project runway: you can totally wear that again

andy south & ivy higa's wedding belles

considering i am guilty as charged for telling my one wedding maiden that her dress, with a simple alteration, could be more than a one night look, last night's project runway challenge hit a little close to home. the models had a little runway holiday while former bridesmaids surprised the designers and happily relinquished a collection of satin, bowed and shimmering frocks for some reconstruction fun.

local boy andy south offered one of the biggest transformations by dying what was once a periwinkle cocktail dress to create a sassy bustier (constructed of elastic) and shorts combo. ivy higa opted to transform a white floor length gown into stylish tuxedo capris paired with a flowy silk blouse.

andy south's before & sketchbook

ivy south's before & sketchbook

i must apologize for the poor quality of the before photos. i was hard pressed to find suitable images and resorted to snapping pictures off my non-hd pr recording, but thought it would help if you had a hint of what the designers had to work with.

andy: make it work! | video diary

ivy: make it work! | video diary

plus, more behind-the-scenes drama and gossip in the designers dish.

do you have any bridesmaid atrocities hiding in your closet? and, are you surprised at the level of animosity towards michael c.?

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}

project runway recap: there is an "i" in team

team luxe: andy south (top/skirt) * ivy higa (vest/top/shorts)

with the exception of my mister, does anyone else return from a trip home to the islands completely and utterly exhausted? my jet lag continues to linger on, but i finally had a chance to watch last week's project runway (despite one of the local news broadcasts spoiling the results as i walked past the family television - curses!).

two words: team challenge. i will simply say that, as expected, drama abounds and tim gunn's last minute observation is spot on. our hawaii designers, andy south and ivy higa, ended up together on team luxe which chose to parcel out garments so more than one set of hands touched each look before it walked down the runway.

team luxe sketchbook

video diary: andy & ivy

team luxe: judgement day | make it work! - part 1, 2, 3 | designers dish

did you agree with the judges' decision last week? what's your take on team luxe's self-appointed leader?

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}

project runway recap: hats off to you

andy south * ivy higa

while most of us consider a hat too impractical for everyday, you have to admire the posh brits and stateside belles who love a playful chapeau when attending a royal wedding or opening day at the races. last night, project runway welcomed london milliner philip treacy who bestowed his fanciful constructions with a challenge to design an outfit to complement his couture toppers.

our hawaii designers both offered up ladylike pairings - a vibrant satin skirted set for lunching socialites by andy south and a demure gossamer duo inspired by a lovely parisienne . . . and the privacy curtains spotted by ivy higa during her unexpected trip to the er that opened the episode.

inside the designers' sketchbook

andy: make it work! | video diary

ivy: make it work! | video diary

and, find out what everyone really thought of this week's winner in the designers dish.

have you ever rocked a chapeau befitting a walk down the runway?

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}

sneak peek: made in hawaii 2010

the made in hawaii festival opens on friday and, after many many clicks, i have compiled a little cheat sheet filled with island vendors to investigate if you plan on strolling the blaisdell this weekend.

1 - honolulu's be aloha transitions from custom alohawear for the japanese market to retro resort looks with the launch of its to kei label. {booth 372}

2 - rock simple koa hoops crafted of local wood gathered on mauna kea by woodworker jeff gomes. {hui 'ike ku'una section}

3 - north shore jewelry designer nilma hunter coaxes recycled sterling silver into puka shell bangles and other budget-friendly pretties. {booth 91}

4 - a member of the sig zane designs 'ohana has left the nest to launch punawai's line of delicate silk chiffon scarves and shawls printed with natural motifs inspired by the big island. {hui 'ike ku'una section}

5 - pretty up your everyday wardrobe with lovely screenprinted tops by noe clothing of oahu. {booth 294/295}

6 - kula-made pala'au's therapeutic skincare nurtures and detoxifies with medicinal hawaiian botanicals. {booth 366}

7 - tuck an everlasting flower in your hair with handmade enameled headbands by geisha fabulous of maui. {booth 386}

8 - uh hilo's kulanui product line offers beauty balms and kitchen deliciousness formulated with ingredients grown by local farmers. {booth 452/453}

9 - designer paula nurse of the big island constructs one-of-a-kind pieces composed of semi-precious, vibrational gemstones from topazes to tourmalines. {booth 94}

10 - tropilicious will be scooping up handcrafted ice cream with 'ono flavors like hawaiian mocha and toasted coconut. {booth 397}

11 - kona paradise candies' description of their chocolate dipped senbei is already tempting my sweet tooth. (order online at pat's island delights.) {booth 63}

12 - salty wahine mixes up gourmet seasoning blends but gets a mention simply for the kaua'i company's cheeky name and lovely logo. {booth 458}

13 - taste the freshly churned butters whipped up by waianae's naked cow dairy and remember to thank me later. {booth 461}

p.s. click back tomorrow for a roundup of festival news from our favorite designers!

project runway recap: it's a party

party frocks by andy south & ivy higa

project runway presented its most playful challenge last night when the designers were invited to construct a look out of party favors, festive decorations, and the occasional de-stuffed animal. (click the link to stream this week's episode.) the latter was thankfully missing from the offerings of hawaii's two designers who showed an avant-garde origami beribboned lbd (andy south) and a garden party confection composed of paper napkin petals (ivy higa).

andy braiding ribbon * ivy's sketchbook

andy: make it work! | judgement day | video diary

ivy: make it work! | video diary

and, get the backstage skinny in the designers dish.

would you invite any of last night's looks to attend your next soirée?

{photo credit: barbara nitke, lifetime television}