NY Fashion Week Minute: Attending the Project Runway Season 10 Finale Collections--My Recap!

NY Fashion Week Minute: Attending the Project Runway Season 10 Finale Collections--My Recap!

Finale Fab:

Instamatic 2012: Nick Verreos at NY Fashion Week Project Runway Finale Fashion Show--photo courtesy of SHOEDAZZLE

I know I'm (almost) 2 weeks late but I wanted to do this post and recap the fun time I had attending the Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week on Friday September 7th. As you may know, I flew to NYC to attend various events and parties celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Project Runway. Also, because I was one of the designers chosen to design a dress for the exclusive Project Runway Dress Collection at Lord & Taylor I was invited to the VIP "Unveiling" and to take part in Lord &Taylor's Fashion's Night Out event on Thursday September 6th.

Finale Glam: Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Guest Celeb Judge Jennifer Hudson and Nina Garcia--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion week Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show

It was a whirlwind of a week that ended with the Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Lincoln Center. If you're watching and are a fan of Project Runway, you know that we are halfway through the season--on TV that is. The actual Finale of the season (which always involves only the Top 3 or 4 designers left in the show) won't happen for maybe another couple of months. "TV Timing" doesn't coincide with "Real Timing" and NY Fashion Week was happening right now, so ALL the current contestants/designers still on TV were able to show at NY Fashion Week so, you the TV viewer wouldn't know who the actual Top 3 or 4 were---only the designers, judges producers, editors...Tim Gunn, Heidi, Nina and Michael know--and yes, they are all SWORN to secrecy.

Strike a Pose: Heidi Klum poses for the cameras at the Season 10 Finale Project Runway Fashion Show Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

I was so excited to attend the show and happy to be invited, naturally. The fashion show took place in the largest runway show stage--called the "Theater"--at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

Fab Back: Heidi Klum showing her perfectly toned back--at the Season 10 Finale Project Runway Fashion Show Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

It was PHOTO MADNESS when Miss Heidi came out (in a slinky sequined Alexandre Vaultier dress)--with fellow Project Runway judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia (in Lanvin) and Celeb Guest Judge--the beautiful Jennifer Hudson--who was wearing a very fitted Emerald Green suit by Michael Kors.

JHud: The photographers all kept asking Jennifer Hudson (OK, maybe yelling at her!) to take off her jacket and she was like, "Oh No Huuuuuney!!!". She remained a perfect Diva throughout. 

I got to seat in the 8th row behind some of the most recent seasons' designer (the seating criteria  seems to depend on what season you were on, current seasons in the front, older seasons in the back). The really fun part of my row, was that I was with other "old timers":

  

Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll and Season 2 Winner Chloe Dao (above photo). I felt so privileged. I absolutely LOVE those two so we had a BALL of a time watching the entire show together.



**SPOILER ALERT!:



Now--Like I stated before, at the time of the Finale Fashion Show there were still 8 designers left on the show, all of these eight showed their "mini-collections" (lucky them!!)--Here are images from each of their collections and which ones were my Top Faves for making it into the Final:

 


Gunnar Deatharage:

As we know now little Gunnar got the "auf" in this past week's episode. The NY Fashion Week Finale show occurred before this but to be perfectly honest, it was the weakest of all the eight collections. There was an obvious tribal/African-inspired theme. The clothes lacked directionality, drama and maturity. Let's look at the bright side: he got to show at NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!



Sonjia Williams:

Sonjia was one of my favorites so far in the season but her Finale Collection was all over the place. She began with a look that had her "Sonjia Turban Bow" which was cute...

But then she did some looks that well, were a bit odd--including this skirt over stretch lace leggings. I think Nina would call this "a miss".

Ven  Budhu:

Season 10 contestant/designer Ven Budhu of the pleated flower/rose fame--and "I Don't Like Plus Size Ladies" infamy--showed a collection of (almost) ALL Pleated Flower looks. It was a definite "F You" to EVERYONE--including the judges, I think (especially after watching last week's episode). My instinct tells me that he's not in the Finals.

He was one of my favorites from the Castings and a frontrunner at the beginning of the show and I know many of the other casting judges thought that he could have won--after seeing his designs and obvious impeccable talent and taste level but...

That episode with his client Terri and the fact that he kept doing those pleated flower treatments...well, that will haunt him forever. Nevertheless, his Finale Collection had some beautifully crafted Ladies-who-Lunch-and-impeccably-made-Red-Carpet clothes. Polished, elegant and gorgeously constructed. He needs to get a job as Oscar de la Renta's Design Assistant. Like NOW!



Elena Slivnyak:

I really liked Elena's Finale Collection. Mainly because she sent out very colorful--Spring 2013 ON TREND--clothes. I was surprised that she didn't do "Lady Gaga" structured multi-seamed coats with UBER shoulder pads. Instead, she opted for very now dresses.

Her very fitted color-blocked dresses were SO Heidi Klum; I can see Miss Heidi worshiping them. Her mini-collection was very Narciso Rodriguez as well. She either needs to send her resume to him--or to Max Axria of BCBG/Herve Leger Empire.



Christopher Palu:

Christopher--whom I think is one of the Top Four Finalist after seeing the Finale Fashion Show--did an outstanding job. However, there were some missteps. Some of the looks were disjointed, in terms of a collection. It's like he needed someone to get up in there to tell him "Yes, and Yes...and Oh No!". The first transparent sheer look with high slit skirt was very Video Vixen. And then there was A LOT of leather and Fall-like looks for a Spring/Summer Collection. This was his final gown on his Project Runway model:

A pretty dress but not cohesive with the rest of the collection and in my estimation way too referential of Christian Siriano.




Melissa Fleis:

Melissa was one of my top favorites from the NY Fashion Week show. I loved her high boat neck burnt orange leather asymmetrical dress. It was so chic, it was BEYOND Chic. I would not want to mess with that girl. I would just want to be her "Best Gay". She also did some sleek jacket and super-skinny pants looks that seemed very NOW. But she had TWO particular "Oh NO's":

First, a navy blue-and-black leather leotard/swimsuit(?) that was HOOCHIE-COOCHIE short! While the model walked, we (the audience) could see her white underwear., Not good. Whether or not this shows up on the show, will be very interesting. The other look that was an issue:

This white tank dress. It was very fitted and there was NO SLIT. The model could barely walk down the runway. I even noticed the judges--Heidi, Michael, Nina, Jennifer--turning to each other to comment. I just do not understand why Melissa did not put a slit--or two in this dress. The photo looks great. The runway LIVE version. Not so muchey.



Dmitry Sholokhov:

Wow. Dmitry sent out a very sleek, modern, polished collection. To me, he is one of the top for sure. Not only did I LOVE this cowl bias-cut dress above but his separates were so ON TREND.

The color story was dark for a Spring/Summer Collection but it still felt light. He also sent some looks that referenced his cut-out "HP Challenge" winning look, including this creme dress:

I wonder if one of those Final Challenges involves designing a look based on one of their Season 10 Winning creations. I really liked this dress. He is one of my Top Three for sure. Go Dmitry.





Fabio Costa:

Fabio's collection was probably my favorite. It was light, airy, very Spring 2013, and I LOVED, LOVED, his bias-cut, silk charmeuse, asymmetrical cowl draping. And I wasn't the only one who was gushing. EVERYONE I spoke to, also thought his was the best. But who knows who will be in the Top 3 or 4 or be in the Finals. We will soon find out...



Here are some fun After-Show Snapshots:

Season 2 Boys: Andrae Gonzalo and Nick Verreos--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

Fro Fab: Nick Verreos and Season 10 designer Kooan Kosuke--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

Mustache Fashion Week: Nick Verreos with Valerie Mayen (Season 8) and Mondo Guerra (Season 1 All Stars Winner and Season 8 Finalist)--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

(Left to right): Gorgana Gehlhauisen (Season 6 and Season 1 All Stars), Nick Verreos, Uli Herzner (Season ) and Nathan Paul (Season 10)--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

Nick Verreos and Terri Herlihy--Ven's client on that infamous Season 10 episode--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

NIKOLAKI Boys: Nick Verreos and David Paul--Project Runway Season 10 Finale Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Lincoln Center

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.



*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!

Matiny Ng - The (new) Schiaparelli, of Geometric Fashion.

Matiny Ng - The (new) Schiaparelli, of Geometric Fashion.

Fashion is not art and art is not fashion. But is that really so? It's always such a tussle between the decorative and the profound; the amusing and the serious; the functional and the.. non functional, the sublime; the ridiculous! I first experienced Matiny Ng's designs at the Raffles Byzantium graduate show in December 2013; playful and bold, wearable if you were game, distinctive and creative; using the circle and the square motif. The Menswear there, perhaps being the more radically inspired of the designs.

This year she is back as part of the Raffles International Showcase at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia along with fellow students from that 2013 show and others. Matiny Ng showcases her new label 580 and her SS 15/16 range. The pieces again designed around circle and square motifs speak to me of Non Objective Abstraction in art. Meanwhile, in the men's range there seem to be some sort of Luis Buñuel surrealist clerics, or perhaps it's that fashion parade from Fellini's movie Roma; no no its more Non Objective art as fashion from Matiny Ng. Wearable? I mean really how dare you.. Who cares!

Cross motif, ecumenical inspiration? Matiny Ng's 580 label.  Photographed by Kent Johnson.

A Red Cardinal? Matiny Ng's 580 label.  Photographed by Kent Johnson.

The Padre? Menswear at Matiny Ng's 580 label.  Photographed by Kent Johnson.

I wonder if quite a few of the audience were wondering what the @#!! was going on with this show; but as you can tell I loved it; the colours the fabrics, the garments construction, and mostly the Ideas! More please Matiny Ng.


Book Street Fashion Sydney to cover your next event.

Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

kent@artcommunication.com.au

www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au

www.fashionphotographysydney.blogspot.com/

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