Julie Frank

Senior apparel merchandising major Kirsten Beesch was named top designer at the finale of “Project Runway: SDSU Edition” March 19.

The winner was announced after Beesch and remaining contestant Britta Dahl showcased their individual lines at the runway show. Each line consisted of three outfits linked by a common theme. The outfits were produced out of fabric and supplies the designers purchased with $150 at JoAnn Fabrics in Sioux Falls.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Beesch on winning “Project Runway,” “I worked hard.”

Beesch admitted to spending 20 hours on her line. The experience helped her to better understand her future career.

Beesch looked forward to the fall 2007 season for inspiration. The first outfit to come down the runway consisted of a red sleeveless shirt paired with capri pants. It was accessorized with black gloves and a faux fur muff.

Next came a short sleeveless dress made out of multi-colored fabric with vertical strips layered with black fabric.

Last came a quarter-length blue shirt paired with black shorts. The shirt had a dipping neckline in the back.

The formal outfits had a common visual theme of curved lines. The lines could be seen on the tops and the back of the dress. Beesch made all her garments except the gloves.

The grand prize were gift certificates to Embroidery and More and Tuli. In addition, both Beesch and Dahl received a sewing kit.

Although Dahl wasn’t named top designer, she was chosen as viewers’ choice and received a gift certificate to Embroidery and More.

“It’s kind of like winning the show,” said Dahl. She added that the show allowed her to start an audience base and was an opportunity to display both designers’ work.

Dahl found inspiration for her line in a vase filled with pink roses. Her line consisted of two dresses and a crochet top paired with pants. Like Beesch, Dahl also made her pieces from scratch.

Despite the low attendance, executive producer of “Project Runway” and UPC’s Arts Coordinator, Jessica Eikmeier, called the event a success.

“It went really well,” Eikmeier said. “I was really impressed with the designers. They have incredible talent.”

“Project Runway: SDSU Edition” fans Emily Cummins and Traci Singsaas, both freshmen pre-nursing majors, agreed with Eikmeier. They said the event was something new and showcased different talents on campus.

The final show concluded UPC’s four-part series, which challenged four apparel merchandising students to become SDSU’s top designer. The designers were given a challenge at each show, during which judges crowned a winner and eliminated one designer.

Eikmeier hopes Project Runway will become an annual event.

Christie Madsen, a junior psychology major, agreed. Madsen attended the finale.

“We look forward to the new and improved Project Runway next year,” said Madsen.

#1.883605:3821215466.jpg:projectrunway2.cs.jpg:SDSU ‘Project Runway’ designers Kirsten Beesch and Britta Dahl share their collections with audience members and judges.:Courtney Smith#1.883604:2704112956.jpg:projectrunway.cs.jpg:A volunteer model struts her stuff in the designer’s pieces.:Courtney Smith