Book Review - "A Passion for Fashion" by Nick Verreos (#15 - 2016)

Disclosure: I received a .pdf copy of this book from the publisher for review. I only accept copies of books for review that look like something I would normally buy or check out at library.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Passion for Fashion:  Achieving Your Fashion Dreams One Thread at a Time by Nick Verreos

I honestly didn't really know what to expect when I was approached to review this book.  I remembered Nick from Project Runway season 2 and I liked him a lot (I also remembered he was one of Lauren Conrad's instructors at FIDM during The Hills - yes, I do remember the most random things).  I assumed this was more about his journey into fashion, etc.  While that was partially true, most of this book was a sort of instruction manual about how to get into the industry.  Which was really a pleasant surprise.  I mean, I wish I had had this book when I was in my fashion classes during my college years.  He talks about how to create a croquis, technically draw garments (complete with detailed illustrations), and various portfolio guidelines (which as a textile designer I can totally use, thanks Nick!).  Honestly, you can tell he's a really good teacher, I learned so much.  Now my fashion instruction was limited and mainly concentrated on very technical/manufacturing courses, so I didn't do any illustration or draping, etc.  But I will say he stressed the importance of patternmaking and patternmakers.  This is 100% true.  Now I sucked at patternmaking, but it is well known in the industry that if you are a good patternmaker you can pretty much write your own check.  And he really stresses that sometimes you may not have the "glamorous" job, but you can learn the most from something that you never thought you would be doing.  He gives practical, useful and spot on advice for getting your foot in the door and beyond.  I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in fashion (or if you know of anyone interested in fashion) to pick this book up pronto!  It's one of the best blueprints for getting on a path to a job in the fashion industry I've ever read!  I hope he writes another book on the business side, he touches on it here, but I think he would be ideal to write a "fashion business" book.

In the meantime, please check out his website and excellent YouTube channel with great instructional videos (that I've been watching).  Here he is talking about the book:

My Five - Christian Siriano Spring 2011

I adore dear Christian, just love his personality and talent.  I want to see him push himself a bit more, though.  Here are my picks from his collection:

Images via Style.com

Check it out

Remember that show Project Runway? Yeah, been off the air for a while due to a bitter legal battle as it changed networks. That's all settled and will be airing later this year on Lifetime. But remember the last season on Bravo when Leanne Marshall won with her lovely collection? Well, her collection for Bluefly is ready to go and is currently 20% off. Check it out here.

Image via Bluefly