Extra, Extra: Cass Tech Graduate to Compete on Project Runway

Image from mylifetime.com

Another Detroit-native has landed a spot on the nation's most watched fashion reality show. Laurie Underwood, Cass Tech Graduate, will be on Lifetime's Project Runway, Cycle 14. If you don't know who Laurie Underwood, we'll give you the run down.

Laurie is 29 years old and currently resides in Chicago, IL. In 2006, she won the Best in Show award in the Illinois of Art 2006 Graduate Portfolio Show. During her senor thesis class, she had to create a thesis collection, and that's where she realized her potential because a few classmates and instructors doubted her ability to finish the collection on time. She decided to buckle down, and worry only about the design process and not how the collection was going to turn out. Her laser focus helped her to create a women's ready-to-wear collection that would blow everyone's minds, and help Laurie to realize she really could be the designer she always dreamed of becoming. Since then, Laurie has started her own clothing line Wanda Grace that is a full line of chic, fun and flirty ready to wear pieces for women; the collection is bold in color and diverse in fabrics.

The season premiere of Project Runway Season 14 is Thursday, August 6. For more information about the show and other contestants, head over to Project Runway; and for more information about Laurie, check out her stuff on Wanda Grace. Good luck, Laurie!

Do It: Rock Her World Design Competition at Tapper’s

While at Drinks x Design last Thursday, Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry announced its upcoming Rock Her World Design competition. Drinks x Design was great, thanks for asking (we know you are thinking it - you're so great!), but we need to tell you about this design competition, so aspiring jewelry designers, listen up.

Tapper’s has launched a competition for local art and design students to create a piece of jewelry to be featured as part of the Tapper’s Rock Her World Collection. The purpose of the competition is to showcase promising and innovative individuals, and to help advance the career of a promising artist at an early age.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, the designer’s work is required to be an original concept and needs to feature at least on Rock Her World diamond. Designs must be for either a necklace, rings, or earrings; and a maximum of three entries per designer may be submitted. The winning design will be manufactured and launched within the Rock Her World campaign, and winners will receive a $500 cash reward, a profile on tappers.com and a feature in the fall/holiday issue of Tapper’s Accent magazine.

To apply, visit www.tappers.com, and the application can be submitted online or mailed to Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewlery, 6637 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. Submission deadline is Monday, June 15, and winners will be announced Monday, July 6.