Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's "Material Girl" Party with Kelly Osbourne: The FAB Recap!

I HEART MG(Material Girl)...Kelly...and...Macy's!

Macy's Prom Dates: Kelly Osbourne and Nick Verreos onstage, "Material Girl" Party, Macy's Beverly Center (Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)

Last Thursday, I had the great opportunity to host a Macy's "Material Girl" Party and Event and more importantly, officially introduce to Southern California the one-and-only Kelly Osbourne as the new Face for Madonna and daughter Lola's FABULOUS--and very successful--clothing line!

The Right Color Tie: Nick Verreos on the pink carpet of Macy's "Meet Kelly Osbourne/Material Girl" Bash (Photo courtesy of Faye Sadou)

In case you didn't know--I do lots of events for Macy's, traveling across the country and Puerto Rico (LOVED going to La Isla del Encanto last year!), hosting in-store events and fashion shows (next week I'll be traveling to Chicago and the Detroit area to host TWO upcoming Macy's "Putting It Together" Events---more on that soon!!). So, I guess some of the VERY SMART (hee hee!) Macy's execs decided "Hey, let's get Nick to host Kelly Osbourne's 'Material Girl' party!" Done and done...

Look Who's Here! Nick Verreos at the entrance of the "Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne" Party, Macy's Beverly Center

I had never met Kelly officially (a close "Six Degrees of Separation" however, since her co-anchor on E! Fashion police, Giuliana Rancic just wore one of my NIKOLAKI designs on the show!) so I was beyond-excited to finally get to say "Cheers!".

Upon arriving to the Macy's Beverly Center, I headed straight to the Level One Junior's Dept. where it had been transformed into a "Material Girl" Party VIP Lounge (above and below photos) with black-and-white striped couches, flat screen TV's, bubblegum pink pillows, candy jars with lots of REAL candy as well as...

A DJ, Lipstick Reader (she can analyze you by reading your lipstick "kiss") and a High-Definition Photo "booth" rounded out the ambiance of this soon-to-be FAB event! I then went up to where Kelly was holding Media Interviews before the event to give her a hug and tell her what fun we would have together!

Pink Carpet Smile: Nick Verreos Macy's Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne Event

Finally, it was time for the party: Pink Carpet(!), TONS of photographers and press, as well as a Packed house of many many young girls--and their moms--waiting to meet Kelly and see this season's new "Material Girl" collection (exclusively at Macy's!!).

Fashionista Girl: Kelly Osbourne, Material Girl Event Macy's Beverly Center

The press went KRAZEE with flashbulbs snapping a mile a minute the second she stepped on the carpet, wearing a cropped chambray denim shirt, polka-dotted and flower-print skirt ensemble--all from the "Material Girl" line of course!

Le Smooches: Nick Verreos introduces Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center (Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)

I finally introduced Miss Kelly as the NEW FACE of the line and brought her onstage for a fun tête-à-tête (Francais for "head-to-head" or conversation). I asked her all the questions EVERYONE in the audience wanted to ask...

The Kelly-Nick Show: Nick Verreos interviews Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center

Questions like: When did Kelly first meet Madonna? What was it like when her and daughter Lola asked her to be the new Spokesmodel? Who are her Style Muses? What is she listening to--music wise--and what is her next project. This Q & A portion of the party was soon followed by questions to the audience--that had to do either with Madonna, Lola, Kelly or the "Material Girl" line--and those who answered correctly, won $50 Macy's Gift Cards!! (Hello!!!)

Denim & Flowers: A look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011

Then of course, it was time for the FASHION--and the exclusive "Material Girl" fashion show!! Ten beautiful models hit the runway showing the latest styles from the collection. In case you want to know what's HOT for Spring 2011 "Material Girl":

Paper Bag: A Look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011

Washed-and-distressed denims, "Flower Power" prints, hippie-chick meets rocker girl, neon colors, bubblegum pinks, yellows, black-and-whites, minis, leggings, patent pumps, and PILE On the jewelry! Think 1984 Pat Benatar with a little Joan Jett with a dose of Cyndi Lauper thrown in to the mix and yes, of course, some Madonna.

Material Girls: Nick Verreos and Kelly Osbourne, flanked by models wearing "Material Girl" Collection, Macy's Beverly Center (Photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

The event was a complete success and I sure as heck ain't lying when I say: I HAD SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!! I loved and enjoyed every minute! Miss Kelly Osbourne was so sweet, so effusive with her excitement and a class act! Huney, we could have spent TWO more hours discussing fashion, the 80's and how much we LOVE Madonna and the Material Girl line!!!

Is My Tie On STRAIGHT? Nick Verreos and David Paul in the "Material Girl" Party HD Photobooth

After the Q & A, Fashion Show and Macy's Gift Card Contests were over, the party continued and... of course, my NIKOLAKI design partner--and better half--David Paul, and I were "coaxed" into the HD Photobooth, where, yes, we tried out our "Vogue'ing" as an homage to Miss Madonna. Two Material Boys workin' it! Or so we think :)

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

Until next time...Thank you to EVERYONE who attended!!!! And Congrats to all the winners of the Macy's $50 Gift Cards (I'm jealous!)

*Click HERE to read all about the event--with additional great photos--on California Apparel News' ApparelNews.net BLOG

And...Click Below for videos of my Q & A with Kelly Osbourne at the Macy's Beverly Center "Material Girl" party...as well as...the madness of the Photographers/Press when Kelly hit the Pink Carpet!!!

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!