'Project Runway': 64-year-old Nancy's willingness to adapt and push boundaries makes her a winner among fans
Nancy Volpe-Beringer is the oldest designer to have ever participated in the fashion competition series 'Project Runway.' She is 64 and from Philadelphia.
Apart from her amazing skills in design, she deserves to be lauded for being so brave. Nancy left her full-fledged career in education at 58 to pursue a master's program in fashion at Drexel University. Since 2016 she has designed under her own label and has shown her designs at multiple fashion weeks.
However, her journey on the show hasn't been one without roadblocks. She got along with most but there were moments when she felt out of place and that was mostly the age difference between her and the rest of the contestants talking.
Delvin McCray and Brittany Allen, have, on multiple occasions, critiqued her work and not in a very constructive manner.
In one of the episodes, she had used an elaborate brocade fabric to stitch a pair of wide-legged pants. Both Brittany and Delvin called it a "glamorous garbage bag" while Nancy sat in the other room listening to them comment on her work.
Even though she was upset that her peers on the show had such snarky words to use for her clothing, Nancy was wise enough to rise above it and let her work speak for itself.
Nancy has been slightly slower than the rest of her designers and there have been multiple instances where she couldn't give finishing touches to her garment. Even then, it would look polished and the seams would never come undone. This clearly indicated the kind of hold she has on her craft.
The other positive aspect of Nancy is that she is open to change and willing to learn, putting herself in uncomfortable situations. In the previous episode, she created a well-tailored printed jacket and a pair of pants, which is not her forte.
However, because the judges had asked her to explore more and make an effort to grow as a designer, she tried something new and it was an instant hit. His garment even had a wine tote as an accessory.
She has earned a top spot in the show and we all can see why. Will she walk away with the grand prize this week? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, fans are rooting for Nancy and they all have different reasons to do so.
"Nancy has made a box of wine bag she has to win #ProjectRunway based on that alone," a fan shared while another wrote: "Nancy should win just for using a variety of models. I love her for that. #ProjectRunway."
"I'm all in for Nancy to win! Any woman that can walk out of Corporate America into the sewing room and kick ass like that, deserves to win! Go Nancy! #50PlusClub," a viewer pointed out.
"k I'm picking Nancy to win it all...Out of the 4, she has the most unique & moving designs. One time for us women over 50 on #ProjectRunway..... #LetsGo Nancy!," another posted.
Catch all the new episodes of 'Project Runway' on Bravo every Thursday.