On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers had to create their looks in partnership with Campbell Soup’s campaign to raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” movement. Their models this week were heart disease survivors, whose stories the designers found inspirational. The women would be wearing their dresses to a gala event to benefit heart health. The designs also became part of Campbell’s “AdDress Your Heart” campaign, which has enlisted top fashion designers for the last four years to create the red dresses that are now symbols of women’s heart health.
I was unable to find any of the Campbell Soup fabric that the designers were encouraged to incorporate into their designs, but I did use elements of Campbell Soup’s logo.
According to Summer’s agent, she was already booked for a photo shoot for another client. Translation:
No problem; I actually didn’t want Summer for this design. Instead, I chose Tanya as my model. Tanya is named for a woman who I still think of as my little sister. Although her primary health problem isn’t her heart, she has struggled with a life-threatening, chronic illness from a very young age. Her refusal to let health issues daunt her, along with her humor and common-sense approach to life, taught me lessons as a teenager that I still use every day. My design is a tribute to her and to all strong women who deal with health challenges.
I used a sheer crimson fabric, a gift from Lynne, to make the bodice and the ruffled skirt of Tanya’s dress. I lined the bodice with a metallic gold fabric to add to its shimmering effect.
I also sewed Tanya’s shimmery gold stockings. Her shoes are a gift from Mark G. Harris, on loan from Timothy J. Lambert.
The gold band at the top of the bodice mimics the gold used in Campbell’s Soup labeling. A simple garnet necklace is Tanya’s only jewelry.
From the shifting waves of the bodice’s gold lining to the rolling ruffles of the skirt, the design is meant to suggest vibrant movement.
Definitely ready for a gala event!
Thank you again to all the women who inspire me. See you next time on the runway!
For my previous looks:
PR 7:3–The Highs and Lows of Fashion
PR 7:2–The Fashion Farm
PR 7:1–Back to New York
Love that skirt!! And those shoes are the best ones so far this season!!
Thanks, Gary. =)
What a fun party dress!
Love it!
Thank you, Lisa.
Love it! But then, I’m a sucker for red and gold. Gorgeous fabric.
Thank you, Mark.
Awesome job. Someone looks ready to party!!
Thank you!
That’s a gorgeous dress, Becky! Such a playful design.
Thanks, Chris. =)
I’ve started watching PR late at night so I actually saw this episode & have been excited to see your design. Just beautiful! You have it all – the designing, the taste/ style, sewing skills, perfect fit to complement your model. I would put your design in the top 2-3. I love the open back & the way you’ve accessorized with the shimmer stockings & simple elegant pendant. The braiding in her hair goes great with the dress & adds to her formal look. Bravo!
Thank you so much, Anonymous, especially for mentioning the back, which I hope has a kind of heart effect. =)
Haha! I’m so glad I waited for that. Gosh… Summer’s life is so rough. Damn, her.
And I do believe this is one of my favorite designs of yours.
Damn, what a hot user pic, Lindsey!! SEX-AY!!!
Thank you kindly–I knew you were going to envy Summer this week.
Beautiful. You know she’s the life of every party she attends. 🙂
I hope so. Thank you!
SUPER HOT !!!!
Thank you, Anonymous #2. =)
This design reminds me of one of my favorite songs.
I’ve never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I’ve never seen you shine so bright
I’ve never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They’re looking for a little romance, given half a chance
I have never seen that dress you’re wearing
Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes, I have been blind
The lady in red, is dancing with me, cheek to cheek
There’s nobody here, it’s just you and me, it’s where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I’ll never forget, the way you look tonight
Thank you–’cause that song always reminds me of Kayla and Patch on Days of Our Lives. =)
Patch and Kayla … yikes. However even that can’t kill my thrill for the frill … lovely work Becks, I am dying to know how you do the hose! I think this dress could have easily been in the top three of Real PR … it’s better then the star dress for sure!
Thanks, Marika. I have a funny little man who comes in late at night and spins raffia into stockings. Markgharristiltskin or something like that.
I loved Patch and Kayla. Now Patch is the evil Tucker on Y&R, and today he did Jill wrong, and this I can not forgive.
… but you went along with the leather jacket, eye patch and the Richard Marx hair?
It was the 80s. Everybody had Richard Marx hair.