I’m lucky enough to have a very creative group of friends. They include architects, drag queens, jewelry designers, club kids, illustrators, hippies, and sound mixers. They are constantly raising the bar with new ways to express their creativity. The phrase “going out” has taken on a new meaning since being among them.
In 2018, inspired by these wonderful people, I brought an idea to life that was bouncing around in my head for a few months.
The Ingredients: A love of fashion, makeup, dolls, and arts and crafts.
The Result: All Dolled Up™️! 🎉
Think of it as Project Runway with Barbie dolls. (Yes, amazing I know.)
Designers were tasked with creating a complete one-of-a-kind, jaw-dropping look for one of 10 models that were randomly assigned the night of the competition. The look needed to feature one or more pieces of new clothing, created by them and presented at a closing runway show (of sorts).
Designers were required to make best use of the materials provided while adhering to an overall theme (revealed just prior to competition). Constraints created by the assigned theme and time limit tested designers' ingenuity while showcasing their personal fashion design aesthetic.
Models were randomly assigned to designers by picking numbers out of a hat. The number they chose mapped to one of 20 models on display at the front of the room.
Three critically-acclaimed fashion judges* scrutinized each look for mastery of fashion design, storytelling, and creativity. Each designer received scores based on wearability, innovation, construction, styling, and adherence to theme. After scores were totaled, the designer with the highest overall score was awarded the crown and the coveted title of:
* I recruited three semi-well-qualified fashion-forward friends of mine to be judges. I had them create fun bios that were sent to the contestants a few weeks before the competition. 😅
Designers were given up to five points in each of the four categories totaling to 20 points from each judge. Judges tabulated scores using the following score sheets (custom-branded of course).
