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My Design For Sasha Cohen, America's New National Champion

Congratulations Sasha!!

OK. So here is just a not-so-quick explanation on why I was so excited about the 'Sasha Challenge' and queened out in front of all of America on Wednesday night! In my household Figure Skating has been on the required viewing list for the past 14 years. In fact, David just returned from spending a week (yes, you heard me, a week) in St. Louis, MO where he and his friends spent each and every waking day watching the practices, attending every event no matter how important or unimportant they were. To put it mildly, they are obsessed with the sport and I have been mocking them for the last 14 years.

Cut to the show and this challenge. Along with the other designers I show up to an Ice Skating rink and realize what is about to occur: That I am to design a Figure Skating costume for one of the sports biggest icons. This is what I call Karma. My excitement and giddyness was more about projecting what David and his friends were going to say the minute they saw this episode on air, and that I, someone who has been mocking their obsession with Figure Skating, ended up having to design a costume for the sport.

Ironically, their obsession with the sport turned out to be a plus for me. I realized that I did have some knowledge of Figure Skating since I had been an unwilling viewer for so long. I knew that Sasha Cohen was a classic skater who had a European aesthetic to her style. Following this European aesthetic I also thought of her skating to famous Ballet's such as Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' and Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet'.

I was thrilled with how my costume turned out and thought it reflected the look of a Ballerina on the Ice. In fact, when I watched her win the Championship on Saturday I was happy to see that she chose colors and draping that were so similar to my design.

Congrats again Sasha, and thanks for the autographs for my boys!

18 Responses to " "

Ang said...

Lovely design.

Why you didn't win is a mystery.

The Scarlett said...

Nick, you are my favorite by far. You always seek to make a woman look beautiful and graceful. You know that less isn't always more but that less draped elegantly is more. And, doll, I love your sound bites the best. I hope you go all the way. Heck yes!

Li'l Pony said...

I loved this design. I wish it had gotten more screen-time!

Anonymous said...

I thought your design was not the strongest that you have done but still miles ahead of many of the others.

look forward to seeing you collection at fashion week!

Anonymous said...

Your creativity is only surpassed by your wit and "lovability." (is that a word?) I was sorry to see Emmett go, but better him than you. I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about, you have this competition all sewn (ha!) up. Just try to distance yourself from Tino-don't let him steal your thunder. Stay sweet. We love you Louisiana!

Marley Gibson said...

Loved your reaction to seeing Sasha. Too cute! And your design was amazing. I love how you do the slashes on the back with both the skating costume and with the Nicky Hilton dress (which she should have chosen.) It really draws your eye in and makes the items "move."

Marley = )

Anonymous said...

You've been my favorite from the beginning and it'll stay that way no matter what happens. Your style is amazing, not to mention your wit and personality. Youre definitely going to go far in this business, because you've got the talent and skills to succeed. I hope the best for you in every aspect of your life.

xoxo Nadia

LauraK said...

I especially loved the back on this dress!

Anonymous said...

Nick,
Your design for this challenge was lovely and I was very surprised that it wasn't in the top two.
Your 'skating' knowledge explanation is hilarious and I can only imagine the excitement this episode caused in your household. No wonder you were so agog upon seeing Sasha at the rink!

Anonymous said...

I thought you should have won this challenge, for sure. Your design was original yet classic, and moved so well. I'm pulling for you to win!

Anonymous said...

The moment I saw this dress I yelled "Romeo and Juliet!". Glad to know my eye was right. Beautiful, elegant, tasteful and classic, just like all the other garmets you make. Keep rockin' it! I hope I get a chance to purchase some of your stuff soon (I've already got my very own Uncle Nick Barbie!)

Liz said...

You are cracking me up by talking about "queening out". You have such a great sense of humor about yourself. It's refreshing to watch.

Anonymous said...

NICK, AS A FAMILY, WE ARE BIG FANS OF YOUR TALENT AND YOUR CHARMING PERSONALITY AND WE ARE KERFLUMPED THAT MORE OF YOUR LOVELY DESIGNS DIDN'T WIN MORE OFTEN!

Anonymous said...

As a former pro figure skater, I totally loved your dress. I really thought Sasha was going to choose it. It was on the cutting-edge of regular performance dresses.
I love all of your designs on the show. Hope you make it to the top 3 and win!

FuzzerWuzzer said...

You really nailed this one. It did have two sides tho'-sorta "skate-y" but also could have worked as a mini-dress. Maybe a tad too "real" and not "costume-y" enough? Sasha does love Swan Lake, tho, maybe that's why she responded to Zulema. I'm a skater in NYC, and my dear god, we need some fresh perspective out there! Could you possibly tell these people that navy blue with rhinestones is NEVER a "concept" and purple and green make a senior lady look like the Joker? No wonder the judges give out low scores at Worlds--some of these skating dresses are from the Helen Keller collection! Anyway, keep the faith, stay positive, and always remember true spirits will find each other. Much love, La Reigne de Neve

Anonymous said...

Nick, I am an ice skater and when I make it, you are my designer. Love ya babe!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Nick, bet you watched the Olympics voluntarily this year! I thought of you and your beautiful skating dress design when I saw Sasha skate. I loved what she did so much! I don't care that she took a tumble in the long program, she was just the epitome of grace and strength, she just has to learn to have faith in herself all the time. You keep the faith, too, ok? Your work is so gorgeous, I hope to be able to wear something by you some day - I'll be watching for it!

Kylie Fong said...

I totally thought you meant Sascha Baron Cohen aka Ali G.
ROFL. Ooops.

If you need me, I'll be in the fridge.

Au reviour.