android kindle

 Hello FIDM San Diego Open House 2014: Nick Verreos and the FIDM San Diego Open House "sign girl"--LOVE her bandana headband and Lycra leggings outfit!

This past weekend I drove to San Diego with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (who took A LOT of great pics in this post! Thank You David!!), for my "Special Appearance" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Diego Open House. The FIDM Open House is a way for high school students--and post-graduates--to get to know the FIDM campus, meet Alumni, instructors and take a tour of the campus (amongst many other things!).

I arrived the night before my appearance and checked in to the wonderful Kimpton Solamar Hotel, located very near the college. The hotel was so classy in that no sooner I had hung my overnighter garment bag, there was a knock on the door; they had delivered a delicious "Welcome Back to the Solamar Hotel" spread of charcuterie, red wine and bottled water to my room: what a way to start my weekend in San Diego! Thank You Kimpton Solamar Hotel San Diego!

 San Diego Familia--(left to right) Elise Paul, Marisa Coon, Nick Verreos, David Paul and Conchita Encinas Hansen--Island Prime Restaurant San Diego

Soon after doing a "spritz-and-repeat" and outfit refreshner, David and I went to Island Prime Restaurant to meet David's mom, Conchita and sisters, Elise and Marisa who all reside in San Diego. David's mom had invited us for dinner at this very divine restaurant. The food was delicious:

 Island Prime Restaurant--Salmon and Scallop entrees and the Mud Pie Dessert

But more importantly, the ladies ALL wore our NV Nick Verreos dresses. I. Love. Them. And need I add, they got a bunch of compliments on their outfits! Oh, and guess who was there as well: former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (yes, wearing his neck-brace!).

 Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House

 Double Nick: Nick Verreos poses next to his mini-billboard--FIDM San Diego Open House appearance

I had the pleasure of doing not one, but two presentations at this FIDM San Diego Open House 2014, speaking about my time attending FIDM, experience in the fashion industry and lots more. I also gave some "Nick Advice" on what to do to make you "stand out" at FIDM as well as post-college in the fashion industry. Here are pics of my "Special Appearance":

 Meet Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Under The Gunn: FIDM San Diego Open House had a special sign alerting everyone attending that I was on Lifetime Network's "Under The Gunn" TV Show

 Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Say Cheese: Attendees at FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Nick Verreos with Kristiana Sanchez and Marcos Jimenez--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Nick Verreos during the Post-FIDM San Diego Open House 2014 Photo Meet-and-Greet

 One of the attendees--a student by name of Michelle Lockwood gave me this "Cat" pin cushion that she sewed herself! Thank you Michelle!--FIDM San Diegom Open House 2014

Speaking of Panel Discussion--on my agenda that day was to MC a very special FIDM Alumni Panel Discussion with five FIDM graduates sharing their success stories working in the industry, including Eunice Chung, a Senior International Coordinator at Guess Inc.; Caitlin Connell, who is a Creative Coordinator with Universal Pictures; Kara Gaydosz, a Merchandise Coordinator with Vans; Lynn Restelli, who works as a Costumer and Project Manager at Disney's California Adventure; and Chace Vance, who is a Trade Manager at Manufacturer.com.

 Showing the Dads How It Is Done: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

But before I got to that, I had a very special "Runway Walk-Off", involving the dads who attended the FIDM Los Angeles Fall 2013 Open House. Many of the attendees come to the Open House with their parents so I thought this is a fun way to get them involved...and embarrass their daughters and/or sons.



Check put some of the fun--and CRAY-CRAY pics I got of the Father FIDM Open House Runway Walk-Off:

 Dad Fierce: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 Paid and Striped Dad Chic: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 T-Shirt Runway: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 Expert Alumni Panel: (left to right) Caitlin Connell, Kara Gaydosz, Eunice Chung, Lynn Restelli, and Chace Vance--FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 Crystal Award: HBO's "Behind The Candelabra", Winner of Outstanding Costume Design for a Movie, Miniseries, Special

Congratulations to Ellen! It was such a pleasure to have met her and to find out that she ONLY had FIVE weeks to design, and create, the costumes for "Behind The Candelabra". It is with special pleasure to have found out that she had won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Costume Design for a Movie, Miniseries, Special. Needless to say, I had a special kinship to all those sparkles--and the amazing craftsmanship of her designs!