Fall '09 Fashion Week Day 0:Jillian Lewis Forgoes The 'Runway'
February 12, 2009
Today is the first day of the Barney's Warehouse Sale, so normally we might be slogging through that mess to give you a report, but we are frankly relieved to be busy with Fashion Week stuff instead. Technically, it doesn't start until tomorrow, but the Thursday before the Tents open has become a time for smaller designers to catch the fashion flock before the hardcore schedule crunch goes into effect on Friday. This worked out well for Project Runway Season 4 fan favorite JILLIAN LEWIS who unveiled a presentation in the Meatpacking District this afternoon.
Much has been written about how designers are scaling back their shows to similar exhibitions, but for a young designer like Lewis it is often a better way to show off her work than the runway. It gives the opportunity to look closely and get to know her style better, and her clothes look much better in this light than they did on Project Runway. In fact, this presentation really raised our opinion of Lewis's skills, particularly the beautifully engineered knits and her sense of embellishment, which has been refined quite a bit since her reality show days.
Also, passing trays of mini-brownies never hurts. Perhaps the best part of this type of show is that rather than waiting in a line like cattle to check in and squeeze into a venue, we had a couple of hours to visit at our convenience and could fully take in the presentation within a few minutes. Also, we can get the models to pose just for us.
Once again, the recession may be doing us a favor.
JILLIAN LEWIS: THE RUNDOWN
1-3 PM Tela Salon, Little West 12th Streeet.
MODELS:
A nicely diverse cast. We haven't begun working the numbers yet, but no complaints.
CELEBRITIES:
The drawback of the presentation is that if there are celebrity guests, there's no way to make sure you will be there at the same time. We are betting some Project Runway alumni stopped by, but we missed them.
SWAG:
The first gift bag of the season passed muster even for a young designer.
9 oz. bottle of Philip Pelusi Refresh Hair spray
3 samples of Tela Beauty Organics hair products
.5 oz bottle Dashing Diva Nail Polish
Discount card for Sew Fast Sew Easy sewing store
There was another coupon in the gift bag.
It was an invitation to visit 112 Sewing Supplies, Inc. on Long Island where Jillian's parents bought her first sewing machine which was backstage at this event.
www.112sewing.com
Posted by: Christine Scorza | February 12, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Jillian was my bet on Project Runway. I really like that red tube long dress. I am impressed that she used bright colors this time. Great choice of colors indeed.
Posted by: Womens Designer Shoes | February 13, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I attended the presentation of Jillian's fashions and loved them all, also Tela is a beautiful location, this was a wonderful experience
Posted by: Pam Nystrom | February 15, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Is there any place where jillian lewis can receive mail.
Posted by: Mike Vargas | April 11, 2009 at 08:35 PM