Last week a new show premiered on the Lifetime Network that is right up my alley. It's called
Project Accessory, and is based on the same premise as
Project Runway.
Thank goodness the full episodes are going to be running on the Lifetime Network website, because this bead loving gal doesn't have a TV!
So, lets get to it. If you didn't watch the episode, you can watch it
here. We were introduced to the designers, and learned a little bit about each one. They're a diverse group, some of them have experienced a modicum of success in their design careers, others are just getting started.
The challenge for the first episode was for the designers to create a necklace, a belt, and an accessory of their choice from items they gathered during a 15 minute spree in two storage units. I was surprised by the 'stuff' in the units. Crystal chandeliers, pleather coats in pristine condition, yards of string, shells, and silk flowers, it was definitely well staged.
Once the designers began working with their gatherings, the drama started. Nicolina Royale, a self proclaimed Rock-n-Roll designer, had a meltdown over her choice of materials. She'd selected several pieces of luggage, and could not stop comparing her choices with the other contestants. As I watched her tearing apart a fantastic red piece of luggage, I wondered what her problem was. The piece was covered with zippers! The suitcase itself was ripe for cutting into small organic or geometric units. She was so busy watching all her competitors that she blocked herself.
Have you ever done that? I know I have. I'll get so caught up in the 'how' of something, that I'll block the muse who's doing everything possible to show me. That's what Nicolina did, and the result nearly got her booted from the show. She was able to barely pull it out the following morning, and it showed in her pieces. She wasn't the only one. There were several other disasters. Some of the designers were obviously not in their element, and it showed in their work.
I thought the winning designer did a great job. Her pieces were made from an oriental parasol. She spent time constructing components that went together very well. I liked her aesthetic, and use of material.
My only complaint about the show is that there was so little time spent on the construction of the individual pieces. Those of us who make jewelry are interested not only in the final result, but also how everything is put together.
I'll be watching the entire series. I've already chosen my favorite... no, it's not Nina... and will be interested in seeing his future projects.
One more thing, something I really didn't expect, this show has re-ignited my appreciation in accessories other than earrings and bracelets. I've gone shopping in my closet and have started wearing belts and scarves again. I'm not certain where my style falls. It's somewhere between hip old lady, and beady chic.
