FIDM Debut 2011 Fashion Show Gala--The Nick Verreos Recap!!! Photos Galore!!!

Fashionable Gala!

Last Saturday night was the much-awaited Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Debut 2011 Gala. In case you didn't know, "Debut" is the only show like it on the West Coast-- it annually attracts more than 8,000 people over 3 days and features design by graduating students in FIDM’s Fashion Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study Programs as well as work from the Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Textile Design Students.

FIDM Debut 2011 Trophy Girls: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and his NIKOLAKI gown-clad models, Amara (Left) and Brianna Barnes (Right)

The Saturday Night Gala is a black-tie event for VIP sponsors, donors and Fashion Industry Leaders such as editors, designers, clothing company owners and the like. It is held at the Santa Monica Barker Hanger with well-appointed tables and chairs, full three-course dinner, cocktails and of course, the fashion! I was invited to assist in handing out the Scholarship Winners for next year's Debut 2012--along with Barbara Bundy, Vice President of Education at FIDM. As a bonus, I was asked to bring two of my NIKOLAKI gowns so we would have our very own "FIDM Tropy Girls" wearing NIKOLAKI Couture on stage as we handed out the Scholarships. One of them--Brianna Barnes had a Project Runway Connection:

She had modeled in BOTH Kara Janx's Season 2 Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Runway Show as well as...

Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia's Collection

The Gala was FABULOUS with a Capital "F" for sure. I, of course, donned my White Dinner Jacket, black bow tie and braces (that's "suspenders" darlings), naturally (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dishing Fashion: Nick Verreos and Kelley Nelson, FIDM Debut 2011 (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berlin/ABImages)

Bow Tie Heaven: Nick Verreos with Jim Holmes and Peter Helenek from Mattel (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The Advanced Fashion Design Graduates' Debut 2011 Collections ranged from chic Parisian Audrey Hepburn-inspired separates, "Upscale American Apparel" Sporty-Spice, colorful and very innovative knitwear, menswear, FABULOUSLY tailored Little Boy's wear, to exaggerated ruffled red carpet gowns.

Here are some photo highlights:

Pretty in Stripes: A navy-blue silk skirt and striped top by Hannah Childs (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Let's Get Physical: Knit off-the-shoulder top, sheer and PVC leggings, Kristine Flanigan (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Debut 2011 Graduate Pamhidzai Mbanga and her Africa-inspired "boys" (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Best Dressed 1st Grade Plaid: Plaid double-breasted jacket, denim pants ensemble by Kamelia Stojanikova (Photo by Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ready to Rumble: Denim overalls and sweater combo from Kamela Stojanikova (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

I'm On The List: Strapless jumpsuit with inter-woven detail from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

She-Bop: Strapless printed dress from Ethan Bartlett (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

St. Petersburg Queens: Three knitwear looks from Adelle Louise Burda's Russian-inspired collection (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Edwardian Foxtail Boy: Asymmetrical coat, mustard pants, and rust-colored cardigan from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

London Calling: Blue leather side-zip front jacket, brown skinny pants with inseam patches and mustard-colored hoodie, from Alexandra Paulus (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Brunch at MOCA: Red pocketed tunic with wood (yes, WOOD!) "collar", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Dinner at Nobu: Felt and chiffon ensemble with knitted "Ankle Warmers", from Airi Isoda (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Leopard Who Lunches: Black-and-white Cheetah print top with "coned" sleeves and black ankle-length high-waisted trousers, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Ruffled Diva: Black organza one-shouldered cocktail dress, from Paul Hernandez (Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

Fashion Security: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM Debut 2011 Security Team

All in all, it was a fabulous Debut 2011 Show. It's always great to see what the "Designers-of-Tomorrow" are doing and of course, as a former FIDM Debut Graduate myself (don't even THINK of looking up what year!!!) it's always nostalgic seeing these shows for sure, as well as the young talent up there on the runway. Naturally, I had to get a final photo with the very hard-working security team at the Debut 2011/Santa Monica Barker Hanger. They were AMAZING and so sweet and respectful to me--especially "my guy" Rick Young, who at the very least, made me look as if I was actually someone important...

Until Debut 2012...

Project ETHOS LA Fashion Week: Nick Verreos Hosts at the Avalon Hollywood!!!

Project Hollywood

Plaid Happy: Nick Verreos emcee's Project Ethos LA Fashion Week Presented by Carlton Hair

Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of emceeing Project ETHOS Fashion-Music-Art Los Angeles Fashion Week Presented by Carlton Hair at the Avalon Hollywood. Project Ethos produces events showcasing and supporting indie talent in fashion, music and art.

Fierce Runway: Nick Verreos on stage, Project Ethos LA Fashion Week Presented by Carlton Hair

I hosted a Project Ethos event several months ago--also in Hollywood--and had an absolute blast so I was happy to return and be the Host With The Most. I knew it would be a fun and crazy night when I arrived (and I got there EARLY!), the Avalon parking lot was already at capacity and they told me I couldn't park there! (I told you: Crazy!).

Pool Boy: Nick Verreos flanked by the B. Vika Swimsuit Models, Project Ethos LA Fashion Week

The lines were halfway down to Hollywood Blvd. and I wondered "Is Lady Gaga performing?" Nope, it's all for Project Ethos. The Avalon Hollywood stage was transformed into a fabulous runway perfect for LA's up-and-coming fashion talent to showcase their designs.

Draped: Cardi Wrap by Kymaro, Project Ethos LA Fashion Week

Cinched: Cradi Wrap by Kymaro, Project Ethos LA Fashion Week

Besides the near-the-runway stage VIP seats, it was Standing Room Only as the runway portion of the show began. Approximately 20 Designers and over 100 models (all hair styled by Carlton Hair stylists of course!) featured creations ranging from sexy swimwear from B.Vinka, CardiWrap by Kymaro (a wrap that can be transformed into 60 different styles!), UK-inspired designs from Southern California-based Brit Boy Fashions and its founder Brian Terry, Menswear Denim and Graphic Tees from Doctrine, and luxe evening separates from Annie & Jade by Annie Lee and many more.

Nick Verreos and Gordana Gehlhausen on the Project Ethos LA Fashion Week Red Carpet

In addition to the designers above, a big highlight for me--as well as Project Runway fans in the audience--was seeing Season 6 contestant Gordana Gehlhausen's Goga by Gordana line on Friday night as well. Her new line for Spring 2011 was eclectic, fun, colorful and had a very "Sexy Starlet in St Tropez" vibe.

Lady In Red (Skirt): Goga by Gordana Gehlhausen Project Ethos LA Fashion Week

In between runway shows (they were broken up into two sections), LA-based band Voxhaul Broadcast performed. Also, being that we were at the Avalon Hollywood, there was great music to dance to afterward, as the surrounding area near the runway stage quickly turned into a packed dance floor!

Project Runway Connection Part Two: Nick Verreos poses with Project Runway Season 5 Model Runa Lucienne (she dropped out of the show unexpectedly right before one of the runway shows, modeling for Keith Bryce)

There was an After Party as well where VIP'ers--from stylists, editors, buyers, designers to models--could continue the party late into the night. Like last time, I had an immense blast and congratulate all the designers, musicians and artists who took part in Project Ethos LA Fashion Week...and thank you for laughing at my jokes, and clapping to my "Nick Runway Walk"!