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

Indian Fancy & Embroidered Lehenga Choli for Wedding Parties 2017-2018

Indian Fancy & Embroidered Lehenga Choli for Wedding Parties 2017-2018

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Gia Ventola: Whispered Beauty- NYFW Highlight

Gia Ventola: Whispered Beauty- NYFW Highlight

Halfstack's NYC based writers: Meaghan Elder & Cindy Arroyo

 bring to you a highlight from New York Fashion Week.

Up and coming designer Gia Ventola showcased her first collection for SS15 this New York Fashion Week. With a flawless mix between hand-crafted jewelry and the luxurious clothing collection, Gia makes a statement. Gia Ventola got her start after attending Parson’s The New School of Design in the late 90’s. Although worldwide success was not immediate for Gia, for years she worked alongside many celebrities such as Britney Spears, Oprah, Cher, and Destiny’s Child. After appearing in magazines, news articles, fashion websites and radio and television shows Gia decided it was time to give it another go. So ,18 months and a lot of hard work later it was time to debut the collection.

When you first walk into the showroom on Spring Street, you’re greeted by the utter elegance of the collection. Gia Ventola, former Olympic trained field hockey athlete, introduces the collection with pride and honor. With a pleasant balance between night and day looks, natural fibers, and black and white shades, the collection has many interchangeable features. Whether it be the unique jewelry, detachable silk collars, or even the garment being reversible, the diversity does not go unnoticed.
“It’s all about individuality,” Gia mentions while admiring her accomplishments that fill the room.

All Images Courtesy of Gia Ventola

Her signature (an O with a slash through it) has been made a statement throughout the collection. Not only in the jewelry but within the clothing as well. Each zipper pull has its own small O dangling from the slider. Even the closures on her blouses and dresses incorporate the O designs. With inspiration from her athletic background, Gia also designed unique, shoelace-like accents on each garment.

Not only does each piece have its own personality, but the versatility is endless. Most garments, as previously mentioned, are reversible (yes reversible!) and can even be worn, so-called, backwards. . Tops can be worn with or without the collar, inside out or even backwards. With a color story of blacks and whites, many of her pieces can be instant classics. What modern day woman doesn’t want a closet full of items that can so easily be mixed up and changed around?

Whether you have a formal cocktail party or are just headed into the office for work, this collection holds everything you need for a day-to-day basis. With mixes of silks, chiffons, satins and charmeuse fabrics, this collection radiates elegance. Double-sided, hand pleated silk accenting garments, and hand fraying amongst the collection really accentuates that the beauty is in the details. Gia, having 20 years of experience in the industry, knew exactly what she wanted from this collection; timelessness. As she explained how she wanted each garment to be something her customer would keep in her closet forever, never going out of date or style, you could look around and fully understand and relate.

Having worked with Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Nicole Kidman, Pink, and many others, her years of experience have paid off.  Gia gave us some insight on what it took to bring this collection to life, explaining that all the prints were hand drawn by her and the jewelry pieces were hand made. Little things such as that is really what makes you appreciate fashion and why we are crazy enough to pay the prices we do. We are paying for quality, such as the finest fabrics that Gia used, we are paying for one of a kind pieces and we are paying for appreciation.

For this collection, Gia really wanted to do something that was perfect for her. Something she truly understood and appreciated herself.

Customers in the past have repeatedly told her they were only interested in her designs, so she really strives for something that is 100% her own. Finally being able to show her collection for fashion week, was a dream come true for Gia. And one much earned. Whispered Beauty explains who I AM. Each customer, each consumer, each lover of fashion can experience who they are through her outstanding designs.  “I AM who I am meant to be.” Gia Ventola has climbed to the top. Without hesitation, she has made her mark. Watch out, because we have a fierce, and empowering new designer on the market.

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