Thursday, August 7, 2008

Project Olympics

Let me tell you, all it takes is one of my favorite shows and the Olympics rolled into one to get me back in the saddle. (July was a month filled with 12 hour work days, cumbersome development applications, and a killer case of teeth clenching headaches.)


Last night's Project Runway saw the contestants heading to the Armory Track and Field Training Center in upper Manhattan to receive their latest assignment. The Armory is the Olympic training center for track and field athletes and also contains the largest indoor track in the world. After greeting guest judge, Olympic speed-skating gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, the contestants were given their challenge - create a womanswear look for the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics.


I'm always amazed at how the creative folks at Project Runway create the most interesting challenges out of some of the most mundane, everyday events. There was the grocery store challenge, the flower store challege, and even the hershey's candy challenge. I like the fact that they tried to weave a little fashion into the Olympics because at this point we're really stuck with the LZR racer, spandex leotards/unitards/etc, and a plethora or red, white, and blue warm-up suits. There's nothing better than winning a gold medal and looking good while you're doing it.


Some of the designers created a red, white and blue skort (eek) or little bo peep hats with high waisted skirts that ended up being neither patriotic or practical. Others, however, rose to the occasion creating wearable, realistic pieces that any Olympian would be proud to walk into the "Bird's Nest" behind the American Flag. Take a look at the winner.

What do you think? Wearable? Awesome? Eh? Who Cares?

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