The unconventional challenge-a "Project Runway" signature in which designers construct outfits using random finds at dollar stores, candy shops or hardware emporiums-is no sweat for Justin LeBlanc. In Season 12, he impressed the judges with a gown made from plastic laboratory pipettes that looked like it was covered in shimmery fringe.
When LeBlanc was in town for a "Project Runway All Stars" premiere party, RedEye tasked him with an unconventional challenge of our own: Create a Halloween costume in one hour's time from items bought at Walgreens for $30 or less in 10 minutes.
He recruited Alexander Knox, 22, of Boystown, and Ryan M. Beshel, 32, of Ravenswood, to compete against him. Knox, who represented Chicago on Season 13 of "Project Runway," is in his last year of study at Columbia College and designs costumes for local drag queens and Hydrate's Neverland parties. Beshel, a fashion and media personality, met LeBlanc when he interviewed the "Runway" contestant for Purely Fashion, a mobile app that showcases clothing designers.
Matched up against two designers, Beshel proved that you don't need expert sewing skills to whip up a super-speedy costume. He covered a newspaper-stuffed white trash bag with nametag stickers-white trash with an identity crisis, get it?-and was done with 40 minutes to spare. With neon poster board and a drawstring trash bag, Knox re-created Mitzi's flip-flop-covered number from "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," the 1994 movie that won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. LeBlanc took his inspiration from Meep on "American Horror Story: Freak Show" and constructed a feathery frock out of paper napkins and Swiffer hand dusters.
As the challenge clock wound down, they couldn't resist a few "Runway"-related jokes. "I'm sewing my model into the dress at this point!" Knox mock-exclaimed with 10 minutes remaining. Finding himself with five minutes to spare and his Meep costume complete, LeBlanc announced, "I'll make a clutch!" and set to work taping extra napkins to a Swiffer box. --Lisa Arnett
>>EXTRA: Read our interview with Justin LeBlanc and Kate Pankoke.
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