Episode 12: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Congratulations Mr. Sunny Fong!, you are THE WINNER! Your collection rocked the runway with solid powerful delivery on all levels! The design was second to none, the execution was brilliant, and to sum it up, the collection was world class!

Mr. Jason Meyers, it is clearly evident that inside of you is a passion for fashion design. You are now known Canada wide. Landing a position as one of the top three designers on Project Runway Canada is by no means a small feat of accomplishment. Your collection was shown with fine intention, and from this experience will come the desire to strive for excellence. Own the runway, Jason, with everything you have to give and it will be yours to great glorious applaud!

Ms. Jessica Biffi, all I can say is WOW......I want you to know the rest of Canada is also in love with your very beautiful dream. I remember a young woman who came to the audition and told me I would not forget her. That young talented strong woman was you! Jessica you have it all going on and this is only the beginning page of a brilliant life story in the Canadian fashion world.

The second season has come to a close. It is time for all of us, to speak boastfully with unabashed pride of our Canadian fashion talent. Today the world of fashion is a very small place. Within minutes of winning season two of Project Runway Canada friends of mine in
London were texting me to make sure it was true that Sunny had won…how fantastic is this!

Project Runway Canada has taken dreams of relatively unheard of designers and made them household names in twelve short weeks. Never before in the history of my 24-year career has this ever happened. Bravo to Global Television for believing in this showcase, and encore to the powerful work of the Insight Production Team. The Canadian fashion design industry thanks you. We are no longer the sunset industry. What you witnessed tonight is the next ray of Canadian Fashion Sunlight and what a brilliant ray of light Sunny Fong is!

Cheers
Brian

Brian's Backstage blog - Let The Collections Begin!

Melissa — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:38:00 GMT

Every human being on the face of the planet has his or her own opinion on fashion so you have to have a very clear focus of who you are a designer. To design in this world requires an immediate sense of gut instinct, an unwavering sense of style, and most important the highest regard for personal self-esteem. The best collections are those that create a sense of desire and a feeling of satisfaction amongst customers every time one of the outfits is purchased and worn. It is important for designers to please themselves first because only then will he or she succeed in delivering a collection that shows strong magnetic confidence and creates the needed sense of desire.

Jessica, Jason, and Sunny have the added complication and exhilaration of all of Canada watching them grow into their collections. This is a fantastic calling card for any designer.

When I visited the Top 3 designers at home the collections I saw were comprised mainly of theories, sketches, half finished garments and a lot of procrastination. I had expected to see clearly defined and literal examples of each designer’s thought processes. With six months and $8,000 each I thought there would be no need to rush to Fashion Week. Now it seems it will come down to a very intensive work schedule to see who will finish in time to rule the runway.

Back in the workroom I was able to see (almost) finished collections. Sunny’s collection shows consistent strength from fabric selection to proportion. His collection is strong even if it has those famous bustier dresses that are not winning points with me. It will be interesting to see how his collection comes down the runway as his only way to create drama will be via the styling (shoes, accessories, hair and makeup).

Jessica has come full circle since I visited her at home. She has redesigned the whole collection and came through with polished innovation! The collection is jammed with detail, great colour, and definite showstoppers. My concern is again how it will play on the runway and if it will define Jessica Biffi to the fashion world. The runway can take months of hard work and turn it into a dismal display of inexperience. The word “focus” will need to be Jessica’s mantra.

Jason doesn’t always like to hear my opinion. His collection has some strong pieces and some glaringly obvious struggles. Fabric selection is paramount in a collection. Jason chose all black silk shantung and bright gold sequins. The design details seem obscure and the quality and finishing was not up to the level of someone who has previously shown at Fashion Week. I was shocked and I’m sure my facial expressions left nothing to the imagination. Jason has his work cut out for him but he has the ability to pull a rabbit from a hat, so bring it on Jason!

Overall, there is a huge amount of work to be done on each collection and I was concerned for all of them. Any possibility of extra time to tweak was replaced by one last little request. Design a dress for the very beautiful Cheryl Hickey from Entertainment Tonight Canada. 13 garments now, how lucky! This is an opportunity to create a gown that will get the ultimate in media attention. The stress on each one of the designer’s faces was evident so I hope if they learn one thing it’s that you should never procrastinate. A moment of relief came in the form of Jeff, Brandon, and Kim.

Once a collection leaves the hands of a designer and hits the runway anything can happen. Garments that appear lifeless on a hanger can take on a magical appeal and those that WOW can sometimes fall in to the SO WHAT category on the runway. The tension right now is high in the workroom and all of the designers are definitely realizing that fashion isn’t always pretty! God help them all.

Brian

Episode 10: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:44:00 GMT

Tailoring is an art form, pure and simple. This challenge needed not only design skill but also construction skills. A master tailor is to the fashion world what the Pope is to religion. It is a revered position to all the major fashion houses around the world.

The four remaining designers were about to succeed or fail as there is no way to disguise poor workmanship on tailored suits and the delicate fabrication of barely-there lingerie. In total the designers had 8 outfits to brush up on their sewing abilities, hone their design skills and capture a coveted position at the Project Runway Canada finale at LG Fashion Week.

Sunny’s skill at sewing and finishing took him right to the top. However, I did feel that the jacket design was common, the fringed seams were passé, and it only channeled Sunny Fong because it came with a belt. This was a very ‘safe’ garment and someone with his skills should have taken a risk to show innovative fashion design. Sunny will need to completely deliver the risk factor on the runway at Fashion Week if he wants to take home the prize.

Genevieve chose a beautiful mouflon fabric that would mold and shape with the touch of an iron. The design came out overworked and didn’t line up on the body correctly. The drape slip lingerie came out beautiful but the suit took precedence and the final curtain fell for Genevieve.

Jason on the other hand thought that a powerful executive would enjoy a sleeveless grey jacket for the office. Fortunately he redesigned the jacket (with sleeves this time) and the result was a rendition of what we have seen before from him, which is the constant pseudo-male tails tuxedo ala Jason Meyers. I hope to see clearly focused and innovative ideas from Jason and lets hope he delivers his finest work to date at Fashion Week.

Jessica took the challenge to the point of overdesign. Edit, edit, edit: words that should be embroidered on the back of her design overkill jacket. This young woman has a mirage of ideas that must become focused in order to win the final prize. The lingerie left me thinking, “it’s OK”, however the runway is no place for a new designer to show “OK”. It’s time for Jessica to benchmark the meaning of the word edit. Fashion Week is a battlefield and the critics of certain excruciatingly fashionable circles can make or break you.

Six months to design a collection is a once in lifetime opportunity. Who will win the prize and realize their dream?

Good luck to you all.

Episode 9: Brian's Backstage Blog!

Melissa — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:04:00 GMT

Two things that don’t go together in my mind are camping and Fashion! As a kid growing up in Alberta I did enough camping and fishing (yes fishing!) with my dad to last a lifetime. Therefore I was prepared for what was in store, but very surprised by the pure and utter beauty of Lac Phillip located in Gatineau, Quebec - just a short spin from Ottawa. As I got ready to greet the designers I heard a gentle swoosh behind me and turned to see a canoe gently careening by. All you could hear was the paddle ever so gently dipping into the water as the canoe glided across to the other side of the lake. Serene beyond words. Even shutting my eyes and just listening I was able to picture this exquisite moment. What a perfect backdrop for the next challenge which saw the return of two designers aiming to steal back a coveted position at LG Fashion Week. The designers were again put into teams (yikes) and Jason and Genevieve were given a surprise reprise. Fabric would be more of a challenge than a teammate. The fabric of choice was any camping comfort you didn’t need to survive an overnight stay in the beautiful Lac Phillip wilderness. I didn’t envy this crew of 5 star Hotel devotees.

Sunny chose Jessica, which made a formidable team. I have loved everything that they have done separately and couldn’t wait to see them collaborate as a designer über duo. In the end I wasn’t crazy about the 3D silver eruptions on Sunny’s avant-garde garment but Jessica brought it home with a fine rendition of early morning Arctic vesting that created balance. And they never gave up their tent for fabric, so they were the only cozy campers!

Jason and Genevieve created great pieces that saved their lives (and chance at LG Fashion Week) on the runway. Jason held his own against the very talented omnipotent Genevieve, however I was surprised at how well Jason listened to her. Genevieve ruled the house and proved that by sleeping under a picnic table she can achieve one last kick at the can.

Adejoké and Kim took a risk, forgetting that sculptural doesn’t work in the eyes of the judges. I personally loved what this team created. Kim tossed all caution to the wind and created a beautiful futuristic ensemble that would have rocked a Hassan Chalayan runway. Adejoké created one of her best fashionable and wearable expressions to date. I was sad to see them go, however life will go on for these two very talented women in the world of Fashion, and I for one am happy that their last showing left me wanting more! Adejoké and Kim, I will go camping with you anytime and look forward to seeing more from both of you!

Brian

Episode 8: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The chance to have one of your designs worn by a supermodel is an unbelievable opportunity for any designer, no matter at what stage of your career you are. Coco Rocha is the next “IT” model and she came shopping at Project Runway Canada’s workroom. I felt the excitement in the room when I announced this challenge as I know the designers saw the potential in dressing the gorgeous Coco. The gloves are off and it will be interesting to see who rises to the top.

Sunny gently took his gloves off and realized he had to step away from his formulaic strapless dress. Formula is repetition, safe, and boring. Luckily he is a great listener and an astute observer and created a beautiful dress that Coco chose to wear. I did feel however that the dress would be better suited at the Playboy Mansion than on a Fashion Week red carpet in New York.

Jessica has been flourishing under pressure and is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Her beautiful silk taffeta dress was fresh couture in a romantic colour. Jessica has continued to show diversification of silhouette in every challenge and taken chances, which is what the fashion design world is all about.

Kim is a conceptual designer and not a craftsman, which is ok in the real world if you end up working for a very large company. This dress was a risk and not one that Coco was going to take. The execution of any dress is paramount and this is where Kim failed. Kim needs to define her personal style in her mind and learn how to edit.

Adejoké’s dress was a fresh take on what a red carpet dress could be. She was worried about the length but it looked hot on the runway. She was able to incorporate Coco’s details and instructions but still infuse it with her own sense of style. This is the third dress from Adejoke that I have loved and feel she should have won the challenge. She has a very Mark Jacobs sensibility to design and I am definitely enjoying it.

Genevieve once again showed how much she loves to drape. I personally loved the top of the dress but the fabric on the bottom was too heavy to give way to any kind of glamour. The colours were beautiful, put perhaps there was one too many involved. I really do believe that Genevieve has a wonderful sense of sculptural design and she would do well to intern with Donna Karan in New York to refine her art of draping. Most draped dresses take weeks to achieve the perfection that one would see done by Karan or Galliano for Dior. I believe her time on Project Runway Canada is merely the beginning of a new era for Genevieve. I know that she will fulfill her dream and make her story a reality. I wish her the best!

Cheers,

Brian

Episode 7: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:50:00 GMT

From the 3M brand comes Post-its and all I can say is thank God for these little reminders. They give me salvation when it comes to that ultimate reminder: a thought you don’t want to lose, a word of inspiration, or a way to make sure the task at hand gets done.

The challenge was to take Post-it’s and create a dress based on the words: Positive, Persevere, Faith, Determination, Family, and Beauty. These words represent the focus and lifeline of breast cancer survivors who also modeled the dresses. My mother, having had cancer thirty years ago, always said that mind over matter was a huge part of her surviving cancer. Cancer, the word itself has FEAR attached to it with the stigma of death and loss. This challenge was perhaps my favourite as it inspired hope, reinforced courage, and most importantly self-esteem. The models for this challenge were all real women and all affected by breast cancer. Bravo to these women isn’t enough. I think Magnificent Bravo comes closer to what I feel for all those beautiful women.

Here is my take on the designer Bravado that took place. Sunny stepped up and went for broke. It was a beautiful dress, enough said. Kim created a dress which made me envision a sugar plum fairy or a highschool drama class costume. At first I was annoyed with her level of respect, but thankfully she got my blunt message and her model didn’t have to walk the runway with huge wings attached to her.

I loved Adejoké’s and recognized it took a ton of work…perhaps too much work. Her heart was in the right place and sometimes you need a little fantasy when you realize you have cancer. She created a fantasy that was almost reminiscent of Venus.

Genevieve showed some of her best work to date. She has a modern sculptural sensibility and created a dress with beautiful detail and great colour combination, which showed she listened to the challenge.

Jessica’s first approach at a ‘cracked earth’ design that was horribly uninspiring was torn apart to be reworked into a radiant beautiful sculpture that won her the challenge, well done Ms Biff, great editing!

Jason was at odds with the Post-its and the judges were at odds with him. I didn’t get where he was coming from on this dress and he was lucky that his model made the dress look way better than it was. Jason has talent and this challenge simply overwhelmed him. To see the real talent of Mr. Jason Meyers go to www.jasonmeyers.com

Good luck Jason, Canada is watching!

A HUGE HUG to all the models. This experience has helped to make the designers better people and lot more sensitive to make it means to be a survivor.

Episode 6: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:40:00 GMT

From bridal nightmares to pretty Spring dresses. And even better, the opportunity for one of those dresses to be produced and sold in the Runway section at select Winners stores across Canada! What came from this was pure and simple…one great dress, thank you Jessica Biffi, and a whole lot of other dresses that had no business on a runway.

The challenge was to create a Spring day dress that could work well into cocktail and evening attire. The possibilities are endless: evenings are warm which works for sleeveless and lengths can vary as long as the proportion is correct. Colour is important and is what attracts the consumer’s eyes. And paramount is the idea of shape, as the dress has to look good on a size four and size sixteen.

Winners provided a detailed clarification on what they were looking for. For the winning designer it means name recognition and the eternal hope of further business. For the client it means creating a product that consumers will want and to make a profit. For this the dress has to have sell through - which mean how many dresses sell at full price without going on sale. Sell through is what brings a client back to buy from you for seasons to come. It seemed in this challenge that not everyone recognized the client’s few and simple wishes.

I loved Sunny’s dress. He designed a bias cut in pleated polyester chiffon that FIT to perfection. Sunny is self taught: sewing, pattern-making, etc. and has accomplished enough to be called a pro. One error is that this dress would not translate to a size twelve, fourteen, and sixteen. That’s when bias cut becomes too hard to fit. But a beautiful dress, well done Sunny!

Jessica Biffi made a great dress and it will look great in the grander size scale. Her dress spoke volumes for being fresh in colour and perfect for the transition from day into evening. Well done, Biffi.

Kim made a pretty milkmaid dress that could of worked in the children’s wear area also. I wasn’t that impressed with the design or the fabrication however it did guarantee her a safe place on the runway.

Jason again had some gimmicks with his satin dress, but I don’t think his customers would want to mess around with large silver snaps to alter the hem length of the dress. Doing this would make a satin dress wrinkle and crease to a point of no return. The dress was a beautiful colour but it wouldn’t move at full price. I’m looking for some great designer from this talent man, no more gimmicks.

Adejoké’s dress was a stunner and I loved the fact that she combined jersey with woven, which is a challenge in itself. The dress was very modern and would look great on any size. The colour harmony brought marigold yellow/grey into a new mindset for Spring. More time on the construction would have put this dress into the winning category.

Genevieve came close to being gone for the shear fact she made a dress that didn’t resemble the client’s position. I think it’s time for her to stop talking about being fabulous and bring it to the table. I’m waiting and hoping for the ultimate garment to come, I know she has it in her!

Jeff I know you can make a beautiful garment and I found you to be a real survivor with huge integrity, something not often found in the world of fashion. I saw your work before Project Runway Canada and it has always been beautiful. You are meticulous on fit to a fault. I know your passion is to do beautiful work and thus you will show this with your Bridal collection in the near future. I will be watching and so will the rest of Canada. Cheers to you.

For more on Jeff look to Jeffreymackinnon.com

Episode 5: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:33:00 GMT

Here was a challenge where some of the designers could have used a miracle – reworking a wedding dress! The event of the season unfolds with the designers meeting some fabulous women with two things in common: they’re divorcees ready to have their wedding dresses reworked into fantasy frocks to help transform their new beginnings. I have been asked numerous times to redesign a wedding dress and thankfully, I can say you couldn’t pay me enough money. Divorce for many is both traumatic and painful, as was this challenge for many of the designers. This was not only about rebuilding a dress, but helping the client rebuild her self-esteem. The following is my breakdown from my view on the most difficult challenge to date on Project Runway Canada.

Kim lost herself in this challenge. Debbie, who is Kim’s model/divorcee, remains great friends with her ex-husband – an usual but productive take on divorce. Her dress for the time period of her wedding was great; however the dress that Kim delivered was, I felt, a disaster. There was so much of Kim’s own emotion in this mess of a garment that it was hard to make out who was the divorcee – the designer or the model? Debbie deserves alimony payments from Kim on this one. However, I do remain optimistic that Kim will regain her design sensibility and lose some of the bravado that is not serving her well with herself, her peers, or me.

Genevieve gave her divorcee radiating tucks in the middle of her buttocks. NO woman wants, or needs this, and not even Genevieve could pull this off. I was hoping for more from this amazing draper. It is time to make a garment that deserves the runway. Fortunately her divorcee walked well on the runway and never saw her own backend. I am so confused as to why she thought this was beautiful?

Jason came through with a decent garment but then it got hokey. The hairpiece and then the child’s name on the inside of the coat were not needed. It’s time for Jason to take things seriously and get to work on fantastic design. I did feel he improved on the execution of his garment even though the fit needed some serious work, which I was surprised Rita didn’t notice.

Adejoké sent a great garment out on her model although I didn’t love the trim. In the end it worked on the runway if I squinted my eyes. The fit was good and you could definitely tell that it was designed by Adejoké, but she needs to start putting it out there!

Sunny, (with all that talent) came up with a suit, tossed a belt on the waist, and called it day. He listened to his client but from a great wedding dress came a garment that belonged on the markdown rack. The Mentor expected more, but the client was happy as were the judges. Sunny took the title for the third challenge.

Jeff had his hands full with a very nondescript wedding dress that had absolutely no sex appeal. His client thought that a walking short set would do her well. Why would you want a walking short set? Jeff’s remake was better than the original as it became a cute dress that was fit well, but it still lacked runway presence. Eddie and Eric from the L’Oréal Paris Beauty team did an amazing job on the makeup and hair for Jeff’s model and she walked the runway with a great new fresh look!

Jessica made a cute dress that was perhaps a bit too young, but the model rocked it on the runway. I’m not sure what happened to Baylor on this challenge as I was expecting more. Baylor is someone who has fine skills and I believe to be a very talented designer. The sari got the better of him resulting in an overworked design. The hip sash needed to go, as did the ruffles. It only takes one challenge to go awry and then you have Iman telling you it’s time to leave, or in this case saying, “Who’s sari now.” I have great hope for Baylor and I wish him all the luck in the world.

DIVORCE IS NOT EVER PRETTY…. but it is a reality!

Episode 4: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:34:00 GMT

For those that think design comes from an ethereal place, here is a reality check. Knowing the history of fashion can be the single most important strength a designer can have. Months are spent on research before any couture collection cascades forth onto the iconic fashion runways of the world. Inspiration for one particular collection by Yves St Laurent was taken from the modernist period in painting that of Mondrian: beautifully executed bold and simple shapes that took on the most basic colours of yellow, red, blue and white. And of course the famous YSL Le Smoking Suit inspired by a man’s tuxedo – a monumental period in fashion history.

For those in the design world the name Valentino itself sends a message of complete femininity. The adjective “romantic” could be replaced with the name “Valentino” when we speak of ti amo amore or love as we choose to call this emotion in English! Few have matched this man’s ability to translate into women’s clothing the words: powerful, beguiling femininity.

Say the name Versace and you speak of sexuality in all forms and how it relates to fashion. Sex sells in fashion. Put the House of Versace in charge of sexy and you have refinement, albeit “in your face” beautiful sexy clothing for men and women.

The above three comprised the iconic Fashion Houses our teams of three chose to refashion. And not in raptures of silk, satins, and lace, BUT in recycled clothing. Now that is a challenge! However, this is not something entirely out of the realm of reality in the market place today as proven by the excellent example of PRELOVED. You all need to check out this collection and if you are in Toronto you must take the time to visit the store on Queen Street West….Amazing!

The practice run at teamwork in the previous challenge left most of the designers with a bad taste in their mouths, or should I say on the runway. This challenge Team Versace won. Great execution, colour choice (purple being the colour of vixens) and a fine shot at interpretation. But, did it refashion the house? The real task was to show reverence to the history of Versace and take the house into a fresh approach at defining “sexy”. My mind says no, but my heart says well done considering the way rags went to riches on the runway. Sunny makes a great bustier, but I’m hoping he gives this a rest as it’s starting to grow tired….Got to put more on the table to maintain your winning streak!

Valentino red is not only the colour of love, but also the colour of a STOP sign. I wanted Jeff to take his dress and make it something more. It was lovely as a garment but it needed an exaggeration point for the runway. How much excitement can drapery fabric in a stiff brocade weave instill? Jessica took on the role of team leader and that’s when the meltdown started for Miss Biffi. I love watching Jessica work as her skills are to be reckoned with, however Ghetto speak left the room and love (ie: Valentino) became despair. I know Jessica will bounce back as she has the talent and tenacity to be a part of Project Runway Canada. Jason sailed safe with the rest of the team but with his dress I wonder if there wasn’t a better place for all that black lace? Why was it hanging just off the back of the dress, I wonder, I wonder….Oh well!

There was no surprise for me when I found out that Brandon had never heard of YSL. His other teammates were in shock. It is very difficult to design for an ICONIC fashion house you have never heard of. I loved Kim’s work here but it did feel to me as if she was refashioning the House of Commes des Garcons. Loved the proportion and the mix of texture and fabrication. I’m also getting a vibe from Baylor like he’s going to break loose at any moment with something breathtaking … or maybe that’s me channeling those thoughts into his head. I wanted to shout out to Baylor to do a great and beautiful dress because I know he has the ability to do this better than anyone else. Sometimes it is frustrating to be the mentor instead of the Boss!

To those that underestimate the design potential of Brandon don’t be so quick to place this young talent in the last spot. His portfolio is beautiful and his design concepts are excellent. This guy has fashion design in his blood and we will see more of him. Wouldn’t it be wild if he landed the fashion Director position at YSL someday? Vive la Dwyer!!!

Episode 3: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:49:00 GMT

The challenge was once again to listen (as I said before the finest edge a designer can have) to the client. L’Oréal Paris is a worldwide brand and spends an enormous amount of money not only on their products, but also on colour forecasting. They set the mood and direction for the design teams to capture through fashion. Not to mention creating the opportunity to showcase the winning designs in a national ad campaign! Not a hard challenge to win if you are even remotely a team player.

Teamwork requires a leader – someone who sets the design tone, ie Galliano for Dior. Alas, each designer did his or her own garment, so much for teamwork! Twenty points for Baylor and Sunny for cohesive fabric choices, colour, and making their outfits look like they came from one design house. I’m still out on if it captured the essence of the direction from L’Oréal Paris, but it was nice work.

I think this was also a challenge to realize that it is all about the client’s direction and not each designer to realize the theme. Kim and Genevieve again designed for themselves and missed the point on who the L’Oréal Paris woman is. Mother of earth colours and design do not work for an international cosmetics company.

Jessica and Jeff both had great dresses but totally different looks, making it confusing for the client. I did however feel that there was a bonding in this partnership, and I’m not talking about the glue that held some of Jeff’s dress together! Jeff took a hit from the judges for both colour and design. I liked the dress because he pushed himself in the concept of his design. I feel that Jessica needs to have this push and let’s hope it happens soon…I know it’s there!

Jason and Christie: I am at a loss for words. Jason, bad execution on a ho hum dress. Most of the time polyesteris just hard to work with, although it does take on colour well, which is why poly is used for so many bridesmaid dresses. Christie, Christie, Christie….overwhelmed and thus onto the next era of her own label Carnylove. Chrisite, you are a survivor and I look forward to seeing more in the future.

Brandon and Adejoké I felt slipped under the radar. I’m still waiting on Brandon to deliver some of the talent I saw in his portfolio so I can say “Now you’re on you’re game Mr. Hey Hey Hey”.

I am wondering if the designers have learned now to listen to their clients. Only time will tell.

Episode 2: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:40:00 GMT

Never wear a suit in August. The personalities of the design troupe turned a hot day in Ottawa into a fever pitch! Of course some, such as the beautiful star Elisha Cuthbert, didn’t seem affected by the heat. Elisha has a definite sense of style, knows what she likes and what works for her. This is definitely a stunning woman that doesn’t need a stylist to tell her what to wear. And for the designers she represents a huge opportunity. One great shot of Elisha wearing your dress can speak dollars for future collections.

I was in shock at what some of the designers chose for their fabrics especially Adejoke and Brandon…polyester! Jeff picked up grey silk charmeuse and Margarita chose a woven stretch, which is a nightmare to sew. Sunny picked a bad blue that looked cheap, however with a little design detail and good execution he could pull it off.

I loved what Genevieve did with her dress. It was refined with an innovative shape. Kim understood that over-design had hurt her in the first challenge and came through with a great dress. Adejoke needed to listen to the client. I was in shock over the silver and shingle work on the top. Jeff ended up working so hard on the make of the dress he forgot about the design. Brandon, Brandon, Brandon, great idea….but! A dress like that would take hours and hours of fitting and sewing, not to mention the ruffles around the butt and the tractor tire going up the torso. At one point I thought the dress was missing the bottom half.

I was dying inside when I saw Margarita try to work with her fabric. I love her spirit and her drive to make it big time…and she can talk fashion. I know that she will make it on her own as she stood out for me from the very beginning. Her design sense was there, but unfortunately the execution was not. Jason came out of left field with his design. I’m still in shock as to where that dress suddenly came from! Congrats to you Jason. Margarita, sorry to see you leave. The next challenge will be sure to separate, and as Iman says, we’ll see who measures up.

Episode 1: Brian's Backstage Blog

Melissa — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:53:00 GMT

Personality reigned supreme!

My gaze across the battlefield brought into focus fourteen new faces of fresh Canadian Design Talent as they took on the challenge of becoming the next winner of Project Runway Canada.

The fashionista recruits were about to enter into a boot camp for fashion excellence. Some were seasoned veterans and some were fresh from the finest design schools in the country. No matter their level of experience I knew that by they end of the first challenge nerves, time restraints, and stress would cover their faces like war paint.

Camouflage was about to become each designer’s best friend. The test was to see who would use it to hide and who would stand out from the crowd. Having an action plan and staying calm is top priority and perhaps the best design weapon. However, the true test of survival is how each designer deals with their emotions on the runway.

This is the most intense season of Project Runway Canada. Three designers gone in one fell swoop…and a few more close to the edge!

Well done to Adejoké, your model rocked the runway! Camille, you are a total delight….I will miss you. Danio and Jaclyn, it was a pleasure to meet you both and I wish you renewed health and unparalleled strength.

At the end of this challenge I was relieved to be in Ottawa. Amongst the calm and beauty of our nation’s capital I walked home knowing that the survivors of the battlefield would fight another day.