On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look inspired by one of the four natural elements. They drew at random and received either earth, air, fire, or water. Tim held cards for me to pick from with the elements written on them. I was a little wary of which one I’d get. I have nothing against blondes, but I’ve designed for four in a row, and I was ready for a change.
Once again, my redheaded muse was unavailable. She landed an acting gig in a period movie allegedly starring Julia Roberts. (I’m not saying a word about Mary Reilly.) As always, I wish her the best. I don’t know if she can act, but she’ll look fantastic. SUMMER, not Julia Roberts.
I was happy when I drew the element of fire. I knew a model with fiery hair who’d be perfect for the design I envisioned. Maybe my idea is somewhat literal, but I was disappointed in the PR designers’ fabric palettes. I wanted something bolder.
Tamala, with her orange-streaked hair, makes me think of fire. And fire makes me think of fall. Nothing pleases me like a splash of red on one of those gray autumn days. The kind of day that makes a fashionista look at her closet to try to find the right choice, whether it gets cooler or warmer, or maybe even rains.
I made a swing coat and slightly baggy but still crisp slacks of red cotton so tightly woven that it has an almost satin sheen. Cotton is the perfect fabric for any weather.
Tamala’s body-hugging shirt is cotton jersey with a subtle polka dot pattern and an off-the-shoulder neckline. Her loose slacks fall low on her hips and are topped with a wide black belt to match her black purse and shoes.
Tamala’s fiery secret is the brilliantly colored coat lining with its fireworks pattern.
If the day warms up, her look may be hot but she’ll be cool in her short-sleeved shirt and cotton slacks.
This is a look Tamala pulls off with ease.
If it should start to drizzle, she’ll have the coat as she goes on her way.
See you all next time on the runway!
For my previous looks:
PR 7:7–Hard Wear
PR 7:6–A Little Bit of Fashion
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
The fabric for Tamala’s shirt came from Lila. The fireworks fabric was a gift from Lynne.
Love the off the shoulder top, but my favorite thing, by far, in this outfit was the lining of the coat. What a fantastic surprise!!
Thank you, Gary. =)
Hot!
Thanks! If it weren’t for you and Gary, I’d think I was using that LJ cloaking device again. 😉
“C’MON BABY, LIGHT MY FIRECRACKER!”
That coat is HOT! HOT! HOT!
Thank you so much!
I love every single element of this outfit. I keep going over it to pick my favorite piece of the ensemble, and I can’t. This has moved to the top of the favorites list for me.
Thank you. I don’t have enough firecracker fabric to make a coat lining for you. 😉
Speaking of coats, you have my favorite one in the world–I should take the Jackie coat down to 1:6 scale.
I love that you found the polka-dotted red fabric to work with the fireworks… brilliant!
I also love how you put them through all the runway poses!
Any time I haven’t seen your fashion for the week I keep thinking about it- “gotta get on LJ to see Beck’s fashion!!”
Thank you so much. More and more, I enjoy doing this, and it’s SO nice to hear when y’all enjoy it, too. =)