On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were inspired by young innovative individuals who are making a difference. They created their own textile using HP technology after meeting with the young innovators and learning about their efforts to make a better world.
All I had to do to find someone who inspires me was look at my Twitter feed. I first became aware of Sophia Bush when I watched the TV drama “One Tree Hill.” She played the character of Brooke Davis, a role I enjoyed watching and which led me to learn more about the actress. Sophia recently joined the cast of “Chicago PD.” Sophia consistently earns my respect and admiration for her willingness to stand up for her beliefs, including issues around equality and the environment. One organization with whom she’s been involved and for whom she advocates is Pencils of Promise. Pencils of Promise partners with communities around the globe to build schools, train teachers, provide scholarships, and improve healthcare for children.
It seems many young entertainers lose their way as they deal with success, so it was important to me to convey Sophia’s grace, poise, energy, and enthusiasm in my design, but also her sense of fun.
Since I don’t have Project Runway’s HP technology at my disposal, I had to create my own textile using paint. I chose a coral linen fabric as my canvas for bright colors that convey the light Sophia Bush radiates. I hoped the pattern I painted would show movement.
My model for the challenge is DJ, one of the Barbie Basics.
Although the designers weren’t asked to treat their inspiration as their clients–they wouldn’t be wearing their designs–I wanted to design something that I thought would look good on Sophia Bush as well as DJ.
The iridescent beading at the empire waist adds some sparkle.
The dress is short and flares but there’ll be no wardrobe malfunctions because DJ is wearing the right undergarments.
The shoes are by Mattel.
I hope we’ll be seeing Sophia Bush on our televisions for many years, and I’ll see you next time on the runway!
Previous designs this season:
Episode 12:10 Project Runway Superfan
Episode 12:9 Let’s Do Brunch
Episode 12:8 Having a Field Day
Episode 12:7 Shoes First!
Episode 12:6 Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5 YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4 Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3 An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2 Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1 Sky’s The Limit
I, too, liked Sophia Bush on “One Tree Hill.” She is one of the reasons I wanted so badly for “Partners” to work last season…but it was just so badly written that she nor Michael Urie could save it. A lot of the “comedy” seemed so forced. I’ll have to check out Chicago PD. I only recently discovered her on Twitter and am very impressed with her commitment to giving back.
I love the pattern of your fabric. The dress itself is simplistic perfection. I am not usually a fan of empire waists, but this really looked great. I could see Sophia wearing it.
Thanks, Gary! I’m not sure if Sophia would wear it, but I’m pretty sure Brooke would have. 😉
She definitely has a devoted Twitter following–especially lots of young fans all over the world. She’s a good role model for them.
Whenever they do this one, I’ve often wondered about having their celebrity guests that invoked such inspiration try-on these clothes (or otherwise receive them.) I suppose it wouldn’t be bad form to mail the doll version to the celebrity, would it? What would Scooby Doo? 😉
Usually when they are designing for a celebrity, the winning design is going to be worn by the celebrity at an event.
In this particular challenge, they weren’t designing looks for the young innovators to wear–just using their community action as inspiration. I just snagged a celebrity because she really does inspire and impress me. But if she wanted her dress, I’d send it!
I think I reached my limit of PR this season … the designers … their bickering, back stabbing and lack of creativity … and also the obnoxious guest judges. So I decided to skip it last week. The Becky PR I couldn’t pass up. Your fabric design was fantastick. (It would have made a great painting.) And the dress was a classic. Good work all around. Now, what do we have to do to get them to produce a doll sized Project Runway?
I do think their designs have been a little–well, blah as compared to previous seasons when certain designers have really stood out for me. But I’ve seen worst behavior in other seasons. Now that the divas have been eliminated, I like the people who are left and wish them the best as they get to Fashion Week.
One thing I really did like was that Helen went into the season determined to compete with Kate, and they became friends and ended up working well together. I enjoyed that a lot.
Thanks for your comments on my design. I was running behind but really wanted to do a good job, and it was fun to feature a celebrity who I admire. I wouldn’t want to compete with other designers for TV, however–who needs the pressure? And my sewing skills are sorely lacking.
I really don’t like Helen. I like that she had to eat her words with Kate … and I liked Kate a lot … but I could do without Helen, she’s a mean little thing if you read her tweets.
I’m glad I don’t read her Tweets, then!
The minute that they said that Kiva was one of the “inspirations” I knew whoever got it would win. I do their micro lending and I always look for women with a crafty kinda thing going on to donate to … and I like that you can keep recycling the loan over and over again. When Dom got Kiva I knew she was going to win … finally, she is easily my favorite. I love her …
I think that this pattern is very Dom, so an in for you too!
Thanks, except you may have just insulted Dom (What if one of the others had drawn the Kiva innovator? Dom wouldn’t have had a great design working with someone else? She won only because it was Kiva?) and me–I only get in because my original painting looks like something Dom would do?
I’m sending you to Remedial Praise School. And just to show you how it’s done, KUDOS to you for supporting Kiva with micro lending. You help make a difference.
The design you created on the fabric is beautiful! I still think you should create some full-size designs…
There was a programme on the BBC earlier this year called ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ where the (amateur) contestants were given challenges each week to create an evening dress, or pinafore, or man’s shirt or whatever. I saw the accompanying book in a supermarket the other week and thought I might have a go at the waistcoat. Goodness only knows how that would turn out, though..?
Thanks very much. As for the waistcoat, you’ll never know until you try!