The following  notes  & pictures from each challenge are taken from my blog which I added after each design was finished.

Challenge 1 - The Gene Challenge

Still in a state of disbelief that I had been chosen as one of the twelve designers to compete in Project Dollway I embarked on the first challenge using Gene as my model. When I begin a design I tend to have both style and fabric in mind and then I head off to the fabric shops. This is where the first problem starts and compromise becomes part of the challenge. I settled on silk, pleated georgette and a shiny patent trim currently in fashion. With brief in hand I started work in fear and trepidation. I made the challenge much harder for myself than I should have. Instead of going with my instinct I thought more must be better and off I went. Well, the skirt changed a few times, the collar went everywhere it could just for fun and the when I finally decided on the skirt style I reduced the amount of fabric in it about 3 times. I should have known that when my outfit started out this way I was never going to be entirely happy with it. From all the designing I have done both in fashion and film the designs I am happiest with are the ones that bring themselves together as I work. They travel their own path and I provide the means to make them happen. Does that make sense? This challenge somehow went off on a tangent but it did represent me and what I am about in It even got to the point where Gene lost her head she became so giddy with all the changes! :-) Ooops

After a few days of mucking around it was time to get serious and decide which way to go with the design. The photos below are how I visualised my design and how it should be worn.

I do however believe that everybody has their own interpretation and the garment should be able to be worn in different ways and still have appeal.

My Challenge description is below with the photos underneath.
        
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Introducing
A SPARK IN THE DARK 
When I started my design I wanted Drama. I wanted the gown to maintain depth and a little mystery through intriguing lines, layers and rich color. I have chosen teal, a color worn easily by any skin tone and hair color, and black, as it has always been and always will be a color at the peak of evening elegance. I wanted to create something unique that would float effortlessly and elegantly down a red carpet greeting flashing cameras and adoring crowds, the designer's name on every fashion editor's lips.

I have included Gene's versatile flounce to enhance the theatrical quality of the gown. Curling and winding gently over her back and shoulders, the flounce can be twisted to reveal a beautiful teal wave or reversed for a bolder, more dramatic look with the deep gloss of black patent. The sequin detail presents a sprinkle of Hollywood magic, glittering with her every movement. This flounce is swept neatly beneath the patent belt forming a dainty peplum below the waist. If she chooses. the dress can be worn without the flounce with an equally dramatic effect.

Gene's decolletage is adorned with a flattering halter neck design. It is detailed with an overlay combining teal silk and glossy patent, displaying a delicate centre front detail of sequin and bead work. Her black patent belt sits boldly at the centre of the ensemble, once again, a reference to vintage movie star grande
I feel my design transcends time. I have worked to evoke a feeling of theatrical ambience, with a delicate slice of vintage vogue, fused with 21st century flair!