Project Runway: Episode 7: Welcome to the Urban Jungle

Trying to get this Project Runway post up was a bit of a struggle.  I ended up watching the show later than I normally would and then I got swamped at work with late hours.  On top of that, the baby's been a bit clingy lately and decided not to give me my "me time".  I wasn't too sure if this was going to get done but I did it. Small victory.

This week's episode of Project Runway started off with the designers being able to go on a turn-around trip to Florida to the Universal Resort in Orlando.  While there, the designers got to visit attractions and also learned about their next challenge.  It's kind of dope that the designers got to travel miles away and have a semi fun day in order to hear about their next challenge.

For the next challenge, the designers were expected to create a streetwear look inspired by the new attraction, Skull Island, Reign of Kong.  The ride is essentially a tram ride that passes through different, I assume iconic, scenes from King Kong movies.  There were clips of jungles, bats, a t-rex, some worm alien thing and explorers shown on the show.

It's probably too obvious of an idea, but my conceptual thoughts immediately gravitated towards a safari jacket and utility wear.  In the actual jungle, you want to wear clothes that will carry all of your gadgets comfortably.  I wanted to translate that to the city girl in the urban jungle.  Comfort and easy wear were both important.  I envisioned texture and natural tones.

And because my normal schedule went completely out of the window on this one, I felt I was rushed like I would have been on the show.  So there's that.

My design consists of a stylized take on a safari jacket.  Made of suede, I would have definitely taken a risk with this one.  Especially with Laurence Basse killing the leather game on the show.  I've also only sewn leather while making shoes and haven't tried making any clothing from it yet.  The jacket can be worn loose or cinched at the waist for a Dior look.

The jacket is paired with a white tank and denim skirt.  The white tank was actually pretty hard to design.  I know I couldn't send a basic tank down the runway but I also didn't want to over design it because it wasn't my focal piece.  It's an easy light weight jersey tank with a "harness" across the front for a bit of edge.  The denim skirt is a natural waist mini with open pockets.  Inspired by men's khaki shorts, I added a side pocket that falls below the hem and little tunnels that could hold the city girls ammo of lipsticks.

There's no doubt in my mind that I would have been pressed for time.  So many pockets and little pieces, a three piece outfit and using a new and sensitive fabric in a one day challenge?! All a recipe for disaster.

All in all, I think I would have been safe at least...depending on the outcome of my construction.  After watching the show, I didn't find anything memorable about any of the looks shown, except for Basse's red jacket.  I had to go to Project Runways IG page to refresh my memory a few times while writing this post.  My design won't command attention but it is definitely better than the designs that were on the bottom.

Let me know what you think of my design.  Do you think I would have been out?  Let me know in the comments below!