Nick Appearance Minute: Macy's Union Square San Francisco "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Fashion Show Event--The Blog Recap!

Obrigado SF!!! 

SF Smiles: Nick Verreos poses with SF Blogger and Stylist Lindsey (left) of the Complacency Kills Blog and her beautiful friend Cynthia Riddell (right), "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show/Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

Last Thursday, I flew to San Francisco to host two Macy's in-store events celebrating the new Macy's  "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Campaign. My first stop was Macy's Union Square San Francisco! If you know a little bit about me, you may know that I spent much of my adolescence and high school years in the SF Bay Area even though many, many years ago, I "defected" and moved to Southern California. That doesn't mean that I didn't leave my HEART in SF...because I did, and I still LOVE IT! 

I was especially excited because my NIKOLAKI design partner and partner-for-life--David Paul--decided to also come with me for support (and to be my "official BLOG photographer") and as a bonus, his mom, Conchita (in above photo enjoying a Brasil-inspired cocktail) also decided to join in on the fun, flying in from San Diego!

I want to be at that Beach: Macy's Union Square San Francisco "Brasil: A Magical Journey" five-stories high poster

I've had the fabulous pleasure of hosting various in-store events at the iconic Macy's Union Square so it's always a joy to return. For Spring/Summer 2012, Macy's is "Going Brazilian"...with a campaign that captures the spirit of this rich and intriguing culture through specially curated in-store shops, Brazil-themed events in stores and a fundraising program to benefit the Amazon Rainforest. 

The Macy’s "Brasil" campaign also collaborated with various designers and clothing manufacturers to create Brasil-inspired designs to be sold exclusively at Macy's. Designers like Trina Turk, BCBG Generation, Neon for Impulse, and even Francisco Costa, Women's Creative Director of Calvin Klein, who created a mini-collection just for this Macy's "Brasil" campaign.

All Seats Taken: the Scene at "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Macy's Union Square San Francisco, 2nd Floor Impulse Department

My job for the night was to host a very special runway fashion show with "Brasil"-inspired looks, themes and trends, as well as join in on the party fun, and mingle with the guests and enjoy the Brazilian-themed festivities. There were delicious hors d'oeuvres ( several Brazilian shoppers were GUSHING about the Pao De Qeuijo/Brazilian Cheese Bread that was being passed around the party so Kudos to the catering chefs!) and cocktails being passed around as guests mingled, shopped and sat down for the runway show. DJ Antonio of Braza! kept the mood very "Brazilian Beach Lounge House" with his tunes in the background. Guests also received special "Gifts with Purchases" including a colorful make-up bag, Braza! CD's and if they bought Nike merchandise, and actual soccer ball!!

Coral Nick: Nick Verreos hosting "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

I had a blast showing all these fashions to the packed house on the second floor Impulse Department of Macy's Union Square. The models were GREAT and such good sports when I made them stop mid-runway (without letting them know I would do that beforehand) to point out the bright colors and prints, shirring and/or sequined detail on a specific garment.

Color Fabulous: Nick Verreos (center) with all the "Brasil: A Magical Journey" models and stylist Katie Porter (second from left), Macy's Union Square San Francisco

They were all pros and looked fabulous in their colorful, Brasil-inspired designs styled by the gorgeous--and very pregnant Katie Porter as seen from the photo above.

Post runway show, it was all about meetin'-and-greetin' (how do you say that in Brazilian-Portuguese??), posing with attendees while some of the models posed on stands set up throughout the store...

 Nick Verreos and DJ Antonio Guedes "Brasil: A Magical Journey" runway show event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

SambaDa, "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Runway Show Event, Macy's Union Square San Francisco

All attendees then finished off the night's events listening and dancing to SambaDa. I also encouraged and helped everyone to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!!!! And trust me, they did! Lots of the guests kept stopping me asking me "Where can I find that dress I saw during the runway show?" or "Where's that printed tunic that one of the models wore onstage?". I was happy to help naturally!

Ready for Dinner: Conchita Encinas Hansen, David Paul and Nick Verreos , Scala's Bistro San Francisco

Following the event, David and his mommie Conchita and I headed to Scala's Bistro for a DELICIOUS post-event dinner to end my first very successful Macy's SF Bay Area event last weekend. I had the halibut and it was DIVINE! No pics here but if you go to my Twitter page, you'll see the photo of that aforementioned dish!

Next Up: A Tour of "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk"  Exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco AND my Macy's San Jose Valley Fair "Brasil" event last Saturday! Stay tuned kids...

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos in San Francisco April 21 to host FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Panel!!

BLOG Fabulous in SF!!!

Hello San Francisco Fashionistas!! I'm excited to announce that I will be in San Francisco--next weekend--on Saturday April 21, to be exact--to host a really FAB event: "Style, Trends & Blog Talk with Nick Verreos" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco Campus. This is a one-of-a-kind event and the very first time FIDM SF has had anything like this! And naturally, I am honored and very privileged to be the MC and be a part of it.

Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco Campus

As the Official Spokesperson for my alma mater--FIDM--I've had the honor of making appearances at various FIDM Open Houses and Three Days of Fashion events at this most amazing FIDM SF Campus. I just love the campus, its staff, and the students. As you may know, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area so naturally, anything SF will always have a special place in my STYLE heart!

On Saturday April 21st, beginning at 10:30 am, I will host/MC a panel discussion on the exciting world of fashion and design, trends, and the evolution of style and fashion blogs. My guests will include...

Jeanne Chan (above), creator and founder of the ShopSweetThings.com blog as well as...

Beth Spotswood, author of the Culture blog at SFGate.com...

and Lorraine Sanders, Founder of SF Indie Fashion and the author of Style Bytes, a regular San Francisco Chronicle column.

I can't wait to see you guys there (if you can come!)--This is a Not-To-Be-Missed event! Here are the Details:

WHAT: "Style, Trends & Blog Talk with Nick Verreos"--a Panel Discussion on Trends, Evolution of the Style Blogosphere, and much more...

WHEN: Saturday April 21, 2012, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

WHERE: Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco
55 Stockton Street, San Francisco CA 94108

RSVP: RSVP at FIDM.edu/go/NickEvent or contact FIDM SF for more information at 415-675-5200

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos and Macy's Support the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement

Red Fabulous!

Join us on National Wear Red Day for the Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash at Macy's Herald Square NYC: Fri. Feb 3rd!

Macy's is a founding National Sponsor of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. Macy's will help kick off American Heart Month (February) with its annual Wear Red Sale-- a collection of exclusive red dresses designed to benefit the cause--as well as red-inspired in-store events.

Nick Verreos: Celebrity Spokesperson, Go Red For Women Macy's and American Heart Association Campaign

I am honored to been asked to take part in this fabulous--and worthwhile cause---and help in celebrating National Wear Red Day alongside...

Actress Elizabeth Banks and...

Star Jones

The National Wear Red Day will be held at Macy's Herald Square on Friday, February 3rd and we will all be there to celebrate National Wear Red Day at a fabulous ceremony. I have had the absolute pleasure of being involved with Macy's for years--hosting many of their fabulous in-store events across the US (and even Puerto Rico!!) as well as being the MC and special celebrity judge of Seattle's "Project Red Dress", and even showing how amazing Macy's can be for all women during my MSN webshow "The Victory Project".

Macy's "Go Red" dress by Charter Club, $89.00, available exclusively at Macy's

Macy's "Go Red" Dress by Alfani, $89.00, available exclusively at Macy's

Macy's "Go Red" Dress by I.N.C International Concepts Red Dress, $69.50, available exclusively at Macy's

I will provide style tips to prepare women for National Wear Red Day and highlight Macy's Wear Red Day Sale. Macy's will introduce three new red dress silhouettes, designed and produced exclusively by I-N-C International Concepts, Alfani and Charter Club, each available at select Macy's stores and macys.com. Ten percent of the purchase price of each dress sold between January 29 and February 25 will be donated to the American Heart Association.

Visit GoRedForWomen.org for more info. and to find a Go Red CONNECT event in your area and view the most up-to-date list of events. Also, from February 1st through Valentine's day, fans can go to Macy's Facebook Page to send a VIRTUAL HEART--for every heart shared from that page through Feb. 14th, Macy's will donate $2 to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement!! And, if you TWEET #heart@Macys from Feb 1st through Feb. 14th, Macy's will also donate $2 for EACH TWEET!!! So, mark your calendars!!!

I hope to see you on Friday, February 3 at Macy's Herald Square in New York City!!


DETAILS:
What: National Wear Red Day and Go Red For Women Red Dress Dash
When: Friday February 3, 2012
Where: Macy's Herald Square, New York City
For More Info: Click HERE And WEAR RED!!!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party": The Recap!

A FAB Fabric Sale, Lots of Signed Fashion Illustrations, Free Prizes, "Project Runway" Dishing and More...

La Familia: Nick Verreos with FIDM Scholarship Store attendees, my "Twitter" Bestie Victor Padilla (holding his Season 2 Project Runway DVD!) and his mommy, the fabulously chic Olga, FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric, Draping & Sketching Party"

FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A. FIDM Campus

Last Thursday I had the privilege of hosting a fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store (voted the "Best Boutique/Store in L.A." by the readers of Downtown News BTW!). The reason for the little daytime bash was the fact that EVERY fabric in the store was priced at only $2/yard (it's ALWAYS on sale at the FIDM Scholarship Store!).

Sketching Table: Nick Verreos getting ready to sketch fashion illustrations for the shoppers

Also, besides the fact that I was hosting this event, I was there to assist shoppers on what fabrics to get, give you ideas for fashion design, and to of course, sign original fashion illustrations that I did right then and there!

In addition, we had two FIDM Graduates from the Advanced Fashion Design Program--Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez, presenting the "Art of Draping": each created a one-of-a-kind gown as guests watched (!) using fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store. Angela, who was one of my students several years ago (very proud of her!) draped a beautiful one-shoulder flowing gown with original strapping using blue satin fabric, as seen above...

And Paul (above)--shy little Paul (Not!), went "Miss Venezuela Fabulosa!" creating a plunging neckline gown featuring a hand-pleated top section and OVERSIZED gathered side "Puff's". In case you want to know how those stood up: "dotted" pattern paper! He used "Barbie Pink" poly satin--again from the FIDM Scholarship Store, of course.

Also for this "Fabric Party" was Mark Griffin, a FIDM Interior Design graduate, and one of the talented FIDM interior design students featured in the HGTV series "Design School" . He was there showing how to use fabric from the FIDM Scholarship Store for home decorating ideas--such as covering lamp shades, photo frames, and table coverings.

Dishing: Nick Verreos plays host and "Project Runway Gossip Queen" to shoppers at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

The event was a big success! It was a delight to see so many people in the store shopping and getting fabric! There were lots of "Project Runway" fans which was great! The Finale was that night so I gave them a little "insight" on what to expect possibly (since I had attended the NY Fashion Week project Runway Finale show).

We Want Fabric...and a Nick Fashion Illustration: FIDM students pose at the FIDM Scholarship Store "Fabric Party"

A special treat was meeting one of my "Twitter Besties", Victor Padilla and his lovely mom, Olga. He brought his Season 2 Project Runway DVD which his mommie had just bought for him (love her!), so naturally they both got a special "Nick Hug" , fashion illustration and signed photo! (see photo at the top of this post).

What's In The Bag: Nick Verreos and one of the "FIDM Scholarship Store Fabric Party" prize winners

We even gave out prizes--LOTS of them--to the shoppers, guests and attendees! Everyone put their name in a box and then throughout the party, I reached in and chose a winner. They got some FAB prizes (yes, I'm jealous!).

I can't wait until we have another fun "Fabric Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store. Thank you to EVERYONE who came out and especially to all the amazing FIDM Scholarship Store staff--LOVE YA!

Nick Verreos Hosts a "Designer Fabric Party" & Fashion Draping Event at FIDM Scholarship Store THIS THURSDAY Oct 27th

A Fabric Party!

A Designer Fabric Party! I am so excited to announce that I will be the "Master of Ceremonies"---OK, I'll be Hosting--this fun "Fashion Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store this Thursday, October 27th--from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Nick Verreos Hosts "A Designer Fabric Party!" at FIDM Scholarship Store", this Thursday 11am-2pm

In case you didn't know, besides LOTS of Designer-brand clothing at steep discounts, store mannequins, dress forms, jewelry, and even magazines, the FIDM Scholarship Store sells fabrics, bolts and bolts of it! And at really, REALLY good prices. Like $2/yard good! As part of this "Designer Fabric Party", we will be presenting creative fabric ideas for Fashion, Holiday Parties, Home Decor, and much much more!

Along with yours truly, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design "Debut" Graduates Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez will be on hand, showing many different ways of draping the fabric to the body forms to create dresses, gowns, bustiers, you name it! I'll also be draping and sketching and offering my "Nick" fashion consultations--just for YOU. And of course, I might be giving you some "INSIDE DISH" on the Finale of Project Runway and yes, signing autographs and taking Facebook Pics!!

Oh, and did I mention that ALL the proceeds from the purchases made from the FIDM Scholarship Store go to create scholarships for FIDM students!! Yep! So, come Thursday and BUY some FABULOUS FABRIC!

FIDM Scholarship Store

Here are the Details:

*WHAT: A "Fashion Fabric Party!" hosted by Nick Verreos

*WHEN: Thursday October 27, 2011 11:00 am-2:00pm

*WHERE: FIDM Scholarship Store, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90015-1421 Phone: 213-642-1200--ask for the "Scholarship Store".

*RSVP: None! Just come!!!

Style Week Orange County 2011 Runway Glam Slam, Cadillac Contemporary Design Contest and More: The Recap!

Surf and Sport Fashionistas, Fall 2011 Irvine Spectrum Fab and Cadillac DIVAS...

Smiling Host: Nick Verreos MC's "Runway Glam Slam" Style Week Orange County 2011 Finale, Irvine Spectrum Center

This past Friday evening, I hosted the Finale of Style Week Orange County 2011 at the Irvine Spectrum Center in yes, the city of Irvine. It was the fourth annual Style Week OC and my third time being part of this Southern California fashion event. Last year, as you also may know, my NIKOLAKI design partner and I showed our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection there and it was FABULOUS!

The night was entitled "Runway Glam Slam" and it featured THREE runway fashion shows including the OC Surf Sport Showcase, The Spectrum Collection featuring Fall 2011 Trends from the top Irvine Spectrum stores, and finally, the 2nd Annual Cadillac: Contemporary Design Competition. So let's Recap:

Runway Glam Slam was set to begin at 7pm and all the hundreds of seats were set out with FAB Style Week OC 2011 Goodie Bags (above) --in a sectioned-off area at the foot of the AMAZING Irvine Spectrum "Giant Wheel". First up was the OC Surf Sport Showcase, presenting all the surf-and-active wear fashion that put Orange County on the "International Fashion Map". Models strutted the latest from brands and stores like Vans, Macy's, Target, Old Navy, SALVATION, Tilly's, among others:

Board Short-and-Sexy: Model in Oakley t-shirt, hoodie, shorts and flip flops, "OC Surf and Sport Showcase", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Printed Lovely: Model in a look from Salvation, "OC Surf and Sport Showcase", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Next up was "The Spectrum Collection":
This section of the runway shows focused on the latest Fall 2011 styles and trends from the top Irvine Spectrum Center stores. The fashions ranged from high-end denim, sweater layering, glittery cocktail dresses and some Retro-inspired ensembles from stores like Lucky, Max Studio, Macy's, Kaitlyn, Buckle, Windsor, Forever 21 and Nordstrom.

Aspen Calling: Models in Lucky Brands looks, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Sequined Night: A sequined black one shoulder top and black mini ensemble from Windsor, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Going Campin': A cardigan sweater, plaid shirt, jeans and boot look from Forever 21, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Retro Glamour: A lace skirt, faux fur jacket, gloves, hat and black pumps look from Nordstrom, "The Spectrum Collection", Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Miss Nick America: Nick Verreos waves as he is crowned by "Ms. Amercia 2011" Tracy Broughton, Style Week OC 2011

Then it was the much-anticipated Cadillac: Contemporary Design Runway Show and Competition. But first, I noticed a crowned beauty in the audience--front row, of course. It happened to be the reigning Ms. America 2011 (not to be confused with Miss America), Tracy Broughton. After announcing her presence to the Style Week OC audience, she even let me put on her $35,000 diamond-and-ruby crown!!!

Strike a Pose: Nick Verreos hosts "Cadillac: Contemporary Design" Runway Competition, Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Four graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM designed, created and showed their runway interpretations of Cadillac luxury vehicles using actual CAR PARTS! The designs were to be directional and CONTEMPORARY, as the Contest Title suggested. In other words--no "KRAZEE Is-That-a-TWENTY-Foot-Train? Couture" here darlings. The designs would be judged by Gary White of Tustin Cadillac and his stunning and very stylish wife Carol White, Leijla Hasanagic, Irvine Spectrum Center Nordstrom General Manager, and yours truly...yes, ME!!! The prizes: $500 for the Cadillac Facebook Page Fan Favorite and $2,000 for the First Place Winner. Both prizes coming from Tustin Cadillac (LOVE THEM!)

The Cadillac Designs:

Airi Isoda: Airi's outfit consisted of a cropped jacket and a skort (skirt with shorts underneath). It was elegant and chic and inspired by the Cadillac SRX. The jacket had sleeve embellishments that were actual car brake lights and the shoes: yep, those are seat belts.

Alexandra Paulus: Inspired by the Cadillac CTS V Coupe, Alexandra's "Hot Girl On a Night Out" look included silver skinny pants, a very NOW black shoulder-padded jacket, iridescent organza gold-colored shirt and black bustier. The belt buckle had the iconic Cadillac emblem and she also used industrial material for the clutch and those jacket shoulder details.

Ethan Bartlett: His design--which was inspired by the Cadillac CTSV Sedan--was sporty and sexy to say the least. Ethan made a loose tank and then printed the Cadillac logo on it. He added a teeny-tiny menswear-inspired vest and a sexy silver mini. In case you're wondering, the skirt: completely made out of Cadillac Car Seat Belts. Herve Leger by Max Azria better watch out! Or at the very least, hire him!

Kristine Flanigan: Last but not least, Kristine designed an ensemble which was inspired by the Cadillac Hybrid Escalade. It consisted of a t-shirt with the Cadillac emblem/flag colors (which she engineered into the top via multiple pattern pieces), a mesh-and-rubber bolero jacket with metal "piping/binding", and the BEST fitting pants I have seen in a LONG TIME! The waistband and pocket flaps were made from car material and the necklace used the Cadillac Escalade HYBRID emblem.

The Winners Were (Drum Roll!):

Big Check Winners: Nick Verreos with Cadillac: Contemporary Design Contest Winners, Ethan Bartlett (left) and Kristine Flanigan (right), Style Week OC 2011 Irvine Spectrum Center

Ethan Bartlett (left) took the "Cadillac Facebook Page Fan Favorite" prize of a $500 Check from Tustin Cadillac with his seat belt mini-and-Cadillac printed tank look and the First Place Winner of $2,000 (The judges' No. 1) was Kristine Flanigan (right) and her black pant, Cadillac T-shirt and cropped mesh-and-rubber jacket ensemble. Both were ECSTATIC for winning...and VERY SURPRISED! I was very happy--not only as a Judge, but as an Alumnus of FIDM. So PROUD of them; as they say (OK, as I say): They DONE DID well! It made for the perfect ending to another fashionable and very successful Style Week Orange County!