Project Runway Fashion 1 of 2 - Let's Think About Something OTHER than COVID-19

As the nation moves into lockdown and borders are closed tightly (now including no passage from the UK and Ireland), I'm going to try and wrap up Project Runway. So far my gym is still open, I'm keeping that under advisement, and I have a follow-up from my bladder infection with a doctor scheduled for Wednewday, and if I have questions, I'll ask them then. But ... I need a break from Doom and Gloom, so I'll do two posts on the four final designers of Project Runway Season 18, one post today and one tomorrow. 

The designers were instructed to make a collection of 10 garments within a time frame of 5 months and a budget of $10,000. A budget like that allowed for some really luxurious fabrics and each designer took full advantage of both the budget and the time. 

I'll hit the women's designs today - Victoria Cocieru and Nancy Volpe-Beringer. Tomorrow (or Wednesday) I'll review the men - Sergio Guadarrama and Geoffrey Mac. Each designer had some really excellent items, and a few duds. Each designer received styling hints from a stylist, as well as from two members of the CFDA. Each designer was allowed an additional 45 minutes at Mood with a budget of $400, and each designer was given the services of a seamstress for a full day to allow them time for alterations, or even new outfit components if they wanted. 

The playing field was level, it was up to the individual designer to put their best out on the Runway and present the essence of themselves in front of the judges and their audience. So ... here we go. 

I've started with Nancy Volpe-Beringer who wants to specialize in inclusive fashion - fashion for everyone - all sizes, all shapes. She often designs for borderline people - those who are handicapped in some way or another and are usually excluded from fashion. Her first five outfits are shown above, the next five are shown below. 

I felt she was extremely happy with the collection she was able to present to the audience and the judges. I also felt she succeeded in defining the niche that she had wanted to specialize in. I think that Project Runway pushed her and allowed her to refine and hone her vision so that she will be a successful designer and a lot of people will be happier because of her designs. 

Next, the person everyone loves to hate - Victoria Cocieru. From Moldova and married to a soccer star from her country, Victoria moved to the US because of the opportunities here for her to grow as a designer and make a living for her young family. 

Victoria was focusing on upscale sportswear with handmade touches to make each outfit unique, such as the hand-crocheted caps made by her own mother. The basic bland beige she showed in the preview was pushed out into color with bright lime green and touches of red, allowing the show to be far more interesting. She had been advised to get rid of the branding, and she did - in some cases. But she didn't get rid of enough of it for Nina Garcia. 

Outfit number 9, that slump-shoulder white dress, was "thrown together" by Victoria in two hours. I'd wear that dress in a second! It's totally scrumptious! 

So, tomorrow I'll go through the two collections of the men - Sergio and Geoffrey. Since the internet ate my detailed post, you just get the fashion, but that's really what it's all about anyway, right? So, I'm supposed to be off to the gym, but since I have a kidney stone and basically hurt, I'm not happy right now and I'll just stay immobile as long as possible before leaving for the grocer and work. 

Remember to keep your social distance from others, watch yourselves carefully, and stay safe and healthy. I'll be back on Tuesday.