Season six winner of Project Runway Irina Shabayeva debuted her Fall 2010 collection on Saturday, February 13^th during New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at SIR Stage 37.  Shabayeva created a fantasy of intricate beading, textile construction and exotic materials inspired by a sense of freedom and untethered journey of flight.  Hand-sewn creations of soft cashmeres, silk-screened and hand- painted wools were showcased side-by-side with structurally sculpted bodices and flight inspired flounces.

Materials ranged from natural to industrial as creations were swirled in feathers and patterns only born in nature. Tupperware-engineered materials (seriously, you HAVE to see this!) 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.

Irina said,  “Knowing that Tupperware is so passionate about empowering women, it was easy to implement an element of determination into the clothing.”  She added, “To me, fashion and the design process is liberating, fun and empowering.”  What could be more true?

Tupperware Brands’ Chairman and CEO Rick Goings was enthusiastic about Irina’s creative talent, saying that when they saw Irina on Project Runway, they were “simply in awe of her of talent and vision,” and 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.”

It is that kind of idea that makes Fashion Week (and the fashion industry) so exciting!  It is thrilling for us to see looks on the runway that are so different and innovative.

Highlights from the Fall collection include intricate hand-painted prints, pheasant feather dresses and custom made aviator hats.  A strapless white cocktail dress made from 8 different wings of Tupperware materials impressed attendees along with a black glider with hand carved leather wing paired with leather panel pants.

We are hoping that in the future we will get to see more from Irina Shabayeva on runways everywhere!  I am really digging on this white dress. Don’t you love?
While I was checking out looks from this show I could not help but wish I could see Lady Gaga in some of these numbers.  When I think fashion innovation and FUN, I think of a Lady Gaga video.  She is truly a fashion icon – love her or not – because she dares to wear runway looks off the runway.

Irina Shabayeva, can we see some ready-to-wear?  I’d love to see this white dress translated into real life!