CONCRETE RUNWAY

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 1

   So if you aren’t watching Project Runway All-Stars, don’t worry you’re not missing much. Most of the all-stars, I don’t think are all-stars and if this all-star season is anything like America’s Next Top Models was, I’ll be watching with my bored face on. I miss the original judges (even though I idolize Georgina Chapman, designer for Marchesa, she comes off a little boring) (And I didn’t know who Angela Lindvall was before watching this, who also comes off as boring) and Tim Gunn (now replaced by Elle magazine editor-in-chief Joanna Coles).

   The first episode was about the designers going to a 99 cent store and using unusual materials to make outfits to accompany dresses that the designers brought with them.

Winner: Rami Kashou

I completely AGREE! I LOVE this outfit, made out of plastic laundry bags. So inspiring and original!

Loser: Elisa Jimenez

I actually don’t think this was that bad! Compared to Sweet P’s dress, Elisa should have stayed. She’s not my favorite person and I think the spitting thing is gross, but I think her outfit had more personality than Sweet P (the other girl in the Bottom 2).

Favorites: Aside from Rami’s (who was my top for the night), these are my other 3 favorites.

Mondo Guerra. Runner-up.

April Johnston and Michael Costello (respectively) who both used mops. Loved them both just wished that the top of Michael’s was more filled out and April’s reminds me of:

by Alexander McQueen.

And this one by Austin Scarlett.

Stay tuned for Episode 2 next.

Designer Profile: Marchesa Pt. 2

Designer Profile: Marchesa

This post counts for two to make up the fact I missed quite a few weeks. It’s the first to feature two designers also.

“I look for anything that’s unusual, that I feel like I’m never going to see again. I’m like a magpie: I love anything that sparkles.”- Georgina

History- Daughter of millionaire Brian Chapman, Georgina grew up in Richmond, West London. Chapman went to college at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, where she met Keren and they became close friends.

Keren Craig was born in Lucerne, Switzerland but raised in England. Fate intervened when she enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art and Design where she met her future business partner, Georgina.

After graduating from the Wimbledon School of Art, Georgina became a costume designer and model, appearing in ads for Head & Shoulders and Soothers.

Keren graduated from the Brighton Art College in Fashion Textiles with Business and afterwards concertrated on print and embroidery design. She then decided to do freelance printmaking for Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabanna. 

After council from Isabella Blow, Keren and Georgina decided to put both of their skills and expertise together to start their own line. Naming it Marchesa, after the scandalous socialite, Marchesa Luisa Casati, they began creating beautiful gowns. Using the combined experience of Georgina’s designs with Keren’s textiles, they are a match made in Heaven. Marchesa went on to earn industry kudos from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, who included Marchesa as one of the year’s top 10 finalists. 

After opening an office in New York, they decided to launch Notte by Marchesa, a lower-priced version of their signature label. Some of the inspiration from their personal lives have carried over into her professional clothing lines. Upon designing Georgina’s, Nicole Richie, and Wayne Rooney’s and Howard Stern’s wife’s wedding dresses, the duo quickly expanded Marchesa to feature a line of bridal fashions.

Marchesa’s gowns are known for being hits on the runway and the red carpet and never fail to inspire awe in the hearts of those who see them.

Style- Designers Chapman and Craig brought to life Marchesa’s grandiose vision of being a living work of art. Red-carpet stunners and paparazzi-friendly cocktail attire are Marchesa’s stock in trade, with intricate craftsmanship and whimsical flourishes quickly becoming house signatures.