CONCRETE RUNWAY

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 9

Sorry this one is so late but I was away this weekend.

So this weeks challenge, the designers had to make an avant garde garment made with lights. Pharrell Williams was the guest judge and the winner of this challenge would have their garment worn by one of Pharrell’s artists. This weeks drama was Michael Costello didn’t have a clue what to do and we learn that Austin’s mom (who looks like his sister) is having really bad financial problems. I liked every dress this week but that doesn’t mean they were without their issues.

(From L to R)

Kenley-The first outfit of hers I actually like! I still want her to go home but I thought this was a great dress. I also loved the fact she made the plaid pattern on the dress out of neon tape. I also loved her styling.

Austin- (Winner)I agree that Austin’s win was deserved. The concept of his dress was that he wanted it to look like space and the Heavens, and I think it turned out great. I loved the fact he didn’t fold and use neons like everyone else but I do agree that in the light, the lights on the dress look thrown on and not very pretty.

Mondo-The first word that comes to mind is safe. The dress wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t great and it wasn’t terribly avant garde. I know Mondo can do sooo much better.

Jerell- (Loser)I agree that out of the 5, his was the worst but it wasn’t horrible. I liked the corset and neckpiece but I agree it looked so much better when he shortened the dress and I agree the glasses and mouth light were unnecessary.

Michael-Even though it was in the Bottom 2, I liked this Ninja inspired outfit. I wish those flashing lights weren’t on the inside of the shoulders and the tape wrapped around the arms was atrocious but the dress itself was good and reminded me of that one dress McQueen had that glowed in the dark.

Overall, it’s shaping up that the Final 3 will be the 3 I predicted from the start- Austin, Michael, and Mondo. So let’s hope Kenley goes home next week. I have a felling they’re gonna rig it so she stays and Michael goes because they’ll think they need a woman in the finale and Austin and Mondo are too strong of designers to get rid of.

And for the hell of it, hottie Pharrell Williams….shirtless.

Designer Profile: Antonio Berardi Pt. 2

Designer Profile: Antonio Berardi Pt. 1

“The Berardi woman is a woman who is aware of her sexuality, sensuality, and who appreciates the meticulous nature of what I do.”

History- The son of Sicilian emigrants, Antonio’s parents moved to Britain in the 50’s, where he developed an interest in fashion early on. Even at the age of nine, he would save up his money to buy designer clothes. As he got older, her decided he wanted to be a designer and went to college at Lincoln College of Art and Design and applied to the fashion Bachelor of Arts program at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at the University of the Arts London but his application was denied. He went on to work for John Galliano and in 1990, he applied again for the third time and was accepted. He graduated from the college in 1993, and in 1994 created his graduate collection which caught the attention of Angela Quaintrell, a buyer for London fashion holding group Liberty. He produced his first collection in Fashion Week ‘95 with financial backing from Liberty. In 1998, he became the head designer for Ruffo Research, while maintaining his own label. The following year he negotiated a partnership with Italian label Extè. He became the label’s head designer, and Extè also produced his own line but left Extè in 2001.

Style- Antonio is known for designing very body conscious dresses that hug the body and having inimitably feminine approach to tailoring. His looks have been described as sensual, striking, classical, and dressed-up. His clothes also feature advanced fabrics and manufacturing techniques not seen on many runways.

Antonio has named many points of influence including music, independent film, post-modern art, Catholic symbolism, Italian art and culture, urban street style, lingerie, and the female form. Berardi credits many design influences to his Italian roots: hourglass figures are his preferred silhouette and he constantly references Catholic symbolism.

My Favorite McQueen

These are my favorite Alexander McQueen runway shows/ collections. I couldn’t find video for The Birds (S/S 1995), Highland Rape (F/W 95-96), Dante (F/W 96-97), and No. 13 (S/S 1999). These are the ones that inspire ME so if you want to debate any of them, it’s all based on my personal opinion. Enjoy.

Untitled/ The Golden Shower (S/S 1998)-

http://youtu.be/Kn6S2W_lm5g

Voss (S/S 2001)-

http://youtu.be/eYX7lNLBvuk

Irere (S/S 2003)-

http://youtu.be/UeVIpipNgKU

Widows of Culloden (F/W 06-07)-

http://youtu.be/IfXJex0a66g

La Dame Bleue (S/S 2008)-

http://youtu.be/5cmbL9o2OmQ

The Girl Who Lived in the Tree (F/W 08-09)-

http://youtu.be/BcBKBiOoFq0

Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection (S/S 2009)-

http://youtu.be/AZc4-8pngMY

The Horn of Plenty (F/W 09-10)-

http://youtu.be/kwknnFekt68

Plato’s Atlantis (S/S 2010)-

http://youtu.be/CVN4WUKIzjA

Untitled/ Final Collection (F/W 10-11)-

Pt. 1-   http://youtu.be/jRicrtglJq8

Pt. 2-   http://youtu.be/KZAQeTewMIE

Long Live McQueen (S/S 2011)- (Idk what this collection is called so I made up a name. Lol)

http://youtu.be/uYlJMyIneTY