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Oakwood grad takes second on Project Runway

Photos: 'Project Runway' watch party

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By Amelia Robinson, Staff Writer Updated 12:26 AM Friday, November 20, 2009

Oakwood High School graduate Althea Harper heard the words that signaled the end of the seam on “Project Runway” during the Lifetime show’s season finale Thursday night, Nov. 19.

But the “Auf Wiedersehen,” from host Heidi Klum came after Harper achieved any fashion designer’s dream — a show in New York’s Bryant Park during Fashion Week in the Big Apple.

“I might not be the winner, but I am a winner,” the 25-year-old said during the show.

With her sportswear collection inspired by 1950s and 1960s sci-fi movies, Harper placed second behind her ‘archenemy,’ Irina Shabayeva.

Shabayeva nabbed a Paris vacation, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine and $100,000 to start her own line.

Carol Hannah Whitfield came in third.

Harper, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Design, said the show has meant great exposure for her designs. She currently works for designer Tory Burch.

Her sister, boyfriend, parents and a friend were in New York for the live runway finale.

Christina Harper of Oakwood said watching her daughter’s performance was a fabulous experience. Before watching the taped version of the show’s finale at a friend’s home in Kettering, Christina said she was pleasantly surprised her daughter made it to the finals.

“I knew she had the talent, but you never know how these things are going to go,” the elder Harper said, noting she is impressed by Althea’s abilities.

“I see her talent and think ‘wow, she sure is good,’ ” Christina said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or  arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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I believe that would be the person who blamed Althea of copying that won. She is alittle paranoid. She accused 2 people I think it was of copying

C L
7:59 AM, 11/21/2009

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One of the project runway people accused Althea of copying her design. What happen with that?

karon
1:00 AM, 11/20/2009

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It was fun watching Dayton (Oakwood) being represented! I really liked Althea's designs a lot! Too bad I'm not 25 years younger and 30 pounds lighter, I would love to wear those outfits! Anyway, good luck to Althea in the future!!

Sarah
12:00 AM, 11/20/2009

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