Harper, who placed second in the television competition, is one of eight contestants from season six appearing in the game. Also included are celebrities Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors.
The University of Cincinnati grad is also excited to be introducing her new fall line of contemporary sportswear at Fashion Week in New York on Monday, Feb. 15. She’s opted to show her new designs at a Manhattan art gallery rather than the traditional Bryant Park tents.
“It’s so expensive to be at the tents and I’m a new, younger brand, so I like the idea of doing it a little more underground,” said Harper. “When you go to the tents you pay for a big package. This way we created our own show, got our own sponsors, hair and make-up people. And the gallery is an elongated rectangle which is perfect for a runway.”
Harper said her fall line, inspired by the Futurism art movement, is minimalist and downtown chic, designed for young women in their 20s and 30s, but appealing to others as well.
“I like the colors and shapes that are very purposeful and deliberate,” she said. “I think red is a bold color coming back and I like bold, saturated colors. And, of course for winter, neutrals and blacks.”
Unlike many designers, Harper doesn’t subscribe to fashion trend forecasting services.
“It’s extremely expensive,” she said. “I follow trends and know what’s popular but I take my educated guesses about what’s going to be new for the upcoming season. You have to be aware of the trends but you have to have your own voice.”
Harper, who is known for her knit work, has assembled a collection that includes luxurious knits with varied stitches, tailored and oversized chunky knits along with feminine tailored jackets with strong shoulders and leather piecing. The collection also includes her signature body-contouring silhouettes updated for fall with leather and silk accents.
The fall line, with prices ranging from $100 to $400, will be available on Harper’s new online store by the end of February. Check out www.altheaharper.com
As for her video game, she hasn’t had a chance to play it. But according to the folks at Atari Inc. and The Weinstein Company, the new game will put players in the role of aspiring fashion designers where they’ll be presented with a range of theme challenges. They’ll adorn models with hair, make-up and accessories, and can turn out everything from a rock star’s outfit to a high school uniform. Players can become the model — posing and strutting down the runway using the Wii Balance Board.
The new video game will also include an interactive garment studio, fashion career mode, hair and make-up studios, a balance board catwalk game, and a feature where the player can take part in a fashion shoot as a fashion photographer. Suggested retail is $39.99.
At the moment, Harper, who went straight from college to Project Runway, said she’s delighted to be gaining recognition as a fashion designer.
“I’m working toward my goal and doing my dream, but it’s still so much work,” she said. “And there’s still so much to achieve.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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