Nick Verreos Gives FASHION at FIDM's 3 Days of Fashion for FIDM San Diego and FIDM San Francisco!!!

FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion Wrap Up!Nick Tattoo: Nick Verreos draws an original fashion sketch on San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendee's arm!!

These last two weeks of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (the college I teach at) school calendar "Summer Break" were busy for me: No rest for the wicked as they say. I traveled to several FIDM Campuses making special appearances for the FIDM 3 Days Of Fashion, a great summer program for high school students who are interested in fashion and possibly attending FIDM post-high school. I already visited the OC and Los Angeles campuses so next up was San Diego and San Francisco.

FIDM San Diego 3 Days of Fashion (in LA):Jumbo-tron Nick: Nick Verreos at FIDM LA Campus for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion

For the 2010 3 Days of Fashion San Diego, they came up to LA, instead of me coming down to them (it cut down on my travel!). About 200 students--and some parents-- showed up for my "Nick It's A Wrap!" seminar on their last day. Nikolaki Trophy Girl: Model Lauren Gish in Nikolaki sea-foam sequin bias-cut one-shoulder gown

I also brought one of my favorite models, the lovely Lauren Gish, who just happened to be THE Trophy Model for last year's Academy Awards after winning the Oscar.com Behind The Dress competition, which I hosted. She modeled some of my Nikolaki dresses and gowns for the San Diego 3 Days of Fashion attendees. Form a Line: Students await photos and autographs with Nick Verreos

I had a great time being both the "special guest" and host (yes, I was on "double-duty"!). After my "How I Got Started In Fashion" story, I introduced my gowns to the kids. All I could see was a sea of camera phones going off! Point Loma Love: Nick Verreos and Model Lauren Gish (in Byzantium-colored zibeline NIKOLAKI cocktail dress) with students from Point Loma High School

And of course, all this was followed by autograph and photo ops (those Facebook photos better make me look cute!). I signed A LOT of bags, sweatshirts and even someone's arm. When I asked two beautiful young girls what High School they attended, they said Point Loma High School. This just happens to be my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul's alma mater! Needless to say, David yelled a little "Yeaaayyyy!!!".

Next Up, San Francisco 3 Days of Fashion: Last week, I was extra excited to return to San Francisco (I had just been up there the previous week to host my Macy's event and to ride in the SF Pride Parade!). The Hotel Monaco SF must think I LIVE there since I stay there so often! Can I Put this in the Overhead Bins: Nick Verreos enters FIDM SF Campus, Nikolaki gowns in tow

After checking in, I made my way to the FIDM San Francisco location, right in the heart of Union Square. I brought my garment bag of Nikolaki Couture all the way from LA (it's just a 55 minute flight!) to have a mini Nick Verreos Fashion Show to cap that city's 3 Days of Fashion.
But first: The FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Design-A-T-shirt Contest:FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion T-shirt Design Entries lining up for the fashion show

Last year, there were 8 entries but this year, the number of entries shot up to 41(!). On hand to help me judge the contest was the lovely Julia A. Hill, an FIDM SF Grad AND the Executive Assistant to "What Not To Wear's" Clinton Kelly (I know, shut the front door!).Sitting Prom Photo: Nick Verreos and Clinton Kelly's Executive Assistant, Julia A. Hill, a FIDM SF Grad

She lives and works in NY but flew out just to be at the FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion and be a Guest Speaker and really, my new best friend.
There were some very creative entries this year, ranging from a hand-painted and beaded neckline-trimmed, belted dress (one of our Top 3)...
To this "deconstructed" design which was one of our favorites as well for it's directional aesthetic. Very Martin Margiela-esque. After naming the winners, it was time for me to show my Nikolaki gowns and dresses on the gorgeous San Francisco-based model, Rachael Sitz , seen above modeling a magenta duchesse silk satin cocktail dress.She did a fabulous job and fit into my dresses perfectly (no fittings kiddies, she's a perfect runway size!). Above, she is showing the front of my Nikolaki gold lurex and silk bias-cut one-shoulder cascade ruffle gown...
And here she is showing the back. I think all the high school kids present--approximately 200 of them--enjoyed seeing my gowns (I hope so!). We ended my appearance at FIDM SF with giving away some great FIDM bags, one of which included a special "surprise" (besides my fashion illustration and autograph!): A stylin' new Flip Camera. Here I am picking the winner and my trusty "helper", the ever-so-chic Trudy Noren, SF FIDM Director of Special Events and College Rep. I just LOVE her Piazza Sempione multi-colored shift dress (you KNOW I asked her to "drop" the label!). I can't wait to return to San Francisco and do it all over again and see what great t-shirts the kids will design, as well as what new fabulous shift dress Trudy will have on!

Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010: Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier

Couture Spine, Dita Von Teese and Mink Breasts?Givenchy Haute Couture:
Designer Riccardo Tisci decided to present his Givenchy Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010 Collection--only 10 looks--in a more "intimate" stage, as opposed to a grand runway show. Therefore editors could look at the incredible workmanship and Tisci's dark eye for detail more closely. Zippers had bone pulls, jackets were carved out from leather as well as double silk duchesse satins to suggest a spine, or a skeletal structure.Black patchwork leather coat and Ombre feathered gown, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2010

Gowns were fitted and flared below the knee and over-embroidered with laces, leather and falling into cascades of feathers. Colors went from Winter White to Ombre metallics and grays as well as black. It was as if glorious birds had been in a storm and stripped of almost their entire feathered coverings only to reveal a stunning inner Couture structure with their feathered tails still intact.
Front View: Back View:
"Skeleton"-like embroidered lace and feather gown, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2010

Models will love these gowns for Met Opening events and the like. But I suppose those actual Couture-purchasing ladies in Russia, the Middle East and China will want to have the Atelier pack on a few more of the embroideries, well, to make it more "appropriate" for those private evening soirees in St. Petersburg, Riyadh or Beijing. Tisci, himself stated that 70% of the pieces that are ordered are altered to the customers specifications.

Click Below for a Video of Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2010 Presentation:


Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture:Liza Would DIE: Gold lurex and silk batwing ensemble, cigarette holder and turban extra; Gaultier Haute Couture F/W 2010

Paris' enfant terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier, capped off Paris F/W 2010 Haute Couture Fashion Week with a show that was all at once elegant, directional, kitchy, Parisian, had slight nods to the 40's and the 80's and "Old Hollywood Glamour" (there it is again!) of course. Almost every look was capped with an exaggerated twist-knot turban that would make both Norma Desmond AND Lady Gaga SCREAM! The Collection was full of Le Batwing; infusing it from everything from trench coats (a Gaultier "signature") jumpsuit gowns and even his finale wedding gown, a Batwing Trench coat, of course (see above photo). Gaultier even showed his signature cone bras in mink with one wool ensemble. Try walking into the Plaza Athenee in this get-up next time you are in Paris kids. One of my favorites was this gunmetal ostrich-feathered and sequined cocktail number that had Josephine Baker written ALL OVER it!
The Close-Up detail is just incredible! Now, this is what you show up to the Grammys wearing!
The show ended with special guest model, the one and only Dita Von Teese, who sashayed in a Couture Negligee as only she would, showing the new line of Jean Paul Gaultier lingerie for La Perla. Vive le Kitsch, Vive La France and Vive L'enfant Terrible Gaultier.

Below for Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture F/W 2010 Edited Runway show:


Click Below for a Behind-The-Scenes of Gaultier Haute Couture Fittings:

Nick Verreos Hosts "Project Ethos" at Hollywood's Music Box Theater Friday July 16Th!!!

On Friday July 16th I am excited to be hosting Project Ethos!

Project ETHOS produces red carpet events showcasing all emerging Millennial Generation forms of creativity in one house, on one night. By merging fashion, music, and art concurrently, they bring into existence a unique avenue for artists. Their goal is to provide opportunity for featured participants, as well as arrange a truly invigorating experience for an event goer.

In other words: You want FASHION, Project Ethos has it! You want MUSIC? Done. You want ART? Ditto!

Project ETHOS closes the gap between Indie and Mainstream. With an experienced and focused eye, they discover new extraordinary talent and create a link to decision makers. It's perfect for LA where we've always been at the pulse of "What's Next and What's Hot". I am so excited to be hosting this great event of Fashion (TEN fashion lines featuring over 100 models!!!), music and art at the newly renovated Music Box Theater (formerly the Henry Fonda Theater, right in the heart of Hollywood!)...Now, if I can just find something to wear appropriate enough for such a big night in Hollywood!!!!

Event Details:

Project Ethos returns to the newly renovated Music Box (formerly the Fonda) with host NICK VERREOS for an unforgettable night of fashion, music and art. 10 fashion lines feat ANNA LYNETT (Project Runway), 100 models, Live Concert feat MIGUEL ("All I Want Is You") & JOSEPHINE, DJ's SHY & DON P, 12 visual artists, 6 fashion vendors and over 1500 attendees.

Where:
The Music Box
6126 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

When:
Friday July 16, 2010
8pm-2am

Click HERE to buy Tickets

Work it Out: Installment Quatre

Waking up late, not planning what to wear the night before, I pulled out the first top I saw and went from there.

I love satin shirts, and though this one is a little tight in the bust nowadays I usually make it less va va voom with a cardigan or a loose fitting jacket. Today I opted for the M&S cardi I showed in my previous post.

Satin shirt from Mango. Pencil skirt from Austin Reed (it's actually black with thin lilac stripes, though I doubt you will be able to tell from this rubbish photo).

Necklace from Pave.

I have a pile of work appropriate heels in the office under my desk (yes, everyone does take the mickey!) as well as a full draw. Some people have files, I have shoes ;). It does save a lot of time and effort though, as well as saving me having to carry them back and forth every day. There is no chance I am wearing heels on the tube/ to work/ on my way home. I always see women in their shiny stilettos struggling to get down the stairs in the morning and wonder why they are putting themselves through the pain! So this morning I slipped on this beautiful pair of flats from Kurt Geiger. Currently they have this style on sale for £59, in a few colours (though unfortunately not purple as these are from last season).

Almost the weekend, and judging but that horrible photo I need to book a pedi stat!
Are you guys enjoying these posts? Should I keep them up? Are we taking bets on how long I can keep going? ;) xxx

In the Clouds!!

Yeah, sometimes I'd love to have my head's in the clouds just so I can replenish myself w/ some random or ridiculous thoughts. ^^

But NOT today!

Cathy dropped by this morning to pick up her "gifts" from me.  I am feeling extra saucy and surely does her in her sassy pants.

Blue Life: Dancing Queen pants in Vintage Black.

Cathy thinks my skin looks radiant after my vacation. I think I must have done something right since I did't carry umbrella when I was in Taipei but my face didn't pop up MORE freckles. ( I have some on my nose.)

Someone asks me if I use Clarisonia's cleanser w/ the brushes?!!


I do and I alternately using La Prairie's foam cleanser to get bubbles going on my face too!

For blockinig UVA and UVB, I use Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer SPF 20, NIA 24 miniral sunblock SPF 30 and La Roche Posay SPF 60. (yeah, I know, sounds scary,...but it works. ) 

I have Bobbie brown black eyeliner and Benefit eye bright pencil, JK (Target) navy eyeliner highlighted at lower eyeliner to pop up my eyes. 

Again, Cathy comments on my ensemble as Modern Geisha. ^O^ I guess I intentionally thinks I look like one as the gray cardigan is a mimic of "wide cloth belt" on Geisha!!!!

My ODJ.


1. Top:

• RUGBY tank w/ brim
• Limedrop cloud cardigan

2. Bottom:
Tory Burch water wash super skinny jeans


3. Accessory:

• Gray Splendid cardigan (as accessory here...)
• Gold string earrings
• J Crew rose gold tassel necklace
• Chanel matte black 226 reissue
• Karen Walker Gee Gee sunglasses

4. Shoes:
Christian Louboutin pinkish/gold 70 calf wedge 

I button UP and miss buttoned to make drappy looks.

I know, too much of me here....

Wash your face throughly, put on serum and then lock up all the moisture w/ some cream before you go to bed. 


Have a pretty face in the morning. 
xoxo Rachel