Plaid in Space

This week's Time Capsule challenge brought out the best and, in some cases, the worst of all these designers. The House of Emerald clearly needed this win, but it was Cesar, whose "disco vampire" cape/gown combo concept had caused another lose for the shrinking house, who was the most blood thirsty for victory over his former house. Standing in front of those judges, as Cesar did for the first time last week, and getting ripped to shreds is not fun, especially when you think you did an amazing job.

As for Nami, they were in a zone and feeling confident that they were the better house after three consecutive wins. Some members were more innovative than others (Eduardo and Dominique both brilliantly made their plaids) while others tried to be innovators and fell flat (Ro had no help from Cesar this week, and it showed).

The surprise hit for this week was guest judge and model Anja (who I started working with the moment she became a model) for her sharp, critical eye and clear, yet cutting, opinions of the designer's clothes. (Did you notice that Isaac's handkerchief matched Anja dress perfectly?!) And Iman looked FIERCE, which is no surprise!

Fashion Show #1: Plaid in Space
Nami was now in a groove and felt so comfortable winning that they acted invincible, executing more conceptual (though David's always is) and sophisticated (Calvin’s grey flannel wrap skirt) designs, and even leaving extra room for flirting (Dominique, stay focused!). Though they were happy with the show and set for the previous challenge, they were unified in wanting a clearer less "complicated" staging this week (sounds like Cesar'’s influence trickled over), though Ro was eager to have an industrial environment (as if he selected the year 1990 and Nitzer Ebb was in his time capsule, as opposed to the year 1969 he actually selected).

Keeping the challenge to heart, I started to think of outer-space, which is one of my absolute favorite references (A fashion story I created for The New York Times Magazine set on a spaceship won a prestigious award, and got me a hand written note from Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière, who shares my love of outer space references). Wanting to "keep it simple," I imagined the Nami show would be aboard a spaceship with the inhabitants (the models) viewing planet Earth through a telescopic portal…simple.

First, I had the black curtains behind the LED screens removed so I could use the screens themselves as a grid wall for the model entrance, and had a long sleek runway built to look like a metal plank. I draw inspiration from one of my favorite conceptual artist Dan Graham and had the art team build translucent panels with metal braces that were placed at the top of the runway for more texture. On the rear projection screen, I researched moving landscapes and fields, from icebergs to sand dunes to mechanical parts, for a sense of motion. But my favorite moment came at the finale and model parade when I had the view of outer-space and the sun blast over the horizon stretch across the LED and rear projection screens for a sci-fi moment.

I loved the idea of the models being women of the future, wearing clothes of today, but inspired by the past in space, especially in plaids and tartans. I really appreciated the effort Dominique took in making her chiffon plaid over a gingham-grunge look. And it was Calvin who pointed out to me that Edourdo also made the plaid for his outstanding outfit (the sculpted shaping around the hips made the thin model feel like she was wearing a bustle). Though David’s jumpsuit could have used a few more darts in the back, it was not as bad as it seemed (is that a compliment?). But someone needed to be in the bottom and clearly the judges hated it (maybe he’s the one who lost focus for his flirting). However Ro’s piece was total wrong, even Ro himself was over it. Without Cesar’s support, he relied on Calvin (whose look was very I Love Lucy, a show I worship) who did his best to save it, but failed. The construction was so off that the model actually started to rip the too tight, ill-fitting skirt.

Fashion Show #2: Bright Sunny Day
This show was all Cesar! He whipped us all into shape (yes, including me) to make sure House of Emerald won this challenge. He had the idea of "keeping it simple" (sounds familiar) and to show on white (Cesar wanted a blank "7th on 6" meets Bryant Park—now Lincoln Center—feel) with a beautiful sunny day on the screens, optimistic really. I told the house that I would make sure the judges got a precise view of their designers but the clothes needed to be extra great--and they were.

With the teams "simple" direction in mind, I decided to do away with a raised runway altogether and have the model on an extra wide squared-off floorshow for an up close and personal feel. I wanted the mood to be crisp and sharp, like a futuristic Pleasantville. I had the stage faced in white and asked the art team to put a clear plexiglass over the white floor we laid down for a more brilliant shine. I know I wanted to create a tableau for the house so I had clear plexi cubes with mirrored bases made for a modern, sculptural feel (thanks to the art crew for making this happen so quickly). The clear cubes were important, because I wanted the models to look as if they were floating when I placed them on the cubes. To capture the Time Capsule challenge (and satisfy my love of outer space) I had the cloud formation (that looked like the skies of Montana) on the screens fade into a video of space travel through the galaxy a la Star Wars for the finale.

This show was fun to do because of Emerald's will to win and Cesar's quick change moment. The team wisely changed their line-up in the last minute, swapping Cesar's model for exits one and four as opposed to one and five, which could have be a timing disaster! Yes, Jeffrey won the challenge (the plaid matched in the center seam perfectly), and Golnessa received praise (both should thank Cesar for his guidance and expertise on constructing garments). But it was Cesar's clothes that were so beautifully made, especially the hand-painted "kite" meets African halter-look he whipped together and the sheer cocoon blouse that opened the show (did you notice he started the look as a dress then turned them into pedal pushers! CHIC!) along with Cindy's organza coat that sealed the win, I'm sure.  I was a little worried for Golnessa and her broken zipper moment backstage. Luckily the shape and feel of her dress caught the judges' attention, though razor sharp Iman did notice the zipper flaw through the sheer shawl, of course.

Time Capsule was intriguing to do, but I can't wait for the next challenge with the women of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES ("you prostitution whooooorrre!"). Should be fun!!