In the third episode of Project Runway, the designers were taken to the beach to meet women surfers. They were then asked to create a design inspired by surf fashion. After they’d already begun work, the designers were presented with a surprise challenge. They had to create a second look as a companion to their first–but this one had to be avant garde.
Want to know what I designed? Read on!
One of many great things about the Pacific coast is watching the sun set. For my first look, I picked fabrics that I thought were sunny, fun, wearable, and that provided a glimpse of a colorful sunset. This is how I dressed Mattel Top Model Jessica.
I used fun cotton fabrics in sunny yellow. The top is faintly reminiscent of tie-dyed fabric, and the fasteners at the shoulder made me think of colorful sea life. The skirt has a bubbly pattern and is cut to suggest a wave. The sheer flared part of the skirt is a multi-hued voile that provided the sunset look I wanted.
And finally, if Jessica wears her dress to a party and the guests decide to take a dip, she can remove the skirt to reveal a body suit that hugs her slender body like a wet suit and is pool-friendly.
I was thrilled at the opportunity to design for Mattel Top Model Abby, whose look I think exemplifies “California girl.” I picked the ideal fabric for her, a shimmery, aquamarine moirĂ©.
Again, the cut of skirt is meant to suggest a wave. The organza inset of the skirt makes me think of sea foam, and the enhancements at the hemline are meant to suggest iridescent bubbles and silvery seaweed. The bodice repeats the wave and seaweed motifs.
I added pearls to her earrings and pearls to her shoes in honor of those gifts from the sea.
Fire and water–two different looks to bring the ocean to fashion.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my designs. See you next time on the runway!
To see my previous designs for this season:
6:2–We Expect Fashion
6:1–The Red Carpet
I have to admit I have been waiting to see what you would do … and I have to say that these are two of the best things you’ve ever done! I love love love them! I am especially fond of “fire … I love the voile especially! Terrific job! I am so glad that you decided to continue this
Thanks, Marika. I have to say that so far, I’m not thrilled with this season’s Project Runway, so I’m enjoying my designs more than theirs. I hope it’ll be better when we get to see increased focus on the more talented designers. Or when they stop playing nice.
You may recognize Jessica’s top from those fabric squares you sent to me. The voile may be familiar because I used a bit of it on last year’s drag challenge.
Thanks also for the encouragement. (edited to remove my snarkiness)
Oh, I am loving it … i just love that Louise so much! And I’m glad that I had a square to spare, it’s lovely!
The cool thing about editing is that I get to see the original note, and get to enjoy the snark – like a little inside joke hee hee hee… no one else can see.
I agree with this so much!
PR is a huge disappointment. The designers are NOT up to
sniff, especially after all the hype the show is getting.
I mean — thse people cannot sew! WTF?
I know!
Amazing!
You’ve done a wonderful job. The outfits are gorgeous, and the work and time you must’ve put in is very impressive. I love those little finishing touches like the pearls added to the earrings and shoes.
Is there a prize involved? I’m sure you’d win it hands down!
Re: Amazing!
Thank you SO much. No, there’s no prize. Just the fun of doing it.
Fire & water, huh? As I looked at them, “Fire and Ice” came to mind. Glad to see I wasn’t too far off. Like Marika, I especially love the voile.
Oh, and the shoes on the second outfit…you never disappoint!! =0)
And thank you again!
Thanks, Gary!
It astounds me what you can do with scaled design. These are gorgeous.
Thanks, ‘Nathan. Thank goodness my needlework has improved since last year. Lots of practice.
Wow, those are better than some of the designs from the show. BRAVO! (Er, I mean Lifetime!)
Thank you so much, David. =)
runawaybride
I liked the aqua one more, but after seeing the two side-by-side, I can’t choose anymore đŸ™‚
Well done.
(I guess theose who did this last season are unable to continue this season.)
Re: runawaybride
Thank you so much! =) I don’t know where those other designers have gotten off to. I miss their fabulous work.
Love the aquamarine dress, Becky! Think it’s the color and that sassy shoulder. But I confess I’m not even watching the show this year..
Thanks, Chris! And your secret’s safe with me.
That swimsuit… there’s so much else going on, but that one piece is flooring me. So well done.
Thank you, Mark.