Showing posts with label Nick Verreos FIDM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nick Verreos FIDM. Show all posts

FIDM Minute: Nick Verreos Judges 2012 FIDM National Scholarship Competition!!


So Many Fabulous Projects...

Who Is The Best? Nick Verreos judges the FIDM National Scholarship Competition for "Fashion Designer of Tomorrow", "Visual Designer of Tomorrow" and "Interior Designer of Tomorrow", FIDM LA Campus

Last week, prior to leaving for the Macy's "Brasil" fashion show events I was hosting in San Francisco and San Jose, I had the privilege of judging the FIDM National Scholarship Competition. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM is the fashion college I attended and am a proud Alum. I am also the Official Spokesperson for FIDM and have been for several years now.

FIDM National Scholarship Competition Guidelines, Entry Form and "Guess Who's Judging"

One of my duties (and a wonderful and most honored duty!) is to judge the FIDM National Scholarship Competition, which is open to all High School Seniors and Graduates, and the prize is a FULL ONE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP to the College. FIDM's National Scholarship Competition looks for students who are creative thinkers and have an eye for unconventional thinking. To enter, entrants are asked to submit a project according to the guidelines set within each category, including Fashion Executive of Tomorrow, Graphic Designer of Tomorrow, Interior Designer of Tomorrow, Visual Designer of Tomorrow, Fashion Designer of Tomorrow, among others...

I spent several hours last week looking over the "best of the best" projects which were submitted for this competition. I looked at the Fashion Designer of Tomorrow boards, in which the entrants were to create three looks that would look like a cohesive mini-collection/group, showing lots of fashionable creativity and that je ne sais quoi of what it would take to be a successful "Designer of Tomorrow":

Fashion Designer Projects, FIDM National Scholarship Competition

As well as Visual Designer of Tomorrow, in which they had to create a "mood board" for a store/national chain (J Crew, Forever 21, etc.) as well as a board showing what the window display and magazine ad would look like for that national chain--as well as how the merchandise would appear in the store:

Visual Designer Projects, FIDM National Scholarship Competition

And finally, I also looked at the fabulous Interior Designer of Tomorrow boards and projects, in which entrants were to design living spaces for a cool/hip twenty/thirty-something:

Interior Designer Projects, FIDM National Scholarship Competition

Every entrant took so much time to put all of these together and they all did a FABULOUS job. Let's just say, it was VERY, VERY difficult to pick the Winners. But I did it! I wish EVERYONE the BEST of LUCK! And to all the people who submitted projects: Thank You for letting me see all your boundless creativity!


Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House--The Recap!


OC Open House Fun, Entertainment Panel and some GORGEOUS Titanic-era Fashion...

Nick Verreos hosts the FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House Entertainment Panel

This past weekend, I visited the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County campus in Irvine California to make an appearance at their fun--and yes, very informative--Spring 2012 Open House.

The Open House is a way for prospective students--as well their parents/family/friends--to get to visit the campus, do a tour, get to know the facilities, meet faculty, learn about all the different majors; generally, get to know what the college has to offer.

I have a great time visiting all the four different FIDM Campuses throughout the year. As a bonus to my "appearance" this past Saturday at the FIDM OC Open House, I also hosted an "Entertainment Panel" discussion featuring FIDM Alumni:

FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House Panel: (Left to right) celebrity stylist Leslie Christen (2001 FIDM Merchandise Marketing Grad), host Nick Verreos, and Sarah Beers (2002 FIDM Graphic Design Grad)

They included the statuesque Leslie Christen, stylist and fashion editor, who runs a fabulous Life Styling business, where she offers Closet Edit and Organization, personal, online, and men's styling, as well as many other services. She also happens to be the stylist to the newest UBER rich housewife of Bravo's hit show "Real Housewives of Orange County", Heather Dubrow.

Marvel Entertainment's Sarah Beers, FIDM Graduate--FIDM Orange County Open House 2012

And our other alumna for the Entertainment Panel Discussion was Sarah Beers. Sarah is a 2002 FIDM Graphic Design Graduate and now, she is the Creative Merchandising and Promotion Manager at Marvel Entertainment. She brought with her some of the products which she oversaw and helped develop recently at Marvel--including lots of the fun "The Avengers" products (as seen from above photo).

Panel Talk: We did two separate Panel Discussions so most (hopefully all!) of the Open House attendees got to hear us talk about our experiences at FIDM, what we learned from the college and our majors, as well as how we took it all and applied it to our current entertainment-based jobs--whether they be fashion design, red carpet reporting, graphic design, product development and/or styling. Afterward, we got some great feedback from the attendees (both prospective students and their parents) who felt that yes, we gave them A LOT of information that helped them.

Nick Verreos (center), Leslie Christen (left) and Sarah Beers (right) pose with FIDM Orange County Open House 2012 attendees

It's always the "icing on the cake" when Mommies (or dad's) come up to me and tell me "Nick, that was SO informative and this Talk really helped...not only me but more importantly my daughter/son..." I only wish I had something like this, when I was struggling to decide what to do in my life, so that is why I love doing these events.

After our event, I made sure to do my "Nick Meet-&-Greet"--Here are some pics from that:

The FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House was a big success and I was so happy--and honored--to be part of it. Finally, can I just mention the extra-extra bonus fabulousness of coming to the FIDM Orange County Open House?

From Day to Evening Couture: "Titatic Era Fashion" Exhibition, FIDM OC Gallery

Paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, FIDM Museum (in the OC) had a petite exhibition--entitled "Titatic Era Fashion"-- of 1912 garments.
  
The garments and accessories on display are all part of the Helen Larson Historic Fashion Collection, a Proposed Acquisition of the FIDM Museum & Galleries, which the FIDM Museum is fundraising to acquire:

Promenade Ensembles c. 1912--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

Evening Ensemble c. 1912--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

Sable fur hem detail of a 1912 Haute Couture evening ensemble--FIDM OC Gallery "Titanic Era Fashion" Exhibition

The mannequins on display (and their corresponding fashions) are all from 1912 and represent the elite First Class passengers and the Haute Couture they would be wearing at the time of the voyage (they are NOT from actual Titanic passengers). It is truly remarkable to be able to see so many incredible ensembles in such excellent condition from this time. It's a MUST SEE if visiting the OC and especially the FIDM OC campus!

Nick TV Minute: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--Don't Miss the FIDM Debut Fashion Show TOMORROW (Sunday) 9PM KLCS-TV, PBS Channel 58


Fashion Show TV!!!

Debut 2012 Fab (Photo courtesy of abimages.com)

This past March was the FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show! This is where graduates of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (my alma mater!) Advanced Fashion Design--as well as  Theater Costume Design--get to showcase their collections in a FABULOUS stage of the Santa Monica Barker Hanger in front of industry professionals, their peers--oh and yes, over 5,000 other people!!!

Host With The Fashion Most: Nick Verreos MC'ing FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Gala

I had the pleasure of MC'ing and hosting FIDM Debut 2012 and introducing the fashions and the very talented graduates. The designers are tomorrow's Next Rising Fashion Stars--and who knows--maybe future Project Runway contestants...or Winners!!!

 Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Back when I was at FIDM (don't even look for the year!), I was one of those graduates and did the Debut (It's on YouTube somewhere--I DARE you to find it!). So, Debut will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. So much so, that for several years in the past, I mentored and was one of the Debut Instructors.

FIDM Debut 2012 design from Randy Lee Donato, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design Graduate Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Well, in case you somehow didn't get the invitation to see the FIDM Debut 2012 live...don't fret. You can watch it on TV!  Now, this is just for Angelenos (Southern California folk that is--sorry, rest of the nation): they just TELEVISED the Debut 2012 Fashion Show on PBS local station KLCS-TV last night (Friday), but...
You have a chance to see it TOMORROW NIGHT Sunday April 29, 9pm, KLCS Channel 58 (on some cable providers, it's Channel 3--check your local cable listings)--DON'T MISS IT!!!!

Here are the DETAILS:

 
 WHAT: FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show


WHEN: Sunday April 29, 2012, 9 pm (PST)


WHERE: KLCS-TV PBS LA Local Station, Channel 58 (check your local cable provider/listings for channel and time)

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos FIDM San Francisco "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Event: The Recap!


I Left My Blogging HEART in...San Francisco!

Trend Talk With Nick Verreos: Nick Verreos FIDM San Francisco "Style, Trends, and Blog Talk"

Last weekend, I flew to San Francisco to host a very special "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Panel Discussion at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco. This was a great chance to get some fabulous information--as well as get to tour the college, get to see what makes FIDM SF so amazing!

I arrived on Friday--to a GORGEOUS day (I almost thought the pilot had landed in San Diego...there was not a single cloud in the sky!). I enjoyed a nice dinner with an old friend and went right to bed to be ready for the event which was happening the following morning at the FIDM SF campus right in Union Square. I always love returning to the Bay Area since yes kids, I spend my very impressionable high school years there after my family and I moved from Caracas Venezuela.


Look Who's Talking: FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk With Nick Verreos"


Saturday morning, I put on my light pink dress shirt and jacket from TopMan, my skinny black jeans, my Gucci boots and of course, topped it all off with my very own custom pocket hankie made out of fabric from my NIKOLAKI line. As I made my way to the College, everyone around me was in shorts and flip flops (SF, 82 degrees Fahrenheit) and yes, I got some major "Why are you so dressed up?" stares but alas, you know I LOVED it!

Foursome Fab: (left to right) Lorraine Sanders, Jeanne Chan, Nick Verreos, and Beth Spotswood, FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" event (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

Once at the campus, I was greeted by three of San Francisco's most fab bloggers who would join me on this FIDM SF "Style, Trends and Blog Talk" panel: Lorraine Sanders, founder of SF Indie Fashion and author of StyleBites, Jeanne Chan of ShopSweetThings.com, and Beth Spotswood, who writes some really great blogs for SFGate.com.

Full House: FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Event Hosted by Nick Verreos (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

We were greeted by a packed room of 150+ students, parents, SF Bay Area bloggers (yep, they were there!) plus even some Project Runway Fans!! (LOVE YOU!). I began the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation on Trends; how Trends begin, where they come from, trends for Spring 2012, etc. There were A LOT of attendees taking notes as I spoke (it was like I was teaching one of my FIDM classes).

 Trend Class: Nick Verreos Talks 80's Influence at FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" event

Then I segued into the panel discussion--and brought my SF Blogger DIVAS into the mix, discussing their backgrounds, how they got started, and the Do's & Dont's of Blogging 101...

SF Bloggers WORK!!! (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

At one point of my presentation, I looked over and our three fabulous bloggers/guests were LIVE BLOGGING and TWEETING about being at the event! Soooo 2012 Social Media!!! After an hour+ discussion on everything and anything BLOG, we had a Q & A with the audience, followed by raffle of a signed FIDM bag.

The winner happened to be a guest who had been at the event over an hour early (a big fan of yours truly!). She was SO happy--and I was so happy that she was the winner (how much do you LUV that "I "Heart" Nerdy Boys" t-shirt of hers??? Sooo cute!!). Afterward, I stayed around to take pics and sign things--anything!!!

Below is a photo compilation of some of those pics:


Top Row: Adam Easterday, Nick Verreos, Malaya Malone; Dexie Santiago & Nick Verreos; 
Middle Row: Lanae Roxas & Nick Verreos; Dre Anthony McMurry & Nick Verreos;
Bottom Row: Besan Alkhatib & Nick Verreos; Emilio Ruiz-Vega & Nick Verreos

Thank you to FIDM San Francisco, my three SF Blogger Panel Guests, and everyone who came out on a beautiful SF Saturday and decided to be indoors with us and attend!!! I am most grateful for meeting each and EVERYONE of you!!! Hope you got some great info. and possibly got inspired!!

Nick Appearance Minute: Meet Nick Verreos at Open House FIDM Orange County THIS SATURDAY, April 28th!



OC Fashionistas...Get Ready!

Meet & Greet: Nick Verreos THIS Saturday April 28th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

This Saturday, April 28th, I will be in the OC for a very special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House!!! "Open House" is an event designed to help prospective students get to know the College, meet Alumni, instructors, facilities and get a sense of the College as a whole and all that it has to offer. As you already may know, I am an alum of FIDM (Class of ...Don't EVEN Try and Look Up The Year!!) as well as the College's Official Spokesperson.

FIDM Orange County, Irvine California

I do various events for the College throughout all their campuses and I'm especially excited whenever I am invited to the OC!!! FIDM Orange County is located in Irvine and can't be missed with its FAB bubblegum pink facade.

This Saturday, I will be there to host an Entertainment Panel Discussion and speak about how I got started in fashion, share thoughts about being a red carpet fashion expert on TV Guide Network, Style Network, and NBC-LA as well as a lot of "Inside Dish" on the entertainment side of the Fashion World and the upcoming new Season 10 of Project Runway!!!

Panel Guests: (Left to right) FIDM Alumni Sarah Beers (2002) and Leslie Christen (2001)

Joining me are two FIDM Alumni: Sarah Beers--a 2002 FIDM Graphic Design Grad--who is Creative Merchandising and Promotion Manager at Marvel, and Celebrity Stylist Leslie Christen--a 2001 FIDM Grad in Merchandise Marketing--who is currently working on  Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County".


Come to the FIDM OC Spring 2012 Open House, get to know the College, check out our very informative Entertainment panel, and yes, stay to take photos and get some valuable advice on pursuing a career in fashion and/or the fashion/entertainment field.

What: FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

When: Saturday April 28, 2012, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.


Address: 17590 Gillette Avenue, Irvine California 92614-5610

RSVP: Open To The Public and FREE-- RSVP HERE or call 949.851.6200

For Press Inquiries/Media Contact: Shirley Wilson swilson@fidm.com 213.624.1200 x2625

Nick Appearance Minute: FIDM Debut 2012 --Fashion Show + Gala & Celeb Pics!


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:

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