Kristy began this week’s show by stating this would be the six remaining designers’ biggest challenge yet – and she was right! Jaws had to be scraped off the floor when none other than international superstar Kelly Rowlands requested our designers to create a hot new stage outfit for her! Kelly wanted something sexy, sparkly, but above all classy. As Henry reminded the contestants their client is an ex-member of the biggest selling female group in history (Destiny’s Child, duh!), it was revealed Helen didn’t even know who she was! Not so for the other contestants – everyone was eager to get inspired by Kelly’s look books, then source their materials with a budget of $300.
Leigh’s initial plans took a nosedive when Lui nabbed the black fringing he wanted as Juli began her ambitious plan to construct a dress made of time-consuming circles – the race was on!
Day two saw Kelly herself visit the workroom. She had nothing but praise for Juli and Brent, a little concern for Petrova’s sparkly cape and Leigh’s choice of colour, while Lui’s fringing and Helen’s short fitted dress didn’t hit the mark for her at all. With one hour left, Lui decided to start all over again!
The models hit the catwalk, and with the help of guest judge Ms Rowlands, the good, the bad, and the ugly were decided. Petrova’s cape worked just how she wanted it too, and Kelly agreed it was fabulous, as was Brent’s fitted hotpants and waistcoat, but Juli’s funky frock saw her win this week’s challenge! Leigh’s outfit was too Moulin Rouge for Kelly, while Lui’s last-minute gold jumpsuit wasn’t working for her either. However it was Helen’s dated and cheap dress that saw her out of the competition this week.
| Our designers dish the dirt on dressing a Kelly Rowlands! | |
| Question: | How was designing something for Kelly Rowlands different to a usual client? |
| Answer: | Leigh: It didn't click in my mind that Kelly would want something far removed from her days in Destiny's Child. If I had got to the black fringing before Lui, she would have loved the end result. Brent: She had a unique bootie. Lui: Kelly is a pop star, and usual client is not. Petrova: Kelly Rowland is a superstar! So when you create a garment for her you have to make sure she wears the garment rather than the garment wearing her! Juli: The outfit could be sexy, had to shimmy and be classy - this gave us a really good point to start at. |
| Question | Were you starstruck (be honest!) |
| Answer | Leigh: I was quite starstruck - she has such an amazing charisma and her personality lit up the room. Lui: Not quite, as I have not been following any of her news. Petrova: I thought I would, but I actually felt comfortable around her straight away. Brent: A little, but Kelly was really down-to-earth. Juli: Starstruck is a understatement! |
| Question | If you could design for any pop star, what would you make? |
| Answer | Leigh: Miss Kylie Minogue. I would make her the most gorgeous, sparkly, fringed corset of all time! Lui: Kate Bush, Bjork, Grace Jones or Beth Gibbons. I will probably create conceptual pieces. Petrova: A silk satin draped gown in orange for Marilyn Monroe. Brent: Prince! I would create a funky tailored suit. Juli: Kylie. I'd make her a crystal encrusted corset. |
Catwalk talk with Project Runway judge, Sarah Gale! |
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| Question: | How did you get into your field? |
| Answer: | In the early ‘80s I started as a junior in a wholesale fashion accessories company who used to sell to major retailers such as Sportsgirl, Portmans and Myer. About 18 months later, I was then offered a buying role at Portmans. |
| Question: | What's an average day like? |
| Answer: | Depending on which client I am working with, my days vary greatly, but are definitely busy! I work on a few different projects at a time, so I am constantly moving from one thing to another. When I’m developing ranges, it can be very full on and verge on the side of crazy; but the longer I have been in this business the more manageable it has become - I think that comes with experience. |
| Question: | And what about your misconceptions – what surprised you about your career? |
| Answer: | Buying has changed a lot over the last 20 years. It used to be far more product orientated. Now you have to be great with product and trends and also very financially savvy. Along the way, I also realised that what you love doesn’t always sell, and what you don’t like often does. It’s so important to understand, as a buyer, you are buying for a specific market; you are not buying what you like - you are buying what you know will sell - it is often two entirely different things! |
| Question: | Most personally satisfying moment thus far? |
| Answer: | The great thing about buying is that you feel constantly satisfied when you back a trend and it works in the market place. My most personally satisfying moment in my career so far is being cast as the role of judge on Project Runway! |
| Question: | Finally, what's the piece of advice you'd give people thinking of doing what you do? |
| Answer: | Be willing to start at the entry level and work your way up - that way you learn all the aspects of the job and you will make a far better buyer and manager when the time comes. |
