What a night it was! Everyone on and off the runway was decked out - especially the shoes! Jennifer and I sat in the 3rd row towards the front, so we got a good glimpse of all the garments last night. Our model from last year graced the cover of the program and our garment was on display at the entrance.
The only disappointing part of the evening was the venue. They switched it from the South Lake Union Naval Reserve Building to the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall (where Urban Craft Uprising is held each year) and ran the runway alongside the 3' wide pillars. Sight lines were an issue, and the MC's (Jack and Kevin from Project Runway Season 4), played to the other side of the house all night since that was where the judges and VIP's were sitting, so we kind of felt like we were backstage. Nonetheless, there were some impressive outfits strutting the catwalk. Here is a shot of TGBA/Atlas Carpet's entry (GGLO partnered with Atlas last year - we love Diane and Bob!). I thought it was an impressive effort for a team with no sewing skills!
Jack Mackenroth and Kevin Christiana were probably delightful as MC's (I really heard very little of their presentation with the noise and that whole "playing to the other side of the runway" issue mentioned earlier). They brought a short video segment of their new reality show to premiere while the judges deliberated. It's a brilliant idea - they will refashion a new wardrobe from existing pieces in someone's closet. I think it just might catch on. They're currently shopping for producers.
There were about 5 VIP seats in front of us that no one ever showed up to sit in, so Jennifer and I made off with their swag bags! I didn't look inside until this morning... a few design magazines, a cooking apron, a calculator, organic lime ade, a mint tin, lotion/perfume, an instant coffee sample and a letter opener. No Creme de la Mer or gift cards to Harry Winston.
I
donated a cashmere sweater dress for the raffle, and it was included as
part of the "indulgence package" along with a hair appointment, jewelry
set, cosmetics gift set and a box of chocolates, for a total value of
$830.
The big deal raffle item of the night was a dress by Jason Wu (Michelle Obama's designer). Your choice of a $2,000 gown... and my friend Ruth won!
Maybe it was the bitter-sweet memory of our win last year, or my new Steve Madden heels cutting into my toes, or the fact that my date had to leave early to run to the airport, but at 10:30 when they still hadn't announced the winners but had run out of wine, I decided to head home. I learned on the web this morning that the winner was SKB/Pental/Luwa. I remember it was a very nicely made conservative looking sheath dress and jacket, and I was impressed with the workmanship. But you'll have to wait for the professional photos, since my little Canon was not cooperating during the runway show.
