The energy at L’Oréal Fashion Week for the Project Runway Canada shows is seriously mind-boggling. On top of it being opening night of the Spring 2008 Collections, L’Oréal Fashion Week has a new home this season, with massive tents housing the event at Nathan Phillips Square – a la Bryant Park in New York (albeit on a smaller scale). On top of all this, Project Runway Canada, which, to say the least, has grabbed the attention of the fashion community, is showcasing the work of its three finalists … and Iman is in the house. Otherwise graceful and polite people are clamoring to get into the show, and we literally have to be dragged through the crowds to get to our seats.
Just as we are seated, Iman emerges from backstage onto the Runway, turning jaded fashionistas into giddy little schoolgirls. Let’s start the show.
In short, all three shows are absolutely amazing, and the designers should be very proud of themselves – the judges are certainly extraordinarily proud.
This is, of course, the toughest decision we have had to make, and the designers don’t make it any easier; they present three outstanding, but very different collections, and they are three outstanding, but very different individuals – all of whom will succeed, win or lose.
MG’s ‘architectural’ collection is gorgeous - very intricate techniques with great fits, great silhouettes, great fabrics and great palate. There’s not much wrong with this collection. Our only concern is that we know (and MG acknowledges) that this a departure from her general design aesthetic, and we wonder if she can deliver a consistent aesthetic going forward.
Lucian’s collection is jaw-dropping. The crowd loves it and so do the judges. Gorgeous fabrics, perfect construction, incredible workmanship. Full stop.
Biddell is last, and from the opening look, every person in the room is on the edge of their seat. There is a certain energy to Biddell’s clothes that the models obviously feel when they wear them, and this energy pervades the room. I feel a bit like I’m at a Dsquared2 show – not knowing what to expect next, but just knowing it will be slammin’.
During deliberations, Rita makes her position clear, and it’s certainly a defensible one – she’s all about Lucian ... to the point where she cries about his collection. He cries too. Iman makes the point that Lucian’s collection reminded her A LOT of Galliano, and expresses concern about this. While I don’t really see this as a concern (and what young designer doesn’t want to be compared to Galliano?), Biddell’s collection reminds me of no other designer. It reminds me of Biddell. It’s ingenious, it’s unexpected, and it’s fresh. Iman agrees, and after a very lengthy discussion, and we have our winner.
Don’t hate. Congratulate. Biddell is immensely talented, and perhaps more importantly, extremely innovative. We feel he has what it takes to succeed in this business, and we know we will see great things from him.
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Actually Iman said Lucian's collection reminded her of DIOR not Galliano. I believe Lucian should have won, Biddell does not have the discipline to wisely use the prize money or the internship. He's TOO immature and disrespectful.
Shawn was amazing....to the point and tuned in to what alot of people want to see in design....especially us "laypersons"....loved the show, good job!!
I just have to add, that i found it quiet interesting that Lucian was accused of copying Dior, while none of the judges said anything about Biddel copying his previous designs. His black dress, had a VERY similar design to the one he did for Keep a Child Alive, and that wasn't his only design that he had copied. There was one particular design that he created for himself in one of the Episodes, and he used that same idea for 2 of the garments that he created in the last episode. Now why is it that you Shawn, who accused Lucian of copying his own designs throughout the show said nothing about Biddel copying his previous designs?
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