Tag: fashion

On the final episode of Season 10 of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers showed at Fashion Week. The winner and his model received their fabulous prizes. No prizes for Becks or her final collection–so praise is always welcome! As I mentioned last week, this is a line developed with my Model Muse Summer. In fact, the Summer Fun line bears her name. The collection is for Spring 2013 and the theme is “Summer Fun: Tied Up in Ribbons.” Hope you enjoy!

Fallon.

Tanya.

Jessica.

Sarah.

Maia.

Summer.

Ellison.

Esperanza.

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Justine.

Victoria.

Faizah.

Alexandria.

Summer Fun: Tied Up in Ribbons

Thank you all for checking out the fashions throughout Season 10. Project Runway All Stars begins this Thursday. Should I sit this one out or bring the Monsters out to play again?

CREDITS:

Fallon’s ribbon bodice courtesy Laura and Jess.
Tanya’s ribbon belt and straps courtesy Aunt Gwen and Lindsey.
Ellison’s swimming suit fabric courtesy Marika.
Esperanza’s blouse fabric repurposed from Tom’s dress shirt.
Alexandria’s red ribbon tie courtesy Aunt Gwen and Lindsey; ivory collar repurposed from another of Tom’s dress shirts.

For previous looks from this season:
Episode 13: Finale, Part 1 (PR 10:13)
Episode 12: In a Place Far, Far Away (PR 10:12)
Episode 11: It’s Fashion Baby (PR 10:11)
Episode 10: I Get a Kick Out of Fashion (PR 10:10)
Episode 9: It’s All About Me (PR 10:9)
Episode 8: Starving Artist (PR 10:8)
Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor (PR 10:7)
Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were taken to Oheka Castle in Long Island to get inspiration for the avant-garde look that would be their last challenge before showing at Fashion Week. I couldn’t go to Oheka Castle, but I did take my inspiration from a princess and a castle: the movie Snow White and the Huntsman. I loved the variations of gray and silver of the sets and the costumes in the movie, as well as the combination of soft and hard textures in the outfits worn by Kristen Stewart.

Debby was the backer who provided the fabric for this challenge, and I chose one of my favorite models, Shannon, to walk the runway.

The knit fabric of the dress is a mix of textures and patterns.

The single touch of color is provided by a ruby pendant, reminiscent of the movie’s drops of blood that give Snow White her red lips.

The tattered princess look is one of my favorites to design. The metallic strips at the hemline mimic the color and shine of chain mail. The slight ruching below the hips, though not as obvious in the photos, provides additional dramatic texture to the length of the dress.

The shoes are by Mattel.

From the Carmen neckline to the raw hemline, my princess, like Snow White, is a contrast of softness and strength.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the avant-garde challenge. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 11: It’s Fashion Baby (PR 10:11)
Episode 10: I Get a Kick Out of Fashion (PR 10:10)
Episode 9: It’s All About Me (PR 10:9)
Episode 8: Starving Artist (PR 10:8)
Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor (PR 10:7)
Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for Heidi’s Babies ‘R Us collection using fabrics from her line. Their models were twelve to eighteen months old. In a twist, they also had to design a look for their models’ mothers.

Once again, PR failed to appreciate that I’m out here in the fashion vortex designing, so I didn’t receive any of Heidi’s fabrics. But I did have some fabric Lynne has used to make things for Lila. I used a striped cotton to make a romper for Maria.

For the back, I used a print and added oversized yellow buttons.

The front of the romper has a frog prince (sitting on a mushroom) appliquéd on it.

Tim was in Maine recently and saw Helen, who sent him back to Houston with a gift for me that she found in her basement. Her generosity inspired retro fashion on a vintage model.

Helen sent a pair of vintage pink mules.

For an appropriately vintage look for Kelly’s mom Chris, I designed a pink cotton chemise dress.

The oversized collar uses the same fabric that was used on Maria’s romper.

Since Helen sent a second pair of vintage shoes, I designed a second retro look. I think these pink and white gel pumps may have been designed originally for Francie, because Gwen had to go all Wicked Stepsister to get them on her feet.

To go with the shoes, I designed a basic shift dress in pink Dupioni silk.

Nobody has arms that look as good as Barbie’s in cap sleeves.

Three girls: pretty in pink!

Hope you enjoyed the fashions. Thanks, Helen, Lynne, and Tim. See everybody next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 10: I Get a Kick Out of Fashion (PR 10:10)
Episode 9: It’s All About Me (PR 10:9)
Episode 8: Starving Artist (PR 10:8)
Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor (PR 10:7)
Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers went to Radio City Music Hall, where they were treated to a performance by The Rockettes. Their challenge: to design a new costume for The Rockettes to wear during an upcoming appearance. The look had to have appeal both close up and far away from the stage, be durable enough for a dancer, and be appropriate for appearances that would include children.

Pamela is the perfect model for this challenge and my choice of silver for the design. I wanted an outfit that would be shiny, eye-catching, and fall somewhere between a costume suitable for a ballerina and an ice skater.

The way these sequins seem to be always in motion is not as apparent in photographs, but they catch and reflect all movement and light in a dramatic way.

The straps are silver sequins, as are Pamela’s earrings.

The black mesh bodice has barely discernible sequins on the reverse side, to mimic the skirt without turning the costume into sequin overkill.

Mattel designed the perfect shoes for the costume.

Hope the design makes you feel like kicking up your heels. See you next time on the runway!

Skirt fabric gift of Rhonda and Lindsey. Bodice fabric provided by Timothy J. Lambert.

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 9: It’s All About Me (PR 10:9)
Episode 8: Starving Artist (PR 10:8)
Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor (PR 10:7)
Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers had to take to the streets of Manhattan to raise money by selling T-shirts they’d created, or even charging for fashion advice or doing alterations, so they could buy supplies for the new challenge.

The money they raised determined their budget. Once they gave Tim Gunn their totals, he instructed them to pick out fabric and supplies at Mood to create two cohesive fall looks, at least one piece of which had to be outer wear.

I created my first look using black and blue houndstooth embellished with neon buttons. This houndstooth is a perfect fabric for fall because it’s made of 100 percent cotton.

Valerie models the playful dress on the runway.

The dress combines elements of a shirtwaist, shift, and coat dress and is finished off with neon tights to make the buttons pop even more.

Ann models my second look that uses a more traditional houndstooth fabric.

I used a single black button on the houndstooth swing coat, and designed it with three-quarter-length sleeves to make it younger and provide a touch of color from the sleeves of the dress.

The dress under the coat is a soft green corduroy, perfect for fall.

I also made the leather belt. The purse is from Mattel. The boots were the gift of Mark G. Harris.

This dress is one of my favorite silhouettes both front and back.

Before Ann could leave the runway, Heidi decided she wanted another look at the coat.

Heidi: I would buy this coat right now!

Maybe later, Heidi. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 7: Oh My Lord and Taylor (PR 10:7)
Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were taken to Manhattan’s Lord & Taylor flagship store and shown the Project Runway Capsule Collection of cocktail dresses to be sold by Lord & Taylor online and in their stores. The existing nine dresses were created by previous contestants from Project Runway, and the winning design from this challenge would become the tenth look in the collection, as well as being featured in the window of the Fifth Avenue store. The creation had to fit in with the other designs; the designers had to use fabric provided by JS Collections, the manufacturer of the dresses; and the looks should fall within a retail price point of two to three hundred dollars.

You can see all ten designs from the collection at this page of Lord & Taylor’s website and judge whether my design would fit with the others. Needless to say, nobody from PR sent me any fabric, so I used a piece of vintage moire silk.

Laurel walks onto the runway in her dusky blue cocktail dress.

The draped collar is gathered at the center and enhanced with beading of clear and silver crystals.

Mattel’s shoes repeat the shiny crystal and silver feature on the straps.

The drape continues around the shoulders and leaves a tasteful cutout effect at the lower back.

Laurel is a shimmering vision from head to toe.

See you next time on the runway!

Blue moire silk from Aunt Gwen.
Clear crystal beads from Mary.

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 6: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)
Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were introduced to “friends.” These friends had asked for makeovers for people in their lives who they felt needed new looks or looks that more accurately represented who they are. Without going into detail, I’ll say this episode provided an eye-opening view of some of the contestants. Formerly unlikeable designers embraced the challenge, and other designers–not so much.

Tim Gunn brought Christopher and his friend Priscilla to my work room.

Tim: What’s the story with Priscilla? What are you hoping a makeover will do for her?

Christopher: Priscilla is my best friend, and I love her, but we have a situation. Priscilla has a successful nightclub act performing Elvis songs. She’s not an Elvis impersonator exactly–

Priscilla: I do it my way.

Christopher: –but the problem is, Elvis has taken over the rest of her life! Look at how she’s dressed today!

Priscilla: Don’t be cruel.

Tim: I see what you mean.

Christopher: Next weekend, a group of us are going to the boardwalk for an ice cream date and introducing Priscilla to a friend. The guys will be wearing shorts. The girls will be in shorts or sundresses. We want our friend to see Priscilla’s playful personality–not an Elvis clone.

Tim: What do you think, Becks?

Wise men say only fools rush in; I guess I’m a fool. I couldn’t wait to get started on Priscilla’s makeover.

Priscilla: You can do anything, but just stay off of my poof.

All right. The hair can stay. I thought red would give it a striking contrast.

With a touch of blue on the peasant bodice to pick up the blue flowers of the dress.

The hat meant the pompadour wasn’t the first thing her “potential boyfriend” would notice.

So what does Christopher think?

Christopher: I love it! I’m so happy with it I brought an ice cream cone for Becks.

And Priscilla?

Priscilla: I can’t help falling in love with my new dress. And the hat.

Elvis has left the building. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were divided into teams of five and six and asked to create a cohesive collection (of five and six designs, respectively). The winning looks would be featured in an editorial layout in Marie Claire At Work magazine, a new publication meant to showcase strong, powerful, and sophisticated women who embody fashion in the workplace. The designers also had to set up a photo shoot using office props. I’m a team of only one, so I decided to create a three-look collection. Since the designs were meant to be fashionable but also work in the real world, I decided to pair two textiles not usually seen together: dupioni silk and jersey.

First up: model Jennifer in a youthful interpretation of silver and navy. Shoes by Mattel; necklace by Becks.

In a more casual workday look, Ronnie in mocha and sage. Shoes by Mattel; earrings and belt by Becks.

And finally, Sonia in shades of blue modeling the tattered look I enjoy creating. Shoes and earrings by Mattel.

My staged office photo:

Hope you’ve enjoyed the looks. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party