In the coming months, we will be sharing links to our research for a book on the history of pasties and the evolution of their construction over the years. It will be a tribute to our love of the burlesque community and to the importance of burlesque as a part of theater history. In the meantime, please visit the burlesque hall of fame‘s website, and donate to the expansion of the museum!
This is a great piece on the history of Pasties-read it!
We are so excited to share Institute Magazine’s feature of an editorial shoot we did with the wonderful photographer Pieke Roelofs! Click Here to view!
Also, check out Pieke’s behind the scenes video from her site, PhotoandGrime.com
From Institute Magazine, Photos by Pieke Roelofs
We’ve been working on our brief for i-D Magazine. The title was “Youth Now!” and we wanted to share our thoughts and some of our final images. Model: Emma Mannheimer, Photos by Ben Trivett. Makeup, Hair, Styling by Coleen Scott.
This is a side by side comparison of the same image of Emma in black and white and color. Image creation was inspired by the style of Daniel Jackson, the assigned photographer for the brief.
STATEMENT OF INTENT: I’m looking for the coolest young people I know, and hoping to make believable, interesting, optimistic, sexy images, full of life and vigor, full of the motivation to change the world in their own individual way. The concept is clean, minimal makeup, showcasing natural beauty, and showcasing each models’ original look and style. If color is used, it will be unconventionally, trading the stereotype of red lips and blue eye makeup for just the opposite. Red lipstick on the eyes and blue on the lips, symbolizing individuality, rebellion from the norm. Our friend Emma is the embodiment of the hopeful side of youth now. She’s a mover and shaker, and we’re excited to see what she does next. We’re pretty sure there will be good food involved, as she’s really got her finger on the pulse of what’s trending on NYC’s food scene.
This is the makeup chart next to the final execution on Emma. The thinking behind the red eye makeup and blue lips is taking the stereotypical woman’s makeup of red lipstick and blue eyeshadow, and switching features, as a symbol of rebellion.
I was inspired by other artists in The Val Garland School of Makeup to title my idea for this editorial. The brief is “Youth Now”, but I think I would call this: “Youth Now: Live Forever”. Generally, young people have that zest for life and adulthood that you can sometimes lose as you get older. In general, they don’t have quite as many responsibilities or attachments that hold them back from living every moment to the fullest. On the other hand, the general societal pressures and ideas about the state of the world, also leads youth to have a “live now, worry later” attitude- always reaching for what is the most fun, wildest thing they can do at any moment. This doesn’t necessarily lead to productivity, it can be laziness that is the chosen activity. Leisure. Living beyond your means to make every moment the exact way you want. Satisfying your whims. That can be youth now, too. When you’re young, you feel like you’re going to live forever and you can do anything. When you’re young in 2015, you do whatever you can, however you can, to keep yourself engaged and satiated, and distracted from the negative. Youth Now: Short Attention Span Lifestyle. Or, as I like to call it: “Shiny Penny Syndrome”. Go wherever the pretty fun things are. We explored both sides in our shoot with Emma. The hopeful, exuberant side, and the “I don’t care, as long as I’m having a good time” side. They both have their merits. Check them out below.
One of the favorite final images for the i-D Magazine Brief. Model: Emma Mannheimer, Photo: Ben Trivett
The final image we selected:
The final image selection for i-D Magazine. Model: Emma Mannheimer, Photo: Ben Trivett
Our current homework in The Val Garland School of Makeup is an editorial brief, set by none other than i-D Magazine. The theme is “Youth Now”, and we’ve just begun our research on the creative team and their work, as well as the foundations of the magazine itself, currently in it’s 35th year!
Follow Project Make It Work's board I-D Brief: Youth Now on Pinterest.
Daniel Jackson and Alastair McKimm for i-D Magazine 2015
We’ve been rooting for Justin LeBlanc this season on Project Runway All Stars, and thought it fitting that we re-post our interview with him from this summer. Stay tuned for more interviews with current All Star Designers!
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.
Tailors In Motion archive image, from our week on Oscar de la Renta.
During the academic year, our creator, Coleen Scott, is an instructor at the wonderful and well-known private school in Brooklyn, Saint Ann’s. (Alums include Zac Posen and Lena Dunham). Over the last two years, Coleen’s High School students in Costume Design, have been blogging on Tumblr with weekly inspirations. The blog is image based, and is truly from the point of view of the teenagers, who clearly have their fingers on the pulse of what is now. Please enjoy Tailors In Motion!
Oscar De La Renta, Fashion Icon
Oscar De La Renta, famous fashion designer, most recently known for Amal Clooney’s Wedding Dress, died today at age 82. (See ABC News Report here)
Amal Clooney and George Clooney on People Magazine’s Cover (Amal in Oscar De La Renta)
Amal Alamudin’s Oscar De La Renta’s Wedding Dress
De La Renta has been designing stunning gowns for decades. Sarah Jessica Parker paid special tribute to the designer by wearing his signature embroidered into her gown.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar De La Renta at the Met Ball this year.
A quote from Parker about her gown and how it got the designer’s signature: “Did you see his name on the back?” Parker asked, twirling around so we could see the designer’s signature in red script across the gown’s tail. “I said to Mr. De la Renta, please let me use scarlet embroidery thread, and splash your name across the back. It was my idea. He would never in a million years have done it, he’s far too modest.” (source)
And finally, some highlights from this Spring/Summer 2015 Oscar De La Renta Collection:
Oscar De La Renta SS15
Thank you for all of the beauty you created over the years, Mr. La Renta. You will be missed, but you will be remembered in all that you’ve left behind to inspire us! -C. Scott
We have spent the last year interviewing numerous designers from various seasons of Project Runway, and from their testimonials, we have learned a lot about the PR experience. Designers are chosen for a plethora of reasons to participate on this show, and it is an unforgiving and tough process. We would not expect it to be anything less, of course. If you are fortunate and talented enough make it onto Project Runway– you are then sent to the location to live with strangers, not allowed to view any type of media, not allowed contact with loved ones or friends, and you shoot ALL of the challenges over the course of about 4 weeks, wherein your days are somewhere between 12-20 hours long. It is a DREAM opportunity, but we assume it is not a DREAM process to endure. It is true, though, that some of life’s hardest experiences are the most memorable, and the most life-changing.
Project Runway Season 13 Designer Korina Emmerich
Before you decide anything permanent about any one of the designers on this season of Project Runway, or any other season up till now, we’d like to remind you a little about the conditions these designers are working under while you watch them in your living room. We’d like you to think about how you might react being in this type of environment, and to think about how you would feel getting closer and closer with each challenge, to a dream you’ve had your whole life. Now, we’d like you to think about whether in the most extreme moment of stress, you might not give a shit if the cameras are on you or not. You just might need to let out some steam. Some people handle stress quietly, others vocally, or by lashing out, and even others by crying. We’ve definitely seen it all in every season of Project Runway.
Korina Emmerich in one of her own leather designs. Click image to link to our EXCLUSIVE video interview.
HOW KORINA EMMERICH MAKES IT WORK
We said “Auf Wiedersehen” to Designer Korina Emmerich on last week’s episode of Project Runway, Season 13. We have to say as viewers, that this was the most angering episode we’ve encountered this season. We noticed other online fans angry about the decision, surprised about the choice to let Korina go, and keep other designers who may or may not have already been saved multiple times, and who from our point of view, have not demonstrated the construction skills needed to continue to this level of the competition. It was a hard episode for Korina especially, as the show’s editing did not help to paint her in a positive light at all. She was clearly venting steam and stress in the one-hour final elimination challenge, and unfortunately, the cameras caught a moment of negativity that also seemed to anger some of the fans vocal on the internets.
Designer Korina Emmerich in a jacket from her Raven Collection
Recently, when this season had just begun, we got in touch with Korina about doing an editorial shoot, using some of her own designs, and playing with a little vintage as well. We spent the morning together styling makeup and hair, coordinating different looks, and asking questions for our exclusive video interview.
Not only are we happy with the final images and video, but we had a fantastic time collaborating with Korina, who in our minds was one of the front runners in this season of Project Runway.
Designer Korina Emmerich in Vintage from Tattoo Girl Lingerie
Well, we know now that Korina’s runway show at New York Fashion Week will not be featured on Project Runway, but you can see some of it from Designer Helen’s Instagram feed here. (Often the last 6 or 7 designers left on the series do show at fashion week.) Little did we know, we shot one of the leather jackets featured in that very same collection. (See the collection on Korina’s site Here) Needless to say, the whole experience was a pleasure, and Korina was both a pro and a joy to work with. We hope to do it again in the future.
Designer Korina in one of her new SS15 Ephemeral Collection Jackets
There you have it Project Runway fandom. We ask you to take everything you see on tv with a grain of salt, and we remind you to see the work of all the designers up close and personal, if ever you get the chance. Project Runway is a vehicle that can launch the career of a designer, but if these designers strive to be part of this industry for life, Project Runway cannot and should not define them forever.
Special thanks to Korina for her time, her patience, and her professionalism. Keep up with her on Twitter @EmmerichNY, and on her site at www.emmerichny.com.
Photos by Ben Trivett (Copyright Ben Trivett). Hair, makeup, and styling by Coleen Scott.- C. Scott
A note about comments: We will approve comments from legitimate email addresses only, and we welcome all to share their thoughts and opinions.
Designer Suede of Project Runway and All Stars (Photo Credit Springs Creative Group)
From the moment he stepped into the Project Runway workroom, Suede made his mark. He was destined to be a PR legend. He knew how to brand himself, and he even referred to himself in third person when doing his on-camera interviews. We think this was just his brilliant way to make sure you never forgot who he was. Suede definitely has a punk rock vibe, but he doesn’t shy away from color or print. His runway collection from Season 5 demonstrates his love of texture, sparkle, and feminine silhouettes. Suede recently took some time away from his extremely busy schedule to interview with us, and we’re so excited to share what he’s been up to with all of you!
HOW SUEDE MAKES IT WORK
1. Who are you, and what season/s did you participate in?
Suede – Project Runway Season 5, the show’s final Season on Bravo, and Project Runway All*Stars Season 2, on Lifetime.
2) Please give a brief description of your design style.
Suede created the SUEDEsays™ Brand after appearing on Season 5 of Project Runway. Our design aesthetic ranges from Classic, Edgy, & Flirty for young ladies, to Prep, Sport, and Rock for young men. We are international and in over 4,000 stores in the United States alone. Our mission statement is to bring affordable, timely, trend right products to market.
Suede Says Menswear Looks (Photo Credit Tom Contrino)
Suede Says Brand “Rock Your Prom” Designs (Photo Credit Tom Contrino)
4) Who have you met or worked with during or since the Project Runway experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
Our biggest accomplishment has certainly been launching the SUEDEsays™ brand, and being able to work with the everyday consumer internationally and in over 4,000 stores in the United States. We have an exclusive line of Special Occasion Fabrics with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, which is beyond thrilling for us. While it’s always fun to dress celebs, our biggest joy comes from working with the all the home fashionistas out there and providing inspiration.
Suede Says “Rock Your Prom” Fabrics for JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores (Photo Credit Springs Creative Group)
3) What was the most challenging thing about the Project Runway experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
Besides the obvious, the most challenging thing about being on Project Runway was stepping into the great unknown – no family, no friends, no contact with the outside world while on set – not knowing how you would place, and being sequestered in a bubble with so many other talented designers.
5) What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?
We work about a year in advance, so we are working on product assortment for 2015, coming up with new concepts, all the while managing current assortments with our various retailers – Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Wal*Mart, Hobby Lobby, and Hancock Fabrics to mention a few.
Suede Says for Simplicity Patterns (Photo Credit Tom Contrino)
6) How has Social Media impacted your life after Project Runway?
After appearing on Project Runway, our door to social media became fully open. We live in the age of Social Media, so it’s paramount to connect with your fan base and consumers. We get e-mails on a daily basis from people all over the world. We love hearing from everyone, and we get back to all who do reach out to us. Be sure to visit us at SUEDEsays.com and feel free to shoot us a message through the website, or directly to uROCKit@SUEDEsays.com
Suede Says Design
7) Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
The tool we can’t live without remains a secret for now <wink>, as we are working with our partners to bring this new tool to market. Promise, once it comes out it will have all of you buzzing and totally excited – stay tuned kittens!!
8) Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
To keep up with all things Suede be sure to check us out at SUEDEsays.com.
For the full line of SUEDEsays patterns visit: SUEDEsays™ Patterns
For the full line of SUEDEsays fabrics visit: SUEDEsays™ Fabrics
Suede Says for Simplicity Patterns
Special Thanks to Suede for taking the time to answer our questions. Suede, we wish you all the best and we commend you for your business savvy! – C.Scott
Project: Make It Work 