Project Runway 2014 | Challenge 3

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Challenge Three: Fit For a Queen (Season 3, Episode 2)

Design a pageant-ready evening gown for one of the 2013 Miss Universe Contestants, keeping within a budget of $300.

For my model/client, I chose Singapore's Shi Lim: of all the contestants, she was the only one that wasn't a carbon copy of that skewed "ideal" sense of "beauty" that media and society like to push. Rather, she was more relatable: pretty, but not overly made up or special, narrow hips and a small chest, yet she carried it with a confidence and maturity that I feel sets a better example of beauty than the porn-star-like image the rest gave off.

Model Profile: www.missuniverse.com/members/p…
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Since I find that most pageant dresses end up garish in their attempt to draw attention, I tried to keep the classy, mature impression that Shi Lim gives off by putting less emphasis on detailing and more on shape. I chose a deep blue for the fabric and deepened the feeling of royalty with the draping and neckline. To keep the dress from becoming dowdy and matronly, I went for a hi-low hem that sweeps out behind like a mermaid tail. To add color and the pageant kick tastefully, underneath are textured, gold tights that cover the shoes for a seamless quality, as well as a hint at the throat.
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Since I'm not familiar with the names of fabrics--I go by sight and feel; I know what I want when I see it--these are approximations for my materials (meaning, they may not be this exact fabric, but something similar and similarly priced).

Dress//Navy/Poly Sateen//$3.98/yard www.fabric.com/buy/0350978/pol…
Tights//Gold/Stretch Floral Lace//$6.98/yard www.fabric.com/buy/en-995/gise…
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For styling and makeup, I did loose, elegant waves drawn back off the face, and swooping cat-eyes.

Any use of my artwork and/or designs is forbidden. / Project Runway 2014 Challenge Information: catwalkchallenge.deviantart.co…