Ten days ago, my team of IDI and ASID Student members participated in our first ever Designer Runway. Our concept was Vampires/True Blood. Thinking we were unique and different, we had our fingers crossed for the best. Little did my team and I know what we were in for. As team 17, the last group to walk the runway, all 16 teams ahead of us were not only experienced Interior Designers, but veterans of Designer Runway. The concepts were fabulous and the five props allowed were incredibly built and designed. My team and I had no idea when they meant props, that this became Project Runway with Tim Gunn.
Let me back up for a minute. Each team is given fabrics from a designer showroom at the Laguna Design Center. From there, the teams have to create their design/costume in 90 minutes with no patterns or sewing machines. This is not an exaggeration when I say we were the only team that had thick upholstery to work with. Every team had light silks and taffetas that made creating a dress and costume that much easier. I was tasked with making the bustle on the skirt, and thank God, the judges actually complemented that part, since I had no idea what I was doing. In the end, we were excited we participated and didn’t get the lowest score. We left knowing what to expect next time. I am not going to lie and say I wasn’t a little embarrassed of what we had to show compared to the rest, but it was all about the experience and seeing the other teams beautiful creations. Maybe they will let me join them next year… 
