$1200 girl--don't be cheap!

photo by Mike Yoder

Fabulous designer Bonnie Croisant turns heads and reaps praise at Project Runway:
“$1200 girl—don’t be cheap!”

Bonnie rolled into my driveway around 5:30 p.m. It was pouring down rain. “Do you have any face wash?” she asked me, calling from her cell phone while I gathered make-up bags, shoes, and snacks for the long evening ahead. She explained, “I didn’t have time to shower, and I at least want to wash my face.”

This is the third show for which I have modeled Bonnie’s apparel, and I am always thrilled to represent such unique design and attention to detail. I already knew Bonnie’s talent and her new concepts would drop jaws once premiered on the runway.

Bonnie Croisant and her endless days of sewing did pay off; it was not the $500 check that made her work worthwhile, but rather the overwhelming praise and support from family, friends, and Bravo TV’s own Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano.

Bonnie squealed in my ear, “He’s even tinier in real life!” But, trust me, his compliments were more than plus-size; his response to Bonnie’s designs were fiercely flattering: “Love the little shorts. Love the piping. Love that she pushed the envelope a little bit. Love her new, innovative, and creative clothes, and love the final looks she created for us.” Christian made Bonnie blush, freaking out over one of her tops: “That top is fabulous. I’m telling you: Sell that top. $1200 girl—don’t be cheap! And with that…we choose Bonnie!”

So, for all you fashion fanatics—are you yourself wondering what else makes Christian gush (as much as a pair of purple corduroy lederhosen hot pants)?
Fresh details, fabric choices, and little accoutrements for big overall appeal.
For example, the top that took Chrisitan’s breath away had linear components—fabric strips were sewn on the front to convey an armor-like breastplate in a modern, wearable way. Also, Bonnie’s pieces looked complete; both front and ‘rear” views were equally pleasing—her embellished evening gown had an excellent texture in the front bodice, and still made a grand exit, catching attentions with a splash of bright red fabric waving, swishing goodbye.
Bonnie’s models even maintained her overall ephereal, avant-garde design appeal in their hair and make-up. Bonnie’s pieces were the most cohesive collection, which is essential for the runway. “I want my pieces to be recognizable as my own signature work the instant my models hit the catwalk.” Fashion should be funky and design should be distinct; however, you want to be pushing the envelope “a little bit,” not taking leaps so large people consider your work…fashion suicide.

So, for all you fashion fanatics—are you yourself now wondering what makes Bonnie gush?

She’s happy to tell all…
“But first I’m going to sleep, after I have a drink.”


For more coverage of KU's Project Runway, visit http://www.kansan.com/stories/2008/nov/12/runway/.