Malan Breton's Designs Featured in "Beauty is Skin Deep" Fashion Show

BPR Field Reporter, Rie Sadler was at the event last night and sends us this report - thanks Rie!

The 2nd annual "Beauty is Skin Deep" fashion show presented by Miss Sinergy was held at the La Maison Francaise at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2011, to benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation. The show featured several pieces from a number of different designers, including Malan Breton, Stephen Mikhail, Maggie Norris, Timo Weiland, and DarBeDar by Tala Raassi.

Everything from swimwear to couture was shown. Will Thomas, weekend news anchor for Fox 5 in Washington, was the Master of Ceremonies, and special guests included Carson Kressley from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "How to Look Good Naked", Cat Ommaney from "Real Housewives of Washington DC", and Lucy Sykes Rellie, former fashion director at Marie Claire Magazine. Socialite Alexa Winner was the official stylist of the event. Kari Erskine, wife of Washington Capital's defenseman John Erskine, was a featured model.

Malan showed several selections from both his men's and women's lines, including the alligator print kimono he featured during his Fall 2011 show just a few weeks ago in New York.


The Skin Cancer Foundation was founded in 1979 and has set the standard for educating the public as well as the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment. It is the only international organization devoted solely to combating the world's most common cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels. Many designers who donated their time, including Malan, have had loved ones who have suffered the effects of skin cancer.

Malan Breton's Kyoto Wonderland for Fall 2011

Photo: WireImage/Concordia

BPR Field Reporter, Nancy T attended Malan Breton's show this morning and sends us this report. Thank you Nancy!

Malan Breton doesn't hold fashion shows -- he holds events. Last season's collection featured a pas de deux in Paris. The Fall 2011 season's culmination: a Japanese wedding. Malan's events are always memorable and beautiful.

As befitting a fashion show culminating in a wedding, the styles this time seemed (for the most part) to signal seriousness and commitment. The inspiration was classical Japanese kimonos and obis, with nary a trace of contemporary Japanese design. Styling was more formal and tailored than in Malan's previous collections, though Breton stayed with luxurious silks and wools. The collection consisted of monochromatic pieces with a dramatic palette of black, white, and jewel tones. The men were dressed for work in the pre-casual-Friday era. Most of the womens' outfits were modest and appropriate for all ages.

But, Malan always throws in a few curves to keep it interesting. This time, it was the use of unusual materials on several pieces -- an alligator suit here, a red sequin trouser there, lace pajama suit (for the honeymoon?) and a skirt made of duck feathers. And, the event ended with Malan's friends ready for their wedding. The couple looked radiant: Baron wore an alligator kimono and wool suit, Irina wore a ruby silk wedding dress. The outfits might look bizarre at a wedding at a 21st Century Kyoto shrine, but were divine here in Manhattan.


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Field Report from Chloe Dao's Lot 8 Fashion Event

Houston-based Field Reporter, John Chakalis shares this story from Saturday night's event. Thanks again, John C!

Hey BPR!

Season 2 winner Chloe Dao hosted yet another fabulous event at Lot 8 in Houston, but this time shared the spotlight with local designers hand-selected by Chloe and the Lot 8 team. Six clothing and six jewelry designers from the Houston area will have their designs sold at Lot 8 alongside Chloe's signature collections.

Chloe hopes to continue to bring new designers into Lot 8 in the future, and is also working with the fashion design program at Houston Community College to highlight younger talent.

Ms. Dao herself is currently working on designing a signature bathrobe that will be showcased nationwide at Massage Heights. With her Spring 2011 collection currently on sale at Lot 8, Chloe will soon be back in her studio designing away for the fall.

Thanks again to Chloe and Lot 8 making Houston more fashionable by the day!

John C

Irina Shabayeva for INC International Concepts Available Exclusively at Macy's

BPR Field Reporter, Kenda Nunez attended the launch party for Irina Shabayeva's INC International Concepts collection and sends us this report. Thank you Kenda and Irina!



Project Runway Season 6 winner, Irina Shabayeva joined forces with INC International Concepts to launch her Spring/Summer 2011 line available exclusively at Macy's.

The event was held at the modern Trump Soho Hotel Tuesday, January 18th. A beautiful penthouse surrounded by glass with a New York City Skyline was the perfect background for this modern collection. The area was full of industry insiders and photographers that wanted to see what Shabayeva had created.



The designs consisted of everything a woman needs in her closet; dresses, separates, denim and really cool outerwear. Some of the pieces had color blocks, others flowed delicately, and were peppered with beautiful embellishments. There were also jersey dresses that were rich jewel tones. This line can be described as wearable and fun and most importantly, beautiful.

The best part about the line is the fact that it�s available with great prices at Macy's. The collection ranges in price from $49-$159. The line will be available at stores starting February 19th in 50 Macy�s stores throughout the country including Herald Square (New York) and online at Macys.com.

Ms. Shabayeva and her team welcomed Blogging Project Runway and gave us one of the first interviews of the night. She was wearing one of her designs and looked great. Irina explained that making every woman feel beautiful is one of her inspirations. She told us that dance and fluidity were a big part behind this collection. Please listen to the interview for insight into this launch and more from her. It�s great to see the talent of all Project Runway designers beyond the competition and to learn about their achievements after their involvement with the show.



PS: As I was leaving the party I passed by the DJ booth and noticed, she was wearing one of Irina�s designs, not only did she look great! How nice to see the everyday woman look modern and flirty at affordable prices.

Click here for more photos of the collection.

BPR Field Report: Heidi Klum's HKNB Launch Party

Photo: Marion Curtis at StarPix

BPR was thrilled to be invited to the launch party for Heidi Klum's New Balance line and Manhattan-based field reporter Kenda Nunez graciously covered the event for us - thank you Kenda!

Heidi Klum launched her new activewear collection on Thursday, Oct. 7th, 2010 in New York City�s Cedar Lake Dance Studio. The Heidi Klum for New Balance line will be sold exclusively through Amazon.

The event started with the red carpet arrivals where Ms. Klum appeared and the crowd of photographers went crazy, she was wearing a short, backless dress and looked amazing as always! There was a great number of past and present Project Runway designers providing support for Heidi, some of these included Jason Troisi, Peach Carr, Andy South, Ivy Higa, Nicholas, D�Aurizio, Emilio Sosa, Anthony Williams, Carol Hannah Whitfield, Kenley Collins, and Ben Chmura. Some of the current models on the show were also in attendance as well as pop star Kat DeLuna.



After arrivals and cocktails the crowd was introduced the HKNB active wear line by a fun show of fitness models who were jumping/dancing on a trampoline and floor pads, all while wearing the line�s comfortable outfits. The launch was directly tied to this week�s episode of Project Runway where the designers were challenged to create 3 outfits for her new active wear line.



Heidi introduced the audience to an uninterrupted screening of the episode; she was really excited to show her comfortable side and told us that she loves to shop on Amazon. At the end of the episode when the winner was announced, the entire crowd clapped for Andy�s victory, it was great to see his humble reaction!


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Nicholas D'Aurizio Fall 2010

Project Runway Season 8 designer, Nicholas D'Aurizio presenteded his Fall 2010 Collection last night at Eight Bond Studio in NYC and BPR Field Reporter Kenda Nunez sends us this fabulous report.





Nicholas D'Aurizio, showed his Fall 2010 Collection on September 25th in New York. The collection was feminine, fun and daring. There were beautiful open-back dresses as well as some with cutouts. He utilized a lot of lace and peppered the whole thing with some fun capelets. The audience applauded his finale dress - a white long ethereal gown.

Click here to listen to Kenda's interview with the designer.

Click here for the Nicolena website.

Click here for more photos from the show.

Thank you Nicholas, and thank you Kenda!

Louise Black at Austin Fashion Week

Project Runway Season Six designer, Louise Black presented a trunk show at Feathers Boutique yesterday. BPR's own Frank Hui attended the "Austin Fashion Week" event and sends us this report. Thanks Frank!

All photos: Frank Hui

Dear BPR,

My roomie Rick and I have been attending a few Austin Fashion Week events. Luckily most are open to the public for free. Been lots of fun. Someone like Louise, who's a quirky doll, fits right in to the Austin mix of being professional and being eccentric.

Austin Fashion Week pairs up a designer in fashion, jewelry or accessories with a specific boutique or salon for their mutual promotion. Louise had a trunk show at Feathers Boutique along with wild wigs from Coco Coquette. Here is one of Louise's corsets.



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Jennifer Hearts Chris March

The New Old Biddy, Jennifer Eolin is back with a report from Chris March's book signing at Borders last night.



Laura Bennett also showed support for her fellow Project Runway Alum.

Click here for the full story.

Chloe Dao's "Lightness" Fashion Show - Field Report from John C

Hey BPR!

I had the pleasure of attending Chloe Dao's "Lightness" show this weekend (it helped that it was held across the street from my house,) and what a show it was! This was by far Chloe's best show in terms of production and design. The cocktail hour before the show featured a string quartet playing the likes of Gnarls Barkley and Britney Spears (I'm hiring them for my future wedding!), with a smooth segue way to a rock opera tone at the start of the show. The show benefited the Fairy Godmother Project, a local organization that provides prom dresses to in-need high school students.

Chloe's collection featured a mix of summer dresses and evening gowns. The first half of the show portrayed the lightness of the season with shorter dresses in light green and blue hues, each featuring unique detailing in the back. The softer fabrics used for some dresses gave the effect of a light wind blowing down the runway with the models. The second half of the show featured evening wear. Going almost exclusively white, the dresses exuded the formal yet relaxed feel of a high-end summer resort, the likes of the Hamptons, South Beach, and the Caribbean.

You can watch the entire show at ustream. Fast forward to about 20:00 to catch the start of the show!

Congrats to Chloe and the entire Lot 8 crew for another amazing show!

John C

Tim Gunn in Boston

BPR field reporter, "Tina G" attended the Kate Spade event in Boston and met Tim Gunn! Click here for Tina's account of the day.


Click here for more from Boston.com, and here for an interview with The Boston Herald.

Tim Gunn in Houston - Field Report from John C

Hey BPR!

I attended the Liz Claiborne fashion show in Houston this afternoon, starring none other than our very own Tim Gunn! The show featured designs from Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, and Lucky Brand Jeans, and Tim was on-hand to talk us through all the styles and accessories featured in the show. He gave honest critiques about the clothes (mentioning constantly how the models are not the average woman) and even styled the models on the runway to show us how a look can be transformed with simple accessories. As always, he emphasized the importance of finding fashion that fits your body and talked us through a few of his essentials for every woman's closet.



The Q&A was by far the most exciting part of the show! Tim answered two PR-related questions, involving the future of the show and the move to Los Angeles. As he mentioned in an interview with the Houston Chronicle earlier this week, Tim talked about how he felt the show was getting "a little predictable, and a little stale", but quickly followed up by saying that "what isn't predictable or stale is the talent". While he didn't discuss specific changes, Tim stated (quite correctly in my opinion) that "the show needs to trail blaze again, and I'm committed to doing that".



He went on to discuss the move to LA, and how it was mostly done to accommodate Heidi's family. However, he doesn't believe the show will make a return trip, to which the audience loudly applauded.

If you have the chance to see Tim as he treks across the country, make every effort to do it! It was a pleasure seeing him "in his element" offering his opinions on this season's trends.

John C

Thanks John!

Malan Breton - Fall 2010

Photo: Jerritt Clark/WireImage

"American Idol" contestant Anoop Desai sang and "Real Housewife of New York" Countess LuAnn deLesseps modeled at Malan Breton's Fall 2010 Show.

Malan also featured the Sa Dance Company and many celebrity and socialite guests.

Photo: Jerritt Clark/WireImage

BPR Field Reporter Rie Sadler was at the show and sends us this report - thanks Rie!

BPR Field Reporter, Rie Sadler, attended Malan Breton's Fall 2010 Show and sends us this report - thanks Rie!

On a beautiful but freezing day in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Malan Breton showcased his Fall 2010 collection. The audience was filled with celebrity guests including Alex McCord from �The Real Housewives of New York City�, Ronnie Kroell from �Make Me a Supermodel�, Mark Indelicato from �Ugly Betty�, singers Sacha Boutros and Constantine Maroulis, and several Project Runway alumni. This show by far was Malan�s most over-the-top production to date.

Runway photos from Melissa J. Daniels.

Click here to continue.

WesFeld 2010

BPR Field Reporter Jessica Switaj attended Wesley Nault and Daniel Feld's show on Wednesday and sends us this report - thanks Jes!



On Wednesday evening, February 10th, I attended the GenArt New Garde fashion show, held at Drive-in Studios in Manhattan. As you probably already know, Wesley Nault and Daniel Feld were the stars of the evening, having recently won the GenArt competition sponsored by Plastics Make It Possible.

They used their $10,000 prize money to create an amazing collection inspired by past and present sea life, including coral, barnacles, trilobite fossils and conch shells. The inspiration was clearly present in each gorgeous, painstakingly constructed piece. I was able to stop by the WesFeld studio a few days before the show, so I can attest to the nearly countless hours that were taken to make these designs phenomenal.
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Season Six Finale Party

BPR Field Reporter Jes Switaj was at the season six finale party and sends us this report - thanks Jes!!!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Project Runway Season 6 Finale party last Thursday. It was held at SL in the Meatpacking district in Manhattan. The party started at 9 with cocktails, mingling and all 3 finalists posting constant updates to their Twitter accounts. In attendance were Althea, Irina, and Carol Hannah (of course!) Nicolas Putvinski, Epperson and Logan Neitzel. Malan Breton from Season 3 also stopped by to say hello and to wish the designers luck.


There were probably about 100 or so people in attendance for the viewing party, watching anxiously! Although I had my own ideas about the outcome of the finale, I have to say that while watching, right up to the end, I just wasn�t sure who would win. You NEVER know what those judges are thinking! All three contestants did such an amazing job.


An impromptu after-party was held a few blocks away at Tenjune. A special guest showed up unexpectedly, Nick Verreos! At least, I wasn�t expecting him! It was a fantastic night and a great wrap-up of such a fun and crazy season! Congrats to all three designers for making it to fashion week, they ARE all winners!

Chloe Dao Fashion Show Field Report

Houston-based Field Reporter John C joined Tina from Boston at Chloe Dao's fashion Show last week. Thank you both!

Hey BPR!

I was lucky enough to attend Chloe Dao's Fall 2009 fashion show this past week in Houston! Tina from Boston happened to be in Houston for the week, so we attended the show together! Tina and I met thanks to BPR at the PR finale this past February. Chloe certainly did Houston proud, and continued her quest to bring our city into the fashion world.

Chloe promised "Destruction, Death, and Rebirth" for her Fall 2009 fashion show, and she certainly delivered. Through the past 3 years of attending Chloe's show, I can proudly state that this is her finest collection to date. Her color palette ranged from black, grey, blue, burgundy, and a touch of metallic. She combined elements of her past designs (glamorous evening gowns, baby doll dresses) with exciting and fresh silhouettes and fabrics. She showed a talent for knitwear with a voluminous jacket and vest, and spiced up her evening wear with geometric patterns, one-shouldered tops, and necklines embellished with just the right amount of ruffles. The footwear included a few thigh-high boots, and the pumps were wrapped in fabric that tied the entire collection together.

Chloe's show exuded the darkness associated with destruction through her choice of colors and smoky makeup, but promised the joy of rebirth through her innovative patterns and silhouettes. Congratulations Chloe!



Click here for a little more from The Houston Chronicle.

Korto Momolu at Boston Fashion Week

BPR Field Reporter Tina G was at Korto's Show in Boston and send us this report - thanks Tina!

As she always has, Korto remained true to her point-of-view. She infuses her African heritage in her designs without making them costume-y. The effect is subtle, yet truly evident. She had some beautiful knit pantsuits a long, flowly dresses. I love her short dresses made of denim and of kente cloth. They are perfect for a summer day or night out. Her handbags were featured in the show as well. I see the black, fringed bag in my future.



I went backstage to see if I could have a chat with Korto. She was absolutely mobbed! Her fans wanted to take picture after picture with her. The press was finally able to pull her away and then THEY started taking pictures! Korto sported a new short and sassy haircut and looked radiant! She was happy to take a picture with every fan and was very gracious despite all the chaos.

I did manage to speak to her for a moment. I told her that I loved how she represented her heritage. She replied, "I have to!" I asked her about her handbag line and she said they will soon be featured in Dillard's department store!

BPR at Epperson and Logan Neitzel's Show

Jes Switaj is back with a report from Epperson and Logan's show. Thanks Jes!

Epperson & Logan Neitzel Spring 2010 Show - 9/14/09



On Monday morning I attended Epperson and Logan Neitzel's collective fashion show. It was held at The Garment Room, normally a boutique for vintage designer clothing. The below-ground space was colorfully done up with collaged and graffitied walls.



Logan showed first with fabric choices from flowing chiffons to sleek leathers. His color palette was strictly black, white and royal blue. The overall feel of the collection was Grecian goddess meets Roman gladiator with the tiniest pinch of Mad Max thrown in for good measure.


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BPR at Malan Breton S/S '10

BPR Field Reporter, Nancy T provides this report from Malan Breton's Spring/Summer 2010 Show. Thanks Nancy!

Malan Breton�s Spring 2010 Fashion Show was a classic. Classical music, classical dance (albeit pants-less in one case), and classical Malan design. The collection was more subdued than some of his prior Spring collections, but it had the trademark touches of luxe fabrics, clean lines, and a surprise or two.



The biggest difference: Men�s wear! There were suits, coats and somewhat less dressy men�s fashions to accompany the women�s wear. The men got to be the peacocks � brighter colors, more prints (though subtle), silvery silks, and bolder lines. The slightly gaudy fabrics helped show the slim cut that would show off the man�s form (as most of the audience noticed!) And, there WERE those two male models who either were not given pants or didn�t have enough time to dress. I don�t remember what they were wearing�


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BPR Interview with Epperson

Jes is back with Epperson. Thank you!

BPR - How was your overall experience on the show different from what you imagined it would be like?

Epperson- It happened so fast I DIDN�T really imagine what it would be like. I never even thought about trying out before, I didn�t think I would be interested. But someone suggested I audition, and so I did and here I am.

BPR - Do you think that being the most seasoned contestant on the show affected your success.

Epperson - I think that I dealt with the pressure better because I�ve had more time to deal with people in that age group. I have a son the same age as most of the designers and I work at H&M. I got a lot of respect, but mostly because I was warm to everyone. I had a fatherly image.

BPR - Do you feel that you made / will remain friends with the majority of the designers you competed with?

Epperson - The reason we�re all able to be friends is because it took so long for this season to come on tv. If it had aired right after filming, some of the designers might have much different feelings about each other. It will be interesting to see how that changes once the show is on.

BPR - Which of the head judges do you feel offered the most useful feedback?

Epperson - None in particular. One of the guest judges said �Just do what you do, it�s genius. Just do that.�

BPR - What one thing do you think has or will be most beneficial to you in branding your line?

Epperson - The fact that my style is consistent. I started doing deconstruction way before most other American designers. I experiment a lot with different fabrics, treatments and textures. I mix prints. People can expect these things from me as a designer.

BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?

Epperson - The audience should expect it to be fresh. It�s a fresh outlook on PR, but with the same energy. It�s more approachable.

BPR Interview with Qristyl Frazier

BPR Field Reporter Jessica Switaj is back with Project Runway Season Six designer, Qristyl Frazier. Thanks Jes!

BPR - What was the best part of being on the show?

QF - Just making it! That�s a really big opportunity. Actually being chosen from so many thousands of people who tried out is just a dream come true. It validates you as a designer and is a chance for the world to see what you can do.

BPR - Do you feel that you made / will remain friends with the majority of the designers you competed with?

QF - This was a really close-knit cast. Everyone was really cool. A lot of people connected. Some of them even live together now.

BPR - Describe your personal style.

QF - I do �plus sexy� sizes. What that means is that you own up to the curves that you have. I want women to be comfortable in the skin they�re in. My personal style is designing fashionable clothes for girls size 12 and up. Other designers are afraid to play with different silhouettes and body types. I want my clients to know there is a designer who hasn�t forgotten about them.

BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?

QF - This group of designers are beyond talented! Not matter what, we all went for it. I hope everyone can embrace each and every one of us. I�m grateful for all of the comments, positive and negative. Also, so what if you�re not a size 2!