February 23, 2005
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The Challenge: Present a twelve-look collection at Olympus Fashion Week in New York.
…and not just at Olympus Fashion Week, but in the Bryant Park tents, the ne plus ultra of Fashion Week’s venues – an incomparable experience!
First, let’s bring some definition to the term "a collection." A collection is a body of work that represents a point of view. It can be a few as five to seven looks (this is what my students at Parsons produce) or it can be as large as 45 or more. Without the cohesion provided by a point of view, or some may say a philosophy, the collection is merely a group of clothes. In addition, the first and last looks (or "exits," in fashion show-speak) are usually the most important; that is, the first should set a tone and pique your interest, and the last should grip your memory and, ideally, leave you panting for more.
I can recall too many Fashion Weeks during which I would observe the collections and think, "A group of nice-looking clothes, yes, but a collection?" And at other times, "It’s a collection alright, but -- bow-wow -- what a dog!" In the cases of our Project Runway Final Three, I felt proud and confident that three cohesive points of view would walk the Bryant Park runway.
