Latina Nina

I was psyched to hear judge Nina Garcia switch into Spanish in the first episode of Project Runway Season 8 on Lifetime. Casanova, one of season 8's competitors, wasn't quite understanding what host Heidi Klum was asking so Nina stepped right in to help out. Spanish is pretty rare in mainstream American television, particularly connected to design, so it really was great to see happen. Kudos for diversity in design!

Sustianable style on Project Runway

Season 8 of Project Runway on Lifetime features several designers that bring social and environmental responsibility into their creations. One designer in particular has embraced it full-on. Gretchen Jones of Portland, Oregon based Mothlove promises to bring true sustainable style to one of my favorite shows.

Recycling on the Runway

I was pleased to see that, once again, recycling has made its way into Project Runway. I'm a sucker for any skill-based reality tv show and Project Runway is one of my favorites. This season the designers had create garments from salvage car parts. As always, there were designs that were in and that were out. The winner was a trenchcoat made of golden seatbelt salvage.

Project Runway recycles

OK, I'm a little behind on this one...but I just got back from Maui! Just saw this week's Project Runway in which the designers had to use recycled materials. SO SSF! I can't say I agree with the judges decision at all but was glad to see some sustainability sneak into PR. Several of the designs were stunning. SSF actually did a project like this at Seattle Central Community College's Apparel Design Program. I wish I had some pictures of the students outfits because ALL of them were stunning: a tent turned into a J-Lo gown, a sleeping bag turned into an Chanel inspired suit, etc. The whole thing reminds me of Season 2, Episode 9 in which the designers had to use plants and flowers to construct their designs, also good stuff. I'd love see more sustainability themes on PR in the future...maybe even something delving into social issues.

Future friendly Project Runway

What a surprise to turn on the TV to watch this week's episode of Project Runway and hear the words "global warming". Apparently, the budding designers' project this week was to work as a team to design a line for the year 2055 and the environment was a key issue. Plus, they had to source all their textiles for the project from a vintage store. Go team, go!