Debut Fashion-Extravaganza!!!!
Fashion Dictators: Nick Verreos and "The Dictator" actress Anna Faris, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)
In my last post, I began my "FIDM Debut 2012 Weekend" Blog posting with "Part One" and highlighted the fun Spring Open House as well as the Fashion Club Debut 2012 Pre-Party. So, here is Part Two: Debut 2012 Fashion Show and Gala...
Look Who's Hosting: Nick Verreos onstage at FIDM Dedut 2012, Santa Monica Barker Hanger
I was privileged enough to host two of the three Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2012 shows over the weekend--beginning on Thursday. As you may know, I am not only a Graduate of FIDM, but yes, also the college's Spokesperson and I always enjoy hosting and attending the Debut Show. "Debut" is where the "creme de la creme" of the Advanced Fashion Design and Costume Design graduates get to showcase their collections and designs. Back in ____ (don't EVEN think of asking!) I was one of those "creme de la creme" Debut designers so it really means a lot for me to be "back" and see the "new crop" of graduates' collections.
Nick's NIKOLAKI Girls: (Left to right) Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI lemon green silk chiffon dress, Nick Verreos, and model Beth in black-and-silver sequined NIKOLAKI gown
For this Debut 2012 presentation, I brought along two of my newest NIKOLAKI designs for Spring 2013--which were modeled by the gorgeous Lauren Gish and Beth, models from LA Models.
Notice the Hand-Beaded Capelet, Kids: Nick Verreos on stage with models in his NIKOLAKI designs, at FIDM Debut 2012 Barker Hanger Santa Monica
Lauren wore a neon green/yellow "Gladiator Dress" in silk chiffon with hand-beaded waist trim, and Beth wore a silver-and-black hand-beaded silk chiffon cowl-neck blouson gown with side-slit. They "flanked" me onstage as I did my hosting duties...
Nick and Cleopatra: Nick Verreos and model Brandise Danesewich backstage at FIDM 20912, Barker Hanger
Speaking of models, backstage I was so happy to see one of the sweetest models I know, the beautiful Brandise Danesewich--who also happened to be "Project Runway Family"--she was on Season 7 of the show as well as "Models of the Runway". She was modeling a design by one of the graduates of the Advanced Study Program in Costume Theater Design inspired by "The Phantom of the Opera".
Harlequin Opera: A design from Sarah Timm, graduate of the FIDM Advanced Study Program in Theater Costume Design, Debut 2012-- "Phantom of the Opera" theme (photo courtesy of abimages.com)
Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala (photo courtesy of abimages.com)
Saturday night was the L.A. Fashion Gala of Debut 2012--a very fancy black tie affair where the A-List Fashion Industry is invited as well as Hollywood celebs, costume designers and general Fashionista Glitterati. I wore my midnight blue shawl-collared Zara tuxedo with an Ermenegildo Zegna dress shirt and bow tie for the occasion.
Backstage Fab: Nick Verreos with models Lauren (right) and Beth (left) with Mary Stephens looking on, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of Brandise Danesewich)
Presenting Duo: Mary Stephens Director of FIDM Fashion Design Program and Nick Verreos announcing the FIDM Scholarship winners (photo courtesy of abimages.com)
During the gala, I was honored enough to present the FIDM Scholarship Awards and trophies with my FIDM "Mom" and Mentor, the Director of the FIDM Fashion Design Program, the ever-so-stylish Mary Stephens. This year's graduates did a fabulous job in terms of their mini-collections--with designs that ranged from stiffened geometric coats a la Pierre Cardin to colorful gowns and even a collection of children's dresses.
A design by Alejandro Ortega, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate (photo of abimages.com)
A design by Randy Lee Donato, Debut 2012 Advanced Study in Fashion Design Graduate(photo courtesy of abimages.com)
Fashion Designers Kevan Hall and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger
Actress Anna Faris and "American Reunion" Costume Designer (and FIDM Grad) Mona May, and Nick Verreos, FIDM Debut 2012 L.A. Fashion Gala, Barker Hanger (photo courtesy of abimages.com)
Debut 2012 was FABULOUS, to say the least and it was an honor to be the MC as well as co-present the very important FIDM Scholarships. And of course, it was a BLAST putting on a tuxedo on Saturday night and hanging out with the likes of LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall, actress Anna Faris and yes, Miss Mona May (LOVE HER!!!)...
Finally...After the FIDM 2012 Fashion Presentations (on Thursday and Friday) I had the chance--in my "Nick VIP Tent" at Barker Hanger--to meet-and-greet with many attendees...
Here is a collage photo:
