Mass market fashion took over the runway this week when top New York-based designer Nanette Lepore mentored the designers to create girly, flirty and affordable looks. Read on as your resident style guy catches up with the designers and Lepore in person and takes you behind the scenes of this colorful episode. Ladies, why don’t you grab a cocktail and strut down the runway with me.
Your style guy’s got the scoop
One of my absolute favorite designers, Nanette Lepore, graced the runway this week with a special ready-to-wear challenge. While Lepore’s designs scream girly and flirtatious, she mentored the designers to create similar wearable pieces with a lower price point. The winning design would ultimately land in Nanette Lepore boutiques nationwide.
Luckily for you, this week’s recap is extra special because I am bringing you the behind the runway scoop as I mingle with the designers and Nanette Lepore herself at her New York flagship boutique for an exclusive Project Runway premiere party! Some inside scoop? Now that’s something we really love.
Check out what Lepore had to say about the show right before it premiered:
SheKnows: What was your favorite part about being a guest judge on the show?
Lepore: It was all great! I loved every second of it. I adored working with the designers individually and looking at their sketches when they were first starting out with their designs. This was my chance to really mentor.
SheKnows: Do you have a favorite designer this season?
Lepore: I guess that’s what we’re revealing tonight.
SheKnows: Did you see any influences from your designs in the final looks?
Lepore: The influences are definitely there. That’s the challenge!
As the designers started cutting their fabric, I was most excited to see how Kenley’s design would turn out because she chose a vibrant feather print that I loved! So on trend for this season. (Very Nanette Lepore-inspired). In fact, just as Kenley was about to watch the episode herself, I ran over to her with excitement to find out what she loved most about returning to Project Runway. “I went into it with the mentality that I was going to have a good time, and that’s exactly what I did,” Kenley said. “I just wanted to be true to myself and have fun with it.”
When Joanna entered the design room with Lepore, you could sense the tension when she saw Michael’s design because he showed a plunging neckline down to the navel that would never sell in a Nanette Lepore store. I am a big fan of Michael, so I was really hoping his design would work in the end. Mondo also had one or two things to say about Michael’s design. Mainly this: “We’ve seen this before, Michael.” Eeks… now I really can’t wait for the runway.
Runway reactions
Time for my favorite part! Bring on the runway!
Michael: Very sexy. Totally getting the fun, Miami vibe with this.
Kenley: Love the print, but would have liked to see more structure.
The winner? Mondo. My winner? Austin because the coat was cut beautifully, but I did love Mondo’s look as well. The loser? Kenley. I am sad to see her go, but she will continue to be successful. You go, girl.
My predicted winner after this week’s episode: Mondo
See you next week at the finale!
Xo,
Your Resident Style Guy
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