Nick Verreos and "Models of the Runway" Lisa Blades at FIDM!

Class is in Session
Cute Couple: Nick Verreos with model Lisa Blades in one of his FIDM classes

This Fall Quarter, I taught a class called Elements of Fit at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM LA Campus, where I instruct students in fit, sizing and the importance of fit models. And of course, as a highlight of the class, I bring in a real live fit model. I wanted to surprise my students and I brought the fabulous six-foot stunner Lisa Blades (she'll demurely tell you she's ONLY 5'11"). Bryant Park Lisa: Lisa Blades models Carol Hannah Whitfield's gown at the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Season 6 Finale

You might recognize Lisa from the Lifetime show Models of The Runway as well as being one of two model "Muses" on my website, NIKOLAKI.com. I just love Lisa and I am happy to consider her a friend. She is a perfect size 4 and I D-I-E (sorry Rachel Zoe) over her 50" outseam (waist to floor) measurement. DIE!!!!Take Notes Kids: Lisa Blades in a NIKOLAKI muslin strapless gown, and Instructor Nick

I had her model various garments from my line NIKOLAKI, some that fit good and some, not so good, to show the students the difference. I also brought some of my Muslins/Toiles, samples made in unbleached cotton made for fittings, for Lisa to try on to show my students "the process" one has to go through in making a collection.We Love Lisa: Elements of Fit Class Fit Model session, Instructor Nick Verreos, Lisa Blades and student Earl Alcantara

The students were so excited and got all into the "Fit Model" session. They especially loved seeing Lisa and as a result, took lots of photos. Lisa was a gem, naturally, with all the attention and a perfect fit model for my class.
All Photos (except Bryant Park runway photo) taken by Eimi Akamura

Season 6 Project Runway Model Mixer?

Meet The Models....
A couple of days ago, a friend--who shall remain nameless--emailed me to ask me if I knew anything about a Project Runway Season 6 Model Mixer happening on Sunday here in Los Angeles. I did not. I have been to busy on "design lock-down" draping and making patterns for my upcoming Islands Of the World Fashion Week show in the Bahamas. Yes, I have been able to get out every now and then (witness the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Party), but other than that, I have been glued to my pattern table! On Friday, we had fittings with our fit model, the beautiful Amanda Fields, and I asked her about this "Model Mixer", and she was as confused as I. I thought, well if anyone knew it would be Miss Amanda---NOT!!!
After a bit of amateur investigation, I got the DISH: There was indeed a model mixer for the Season 6 Project Runway models, being filmed for the new season, at the Downtown Los Angeles Elevate Lounge and it was more of "Clients: Meet the Models"...Since I was not invited, I did not go. But if I get any further info from someone who did, you can be sure, Uncle Nick (there I go, writing in Third Person Suede again!) will let you know, as long as I'm not sworn to secrecy!....