@ProjectRunway Recap- “Off the Track”
Last Thursday’s challenge epitomized what product development promotional designer is. Product who da, what ah? In four teams of three, the designers had to make an outfit that would accompany Heidi Klum’s latest designs for New Balance sneakers. And by designs, I mean what she approved from the design team at New Balance.
We saw this collaboration in Season 8’s episode 11, “A Look in Line,” where Andy South won with three Halloween-ey clothes. At any rate, this time, the challenge required that the outfits utilized elements of suede, leather, and/or denim.
This begs the question: what is athletic wear? Active or athletic wear is incredibly different than everyday sportswear. Actually, this episode reminded me of this one time at the (former) Bryant Park tents where while waiting to enter a venue for the Ports 1961 show, I was discussing fashion with another guest. She asked me what I did and I said I designed sportswear, to which she responded, “Oh, like for Adidas or Nike?”
Umm, no.
Sportswear in the fashion industry is not sports gear; rather, it is a word used to describe relaxed, informal everyday separates and dresses. Active wear, on the other hand, is meant for actual physical activities like running and playing sports.
My problem with the winning designs for this challenge (as seen above) is that the focus was more on aesthetic than performance. The key to true activewear is its performance capabilities: the ability to fit, move, allow movement, and wick out moisture. Sure, Heidi’s HKNB line isn’t necessarily a trainer but it still should have been a criteria for the task. The keys for activewear are utilizing knits (especially tricot and jersey), woven (terry cloth, fleece, and velour), spandex, and cotton/rayon blends. Like any design venture, it is necessary to analyze the customer: so, the best the designers could come up with for HKNB customer is a maxi dress? Above, you’ll see MY idea for the challenge. Forgive me though for the roughness, these were done rather quickly. Below are the winning designs- definite the best out of the lot but not the best examples of activewear.
The highlight of this episode though was the race around the track to choose the leaders for the team and of course, Cecilia’s withdrawal from the competition and Joshua C (Mr. Mormon)’s return. Not only were these Project Runway milestones (first time another designer can vote back another past eliminated designer, second time a designer calls it quits, and the first time we’ve ever seen Tim Gunn in jeans and sneakers- hello?!?!) but it was also the first time we’ve had two winners for a high-stakes challenge. Furthermore, it was the first time I realized how much of a queen Joshua McKinley is. Really, Joshua, was it necessary to be THAT catty?
Answer: Absolutely #fashionisdeadly
