Project:Design Showcases Up-and-Coming Designers

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending Project:Design, a design contest showcasing up-and-coming designers vieing for an outstanding prize package valued at over $30,000 plus a $2,500 cash prize!

Before the contest started, last year's winners entertained the audience with new collections.

Lauren Bander
One of my favorite collections of the night was presented by last year's winner, Lauren Bander.  The pretty flowy pieces had such a feminine, romantic quality.  The tulle dress was just angelic, and you know I love me a tulle skirt!!!

Elise Lammert
Last year's People Choice winner, Elise Lammert showed a colorful collection perfect for a resort.

Abaya Dake
Then, it was on to this year's contestants.  Abaya Dake showed a colorful, African-inspired, figure flattering collection that proved to be the crowd favorite.  Dake took home the People Choice award!!

Fouché

Nicole Fouché showed a darkly romantic collection that was one of my personal favorites.  Burgundies, black, and gold lace and brocade made for a stunning fall collection.

Miita Collection
New York-based Miita Collection was all white with clean lines and sporty luxe details.  I loved this opalescent sequin dress!

Black by Maria Silver
Maria Silver mixed chiffon prints with ease and created a fun, flirty, and feminine collection that had an easy 70s vibe with just a touch of 90s flair thrown in for good measure.

Spansen Filles
Spansen Filles' avante-garde collection included drop crotches, mixed materials, and interesting up-cycled sweaters and afghans.

Q Liu
Ending the show, Q Liu created one of the most unique collections of the night.  With a true eye to detail, felt dresses took flight with gorgeous bird drawings.  Fun touches like nest purses and a bird and branch fascinator perfectly complemented the looks.

This year's Project:Design winner?  Dah, dah, dah...Miita!!  New York Fashion Week creator Fern Mallis and Publisher of Alive Magazine Elizabeth Tucker presented the winning designers with a check for $2500 to help them launch their line.

Since they weren't from the area, the judge's runner-up, local designer Q Liu walked away with the amazing prize of a free year's rent!

Lorena of Garnets and Sapphires and Julia of Oh, Julia Ann
Photo by Psyche Southwell of Economy of Style

All in all, it was great to see so much talent and to meet up with some fellow local bloggers!

All photos by Alive Magazine, unless otherwise stated.