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What could be simpler that designing a swimsuit, you ask? What’s a bikini other than a couple of washcloths that are tied together with string? Frankly, the simpler the design, the more complex the task. Why? Because every single sin or misstep will clearly show. One can hide a plethora of errors in a voluminous ball gown, but the form-hugging definition of swimwear leaves little room to hide anything.

For our designers, an added complexity was that the swimsuit, while intended to function at poolside, would also be worn to an evening soiree. The designers and their swimwear-clad models would attend a Project Runway party that evening – meaning a mere five hours of design and construction to make it work! They were charged with capturing the attention of Richard Johnson, columnist for the New York Post’s "Page Six" and the gossip czar of Manhattan. The winning designer would be the one to have his or her name published in his column. The swimwear would remain dry – the designers would have to make the biggest splash!

AUSTIN
Austin won, and deservedly so. His swimsuit design was his least retro and costume-like work since the cornhusk dress of our first challenge. He fully embraced the issue of poolside functionality while also considering the transition into evening – the suit’s diaphanous overlay was the perfect solution for the latter. The swimsuit was innovative, sexy without being vulgar, and fit Melissa like a dream.

While Austin’s design wins platinum points, his win was assured by the charisma and self-confidence that he transmitted at the party. More specifically, he won the attention and support of Richard Johnson in whose Page Six column Austin’s name would appear. Yes, there was some backstage bitchiness about whether Austin’s party performance was more "fabulous" than his design, thereby cinching his win. But I can assure you that he and his design were both fabulous!

Lesson 14: Sell Yourself!
The fashion industry has an ample share of bigger-than-life personalities, but it also has its share of terribly shy individuals, not to mention wallflowers. Regardless of the category to which one belongs, to be successful all designers must get out there and sell who they are and assert why their work is great. Those editors and buyers have to believe in you, support you, and promote your work. If you can’t promote yourself, then how can anyone else be expected to do so? For the shy and the meek, that requires some good acting. I will share an axiom that I invoke to the students at Parsons with some frequency: "I can’t want you to succeed more than you do!" Think about it.

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