A Closer Look at Nancy Volpe-Beringer's Mesmerizing & Inclusive Runway Show
The Project Runway Season 18 contestant dishes on making it to the final four and what's next for her career.
As the oldest contestant ever in the history of Bravo's Project Runway, Nancy Volpe-Beringer had a different experience from many of her counterparts in the contest. “Let’s be realistic: Age might be a number, but my body doesn’t agree. I developed arthritis and I actually wake up in pain every day. But it’s because I’m active in designing that I start feeling better throughout the day,” the designer, 64, told BravoTV.com.
Nancy persevered every day throughout the competition, and her passion, dedication, and talent ultimately landed her in the final four. This moment in Project Runway history is one that Nancy is “proud, humbled, and blessed” to be a part of. “I just hope I am inspiring people — that no matter what their challenge, age, situation is, it’s OK to pursue their dream.”
As one of the final four, Nancy poured her heart into her finale collection titled “Sustain Our Ability.” With a message focusing on inclusivity and zero waste, Nancy designed a beautifully innovative line including a sculpturesque cut-out jumpsuit, a printed tailored pantsuit, and several dresses in mesmerizing liquid look fabrics. Nancy even created a dual purpose bag that doubles as a wine tote inspired by Brandon Maxwell.
With this collection, Nancy also expanded her portfolio of adaptive fashion. The Philadelphia designer’s show included a model in a wheelchair, who sported a silver ensemble that featured a fantasy skirt, which also doubles as a cape.
Nancy's Project Runway journey may have come to and end, but this is far from the last you’ll see of Nancy. “I’m really excited to share I’m gonna be collaborating with last year’s Project Runway contestant, Renee Hill. We’ll be announcing something shortly,” she revealed.
She added: “I’m also getting a lot of information from the disabled community. So, I’m really looking into adaptive design and doing research to see what I can give back through my designs.”
Scroll down to see every look from Nancy’s stunning "zero waste" collection.
