Irina is In!

Last Thursday marked the finale of Project Runway season 6.  Winning designer Irina Shabayeva, a Republic of Georgia native, showed her design concept "modern warrior women of NYC".  Though her collection lacked a play with color, she was noted for her impeccable tailoring on the clothes.  Her t-shirts on heavy, bulky coats were a refreshing take on style.  The collection was coherent and had a strong point of view.

Judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Suzy Menkes and Heidi Klum favored Irena over fellow finalists Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield.

As the winning designer, Irina will receive an editorial feature in an issue of Marie Claire magazine, a cash prize of $100,000 to start their own line, and an all-expense-paid trip for two in Paris.  Her model, Kalyn Hemphill, will receive 25 grand in cash and will take part in the winning designer's fashion spread in Marie Claire.

The dress above is the holiday dress that will be sold at select Macy's stores and at Macys.com early part of December 2009.  Irina had the opportunity to exclusively design a dress for INC International Concepts after winning the Macy's challenge on Project Runway.