Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Guest Appearance at FIDM Orange County!!!

Nick Goes to The OC--and brings Benny!

My Doggy Muse: Nick Verreos and Benny, and the FIDM OC 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" meet-and-greet crowd

Last week, I finished my "2011 3 Days of Fashion" Appearances and Fashion Shows at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Orange County, in Irvine California. Being that this was the final one of my "3 Days of Fashion" 2011 events--I had to bring my doggy Benny!

I Heart Benny: Nick Verreos and Benny, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

He is THE official "mascot" for NIKOLAKI!!! And Lord knows, If I had my wish, I would have gotten him in my Virgin Mobile Commercial!!! For. Sure. (He saw it and was mad--and jealous-- of me!)

I really do love the Orange County FIDM Campus (above) because they are always so "chill" yet fashionable and they never give me "shade" for bringing my son--ooops, I mean, my doggie, Benny! And the campus is so Loft-Fabulous to boot!

Posing: Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

I drove down to Irvine with David, and of course, we brought "Benny"! He loves it in the OC (of course he does!). For the "3 Days of Fashion", I was to speak on "How I Got To Where I Got" and how FIDM helped my goal of becoming a famous--and successful fashion designer. I also brought my "Muse":

Mermaid Diva: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black ziberline gown with black-and white brocade attached bustier, FIDM OC "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Beyonce Fan: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Model Amanda Fields, and some of my NIKOLAKI Gowns and dresses, for the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy. She stayed afterward to take photos and sign some of the guest's bags, t-shirts, etc. Love me some Amanda!

Clip Board Collage: My Clip Board at the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion"

After my Lecture and fashion show, I told the audience that of course, In would be around to take photos and sign anything they wanted me to sign. The FIDM OC staff was so AMAZING that they had a clipboard ready (to help me in signing) with a collage of images of me from "Google Images".

OC Barbie: Nick Verreos and a FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion attendee--and her "Nick Verreos MyScene Project Runway Barbie"

I was SOOO EXCITED, when at one pint in my "Meet-and-Greet", a young attendee brought her "Nick Verreos Project Runway Barbie"--the MyScene Barbie that was created and sold exclusively at Toys 'R Us as a result of me winning one of my Season 2 Challenges. I told this young girl that she FOR SURE would make it on my BLOG as a result! And I always keep my promises...

Happy New Year from Benny!!!!!!

Above is a photo of my dog Benny (LOVE!) and he's wishing you and yours and all the readers of my little ol' blog a FABULOUS New Year on behalf of myself, David and NIKOLAKI.

Here's a Benny Toast to a better 2010 for everyone!
xoxoNick Verreos

Campbell's Design Contest and Tim Gunn!

ATTENTION All Up-and-Coming Fashion Designers and Fashion School Students (and anyone else who might be interested):

Campbell's (I LOVE THEIR SOUPS--have them for lunch almost EVERY DAY--and no, they are not paying me to say this!) have partnered with Tim Gunn for a worthwhile cause and a fabulous contest: The Campbell's adDRESS Your Heart Design Contest.

Design a red dress and if you are the winner, you win a trip to NYC and a chance to walk the red carpet of the Women's Day Red Dress Awards, along with Tim Gunn and a model wearing your winning dress! How amazing is that?My Red Dress: The Amanda/Samantha Harris Gown; NIKOLAKI Spring 2009

If I would enter, I would probably re-make my "Amanda/Samantha Harris" strapless red silk Zibeline gown and maybe have David hand bead a gorgeous "C" (for Campbell's, of course) in Swarovski crystals, to accent it! But this contest isn't for me--it's for you guys!Tim, Nick and Benny...wish you Good Luck!

Click HERE for all the details and how to enter the contest and submit your design. Good Luck from Uncle Nicky, David, our dog Benny---oh and Tim Gunn!

FIDM Open House: Nick Verreos goes to Orange County

Tag Me: Nick Verreos poses with the fashion designers of tomorrow at the FIDM OC Open House

This weekend, I took a nice one hour drive--from Los Angeles to lovely Orange County--yes, home of beautiful Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Lauren Conrad (OK, she left "The OC" A LONG TIME AGO!!!), and home of design house St. John as well as TONS of surf and active wear companies. Located in the city of Irvine is the pink-a-licious Clive Wilkinson designed Orange County campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. Woof Woof: Nick Verreos and David Paul pose with Benny--in his crystal-encrusted bag

I brought along David, my NIKOLAKI Co-designer and our beloved dog, Benny. I have made several appearances at this FIDM campus and I always bring Benny--much to the delight of the wonderful OC Campus staff. In fact, every time I get there, everyone literally says "Oh Hi Nick, welcome back....Where's our little Benny!!!!???" When he's around, I am "chopped liver".Magazine Rack Overload: The FIDM Orange County Library Magazine Section

The reason I was in the OC over the weekend was for FIDM Orange County's "Open House", when the campus opens its doors to high school students, their parents, as well as college graduates, interested in an education and having a career in fashion. I situated myself in the school's spacious and loft-like library and "set up Camp Nick", signing autographs, taking photos and giving lots of advice. At one point, I was holding court with an attentive audience of over 25 kids and their parents, as I explained my path to a fashion design career and how FIDM became an integral catalyst to it. Of course, I made a point to remind EVERYONE about the premiere of Season 6 of Project Runway and the fact that FIDM was going to be the new "home" for the show--in terms of where the new designers would be working. Nick Verreos and David Paul--with Benny--pose with Michael Mirabella of FIDM Orange County

It was so much fun meeting everyone, hearing their concerns and questions and hopefully, being there to an answer them. Most left with a big warm "Thank You Nick!" so I hope I helped them just a little bit. I always enjoy coming to FIDM Orange County and visiting my friends here--especially Michael Mirabella, its Director of Admissions and his amazing staff. But I think Benny enjoys it even more since he's always really THE STAR when he visits in his crystal-encrusted doggy purse. I guess I'm not the only one who loves FIDM OC, Benny does too!!!

Holiday Parties '08 Nick Verreos Wrap Up--Part II

Puppies Meet Project Runway, and then some...Benny: Look Over Here! Nikolaki designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with their dog, Benny

Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Party
Earlier this week, after returning from Miami (the SAME DAY!), I was off and running, in terms of my so-called "social calendar" (Thanks David, for keeping that calendar in check!). First, I was invited to the Beverly Hills Mutt Club "Jingle Bones" Party at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Boutique for dogs, right across from the fabulous Peninsula Hotel. Not only was I invited but so was my "son", Benny and his other "Daddy", David. This would be Benny's chance to get his "Holiday Party" on and maybe get the chance for his first "red carpet" moment.Doggie Party: Benny and his "buddies" at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Holiday Party

Even though my studio is in Downtown Los Angeles and the party was in Beverly Hills, we spent ONE HOUR driving in wonderful (I am being sarcastic, of course) Los Angeles traffic! And this was not "rush hour" but 7:30 PM! Almost two miles from our party destination, Benny threw up! Yep, I said it! He was OVER it and we hadn't even walked him on the red carpet!! Thank God we kept a towel in my car, just in case for lovely occurrences like this one. Benny's I-ain't-feeling-well mood did a 180 degree change once he saw all the puppies outside the event. He even behaved enough to pose for cameras on the "step and repeat" wall, as we made our way inside doggy couture "Heaven". Beverly Hills Mutt Club "divas": Celina Bojorquez and her mother Sandy Siegler, pose with Nick Verreos and Benny (featuring his new sweater from Pooch Outfitters)

Once inside, we greeted our host, Beverly Hills Mutt Club owner, the beautiful Celina Bojorquez and met her lovely mother as well as mingled with other dog-owning guests. Benny was having the greatest time smelling other dogs booties (what is that all about?) and enjoying all the other dogs. There were more than 50 people in this tiny boutique and the same amount of dogs. Big Ol' Dog: An Irish Wolfhound

But one specific canine caught my eye. It was an Irish Wolfhound (I later found out) and he was HUGE!!! Benny got under him and there was still about 12" of space left above him. I had never seen a dog that big up close! (I know , I need to get out more--maybe visit one or two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows)Doggie Daddies: Hair Stylist Dean Banowetz, his Irish Wolfhound Max, and Nick Verreos

His owner was the equally fantastic Dean Banowetz, hair stylist to the stars, including Ryan Seacrest and all of the American Idol contestants. He is the man behind Sanjaya's infamous faux-hawk up-do. Even after the one-hour LA traffic and the "sickies" incident, we all had a fun time. Benny even got to walk out with a stylish new cashmere sweater from Pooch Outfitters (see above photo) and his own engraved crystal-studded tag from Poochi Couture Luxury Dog Jewelry.

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique OpeningKortolicious: Designer Korto Momulu and Nick Verreos, Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening

On the same night as the "Puppy Party", I was also invited to the grand opening of a new Los Angeles clothing store, the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique. The problem was that I still had Benny and was not about to drive back home---an hour away in LA traffic--drop him off and then attend the boutique opening. So I just brought him along! Stylista: Nick Verreos poses with guests at Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening (she's wearing Jerell Scott's design)

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique is a new store carrying up-and-coming designers from LA and elsewhere, including the designs of several Project Runway designers such as Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, and finalists Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott as well. Once we arrived, the opening was in full gear, with guests spilling onto the sidewalk of the store---which is located adjacent to the Beverly Center Mall, on 3rd Street. Inside, it was like a small Project Runway Reunion. Miss Kit Pistol, from Season 4, was there, looking chic as always. I also said "Happy Holidays" to Jerell and Miss Korto, who was wearing one of her own designs, a stretch jersey bandeau dress which hugged EVERY INCH of her curvaceous body. She pointed out that the same dress was being sold at the store of course.
Winning Design: The pink dress at the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique reminded me of this one from Leanne's Final Collection

I spent a little bit of time looking at all the clothing Jane Doe/John Doe carried, but really wanted to see what Leanne Marshall, the Winner of Season 5, had designed to sell at the boutique (she was not at the party unfortunately). Right near the front, was her "section" of three or four pieces that she made for the store. My favorite was a mini bubble gum pink silk organza strapless cocktail dress which reminded me of the cream and baby blue two-piece ensemble from her final Bryant park Collection. It was priced at $2,000 which seemed a little high for a store that carries dresses in the $150-$500 Contemporary range, but it was still very pretty.Rising Talent: Nick Verreos with designer Alice Schoenau, whose line is carried at Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique

I was also intrigued by the designs of young Alice Schoenau. Hers were hanging next to Leanne's and I was especially drawn to a beautiful hammered/washed silk multi-tiered halter gown. Her line was pretty, directional yet still had that "wearable" hanger-appeal. I asked her how she ended up at the boutique and she told me that she literally answered an ad requesting for young emerging designers to be showcased at a new store...Simple as that! Next thing she knew, her mini-line was at Jane Doe/John Doe.
After spending about 30 minutes at the boutique opening, I almost forgot that Benny was with me (David was carrying him around!). He was having a grand ol' time with all the fashionistas, but it was almost 11 PM and it was time to go. Not to mention the fact that someone needed his walk and to go tinkle. Time to go kids...See you at the next Holiday Party!

Nick Verreos does Emmys SWAG well !!!!

Nick Verreos Emmys Gifting Suite Recap: In Search of a Shirt and Tie....
Ready For Some Gifting: Nick Verreos prepares to get "ExfoliKated", at Kate Somerville's White Room" Emmys Gifting Suite
Nick's Emmys Gifting Suites Recap:

This year, I was covering the Emmy"s for SOAPnet as well as doing post Emmys Red Carpet Wrap Up for TV Guide Channel, and I got invited to several of these suites.
It's a world not so many people get to partake--and frankly before Project Runway, I had no idea of what these "suites" were all about--Celebrities (the term is used very loosely in my case) get invitations--either on their own or through their publicists/managers--attend, take a photo with product, and if they are lucky, get something in return. It's a way for these companies to get publicity and build up their "PR book"--or have these celebs wear or use their products and be seen with them---like in UsWeekly, InTouch, or People. Here is my recap of my Emmys Gifting Suite experience...
Nick Verreos and Kate Somerville at her epomynous LUXURIOUS Spa on Melrose Place
Kate Somerville:
Because of my crazy schedule--and the fact that I am smack dab in the middle of making a collection--I singled out the Friday before the Emmys as the day I could visit the Gifting Suites. I was invited to Kate Somerville's Spa on Melrose Place, near the Marc Jacobs Collection Stores, as well as Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta. Here's the deal, last year, at this same event, I received a product called Kate In A Jar (now re-named ExfoliKate)and after bringing it home, used it, and instantly DRANK the Kate Somervillle "Kool Aid". It was AMAZING!!!My partner David and I were fighting for it! We even bought some more online!!! My reason for returning to Kate Somerville was to tell them how that one product really changed my skincare life!!! ( I am sounding like a darn infomercial!!!) and of course, to see if I could get some more!!
Inspecting the Seams: Nick Verreos samples a silk chiffon leopard-print gown from La Perla by Alessandro Dell'Aqua's

The Kate Somerville "White Room" , as it was called this year, was visited by actors Kerry Washington, Felicity Huffman, Will McCormack, Debra Messing, and my secret crush, from Pushing Daisies, actor Lee Pace. When I was there I recognized actress Perrey Reeves, who plays "Mrs. Ari Gold" on HBO's Entourage. Once at the Spa, I sampled a brand new skin care brush called Clarisonic, developed by the same person who created Sonicare toothbrushes and visited the La Perla room which had gorgeous to-die-for Alessandro Dell'Aqua designed leopard print silk chiffon red carpet gowns and silk cocktail dresses (see above).
I filmed some footage for the Spa, spoke to the skin care DIVA herself--and received some more of my favorite Kate Somerville products. One of these days, I promised them, I will come in to get the full-on Kate Somerville Spa treatment. For now, I will have to just fight David for her products!Oprah and the Gays: Oprah greets my friend, Ross Matthews, the fabulous "Tonight Show Intern" at Emmys Gifting Suite---yes, even Oprah Does Giftin'!!!

Platinum Publicity Melanie Segal's Emmy Gifting Suite
My next stop was Platinum Publicity's Emmys 2008 Gifting Suite on Queen's Road, near Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. My goal now was to see if I could find a dress shirt or tie I could wear for my Emmys Red Carpet moment with SOAPnet. And if I found one and wore it, I would give them a "plug". Once there, I saw the Perry Ellis room and ran like a little girl at the Barbie section at Toys 'R Us! Unfortunately, no ties or shirts, but they gave me a fabulous apple green "Man Bag" that I LOVED!!!! Realizing that there were no hopes of finding a tuxedo shirt-and-tie here, I then walked right to Make Up by Mandy, for some eyebrow fixin' and waxing (at least my eyebrows would look good on camera!). Lord knows my half Greek eyebrows needed it!!! I also picked up some beautiful towels from Distant Imported Home Decor. They are in Los Feliz/Silverlake and are owned by a half Colombian/half Turkish couple (sounds like Mom and Dad!!!) so you know I was all about their products. They said that they were towels, HOWEVER, they were so gorgeous, I am going to use them as scarves!!!! Nice Fit: Proportion Of Blu Slim Boot Cut jean for women

Being that we are in LA, the land of denim and t-shirts, there were several "booths" showing new brands of both. There were some great jeans from a brand called Proportion of Blu. The lovely pr girls noticed I liked my denim on the darker and skinnier side, and they were kind enough to give me two styles: The "Skinny" and "Slim Boot", both in a Japanese Denim dark wash. Bootilicious: Back pocket design of Proportion of Blu, men's jean

You know I will be wearing these to my events---along with my dress shirt and tie "Nick Look". Dussault Custom Ink Apparel had very Ed Hardy-esque hoodies, with tattoo-like graphic art, as well as leather accessories. Since I already "rocked" that Ed Hardy look YEARS ago (yes, even I went through the Trucker Hat phase!), I picked a beautiful leather wallet and belt with a not-so-obvious skull-and-crossbones. Here, I ran into choreographer Chris Judd.

GBK Mondrian Gifting Suite:
My final pit stop was the GBK Gifting Suite. Since I was already near Sunset, I made my way to the Mondrian to see if there, I could find my "Emmys shirt and tie". I didn't. However, there was better! As I was led through all the various suites by my trusty (and sexy) handler, before I realized it, I had a Keurig Coffee Maker (I know!!!) somehow stuffed in my own huge "Gifting bag". I also got some delicious cookies and cupcakes from a Pastry Company called Henrietta Poodlestones (isn't that THE MOST FABULOUS NAME??!!).
At another room, there were all these fabulous dolls from JAKKS Pacific. They are called JUKU COUTURE dolls and all I could think of was my niece, Casia and how much she would LOVE them (I privately wanted them for myself too!) The dolls are very high fashion--almost "collectible" looking---like John Galliano for Dior mini doll models! I must have stayed there for an hour with Michael and Anne-Marie of JAKKS Pacific, playing with the dolls, posing for photos and just being silly! Finally, there was a suite in the Mondrian, devoted solely to dogs and "Doggie Couture", from clothing, chokers, to bags and anything in between! All I could think of was my puppy Benny! I could just see him smiling and his tail wagging if "Daddy Nick" brought home a little couture for him. Alas, it was not to be. I guess I was too "D-List" to get any doggie gifts (now I know how Kathy Griffin feels!).At the last minute though, one of the doggie suites, House Of Dog, did take down all my information and promised to have a "Benny Goodie Bag" to be delivered. Benny and I can't wait!!!!