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Posh Plush
Designer: Dante Dolly
Main Model: Melissa
Secondary Models: Cloe, Wanda, Amaya, Ella
Description: When I first joined this guild I had no idea that not only would I make it into the competition, but that I'd make it this far. Melissa was my second choice model, but over the rounds I grew attached to her, learned what worked for her and what didn't, and found myself unable to part with her no matter how many rounds I won.

There were some ups and downs as I traveled through the game. I made a lot of mistakes, but I feel like I've evolved over the months. It was always fun eagerly waiting for a new round and I know I'm going to miss that when this competition closes.

All that said, for my final hurrah I wanted to give all the models a good look. I chose runway backgrounds for the four seasons because this is the last catwalk after all! For Melissa I choice a background to help her stand out, because her look is the star of my line. I went through old feedback of the other models' designers and tried to choose colors and styles that worked for each one while still forming a seasonal, cohesive line.

Because this is the final chance to express myself in competition, I wanted to bring a little piece of myself into my collection. I am a collector of dolls and stuffed animals, I take them with me when I go places but they can sometimes really stand out with ordinary clothes, and that gave me my inspiration. So I bring you Posh Plush. The looks bring together all the sweetness of our favorite stuffed pals with designs that complement them, each made for the proper occasion and designed to incorporate the animals instead of just dragging them along.

First up we have Cloe in winter wear! Her plush is penguin and her colors are blue and white to reflect the ice and chill of the snowy months. I wanted an outfit that looked sleek and modern to reflect the smooth and slick nature of her penguin companions, but I also used layers and earmuffs so the classic feel of winter still remains. Her vest is cut to mirror the cute chest of a penguin and her smile says, "This is how a girl can bundle up in style!"

Then we have Wanda, who has just been itching to hit the stage in her punkish new look! She brings with her a little taste of fall with short boots and a sleeveless jacket. Gold and raspberry are this girl's best friends, but of course we can't forget her panda pal! Wanda rocks similar ears in her headband, her glasses and spotted jacket interior mirror the cute rings around her buddy's eyes, and the skin-tight material of her outfit suggests the fine and short furs the animal sports. Together they look great, and Wanda knows it!

Amaya takes the stage in the line's beachwear! She's rocking a stylish ivory and black wetsuit designed to summon nostalgia with its 50s-style print while providing modern coverage and versatility. Because she's still lingering on the sands and hasn't yet hit the water, she's got a grip on her dolphin friend and still wears her light and airy jacket. Finally, to complete the look, instead of a predictable and outdated sunhat, Amaya is rocking a big-lipped cap for a style that gives her a flipper all her own!

Just in time for spring Ella comes on with Mr. Giraffe! Ella's look incorporates rich yellows and browns that reflect her buddy's, while complimenting her skin tone and natural hair. She's brought her art bag for drawing in the freshly bloomed gardens, but first she stops to smell the roses!

Finally, at center stage, we have Melissa in a look too stunning not to conclude this fashion week. She shocks everyone by marching into view with her favorite "plush", a live stag! Her dress alone is nine materials, intricately woven together to seamlessly craft a gown unlike any other. Her look combines royal icing blues and golds with catharsis browns and cream. With a beautiful floral headdress, complete with horns to match, she'd be the belle of any ball.

I knew this final look had to be big to live up to what Melissa has worn all cycle, but I think the dozen or so pieces, combined color schemes, and majestic accompaniment do a decent job.

With this look I conclude my fashion line. It's been a crazy ride and I know Melissa and I will be pleased to have walked this walk, no matter how it ends.

Palm Springs





Designer: Alesaan
Main Model: Sarah
Other Models: Sheena, Madeline, Chantal, Lisa

Description: The Palm Springs collection for Resort Wear Fashion Week.

The collection highlights the atmosphere of the town, where the sweltering sun means lots of bare skin and sheer gauzy fabrics. I made various outfits one would pack for all the adventures of a desert resort while looking paparazi ready at all times. It also plays tribute to the old movie star glam Palm Springs was famous for with the old Hollywood crowd with lots of jewelry, timeless accessories and heels.

The background of the catwalk is a projection of ever moving bubbles that highlights the nature of a resort town - you're here to have fun, so pour the champagne! The bubbles enhance the outfits without completing them, as the collection (and town) are about pleasure. The pleasure of a getaway, of seeing and being seen, of sunshine and chiffon against the skin, and of gorgeous clothes to adorn oneself in.

Sheena debuts the line with poolside attire! Her ornate one piece swimsuit is designed to look equally good in the water, with a pair of jeans when out on a date, or even with a long black skirt at an elegant affair. The short sheer robe is a chic coverup and the fishnets are equally part sexy and part daring to swim in and make oneself stand out. Pink hued heart shaped sunglasses and pink flats are touches that don't just tell others that Sheena is here to have fun, but that to have fun, Sheena is who you want to be seen with.

Next up is the lovely Madeline ready for some fun fruity drinks at the cabana! Showing off those legs with a twist on the classic saddle shoes, these babies are designed with a six inch stiletto heel and bow on top. Her skintight striped mini skirt peaks out of a lacey bodice complete with a short ruffled bustle. Gold bangles and an eye-catching sunhat completes the outfit as crowns her gorgeous ebony waves. This outfit nods to the classic Hollywood glamour and is going to have the guys fighting to get this dame a drink!

Now we have the lovely Lisa ready for her reservation for two at the charity gala hosted at the grand Omni Rancho las Palmas Resort! This stunning gown is both eye-catching with its aqua hue and multitudes of ruffles peeking under the figure flattering hoop skirt, as well as understated as one's gown typically is at the formal swanky affairs (think Red Carpet, not Met Ball). The classic cut of the ballgown plays up the simple elegance of Lisa's beautiful girl next door vibe, while the hue shows off her baby blue eyes. Touches of orange accessories add a complimentary pop of color and fun, while helping both draw and keep the eye on her.

The charming Chantal is ready to hit the town! Ready to grab brunch with the girls, hit up the farmer's market for some floral finds and then off for a jeep tour of the mountainous desert, this outfit is as practical as it is cute. Comfortable strappy sandals that lace up her legs, palm printed capris topped of with a loosely fitting feather belt, a palm tree green midriff bearing top, and her sun-smart fedora have this girl ready for a day of sun and fun!

And for the final piece of the Palm Springs collection, I am thrilled to present the grand finale, the desert rose herself, Sarah!

Sarah's breathtaking lingerie echos the hues of the desert itself from the cool hued shades of cacti to the brilliant and fleeting blooms of Palm Spring's flora. Her luxurious hair extensions tie in the golden and dusty browns of the sunbaked desert floor, and her orange tinged makeup keep her her smile in the sunlight (and spotlight).

The lingerie gown's skirt is tiered, ruffled and multi-hued like that of a desert flower. The burgundy push up bra catches the eye and the repeating of the color makes the eye continue down her body, trailing out with the layers and then pulled front and center by the front cutout that highlights her long legs. Gray pearls are almost hidden and demure, a delight to find when spotted in the gown and on her wrists. The amber blossoms highlight the effect of her ponytail extension echoing the length and waves of her gown, and add a statement color that shouldn't match the rest of the colors of the outfit.

And that concludes the Palm Springs resort wear collection! Enjoy another glass of champagne and the models will be out to mingle shortly. The line is available this summer at select Gaian boutiques near you <3