Europe Summer 2011 Postcard: The Finale--Florence and Rome!!!

EuroStar:

Dress Up Traveler: Nick Verreos--and luggage--arriving in Florence Italy via Eurostar fast train

Last month--as you may know--both David Paul, my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion-crime, and I went to Europe. Primarily, I was invited to lecture and show our NIKOLAKI Collection at a first ever "TREDICI 13" Fashion Show sponsored by the Miami University of Ohio Summer School in Florence Italy Program. You can click HERE to read my posting of the Fashion Show, including a favoloso video and tons of photos.



This post here is all about my time in Firenze after the Fashion Show, partaking in a special lecture alongside fellow designer and Project Runway Season 6 Finalist Althea Harper, as well as a tour of the new POLIMODA Institute Campus.



POLIMODA International Institute of Fashion Design Tour:



The day following our very well-received runway presentation, Althea along with her lovely sister, Maeve (who accompanied Miss Althea on her "Europe Summer 2011" trip), David and I joined students and instructors from the Miami University of Ohio Summer in Italy for a tour and special presentations/lectures at the POLIMODA International Institute of Fashion Design--the Premier University in Florence, specializing in Fashion and the Marketing of Fashion.

Hands on The Hips: Nick Verreos and Althea Harper lead the Miami University of Ohio Study Abroad students to a Photo Pose-Off--POLIMODA International Institute, Firenze Italia

We had been to POLIMODA on my previous visits to Florence, having been invited to speak & lecture at the Miami U. Summer in Italy Program, but this was a brand new Campus location for POLIMODA. Last year we began the tour by "climbing" up the hill to the Villa Strozzi, once the summer residence of one of the most powerful families of Florence, the Strozzi family. But this year, Institute is undergoing a "location change", to the more centrally-located Villa Favard in one of the toniest sections of Florence. We even got a wonderful and very special lecture from its famed Director, Linda Loppa.

Miami U. Calendar Boys: Althea Harper and Nick Verreos pose with "The Boys" of Miami University Summer In Italy Program, POLIMODA Institute

Lecture Time:

Lecture Hall: Miami University of Ohio Summer Abroad students, The Gould

After a delicious lunch, we all headed back to The Gould--site of last night's Fashion Show, as well as the Campus Headquarters for the Miami University of Ohio Summer In Italy Program. There , both Althea and I lectured to a group of the program's Journalism students--all set up with their laptops (Note taking 2011!). The students listened intensely as we spoke of our backgrounds, how we "got to where we got", as well as the importance of social media in the fashion world, strategies for interviewing subjects, and how to create a good story/article--especially if the subject matter might be "foreign" to you.

Ciao Firenze: (Left to right) Maeve (Althea's sister), Nick Verreos, David Paul and Althea Harper

Soon we were off for Goodbye Drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the gorgeous rooftop pool bar of the Grand Hotel Minerva overlooking the Piazza Santa Maria Novella as well as breathtaking views over the Duomo. But before we left, I had to snap a "Miami Vice in Firenze" photo with Jerry Ingram--photographer extraordinaire as well as the Producer of the TREDICI 13 Fashion Show--it's become a tradition. See for yourself:

Jerry Ingram and Nick Verreos 2010

Nick Verreos and Jerry Ingram 2011

Rome:



Soon, we were off to Rome. David and I had one full day in Rome before returning back to the USA and so, we were going to "Make It Work!" and do a Marathon Rome Tour! Of course, we hit up the monumental Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater:



David Paul in front of the Flavian Amphitheater/Roman Colosseum (notice his little bag from Gucci!!)



Afterward, we walked (yes, we WALKED EVERYWHERE!) to the Victor Emmanuel Monument (above photo), honoring Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II. Then we stumbled--literally--onto the...



Mario Testino Photo Exhibit "Todo O Nada", which had just opened!! This exhibit features 54 photographs of Testino, exploring his two loves, Fashion and the Nude.



Model Stella Tennant by Mario Testino, "Todo O Nada" Exhibition, Rome Italy



It was so GOOD!!!! We bought the book, a full-size poster/print--well, you name it, we bought it!!



We also headed to the Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Steps, where yes, there were THRONGS of people (see above photo)--mostly young tourist just chillin' on the steps or walking the chic shopping streets. I also noticed the "V" for Valentino insignia nearby which happened to be Palazzo Mignanelli, which belongs to yes, Valentino. This meant one thing: Photo Time...

Nick Verreos, Palazzo Mignanelli or as it is also known, Palazzo di Valentino

And in case you were wondering, yes we eventually made it to the Fontana del Trevi or Trevi Fountain (above). It was--as usual--PACKED, but somehow, I still got a fun photo of David doing the requisite "Make a Wish and Throw a Coin" toss. I got the pic midway:

Ciao Roma e Ciao Italia!!!

Nick Verreos and NIKOLAKI Collection in Florence Italy Fashion Show--Miami University of Ohio Italy Summer Abroad

Ciao Bellissima!!!

Grazie Firenze: Designers Giulia Bigoli, Althea Harper and Nick Verreos taking their bow, Florence Italy Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Last month, I was invited--along with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul, to showcase our NIKOLAKI gowns and dresses at the first-ever "Florence Italy Fashion Show at the Miami University of Ohio Summer Program" entitled Tredici 13.

Florentine Boys: Nick Verreos and David Paul, NIKOLAKI designers, in Florence Italy

For the past two years, I have been part of this FAB Study Abroad Program as a "Special Guest Lecturer", for the Journalism students, speaking about fashion, fashion blogging, trends, as well as of course, giving my unique experience and insight to the students. Oh, and yes, DISHING a little bit on the "behind-the-scenes" of being on Project Runway. But this year, the director of the program wanted to "turn it up a couple fashion notches", and have a fabulous fashion show at the program's historic campus location, the Gould Institute a palazzo built in the mid-1600's originally a residence to the noble Florentine family Del Rosso.

Runway Preparations: The Runway at the Gould Institute garden

They also invited fellow Project Runway alumn, NYC-based fashion designer Althea Harper. This was her second time joining me on the Miami University "Summer In Italy" Program so it was a real treat (for us and for the audience) to show our designs in Italy for the FIRST TIME! The fashion show--"Tredici 13"--which was wonderfully produced and organized by Fashion Photographer Jerry Ingram of Foto-Genique also included the punk-rock-inspired designs of POLIMODA 2011 Fashion Designer Graduate, Giulia Bigioli.

Fashion Designer and Project Runway Season 6 Finalist Althea Harper, Fashion Photographer and Producer/Organizer of the event, Jerry Ingram, Nick Verreos, Miami University of Ohio Florence Italy Runway Show (photo courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

The fashion show was amazing--from the location, the gorgeous Florence-based models, the production (the lighting and runway!)--it all led to a fantastic backdrop to feature our fashions. Now, speaking of fashions:



NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos David Paul:

Yellow Princess: Canary yellow silk satin crepe NIKOLAKI gown with pleated draped-front cascade detail (photos courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Florentine Red Carpet: One shoulder canary yellow silk satin crepe dress with shirred side, asymmetrical hemline and shoulder detail (Photos courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Fuchsia Italia: Models featuring NIKOLAKI dresses in Florence Italy Fashion Show--Silk-wool ziberline strapless side pleated asymmetrical dress (Left) and silk jersey cowl tunic dress with "Croq"-embossed leather shoulder accents (photos courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Floating Marchesa: Model in NIKOLAKI one-shoulder silk chiffon "Watercolor"-printed gown with side slit (photo courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Althea Harper:

Three looks from Althea Harper, Miami University of Ohio Florence Italy Fashion Show, Gould Institute (photos courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Giulia Bigioli:

Three looks from Giulia Bigioli, Miami University of Ohio Florence Italy Fashion Show, Gould Institute (photos courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Below are a few more photos from the event:

Step and Repeat Italia: Nick Verreos, Miami University of Ohio Florence Italy Fashion Show, Gould Institute

Beard Boys: Nick Verreos (right) with Designer Domenico Strecapede (left), Miami University of Ohio Florence Italy Fashion Show, Gould Institute (photo courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Molto Baci: Nick Verreos and one of the Florence Fashion Show "Security Detail", Alessandro Marchi (photo courtesy of Gildardo Gallo)

Posing Ladies: Miami University of Ohio Summer In Italy students with Nick Verreos, Gould Institute

Click Below for a great video of the runway show TREDICI 13 in Firenze Italia:

Nick Verreos and Althea Harper in Florence Italy: Miami University of Ohio Summer in Italy Lecture!!!

Buonasera Firenze!Color Happy: Althea Harper and Nick Verreos in Florence Italy

Two weeks ago I flew--along with my partner David Paul---to Europe.
First stop: Florence Italy:
Well, we actually flew from LA to Rome and took a train to Florence. We had purchased--or so we thought--tickets on the "Fast Train", Eurostar, but we knew something was "not smelling right" when we noticed THREE HOURS had passed and we were still NOT THERE! A "dead giveaway" should have also been the fact that there was NO AIR CONDITIONING for an hour: Yes kids, we got on the WRONG train! Gucci Not Happy: Nick Verreos arriving at the Florence Santa Maria Novella Station

We somehow boarded the Regionale, the "regional" let's just say more "pedestrian" train which instead of the nonstop 1 1/2 hr Eurostar to Florence, takes you through a FOUR HOUR twenty-stops-later way! Well, needless to say, we had been traveling for about 24 hours when we FINALLY arrived at our destination. I was invited (for the second year in a row!) by Miami University of Ohio to give my lecture on fashion and Project Runway to the English and Journalism students of their Summer Study Program in Florence. As a "special treat", another Project Runway Alumn was also invited: designer Althea Harper, Finalist from Season 6. She had not arrived yet because of travel problems (who would have thunk it!?). When we finally got off the train, Florence was SCORCHING HOT, 90 degrees and about 80% humidity (sweat-o-rama!!!).

Being Florence, David and I had to of course, do some Il Porcelino rubbing:Snout Luck #1: Nick Verreos rubs Il Porcelino, Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, Florence Italy
Snout Luck #2: David Paul rubs to return to Florence--in milder weather he hopes

That night--after checking in--we (Althea finally made into town!) were happily greeted by the Summer in Italy "Emperor", our host Dr. Mark Bernheim and enjoyed a lovely dinner with all the Miami University of Ohio Summer in Italy students and their advisers/instructors.
Polimoda Tour:
The following day, we gathered near the Arno River to head to the Polimoda International Institute Fashion Design and Marketing , one of the top Italian Institutions devoted to fashion. Approximately 50 students (and some parents) came with us to get their "Florence Fashion Fix". Florence has deep roots in fashion as you may know: Both the Houses of Ferragamo AND Gucci were founded here! On the way, both Althea, David and I enjoyed chatting with the students (mostly the girls of course!) and their moms on all things Project Runway naturally. In case you were wondering, yes, I gave LOTS of DIRT on the show and the behind-the-scenes. You gotta take the Miami University Summer Italy Program to find out what that was! Like last year, we toured the gorgeous campus, the hilltop Villa Strozzi and as a bonus, got an introduction from... Polimoda's Dean, Linda Loppa as well as...Kim Coston (above), a former professor at Polimoda-FIT who taught my Project Runway Season 2 alumn, Daniel Vosovic. One of the highlights of visiting the school was the rotunda "Foyer", where traditionally, the institute displays some of the latest creations from its top students.
On display were these amazing ensembles, in muslin/toile, designed and constructed by the students. My favorites included an intricate Elizabethan-inspired leotard that featured "crinoline" exaggerated Bishop sleeves, boned bodice, a ruff, and even shoulder "horns". It had overtones of 16Th Century Costumes, Alexander McQueen and Vampire Goddess Couture (is that enough of a description for you?). Another garment being displayed was of a dress, both demure in its coverage but elaborately sensual in its drapery and pattern technique:The front was pleated and full and the back had multi-layered ruffles: It was a "party" from all angles. It was so delicately made, it had the look of a silk gazar dress. But the pièce de résistance was an Alien-like caged structure knotted and tied with inner boning and wiring: I can't imagine an Italian actress such as fashion diva Monica Bellucci or Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani ever wearing this, but I guess that's not the point. I was awestruck by the construction and appearance. On display were the designer's conception sketches and even... a Barbie Doll mini-model with a paper mock-up.
The Polimoda Tour ended with a lunch and a group photo-op with some of the not-so-camera shy Miami University students.
Firenze Vice: Jerry Ingram and Nick Verreos

I also had to pose with my "Eurotrash brother from another Mother", the incredibly talented fashion photographer Jerry Ingram, who was also part of the All-Star group that day. We seriously look like the Italian Version of "Miami Vice"!

Here is a short video showing the fabulous Polimoda Institute Library:


But now, it was onto our Lectures back at the Summer Study Program in Italy headquarters at the Istituto Gould, or Gould Institute.

Nick and Althea Lectures: Lecture Dressing: Nick Verreos and Althea Harper pose with students, in very cute Summer dresses

Althea went first and did a fabulous job discussing how she got started in fashion and how she conceived her Bryant Park Project Runway Finale Collection. After a brief "get some espresso" break, I then spoke about my love of fashion, flight attendants and South American aristocratic divas, my road to Project Runway and what I have done since--and also spoke about the power of "new journalism" and branding.
May I Have More Wine? Nick Verreos and Miami University of Ohio Summer Program director, professors, and students, "Final Night Dinner" at Golden View Open Bar Restaurant

The students--and moms--in attendance all enjoyed our lectures and in fact, wanted more, which I guess is a good thing. That evening, we were treated to a "Ciao Dinner" at the very chic Golden View Open Bar Restaurant overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. Last year, we had our final night dinner here and I loved going back! Always the nicest ending to a great two days with the Miami University of Ohio team and students.

For more...
*Read Professor Annie Blair's Blog, MiamiOhioFirenze, HERE
*Read Miami University student Kelsey's blog, Subdued Chaos HERE, where she has a nice write-up on Althea and me.