In the second installment of the all-female finale, Althea, Carol Hannah and Irina were on an even playing field when it came to concept, good models and makeup consultations.
Going into the final runway show at Bryant Park, it was anyone’s game!
When it comes to drama, the final show did not disappoint. Irina and Althea’s similar taste caused some conflict when it came to the makeup consultations (both wanted to use smoky eyes!), and Carol Hannah was still fighting off a major bug.
The show was filled with tons of running around, last-minute additions to the designers' last-minute 13th looks and help from their PR partners. Nevertheless, these ladies had to get it together! It was their final chance to battle it out on the runway and impress the final judges: Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and guest judge Suzy Menkes.
Althea gets funky and futuristic.
Let the show begin! Inspired by sci-fi movies of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the judges thought that Althea's pieces were well-made and wearable, but they complained that her collection lacked cohesion and might have been a little TOO down-to-earth. Missing a much-needed splash of color, it seemed to be a collection of opposites, with each piece looking great individually but out-of-place when you put 'em all together.
C.H.'s elegant and impeccable tailoring
Carol Hannah's tailoring was top-notch per usual. The best at playing with color, her blue one-shoulder draped dress (psst! This one was her 13th and final look, too!) wowed the judges. Her collection was by far the most creative out of the three remaining designers. But overall her pieces didn't mesh well, and she did not have a collective theme.
Black is ALWAYS chic...but did Irina go overboard?
The judges gave Irina a hard time for using so much black in her designs. Her collection was inspired by “what it takes to survive in the city as a woman,” and obviously, her urban inspiration ultimately served her well! Heidi praised her collection, saying it was, “sleek, modern, cohesive, and it told a story.” But the judges applauded Irina for her attention to detail, from hair to makeup to the warrior-like helmets that each model wore.
And the winner is...
Not only did Irina win a fashion spread...she also snagged a Paris vacation and $100,000! We can’t wait to see her designs on future catwalks!
BLOG IT OUT! What do you think? Should Carol Hannah or Althea have won? What other contestants would you like to see make a collection? What were your favorite pieces of the evening?
-Claudia Notarangelo
Photo Credit: myLifetime.com
BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/20/2009 12:02:00 PM 16 COMMENTS
Sometimes the hottest runway trends can be tough to wear in the real world. Truth is, these daring looks can be super-cute when matched up with basic pieces from your closet.
Keep reading for our insider tips to taming wild vests and making tall boots less tough—and everything in between!
Military and band jackets are a must, but you don’t wanna look like ya
just marched out of a parade. Pair one with something flirty and
feminine to make it a li’l easier and free-flowing. Pop one over a
dress with tights, or wear with a ruffled blouse and your fave pair of
skinnies.
From sequins to glitzy 80s-inspired metallics, clothes are definitely dazzling this fall. Pair a seriously sequined top with skinny jeans, a cute cardi and flats for a daytime look. Lose the sweater and throw on some heels for a night out. Sequins still a bit scary? Look for pieces with a shimmery trim or a hint of sequined appliqué.
Faux real? Yup, fake fur is totally hot. Pair your vest with dark jeans, a solid, long-sleeve tee and flat boots for a cute cold weather outfit. Want to go boho chic? Wear your cozy faux fur over a great floral print dress with tights and riding boots.
Forget boring black leggings and pull on a pair with an eye-poppin’
print instead. Whether they are animal print, plaid, striped or lace,
these beauties look best with a solid tunic dress or an oversized
button-down. Add a wide black belt and you’re done.
Over-the-knee boots can be, well, overwhelming! But matched up with the right threads, they can really make an impact and elongate your gams. Find a flat pair and sport them with tights or skinny jeans and a casual top. Or, go for a mini with a turtleneck sweater with tights and over-the-knee socks for a cozy feel.
-Claudia Notarangelo
BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/16/2009 11:29:00 AM 72 COMMENTS