Life After Project Runway

Another one of my stolen article collection.
Malan can vouch that I wrote this one...

It is unarguable that Project Runway has brought a new awareness to the world of fashion and an appreciation for the work of fashion designers. Three of my favorite Project Runway contestants are making a big impact with independent luxury labels of their very own, and all of them with distinct points of view and sensibilities.

Jeffrey Sebellia, winner of the 3rd Season of Project Runway is the force behind Cosa Nostra, a label whose roots are firmly entrenched in punk and the LA rock & roll aesthetic but whose detailed construction standards and almost lyrical beauty is now available at several indie boutiques across the country. Cosa Nostra along with another one of my favorite Rock-Couture labels, Thomas Wylde, can be found at the decadent and gorgeous ElectricLadyland with shops in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona. The collection can also be found at the eponymous J.Ransom boutique.

Also at J Ransom, I was overjoyed to find a new line of glorious pre-colonial art inspired luxury bags and jewelry by extremely hot and up and coming Mexican designer N.A.H.U.A.L.. N.A.H.U.A.L. first came to my attention because he was part of the sold-out and mega-collectible series of Dunny Azteca art toys by KidRobot. The bags are crafted in the finest Italian leathers and use exclusively sterling silver hardware. They sell for around three thousand dollars and would be stunning paired with the Aztec print dress from Jean Paul Gaultier.





Kara Janx is another Project Runway alumn that is making a notable impact in independent boutiques. Kara is the perky and recently married South African designer in Season 2 and probably the one with the most commercial success. Kara’s collections are very modern and versatile. One of her creations, the kimono dress, has become a trademark and consistently sells out in boutiques across the country. Kara’s dresses can be found at Green Apple.




Finally, another Project Runway graduate that is making a big splash in the fashion world is the wonderful and incredibly sweet Malan Breton.

Malan has been designing absolutely exquisite collections that have been shown during NY Fashion Week and that are the closest thing to heaven for those of us with Old Hollywood luxury cravings. Confections are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, and Jean Harlow and are inspired by simple elegance, the mystery and beauty of the Asian Continent. The collections can be found at his atelier in Manhattan on 36th ST. since he just outgrew his East Village location.