Comments are appreciated and answered.
Just had a happiness attack when someone linked to this trailer. I had no idea this was in the works, and I can’t wait to see it. My favorite Beatle.
ETA 2022: Unfortunately, this video was no longer available. All I know is that it had something to do with George Harrison. Maybe it was this one?
In the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for PR judge and Fashion Director of Marie Claire magazine Nina Garcia. Nina made it clear that she didn’t like loud prints, lots of volume, or too much color in her fashion choices. She also wanted a look that would transition from her work day to evening, when she might have industry meetings or events to attend. I selected Justine as my model because she has features and coloring similar to Nina Garcia’s.
I chose to create separates for Nina, because she seems to appreciate their versatility. I picked a chocolate silk for Justine’s slacks.
For the jacket, I chose a print that I thought was muted enough to add interest without putting Nina off. The jacket is trimmed with power-color-red braid and finished with red-bead buttons.
This is one of my favorite of Mattel’s shoe designs–a style that works for day and night. The gold and red compliment the colors of Justine’s jacket and jewelry.
Removing the jacket transitions this to an evening look.
A gold taffeta top and a sheer red belt make Justine shimmer.
The stone on the necklace I designed adds to Justine’s touches of red from head to toe.
A delicious silhouette for nighttime.
See you next time on the runway!
The fabric for Justine’s jacket was a gift from Marika. The fabric used for the runway was a gift from Lindsey.
Previously this season:
9:3 Go Big Or Go Home
9:2 My Pet Project
9:1 Come As You Are
Most recognizable logo–in fact, often cited as the first logo to be displayed on clothing: the Lacoste crocodile.
On the button, he sings his revenge against the pink-and-green-clad, Sperry-Top-Sider-wearing preppies.
Of course, he owes his ditty to one of the most celebrated icons of the 1970s, B. Kliban’s cat, as seen here on my old checkbook cover.
Do people still need checkbook covers?
In the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for stilt walkers.
Though I’m getting tired of the gimmicky beginning-of-season challenges, Tim Gunn finally took everyone to Mood to choose their fabrics. This gives me the chance to show you a gift Marika sent me months ago: my very own Mood shopping bag!
For this challenge, I chose one of my favorite models, Tabitha, because I knew I wanted to create a look with a late 60s-early 70s vibe (surprise!), and being able to put her hair in a high ponytail gave the illusion of height from the waist up, important to balance the length of her legs on stilts.
Does she look tall? How about when she’s standing next to Heidi?
The use of vertical cords as part of the bodice also adds length to Tabitha’s torso.
Stilt walkers, don’t try this at home.
I do love this silhouette, and using the black cord as a fringe down the back seams of both legs added playfulness and movement.
Talk about bringing sexy back.
The beautiful fabric used in this full-legged jumpsuit was a gift from Timothy J. Lambert.
Gotta stilt on out of here! See you next time on the runway.
Previously this season:
9:2 My Pet Project
9:1 Come As You Are
In the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look using supplies they could get at a pet store. They were also given muslin and some trims and embellishments to complete their looks.
I purchased a dog toy and some greenery designed for use in an aquarium.
Using the fabric from the dog toy, I gave my model, Louise, a sexy little top. Then I fashioned the greenery into a short, puffy skirt.
I accessorized with a silver clutch and embellished the shoes with green and silver trim. The skirt may look sharp, but the plastic is so soft it’s completely comfortable against the skin. (I should know, since I made three versions of the skirt before I was satisfied.)
A closer look at the shoes.
Just for fun, I added a shrug using the same fabric as the top.
Hope you’ve enjoyed my Pet Shop Model.
See you next time on the runway!
Previously this season:
9:1 Come As You Are
The ninth season of Lifetime’s Project Runway kicked off with a challenge to the designers to create a look using their pajamas (or whatever they slept in) and one sheet from their bed. They were also given some trims and dyes they could use to alter their fabrics. Working at 1:6 scale, I could have just used cotton fabric and painted or dyed it. I certainly wasn’t going to use my recently-purchased Eileen West nightgowns–I’m not that dedicated to the show. I remembered that I’d cut off the bodice of an old nightgown and stored it with my fabrics, but I couldn’t find it when I went looking. However, I did find one of my mother’s pale green nightgowns that I’d stored in my fabric bins a couple of years ago.
If you recall, Lindsey modeled Tim’s shorts for me last year when I used them for Season 8’s first challenge. She was here for Craft Night anyway and agreed to be my model again. Thanks, Lindsey, for being a good sport.
In examining the bodice of the gown, I knew the look I wanted to create: something that would marry a modified 1920s silhouette with the pastels of a Southern belle. The model I chose, Gail, is named for a girl I knew in South Carolina in elementary school who could easily have grown up to play Scarlett O’Hara, she was so gorgeous. With all that in mind, here’s how Gail’s dress turned out:
Form fitting with no waist, gathered just above the knee, then flaring out to the hemline.
I added the beading to help transition from Gail’s vivid lip color to her muted dress color.
It was a bold move to leave a lace panel all the way down the back of the dress. Is it a nude illusion because of lining? I’ll keep you guessing.
Detail of the embroidery on the dress.
A last look at the silhouette.
I hope you enjoyed my season debut. See you next time on the runway!
I received an email from a reader who’s turning 25 today (July 31). He jokingly asked what songs I was listening to when I was “ten.” We all know I wasn’t really ten in 1986, but I will divulge what my favorite songs were that year (not that all of them were released that year; they are just what I was listening to). Happy birthday, M., and here are 25 songs I enjoyed in 1986. I think you may be surprised.
*To illustrate: He’ll be looking for eight when they pull that gate…
One week from today is the first show of Project Runway’s Season 9 on Lifetime. This is one reason why I’ve been getting my Model Muse pool in order. I have no idea which dolls I’ll use, but I’ll probably start with new models, of which I’ve acquired several since the previous season.
The lineups of familiar and new models are these:
Tim Gunn poses with the Birthstone Beauties. Standing left to right: Dandy, Natalie, Tajma, Patricia, Katie, Sarah, Emily, Toni. Sitting, left to right: Olivia, Gina, Ava, Lily.
From the Basics 01 collection, left to right: Marcella, Laura Lee, Alexandria, Jillian, Maia, Cassidy, Tabitha, Rachel, Justine.
From the Basics 02 denim collection, left to right: DJ, Amelia, Arlina.
From the Basics Red collection, left to right: Sharon, Rome, Juliet.
I have three of four Basics 1.5 dolls, left to right: Morgan, Louise, Gail.
Random Model Muse dolls, left to right: Grace, Barcelona, Cari, Victoria, Esperanza, Dallas, Heidi 2, Ellison, Heidi 1, Rocky, Christine, Noelle.
And of course, the Top Models, who began this madness.
Left to right: Summer, Lacy, Susannah, Rita, Tamala, Faizah, Barbie, Kikki, Maggie, Tanya, Jessica, Abby
Finally, in case they’re needed, male models are standing by. They do not have names yet, but I’m taking suggestions. If you give me a name and I choose it, there’ll be a prize. Damn if I know what the prize is, but I’ll come up with something. Here you see the unnamed Basics 2.0 models posing with Twilight’s most malicious vampire, Jane.
I’m disqualifying either “Edward” or “Jacob” as their names, and not just because I have the actual Edward and Jacob dolls. I’m refusing to choose Team Edward or Team Jacob. When New Moon director Chris Weitz is asked to choose a team, he always diplomatically says, “Team Bella.” But I’m not Team Any Vampire, because in truth, I am Team Bella’s Truck. It is the thing she has that I most envy. In the book, it’s a 1953 Chevy, like this one:
In the movie, it’s this 1963 Chevy:
Frankly, I would love either of these trucks, or any old beat-up red truck that Kathy S could keep running for me. (Hi, Kathy!) Until then, I’ll just dream of Bella’s truck. Now you know my true secret Twilight obsession. I got those pictures from the web site On Screen Cars, and you can read more about the Chevys or vehicles in other movies on that site. If you’re into that kind of thing.
Okay, I just made up those last two. But they could happen. Now I’m off to re-watch Order of the Phoenix.