"Both my runway collection (from the show) and my current ready to wear collection were inspired by the beautiful embellishments and functionality of the combatant costumes of the past... more specifically 15th century armor. I am often inspired by history, though it is important that my designs reflect the culture and the technological advancements of our time."
"The fit and construction are the most important elements. I have never been the type of designer who embellishes with extraneous details. The details exist within the form."
What else is Baby working on? Well, she's also preparing a Spring 2009 ready-to-wear line; she's working on several private client orders and she's designing 6 dance costumes for the Guggenheim museum for a performance in September. We're so pleased that she's so busy. She was somewhat overshadowed by her fellow finalists, Rami and Christian and we felt all along that the girl had the chops to have an incredibly successful career.
As for her collection, we love it. You'll find some of her more memorable looks from her BP show, like her signature ruffled coat and knits, but there are some new pieces in there as well. We think she has a fresh and unique style and we wish her well. We're not bitches ALL the time, y'know.
Jillian Lewis Fall 2008 is expected to hit stores at the end of August. We'll keep you posted as to where you can find it.
[Photos: Courtesy of Jillian Lewis/WireImage]
I think Jillian has a huge hit on her hands. These clothes are beautiful I would love to own any or all of them.
ReplyDeleteI think being on the show was pretty hard on her. She deserves all the success that comes from it.
White knit dress with buttons on the back of the skirt - adorable!
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember that she wore some thing like this at the BP show?
-TLo Addict -
Her knitwear is gorgeous! Best of luck, Jillian!
ReplyDeleteSome of her sweater looks are just magnificent! Girl knows her knits.
ReplyDeleteI want that last coat...NOW! It's GORGE!! I love her work and I know she'll do well.
ReplyDeletei can see jillian wearing every single piece. i think we know who she designs for.
ReplyDeleteHer clothes are gorgeous. Can't wait to find out where I'll be shopping!
ReplyDeleteI think these are gorgeous. Very wearable and pretty.
ReplyDeleteI want the first coat! it's gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteand also her sweaters!
congrats Jillian on a fabulous fall collection! I hope it is somehow affordable (not like PPS prices on Bluefly).
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeletei can see jillian wearing every single piece. i think we know who she designs for.
All the female readers of this blog.
LOVE that red plaid number in a way I can barely explain. The whole collection is beautiful, but that piece stopped me in my tracks.
ReplyDeleteBe still, my heart!! I love all the pieces, but I truly covet the gray sweater in the second frame, and the LBD in the next to last frame. Jillian is so talented and her clothes are so wearable. Thanks so much for posting this, TLo, every day with you all is like a gift!!
ReplyDelete----StkrShock
I want all the knits. ALL of them. And I want the patterns so I can knit them myself. They are phenomenal. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow, very impressive. I think she's really onto something with the knits.
ReplyDeleteSewing Siren, I love the green sash. What do the little notes to the right of the sketch say?
When I see these, which show both thought, workmanship, style and wearability - in other words I can IMAGINE people wearing them - I remember why I can't take Christian's pure-style-as-embellishment ...
ReplyDeleteI'll take one of each in a size 4 please!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I ADORE the gray sweater! I want one!!!!
ReplyDeleteThose knit sweaters are to DIE for. I WILL have one, likely the blue. Everything else is darling, but not for my body type, although I'd try on the coats just to say I did. :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish Jillian nothing but the greatest success. If she keeps creating wonderful pieces like these, she'll be around for a long, long time.
Baby's done a marvelous job with those coats! I covet them! And her knits are a refreshing sight.
ReplyDeleteShe may have been overshadowed by Rami and PPS, but I think she's got the work ethic and aesthetic to make it in the long run. I look forward to her future collections.
Wasn't a big fan of hers during Season 4 but these all look amazing. Congrats to Jillian.
ReplyDelete"We think she has a fresh and unique style and we wish her well. We're not bitches ALL the time, y'know."
ReplyDeleteAnd that's why we love you bitches!
Great collection. I can actually see those pieces hanging in a store. Knitwear is really her forte.
Lovely, lovely...just like Baby herself. Hope she does big business.
ReplyDeleteHello Gorgeous!! I love, love, LOVE these clothes!!!!
ReplyDeleteI want the sweaters. I want the coat.
I don't care what those fercockta judges said: Jillian is the winner of S4!
She didn't have the catchphrases or the over-the-top reality show personality - but she knows what women want to wear, and look good in.
Jillian is the one who is going to go the distance.
--GothamTomato
Fabulous! Thank you so much for this post, boys! I want one of each, please.
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!!! I wish she had won PR 4. Her clothing is fashion-forward, but WEARABLE! I want every single piece, and that's saying something:)
ReplyDeleteWow... I seriously love this collection! Gorgeous stuff, especially the knits. I especially covet that last coat, and the gray sweater with the ruffle. WANT.
ReplyDeleteI want all of these, too! Like someone else said, I hope these are priced more reasonably than PPS's stuff.
ReplyDeleteIf I had oodles of money, I would pay Jillian to come make all my clothes for me.
Jillian is an artist when it comes to coats. Live long and prosper, Jillian!
ReplyDeleteRed Plaid Flannel: Lipstick lesbian dream top!
ReplyDeleteYes these are excellent looking pieces and very commercial. While I wasn't a huge fan of her bryant park collection, it was always clear she was the most commerical of the final four.
ReplyDeleteAnd Tlo: WE all know you guys aren't bitches all the time. BUt you are deinitely alpha bitches and should wear the title proudly :)
Frank
Good God, she's so f'ing pretty. I'm glad you guys call her Baby, because I am constantly told I look like Baby as well, so maybe I'm half as pretty as she is.
ReplyDeleteHer collection is gorgeous--I love those knits. I'm not a fan of the puffy sleeve plaid, but everything else is beautiful. I covet that belted knit dress/coat at the end.
I WANT IT. Particularly two of the sweaters.
ReplyDeleteJillian actually makes stuff I could wear. And any time Vogue Knitting wants to publish one of her sweater patterns, I will get out my needles and surround myself with yarn.
The white knit with buttons...okay, here's the thing: you can't easily sit or move with buttons on your ass without them ripping off or pulling terribly on the rest of the garment. Otherwise, it's very cute. Not my favorite, but cute.
ReplyDeleteHer coat, well, I'm not sure how many times she can put that one on the runway and have folks ooh and aah. It's beautiful, but we've seen it several times already.
Where Jillian really shines is with her short jackets and knit tops. The way she mixes pattern and form is really pleasing to the eye. And her use of curves with straight lines, she definitely gives you a point of interest and that's not boring at all.
I love it! I really hope she keeps her promise and gets it into some stores here on Long Island; I know I won't be able to buy anything, but it would be nice to see.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, those knits! ~<3
ReplyDeletePlease tell us when you find out where we can buy them. (Although I do hope they have them in larger sizes. Curse my genetics.)
I want everything except for the red plaid thing, it just screams Lumberjack Drag Queen to me.
ReplyDeleteBut everything else, especially the first coat is GOREGOUS!
Love the coats and the fabulous knits.
ReplyDeleteThe only look that didn't work for me was the buffalo plaid, but I freely admit that it is because of my own issues (1980's + Wisconsin=bad lumberjack juju).
This is the first time I'm tempted to put down serious money for one of the PR designers.
ReplyDeleteAt least one of those sweaters shall be mine.
So what if I stand out among the Walmart/Patagonia/hippie citizens of my community.
-- desertwind
Jillian will always the S4 winner to me.
ReplyDeletePlease do let us know. They are so beautiful! I love her clothes, and still have no idea how Rami was second place and she was third!
ReplyDeletePlus, I think she seems like a cool girl.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Beautiful. All of it. But I'm completely nuts about the high-collared, grey jacket, and the black dress.
ReplyDeleteamazing. any info on when and where these pieces will be available?
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! absolutely adorable.
ReplyDeletewoo hoo for jullian.
Wow! I love the fisherman's knit sweater dress (but I wonder how well it stays up).
ReplyDeleteHer POV is very unique. She never bores me.
GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteI've said it before, I'll say it again... She should've won.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stuff. Most of this isn't my personal aesthetic, but they are beautifully made, and I can see them appealing to a wide range of women, from younger to older.
ReplyDeleteI would wear the LBD and the white strapless dress, though. And that first coat is still a stunner.
Excellent stuff. She was the winner for me in S4.
ReplyDeleteShe should be doing costume design for film and theater as well.
I absolutely adore the parallel between her knits and 15th century doublets, particularly the flared backs. It's wonderful to see a designer look back further than last week, and pick up influences found in both historical costuming and painting. That MMA challenge really inspired her!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to find out where these pieces will be available! It's so nice to see a talent like her continue with her dreams and not be overshadowed by the results of a TV reality program. You go girl!!!
Sincerely,
Mistress Mary ... Quite Contrary
Oh my, I love nearly all of these. I want that first jacket SO MUCH but I am afraid the ruffles will give me more butt than I want. :(
ReplyDeleteThat last piece (jacket? sweater?) is GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteOh it's cute! I remember always looking a Jillian and saying, "I wouldn't wear it, but it's stylish." But I would totally wear one of her jackets!!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks nice, pretty and wearable and perhaps just a tiny bit boring.
ReplyDeleteThat first coat is gorgeous. If I could find it in my price range/size, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection! Her clothes were my favorite from Season 4 - they're actually one of my favorites of all seasons. That black dress and at least one of the sweaters will be mine. Maybe one of the coats too. I love the way her designs are sort of classic but with a really interesting twist. I think she's got the chops to be the Donna Karan of her generation. Since she seems more interested in and better suited to being a serious designer than a reality tv star it may be a blessing in disguise that she didn't win. Too many of the PR finalists and winners seem to be languishing in B- or C-list celebrity hell without producing much serious work. I don't know if she's found an investor (hope so!) but I think she's going to go the distance. And kudos for looking so incrediby beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteHow is it she didn't win again?
ReplyDeleteI'd wear every piece. Ditto Uli's. Why do they always praise designing for "real women" and then give the prize to some guy who designs stuff that would only look good on a size two model, who's into feathers?
That black cardigan is fecking fabulous. Please do keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteYou know what it reminds me of? In the 80s Issey Miyake took traditional Japanese clothes and modernized them and brought them forward. This is the same idea but with European styles. I think its brilliant and I wish her well!
ReplyDeleteLove the knitwear! Makes me wanna get out my needles and knit something awesome!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of those who were not wowed by Jillian on the show, but are wowed by this mini-collection. I cannot wait to hear prices and store locations.
ReplyDeleteThey are all nicely designed but they would make anyone look 10 years older. The fabric choices are odd.
ReplyDeleteThose clothes are hot as hell.
ReplyDeleteThat last coat is GORGEOUS. Sometimes I just wish I were a woman...
ReplyDeleteThe word that immediately came to my mind also came, it seems, to everyone else: GORGEOUS. Luxuriant, richly detailed, interesting and yet wearable. Gotham Tomato is exactly right -- Jillian is the real winner of S4.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness. Why isn't she doing menswear? I'd be all over it. I'm almost tempted to buy the womenswear, it's so good.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Way to go, Jillian! I'm proud of you, girl!
ReplyDelete"Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteYou know what it reminds me of? In the 80s Issey Miyake took traditional Japanese clothes and modernized them and brought them forward."
I read somewhere that Asians (particularly Japanese fashionistas) love her designs. I'm not surprised at all.
I've decided I want the black sweater more than the blue.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to win the lottery to afford it, but I WILL be wearing that next fall.
I absolutely love Jillian's fit-and-flare shapes. So flattering!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to her! I'm sure she's going to be successful.
I want.
ReplyDelete"The fit and construction are the most important elements. I have never been the type of designer who embellishes with extraneous details. The details exist within the form."
ReplyDeleteMy kind of girl. I wish you the best of luck in all future endeavors, Jillian.
Simply gorgeous; I would know these were Jillilan's just by looking at the tailoring. Maybe if I start riding a bike TODAY and saving all the money I would have spent on gas...
ReplyDeleteI wasn't in love with her finale collection, but there isn't a piece here that I don't LOVE LOVE LOVE.
ReplyDeleteYou Go Jillian!!
where can i buy that second knit sweater jacket thing???
ReplyDeleteLOVE it.
I would wear nearly every single piece here. Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteShe was my first round pick for winner in S4. Looks like she'll be one of the ones that makes it regardless of the win.
ReplyDeleteI would die to see menswear versions of the 3rd and 5th jackets. HOT! HOT! HOT!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBrooklyn Bomber said...
ReplyDeleteSewing Siren, I love the green sash. What do the little notes to the right of the sketch say?,
It says: Square neck
Empire (waist)
with
Peg skirt
I was trying to think what "I" would have done with Weslie's fabric. Someone on the Wes thread said he had some green (colored) jersey. This dress would probably take about 3 yards, I think Wes had less than that, like 2 maybe.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that red plaid coat!!! I cannot wait to find out where I can buy it! Also, all the knit sweaters are adorable and I would buy any of those as well. Hopefully they won't cost an arm and a leg... just one maybe?
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing Jillian's Spring collection!
The great thing about Jillian's clothing is that it would look flattering on most women. I love that she plans for curves. We need more designers like her!
ReplyDeleteI. want. that. coat!!!! (the first one).... gorgeous - every piece. very feminine without being frilly. i really wanted her to win, but in the long run i really think she IS the winner. i wish her all the success that she has so rightfully earned!
ReplyDeletethanks, tlo for keeping us updated on her!
I WANT THAT FIRST SWEATER! AHHHH! Love it!
ReplyDeleteuhm. ew.
ReplyDeleteWow, leave the blog for a few hours, come back, and Jillian has a new, fabulous and amazing line of womenswear for fall!
ReplyDeleteI was never a Jillian fan, but I sure am now. Again, wow! Every piece, every stitch, every silhouette - perfection! Kudos, to Jillian for designing a fresh, sexy and wearable line for the modern, everyday woman.
- edina -
I think Jillian is going to be around for quite a long time....
ReplyDeleteShe seems to have more range than the other two PR4 finalists.
Love the knits!!
Call me crazy, but the red plaid jacket reminds me a little bit of Christian's jacket from the first episode of Season 4. Did anyone else think this?
ReplyDelete-Kat
Loving it! I would buy every single one of these pieces. Go Jillian!
ReplyDeleteI liked her collection a lot. Nice pieces, but I think they'd look dated quickly. Already I'm having flashbacks to the 80's and I'm expecting her to to zip in wearing tight jeans and a pair of Candie's anytime.
ReplyDeleteI would totally wear everything! Jillian is fabulous. I'll be sure to keep a look out for her line.
ReplyDeleteas a knitter, all i can say is GODDAMN! those knit pieces are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI love this collection. I'd wear every single one of these looks.
ReplyDelete"Ms Sangrail said...
ReplyDeleteI think Jillian is going to be around for quite a long time....
She seems to have more range than the other two PR4 finalists.
Love the knits!!"
Yup. Yup.
I want everything except the short-sleeved lumberjack number. No chance any of it will ever be found where I live. So sad.
ReplyDeleteI love her work. She was my fav last season.
ReplyDeleteI want want want that gray sweater.... Actually, gimme one of every piece.
Baby is such a great name for her.
I really like the knit jacket, like she said, it has the right amount of details without being overdone.
ReplyDeleteher work is amazing. i find it to be better than rami's work (i'll just call it that) and christian's fierce model fantasy wear.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous collection. I would wear any of those pieces in a heartbeat! I always felt the judges dismissed her Bryant Park Collection way too quickly, she was the winner in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI hope and I pray that at least some of her stuff will be available in plus sizes! That's one of the things I like about the PR designers that are showing on QVC, I can actually wear their work.
ReplyDelete*crosses fingers*
love the knits. Never want to see buffalo plaid outside of a Maine lodge again.
ReplyDeleteGod, her stuff is so gorgeous. I don't know if I could actually look good in any of those pieces (being, ahem, of larger carriage) but I love just looking at them.
ReplyDeletei was never a HUGE Jillian fan, but i want - want so much it hurts! - that black sweater (4th one from top). it's GORGEOUS, and just my kind of thing. somehow, though, i suspect Jillian Lewis's Fall 2008 collection will be right out of my lil grad student budget.
ReplyDeletesigh.
and good for her!
Go Jillian!
ReplyDeleteYou know, after the snark and the designer by designer analysis every episode, one of the things I most like about this blog is how you try to keep up with what the contestants are doing now. I love how you check in with old friends, thank you for that.
Jillian was dry as tv, but her designs were almost always wonderful, and her talent and passion and work ethic are phenomenal. I hope she achieves the level of success and recognition that she so richly deserves.
I loved that first sweater when it was in black and gold in the finale, and I love it even more now that I can see the details. And those knit dresses are just lovely.
She should hook up with Emmett. Does EMC2 sell other designers?
Those coats and knits are TO. DIE. FOR. I think it's the second time (first was Jay) that I'm truly impressed by an ex-PRer collection. Wow.
ReplyDelete*drool* *drool*
I can say that I would buy EVERY SINGLE thing she made! Even if its like a thousand degrees here and I would only be able to wear them to heavily air conditioned places!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Goodness. Love the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteShe really understands fit in a way most designers never will. Go Jillian!
I'd like to see the clothes on real models. but it's a gorgeous collection. good luck J!
ReplyDeleteLOVE #3 (sweater with the peplum). Granted, there are only 2 days in the year I could wear something that warm, but it would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about Jillian's collection is that it appears to be wearable for real women. I'm not exactly a skinny minnie, but I feel that I could pull off most of her garments and feel beautiful in them! I really love all of the pieces!
ReplyDeleteFantastic collection. I'm so pleased to see Jillian doing so well!
ReplyDeleteI love these looks. What a great mini-collection! Thanks for the post, Tlo!
ReplyDeleteLove it. For the first time, I wish I could stand the feeling of heavy knits, because that gray ruffled sweater? To die for.
ReplyDeleteMy credit card is practically jumping out of my wallet!!
ReplyDelete~ Alisons
Oh, Jillian. You were always my favorite. How depressed I was when you did not win last season!
ReplyDelete*sigh* i love love love her. she was my pick. i will be thrilled if her clothes are accessible to me!!
ReplyDeleteI love her clothes, but I don't like that website. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting updates on all the designers, especially the ones that didn't win. It's great to see that they are doing well, and that perhaps the publicity from the show helped them go further even if they don't win. And thank you, boys, for just being wonderfully funny!
The white dress is simple adorable!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous collection! Jillian is so talented!
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. GAWD. I loved her jacket-dress(es) in S4, and I am so happy they'll actually be available! I really need to hit the gym to fit into these suckers! I am such a fan!
ReplyDeletePlease keep us posted boys! I want to buy at least one of these.
ReplyDeletei love her signature militar coat :)
ReplyDeletego jillian!!<3
ReplyDeleteThere are some great looks here! I thought she unfairly got the bronze; I think her collection deserved a lot more love than Rami's, and was a serious contender against Christian.
ReplyDelete