The Project Runway Season 13 teaser is so flashy. Are they too cool for school now? We’ll see. We plan on taking a deeper look into garment construction this season, and hope to share what we know about what we see this time around. After all, what we like about the show is the focus on the craft of it all. Make it WORK, people! And good luck to all! Live Tweet with us @ProjectMIW TONIGHT!
Justin LeBlanc
In Season 12 of Project Runway, the incredible batch of designers did not disappoint. Shining in the forefront of the talented group was Justin LeBlanc, Assistant Professor in The College of Design at North Carolina State University. Justin, who has interned with Alexander McQueen and Nick Cave, was a designer who demonstrated innovative style, and a fighting will to win. Justin is no stranger to overcoming obstacles; he grew up without his sense of hearing. Through a recent cochlear implant he has acquired hearing, but his developed sense of creating strong visuals was honed without the sense of sound, and we think this lends so much to Justin’s original aesthetic. As a finalist in Season 12, Justin wowed the audience with his unconventional gown made of test tubes and his 3-D printed accessories. It goes without saying that Justin’s designs inspire. They inspire awe, creativity, inquisitiveness, and most of all, we know that they will inspire the future of fashion.
Test Tube Gown and 3-D Printed Accessory by Justin LeBlanc
HOW JUSTIN LEBLANC MAKES IT WORK
1. Who are you, and what season/s did you participate in?
My name is Justin LeBlanc, and I was on Season 12 of Project Runway. I was one of the top three finalists.
2. Please give a brief description of your design style.
My design style focuses on the exploration of new materials and technologies ranging from the use of innovative materials, to 3-D printing. Through the use of technology, I am able to challenge the viewers as to what is considered to be the norm in fashion.
I also utilize architectural and textural elements in my designs. You will always see interesting combinations of textiles and the use of shape and form in my garments. Intricate gathering and layering are characteristic of my garments. I also use patterns to accentuate the form of my garments.
Test Tube Gown and 3-D Printed Accessory By Justin LeBlanc
3. What was the most challenging thing about the Project Runway experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
The most challenging thing about Project Runway was the day-to-day schedule. It was grueling, both physically and emotionally. There was constant uncertainty about what the next day would bring, and very little time to create. It required a great deal of stamina and focus. You had to be at the top of your game without the support of friends and family, and in the midst of what was, at best, organized chaos.
4. Who have you met or worked with during or since the Project Runway experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
Well, that would have to be Tim Gunn. I haven’t spoken to him since the PR days but through his support in tough times, constructive criticism, constant respect, and endless encouragement, he made me a better designer and person.
I have been able to channel my experience on Project Runway into what I love the most—designing and teaching and (I hope) challenging students. I learned a lot about designing and my abilities as I worked through each PR challenge. I learned through the failures and triumphs. I have also been able to reflect on that experience and use it to inspire my and challenge my students, and to share my experience with students in other universities.
5. What have you been working on, and what are you excited about professionally since Project Runway?
I’ve recently finished teaching the Spring semester at North Carolina State University. I also presented my recent Fall/Winter Collection 2014/15 at Charleston Fashion week, and more recently at a show in Houston. It has received wonderful reviews, and I can’t wait to show my next collection. I am currently working on my Spring/Summer 2015 collection, which will be my first solo show, debuting at the end of August.
6. Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
I could never live without my rulers! I use them to plan the intricate layering and outlines of my garments. And of course, I want to make sure that I use the measurements needed to create the best fit for whomever wears my garments.
7. Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
If you want to keep up with me, make sure you follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get the latest news and events relating to my work at @JLeBlancDesign. Also, you will soon be able to buy products from my Fall/Winter Collection and 3-D printed items on JLeBlancDesign.com
Justin LeBlanc
We’d like to thank Justin so very much for all of his generous input, and beautiful images. We wish him the best of luck in everything he does in the future, and hope to stay in touch! It has been a pleasure chatting with you, Justin! -C. Scott
All text and photo content provided by Justin LeBlanc, and photos credited to Curtis Brown, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.
Project Runway Season 13 Cast
It’s almost that time again! Time to cheer for your favorite designers and talk all the drama about off-the-wall designs and people coming together to “make it work”. We are so excited to see what’s in store this season. Live Tweet with us @ProjectMIW this Thursday at 9pm EST.
In tribute to the beginning of the season, we’ll be continuing with our “How They Make It Work” Interview series, starting with some beloved designers from Season 12!
Eliza Bennett’s “A Woman’s Work Is Never Done”
This is one example of Eliza Bennett’s “A Woman’s Work Is Never Done” series of embroideries on her own hand. The stitches are meant to make the hands look more worn, representing the struggles of primarily female-centric, lower paid, jobs of cleaning and caring. Eliza Bennet received a BTEC National Diploma in art, with a focus on textiles. She also has a background in Fashion Design from Middlesex University. She is London based.
The actual hand work and craft in this visually narrative series of literal “hand embroidery” is somewhat disturbing to look at, but intriguing and beautiful at the same time. You can see more images of this series in Empty Kingdom’s feature on Miss Bennett.
Eliza’s series reminds us of a project from a couple of years back where we embroidered into a model’s skin and hands as a celebration of Canada Day. When we created this image, were thinking of doing an entire series inspired by body embroidery, and Eliza’s work has made us think about going back to that early work, to make more of a statement about “suffering for fashion”. Stay tuned!
Canada Day Photo by Ben Trivett
Photo by Natasha Kertes
This Spring, Lifetime replaced a second annual season of Project Runway with it’s new fashion designer series, Under The Gunn, hosted by the incomparable, Tim Gunn. We were skeptical at first, but after seeing the magical garment construction of Oscar Lopez, from Coral Gables, Florida, we were hooked. Much to our delight, Oscar was the winner of Under The Gunn, and he’s been caught up in a whirlwind of work and exciting opportunities since then. Just this month, he has replica garments from Under The Gunn being sold through show sponsor Francesca’s, and a feature shoot in Marie Claire magazine. We had the opportunity to catch up with the very busy, and extremely gracious, Oscar for an EXCLUSIVE interview about his Under The Gunn experience, and what life is like after being crowned the next great fashion designer.
Photo by Yobe Photography
HOW OSCAR LOPEZ MAKES IT WORK
1. Who are you, and what season or show did you participate in?
My name is Oscar Lopez and I am the winner of the first season of Project Runway’s “Under the Gunn” series.
2. Please give a brief description of your design style.
I am not much of a “ready-to-wear” kind of designer. Although I do some, my design style is more evening wear, with ensembles that carry the wow factor, and that are elegant, chic, sexy, and glamorous at the same time. I like the use of beautiful embroideries, sequins, and french laces. Creating a plain and simple look is just not me. I leave that for other designers!
3. What was the most challenging thing about the Under The Gunn experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
The pressure and time constraint to design and execute a complete look in less than 8 hours. The fact that we weren’t allowed to have any kind of contact with anybody outside of the production team, meaning family or friends. Being a bit sleep deprived after a while, due to so many hours of filming daily.
4. Who have you met or worked with during or since Under The Gunn, that you are most proud of or excited about?
Rachel Roy, she is an extremely gentle, humble and sweet human being. I am very excited that she picked me to design her 2014 Met Gala gown, and a few other things that I can’t say for now.
Rachel Roy in her Oscar Lopez custom gown (and photos from Oscar’s studio) for the 2014 Met Gala.
5. What have you been working on, and what are you excited about since Under The Gunn?
Working from Monday through Sunday! Between the work, the trips, the interviews, the galas that I had already committed to prior to the show, the TV appearances, and everything else, it has become a bit overwhelming, but very happy at the same time. Can’t wait for my Francesca’s collection to come out, and my Marie Claire Spread!
Oscar’s winning runway design on Under The Gunn, and Francesca’s reproduction.
6. Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
My clothing care tailor’s ham.
7. How has social media impacted your life after Under The Gunn?
8. Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
Yes, that I thank very much and from the bottom of my heart, all the people, fans, and friends that followed me from the time the show first aired, till now. Thank you for all the support and beautiful comments sent my way. Thanks also for supporting me, and rooting for me all the way. Thanks especially to my life partner. Without him, this triumph wouldn’t be possible.
Watch out for my next surprises on Instagram and Twitter @realoscarlopez!
We’d like to thank Oscar so very much for all of his generous, honest, input, and beautiful images. We wish him the best of luck in everything he does in the future, and hope to stay in touch! It has been a pleasure chatting with you, Oscar! -C. Scott
All text and photo content provided by Oscar Lopez, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.
Blake Smith, Designer
Blake Smith may have been the designer who showed the most range on Project Runway’s Under The Gunn. We especially loved watching Blake demonstrate his amazing signature skill of draping and cutting chiffon to create shape and texture in his garments. Our favorite garment of Blake’s was from the Red Carpet Challenge in Episode 3, when he created a stunning multi-colored gown in soft pastels. We are confident that any young starlet would love to wear this piece on The Carpet. The dress was sold in the Under The Gunn auctions, and some lucky person purchased it for a steal! We’re sad we missed our chance to own it! We had the pleasure of catching up with Blake recently, to hear about what’s new and exciting for him since Under The Gunn.
HOW BLAKE SMITH MAKES IT WORK:
1. Who are you, and what season/s did you participate in?
2. Please give a brief description of your design style.
Blake Smith Dress Design
3. What was the most challenging thing about the Under The Gunn experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
Dress Detail from a Blake Smith Design on Under The Gunn
4. Who have you met or worked with during or since the Under The Gunn experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
5. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?
LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s
6. Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
7. Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
Blake Smith Gown in Progress
Special thanks to Blake for taking the time to chat with us. Blake, we wish you all the best with all your upcoming projects! -C. Scott
All interview text and photo content provided by Blake Smith, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.
Under The Gunn Season Two!
A new season of Under the Gunn is in the works, and just as we’re gearing up for Project Runway: Season 13! Three new mentors, and a whole set of new contestants! We can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Sam Donovan Selfie
Sam Donovan is a young designer from the Boston area, full of ideas and an expert at pin-pointing what’s next in ready-to-wear. He is a Parsons alum, and has the skill set to make any Alma Mater proud. We saw this skill demonstrated on Project Runway’s Under The Gunn, and were intrigued early on. Especially when he put a pair of overalls down the runway in a red carpet challenge, and WON. We caught up with Sam recently, to see what he’s been up to since the show aired.
Sam Donovan’s Evening Wear Overalls
HOW SAM DONOVAN MAKES IT WORK
1. Who are you, and what season/s did you participate in?
I’m Sam Donovan, Runner-Up on Season 1 of Project Runway: Under the Gunn.
2. Please give a brief description of your design style.
I like to think of my design style as a revved-up version of casual wear-my girl is the most fabulously dressed girl at her Sunday brunch in Brooklyn. Very street wear inspired, with graphic, athletic lines, done in an eclectic mix of prints and textures.
A Slice of Sam Donovan’s Under The Gunn Designs
3. What was the most challenging thing about the Under The Gunn experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
I think the most challenging aspect of Under the Gunn was trying not to get stuck in a rut, while making sure I always finished on time. I may have defaulted to one too many circle skirts in the interest of maintaining my time management.
4. Who have you met or worked with during or since the Under The Gunn experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
Asha Ama Daniels (a fellow Under the Gunn designer) has been such an inspiration to me. She has a great energy and resilience to the harshness of the fashion world that comes out in her work, and she’s energized me to convey my rebellious attitude towards fashion in my work.
Sam Donovan and His mentor on Under The Gunn, Mondo
5. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?
Right now I’m working on some client work (mostly drag queens) as well as applying for jobs, and thinking about my own work, and where I want to take it in the future.
6. Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
I have my grandmother’s red measuring tape from her old sewing kit, that I never work without. It’s like she’s draping the garment with me when I construct. Also, sharpies for marking stubborn fabrics.
7. Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
Sam with his Under The Gunn Finale Collection
If you want to connect with Sam, check out his website at http://www.samueljdonovan.com!
Special thanks to Sam for taking the time to chat with us. Sam, we wish you all the best, in whatever you do, and if you’re ever in New York, get in touch! -C. Scott
All interview text and photo content provided by Sam Donovan, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.
We wanted to send a HUGE congratulations out to Laverne Cox, one of our favorite “Orange Is The New Black” cast members, for her Emmy nomination! Laverne is the first, out, transgender actress to receive an Emmy nomination, and she is a proud activist for the Transgender community. Earlier this year, she was the keynote speaker at the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change.
Laverne Cox, Actress and GLBT Activist
Above and beyond Laverne being transgender, she is a fantastic actress and one we hope to see in many more roles in the future. Plus, we can’t WAIT to see what she wears on the red carpet! You can read more about Laverne and her exciting news at People.com
Laverne Cox in OITNB
Sean Carswell is a brilliant author of several novels. You should read them all. If you don’t have a chance right this moment to go out and buy one, you should at least check out his long-running magazine, and now punk podcast and website- Razorcake. And even then, if you can’t do that- but you can, because we just gave you the link- you should follow his blog, which often has amazing articles and stories and rants from Razorcake. Sean teaches English at Cal State University, Channel Islands, and his students better know how lucky they are. This is what it looks like when the punker kid from Cocoa Beach, Florida, grows up and studies Pynchon. Lookin’ good, Mr. Carswell. Lookin’ good.
Author Sean Carswell. Photo by Ben Trivett
Project: Make It Work 