Mission Catwalk: ‘Hat Couture’

Twelve (12) competitors “took their hats off” to the Belizean beauty on episode 4, the sizzling season 2 of “Mission Catwalk” as Rebecca Stirm rose to the top winning the third challenge. Challenged to create an ensemble inspired by a hat, the competitors dug deep to create a design that would complement the hats they chose. The night saw some really great designs, as well as some dare we say it- not so great ones. The looks ranged from “Old Hollywood Glam” to… “A box of Kleenex”? Uhm what? (see below-r)

See all 13 Designs

Well that was the critique made by lifestyle editor for the Jamaica Observer and Mission Catwalk's head Judge; Novia McDonald-White, with reference to Trinidad’s Shannon Kwong who may have tried a little too hard to match her outfit to the colours of the hat. Also falling victim to “matching” was Shellane McFarlane who also found herself in the bottom two along with Kwong.  However, at the end of the show, it was McFarlane who failed to rule the catwalk and was sent home. Teary eyed McFarlane(featured below-L) made reference to the show’s inability to acknowledge talent and beauty outside of draping. The judges believed that given a beautiful hat, the dress simply did not live up to the requisite fabness Ouch!!! 

Outside of fashion, the episode also showcased how cut throat and serious the competitors are as they claw for the crown; from Gregory not wanting to ‘mingle’ to almost everyone basically ignoring Shannon after she accidentally cut her finger during sewing. With the prizes on the line and the limited time they have to complete their designs, I can’t say I would have done differently. (Don’t judge me -_- lol)

As usual, my eyes were glued to the social networking sites and the fans surely had a lot to say. Most are amused by Gregory and Keshon’s personality and lauded their favorites, whether they flew or flopped. Among the recurring names were Rebecca Stirm, Gregory Williams, Ryan Chan, Janelle Forde, Kerin Scott and Keshon Hawthorne. The designers’ personal style also came into play as persons tweeted about the lack of effort on the designers’ part to “look fashionable” but praised Gregory for his unique style and personal style.

Personally I agree, designers should be walking billboards, constantly selling their own product. How you look shouldn’t be an indication of how you design and style, but often times it is. Impressions made in fashion are purely visual, so the designer’s need to pay keen attention to their personal appearance.

Gregory Williams

Join me next week as we review episode five (5); the designers who stood out and the ones who got trampled. Who will rule the catwalk? Stay tuned and remember to always keep it fashionable because you never know if you’ll get picked up by the fashion police.

                                       Winning Design & Designer

                                 Rebecca Stirm

Fashion Writer

Nadejah  'D'Jah' Deacon