If anyone doubts the reach of Project Runway, you would only need to look at the diversity of the crowd for the show. Older Palm Desert elite mingled with young fashionistas who looked fresh out of FIDM and everyone in between. Photos were being taken left and right as many wanted to record their presence in this chapter of Project Runway.
One of the younger attendees was a superfan named Madison. Proudly wearing her "Thank You, Mood" t-shirt and clutching a poster featuring the evening's designers, she was upbeat and well versed in her Project Runway history. A dedicated Michael Costello fan (Michael, she's pulling for you to take home the All Stars crown), Madison shared her thoughts on this current season and was eagerly anticipating the runway show.
The show opened with a performance from Pia Toscano who sang her latest single from her upcoming cd.
Gordana Gelhausen (PR season 6 and All Stars) had a collection featuring flowing skirts and tailored leather jackets. Injected with pieces of green as well as black and white stripes it was breezy with an edge. Her show stopping piece was flowing black and white dress with a fitted bodice and lace/crocheted elements. (Gordana's designs below.)
Michael Drummond (PR season 8) featured a strong color palette of blacks and greys. The dress that had everyone's attention was constructed of sheer netting that left nothing (NOTHING!) to the imagination. As a seatmate remarked, "you have to be one confident woman to pull that dress off." (Michael Drummond's designs below.)
Mila Hermanovski (PR season 7 and All Stars) opened her show with a dramatic yet stunningly minimalistic, grey coat with chartreuse lining. Recently featured on the cover of California Apparel News, it was a pleasing visual appetizer to the rest of her collection. With references to 50's Op Art, Mila utilized blacks and greys accented occasionally with chartreuse elements. Her use of accessories really stood out with silver geometric jewelry created by designer Sarah Loertscher. (Mila's designs below.)
Next was Mondo Guerra (PR season 8 and All Stars). Pre-show buzz around the tent questioned if Mondo was actually there as he was not listed in the event program. Sadly, Mondo was under the weather and instructed by his doctor to not travel. Attendees saw a video message from Mondo and saw an abbreviated show of his garments. The look that had the most buzz was a strong yet flirty jacket of large houndstooth print over a black and white dress cinched with a shiny patent belt. (Mondo's designs below.)
Josh Christensen (PR Season 9) displayed the only menswear on the program. Shorts, dip dyed shirts, floral patterns and finishing with long sleeved shirts, a micro sweater and a quilted look, his collection was challenging as the audience was audibly trying to process what they were seeing. In a conversation at the after party, Josh shared that his inspiration was to present a progression of coming from the beaches of southern California through to the warmer and browner desert of Palm Desert. Josh also shared that his floral print was a Liberty fabric from the UK that he had squirreled away, waiting for just the right reason to use it. (Josh's designs below.)
Seth Aaron (PR season 7 winner) brought forth a strong marriage of Mad Men meets the year 2020. Comprised of black, white, grey and red, he showcased solids and prints into and edgy yet feminine collection. One showstopper was a belted coat of red flowers on zebra stripe background. He polished off the look with half sleeves and an oversized black pointed collar. The same red floral print reappeared in a swingy, knee length skirt paired with a black belt and white short sleeved blouse trimmed in black. (Seth Aaron's designs below.)
Another notable look was his houndstooth fitted, sleeveless, knee length dress accented by a red zipper and matching fedora. Seth was also the most gregarious of all the designers after his collection as he ran down the entire length of the runway, slapping hands and punctuating his return with the occasional jump and hop.
At this point, Pia Toscano comes out to sing another song. She points out that her dress is by Michael Costello which is met with large applause by the hometown crowd. Michael Costello (PR season 8 and All Stars) closes out the night with his collection of grecian inspired, flowing gowns.
Utilizing a color palette of metallic gold, white, green, and fawn, it was a cohesive collection of stunning pieces. Long, flowing gowns were punctuated by shorter, fitted dresses and one luxurious jumpsuit in a luscious fawn color. Most pieces were either gold or had an element of gold present through the use of accessories. Met by a cheering hometown crowd, Michael came out with his son and the other designers down the catwalk as the crowd gave a standing ovation.
In addition to the alumni who presented, a tanned and relaxed Bert Keeter (PR season 9) was seen in the front row. Enthusiastically cheering on his colleagues and live tweeting the show, Bert was graciously mingling with fans and posing for pictures. As the tent emptied and attendees progressed to the after party, we caught up with Project Runway super fan, 10 year old Madison. Grinning from ear to ear, she seemed exhilarated by the experience. Her verdict? She loved the entire show but Michael, you're still the number one designer in her heart.
While attendees and designers hit the official after party, some skipped the festivities so as to prepare for the next morning's free trunk show where additional designs were available to purchase.
Many thanks go to my mom Leigh Giarde, who took all of the photos you see here and a big thank you to the crew at Blogging Project Runway for letting me play field correspondent for a day!
Update: More coverage of the event - including photos of all the designs here. Look for our favorite Project Runway Supermodel, Amanda Fields!
