City Pulse

Project Runway’s Althea Harper

By Patricia Wersinger

Former Project Runway finalist Althea Harper’s Fall 2011 presentation was inspired by the glamour of 1940s and 50s horror and sci-fi film actresses, very groomed women evoking vulnerability and fear but with a contemporary sense of confidence. Created with the line of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, the look for eyes picked up the same vibe of sci-fi futuristic coolness with a feminine sultriness. The eyes were smoky and mysterious with a neutral palette of two different shades, Nori Deep Marine Green and Obscure White with Teal reflections. The skin was fresh and nicely moisturized with OCC’s Natural Tint Moisturizer. The skin was brightened but the finish was neutral. The lips were covered with Lip Tar in the fleshly Revere color mixed with a Cream Beige Neutral interlace.

In its seventh year, explained art director and make up artist Katie Peggegrino, the vegan OCC always stays on the cusp, creating a new line of cosmetics for every season. The collection will launch its Low-Fi new Spring collection in LA next month. The products capture the vibe of the HD generation with names such as Noise, Low Fi and mix nostalgia and edginess.

The hair conveys a very sculpted, feminine and glamorous look that fell into beautiful curls. This look, with a nice volume in front, can easily transcend the runway and be imitated in real life. It is flattering to any woman whatever the shape of her face may be. On some models, the hair was teased less extensively to counter the traditional glamorous mould and convey a contemporary lightness and ease. The hair was infused with Aveda’s Control Force Firm Hairspray, which can hold hair for 12 hours.

The Presentation at Gallery Nine 5 in Soho was stunning. Old Hollywood camp redefined with vibrant grays, teals, layers of lace, knit, cotton sateen, velvet trims and chiffon, giving evidence that the former Project Runway finalist is at the top of her talent.