Chic Galleria » Project Runway

Leanne Marshall’s Spring ’12 Collection

Chrissy Kim — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:38:43 +0000

I’ve always been a huge fan of Leanne Marshall from Project Runway (Season 5), so there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to see a handful of elegant garments today. A fellow Brooklynite (shout out to Williamsburg!) continues to present her talent through breathtaking collections. Ever since her big-win in Project Runway, she quickly went back to making dresses to sell! It’s always good to see these up-and-coming designers work hard to pursue their dreams.

It is evident that Leanne’s feminine touch behind her Spring ’12 collection reflects her prior experience in designing costumes for ballet performances. The colors of the dresses were soft and all the models looked so graceful on the runway. Overall, her collection was visually striking and I know all the ladies in the room wanted to take home a dress or two.

Luckily, the show producer Gregory Moore was kind enough to accommodate me on the front row at the end, where you see and study the clothes the longest. What I saw was impeccable craftsmanship behind each piece. You can tell there are no shortcuts in the process of creating these garments for Leanne. She delivered a range of techniques from lace-on-fabric applique seam to skewed ruffles, and a lot of pleated garments. Now, that’s what I call the art of hand-sewing. It doesn’t surprise me that celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Paula Abdul show interest in her designs. Kudos to you Leanne Marshall, keep up the great work!

Leanne Marshall’s runway show was attended by Chrissy Kim and Blaire Brown, interns for Chic Galleria Publications, LLC.

Photo Credit: Chrissy Kim

Chrissy Kim is a recent graduate from Penn State University, where she studied Marketing and International Business. She studied abroad in Paris for a semester to improve her French and become trilingual in English, Korean, and French. She is now a Business Coordinator at Cosmopolitan Magazine and is enjoying her city life to the max. Prior to joining Cosmo, Chrissy interned at Marie Claire and Siwy Denim, Inc. She now studies at Parsons The New School for Fashion Design at night. Tweet her @ChicGalleria and follow on her personal Tumblr & Twitter.

Project Runway’s Jason Troisi Runway Show

Chrissy Kim — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:02:20 +0000

As Tim Gunn would say, “Make it Work!”

Despite Jason Troisi’s dismissal in Project Runway Season 8, he ‘made it work’ off of Lifetime Television’s reality competition. His hard work paid off last night at the Exit Art venue, where he beautifully presented his collection for New York Fashion Week. He noted, “I have spent every single day sewing; Not just for a few hours, but the entire day, the entire night, every waking minute I could find, was spent sewing.”

For his debut fashion show, he created his collection with different types of fabric ranging from wool, tulle, leather to rubber. The color palette consisted of his hallmarked ‘nightmare’ black to blue, magenta, tan, and different shades of grey. A mix of men’s and women’s clothing, each piece had its own story to tell. Along with his flawless collection, a variety of shoes were presented compliments of DSW. His jackets and dresses were nicely tailored and form fitting, which shows his understanding of different body shapes and types of clothes that accentuates good features. It was clear that his clothes are made for those who feel confident in their own skin.

At the end of the show, he strutted down the runway with his signature gray tool belt where he keeps his utilities and his lucky charms. How can you not adore Jason Triosi and his enthusiasm?

Jason Troisi’s runway show was attended by Chrissy Kim and Blaire Brown, interns for Chic Galleria Publications, LLC.

Photo Credit: Chrissy Kim

Simplicity Launches the SUEDEsays Collection

Nadia Murdock — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 07:57:41 +0000

Stephen “Suede” Baum, seasoned fashion designer, TV personality and season 5 Project Runway® contestant, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Simplicity Creative Group. Suede will be offering patterns, fashion trim and other creative products under the SUEDEsays™ brand.

I had the opportunity to get a behind the scene look at the launch of the Simplicity SUEDEsays™ collection. Three exclusive looks that will début in the Simplicity Spring 2011 Pattern Catalog were modeled by Karalyn West, also from Season 5 of Project Runway. These patterns included modern silhouettes, dresses, tops, rompers and skirts. The looks range from classic, edgy and feminine flirty. Helping to make the looks complete was celebrity make-up artist, Nathan Johnson and hair by Jamie Hanson.

Each of Suede’s patterns will include multiple styles covering classic, edgy and feminine flirty looks that offer fashion musts for everyone. Suede says, “I am honored to join the ranks with other great designers, like Cynthia Rowley, under Simplicity Creative Group’s umbrella. This venture allows me to bring my fashion vision to the retail market, but at the same time empowering the consumer to interpret fashion to fit their lifestyle.”

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SIMPLICITY SUEDEsays PHOTO SHOOT

Nathan Johnson and Karalyn West

Karalyn West with Jamie Hanson

Karalyn West and Suede

Nathan Johnson, Karalyn West and Jamie Hanson

Visit Suede on his website www.suedesays.com. Plus you can find him on Facebook and follow @SUEDEsays on Twitter.

Photography by: Contrino Photography

Accessories: Kendra Scott, R.J. Graziano, Nine West, and Jones New York

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion. She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.

The Launch of the Simplicity SUEDEsays Collection

Nadia Murdock — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:20:29 +0000

Please reference updated story here.

Interview with Michael Costello of Project Runway

Nadia Murdock — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:22:58 +0000

Recently Lifetime’s Project Runway Season 8 contestant Michael Costello of Palm Springs was told that he wasn’t going to Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 on Part One of the season finale. We’ve learned since his emotional meltdown on-air that Michael has certainly kept himself very busy these last few months.

What was the best part about being on Project Runway?

The food! Honestly I would have to say the whole thing, it was just so real.

What is one thing you learned that you did not know prior to being on the show?

The production of the show are things that you don’t see at home. For example the camera men under the table filming to get that perfect shot!!! It is creepy at times but cool.

How as the public responded to your designs since the show?

Every one loves them and I have gotten great responses from many people. However I have also gotten a few hit and miss ones like ”What was I thinking?” and “Wow I would love to own that.”

Tell me more about Michael Costello Couture?

Michael Costello Couture gives a woman/client the ability to create a one of a kind look especially made for her making her feel special….and that’s what I love to do. Michael Costello Couture offers great one of a kind finds and special custom embellished pieces that range from dresses to resort wear.

What’s next for Michael Costello?

I will be shooting my new look book and working on a resort collection, a couture collection and a ready to wear collection all to hit early 2011. Also in the works is a spin off show with myself and Mondo Guerra from Project Runway Season 8.

Follow Michael Costello Couture on Facebook

Follow Michael on Twitter @michaelcostello

Photos courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Services.