On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for children. My child model is a friend of Kelly, Barbie’s preschool-age sister, and is named, coincidentally, Becky.
Of course, as is usual with Project Runway, the day after getting their challenge, the designers were presented with a twist. They were also expected to create a companion piece for their models.
Models… No one who knows Summer thinks she wouldn’t be where the action is. Yep:
Vancouver! Before you start wondering why Summer’s with a different guy every week, I should tell you that this Olympic medalist is only a close friend.
Fortunately, the beautiful Gina was available to walk with little Becky down the runway. How do they look?
Becky is ready for spring in fun geometric cottons. For her dress, I used a mod fabric of circles that I’ve enjoyed working with before. The bottom ruffle is lavender with barely detectable diamond-shaped squares. The neckline is edged with lavender lace.
I stayed with the lavender palette for Gina’s dress, using a flowing crinkle chiffon. I wish you could see how this dress moves; it’s one of the best fabrics I’ve ever worked with on this scale.
For a bit of whimsy, I created a belt for Gina using the same fabric that Becky’s dress is made of.
The surprise element of Gina’s demure dress is the open back. Between the iridescent button (chosen to match her necklace and earrings of opal) and the tightly belted waist, the dress exposes just a hint of her back.
Becky’s dress, of course, is just as modest in the back as the front.
My two models are ready for a special outing on a spring day looking exactly as they should: a preschooler in sensible Mary Janes, and a beautiful young mom in fashionable platform slides.
See you next time on the runway!
For my previous looks:
PR 7:5–Run for Cover
PR 7:4–Design Your Heart Out
PR 7:3–The Highs and Lows of Fashion
PR 7:2–The Fashion Farm
PR 7:1–Back to New York
Summer is wearing a vintage Ken sweater by Mattel: 1964 Campus Hero collection.
The Olympic gold medal is a gift from
Sweet! I love Gina’s dress. The belt to match Becky’s dress is a cute touch. :o)
Thank you, Mark. =)
I… must… twirl… that… skirt…
(Wow, your model is wearing absolute heaven. As for the kid– just when I thought sewing for Barbie was a tight squeeze, you sew for something that small? astonishing really)
‘Twas a challenge to go even smaller! I only stabbed myself with needles a few dozen times. Yay!
Thanks. =)
What a cute little spring dress for Becky!! Downright adorable! Love the print!! Gina’s–WOW! It’s perfection on platform slides! There’s just so much right with it that I can’t begin to pick one thing. I’m like Marky G. I wanna see it twirl!
Thank you so much, Gary. =)
Now that I’m actually watching the show, I get excited each week to see what you will do with the challenge.
Brilliant! The shape of Gina’s dress is wonderful, and I agree with everyone on the twirling. A great pairing, very fashionable!
Thank you! I wish I had a body like that so I could wear that dress–I mean, on my scale, of course.
You so would have won this episode. Best use of one fabric in both designs and I love your “mom” dress. Your little one looks like Seth Aaron’s little one– she’s a “doll”– I mean– they both are 🙂 But I didn’t like his adult model’s “attitude” on the runway or her forehead bun. I’ve always been anti-forehead-bun.
Are you watching Shear Genius? There was a catch-up marathon yesterday– first time I had seen it and it was cracking me up how the format is IDENTICAL.
Oh my gosh, I know! Forehead buns always make me think of Ernestine the telephone operator.
Thanks for the praise!
I’ve watched Shear Genius in the past but I’m not watching it right now. I liked it, but I wonder why they got rid of Jaclyn Smith as the host?
I think that Gina’s dress is very retro – but the opening in the back gives it a little sex appeal. I had a sweater that did the one button thing with the teardrop opening and I loved it, probably the best sweater I ever owned. I also like that the belt gave it a bit of a modern feel.
Little Becky? the fabric seems very 60’s and it ties in with Mom’s retro feel and is very playful I like!
Thanks, Marika. I don’t know why I’m drawn to anything retro. If I were a real designer, I’d be looking toward the future instead of always trying to modify the past.
Fortunately, I’m just a chick who’s enjoying learning to make doll fashions.
Unlike food these last two days, your design did not make me throw up. Thanks for that.
High praise indeed! Thank you. =)