Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party": The Recap!

A FAB Fabric Sale, Lots of Signed Fashion Illustrations, Free Prizes, "Project Runway" Dishing and More...

La Familia: Nick Verreos with FIDM Scholarship Store attendees, my "Twitter" Bestie Victor Padilla (holding his Season 2 Project Runway DVD!) and his mommy, the fabulously chic Olga, FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric, Draping & Sketching Party"

FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A. FIDM Campus

Last Thursday I had the privilege of hosting a fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store (voted the "Best Boutique/Store in L.A." by the readers of Downtown News BTW!). The reason for the little daytime bash was the fact that EVERY fabric in the store was priced at only $2/yard (it's ALWAYS on sale at the FIDM Scholarship Store!).

Sketching Table: Nick Verreos getting ready to sketch fashion illustrations for the shoppers

Also, besides the fact that I was hosting this event, I was there to assist shoppers on what fabrics to get, give you ideas for fashion design, and to of course, sign original fashion illustrations that I did right then and there!

In addition, we had two FIDM Graduates from the Advanced Fashion Design Program--Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez, presenting the "Art of Draping": each created a one-of-a-kind gown as guests watched (!) using fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store. Angela, who was one of my students several years ago (very proud of her!) draped a beautiful one-shoulder flowing gown with original strapping using blue satin fabric, as seen above...

And Paul (above)--shy little Paul (Not!), went "Miss Venezuela Fabulosa!" creating a plunging neckline gown featuring a hand-pleated top section and OVERSIZED gathered side "Puff's". In case you want to know how those stood up: "dotted" pattern paper! He used "Barbie Pink" poly satin--again from the FIDM Scholarship Store, of course.

Also for this "Fabric Party" was Mark Griffin, a FIDM Interior Design graduate, and one of the talented FIDM interior design students featured in the HGTV series "Design School" . He was there showing how to use fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store for home decorating ideas--such as covering lamp shades, photo frames, and table coverings.

Dishing: Nick Verreos plays host and "Project Runway Gossip Queen" to shoppers at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

The event was a big success! It was a delight to see so many people in the store shopping and getting fabric! There were lots of "Project Runway" fans which was great! The Finale was that night so I gave them a little "insight" on what to expect possibly (since I had attended the NY Fashion Week project Runway Finale show).

We Want Fabric...and a Nick Fashion Illustration: FIDM students pose at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

A special treat was meeting one of my "Twitter Besties", Victor Padilla and his lovely mom, Olga. He brought his Season 2 Project Runway DVD which his mommie had just bought for him (love her!), so naturally they both got a special "Nick Hug" , fashion illustration and signed photo! (see photo at the top of this post).

What's In The Bag: Nick Verreos and one of the "FIDM Scholarship Store Fabric Party" prize winners

We even gave out prizes--LOTS of them--to the shoppers, guests and attendees! Everyone put their name in a box and then throughout the party, I reached in and chose a winner. They got some FAB prizes (yes, I'm jealous!).

I can't wait until we have another fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store. Thank you to EVERYONE who came out and especially to all the amazing FIDM Scholarship Store staff--LOVE YA!

Nick Verreos Hosts a "Designer Fabric Party" & Fashion Draping Event at FIDM Scholarship Store THIS THURSDAY Oct 27th

A Fabric Party!

A Designer Fabric Party! I am so excited to announce that I will be the "Master of Ceremonies"---OK, I'll be Hosting--this fun "Fashion Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store this Thursday, October 27th--from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Nick Verreos Hosts "A Designer Fabric Party!" at FIDM Scholarship Store", this Thursday 11am-2pm

In case you didn't know, besides LOTS of Designer-brand clothing at steep discounts, store mannequins, dress forms, jewelry, and even magazines, the FIDM Scholarship Store sells fabrics, bolts and bolts of it! And at really, REALLY good prices. Like $2/yard good! As part of this "Designer Fabric Party", we will be presenting creative fabric ideas for Fashion, Holiday Parties, Home Decor, and much much more!

Along with yours truly, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design "Debut" Graduates Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez will be on hand, showing many different ways of draping the fabric to the body forms to create dresses, gowns, bustiers, you name it! I'll also be draping and sketching and offering my "Nick" fashion consultations--just for YOU. And of course, I might be giving you some "INSIDE DISH" on the Finale of Project Runway and yes, signing autographs and taking Facebook Pics!!

Oh, and did I mention that ALL the proceeds from the purchases made from the FIDM Scholarship Store go to create scholarships for FIDM students!! Yep! So, come Thursday and BUY some FABULOUS FABRIC!

FIDM Scholarship Store

Here are the Details:

*WHAT: A "Fashion Fabric Party!" hosted by Nick Verreos

*WHEN: Thursday October 27, 2011 11:00 am-2:00pm

*WHERE: FIDM Scholarship Store, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90015-1421 Phone: 213-642-1200--ask for the "Scholarship Store".

*RSVP: None! Just come!!!

Style Week Orange County 2011 Runway Glam Slam, Cadillac Contemporary Design Contest and More: The Recap!

Surf and Sport Fashionistas, Fall 2011 Irvine Spectrum Fab and Cadillac DIVAS...

Smiling Host: Nick Verreos MC's "Runway Glam Slam" Style Week Orange County 2011 Finale, Irvine Spectrum Center

This past Friday evening, I hosted the Finale of Style Week Orange County 2011 at the Irvine Spectrum Center in yes, the city of Irvine. It was the fourth annual Style Week OC and my third time being part of this Southern California fashion event. Last year, as you also may know, my NIKOLAKI design partner and I showed our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection there and it was FABULOUS!

The night was entitled "Runway Glam Slam" and it featured THREE runway fashion shows including the OC Surf Sport Showcase, The Spectrum Collection featuring Fall 2011 Trends from the top Irvine Spectrum stores, and finally, the 2nd Annual Cadillac: Contemporary Design Competition. So let's Recap:

Runway Glam Slam was set to begin at 7pm and all the hundreds of seats were set out with FAB Style Week OC 2011 Goodie Bags (above) --in a sectioned-off area at the foot of the AMAZING Irvine Spectrum "Giant Wheel". First up was the OC Surf Sport Showcase, presenting all the surf-and-active wear fashion that put Orange County on the "International Fashion Map". Models strutted the latest from brands and stores like Vans, Macy's, Target, Old Navy, SALVATION, Tilly's, among others:

Board Short-and-Sexy: Model in Oakley t-shirt, hoodie, shorts and flip flops, "OC Surf and Sport Showcase", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Printed Lovely: Model in a look from Salvation, "OC Surf and Sport Showcase", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Next up was "The Spectrum Collection":
This section of the runway shows focused on the latest Fall 2011 styles and trends from the top Irvine Spectrum Center stores. The fashions ranged from high-end denim, sweater layering, glittery cocktail dresses and some Retro-inspired ensembles from stores like Lucky, Max Studio, Macy's, Kaitlyn, Buckle, Windsor, Forever 21 and Nordstrom.

Aspen Calling: Models in Lucky Brands looks, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Sequined Night: A sequined black one shoulder top and black mini ensemble from Windsor, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Going Campin': A cardigan sweater, plaid shirt, jeans and boot look from Forever 21, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Retro Glamour: A lace skirt, faux fur jacket, gloves, hat and black pumps look from Nordstrom, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Miss Nick America: Nick Verreos waves as he is crowned by "Ms. Amercia 2011" Tracy Broughton, Style Week OC 2011

Then it was the much-anticipated Cadillac: Contemporary Design Runway Show and Competition. But first, I noticed a crowned beauty in the audience--front row, of course. It happened to be the reigning Ms. America 2011 (not to be confused with Miss America), Tracy Broughton. After announcing her presence to the Style Week OC audience, she even let me put on her $35,000 diamond-and-ruby crown!!!

Strike a Pose: Nick Verreos hosts "Cadillac: Contemporary Design" Runway Competition, Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Four graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM designed, created and showed their runway interpretations of Cadillac luxury vehicles using actual CAR PARTS! The designs were to be directional and CONTEMPORARY, as the Contest Title suggested. In other words--no "KRAZEE Is-That-a-TWENTY-Foot-Train? Couture" here darlings. The designs would be judged by Gary White of Tustin Cadillac and his stunning and very stylish wife Carol White, Leijla Hasanagic, Irvine Spectrum Center Nordstrom General Manager, and yours truly...yes, ME!!! The prizes: $500 for the Cadillac Facebook Page Fan Favorite and $2,000 for the First Place Winner. Both prizes coming from Tustin Cadillac (LOVE THEM!)

The Cadillac Designs:

Airi Isoda: Airi's outfit consisted of a cropped jacket and a skort (skirt with shorts underneath). It was elegant and chic and inspired by the Cadillac SRX. The jacket had sleeve embellishments that were actual car brake lights and the shoes: yep, those are seat belts.

Alexandra Paulus: Inspired by the Cadillac CTS V Coupe, Alexandra's "Hot Girl On a Night Out" look included silver skinny pants, a very NOW black shoulder-padded jacket, iridescent organza gold-colored shirt and black bustier. The belt buckle had the iconic Cadillac emblem and she also used industrial material for the clutch and those jacket shoulder details.

Ethan Bartlett: His design--which was inspired by the Cadillac CTSV Sedan--was sporty and sexy to say the least. Ethan made a loose tank and then printed the Cadillac logo on it. He added a teeny-tiny menswear-inspired vest and a sexy silver mini. In case you're wondering, the skirt: completely made out of Cadillac Car Seat Belts. Herve Leger by Max Azria better watch out! Or at the very least, hire him!

Kristine Flanigan: Last but not least, Kristine designed an ensemble which was inspired by the Cadillac Hybrid Escalade. It consisted of a t-shirt with the Cadillac emblem/flag colors (which she engineered into the top via multiple pattern pieces), a mesh-and-rubber bolero jacket with metal "piping/binding", and the BEST fitting pants I have seen in a LONG TIME! The waistband and pocket flaps were made from car material and the necklace used the Cadillac Escalade HYBRID emblem.

The Winners Were (Drum Roll!):

Big Check Winners: Nick Verreos with Cadillac: Contemporary Design Contest Winners, Ethan Bartlett (left) and Kristine Flanigan (right), Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Ethan Bartlett (left) took the "Cadillac Facebook Page Fan Favorite" prize of a $500 Check from Tustin Cadillac with his seat belt mini-and-Cadillac printed tank look and the First Place Winner of $2,000 (The judges' No. 1) was Kristine Flanigan (right) and her black pant, Cadillac T-shirt and cropped mesh-and-rubber jacket ensemble. Both were ECSTATIC for winning...and VERY SURPRISED! I was very happy--not only as a Judge, but as an Alumnus of FIDM. So PROUD of them; as they say (OK, as I say): They DONE DID well! It made for the perfect ending to another fashionable and very successful Style Week Orange County!

Nick Verreos Hosts Style Week OC 2011--Opening Night Rack Rave Party at the Irvine Spectrum: The Recap!!!

Style Week OC 2011 Opening Night Party: Fashion, Candy, Prizes, and a BLOG CRUSH!

On The OC Big Screen: Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave Opening Night Party, Irvine Spectrum Center

This past Friday night I had the honor of hosting the Opening Night of the Fourth Annual Style Week Orange County at the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California. Last year, as you may know, I showed my NIKOLAKI Collection--along with my design partner David Paul--and it was a HUGE success, so I was happy to return. Style Week OC 2011 is going on all THIS WEEK with TEN can't-miss events including 3 Spectrum Runway Presentations, 5 Fashion Island fashion shows--including collection showings and appearances by designers David Meister and Rachel Roy as well as many, many other events. This past Friday night was the Opening Night Rack Rave Party which yours truly, was hosting.

Color Happy: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum (Photo Courtesy of "Blog Crush")

After a rather traffic-free drive from Los Angeles to the OC (we were lucky!)---David and I checked in to the FABULOUS Pelican Hill Resort--my "home away from home"---while I hosted Friday night's festivities.

Welcome Yummy: The Welcome Spread, Pelican Hill Resort Newport Coast

The Pelican Hill is UNBELIEVABLE! I knew it was going to be a good night when we walked into our Bungalow and found a delicious "Spread" of Chanti, bread, cheeses, and meats--as well as a lovely "Welcome to the Pelican Hill Resort" note form Managing Director Giuseppe Lama.

After a brief lunch poolside at the Coliseum Pool & Grill, overlooking the breathtaking 136 feet circular Coliseum Pool (above photo) it was time to head back to our Bungalow, so I could get ready!

The OC weather was just PERFECT for tonight's kick off Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave outdoors bash at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The scene had a Fashion Carnival ambiance with a fab stage, DJ Mike Bless spinning the tunes, and a sectioned off area for all guests to enjoy the party with the stunning lit-up Irvine Spectrum "Giant Wheel" overseeing everything.

The "Rack Rave" party included nine great Irvine Spectrum Center retailers: Macy's, Nordstrom, Target, Salvation, H&M, Max Studio, Forever 21, Kaitlyn and Active Ride Shop and Fuzziwigs Candy Factory. Each retailer had a tent/table where they featured clothing, accessories as well as fun games and prizes, Make-Up and Brow sessions, sandal "be-dazzling" and even some "Goodie Bags". Gorgeous models, representing each Rack Rave retailer came on stage , then took their position at each tent, showing the latest for Fall 2011:

Models showing the latest from Irvine Spectrum Center Retailers including: Macy's, Max Studio, H&M...

Salvation, Target, Nordstrom...

Forever 21, Kaitlyn, Active Ride Shop

A BIG HIT with the overflowing Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave crowd were the Fuzziwigs Candy Factory tables, set up front-and-center. Once the organizers pulled the ropes to allow guests into the Rack Rave area...EVERYONE ran to it as if Halloween was TOMORROW! Moms, dads, and kids of course. There seemed to be HUNDREDS of people lined up to get their candy!!

A BIG highlight for everyone attending was when I announced the Target Winners--I was jealous in that I think someone got themselves some Missoni for Target--and some cute stuffed Target Dogs (so cute!!) I even autographed one--I'm sure it's on Ebay right now!

Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave--The Blog Crush VIP section

But a BIG highlight for me--was meeting all the "Blog Crush" OC Bloggers who were in attendance in a roped-off VIP section of the party. After doing my MC duties and being, the "headmaster" of the Rack Rave fashion carnival (and trying to corral all them Candy-Loving guests!), I headed right to them:

OC Blog Love: Nick Verreos with the Blog Crush Ladies (Photo Courtesy of "Blog Crush")

Bloggers from the Orange County area were invited to cover this Style Week OC 2011 kick off party including Michelle Fryer of LifewithDylan.com and Shel Cosmetics Blog, Heather Bandura of Sixty Minute Housewife, Lydia Poblano of The Vintage Mama , Marcy Taylor of Suburban Mama, Sonia Marsh of Gutsy Living/SoniaMarsh.com, Marcy Massura of marcymassura.com and The Glamorous Life, Jennifer Klein of 3 Before 30, Lynzee Moore of mooremischief.com, Suzanne Broughton of suzannebroughton.com, Jami Rogers of This and That/JamiAllyn.wordpress.com, Amanda Elhaj of Amanda's Favs, Carrie Braun of Get Carried Away, and Lana Waggoner of SheLivedInAShoe.com . It was a major "Nick Love Fest" in that Blog Crush VIP section. Let's just say I was screamin' and sweatin' A LOT and having a blast with all of the ladies!

Afterward, I signed LOTS of autographs and took photos with lots of the Rack Rave attendees. I was SO happy to see so many "Project Runway" fans who came out for this party. I was especially surprised by how many very young fashionistas said that they were especially fans of Me and My Season!!! (I was like, "were you FIVE when it aired??"LOL!). It was a FABULOUS event and in addition, a very successful Kick Off to Style Week OC 2011.

Model Love: Model Lauren Gish (one of my NIKOLAKI website Divas!) and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

OC Style: Nick Verreos with two very styling OC Fashionistas, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

NIKOLAKI Duo: David Paul and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2011 Rack Rave, Irvine Spectrum Center

And Don't Forget: I'll be back to the OC NEXT Friday--when I host Close out the week with Runway Glam Slam featuring the Cadillac: Contemporary Design Fashion Show and LOTS, lots more. I can't wait!

Miss Universe 2011 Official Viewing Party: True Beauty Rocks The Universe In Hollywood

Fiesta de Miss UNIVERSOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Designer and Muse: Nick Verreos and former Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee (wearing NIKOLAKI), True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

Last night was the Finale of Miss Universe 2011. Of course, the actual pageant was in São Paulo, Brazil. Needless to say, I wasn't invited to go and therefore, did not. However, there was a BETTER Party I was invited to: The "True Beauty Rocks The Universe in Hollywood Official Miss Universe 2011 Viewing Party at the W Hollywood Hotel. It was sponsored by the Miss Universe Organization, The Atwell Group, True Beauty Special Events, LCH/La Casa Hermosa, and Telemundo.

A Suited Threesome: Actor/Comedian (and friend!) Alec Mapa, Nick Verreos and David Paul, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood Miss Universe 2011 Viewing Party W Hollywood Hotel

My good friend Brook Lee--who happens to be a former Miss Universe (and the last Miss USA to win that title!)--invited both my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul and myself to this festive BASH! And naturally, I couldn't say "No"! A) I LOVE Beauty Pageants; B) I Love Miss Universes and C) I Love Parties!! Once we arrived, the party was in full swing on the street-level "courtyard" of the very happening W Hollywood Hotel. The place was PACKED with many, many gorgeous ladies wearing sashes (lots of Miss California USA contestants) and many well-dressed men following them!!

LOVE HER: Nick Verreos, Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006 and her cutie boyfriend, Brandon Belsky from their band Jamestown Avenue, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

A HUGE screen floated from one of the walls as Telemundo Network projected the Miss Universe "Pre-Show" that had begun at 8PM "Camino a la Corona", which highlights all the Latin American contestants in the Miss Universe Pageant. Hors d'oeuvres were passed around (I saw them but never got to try any--and I surely did not see any of those girls with sashes attempt to even reach for those plates!). There was a fully-stocked Open Bar as well. In addition to viewing the Telecast (it was like one of those "Oscar Viewing Parties", but with more gorgeous women around), this was also a Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Miss Universe. As a result there were some "Special Guests" in attendance.

Universal Announcer: Nick Verreos announcing the past Miss Universe Titleholders--flanked by (L to R) Chelsi Smith Miss Universe 1995, Brook Lee (in NIKOLAKI gown) Miss Universe 1997, Justine Pasek Miss Universe 2002, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

As the time got closer and closer to the start of the Live Telecast at 9PM, I was asked to announce who these Special Guests were: TEN Former Miss Universe Titleholders, who were invited to Hollywood for this unprecedented celebration!

Look at My Face: Nick Verreos, as he greets Miss Universe 1964 from Greece (my father's parents' homeland!) Corinna Fields, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

I introduced la bellisima Justine Pasek, Miss Universe 2002 from Panama, my "Hawaiian Sister" Brook Lee Miss Universe 1997 (USA), the vivacious Chelsi (Those incredible legs!!) Smith Miss Universe 1995 (USA), the elegant Michelle McLean Miss Universe 1992 (Namibia), Mona (Face of a Supermodel) Grudt Miss Universe 1990 (Norway), the statuesque Margaret Gardiner Miss Universe 1978 (South Africa), the beautiful Janelle Commissiong Miss Universe 1977 (Trinidad and Tobago), the elegant Sylvia Hitchcock Miss Universe 1967 (USA), my "Greek sister" Corinna Fields, née Tsopei Miss Universe 1964 (Greece)...

And the MOST Special Guest, the FIRST EVER Miss Universe, Armi Kuusela, who was Miss Universe 1952, seen above being handed a special presentation by a Miss Universe Organization representative.

Las Misses: Nick Verreos with all the past Miss Universe Titleholders, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

Colors of The Universe: (L to R) Justine Pasek Miss Universe 2002 (Panama), Janelle Commissiong Miss Universe 1977 (Trinidad and Tobago), Nick Verreos, Margaret Gardiner Miss Universe 1978 (South Africa), and Mona Grudt Miss Universe 1990 (Norway), True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

Pageant Squeeze: Shanna Moakler and Nick Verreos, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

My Girl: Actress ("Unstoppable") and former Miss California USA 2007 (she wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns to the Miss USA 2007 Pageant!!), and Nick Verreos, True Beauty Rocks the Universe in Hollywood W Hollywood Hotel

I can't even begin to tell you what an honor it was to have introduced them at this amazing event! I felt like I was a little boy, back in Caracas Venezuela watching the Miss Universe Pageant and being all excited to see all the gorgeous girls in their gorgeous dresses! I had such a blast at the party that I almost forgot that there was a Pageant to watch on the big ol' screen!!!!