Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!

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...

San Francisco FIDM Open House 2010: Nick Verreos makes an Appearance!

San Francisco FIDM Lovin'

Turquoise in SF: Nick Verreos poses with FIDM SF Open House attendees

This last weekend, I had the pleasure of flying to San Francisco to make another one of my "Special Appearances" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's San Francisco Campus. It was "Open House" time there, when anyone (high school students or post grads) interested in pursuing a career in fashion design , graphic design apparel manufacturing or any of FIDM's other 20 majors, can come, visit the school, meet advisers as well as former Alumn, such as myself to give them advice and inspiration.

SF Buddies: Nick Verreos, Didi Simon, Carlo Parenti

I just can't get enough of SF! It seems like I am there every other weekend--whether it's hosting a Macy's Special Event, or for FIDM. After arriving and checking in to my Hotel Monaco San Francisco room, I met up with my San Francisco buddies, Didi Simon, Carlo Parenti and Jason Fioresi for dinner at Lime Restaurant. We had an amazing dinner full of delicious food, dishing the dirt and fashionista talking!

Ready. Set. WORK! Nick Verreos poses with Storm Miguel Florez, Annalise Ophelian, Nat Josef and Sarah Deragon, Lime Restaurant San Francisco

At Lime, I met an entire table of Project Runway fans (above photo)--OK, they were fans of Nick (did I just type in Third Person?). Of course we took lots of photos!

Nick Verreos and Trudy Noren--in Verrieres & Sako white jacket (FIDM SF Alumni!)

The following day was the FIDM San Francisco Open House and I was ready! The ever-so-fabulous Trudy Noren, the FIDM San Francisco Events DIVA, met me as I reached the 5Th Floor to give my "This is how I got started in Fashion" hour-long lecture.

The place was PACKED (standing room for those late-comers kiddies!) and I think EVERYONE really enjoyed my lecture, visit and well, just being there!

SF Open House Meet-and-Greet: Nick Verreos and FIDM Open House attendees

Afterward, I spent over an hour signing and posing with all the attendees--high school students, post-graduates, as well as Mom's and Dad's (yeah, they LIKE me too!).

For some reason, there were SEVERAL Levi's employees in the FIDM SF Open House and they all were LOVING my Levi's Super Skinny 510's! And wanted photos of them! (see above) I had a blast at the San Francisco FIDM Open House and cannot wait to return. There were SO MANY attendees who told me how much my story was so similar to theirs and how inspired they were. I was truly moved. Seriously! Clutching my Pearls moment!

Beard Boys: Sui Generis Owners Gabriel and Miguel, with Nick Verreos, Sui Generis Consignment Store, San Francisco

I had to catch my early evening flight back to Los Angeles but of course, I wanted to get some shopping in before leaving: So I had my friend Didi take me to my favorite San Francisco boutique, Sui Generis, a Menswear "Haute Vintage" Consignment store. And yes, darlings, I found some deals--in fifteen minutes!!! A couple of Etro and Pucci scarves and a Martin Margiela jacket later, I was dropped off at SFO ready to make my flight back to LA-LA Land.

Bye San Francisco and see you soon FIDM SF!!

Nick Verreos Gives FASHION at FIDM's 3 Days of Fashion for FIDM San Diego and FIDM San Francisco!!!

FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion Wrap Up!Nick Tattoo: Nick Verreos draws an original fashion sketch on San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendee's arm!!

These last two weeks of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (the college I teach at) school calendar "Summer Break" were busy for me: No rest for the wicked as they say. I traveled to several FIDM Campuses making special appearances for the FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion, a great summer program for high school students who are interested in fashion and possibly attending FIDM post-high school. I already visited the OC and Los Angeles campuses so next up was San Diego and San Francisco.

FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion (in LA):Jumbo-tron Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM LA Campus for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion

For the 2010 3 Days of Fashion San Diego, they came up to LA, instead of me coming down to them (it cut down on my travel!). About 200 students--and some parents-- showed up for my "Nick It's A Wrap!" seminar on their last day. Nikolaki Trophy Girl: Model Lauren Gish in Nikolaki sea-foam sequin bias-cut one-shoulder gown

I also brought one of my favorite models, the lovely Lauren Gish, who just happened to be THE Trophy Model for last year's Academy Awards after winning the Oscar.com Behind The Dress competition, which I hosted. She modeled some of my Nikolaki dresses and gowns for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendees. Form a Line: Students await photos and autographs with Nick Verreos

I had a great time being both the "special guest" and host (yes, I was on "double-duty"!). After my "How I Got Started In Fashion" story, I introduced my gowns to the kids. All I could see was a sea of camera phones going off! Point Loma Love: Nick Verreos and Model Lauren Gish (in Byzantium-colored zibeline NIKOLAKI cocktail dress) with students from Point Loma High School

And of course, all this was followed by autograph and photo ops (those Facebook photos better make me look cute!). I signed A LOT of bags, sweatshirts and even someone's arm. When I asked two beautiful young girls what High School they attended, they said Point Loma High School. This just happens to be my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul's alma mater! Needless to say, David yelled a little "Yeaaayyyy!!!".

Next Up, San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion: Last week, I was extra excited to return to San Francisco (I had just been up there the previous week to host my Macy's event and to ride in the SF Pride Parade!). The Hotel Monaco SF must think I LIVE there since I stay there so often! Can I Put this in the Overhead Bins: Nick Verreos enters FIDM SF Campus, Nikolaki gowns in tow

After checking in, I made my way to the FIDM San Francisco location, right in the heart of Union Square. I brought my garment bag of Nikolaki Couture all the way from LA (it's just a 55 minute flight!) to have a mini Nick Verreos Fashion Show to cap that city's 3 Days of Fashion.
But first: The FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Design-A-T-shirt Contest:FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion T-shirt Design Entries lining up for the fashion show

Last year, there were 8 entries but this year, the number of entries shot up to 41(!). On hand to help me judge the contest was the lovely Julia A. Hill, an FIDM SF Grad AND the Executive Assistant to "What Not To Wear's" Clinton Kelly (I know, shut the front door!).Sitting Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Clinton Kelly's Executive Assistant, Julia A. Hill, a FIDM SF Grad

She lives and works in NY but flew out just to be at the FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion and be a Guest Speaker and really, my new best friend.
There were some very creative entries this year, ranging from a hand-painted and beaded neckline-trimmed, belted dress (one of our Top 3)...
To this "deconstructed" design which was one of our favorites as well for it's directional aesthetic. Very Martin Margiela-esque. After naming the winners, it was time for me to show my Nikolaki gowns and dresses on the gorgeous San Francisco-based model, Rachael Sitz , seen above modeling a magenta duchesse silk satin cocktail dress.She did a fabulous job and fit into my dresses perfectly (no fittings kiddies, she's a perfect runway size!). Above, she is showing the front of my Nikolaki gold lurex and silk bias-cut one-shoulder cascade ruffle gown...
And here she is showing the back. I think all the high school kids present--approximately 200 of them--enjoyed seeing my gowns (I hope so!). We ended my appearance at FIDM SF with giving away some great FIDM bags, one of which included a special "surprise" (besides my fashion illustration and autograph!): A stylin' new Flip Camera. Here I am picking the winner and my trusty "helper", the ever-so-chic Trudy Noren, SF FIDM Director of Special Events and College Rep. I just LOVE her Piazza Sempione multi-colored shift dress (you KNOW I asked her to "drop" the label!). I can't wait to return to San Francisco and do it all over again and see what great t-shirts the kids will design, as well as what new fabulous shift dress Trudy will have on!