I am Fashion: Mila Hermanovski's Holiday 2010 Lookbook

It's Milatastic.

Linear Flange Dress/Houndstooth Silks/Rayon Grosgrain Appliqué

When we went to NY a couple weeks back for the PR finale show, we had the pleasure of hanging out with some PR alums at Laura Bennett's place the night before. Because season 7 had ten collections in their finale show, we never got to meet the bulk of the designers from that season (because they were all backstage at the time). It was fun meeting S7 peeps like Jay and Jonathan for the first time, but we have to say we came away from meeting Mila very impressed. We won't say she's nothing like the person you saw on TV because that wouldn't be true. We will say that in person she is strikingly attractive, charismatic, professional, and warm. We say the same thing to every PR alum when we meet them: "Send us your stuff. We'd love to feature it on the blog." They don't all take us up on the offer but Mila was happy to do so. She sent along her Holiday 2010 Lookbook and we asked her to give us some of her thoughts on the pieces.

"Basically, after I recovered from Project Runway, I had no samples to reflect my current work except for the few pieces I auditioned with; prior to doing the show I had been working predominantly as a costumer. Since the Bryant Park/Project Runway collection I designed was still fresh in my mind, I decided to produce a "Fall II" collection which would make sense following it.

However, the timing in the industry was such that I was advised to make it "Holiday", and keep it small. I thought I would play with textures a bit more, while keeping the same palette, concept ("shadows"), and use of luxe materials I used for Fall. I also wanted it to resonate with those who identified me with my debut collection, shown on Project Runway, which is why some very similar ideas are there."

If you remember her work from the show, this collection will look very Mila to you; lots of black and white, colorblocking, and a general mod feeling to it. She had a tendency on the show to sometimes lapse into too-literal mod looks that looked like they walked right off of Carnaby Street, 1966. Not so with this collection. We think these clothes look very modern and even a little edgy, not to mention very, very polished. We like the mix of textures and fabrics, which is something she does very well.

Now she's working on her Spring 2011 runway show which will be presented on 10/17 at Concept LA fashion Week. You can keep track of all her goings on at her web site.