Teaser

Overheard in the workroom:

Summer: Satin is my favorite fabric.
Becks: Satin’s not a fabric, it’s a weave.
Summer: Like Figaro’s hair?
Becks: You could weave Figaro’s hair into satin. You can also weave satin from silk or wool–
Summer: No wool. Wool makes me itch. That’s not wool satin, is it? I’ll start scratching on the runway.
Becks: (eyeshift) So what do you want in a design?
Summer: Elegance. Sophistication.
Becks: Who do those words call to mind? Who did you think of when you picked these fabrics?
Summer: Grace Kelly. I love Grace Kelly.
Becks: (mutters) Because raffia just screams Grace Kelly…



I’m concerned.

The judges have made their decision

In the Runway Monday challenge, the winner is announced right here. Hint: It wasn’t my design that won. But I’m fine with that. I enjoyed your comments and what the judges had to say. Plus I liked the other two designs. I’m glad I don’t have to vote. Thanks to the judges–“Miranda,” “Michelle,” and Mary, for their hard work, and to Marika for putting it all together. (What is this M theme?)

I’m looking forward to this week’s challenge. I had no idea this would be as much fun as it is.

sadly, the models are not quite as enthusiastic

Runway Monday, Challenge 1

In the first Project Runway challenge, the designers had to take their materials from a grocery store and use innovation and creativity in their designs. The Runway Monday designers , , and I were allowed to use anything in our homes that came from a grocery store. My theme for my model, Summer, was Autumn: Less Goth, More Glamor, and the materials I used were wax paper, orange and brown markers, a chips bag, and parsley.

Everyone is encouraged to comment with snark or praise–your choice–and I will respond to all comments. The judges will make their decision on Marika’s journal sometime Monday. Thanks!

Judges: I have my design here!

Coming Up: LJ Runway Monday

Hello, readers. I’m Mattel Top Model Summer, and I’ll be appearing on this LJ every Monday over the next few weeks. Maybe you’ve heard of the fashion reality show Project Runway, which begins its fifth season tonight (9/8 Central) on Bravo. With the help of Becky (or “Becks” as she’s frequently called, not to be confused with the Becks who married Posh Spice), I’ll be part of the LJ Runway challenge described in this announcement from LJ’s own Marika “Heidi Gunn” NOLA.

Becks will be my designer as we complete each week’s Project Runway challenge. You don’t have to watch Bravo’s show to enjoy Becks’s unequaled sense of fashion or what she calls my FEARLESS runway attitude. You can even be a celebrity judge one week (find out how to apply from Marika’s post, linked above).

Oh, there are some other designers, too–this guy and this guy, along with two additional Mattel Top Models. There’ve been rumors that you may see some of the workroom tensions and model drama on days other than Monday. That’s why the Clorox Wipes in the workroom are as big as the designers’ egos–things may get messy.

See you on Runway Mondays!

Summer working it for Mark G. Harris

Dear Mark G. Harris:

I understand you made disparaging comments about my wedding ensemble. My dear close personal friend, Fashion Expert Nina Garcia, suggested that I send you a few photos from my portfolio. She also wanted me to remind you that a fabulous new season of Project Runway begins Wednesday, July 16 at 9 p.m./8 central. That’s a new time, so don’t miss it!

In case you hadn’t heard, my dear close personal friend, Fashion Expert Nina Garcia, is no longer at Elle magazine! She begins her new job as fashion director at Marie Claire in September.

Ciao!

Summer
Mattel Top Model

click here for Summer shots

Leaving on a jet plane

In a little while, Mark G. Harris will be departing The Compound. Even though he’ll be blindfolded and driven in an indirect route to the airport, I have a sneaking suspicion he’ll be smuggling out some photos on his cell phone.

It’s been such a good visit, with a lot of conversation about writing and a lot of not doing much of anything, which is what he wanted. We’ve watched a ton of movies while eating Puterbaugh Popcorn–for some reason, all mushy romantic stuff, including Falling in Love, Heartburn, Crossing Delancey, Baby Boom, and Juno. One night we watched Across the Universe, which I thoroughly enjoyed because of the Beatles music and its look back at the tumultuous Sixties, but it made me miss Riley very much.

Last night, it was All Mark Request Night. Since he wanted to eat corn on the cob before he left, we had that with steak and this fabulous salad:


baby bella mushrooms and red bell pepper on a bed of baby spinach, with walnuts, crumbled bacon, and a choice of crumbled feta or blue cheese.

After a farewell visit from Rhonda, Lindsey, and Sugar, we watched Mark’s movie choice: Working Girl. I don’t think I’d ever seen the beginning, but I always relish Sigourney Weaver’s character (much the way I like Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada). I also appreciate all the views of the World Trade Center. Seeing it makes me happy and sad, which I guess is nostalgia. In fact, it feels like the theme of Mark’s visit has been nostalgia (even though I learned the shocking fact that MGH has never seen The Way We Were!).

Now I know what’s on the movie list for his next visit.