Nick Verreos at FIDM Three Days of Fashion: San Diego

Go Padres!!!!Lovin' The Stage: Nick Verreos speaks to San Diego FIDM Three Days of Fashion audience

This last week I went to beautiful San Diego to make a special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Diego campus, right next to PETCO Park for the FIDM Three Days Of Fashion. San Diego's Pacific Beach from the Catamaran Resort and Spa

David and I drove down to San Diego for the event and FIDM generously put me up at the Polynesian-inspired Catamaran Resort and Spa in the lovely Pacific Beach area of San Diego. Afterall, with traffic, the drive there can take up to 3+ hours (don't believe anyone who tells you it's just an hour and a half, not on this planet!). So, it was nice to relax before the appearance the following day.Photos With A View: Nick Verreos poses for photos at the FIDM San Diego Campus balcony

I love doing these events and appearances because I get to hang out with fun and very fashionable high school students who come from all over the country. The Three Days of Fashion is a three day seminar/workshop where high school students get to know FIDM. They go shopping, have trend seminars, even drape and sketch. Seriously, I wish I had known about this when I was in high school (OK, they probably did not have this "back in the day").San Diego Group Shot: Nick Verreos and model Heather Chantal Jones pose with FIDM San Diego Three Days of Fashion organizing staff

I love coming to San Diego, because this is where David Paul's (my design partner and Vice President of NIKOLAKI) grew up and his wonderful family still lives here. His mom even came to my appearance! Also, as you may know, I have a special place in my heart for San Diego, since it's where I showed my Spring/Summer 2008 Collection at the W Hotel San Diego. Here's a quick video of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Show at the W San Diego, to refresh your memory:

Nick Verreos and Model Heather Chantal Jones, wearing the silk jersey gown Carrie Ann Inaba wore on ABC's Dancing With The Stars

Guess who also came down from LA? Model Heather Chantal Jones, from America's Next Top Model Season 9--and MY 50th Anniversary Barbie Model!!! She made a special trip to model some of my NIKOLAKI Collection for the kids. She was gorgeous and so sweet! We had a great time with everyone (I LOVE the FIDM San Diego staff--they're the sweetest and most accommodating!) and stayed for over an hour to sign autographs and take lots of photos!

LA Fashion Week: Nick Verreos attends the Call to Action Cocktail Party

Fashionistas by the Beach! Alfonso and Tarina's "Lovechild": Alfonso Campos, Tarina Tarantino and Nick Verreos, Hotel Erwin Venice California

Earlier this week, the lovely Jennifer Uner, executive producer of the LA Fashion Awards (and a big proponent of Los Angeles fashion and its designers), invited me to attend a Call To Action Cocktail Party at the brand spankin' new Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach. After a ONE HOUR drive from Downtown LA to Venice Beach (I kid you not!), I finally made it to the rooftop meeting of designers, pr agents, editors and boutique owners, to discuss the future of Los Angeles Fashion Week and everything in between. The Devil Wears Prada (not!), LA: California Apparel News Executive Editor Alison Nieder and Fashion Editor Jayne Seward

Waiters passed delicious chicken mini sandwiches and shrimp taco hors d'oeuvres as guests listened to Jen Uner's "Call To Action" speech atop the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin. The view of the beach--and all its healthy running short-and-sneaker (or skateboard-carrying) wearing populous down below-- made an unusual backdrop as the LA Fashion Crowd enjoyed wine and cheese up top!Rooftop Fashion: Darren Gold, Alison Nieder of California Apparel News, Alisa Loftin of Aero & Company and designer Nony Tochterman of Petro Zillia

I said "hello" to Darren Gold of Alpha Man Boutique on Melrose, Alisa Loftin of Aero & Company, a store that carried my line, NIKOLAKI, here in LA. I immediately spotted my good friend (how can you miss her!), fuchsia-haired designer Tarina Tarantino and her sexy husband and partner Alfonso Campos (he's going to kill me for that one!) as well as pr beauties Jen Green and Shana Honeyman of Genevieve Productions (they produced my first Smashbox LA Fashion Week fashion show back in 2003) and Matt Meyerson of RPRT Communications and Management. Love them: Jen Green and Shana Honeyman of Genevieve Productions

I was happy to see my Hollywood Bowl Opening Night "box seat" mate, the dear Miss Alison Nieder, executive editor of the California Apparel News, her publisher, Molly Rhodes, and fashion editor Jayne Seward. A representative from the LA Mayor's office was scheduled to have also been in attendance, but they somehow did not make it (if somehow I got there, after an hour's drive in stopped traffic, huney, they should have been there too! I had FIVE other appointments, but I still got there--- Just saying!). I was glad I attended and hope that we, as part of the LA Fashion Community, can have an outstanding fashion week of events, fashion parties and fashion shows to showcase how amazing we are and the diversity of our great city!
For more on the night:
*HERE is a fun little video from Tarina Tarantino's "Life At The Sparkle Factory" Blog
*Click HERE to read about the cocktail party on Plopculture Blog.

"The September Issue" Anna Wintour Movie Trailer!!!

September is the JANUUUUUARY of Fashion!!!!!Anna Wintour awaits "The September Issue"

I am so excited for the debut The September Issue, the much-anticipated documentary which chronicles Anna Wintour and the making of the Vogue September issue from a couple of years back, by acclaimed director/film-maker R.J. Cutler (who also executive produced "American High", "30 Days" and "Greatest American Dog", among others). I was lucky enough to have seen a screening of it over a month ago and in one word: AMAZING!!! (of course!). Below is the fun little trailer for the film--think of it as an amuse bouche of Anna Wintour and "The September Issue".

The King Will Live Forever: RIP Michael Jackson

Hi Beauties,

I know many of you, like me, are still shocked about the passing of the legendary Michael Jackson. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest perfomers and his influence will live on forever.

Rest In Peace!

Awilda