On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers created paintings with students from Harlem School of the Arts. Each designer then had to design an avant-garde look inspired by the painting.
Marika suggested that I draw my inspiration from “Stravinsky,” by Gilbert Ruiz. Here’s his painting.
Photograph and painting copyright Gilbert Ruiz, 2011. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
I love the colors in the painting, as well as the contrast between the bold geometric shapes and the delicate lacy colors. I was inspired to return to one of my favorite looks to create, what I call the “tattered princess.”
Christine, with her two-toned blonde and brown hair, is the model I chose. Since Gilbert’s painting is alive with multiple layers and textures, that’s how I wanted to create Christine’s look.
The doll Christine is based on Debbie Harry so…New Wave meets Gaga. Both women have been among their generations’ avant-garde performers.
The skirt is made of black, white, and green lace, red mesh, and turquoise net.
Underneath: Black and white tights, to reflect the foundations of Gilbert’s painting.
The bodice is also multiple layers: a white knit bandeau top, covered by black lace, with a top layer of the red mesh.
I used cut-outs of the white lace to embellish the hat.
Detail of the skirt layers.
Something photos can’t show you is the movement of the skirt’s fabric. This was important to me because Gilbert’s painting is so fluid, as of course it must be when sharing a name with one of the world’s greatest and most innovative composers.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s look. See you next time on the runway!
Some of the fabric for this week’s challenge was donated by Timothy J. Lambert.
To see more of Gilbert Ruiz’s work, check out his Flickr photos at this link.
Previously this season:
9:5 Off to the Track
9:4 All About Nina
9:3 Go Big Or Go Home
9:2 My Pet Project
9:1 Come As You Are
1. your blog ate my first comment
2. If I were a squeer, I’d be squeeing all over this entry. I love love LOVE that painting, and I am so glad you used it
3. I love how you translated the painting, the white and black lines in the leggings, as well as the volume — the red reflects the “bubbles” in the painting. And Love the hat … I gotta say, you outdid the contestants … your hems are finished.
Thanks! I’m glad you like it. Thanks also for suggesting the painting. As for hems, the only ones I have are on the pants, so I might get in trouble for that–except the winner didn’t.
I found your first comment and restored it. It’s like magic!
Awesome!
People should do this more often, rather than names, names, names… at an outlet mall.
Parents Just Don’t Understand – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Thank you very much. =)
I think you did a great job marrying the design with the painting. I thought it was very Gaga, too.
Thanks, Lisa. Not sure it’s avant-garde, but if I could think that way, I’d probably actually BE designing for Lady Gaga.
Way better than anything on the show.
AGREED!
Thanks!
Thank you. These designers need to step it up.
Your designs really captured the essence of the original painting. Best of the season!
Thank you, Rob. =)
Love this post and your designs. My 10-year-old granddaughter just showed me that she’s starting to make clothes for her dolls. Right now she’s using remnants of discarded clothing and safety pins. Didn’t have my camera with me, but I told her I’d let you know. I thought you’d be amused. She also has Monster High dolls.
Thanks!
I think those Monster High dolls are very cool looking and would be a blast to create for.
Tell her to keep it up. Jason Wu used to make clothes for his dolls, and now he dresses the First Lady!
Becky,
I don’t even know where to begin. I love everything about this look. You have married your design to the painting so much better than anyone on the show(although I did like Anthony Ryan’s & Josh W’s). Everything about your look is flawless. I can only imagine the movement in that skirt. The tights are awesome. I could go on and on but those are my favorite parts.
Thanks, Gary. I liked Anthony Ryan’s, too.
Sometimes I don’t understand what the judges are talking about this season.