Project Runway Challenge #4

 

There is no greater design terror than being charged with creating something specifically for your boss’s personal use.

Enter the Nina Garcia Day-to-Night Challenge and my least favorite judge. The garment we were creating needed to be something that would easily transition from day to night wear.

Turns out Nina was a nightmare client (shocking) and started by immediately rambling off a long list of what she does not like – pattern, color, basically anything of interest. Luckily, each contestant was treated to a one-on-one consultation with Ms. Garcia after the sketch phase. To which she showed up wearing a bright orange blouse with patterned sweater vest. Oh, the hypocrisy! Nina then proceeded to lead each and every designer down a path of wrong direction.

After making notes and sketches while watching the episode, I got to work on the HP Touch Smart 610. This is the first week where my final garment ended up diverting from my sketch fairly drastically. I blame some of this on the overly opinionated eye of my naked assistant who was heavy with the over the shoulder critiques.

 

 

 

 

I started off with a sort of A-line shift, fitted on top and created out of heavy black canvas. A risqué and edgy choice of material perhaps, but I’ve played it fairly safe so far. I then lined the piece in gold silk and added a one inch wide zipper about four inches off-center to the entire length of the piece. When zipped the dress remains corporate, yet sassy. And when unzipped slightly the neckline folds over to reveal the gold lining and play up a little sex appeal.

I kept things neutral at the Piperlime accessories wall and choose Nine West Gracious booties in toasted taupe, Hive & Honey’s hammered metal cuff bracelet, and Juicy Couture’s antique openwork ring.

If you haven’t caught episode 4 you can watch it right here.

 

Full Disclosure: HP provided me with a TouchSmart 610 for use. All content and opinions are mine. I have not been financially compensated by HP or Project Runway.

6 Comments
  • Liz B

    August 22, 2011 at 10:40 am Reply

    Thank you for pointing out Nina’s hypocrisy! If I had been one of the designers I would have said, “I’m sorry Nina, I can’t hear you over your top. I need earplugs just to look at you.”

    …and then I would have been promptly ejected from the show.

  • adele

    August 22, 2011 at 10:44 am Reply

    Hilarious! Love your sketch & the accessories you paired xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • amy b.s.

    August 22, 2011 at 11:48 am Reply

    i too noticed the hypocrisy. and actually thought some of the looks that they didn’t like were really what she had described. love your sketch.

  • Ez

    August 22, 2011 at 12:45 pm Reply

    Love your look this week Kelly! And sheesh, Nina was driving me nuts with the head games she was playing with those poor designers last week! Ack!

  • Ellen

    August 25, 2011 at 7:03 pm Reply

    I love your design! I like that you really went with the idea that the piece changes from “day to night” instead of just “now I can change jewelery and do either.” I suppose that’s what most of us would do in the real world, but I like that you made something that actually transformed.

    • Kelly

      August 25, 2011 at 7:04 pm Reply

      thank you, Ellen! that was my favorite part of it all.

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