The final sprint to the runway

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Fabric covers Brena Bessa’s dining room table, and spools of thread are spread around a sewing machine.

Designs are taped to the wall, and until a few days ago the fabric covered the floor as well. Bessa, Manaus, Brazil, senior, is a finalist working to finish her submissions for the finale of the annual Student Union Activities Project Runway competition.

Video

Part I: Bonnie Croisant, Humboldt senior, is a finalist in the Student Union Activities Project Runway competition for the second year in a row. Watch her prepare and compete in the preliminary round.

Video

Part II: Bonnie Croisant, Humboldt senior, will compete in the final round of the SUA Project Runway competition on Nov. 11. Watch her prepare three garments over several weeks for the event.

Sunyoung Cheong, Oscar Cuevas, Bonnie Croisant, and partners Lauren Fallis and Josiah Earle will compete along with Bessa in front of a panel of judges and an audience tonight. The panel will include Christian Siriano, winner of the fourth season of Bravo’s “Project Runway.”

The contestants had a budget of $150 to create all three garments. Bessa said it was challenging to stay within budget because she generally worked with more expensive, natural fabrics such as silk and cotton.

Because Cheong is majoring in metalsmithing and jewelry, and designed all of the jewelry for her garments, including pendants and chains. She also used embellishments and paint to alter shoes she purchased for $5.

Time constraints also posed a challenge for the contestants. Earle and Fallis decided to work together to save time and Cheong only worked at night because she attended classes and spent time with her two children during the day.

Cuevas spent about 12 hours a day in the studio over the few days. He said it was challenging because he didn’t have time to plan his designs in advance.

“I like to stew before I start with stuff,” Cuevas said.

The contestants picked their own models. Cuevas said three of his friends would be modeling his garments.

“My other friend is a stripper so I knew that she’d be really comfortable on stage. I mean she might be confused by the lack of a pole, but I like that because I know she’s going to have the confidence,” Cuevas said.

The Project Runway competition will begin at 7 tonight in the Kansas Union Ballroom. Priority seating vouchers are sold out, but doors open at 6 p.m. for additional seating.

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