Given that I mused on Season 17 of the revamped Project Runway in “Runway Redux,” I thought it reasonable to comment on the season in general and the finale in particular.
So often, in reality competitions, my opinion differs (radically) from the judges. In the run-up to the Project Runway Season 17 finale, I knew who the clear winner was, to me. And as the models walked the final runway, I was not disappointed. As anticipated — Sebastian Grey took the prize.
For any woman who is captivated by fashion that is elegant, sophisticated, and modern, Grey is your guy. And for a change, the designs he creates are stunning on curvy women. And his color palette! Soooo wearable — neutrals, but interesting, with a few vibrant additions in striking hues.
If you haven’t had a chance to see his finale selections (shown on last Thursday evening’s show), peek at his Instagram. His designs are exquisite.
I screen captured just a few shots while watching the show, hoping to convey enough to send you to the professional photographs at Bravo or on Grey’s Instagram.
My “personal style” bottom line: I am crazy about Sebastian Grey’s combination of soft and hard, line and curve, his nuanced color sensibilities, and his breathtakingly beautiful belts. Then there is the magic he makes of weaving together leather strips into garments. It’s all a veritable fashion feast, and I am hungry (already) for more.
I would be very happy to wear the 4’11” (curvy) version of anything Sebastian Grey showed in the finale, especially a petite-proportioned version of his gorgeous burnt orange dress-coat-whatever-it-is ensemble (see below). A girl can dream…
Petite Fashionista? Vertical Lines Elongate
My mention of styles that flatter curvy women? Consider the magic of vertical lines, a plunging neckline, and if you are petite, not only do both of these factors work well but sticking with a monochromatic scheme enhances the effect.
Do notice Grey’s gorgeous geometric belts. Drool-worthy. Worship-worthy. Box one in plexi and hang-it-on-the-wall worthy.
Look at the model in the group image above. She is wearing a dress of woven leather strips and one of Grey’s scrumptious cinching belts. You must, must, must visit Grey’s Instagram to see these beauties up close.
Confession: I so adored these belts — I love beautiful belts — that I went poking around on my favorite fashion sites to see if I could find anything similar. Not really! And as challenging as accessories can be when you are petite (and I don’t mean 5’4″ petite, I mean really petite), you have to be careful that they don’t chop you in half. Ideally, accessories elongate as do necklines, sleeves, collar proportions, judiciously positioned slits, shapes and lengths.
Incidentally, by keeping many looks monochromatic including the belt, Grey’s designs flatter the fuller-figured or shorter woman, and they’re clearly lovely on the thin models as well.
The only thing I could find that even remotely resembles Grey’s designs was this (skinny) knotted belt, the Lecce leather belt at Net-a-Porter. It’s a pretty accessory, for sure, and one I could imagine wearing with a number of outfits. That said, Grey’s belts strike me as functional art. That’s a whole other level of beauty, don’t you think?
Let’s Talk About Hester
Hester Sunshine, who took second place, certainly gave us an entertaining example of highly personal, playful, and forward-thinking ideas. Her prints are colorful and whimsical, her over-the-top style certainly not for everyone, and her kooky creativity is undeniable. She strikes me as a contemporary Betsey Johnson — that’s a compliment — and I imagine we’ll be seeing more from her in the future.
On the accessory subject, Hester Sunshine’s bags and shoes definitely warrant a second (and third!) look. While the clunky-heeled numbers aren’t for me, the way she covers her footwear with the same patterned fabric as her separates or dresses is delicious. There were high-heeled platform sneakers in a geometric pattern with a matching hatbox handbag that I found delightful.
One more confession? I love over-the-top eyewear. And I covet her spectacular specs! There’s no question that her choices are fun and funky just as she is, and I’m certain her design future will be bright. And it doesn’t hurt that Diane von Furstenberg, one of the guest judges, offered to be her mentor should she not win Project Runway!
Let’s Not Forget Garo Sparo
Now, I haven’t mentioned Garo Sparo, the third finalist on this season of Project Runway, a designer who incorporates a corset into nearly everything.
As a woman who loves a corset — really, I do, they’re sexy and can be helpful if you have back problems — I thought I would enjoy this designer’s creations more than I did. However, I frequently didn’t care for his choice of fabrics, and there was a costumey feel to many of his clothes. I love a great costume, but… this is about fashion, not theater.
Nevertheless, he designed some noteworthy pieces. There is a jacket in his final collection that is beautiful. Do give his work a look as well.
Check Out Project Runway Collections Here
Be sure to pop by Bravo TV for more images.
Pop by here to see Sebastian Grey’s portfolio not including the final runway. (My favorites in the portfolio are numbers 3, 13, 14 and 15. Yours? More of my absolute faves are on Grey’s Instagram, which is @iamsebastiangrey.)
See Hester Sunshine’s portfolio here. (Her style is not my thing, but I love number 15! I might even dare to try the hot pink furry skirt. And the hatbox handbag rocks!)
See Garo Sparo’s portfolio here.
And if anyone is listening out there in Bravo TV Land (Hello, Sebastian? Are you listening?) — please consider the petite woman as well as the curvy woman in your upcoming capsule collection!
Did you watch this season’s show? Your impressions with the nearly all-new set of judges? Your impressions of the contestants? Your thoughts on the season as a whole?
Images screen captured from TV, Bravo. And pardon, pardon, pardon, a thousand pardons for my screen captures hoping to send readers to view them on Bravo and Instagram. These designs are TOO gorgeous not to offer a tiny peek.
Access Isabel Marant Lecce leather belt here on Net-a-Porter or click the image (above).
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