"Virtual" Model and Designer--Nick Verreos with model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown during the Finale of the first-ever Virtual FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles
Several weeks back I had the opportunity to be part of the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's first Virtual "3 Days of Fashion". The FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Program is a FIDM program which involves a three-day stint at the college, from visiting high school students--as well as some post-high school graduates--to get a chance to check out the campus and get a brief behind-the-scenes of being a student at FIDM. This includes meeting instructors, alumni, taking classes in sketching, trend forecasting, styling, and much, more...
Nick Verreos flanked by his NIKOLAKI evening gowns--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design" Virtual Finale--FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Obviously, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, things had to be "reconfigured" to fit the "New Normal" and this time, FIDM's "3 Days of Fashion" went completely ONLINE and VIRTUAL titling the event "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online". As part of the traditional "3 Days of Fashion" program, every year for the last decade, I have had the chance to have a very special "Nick Show/Fashion Show Presentation". So even though this year was going to be all ONLINE/VIRTUAL, that did not mean that the show could not go on. After many hours of rehearsal and prep-time as well as ZOOM meetings (!!!), we did it: We had our first FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Virtual "Nick Show/Fashion Show Presentation".
FIDM Virtual "3 Days of Fashion" Finale--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles
I MC'ed/hosted the event--as if I was standing in front of hundreds of students (this time, they were all ONLINE!) and brought one of my favorite models, Amanda Fields Bennett, to wear my NIKOLAKI gowns, for a very special fashion show presentation. We did it all while social distancing, making sure to stay 6 feet apart. And...we kept the "crew" to a bare minimum, including myself, the model, my Co-Chair bestie David Paul, our Assistant Chairperson Jonie Thomas, and Tanya Buzalsky, Regional Director of Special Events at FIDM Speakers Bureau.
Here are Behind-the-scenes Photos from our First Ever FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Virtual Finale Fashion Show Presentation:
Nick Verreos and model Amanda Fields Bennett rehearsing for their FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Virtual" Close-up--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles
We're LIVE!--Nick Vereros and model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown, during the FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online" event--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles
The Fashion:
Golden Goddess--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gold/copper/bronze sequined paillettes over silk chiffon column gown with attached capelet--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online" Finale, FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Spring Flowers--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI flower printed stretch sateen mermaid shape gown with fuchsia-colored silk duchesse shawl collar and waistband--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Rasberry Ballgown--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI raspberry-colored silk satin organza one-shoulder ballgown--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Mint Princess--Model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI mint-colored silk crepe satin gown with crystal sequined netting and silk chiffon capes--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Virtual Stage--Nick Verrteos and model Amanda Fields Bennett in NIKOLAKI gown during the Finale Presentation of FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles
It Takes a (Small) Village!--Many THANK YOU's to all involved in making this first-ever Virtual FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Nick Show" happen; FIDM Fashion Design Co-Chair and NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul (in zebra mask), FIDM Fashion Design Assistant Chair Jonie Thomas (in denim jacket), Tanya Buzalsky, Regional Director of Special Events at FIDM Speakers Bureau (in green dress), and model Amanda Fields Bennett--FIDM "3 Days of Fashion, Innovation & Design: Online", FIDM Museum Los Angeles
