USA: Supermodel Heidi Klum's show, Project Runway, dominates the last day of New York Fashion Week

Aspiring designer contestants on Heidi Klum's hit show "Project Runway," showed their collections on Friday (September 15) at Fashion Week's end, with models sporting looks meant to maximize and go beyond what the contestants turned out during the third season of Bravo's hit show. Lending a dose of reality, or at least reality TV, to the sometimes surreal frenzy of the Bryant Park tents, finalists Jeffrey Sebelia, Uli Herzner, Laura Bennett and Michael Knight each showed a dozen outfits before industry mavens, the series' judges and appreciative fans who packed into the standing room only tent. First up was Sebelia, the flamboyant, heavily tattooed and often ornery Los Angeles designer whose rock-and-roll aesthetic often marked his work during the course of the season. But on Friday, Sebelia, 36, likely surprised the judges who included designer Michael Kors and Elle magazine's Nina Garcia with youthful, gentle and casually sophisticated designs, making heavy use of soft reds and golds, broad stripes and even polka dots. Tiered dresses and skirts topped pleated blouses, and lightweight skirts flowed freely; several outfits seemed geared toward Los Angeles beach culture. Broad stripes of green and gold appeared in both a tailored jacket and garden party dress. Miami Beach resident Herzner, a soft-spoken native of Germany, went for looks more emblematic of her designs during the show's run, heavy on prints or shimmering, soft fabrics in gold or silver; and combinations of beige and silver. Her two-piece swimsuit with matching cover-up rendered in yellow-and-brown, received applause. Her South Florida aesthetic came through in the designs. Bennett, a 43-year-old Manhattan architect and mother of five who learned during the show's filming that she is expecting again, also hewed close to her trademark designs, creating high-waisted outfits rendered in black or soft gold. Bennett also used beading, fringe and stiff, shiny feathers to jazz up her looks, which to a one bore her stamp of sophisticated elegance. The dominant fabric was black lace, used extensively for both tops and dresses, one of which she daringly paired with a fake fur shrug. Bennett said that she wanted to create clothes that were glamorous, romantic and perhaps provided an escape of sorts from an often tumultuous world. She added that she tried to create that "escapist moment" by the generous use of sparkle, beads and feather. Whereas, Knight, who impressed the judges throughout the season with his thoughtfully tailored yet modern designs, took more chances in a collection that he dubbed a "truth safari." Starting with an ivory and gold palette, lace-up tops and smock jackets were paired with matching pants or skirts. But the 28-year-old Atlanta designer gave voice to bold colours like deep fuchsia and metallic orange for more laced tops or a tiered ruffled dress. His futuristic swimsuit, which seemed made out of liquid gold, was perhaps the boldest piece shown. Common elements in all four collections included bare backs, broad belts and lots of gentle gold and silver. Most included swim suits as well. After the show, supermodel Heidi Klum, who spearheads this project, said that she was a bit surprised by some of the designs. She said it was a different experience to see the designers' presentations on the runway vis a vis the specific challenges they are given during the regular show episodes. "We normally see them, they do one outfit and a very specific challenge in mind. So, this time it was different because they would go away for two and a half months, we gave them eight thousand dollars, and this is what they came up with. So, it's a little different and with some people I have to say, I was a little bit surprised. And then there are some that really did a great job," said Klum. Model Padma Lakshmi said that she too was a bit taken aback by some of the designs. "I actually thought Michael would be better. Unfortunately, it was a little disappointing. I didn't think his clothes were very modern or chic. I loved Uli's clothes, I thought there were beautiful. I would love to have a few of those pieces. And it was nice that they kept it short and sweet," said Lakshmi. Beyond bragging rights, enviable media attention and $100,00 to start their own line, the winner will receive a new Saturn and a splashy layout in Elle magazine. "Project Runway"'s first winner, Jay McCarroll, was slated to show his own collection at the tents later on Friday. During the series contestants competed in series of creative tasks ranging from designing a couture dress to assembling outfits from materials culled at a recycling plant or performing makeovers for the other contestants' mothers - all on a tight deadline. Dogs, Miss USA and fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy also inspired the weekly competitions, which ended with at least one designer being eliminated. The winner will be announced during the October 11 season finale. While most of the fashion week focus is on women's clothing, designer John Varvatos showed his chic Spring Summer 2007 men's collection this week. His look for next year was "preppy meets punk", retaining the asymmetry and imperfection that continues to define his collection. The designs ranged from tailored pieces to the rougher hand-finished denim. The look was a rumpled sort of sophistication, embodying a devil-may-care attitude. Black and white came together for a stronger statement and there were also brighter colours like greens and oranges. Friday (September 15) marks the last day of New York Fashion Week, with other designers showing, including Chado Ralph Rucci, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. Now, the fashion focus shifts to London, where designers will show their latest designs next week.

ITN Source | September 17, 2006

Tags:. .chic. .audrey. .ivory. .rendered. .futuristic