Santino - 2006

I finally got internet in my new apartment! It was a nice little break from the online world, but im thrilled to be back. After getting bored of reading and setting up/organizing all my stuff, I rummaged around the apartment and discovered my roommate had a DVD of Project Runway Season 2. Being a huge "old-school" Project Runway fan (pretty much stopped watching after the 3rd season), I was ecstatic at this discovery. Haven't seen these episodes since it aired back in 2006. My number one revelation from rewatching the Finale --- Santino.

He way ahead of his time & hands-down should have won. His style was so extremely fashion-forward that not even Michael Kors or Nina Garcia acknowledged it. It's unbelievable watching the show 6 years later and seeing how fresh and spot-on Santino's final collection is to the recurring trends of today (and the past few years). I want every single piece of his collection. Chloe, the winner, used a gaudy, thick silk fabric for most of her pieces, which gave off a major costume vibe. Of course everything was sewn impeccably, but the style was appalling. At one point in the season, Santino designed a fitted, chic jumpsuit and was placed in the bottom. Michael Kors thought it looked out-dated and said "who would ever wear a jumpsuit again." Of course, jumpsuits have made a huge comeback and are even bigger now than they have ever been. But, I guess Santino was just a few years too early..

I'm curious to see what he is designing now. I think he's very underrated and definitely has a specific genius to him, and a keen eye for styling, that is worth looking further into. Here's my fav piece from his collection - who wouldn't want to wear that elegant dress?