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Project Runaway Season 6 runner up, Althea Harper, debuted her eponymous collection last Monday and it didn't disappoint. The glamazonian blond, who was designing for Tory Burch's label, decided it was time to show off her downtown chic style and branch off on her own.
As an avid Project Runway viewer, I was thrilled to be seeing her line, especially because I really feel I got to know her and her design point of view (such a Tim Gunn-ism) while watching the show. I was thrilled to meet her and can safely say she is every bit as sweet, personable and beautiful as she comes across on TV.
The statuesque designer's collection had a very clear direction: neutral color palette, oversized chunky and tailored knits (her signature) paired with body hugging minimalist silhouettes. There was plenty of draping, sheer mesh panels and cut outs in many of the dresses, skirts and pants and tailored jackets. I also loved the blending of silk and leather accents. It was beautifully see on a few of the shirts like the silky gray shirt with leather piecing on the shoulders and sheer chiffon used on the arms. I particularly loved the black leather pencil skirt seen with an oversized chunky hooded knit sweater. It was one of those outfits you could wear and feel undeniably sexy but not self-conscious or over the top in. The clothes had wear-ability and are designed for a strong, confident woman who wants to be seen as powerful, feminine and sexy. The use of strong lines, bold cuts and unexpected combinations of fabrics and textures mixed with oversize baubles (by Sequin Jewelry) made for a stylish debut.
The hair and makeup reminded me of the severe androgynous look of Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love ladies: slicked back, gleaming, shiny hair and black almost bleeding red lips.
