Words by Emily Shapiro
Project Runway has a history of featuring talented designers with roots in the West Indies, with Trini winner Anya De Rogue, and last year’s talented tailor from Guyana, Ven Budhu. The current season is proving to be no different. Bronx native and Brooklyn-based designer, Samantha Black, is killing the contest with her innovative designs and impeccable taste. Success is nothing new for Black, who’s parents are both from Jamaica, as she’s already made a name for herself with her sick bad collections for her own line, Sammy B Designs. In addition, Ms. B has worked with some amazing designers like Michael Kors and Alexander McQueen and dressed some serious divas like Keri Hilson and Ashanti.
Samantha’s aesthetic, which features hardware details, braiding, heightened shoulders and a generally brilliant balance between masculinity and girlishness, is working in her favor on the show. While she hasn’t been on the winning team every week, her designs have been getting lots of compliments and she took home the individual win on last night’s challenge for her adorable peplum dress made only from flowers and findings from a hardware store. Based on her track record, on the real-life runway and so far on the show, we don’t think she’ll be going anywhere anytime soon. Stay tuned for Large Up’s interview with the bashy seamstress.