Project Project Runway: The Finale Challenge

Can you believe we’re at the finale challenge already??? In some ways, it feels like we just started a couple weeks ago and in an another, I feel like I can relate just a little bit to what the designers on Project Runway must feel by the end.  I’m fatigued – idea fatigued.  For the past few challenges, each time we’re presented with it, I have begun thinking, oh my, I think I’m out of ideas – whatever will I create this time?

I found the lines in this sculpture to be my inspiration.

For this week’s challenge, we were to create a mini collection of three looks inspired by Governor’s Island and the art exhibited there.  We had to display a range (not all evening gowns for example) and we needed to show our design vision.  I found this last part interesting.  We are to show OUR design vision and yet they gave us the inspiration we must use.  However, there was a lot to choose from on Governor’s Island, so it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to have it align with my own vision.  Since this is Project Project Runway, we were given the option to create 1 to 3 looks or to create one and sketch the other two.  We had 2 days to finish our looks.

My three looks

Shoes from Piperlime.com to go along with each of the above looks.

For my first look, I created this sleeveless jacket.  It’s kind of an off the shoulder look with a really large collar – almost creating a cowl type look (but not really a cowl so relax Nina!).  For the skirt, I used a black fabric with a bit of a sheen to it and did a lot of draping and tucking that reminded me of the lines of the sculpture.  I feel like this would be a great outfit to wear to work and with a change of shoes and jewelry, out to dinner afterwards.

My second look is a dressier one, seen here on my dress form. (Why yes I did find a Barbie-ish sized dress form…at the dollar store no less!).  I used the same black shiny fabric and once again did a lot of draping to create organic shapes in the dress.  There is a tasteful side slit.

For my final look, depicted here in a rough sketch, I created a two piece top and pants outfit.  The pants are wide leg and would be made out of a white chiffon or similar type fabric that would allow them to hang in soft drapes.  They are kept simple and any lines will be created simply by the way the fabric hangs.  I didn’t want to do anything too detailed with them as they might compete with the top.  The top is one shouldered and has a good deal of pleating and tucking to it.  I’d have to check out Mood to see exactly what type of fabric I would want for this but I’m imagining that a black knit would work well and give the garment some ease of movement. 

What did you think of this week’s looks?  Anyone you’re rooting for to take it at Bryant Park?