Project Runway

Senior Style File and an Elegant Look for Moms

Posted on March 04, 2013 - 11:25:54 by

I know the real people challenges aren’t always the designers’ favorite kind of challenge, but I love them because it really shows if a designer has the goods to actually design for us normal folks. Haha! You know, the kind of people who don’t have legs for days…

In the latest “Project Runway” episode, the designers had the pleasure of working with women of a certain age. Those saucy seniors really had it goin’ on! Did I just type that? HA! Seriously though, most of those dames were ridiculously fun and were so excited to saunter down the runway.

I was particularly enamored with Benjamin’s client. The way she went to bat for him in spite of the judges’ extensive criticisms of his look was something to be admired. Fit was an issue, that can’t be denied, but Benjamin simply doesn’t believe it was an elimination worthy design. He had this to say when I spoke with him. “I really was surprised by the judges’ decision. Not based on this dress I made for Holly so much as the previous week I really started to get my stride within the competition and the judges could see this and praised me highly. I also had so much support from them in week 1 which set the tone for where I wanted to take my work within the season. Heidi shocked me by stating I had been in bottom all the time when actually week 1 I was a high scorer, week 4 Bette Midler gave me the "highest possible score" and week 5 Nina gave me such high praise for my Miranda Lambert dress, in fact even Heidi was gushing over that dress??!?”

I don’t think Benjamin would disagree with me when I said this was not his best design, even though his client did seem to adore it. When I asked him which of his “Project Runway” designs best represented his aesthetic, he said, “Definitely my NYC dress and my red carpet dress for Miranda Lambert - I felt at peace when I was creating both of those pieces and my true skill and talent came through in those challenges.”

Although, Stanley won with a jumpsuit and jacket combo, I selected Kimberly’s design to style this week’s episode inspired outfit around. Not all the judges particularly dug Kimberly’s leopard blouse and pencil skirt look, but I’m a sucker for animal prints, so there you have it. When done right, a good animal print can be quite elegant! Plus, we’re in the final stretch for being able to wear these colors…Once spring officially hits, this girl is going to be rockin’ bright, bold hues and I’ll probably throw a few sorbet shades into the mix as well!