While I was kickin' it in Kiawah, dreams were being made in Chicago. I asked my fabulous student Jacki P to cover the finale of " So You Wanna Be A Designer." Check out her write up below:
Final contestants for the Kenmore live studio’s “So You Wanna Be A Designer” competition came head to head as fashion guru’s judged them and online voters sized up their last designs Thursday night. Past contestants pulled up in this fabulous ride to show their support for their dear friends. Palpable energy could be felt from across the street. The overriding sentiment in the place was hardly that of competition and rather one giant love fest!
El-yes I want those lace pants! These are my new found friends at the event who work for Mill Crest Vintage. Terri on the left was a judge for the competition and used to work for the host of the show, Debbie Jagel’s, handbag line. She’s dressed big names such as Martina McBride and Michael Buble.The best part about going to local fashion events is seeing the glamorous outfits attendees show up in!
Sports and fashion are like two peas in a pod – at least for previous NBA Bucks player and judge, Bobby Simmons, who started his own SuccezZ sneaker line. I already thought I was short before, but meeting with this giant gave new meaning to this self-concept of mine. Bobby believes success comes from within, which means it’s personally different for each individual. We’re all often our own worst critic and he emphasized the importance in loving what you make because that love will be reflected. He hopes to develop a couture big and tall line to come out this winter.
Making dreams a reality was the anthem of the evening. Judge Raul Penaranda, showed off his inspirational wristband with these words displayed on it. The show was turning into a bit of a motivational rally, which is refreshing considering we’re talking about an industry where having a thick skin is crucial and rejection can come hard. Achievement doesn’t come without taking risks.
Drum roll and the best fashion of the night goes to this black leather and sheer pant suit made for runway! I’m sensing a modern reworking of an Elizabethan era ruff and it’s working on this model. The complexities of the material and uniqueness in design come together in an impressive display. Designer, Tonya Pierce took great risk, having never worked with some of these materials and her boldness really proved her a cut above the rest.
Rival contestant Jessica Davis’s fun and vivid personality shone on her dress. Another El-Yes to that chic up do she’s rocking. While that high slit made me slightly nervous the draping across the shoulder and back on the dress were phenomenal. There’s no question both young ladies are going to take the fashion world by storm.
After eight intense weeks of challenges and critical judge panels, a tie breaker announced Tonya Pierce as the grand prize winner of $20,000 and an innovative Kenmore elite laundry pair. Does anyone else have a hard time buying those wedding dresses that were shown being thrown into the washer? Anyways, I was in love with the amazing outfit she was wearing all night. Jessica wins the sweetheart award in my book. I’m starting to believe the two talented competitors really did become great friends.
Talk about that low V neck and deep dip in the back! Florida native, Tonya’s edgy dress was completely stunning and fitting speaking of risk taking. I couldn’t keep my eyes off it. This young lady from IADT-Chicago is a rising star in the fashion world.
As much fun as it is to throw balloons and dance around with a giant whopping check, all final five contestants won in the end as Raul surprised them privately after the show with an invite to NY fashion week next September and the opportunity to go backstage with him. I’m beginning to think the road to success is more about the connections made than the money in reality. One thing is for sure: Dreams can become reality!
Check out Jacki Peckenpaugh's Blog. Or follow her on Twitter!
Thursday, May 17, 2012 
