Couture on stage as we handed out the Scholarships. One of them--Brianna Barnes had a Project Runway Connection:

She had modeled in BOTH Kara Janx's Season 2 Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Runway Show as well as...

Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia's Collection

The Gala was FABULOUS with a Capital "F" for sure. I, of course, donned my White Dinner Jacket, black bow tie and braces (that's "suspenders" darlings), naturally (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dishing Fashion: Nick Verreos and Kelley Nelson, FIDM Debut 2011 (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berlin/ABImages)

Bow Tie Heaven: Nick Verreos with Jim Holmes and Peter Helenek from Mattel (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Advanced Fashion Design Graduates' Debut 2011 Collections ranged from chic Parisian Audrey Hepburn-inspired separates, "Upscale American Apparel" Sporty-Spice, colorful and very innovative knitwear, menswear, FABULOUSLY tailored Little Boy's wear, to exaggerated ruffled red carpet gowns.

Here are some photo highlights:

Pretty in Stripes: A navy-blue silk skirt and striped top by Hannah Childs (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Let's Get Physical: Knit off-the-shoulder top, sheer and PVC leggings, Kristine Flanigan (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Debut 2011 Graduate Pamhidzai Mbanga and her Africa-inspired "boys" (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Best Dressed 1st Grade Plaid: Plaid double-breasted jacket, denim pants ensemble by Kamelia Stojanikova (Photo by Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ready to Rumble: Denim overalls and sweater combo from Kamela Stojanikova (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

I'm On The List: Strapless jumpsuit with inter-woven detail from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

She-Bop: Strapless printed dress from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

St. Petersburg Queens: Three knitwear looks from Adelle Louise Burda's Russian-inspired collection (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Edwardian Foxtail Boy: Asymmetrical coat, mustard pants, and rust-colored cardigan from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

London Calling: Blue leather side-zip front jacket, brown skinny pants with inseam patches and mustard-colored hoodie, from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Brunch at MOCA: Red pocketed tunic with wood (yes, WOOD!) "collar", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dinner at Nobu: Felt and chiffon ensemble with knitted "Ankle Warmers", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Leopard Who Lunches: Black-and-white Cheetah print top with "coned" sleeves and black ankle-length high-waisted trousers, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ruffled Diva: Black organza one-shouldered cocktail dress, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Fashion Security: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM Debut 2011 Security Team

All in all, it was a fabulous Debut 2011 Show. It's always great to see what the "Designers-of-Tomorrow" are doing and of course, as a former FIDM Debut Graduate myself (don't even THINK of looking up what year!!!) it's always nostalgic seeing these shows for sure, as well as the young talent up there on the runway. Naturally, I had to get a final photo with the very hard-working security team at the Debut 2011/Santa Monica Barker Hanger. They were AMAZING and so sweet and respectful to me--especially "my guy" Rick Young, who at the very least, made me look as if I was actually someone important...

Until Debut 2012...

3rd Annual Style Week Orange County begins THIS FRIDAY NIGHT: NIKOLAKI Fashion Show, Cadillac Couture plus Lots More!!!

Fashion Week in the OC!!!

NIKOLAKI Designers Nick Verreos and David Paul, taking their bow at Islands of The World Fashion Week, Bahamas

Well kiddies, we are less than a week away from debuting our Tenth Anniversary NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection at Style Week Orange County! We finished our Model fittings today (they went well!), went accessory shopping, got a FABULOUS Shoe Sponsor--Michael Antonio--and now, we just have LOTS of alterations, minor fixings, and still some looks our "Petite Mains" seamstresses are busy working on--- But trust me--David and I will be ready! Our show--in case you have been living under a (fashion) rock, is this Friday, October 1st, at 7PM. Style Week OC is Open To The Public (which is just FAB!!!) so if you can make it to the OC on Friday night and want to see some fashion--head to the Irvine Spectrum darlings--No RSVP necessary!

Here's a "Sneak Peak": An Aqua Blue Silk Zibeline Gown with hand-beaded neckline--just perfect for getting that Martini at the Sao Paulo Brazil Country Club or a fancy Gala at the Pelican Hill Resort!

In addition to my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Runway Show--I am so excited to be emcee'ing the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Fashion Show, right afterward (as well as Saturday night, Oct 2nd). Alumni from the Fashion Instute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (where I am an Instructor, of course!) will show glamorous designs inspired by the car company's iconic design philosophy. Here are the fashion illustrations from the FIDM designers themselves:

Nick Gaska

Alejandro Ortega

Clay Sadler

Adrienne Young

Also, I will again host and judge the Ezekiel Needle & Thread Competition on Saturday night, October 2nd:

I hosted--and judged-- last year's Needle & Thread Competition at the 2nd Annual Style Week Orange County and I am back at it again! Last year, the Winner was FIDM Debut Graduate Adrian Manuel and since I was one of his Instructor's and Mentor in the Advanced Fashion Design Program, I was so proud of him!

And (Last Year's) Winner Is: Nick Verreos Announces Needle & Thread Competition Winner 2009, Adrian Manuel (left)

This year, there will be seven collection with 35 looks total--all from FIDM designers---and the winner will have their winning design featured in Ezekiel's Spring 2011 Collection! Very Project Runway-esque!
*Click HERE for the entire schedule!

*Also, HERE is my latest column for the Orange County Register's Style Binge Blog, which talks more about all the events happening this weekend at the Irvine Spectrum to celebrate Style Week OC!

See you at Style Week Orange County...and bring your Best Fashion Look because I may be giving "Nick Red Carpet" Mental Gold Stars!!!!

Nick Verreos on TV Guide Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Wrap--Watch Tomorrow Monday, August 30, 8/7 Central

Emmys Fashion Madness: A Designer, A Stylist, A Hair Expert..and a NYC Housewife!
I'm so excited to be joining the TV Guide Network once again and the Fashion Wrap "gang" for the 2010 Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Wrap...For this new season, the show will be hosted by the tall and sexy Lawrence Zarian. Also joining the panel again is stylist-to-the-stars, the UBER stylish Jennifer Rade (see us above filming at Kitson LA).I'm always excited to work with Kim Vo, hair stylist and color DIVA!!!! And this year we will also be joined by none other than... Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (I know! Shut The Front Door!) from Housewives of New York City. This should be a lot of fun, I cannot wait! We film very early tomorrow morning and trust me kids, I'll be Tweeting! (did I just say that??)

Watch tomorrow night on the TV Guide Network, 8/7 Central.

Friday September 10th Los Angeles Celebrates Fashion's Night Out: Nick Verreos Films a PSA and "Unveils" T-Shirt!

City of Angels Fashion's Night Out: Shopping, Fashion Shows and Much More...

Fashion's Night Out L.A. Winning T-shirt Designer, FIDM Graphic Design student Marc Blaskovits, and Nick Verreos

As many of you fashionistas know, last year was the first installment of Fashion's Night Out, a shop-till-you-drop Retail EXTRAVAGANZA created by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. But it was ONLY in NYC. Well, it was a big success and the Fashion's Night Out "bug" caught on and now will be held all over the world and in other major US cities: On Friday, September 10Th, Los Angeles will also have it's very own Fashion's Night Out...

Posing Divas: Marc Blaskovits, Nick Verreos and Cynthia Ruiz

The AMAZING Cynthia Ruiz, City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner and President, is the brain-trust of LA's Fashion's Night Out 2010 and she has been working her fitted sheath dress-wearing-self OVERTIME to make sure L.A. BRINGS IT ON!!

T-Shirt Happy: Nick Verreos and FIDM Graphic Design Student Marc Blaskovits pose with the Fashion's Night Out L.A. T-shirt

The "Home Base" will be at the Beverly Center, and at 5PM, will hold it's Opening Ceremony to all the shopping festivities as well as a fashion show featuring the designs from L.A.'s top designers including myself and my line NIKOLAKI. Over 300 stores will be open late--and shuttles will be able to take you from the Beverly Center to all the nearby shopping meccas like Robertson Blvd., Melrose Avenue and West 3rd Street. A Fashion's Night Out L.A. T-shirt Design Contest was also commissioned and the winning designer was Marc Blaskovits, a Graphic Design Student from FIDM.

T-shirt Couture: Nick Verreos--at his Nikolaki Studio--wearing the winning Fashion's Night Out L.A. t-shirt designed by FIDM student Marc Blaskovits

Last week, Cynthia asked me to film a Public Service Announcement for Fashion's Night Out City of LA, and of course I said SI! We filmed it at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (which was perfect since the Winning T-shirt designer is from FIDM-and I'm also an Instructor there). After the filming, I procured an EXCLUSIVE Interview with Marc on what inspired his winning design. I'll put up the PSA I filmed when it's done and edited but for now...

Click BELOW for my Exclusive Interview with the Winner of the Fashion's Night Out LA T-shirt Design Contest:


*The T-shirt is FOR SALE at the FIDM Store at the FIDM Campus, 919 South Grand Avenue, L.A. 90015

*For more on Fashion's Night Out L.A. Events, click HERE

Nick Verreos Hosts Kmart Back To School Fashion Show at Kmart Burbank!

Kmart Fashion School Principal Nick

Fashion Grade: Nick Verreos poses with the Kmart Burbank Back To School Runway Show models

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be asked by Kmart to style--and host--Kmart's 2010 Back To School Fashion Show!!! I have worked with Kmart before, as a Spokesperson and even did a Spanish-language mini-commercial for their famed Layaway Program last Christmas! This time, they contacted me, asking me to style a Back To School Fashion Show they were doing in Southern California. Kmart was going to have ONLY TWO Back To School fashion shows of this kind: One in Chicago, and one in the LA area (that's where I came in!)

No Really, Strike A Pose: Host Nick Verreos tries to make an audience member be "America's Next Top Male Model", Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

The day before the show, I brought in the styling expertise of my Nikolaki co-designer David Paul (he's worked for YEARS as a wardrobe stylist and costume designer doing too-many-to-mention infomercials as well as FAB TV shows). We spent hours and hours shopping at the Burbank Kmart--the location of the show. We had to put together two looks for six young models pulling from brands like Selena Gomez' Dream Out Loud line, as well as Route 66, Rebecca Bonbon and many others.

Who Wants To Be A Model and Have A Makeover: Nick Verreos chooses an audience participant, Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

There was also a "styling twist": The day of the show I was going to pick ONE young audience member who would actually get to model in the show. In other words, we had to also style different looks for this unknown audience model. And you'd never guess that all the complete looks we eventually chose were under $75!!!

Work It: Kristen opens the show wearing a hoodie and skirt from Route 66, Rebecca Bonbon t-shirt, Basic Editions leggings and studded sneakers from Wonder Kids

The show was a HUGE success (the store was packed!). Kmart Burbank was set up like a full-on professional fashion show: Runway stage, background, and even "VIP" seats! Each seat had a Kmart "Goodie Bag", which was a HUGE backpack filled with candy and snacks! (the kids loved that!).
I began the show doing my "Nick Runway Walk" (of course!). Afterward, I gave out SEVERAL $100 Kmart Gift Cards to ticket-holding audience members, so they could do some Back-to-School shopping! I needed someone to hold the basket of tickets so my "Vanna White" was: Yes, the Kmart BLUE LIGHT...as in "Blue Light Special"! The Kmart Back To School 2010 Fashion Show went smoothly: The young (professional) models-- as well as the very surprised girl I picked from the audience--did AMAZING!!! There were several Trends for Fall 2010 Back To School: Bohemian Chic, Color, Rocker/Concert Fun, Embellished Details and Skateboard Chic.

Here are some photo examples from the show: Alexis wears a plaid tunic/top, skirt and Hobo bag from Selena Gomez Dream Out Loud line, Bongo leggings and Route 66 boots

Jayden gets a "A" in his Back To School" Runway Look wearing a hoodie, skinny jeans and sneakers from NSS

Jadah wears a pink beret from Trend Zone, jeggings (hot for Back To School!) and a t-shirt and purse from Rebecca Bonbon

Confetti Finale: Nick Verreos and all the models take their bow, Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

The show ended with a power Confetti Blast (see above), as my young models did their final Runway DIVA poses (which I told them to do of course!): Gotta get that final pose in before you walk off! All in all, it was great fun. What's better than a Back To School fashion show, winning a $100 Kmart Gift Card, fashion with value (hello, it's KMART!!), shopping, AND a big ol' Goodie bag? Nothing! See you in school: Watch out, I might be coming to a school near you and seeing if you make my "Nick Verreos Fashion Grade"!

Below are a few videos from the show: