On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were given the opportunity to create their own fabrics. Each designer was presented with an HP All-in-One Desktop PC to use to create a textile design, then their designs were digitally printed on fabric overnight. I was dazzled by some of their creations and found myself at odds with the judges’ evaluation of who had the winning and losing designs. I believe my views were more in line with Tim Gunn’s and am starting to wonder if Nina and Michael aren’t being deliberately difficult for some nefarious reasons of their own. Stay tuned, huh?
Unfortunately, I don’t have an HP All-in-One Desktop PC at my disposal, nor do I have a budget for getting fabric digitally printed. What I do have is fabric, brushes, and lots of paints. I WISH I’d remembered to take a photo of my fabrics after I painted them and before I cut them to my patterns, but I overlooked that step. Here are the scraps, however, if that helps you visualize an early phase of my process.
As always, you can see my paintings on the One Word Art and True Colors pages.
I know it will shock you to learn that Summer was once again unavailable for this challenge. Her agent mumbled something about shooting a Volvo commercial and having a cold one, whatever that might mean.
The stunning Laura Lee steps out from behind the screen in the outfit that was my canvas.
I’m fond of this three-panel dress style and haven’t used it since the first season of Runway Monday,
when I fashioned it from red silk dupioni for a dress in my final collection.
Laura Lee’s outfit uses a thicker fabric, and I think the construction and print of the dress work well together.
Laura Lee removes her bolero jacket to show the strapless neckline of the dress.
With the jacket, the outfit is suitable for business.
Without the jacket, it easily transitions into a great dress for cocktails after work.
Her only jewelry is a two-strand choker with stones that repeat the dress’s colors.
The purse and slides are from one of the Barbie Basics accessories collections.
In the back, the cut-out V fastens at the top.
For the daytime look the jacket covers the V back.
Merging art and fashion made this one of my favorite challenges ever.
See you next time on the runway!
For my previous looks:
PR 7:9–Takin’ It to the Street
PR 7:8–The Elements of Fashion
PR 7:7–Hard Wear
PR 7:6–A Little Bit of Fashion
PR 7:5–Run for Cover
PR 7:4–Design Your Heart Out
PR 7:3–The Highs and Lows of Fashion
PR 7:2–The Fashion Farm
PR 7:1–Back to New York
The dark blue fabric I used as my “canvas” was a gift from Kathy S. The purse and shoes from the Basics accessories pack were gifts from Timothy J. Lambert.
“Merging art and fashion made this one of my favorite” Becky Cochrane originals ever. Seriously, this could very well be my favorite of anything you’ve done. The colors– WOW, the shape–perfection(I especially like the V in the back), the workmanship–impecable. This should be Blister packed & hanging on a peg in my local Target!
Thank you so much, Gary. WHY DOESN’T MATTEL CALL? Not their lawyers, however. 😉
BTW, did I tell you Nelda LOVED her painting(It’s been one of those week’s where I can’t recall if I emailed you or not). She said it was one of the best gifts I’d ever gotten her.
I’m so glad! Thanks for letting me know. =)
Absolutely stunning. I’d say more, but I’m stunned.
It’s like a fashion taser!
Thanks. =)
Don’t taze me, bro!
The fabric design is stunning. Seriously good.
Thanks very much, Mark!
BECKS! I have to say you did as good if not better then the top three on PR this week. That is AMAZING — and very true to you. I especially love the secret sexy back and the necklace. The colors came out beautiful, it manages to be whimsical and “deep” at the same time … you really outdid yourself, this has to be one of my favorite Beck designs ever!
Aw, thanks, Marika. It was one of my favorites to do–which is why I never went to bed Saturday night.
Better, hands down!
Becky, that’s gorgeous! Your fabric is fantastic, and the dress absolutely syncs with the design you made. Wow. Beautiful.
Thanks, ‘Nathan!
Where to begin! Get this out of the way: You chose a great model for this; I can’t see a blonde or a raven in this looking as lovely.
THAT BOLERO! What a perfectly scaled design. The sleeves are wonderful, beautifully pitched. The curving front… I like everything about it. What a home-run it is, Becky!
Finally, your fabric-creation makes me smile. Wonderful colors put together as only you do.
Undoubtedly a favorite among your many amazing things.
Thanks, Mark. I won’t share all the frustrations of that jacket–just hold on to the magic! 😉
I love everything you did with this design, Becky! The style is beautiful and the painted design is amazing. It really, really works in this format.
Thanks, Lisa! Phoebe is even giving it the Ken award. =)
That’s absolutely beautiful. With the jacket, I see her at the office, maybe at Vogue or as an executive in the Saatchi and Saatchi building where I used to work. Or someplace where creativity is part of the job. She could also be going on a dinner date or a gallery opening. Then she can check the jacket at the door, and she’s ready for a night of dancing at Twilo.
It really is fantastic. 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
It was a great birthday, thanks! And thank you also for your comments about the design–you nailed what I was going for–yay!
Each week you top yourself and each week I say “WOW!”
I like this pattern.
🙂
Thank you very much! I figure I’m due for a big FAIL soon. Then the media can kick me while I’m down, and all but a few diehards will desert me.
And then: COMEBACK TIME!
It’s the American dream. Sadly, by the time of my sadder but wiser rebirth, both Barbara Walters and Oprah will have stopped doing those heartwarming redemption interviews.
Take heart; Rosie should be back on the air by then. (You’ll get redemption and a Koosh ball!)
That’ll make it all worthwhile! I’ll bet Mickey Rourke never got a Koosh ball!