HP x Project Runway Party

Last week I went to the Style Coalition lounge for an HP x Project Runway viewing party. The party theme was color-blocking. Being a lover of color, this was a fun challenge and I found some blue pieces in my closet and made them pop with yellow tights and necklace.  I have to admit it was fun to see color again, and the perfect start to my Easter weekend.

The reason for the theme was based on a Project Runway challenge, where contestants created a look inspired by mid-century art at The Guggenheim.


We got to actually compete against other attendees to create the best design as well with this premise by draping fabric on a dress form. The winning design by Jenny from I-Spy-DIY won the latest HP ENVY X2! It's a PC that transforms into a Tablet for life on-the-go. To be perfectly honest, maybe I now have a little bit of envy. The convertible factor has me a bit awed plus it's the same PC that contestants use on the show.

Project Runway contestant Carol Hannah attended the party to watch this season's competitors send their designs down the runway. You can see all the designs here.


After our competition we sat down to watch the show while snacking on some delicious treats and Pomegranate / St. Germain cocktails. As bloggers always do, there was plenty of witty commentary throughout the show as we tweeted the night away. Thanks to Style Coalition and HP for a colorful lift to my week.

Project Runway - Now Casting

Who: Project Runway
What: Now accepting applications for season 12!
Why: Are you a designer or do you have any designer friends who you think can be the next big thing? Now is your chance to prove it to the world. Aspiring designers will be offereed the chance to show their work during New York Fashion Week, and the opportunity to win $100,000 to launch or expand their own fashion line.

The deadline to receive applications is April 8th, 2013. Applicants can learn more and download the application online here and email it to at prcasting@bunim-murray.com.

Sample Sales This Week: March 12-18, 2012

Who: Escada Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off womenswear.
When: March 11-14, 2012. Sun 9am-6pm, Mon-Wed 10am-7pm
Where: 317 W 33rd St (near 8th Ave)

Who: Project Runway All Stars Sample Sale

What: Up to 80% off threads from Jerrell Scott, Kara Janx, Mondo Guerra, Michael Costello, Rami Kashou and Mila Hermanovski.  Prices start at $25.

When: March 14, 2012. 11am-6pm.

Where: 242 W 36th St. - 8th floor (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Who: Handbag Sample Sale
What: Discounts on leather and vinyl totes, hobos, satchels and wallets from Perlina, Mariposa, Plum & Nica.  CASH only and please bring your own shopping bags!
When: March 14-16, 2012. 10am-3pm
Where: 10 W 33rd St - Suite 210 (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)

Who: Giles & Brother Sample Sale
What: Discounts on great accessories.
When: March 15-17, 2012.  Starts at 10AM on March 15 and lasts 48 hours.
Where: Online

Who: Mackage and Soia & Kyo Sample Sale

What: Score deep discounts on one of Sugar Rock Catwalk's fave Canadian outerwear labels.

When: March 15-18, 2012. Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

Where: 75 9th Ave (b/n 15th & 16th St) - Chelsea Market

Who: Tusk Sample Sale

What: 50%-70% off leather bags and accessories for women, men and travel.  All regularly priced merch is 15%.

When: March 16-24, 2012. 11am-7pm (closed Sunday March 18, 2012)

Where: 242 W 26th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave)

Project Runway Casting 2012

Who: Project Runway is now casting
What: Are you a designer who thinks you have what it takes to join the ranks of former contestants like Christian Siriano? Compete for a chance to show them during New York Fashion Week. Plus the big winner takes home $100,000 to launch their own fashion line.
When: Deadline to enter ends March 15, 2012
How: Download the application at http://www.bmpcasting.com/casting/pr/  or email prcasting@bunim-murray.com

HP x Style Coalition’s Project Runway Premiere Party

A couple weeks ago in honor of the season premiere of Project Runway, Style Coalition decided to host a truly fabulous party with HP at the Style Coalition Lounge.  Seriously being surrounded by some of my favorite fashion loving ladies with white sangria, macarons, pineapple ice pops, and appetizers after an intense 11 hour work day was just what the doctor ordered. 

All of the above images are courtesy of Ana Schechter Photo

Call me a tech dork but after saying some hello's I ran to play with the HP TouchSmart 610 not even realizing they were part of Style Coalition's own mini Project Runway challenge and began sketching up a storm.  At first I didn't have a sense of the program I was using, but soon enough I got the hang of it and was having a blast.  I previously tried out the TouchSmart TM2 laptop/tablet, but with an even larger work area I had the freedom to create art projects with ease.  I soon started using the back side of a pencil in combination with my finger for precision details and also fluid movement.  I had so much fun that I could use it all day.  I have always been a fan of mixed media, but in my NYC life, don't actually have the room to have too many art supplies.  So I love that the TouchSmart offers a huge variety of tools at your fingertips.  You can jump between pencil, air brush, glitter, crayon and so much more with ease.  Plus there is no need to cleanup tools and forget erasers because with an undo button, you can pretend mistakes or unfortunate lines never even happened.  What do you think of my sketches above?

Here are just some of the sketches that we all created!  Later on in the evening we printed out best work and were judged on our creations.

Check out Jordana of Clutch 22’s fun rendition of Wonder Woman – she won our Project Runway inspired competition for the evening and a great little camcorder to boot!

Between hilarious commentary and tweets we narrowed down our new fave contestants to root for this season.  I couldn't help but cringe at Anya Ayoung-Chee’s lack of sewing skills, be pleasantly surprised at the success of Bert Keeter’s boxer dress and burst out in laughter at Rafael Cox’s unwillingness to part with his do rag.

Thanks HP & Style Coalition for a super fun evening that has me lusting for a TouchSmart of my very own.

PS. HP is currently running a competition to be judged by former Project Runway contestant Mondo Guerra that let’s you put your sketching skills to the test and win your very own HP TouchSmart 610! Four finalists will win an EliteBook Tablet PC - just like the one that the contestant’s use on the show.  What are you waiting for? Get sketching!

Casting Call: Project Runway Season 9

Project Runway is casting season 9. Do you have what it takes to be the next top fashion designer? Do you want a chance to show your fashion designs during New York Fashion Week? Winner takes home $100,000 to launch their own line. Details at bunim-murray.com/prcasting. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2011.

Irina Shabayeva Fall 2011

I kicked off my New York Fashion Week experience late in the day and found myself in The Studio (Lincoln Center) at 9pm for Season Six Project Runway award winner Irina Shabayeva's show. Honestly I haven't been keeping up with the show since it moved to Lifetime so I had not much expectations. However, just earlier today my friend was telling me that Ms Shabayeva is noted as one to watch and I was ready to find out why.

The folk driven string music transported me to Spain and soon the clothing followed suit. Flamenco dance inspired ruffled created from laser cut chrysanthemum flowers are also repeated as bold graphic placement print motifs and cutout/applique motifs on wool.

Some looks have a Matador toughness as contrast panels of wool are tailored together to form strong geometric designs that flatter the body and almost become armor like.

In sharp contrast was the cozy knits - the kind that make you almost glad it's winter. They came in many forms with hoods, snugly cardigans and scarves. The silhouettes were for most part either having emphasis on a strong shoulder or a very Dior New Look, cinched waist with a full circle flare skirt.

The color palette was quite primary with bold reds dominating the runway followed by cobalt blue, golds and white. Since this was a predominantly evening collection I was relieved that black was by no means a dominating force and mostly used to make colors pop more or create graphic effects.

For those that desire something less Spanish theme driven there were plenty of little sparkly frocks to delight, my particular favorite is the mixed fabric jewel neck dress below. The frothy skirt and touch of sparkle screamed take me to a party.

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Project Runway x HP Design Challenge

Have you been keeping up with Project Runway this season?  I honestly haven’t but I’m honestly intrigued when they have the opportunity to combine technology with fashion and for last night’s challenge contestants were able to instantly create one-of-a-kind fabrics by first creating original fabric patterns on HP TouchSmart PCs with Intel processors, drawing from personal stories and family photographs for inspiration.  I had a chance to test this out personally earlier this year and it was not only super fun but intuitive and easy!

Check out the winning design from last night’s challenge by Mondo Guerra, the 32 year old designer from Denver, Colorado.

On a side note, HP is sitting down with some of this season’s designers to discuss their inspiration, design process and how fashion and technology mix together. If you’re interested in asking any of the designers/contestant’s from the show make sure you submit your questions today, October 1, 2010 via TheNextBench.com or via Twitter to @HP_PC to be join in! 

NYFW Spring 2011: Tim Hamilton

A couple days ago I had the chance to stop by Tim Hamilton's Redux Presentation which also featured the debut of Fenton/Fallon's men's accessories (mentioned in a previous post). The atmosphere was casual and relaxed with the models situated in the center of the room chilling out, having a few drinks and chatting it up with those around them.

It was a great way to showcase the collection and allowed you to take a look at each of the pieces at your own pace which was definitely nice.

The collection had a bit of a grunge vibe to it but the pieces still looked polished. To edge out the looks, most of the outfits were paired with fitted trousers tucked into lace-up combat boots. The collection housed a few jersey tops, sleeveless button up shirts, the occasional color blocked paneled piece and some great wool blazers that would be perfect for any occasion.

Tunics were also to be found in a few shades which I'm not a fan of personally. Conceptually I can see it working but I just don't envisage this ever catching on for the majority of guys.

Personally - while I thought that most of the pieces were wearable, I took a definite liking to the outerwear and blazers Hamilton presented. The army green color on the trench was a great choice for updating a classic coat while still maintaining neutrality. My favorite piece was the navy one button blazer which looked amazing and would be perfect for both the spring and fall. Definitely one of the most versatile pieces in the collection.

The Accessories:

Most of the models were found sporting a enamel cuffs in black and white which housed the nicknames of the models wearing them which added a personal touch.

My favorite of the accessory pieces was a bracelet constructed of a chain bound in colored leather. While these items were designed exclusively for Hamilton's presentation - I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the rest of the collection once it becomes available.