A Chinese Beauty Trend Sprouts on ‘Project Runway: Junior’

This contestant brought a lucky clover along in the most unexpected way—and won the first challenge!

Photo: mylifetime.com

“If you’re wondering, I’m wearing a plant on my head and it’s really weird,” said Michigan-native and contestant on the season two premiere of “Project Runway: Junior,” Izzy. The 16-year-old designer accepted the win for her “athleisure couture” ensemble in a floral hair accessory—that is, a head piece with a clover growing upward.

While Izzy’s two-piece gown was inspired by athletes in New York City’s Central Park, her blooming clover has its roots in Asia. “It’s a fun trend that’s happening in China right now,” she explained to the judges who seemed puzzled by the bizarre accessory. 

Photo: mylifetime.com

According to the New York Times, some Chinese newspapers have touted the trend to ancient Chinese teachings about harmony with nature, however, the motive behind the plastic clips has not been confirmed. In a region where seeing women in cat and bunny-ear-headbands is the norm, it can be argued that the earthy statement piece is just another maimeng, or cute add-on.

We generally turn to Lifetime’s “Project Runway” franchise for the fashion. Each episode, the host challenges contestants to seek inspiration for their designs in unexpected places (we’re talking grocery stores, car washes, and other seemingly uninspiring locales to those lacking imagination), resulting in red-carpet-ready garments. But oftentimes, the contestants’ personal style sensibilities are as noteworthy as the looks they create. In this instance, the teen designers are making significant beauty statements like Izzy’s with styles ranging from boho waves to bold brows and facial piercings. We’re thrilled to see their self-expression in their personal aesthetics as well as on the runway.