On Bravo’s Project Runway, contestants were asked to design an outfit in a particular musical genre for their fellow designers.
Because no one on this planet is ever taking my measurements, I was relieved when Heidi Gunn asked the Runway Monday designers to switch models and pick a musical style for them. I was lucky enough to get Nikki–
Nikki: Damn right.
–and my genre is country music.
Nikki: What?
It hasn’t escaped my attention that many of country music’s female stars don’t really dress “country” anymore. Most of the time, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, the Dixie Chicks, and even more traditional country singers like Dolly and Reba, are red-carpet-ready. I wanted to borrow a little of their shimmer, but also give my design some country and western flavor.
Nikki: I’m allergic to grease. And gingham.
White satin, black silk, black tulle, and silver accents make Nikki shine.
I wanted to mimic the yoke of the standard country and western shirt, but make it a little more fashionable, so I exaggerated it in black silk. Rather than covering up Nikki’s gorgeous neck–
Nikki: Word.
Black tulle trimming emphasizes the crisp, white satin wraparound skirt.
The bodice stops at the sides, and the yoke falls in a soft panel that leaves a hint of Nikki’s flawless back visible.
Although the bluefly.com wall provided the cowboy hat, the only cowboy boots were a bright blue. Blue was not part of my color palette, so I modified the boots. I covered them with satin patchwork that I dyed black. I’m sure these boots would be a hit with Shania Twain.
Nikki: Man, I feel like a white woman.
Becks: There are black female country singers.
Nikki: Name one.
Becks: Rissi Palmer.
(…)
Nikki: Same deal as last week. I’m keeping the boots.
Becks: I never doubted it for a minute.
You can see Timothy’s design for Figaro here, and Mark G. Harris’s design for Summer here. Tomorrow, you can read what the judges have to say about the designs in Heidi Gunn’s comments. Feel free to share your own thoughts about the designs in comments to any of these posts.
Also, a note from Heidi Gunn to our Runway followers:
Are you an avid follower of Runway Mondays? Have you ever screamed “NO!!!!” when the judges announced the winner–leaving your favorite designer out in the cold? Which Runway Monday designer was a cut above the rest? Here’s your chance to play judge: Between now and October 7, vote for the contestant you loved most! The Designer who receives the most votes will win a fabulous surprise. How do you vote? Just send an e-mail to ljrunway@gmail.com and let us know who your favorite designer is, and why. One vote per person, please!
Finally, if you’re interested in my previous designs:
Week10: Working Girl Winner: Tim
Week 9: Here’s Your Sign Winner: Me!
Week 8: A Foreign Affair Winner: Mark
Week 7: Drive It or Wear It Winner: Tim
Week 6: It’s a Drag! Winner: Me!
Week 5: Lipstick Jungle Winner: Mark
Week 4: Olympic Gold Winner: Tim
Week 3: New Orleans Inspiration Winner: Mark
Week 2: Going Green Winner: Me!
Week 1: Grocery Store Winner: Tim<
Whoa! The black yoke effect is incredible, front and back. The entire look screams, “Winner!” I think.
I used monochrome this week, too. And sequins. Egad.
Good luck, Becky! : )
Thanks! It’s fun to design for a different model. (You know, instead of for one who’s been “surgically changed” like that week with Figaro/Summeralike.)
Love it, Becky!!! Absolutely love it!! And those boots were made for walkin’ … right down the catwalk.
Thank you. I’ll ask Nikki if you can borrow them.
She looks like a good bad girl. I love it.
Thanks. It looks like we all had fun with our switch-ups this week.
Amazing silhouette!
Thank you!
You’ve made Heidi Miss Home
Re: You’ve made Heidi Miss Home
I hope that’s a good thing.
I LOVE IT! Nikki looks like she’s ready to do the Texas Two-Step at the annual Ewing Barbecue at Southfork. (Hopefully she won’t get thrown into the pool with JR!)
And the boots! To Die For!
As soon as I saw the silhouette (with the cowboy hat) I thought “this is gonna be good!” 🙂
Thank you. I speculate that some of our judges’ punk-love may work against Mark and me, but I was really excited to get Nikki/country to see if I could pull it off. And I had a lot of fun figuring out how to alter those boots to my liking. =)
It’s true that country stars today don’t dress like the Mandrell Sisters anymore. I think that’s why Leanne had such a problem with her design (on Runway) last week. It’s easy to go overboard and have your model come out looking like Annie Oakley.
I think Nikki could take JR. Especially now that he’s 114. I wouldn’t count Sue Ellen out, however. She’s scrappy.
Love the back… love the boots!
I’m thinking Pace Picante Sauce endorcements. Can Nikki do a voice post shouting, “New York city?!”
Re: Love the back… love the boots!
Tim may know differently, but I suspect Nikki could subscribe to the Linda Evangelista philosophy: “We don’t get out of bed for less than 10,000 a day.”
Re: Love the back… love the boots!
P.S. Just saw the title of your comment. Thanks!
Re: Love the back… love the boots!
I have 10,000 M&Ms on my person RIGHT NOW. Tell that bitch to get out of bed; and to please, bring some Tostitos Scoops with her…
Re: Love the back… love the boots!
Don’t tease me with your M&Ms. I do have a few Tostitos Scoops left.
I think Nikki’s performing on Austin City Limits right now.