Everyone has been asking me what my favorite show was during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  Oh my gosh! It is really impossible to answer that, given the huge amount of work, creativity and hours that go into each collection.  They are all beautiful and to be respected in their own way. Having said all that, there is one collection though, and really just ONE, that literally made me cry at the end, it was that moving in it’s beauty.

That was the show of  Irina Shabayeva, the season six winner of Project Runway, as she debuted her Fall 2010 collection on Saturday, February 13th at SIR Stage 37. Encompassing an “Amelia Earhart” of sorts theme of  freedom and the un-tethered journey of flight, Shabayeva  was clearly on a course to create a fantasy of intricate beading, textile construction and exotic materials.

Hand sewn creations of soft cashmere, silk screened and hand painted wools and ombre shades were showcased side-by-side with structurally sculpted bodices and flight inspired flounces. Model after model walked down the runway in such luxury, such gorgeous creations, the audience literally did not know where to catch their breath next! Each piece was like moving artwork!!

Materials ranged from natural to industrial as creations were swirled in feathers and patterns only born in nature.

Tupperware-engineered materials provided the hard edges and solid structures delicately balanced with luxurious materials like cashmere, supple leathers, double faced wool and fur. An unusual partnership with an alternative view to fashion and design allowed Shabayeva to join Tupperware’s effort of inspiring women around the world through confidence and empowerment.

“Knowing that Tupperware is so passionate about empowering women, it was easy to implement an element of determination into the clothing,” states Shabayeva. “To me, fashion and the design process is liberating, fun and empowering.”

“When we saw Irina on Project Runway, we were simply in awe of her of talent and vision,” said Tupperware Brands’ Chairman and CEO Rick Goings. “As a company that has long been focused on innovative design, we’re thrilled to work with someone who is forward-thinking and whose work is so inspiring.”

Here is one of my favorite ensembles  from the Fall collection, which was a dress made entirely of pheasant feathers !

A strapless white cocktail dress made from 8 different wings of Tupperware materials impressed me as well,  along with a black glider with hand carved leather wing paired with leather panel pants.

part one

part two

If you have a few minutes, grab your beverage of choice and watch the show!  It is truly a wonderful experience to begin or end your day!

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