Basketweaving on the Runway

project_runway_von_Bromssen_dressI enjoy watching Project Runway and have never missed an episode since it began (well, maybe a couple I might’ve missed over the years).

I love seeing what the designers create and how they work under pressure. Some of their creations are so inspiring. And of course, some pieces make me wonder “what were they thinking?!”

Last week was the season finale, and one of the designers, Alexandria von Bromssen, was clearly the underdog. She seemed to be a little cold and the others appeared not to like her.

But I was fascinated by what she would put out there especially the times when I thought she was crazy and she would be going home next. You have to admire that confidence in your work despite some mocking from your peers. And the judges saw something in her, apparently, since she made it to Fashion Week.

In her final runway show, I thought she should have won. Her collection overall was fresh, hip and more cohesive than the rest of them. And, her non-conventional garment was made out of phonebooks! Yup! Those flimsy paper pages became her fabric! The top was a very cool basket weave — and woven by children. Well, her students! She runs a sewing camp for kids and every year, she has them learn how to weave (Maybe a couple of them will be future basketweavers???). So she had her kids participate in her opportunity of a lifetime by helping her create the woven “fabric” for this garment.

I think it is amazing. I could see this over a sleek black turtleneck. Maybe I could get Eric to weave me a vest like this…

 

comments

7 Replies to “Basketweaving on the Runway”

  1. So sad that Bradon lost his way; a favorite, as was Helen. I hope she finds her way back on another season. Alexandria’s slouch in the front–cool from the front–slouchy unfit look from the back; not enough WOW in her design for the judges, but her stuff was good. Dom, what an impressive talent she is! Now on to All-stars tonight, but hmmm, Cardinals game one vs Red Sox, I have a conflict!

    1. Thanks Sharon! Yes, Dom is way talented. But I wasn’t too wowed with her final collection but she was great all season and deserved the win. Go Red Sox!!

  2. Ooo, no. Alexandria was one of my least favorites. I am just glad she didn’t make any more of those horrible droopy drawer things that Heidi seemed to be so in love with. Bradon shocked me the most with how disappointing his collection was though. I thought he had been so strong throughout the season that he would make something incredible, but that’s not how it turned out. I was satisfied with Dom’s win.

    1. Yes, Bradon’s was so disappointing! And Helen completely choked and didn’t even make the finale. I thought she was one of the strongest… I was sure it would be Kate, Dom and Helen to the end. Yes, Alexandria was not my favorite up until I started to appreciate her confidence and work ethic – and she kept producing those dumb droopy pants even though nobody liked them! You have to admire an artist who Believes in their work!

  3. I too love Project Runway and thought Alexandria was going to win. Next week will be interesting with Project Runway Allstars. That was an interesting story about Eric and the ladies room.
    I’m sure Eric is celebrating with the Red Sox win!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.