On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were given the challenge of creating a party look from a burlap potato sack. They could use dyes, trims, and other embellishments, but the largest part of the design had to be from burlap. Since the models would be wearing the designs to an industry event, they were the designers’ clients for this challenge.
Summer’s agent once again had bad news for me. Summer had to rush to the bedside of her ailing, elderly aunt, so she couldn’t be my model this week.
Translation:
Fortunately, Ava, one of Mattel’s Birthstone Beauties who helped present my final collection last season, was available and willing to be my client. Could I prove true the old adage that a woman as beautiful as Ava would look good in a potato sack?
I had no desire to hide the fact that my fabric was burlap. I once voluntarily used raffia in a challenge (Hi, Mark!), so creating a burlap outfit didn’t daunt me at all. First, I removed burlap threads from the fabric and braided them with silver cord, sewing the braided strands into the yoke of a cocktail dress.
To make Ava’s stockings, I used a wide-mesh silver to mimic the loose weave of the burlap.
The straight dress falling from the empire waist doesn’t have to be tight to show Ava’s slender figure.
I made a purse of burlap covered with the same silver mesh I used for the stockings.
I also put beads on Ava’s purse and shoes to repeat the stones of her earrings and necklace.
The total look:
I think Ava will look fantastic mingling with the movers and shakers of the fashion industry.
Last week, I meant to thank Lynne for the fabric. The faux fur of that design is from fabric she gave me in 1994, and the dress material was included in some fabrics she gave me in November. This week, Lindsey donated the burlap that I used, and Tim told me how to soften it so it would be easier to work with. Thank you, Lynne, Lindsey, and Tim.
And thanks to all of you who keep looking at and commenting on my designs. It’s more fun for me when I know it’s fun for you! See you next time on the runway.
And for previous designs this season:
PR 7:1 Back to New York
I couldn’t wait to see what you did with this challenge and you did not disappoint!! What a lovely dress you’ve created. I especially like the silver woven into the bodice.
Thank you, Gary. I had fun with this challenge–except I think I may be allergic to burlap!
Have you seen the newest line of Back to Basic Barbies? Chris and I saw them at Target when I was visiting and we both immediatey thought of you. Here’s the bext link I found with pics.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunnyscotch/4084265728/
Oh, yes. Never fear. You will be seeing some of them this season.
I really really REALLY love the deconstruction … and the ribboning you did with the blue. I think this is also a wonderful example of using the blue fly accessory wall thoughtfully – the stockings compliment the dress!!!
Thanks! (It is silver, not blue, but that’s okay.)
could we agree on BLUE STEEL?
Call it anything you want. Just don’t call it on the house phone, because we rarely answer that one.
Empire line dresses are cool! Why don’t you translate it into a full-size dress for yourself? (unless you are allergic, of course!) I’m with Gary on the silver thread.
Thanks! Yeah, I think it’d be way too itchy for me to wear.
That’s just fabulous. I can see that hanging on the rack at Macy’s…doesn’t look cheap…is marketable. WINNER!
I wouldn’t listen to HER. I really do like the design. I thought you would dye the fabric, but now? I’m really kind of glad you didn’t.
I am, too. I like the look of it. Thanks!
Thank you, Your Orangeness.
I’m madly in love with the contrast between the silver and the burlap. And I’m wicked impressed. I didn’t know how you were going to work that burlap into something scaled so small in size. But hot damn, you made a beautifully sewn cocktail dress!
Thanks! And thank you again for providing the fabric. If you ever need burlap, I’ve got extra!
Normally I pass on potatoes, but in this case I’d definitely ask for seconds.
Now that is a clever compliment. Thanks!
Don’t be too impressed, I almost wrote “THAT’S ONE HOT TATER TOT!”
HA HA HA!
hahhaha!
The site of the burlap makes me itch, but you did a fantastic job on the dress! I especially love the bodice.
I’m right htere with you on that, Lisa. I’m tpretty sure they were allowed to line them on the show.
I think it would have to be lined. Too itchy otherwise.
It made my skin a little itchy, but where I really felt it was my lips. I don’t know why. It’s not like I was eating it.
Thanks for the praise!
You rock! And the dress totally kicks ass (including mine). I’ll post this evening.
Thank you! I can’t wait until you start showing off your handiwork.
Very smart! And I’m allergic to burlap, too. BTW, I had an entire bolt of azure blue burlap in the basement, too.
Then YOU could have made an outfit, too!
Thanks for the compliments. =)
Your stockings continue to freak me out! Amazing design & beautiful work, as always. I agree with everyone else that the silver works so very well with the natural burlap color.
Thank you! Those stockings are a pain in the butt, but I’m getting better.
The stockings are the part that gets me, too, just amazing.
we want to be smith’s crisps
It looks very uncomfortable, er, for a human I guess 🙂 The hair helps it a whole lot, in my opinion.
Re: we want to be smith’s crisps
I don’t think anyone would choose to wear burlap unless it was lined with something very soft.
Emeralds and burlap before Labor Day. Honestly.
(This looks like a fun challenge, not only design-wise but just trying to figure where to source burlap! You did so splendidly, and the braiding treatment is so delicate. It photographs delicately, at any rate.)
All you need is a Lindsey, and burlap can be yours! (It’s delicate–but still itchy. I’m glad I won’t be wearing it for the next few months–too bad about Ava.)
(And thank you for the lemon juice in my RAFFIA papercut, you.)
Heh heh heh.