Korto, I feel you pain. Not only was your collection well made, it was bold and looked great. So why didn't you win?

Well, I will tell you ... they always wanted to have Daniel Vosovic win. Here why I saw this:

- Daniel wrote a book "Fashion Inside Out" which Tim Gunn wrote the foreward, and contained an interview with guest judge, Diane von Furstenberg.

- Judge Michael Kors, offered Daniel a job after he came and second place but ended up not working with him.

- Most importantly ... his clothes were ugly.

I have been reading a lot of forums, and not believes that Daniel should have won the show with the work he presented. They wanted him to win Project Runway season 2, but he final collection didn't warrant a win, so this was their was of making it up to him.

Sidenotes:

- Chris March needs to get himself checked out because he was sleeping way too much. He may have sleep apnea.

- Uli Herzner had an amazing collection, but didn't make the top 4. They talked about how everyone evolved in their designs, except for Uli. During her season, she used a lot of prints and Tim Gunn even mentioned she was the "master of prints." To show how she evolved she decided to used no prints but more detail to construction. At the judging panel all they the judges wanted to know why she didn't use bold colors and prints. WTF? Basically they wanted to pigeonhole her design aesthetic with no ability to grow or change.

I hope they never do another All-Star version of Project Runway. Very disappointing.

Labels: project runway

First it was the US, then the UK, then Canada ... now Australia.


Project Runway Australia (PRAus) premiered this past Monday, and after seeing the first episode I think will be watching the entire series. I have watched all the incarnations of Project Runway and I think that the Australian version is the best. I know that is a bold statement considering that I have only see one episode, but until I am proved otherwise, I am going to stick that statement.

With Project Runway US premiering on July 16th, the original show isn't as enjoyable as when it first premiered. I have become indifferent to Tim Gunn because a mentor he doesn't do much to assist the designers on the show. That may be due to editing, but since I have been watching the show I have rarely seen him touch the clothing that is being made or offer assistance to make it better. Saying, "make it work," "that worries me," and "that's a whole lot of look" doesn't really give clear guidance to the designer. As much as I like Tim, he has been reduced to catch phrases.

Mentors Ben di Lisi (UK), Brian Bailey (Canada), and Henry Roth (Australia) and willing to tell the designer what is wrong with the garment they are making, but is the designers choice whether to use the advice. I think that's how things should be. But there has been an issue with a mentor being too helpful. Ben di Lisi, in series 3 of Project Catwalk, was accused by the other designers of giving too much help to a particular designer. Ben got all offended, but not to level of Tyra Banks on ANTM.

I will be watching the rest of the series, but I won't be doing a recap of the show. I may comment on episodes from time to time, but recaps are really time consuming. If you don't live in Australia, you should be able to catch the episodes YouTube at some point or bitTorrent.


If this guy's hair can't convince you to watch, then there is nothing more I can do.

Links:
Project Runway Australia
Project Runway US
Project Catwalk
Project Runway Canada

Labels: project catwalk, project runway, project runway australia, project runway canada

This is the episode dedicated to all of the straight guys who are forced to watch the with their wives, girlfriends or girl they're trying to nail.


You got to keep your audience happy.

But before I get to my thoughts of the shows, I have some sad news. I must report that the word "fierce" is now dead due to overuse. It has been utter so many times during the season that the word has lost all meaning. Now with Tim Gunn is saying it, you know the word has to die.

You will be missed.

The Challenge:

Create an outfit for the WWE Divas to wear in the ring
The designers head to Spandex House for the materials needed for this challenge.


This makes me laugh for a couple of reasons:

1) just the notion of store with nothing but spandex.
2) the lack of creativity of the name.
3) that thought Mood being too classy to carry spandex in their inventory.

All the designers meet with clients and Sweet P had the hardest time with her WWE Diva, Candice Michelle. This is how Candice describes her style:

"It's the classy sexpot, you know. To the whore sexpot."
Great ... now the word classy has lost all meaning now. I mean, can she really use the word classy wearing that outfit? Or doing this:


Klassy, yes. Classy, no. I say this but Candice is not completely delusional. During her fitting with Sweet P she made this comment:


"...I could buy this at the stripper store, just the boy shorts and the top."
I wasn't sure if it's called The Stripper Store, or just a general term for a place to get trashy clothes. I Googled "the stripper store" and I found a website called the Stripper Zone (obviously NSFW). It's basically like Office Depot for strippers. Doesn't it look like Candice is trying to lead Sweet P to the Champagne Room for a "private dance". No sex in the champagne room, Candice.

The show managed to work in a promotional tie-in with Blockbuster for their online movie rentals.


And it is totally natural looking. Not staged at all. I was kind of disappointed with Jillian shilling products for Blockbuster, because the service is horrible. But all was forgiven when I saw this:


Awesome. It's graceful, yet deadly.

Results:

Winner: Chris, Auf'd: Ricky, My Fav: Christian
I don't know how Sweet P avoided elimination because her final garment was straight-up stripper wear. I mean, the girl was wearing clear stripper heels and look at that hair and makeup.


Instead of being on Project Runway, she should be on HBO's Cathouse and working at the Moonlite BunnyRanch.

While I am on the topic of strippers, when the girls were coming down the runway I had this thought: if the WWE Divas were strippers, what song would they strip to?

Kristal


Song: "P*ssy Control" or "319" by Prince

Michelle


Song: "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake

Layla


Song: "Hot in Herre" by Nelly

Maria (stripper Lara Croft?)


Song: "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles

Candice


Song: "Sex Shooter" by Apollonia 6 or "Nasty Girl" by Vanity 6

Torrie


Song: "Barbie Girl" by Aqua

What would you choose?

I never been to a (straight) strip club but this is the music I imagine they would play. But it's moot, because they are wrestlers:


...not, strippers?

Ricky was auf'd, but you knew he was going within the first three minutes of the show.


"Even though I won, it doesn't really feel like it's gained respect by most of the people. But help me to realize, who cares what people say. Just keep doing this."
And oddly enough, I didn't hate his garment and he shouldn't have gone home because of this challenge. Also, the one time it would have been perfectly acceptable for Ricky to open up the flood-gates and allow the tears to flow, he doesn't.

Ricky, if I had my way you would have gone episodes ago ... but, thanks for the tears.

I will leave with this. During the critique of Rami's design Heidi had this to say:

"She definitely stood out because of the color. It was so pink, her hair is so blonde, and boobs are SO BIG. She got was she wanted, but not in a good way."
If you partly overheard this conversation, starting with "her hair is so blonde...", what would you think they were talking about?


Easy there, Heidi. I am not trying to pick a fight. I just making an observation.

Episode 11 preview: Two designers are going home, but all five have shown at Fashion Week. I haven't looked at the designers because I don't want to be spoiled, but want to take a peek, click here or here.

Labels: project runway, project runway 4

I am back after a long absence. I am still distraught of the loss of my Kevin, that the show began not to make sense to me. Okay ... I am lying, but the hurt over the loss of Kevin will linger. I mean, instead of hot images of Kevin shirtless, we get this instead:


Do you now feel my pain? I need to get back in the swing of things so this recap will be a bit short.

The Challenge:

Create an avant-garde look inspired by you model's hairstyle
The models, once again, get screwed over because they were not in the last challenge and now two have go home. It is hard to compete when, you know, not part of the challenges. No more challenges without the models, please.

The challenge would require the designers to work in pairs. Rami/Sweet P, Victorya/Jillian, Kit/Ricky and Christian/Chris were random selected to work together. This the third team challenge in eight episodes. Please Bravo, no more team challenges. You only have them for the drama aspect of the show and they serve no real purpose.

The show is really struggling with the lose of Kevin:


If they can bring back Chris after being eliminated, why not Kevin? We just got to give someone a MRSA and we are golden. Who's with me?

When the designers got comfortable, Tim Gunn decided to drop a bomb:


No one was happy about this:


Christian was ready to cut a bitch:



And Jillian has no coping skills what so ever:

Trying to wake from the bad dream that is Project Runway
The Results:

Winners: Christian/Chris, Auf'd: Kit, My Fav: Sweet P

Does anyone hate Rami a little bit more after this episode? He didn't listen to Sweet P suggestions regarding his design, and when he was called out by Tim Gunn he basically blamed her for his bad design. His design was not avant-garde at all. Remember when the trend of wearing a dress over a pair of jeans was popular? That is what his design reminded me of.

I had high hopes for the coat that Jillian and Victorya but seeing the finished product, I was a bit underwhelmed (trademark Michael Kors). If the garments underneath were in a darker color I think I would have like the design a bit more.

And it is now time to give out the award for Best Over-Dramatic Reaction to Malfunctioning Machinery. And the award goes to:


Jillian. This is her 12th nomination and 11th win in the category.

Seriously, Jillian -- learn to cope a bit better.

Labels: project runway, project runway 4

First, let me start by saying ....

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[deep breath]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


Jillian and I caught the vapors after the devastating aftermath of PR4 episode 7.


I need to lead with this because it hurts me so. The way they eliminate people from the show doesn't make sense to me. Kevin was auf'd because she designed looked "cheap" and aged his 17 year-old client; but you keep Christian, who treated his client like crap and blamed the faults of his design on her. This reminds me of when Jeffery made Angela's mother cry during the "Everyday Women" episode in season 3. So in the long run, the clients don't matter, the judges will decide if they like it or not. What is the point of having clients if they their opinions don't matter?

Kevin, you and your hairy chest will be missed. They may have pulled us apart, but at least I still have my screen captures:


See you at the reunion.

Challenge:
Create a prom dress
The challenge allowed the designers to get all nostalgic about their prom. Let's take a trip down memory lane while avoiding a head-on collision with sentimentality, shall we.

Kevin is Jersey boy, so he looked like this during his prom:


Very orange, but very handsome. Too bad he decided to get a nose job because he would be really smokin' hot today. He mentioned that during his prom he stole liquid from his parents and got drunk ... like most Jersey kids. Way to rat out a whole state, Kevin.

Kit must be from the same area as Gwen Stefani in Orange County:

How else would you explain her dramatic transformation? There is something in the water.

We have to travel back 30 years to see what Sweet P looked like:


It must have been some prom because she got all flustered thinking about it.

"I had a really great time at prom ... that's all I'll say."
Whore! LOL, just kidding.

Victorya intrigues me, mostly due to the fact that she rarely smiles.


For this episode she is about 8:1 on the "pensive to smile" ratio. But really I think this is all a game plan for her. When she saw that Christian was freaking out because he thought his design was tacky, she had this devilish grin:


If she had a long mustache, she totally would be twirling it around finger. But she gave one of the best quotes regarding her initial design:

not this quote"It really looked like something an Italian, older, divorcee would wear."
Really? Doesn't realized that market is booming because of The Sopranos, especially in New Jersey? She is screwed herself out of that market and MILLIONS of dollars. And besides, the high school girls would never wear something like that because they are pure class:

From the prom, to the pole.
Jillian is continuing her ode to fashions of 70's sitcoms. The last episode it was "Mork & Mindy":


this episode I am feeling "Rhoda" as her muse:


I hope the next episode she is inspired by "Good Times" and rock a JJ Evans style hat.


It would be DYN-O-MITE!

Results:

Winner: Victorya, Auf'd: Kevin (sniff), My Favs: Victorya and Sweet P
I couldn't decided on which was my favorite so I decided to pick both Victorya and Sweet P. I like how Victorya is a more modern prom dress, and Sweet P is more traditional but both are done well. Just imagine if they were designing for a ghetto prom:


Now that would be a challenge I would love to see.

When I saw Rami's design, I immediately thought of the first challenge because the designs look so similar.


During the entire season Rami has done 2 shirt dresses and 2 drape-y gowns. Is the his only aesthetic? The dress was nice, but it was totally wrong for a girl who is only 17 year-old, and to defend yourself by saying that you only make "sophisticated" garments makes you look like douche. When you client started the challenge she looked like a fetus (in a good way) with glass:


now she looks like woman in her 30s trapped in a loveless marriage with a rich man:


If this is your clientele, why aren't you famous yet? Do you know how many woman fit this demographic?

I really don't know how Ricky is still in the competition because I was sure he was going after hearing his back story about him being poor. Considering that his designs are consistently off in some way he will be going soon, but he brings the tears and has a good back story,


so as long as he keeps the tears flowing I am happy (+2 in the cry tally). I have a funny feeling he might make it to the end.

I think I figured out the editing foreshadowing:

sob story but little face time = safe
sob story and a constant presences in the episode = auf'd

I wish I could ban certain words/phrases from use by the judges. I would like to ban the following: boring, cheap, matronly, chic, mother of the bride, lady at lunch. They use them so often that these words/phrases don't have much value.

Tim Gunn should be on the judging panel. All the critiques he brings up during the design phrase ends up being used at judging. He can judge the methods used during construction of the garments. If the new season of Project Catwalk (link contains possible spoilers) put their mentor faux Tim Gunn, Ben de Lisi, on the judging panel then it's time Project Runway does the same thing. But he is probably too busy making a show that no one watches (Tim Gunn's Guide To Style), and working at Liz Claibourne. One can hope, though.


This episode made me love Nina Garcia. I love how she gives cocky designers a stern talking too; in season 2 she did the same thing to Santino.

I [heart] Nina


The client [heart] Nina, too. At this moment, Christian does not.
____________
Ricky Cry Tally = 11

Read my PR4 episode 6 recap

Labels: project runway, project runway 4

The show is finally back after taking two weeks off for the holidays -- but it was pretty boring and predictable.

Let get started with a little bit of Kevin:


We should start a petition that Kevin must be shirtless on average 1.7 times during this season. Who is with me?

Tim wakes up the designers at 6AM to head to a surprise destination. Kit looks like hell when she greets him at the door:


She could have at least tried to tame that serious case of bed head. When she is made up , she kind of looks like Christina Aguilera:


and from the back she looks like Britney Spears:


Kevin greets Tim shirtless (the petition is working!)


much to the surprise and excitement of Tim. People make themselves presentable and it is off to the mystery location. And the mystery location is:


The Hershey store in Time Square. Great. Christian expresses what I feel at this moment:

"I was like "great," we get to make sh*t out of candy."
Victorya is so not the jazzed about the challenge, but Elisa is so upbeat. Elisa could totally be a Care Bear, or at least a Care Bear Cousin ... I mean she has the t-shirt for it.


She could do her Care Bear stare and Victorya would become cheery.

We are introduced to Michelle Gloeckler from Hershey's, and she it totally made from chocolate. Okay, not really, but you tell from the manner which she speaks that she's not human in origin.

"Thank you. And welcome. To Hershey's. Time Square. The sweetest place. In New York."
And Victorya's all:


"Really, bitch?!?" Elisa should try a bit harder to cheer up this sourpuss.

An aside, but are your thoughts on this:


To me, a bear marketing Bubble Yum bubble gum is the worst idea ever. Think about it. If a bear blows a bubble and it burst, it will get all in its fur and the only want to get rid of it is to cut it out. Or is the bear suppose to be made from Bubble Yum? I don't know. Sure it will appeal to kids, but it's a slippery slope on many levels.

Challenge:

Create a look using items from the hershey's store
Results:

Winner: Rami, Auf'd: Elisa, My Fav: Kevin
I really liked Kevin's design because it was actually wearable. Sure, Rami was more inventive, but you couldn't actually wear that anywhere unless you were working a corner. Also, the black shoes don't really go with that oufit, Rami. Kevin thought his design was beautiful:


Watch the hubris there, Kevin.


You know Elisa was going home when a) she based her design on what her daughter would wear and b) talked about the severe injuries sustained from being hit by a car in London. If you look pass all of her wacky antics, she was just a person just lucky to be alive and living her life to its fullest. I think I will miss Elisa.

There was some faux drama regarding Jillian's use of Twizzler for her design. They hyped it up so much that you know that she would have an outfit completed for the runway. It was a bold move to use food, but the design was just so-so. This would be a tacky outfit if it was made from real fabric.

The guest judge was Zac Posen:


I think that Zac would be a great replacement for Michael Kors. He is young and he actually gave critiques instead of a host of one-liners. I love how he was giving Michael some attitude. Someone else must have mentioned that he should be replaced


... but Michael Kors will have none of that kind of talk.

Labels: project runway, project runway 4

Is Kit making fun of Heidi during the opening credits? Probably not since Heidi was clearly added later in post-production. She too busy having "naked time" with Seal and her pups.

The episode starts out with "Sweet P" mourning the loss of Chris. If someone casually overheard this conversation, you would think he was dead and not voted out of a reality TV show. There are more serious things to think about "Sweet P", like the bangs:


You look younger with the hair away from your face.

The Challenge:

Create a new look for everyday women using their old clothes
The models for this challenge were women who lost a significant amount of weight, as explained by Heidi:

"The clothes they are wearing were their favorite outfits before their transformation."
Bullcrap. There is a woman in a wedding dress, and you are saying that is her favorite outfit? Is this what she wears when she runs to the market to pickup some milk or to have lunch with a friend? I sense the producers had a hand in this. All the other woman at a least 2 pieces of casual clothing, and this woman has a wedding dress? I smell a fix.

Heidi pulls from the "magic bag o' buttons" and Steven got paired up with thewoman wearing the wedding dress. He is so screwed, and he knew it.

I wonder how many expletives are going through his mind at this moment?
While Steve was crapping his pants, Kevin, for a straight man, showed his very gayest hand wave:


But he was quickly outdone by Ricky:


He claimed it was done for design research for his model since they are about the same size. Make it work, Ms. Ricky. He ended the tear drought,


so I will cut him some slack.


As you may know by know, Jack had to leave the competition because of a medical condition. He began to develop a MRSA, which he has had before, which could become very serious if left untreated. His leaving was quite dramatic with tear from everyone (except Kevin) but I didn't feel much. Maybe because I knew he was going that I didn't allow myself to attach to him. He stated that this illness is not HIV/AIDS related at all and that anyone to could get. At least we have this to remember him by:


Adios, Jack. But like a flamboyant Pheonix rising from the gay ashes of fashion,


Chris is reborn, and the redemption can begin.

The results:

Winner: Christian, Auf'd: Steven, My Fav: Christian
Steven was in a futile attempt to save himself from elimination. During judging he was told that his garment looked like a French maid uniform, but I think that was the look he was after. He told the hairstylist to make his model look "French". And for all we know his model could be a French maid.

When Steven was being auf'd, I saw this:


He looks pretty good in this picture. The light and shadows makes him look a bit David Beckham-esque. Your dry wit will be missed.

Did anyone see how Jillian totally cheated?


The dress she made was create from all new fabric and only a fraction of the model's old pant for the piping. Steven used more original material than she did. What was the point of the brief if you don't have to adhere to it? But his garment was a big mess and "slapped together with glue and a prayer." So ultimately, the judges' decision was justified.

I am very happy to report that my show is no longer broken. This episode was the best of the whole season thus far. The Tim Gunn I loved from previous seasons return and made me laugh:

"I have more bad decisions at 3 o'clock in the morning than I can list."
I will leave you with Michael Kors sharing one of his bad 3 o'clock in the morning decisions:

"I went to a bar last night and met this guy... "


" ... and he left after breakfast."

Fin.
______________________

Ricky Cry Tally: 9

Labels: project runway, project runway 4, television

This recap will be short and sweet because I wasn't feeling too inspired to write because this episode was such a bore.

With that said, let's start off on something positive:


Kevin should be required not to wear a shirt.

Something else positive:


Jack set the mood for the episode by stealing Ricky's model. You know he has been planning this coup since working with Ricky in episode 2. Ricky was not happy, but did not cry. Damn it!

The Challenge:


The designers were asked to pair up with one another and we have these four groups of three:


Christian has official become annoying. His overconfidence, his fixation on designing jackets, his camera-whoring .... looking at him try to steal camera time from Kit:


If you notice Project Runway is using him extensively to narrate this season. I am not sure whether no one else was outwardly bitchy during filmin, or they are foreshadowing that he is in the finals. In any case, I am growing tired of Christian.

Victorya, "...I didn't even know you were a bitch." (to quote Eva Pigford Marcille - ANTM Season 3).


The would have never guess Victorya was like this. She seemed like a sweet girl when she won in episode 2 with Kevin. Unless there were somethings intentionally cut out that episode in preparation for this one. Where did this shrew of a woman come from? During their sketching time she said she didn't want to be the leader, only to say the following Ricky:

"...I, in fact wanted to ask you, why did you want to be team leader?...I didn't take [team leader] because I like that fact that someone stepped up to the plate. But I excpeted that person to fulfill those responsibilities."

Which elicited a major eyeroll from Ricky:


And from me as well while I sat and watched on my couch.

Guest judge:


Donna Karen, who looks lovely, and actually gave useful critiques to the designers during judging.

Results:

Winner: Jillian, Auf'd: Chris, My Fav: Kit
I feel bad Chris. You knew he leaving after he said this:

"A lot of people have me in a pigeon-hole. There's Chris with a 10 foot wig, and a big, giant costume made out of like 200 yards of fabric. But as the group leader, I finally got a chance to show that I can design anything just as good as anyone else in the room."
He sealed his fate when he decided to be come the team leader. Have people ever this or any other reality show before, you never want to be the leader of team. The leader most always gets kicked off when losing a challenge. His choice of shoulder pads didn't help, either. Victoria Beckham rocked some shoulder pads this past June at the UK Glamour Awards where she accepted "Woman of the Year."


I think shoulder pads are coming back, if not,


Patricia Fields totally hates Kim Catrall. (sidenote: Have you seen the new Sex and the City movie trailer?)

Ricky did not increase his cry count and my surplus of tears is running low because of it. I need nourishment, Ricky.

Other than that, this episode was pretty boring. I hope things pick up next week, or else it will be a long season.


I know how you feel, Kevin. I am falling asleep as well.

Labels: project runway, project runway 4, television

Episode 3: Fashion Giant

So how do I begin this recap? I know:


How about some shirtless Kevin. You're welcome!

This episode of Project Runway was kind of dull because the challenge was about menswear. Heidi lauded this challenge as a first for project runway, but I don't understand why. Yes, it is the first time they worked with male models, but this is not the first time the designers worked with menswear or had males walk down the runway. Let me refresh your memories:


The Challenge:

Design a menswear outfit for Tiki Barber
The build up was kind of a let down, but I was nice to see the designers work out of their comfort zone. The special guest was Tiki Barber, which explains the menwear angle of this episode. So we go from "pop culture and fashion icon" Sarah Jessica Parker to a football player who is now a correspondent for the Today Show? Since Bravo and NBC are both NBC Universal companies that this is just corporate synergy at work. It may not be a bad idea to cross-promote consider when Tim announced Tiki Barber the only person who recognized who he was was Kevin.


Probably because he is a NY Giants fan ... and straight. From the look on Victorya's face, she got an eyeful of Tiki and liked what she saw:


But she may want to watch her back:


Ginny Barber may destroy her. I am just sayin'. According to Christian:

"... I love Asians. Asians are fierce!"
I think he meant "fierce" in the Tyra Banks American's Next Top Model sense, and not that in the menacingly wild or savage way. But whatever he says is always subject to interpretation.

Okay, let's talk about Jack. I didn't want to lead with this I thought it would off-putting but needs to be mentioned. But the shirtless picture may make the transition a bit smoother:


In the beginning of the episode, it has finally been revealed on the show that Jack is HIV positive. It hard to tell if everyone on the show knows, but it probably safe to assume that his roommates know because he seems pretty open with his pill taking. This is the first HIV positive designer on Project Runway, but not it's not a first for a Bravo reality show. John from Top Desgin was the first HIV positive contestant that I am aware of (correct me if I am wrong), and if you've know the spoilers, then you know then end up with similar fates.

In a weird juxtaposition, Jack is shown carrying Christian in a handbag.


Maybe the producers and/or Jack want to show the audience that he is still a strong, virile guy, despite his HIV. Or maybe Christian just lazy.


I think it probably a little of both.

There was a bit of drama while at Parsons. Jack asked Tim whether he could take his shorts off ... and before he could finish Tim instinctively said he could. Okay, that didn't happen, but with the right editing it could. Jack want to take off his shorts to use them as a pattern. He did,


and several people then wanted to borrow his pattern to design their pants. I don't see a problem with this considering that Vincent did the same thing during season 2:

still from season 3 coming soon
Rami was not pleased, and in an act of defiance, he flaunted the pants he made with the use of draping.

"And they aren't trace from a pattern, like some other pants. I am not accusing anyone ... I am just saying some did."

That side-eye is vicious, y'all.

Now it's time for a melange of male models:



The models are pretty obedient. They are told to take of their clothes and they offer no resistance.

Even while being fisted
The designers where were assigned male models, but for some reason they were not given their measurements. I think the producers of the show were just being sadistic by withholding this information. The stress of it caused Jillian to get all verklempt:


Back at their apartments, they are all trying to find ways to deal with the stress:


I guess the guys don't deal with stress as well as the women:

PMA = Positive Mental Attitude
This reaks of the new age-y-ness that is Elisa.

The results:

Winner: Jack, Auf'd: Carmen, My fav: Kevin
I really don't understand how Jack won this challenge. This shirt with the front and pocket stripes on the bias, just looks strange to me. I liked Kevin's pieces but the look is too young for a TV anchor, so I understand why he didn't win. Tiki mentioned that the look was "avant-garde", which is I guess something you can't have when hosting hour 12 of the Today Show.

The most shocking moment:


Ricky only cried once! In a hat that he stole from Colonial Williamsburg:


He only cried out of relief after avoiding being auf'd by Heidi for a mess of an outfit. Now, Ricky -- don't go all dry eyes on me because I use your tears as sustenance. I wouldn't have the energy to do these recaps if weren't for the tears that copiously flow from your eyes. Luckily, I have built up a surplus. But Ricky, you must promise me two things:

1) Cry at least twice per episode.
2) Never wear those manpris again:


They cause me physical pain, and Nina Garcia does not approve.


You know you messed up when Nina is giving you the "head shake of disapproval" and "the middle finger" combo.

And for no reason at all, I give you this:


Kevin channeling his inner Wolverine. Why are all the good men straight or Republican senators?
___

Ricky Cry tally: 7

Labels: project runway, project runway 4, television

Let's start this recap off on a total shallow note:


Kevin is totally doing it for me. And now lets follow it up on a happy note:


Well, it not exactly a happy moment, but it somehow brings a smile to face. It is only five minutes into the second episode and Ricky has already started the waterworks. My buddy Marius thinks that he is over emotional because he is way to in touch to his limbic system. I say that the girl just can't control himself. When you are 1 of 13 kids, crying is probably an effective tool to get attention. It's either that, or you end up marrying someone 30 years older like Celine Dion.

Anyway ... onto the very special guest who is a fashion and pop icon. I had several ideas on whom it may be: Cher, Cate Blanchett, ....


... Sarah Jessica Parker. I always thought that the SJP would be the mostly likely choice because she lives in NYC, has her own fashion line and she has a lot of time on her hands considering that she is not really in demand in the movie industry. She was recently just name the "Unsexiest Woman" by Maxim magazine. Ouch ... but at least she is getting some publicity out of it.

When the designers find out who the special guest is, the gays had a fit:


It is hard to determined which person has the gayest expression, but I will have to vote for Jack. He had the gay gasp routine down cold.

I decided to leave out Ricky's crying fit because the girl cries at the drop of a hat.


Crying isn't inherently gay... but Chris, on the other hand:


Totally gay. Chris stated that he was motivated to moved to NYC because of watching Sex and the City. I loved the show as well ...

Yes I own the entire series on DVD. Don't judge me!
... really loved the show, but I never entertained the idea of moving to NYC for numerous reasons. But I digress.

FYI: Jack is an extra in the upcoming Sex and the City movie. I wonder if SJP liked Jack so much during their brief encounter on Project Runway that she offered him a cameo in the film. It would be a good way to extend his 15 minutes of fame. Another good way ...

source: queerty.com
... naked pictures of yourself on the Internet. If the PR spoilers are true, he may need a sex tape out by the end of the year to prolong his fame window.

The Challenge:

Create a two-piece look for Bitten
Pretty sketches:

Collage of sketches
Ricky so wanted to be chosen for the chosen for the challenge that he did what he does best:


Cry. He is crying more than Sally Field on Brothers and Sisters. But the difference is that I actually like to see Sally Field cry -- Ricky, not so much. His tears were not in vain as he was one of the seven designers chosen, along with: Elisa, Rami, Victorya, Marion, Christian, and Kit.

The twist is that is team challenged anyone had to pick a partner. This is were Carmen started to showed that she can be too eager. Rami was trying to decide between Carmen and Jillian, and guess he saw this:

Jillian = seductive, Carmen = manic
The choice became obvious -- and he chose Jillian [editor's note: if you are using Firefox the animated image may move too fast. Try IE or Safari. I trying to resolve the issue.]. From the look that Jillian is giving Rami, I can tell that she has used that looked before on other men. It's so effective that I mailed my wallet to her.

It seems that Carmen didn't learn the art of subtlety after being past over by Rami when she tried to beat her name in SJP's head.


Unsurprisingly, she was not chosen. Also, why "Webber like the baller"? Why not "Webber like Andrew Lloyd"? I am pretty sure the SJP would remember someone who works on Broadway over a basketball player Chris Webber, who is famously known for his timeout debacle during the 1993 NCAA Finals. Is that reference too butch for this recap? Mae culpa.

My second favorite moment is when "Sweet P" was saddled with Elisa and her crazy ways when she was picked last for the challenge. In order to work harmoniously with Elisa, "Sweet P" offered this advice:


I am not sure if Elisa took this as a subtle come on, but how else would you explain this:


Her excuse is that she was spit marking the fabric, because, like, everyone does that. Oh ... she really was spit marking the fabric?!?


Would it be easier to use chalk instead of going down on fellow designer?

Ricky freakin' cries again because it is "awesome" that SJP picked his design.


When does he ever not cry? He strikes me as the type of guy who would remain completely stone-face in a tragic situation when tears are usually the appropriate response.

Results:

Winner: Victorya, Auf'd: Marion, My fav: Ricky
I know that I have and will continue to give Ricky grief about his crying, but I really liked his dress. I think the neckline and bust line of the dress made it too complicated for SJP's clothing line. It was too intricate for the under $20 price point. Cut and cry, Ricky. Cut and cry.

SJP has a great knowledge of fashion and is able to tell Christian that his outfit was crap, but in a way that is constructive. This is what SJP told Christian after the other judges told him they hated his 80's inspired look:

"It has a stronger color, and it is little bit short. It is more severe in person than it was on paper."
I will give Christian some slack since he was born in 1986. SJP also gave the boy a bit of hope when she thought that Christian's piece would fit her Bitten fall line, if it were longer and not as snug. And I have to agree. When your skinny model looks fat in your creation, then you should head back to the drawing board.

Astute Observation by Heidi Klum:

"I have to say, I don't get it at all. It's like out of the basement. It looks dirty -- it looks like a rag to me. (referring to Marion's auf'd design)"
Does she know any real fashion-y words? Just fake it, Heidi. Just throw random things into your critiques like: on the bias, cross stitch, tailoring ... etc. You are so adorable that you can turn bullshit into mash potatoes (line stolen from Rich). And besides, nothing is ever dirty in fashion. The proper word is: vintage.

Next on project runway ... Ricky will most likely cry.

I will end this post on a high note:


Using Kevin as bookends for this post ... I will be devastated when he leaves the show. He is perfectly imperfect, with the beard. I am sensing that underneath the beard may not be as pretty. You've been warned, Kevin.

---
Ricky cry tally: 6

Labels: project runway, project runway 4, television

Hello lovers of a show called Project Runway. The show has returned for its fourth season with a new crop of designers looking to be the "next big thing". I am not sure whether they want to be clothing designers or "stars" of a reality show, but lets sit back, and enjoy the ride to the finale that is Olympic Fashion Week.

I was a bit torn on about recapping Project Runway again, mostly due to all of the competing blogs. Rich of FourFour has decided not to do his genius recaps the current season, and my buddy Marius is trying to out shine me with his recaps (step off, bitch!) -- so I decided to give it a go once again. I am trying mix things up a but by adding more of a multimedia element with pictures, audio and video. I hard to explain this show with only words and it will allow me to hone my Adobe Photoshop skills. So hopefully things won't become too cumbersome or else I ditching it.

So ..

"Are we ready? I am." (Do you what song has this line? - see below)*

Episode 1 - Sew Us What You Can Do!

The Challenge:

Make an outfit that expresses who you are as a designer
The beginning of the challenge is really arbitrary. Why make the designers run across the field for fabrics?


While everyone else is have first grab a the fabrics,


Chris is still about 4 hours away.



Ricky is the new Andrae (PR2). When does he find time to make clothes with all the crying he does?


It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes of Project Runway uttered by Zulema (PR2):

"I don't care if you cry and cut. But got to cry and cut. You got to cut at the rate. Do whatever you need to do, but you need to work. Don't stop and cry."
It is harsh, but it is true. But in all honesty, I would cry too if I were wearing a hat similar to Paula Abdul circa "Cold Hearted Snake".


I am going to keep a cry count of Ricky a la Rich's ANTM recaps.

Ricky was a whore (his words),


but I think he meant he hoarder by taking more than he needed, and the crazy beginnings of Elisa started to show when she rubbed fine silk chiffon on the grass.


But oddly, this is relatively sane compared to things she has and will do in the progression of the show.

I think there should have been a penalty of some sort for taking more than you needed. Like you have to use each piece of fabric in your design, or you have to used all the fabric you took for the next 3 projects. You know, something.


I find Christian to be the young eccentric who apparent worked with Alexander McQueen and Vivian Westwood while at design school in London. Interestingly enough he never mentions in what capacity he worked with these legendary designers, or if he actually finished school. He was accepted, so I guess that qualifies him to be a freelance designer. I am just sayin'.

The Tresemmé Hair Salon and L'Oreal Paris Make-up Room has made a new friend:


The Bluefly.com Accessories Wall.


So the show finally got the hint that no winner wants to do a mentor-ship with Macy's and Banana Republic that they decided to have to winner sell their collections on Bluefly.com. Which is a better deal in the long run considering that there will be no start-up cost with the $100,000 prize by Tresemmé.

Can I order Kevin through Bluefly.com? I know he is straight, but he needs to get used to being fondled by men if he wants to make in the fashion industry.

Results:

Winner: Rami, Auf'd: Simone, My Fav: Christian


Jeez, I wonder why Rami won? This show is the gayest thing on Bravo since Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, so they have to keep the beefcake on the show ... and the dress isn't bad at all.

To quote Christian:

"...I do think that he did a piece that SO many designers do."

Jealousy or a keen observation?

While I am on the subject of Rami, why in the hell is even on this show? He has his on boutique, designed a dress for Jessica Alba, and even appeared on the Tyra Banks Show to show his collection.


Has Project Runway decided to looked for a designer who could actually make some money. The only successfully winner was Chloe Dao. I really liked PR1 winner Jay McCarroll's collection, but he hasn't done much lately.

So the season has gotten off to an okay start, but I am absolutely loving Iman as host of Project Runway Canada. I'm kind of torn between the original and the superior re-incarnation. Luckily I don't have to make a choice between the two ... yet.

Astute Observation by Heidi Klum:

"Her model look like she was pooing fabric. (refering to Elisa)"


LOLZ for everyone, except for Monique Lhuillier. You know she was not a pleased with low-class assessment of fashion, hence her missing reaction shot.

Episode 2 recap tomorrow ... hopefully.

------

Ricky cry count tally: 2

* - "Control" by Janet Jackson

Labels: project runway, project runway 4

How come I didn't know about there was a Canadian version of Project Runway until recently?

I been going through some major Project Runway withdrawal since PR3 ended last year. I tried to watch Project Catwalk (the UK version) to fill the void, but with Kelly Osbourne as the host, it made me miss Heidi Klum even more. So when I found Project Runway Canada on YouTube, I thought I found my temporary fix so I could make it to November 14th, when the original Project Runway premiers on Bravo. It didn't work out the way I planned.


PR Canada is hosted by Iman, which I thought would be awesome, but she seems too good for the show. I mean, she is a legendary model and she is married to David Bowie. Most hosts are 2nd tier models or C-list celebrities. I love the show because it basically a trashy reality show with people whom have a discernible skill, and Iman just make the show too high-class with her regality. Also, why in the hell is she hosting PR Canada anyway? Why not the UK version?

There were two people I kind of like:

Marie Genevieve Cyr of Montreal, Quebec
Evan Biddell of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
They are both a bit bitchy, and in reality shows I like that. Marie is disappointed that no one else speaks French, and looks forward to swearing a lot in that language. Sacré bleu! Evan is handsome, despite the airbrush picture and the wacky haircut.

If the theme song with some woman wailing "...on the RUNWAY! Woah, woah, woah!" wasn't bad enough, the catch phrase they tried to create for Iman is worst.

"You just don't measure up. Chow."

could never top Heidi Klum's,

"In fashion, you're in or out. Aufwiedersehen."

A close second would be Project Catwalk's "fashion has no mercy" spiel.

If you are jones-ing for a Project Runway fix, you can check the Canadan version here:

PR Canada: Episode 1 (in 9 parts)
PR Canada: Episode 2 (in 6 parts)
Photo source: Project Runway Canada website

Edited: I just watched the second episode of PR Canada, and take back everything I said about it and Iman. Iman gives so much attitude to the designers, and I love her for that. No one is going to give her a load of BS. I am totally hooked on the show now.


Kendra is my favorite to win after seeing what she designed using 13 plaid umbrella (ella, ella -- Rihianna) fabrics.


They gave Kendra a underdog storyline in episode two, so I think she is going to win it all.

Labels: project runway, project runway canada

I am not sure how about feel about these people. Just for the eye-candy, I am very interested in Kevin and Rami (see below). There hasn't been any eye candy on Project Runway -- well, for me anyways -- since PR1's Robert.

Everyone seems to be okay, not sure if there will be any drama, but we will get to know them all better when the season premieres November 14th, 2007 on Bravo. Mark you calendars.

I will be doing weekly posts regarding the episodes. They won't be full recaps of the show, but just my thoughts of the episodes. Take a look here of my past work.

I can't tell you how much I've missed this show. Project Catwalk couldn't fill Project Runway's Christian Louboutins.

Project Runway 4 Bios via Bravo

Labels: project runway, television

Episode 12 - Finale (Part 1)

Yeah, I am just going to skip over episode 11 and the reunion episode because nothing much happened. So I am just going to skip directly to the first part of the finale. Also, I have been pretty lazy busy so I did have to the change to recap them. Here's a summary of the episode.

Episode 11 - Michael, Laura, Jeffrey and Uli were vying for a the final three only to find out that there will be a final four this year. Happy Dance for All!

Reunion - Read Rich's recap at FourFour.

Now to the first part of the finale. Tim visits the homes of all the designers to get check on their progress, and to give them a back story that would make them seem sympathetic. They are to complete 12 looks for fashion week.

Michael

aka BraceFace.
Collection: The theme of his collection is "Street Safari".


He only has 3 looks completed and since it is mostly on paper, you can't see is point of view that well. But on paper, it looks good.

Back story: Alway had the support of his family. His dad feared him becoming a beautician.

Let us pray...
Laura


Collection: there is no theme, it is just what Laura has been doing on the show but on a more grand scale.


It looks good and she has all the designs done but still needs to fine tune them.

Back story: The girl is suffering. She only has an 8000 sq. ft. apartment in NYC.


She is living in squalor. On top of that, she is having another boy which would make 5. I don't know how they will they will fit in such a small space. We should setup a telethon for her.

Uli


Collection: She has a safari theme to her collection. No real innovation, simply a bunch of Uli designs.


Back story: I don't know who had it worst ...


Laura with 5 kids and her 8000 sq.ft. apartment OR Uli who grew up in East Germany. I think it's a toss up.

Jeffrey


Collection: he says he was inspired by Japanese Ghost and Demon stories.


I don't really see that. I do see a lot of stripes and it looks very Vivienne Westwood.


Everything looks finely sewn and nothing looks like anything Punky Brewster would wear.

Back story: Alcohol, drugs and a suicide attempt.


His son Harrison is his saving grace.

Return to NY

Michael is the first to arrive.


Followed by Laura, who gently wakes ups Michael who is collapsed in bed.


How very "mom" of her.

Uli is greeted with hugs.


Jeffrey gets crap the minute he walks in the door.

"Jeffrey. Are people throwing eggs at you?"
Then hugs ... but by Laura


Scandal

Laura is suspicious of Jeffrey collection because he doesn't have to do any alterations for his models. She brings this up to Michael and Uli, and they agree with what she is saying but not with fervidness of Laura.

They inspect his line and in shocked how well everything is put together.


Surprisingly (but not really), Tim walks in and asks Laura if she would like to speak in private.


She tells her feelings on Jeffrey's collection and just wanted to make her feelings known.

She then tells Jeffrey what she told Tim, but he doesn't really react the way I (or Laura) would expect him to.


He just has this shocked expression on his face and goes out on the balcony to sulk. Is he guilty? We will find out tonight.

Tim investigates the clothes.



Teaser


I am not sure what to make of Jeffrey crying in the preview for tonight's show. It could be:

• that it was found one or more of his garments were disqualified.
• that he will not eligible to win because of the disqualification.
• that he has been vindicated. (but why would he cry?)

I can't wait for part 2 of the finale tonight. I am going to view the episodes with a couple of friends. I would like Michael to win, but he collection doesn't look that great. My money is on Laura.

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 10 - Black and White

Yeah, yeah. I am two weeks late with this but I haven't found the time until now.

The final five designers are ready for the next challenge presented by Heidi. But she leaves them hanging and have them left the runway to meet their guest at a bar/lounge. Kayne was expecting Destiny's Child, eventhough they broke up the months prior.

First surprise guest:
Vincent...and he receives a smattering of applause.
Second surprise guest:
Angela...and Michael damn near choked on his drink.
So, one of the twists this season is that if you won a challenge, and you were Auf'd, you would be asked back to compete in a another challenge. Laura was not happy to see Laura back ...

I see Laura's point, because if it wasn't for her and Michael Angela's design would have been covered in rosettes. But they convinced her to make the rosettes as buttons on the jacket.

The challenge: Create a cocktail dress using black and white fabrics.
The twist: all of the fabric must be used.

Winner: Laura, My Fav: Michael, Auf'd: Kayne
Kayne's dress wasn't that bad (from the front), but it was all black and contained no white fabric. He had some white trim...


but that wasn't enough. But I have to say Kayne should have stayed over Jeffrey.

His design was not good at all. But, like have said before, he is only being kept around as the antagonist. I was thinking ...

Did Jeffrey build his neck muscles in order to get this tattoo OR was it already big and he just decided to adorn it?
Just wondering ...

Next week: The final three would be revealed tonight ... OR will the remaining 4 all show at Olympus Fashion Week? Stay tuned!

FYI:

Vincent's model had an accident during taping and he had to use an alternate model for the runway.The show really down played the "accident":


But in reality, THE GIRL GOT HIT BY A BUS!!! She was in critical condition for 3 days, fractured her skull and eye socket, and took her a while to recover. So it was far from a minor accident, as Tim's tone insinuated.

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 9 – Couture Du Jour

We rejoin the designers in Paris after Angela was sent out on her rosette loving (and covered) butt. FYI ... Jean-Paul Gaultier was indeed the original guest judge in Paris, but his schedule didn't allow him to appear. This is according to Tim Gunn's ep8 podcast.

Winner: Jeffrey (first person win 2nd challenge with immunity), Auf’d: Vincent
I didn’t really love this challenge because it didn’t really allow to them to be creative because of the time constraints. If they would have had two days for the challenge, then I feel that we could have more couture type designs.

Randomness:

I love that Michael and Laura are friends and help each other out.

Ebony and Ivory, yall.
I think Laura is wearing a fake pregnant belly.


Tim tries not to catch crazy from Vincent has he slinks away.


Oh. No. He. Didn’t!

That garcon is about to catch a beat down.
Kayne est Stupide!


Laura’s collar needs some Cialis to get it stiff again.


You know, I have made fun of Vincent but he really didn’t deserve that crappy send off. There was some creative editing to make him seem like a pervert. He could well be, but he probably didn’t want to convey that in his exit interview.

"I did cash in my 401k and quit a job to be here. To let me roll the dice ... I like taking chances and I am sorry that I did. So thankful to Project Runway. It put me in a nice place, you know. I was just such a beautiful thing ..."
[Clearly from some other interview judging by the hair] "... it just got me off. I loved it!"
Next week: Laura is pissed, and she is not going to take it anymore.

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 8 - High Flying Fashion

The week's challenge was to create an outfit for an international jet-setter. The twist: they are the international jet-setters.

Winner: Jeffrey, My Fav: Michael, Au Revoir'd: Angela
I think that Jeffrey was given this win because this outfit is not a good look. Granted, I know this is suppose to be for a "Rock Star" but I can't think of any rockers today that would wear this and not consider this a costume. Maybe Steven Tyler, but I think he has moved on.

Michael ... I love Michael. His design was the most innovative of the bunch and he looked good strutting down the runway. He totally should have won (again) but they had to give Jeffrey something to justify keeping him around. But I have the feeling he maybe gone tomorrow. This is not a spoiler, I am just wishing this happens [crossing fingers].

Angela ... poor, rosette-loving Angela. The girl just can't help herself. Let me get this straight; she doesn't know a what a jet-setter was but she knewCatherine Malandrino? Does she read fashion magazines? Or is Vogue and similar magazines even stocked at general store where she shops way out in the "country" (Ohio). She has potential, but she needs to refine her aesthetic.


Kayne ... as Kayne (read: over-the-top).


Uli ... was Uli with the use of patterns.


Laura looks great, baby-bump and all.


Vincent ... bless his heart. But it looks reasonable good for a person who never designed menswear before.

Next week: Don't know because TiVo #2 cut off the episode. Bad, #2! But I can't wait to see how things go in Paris. Maybe Jean-Paul Gaultier will make and appearance.

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 7 - Everyday Woman

This week's challenge was to make an garment for a regular (read: not stick thin model) woman. The models are the family members of the designers and the designer will have to create a garment for them. The twist: they cannot choose their own family member.

Winner: Vincent, My Fav: Uli, Auf'd: Robert
I know you are just as shocked as I was when Vincent was announced the winner of this challenge. His dress isn't all that bad, but it certainly should not have won. I think Uli should have won because she followed the instructions of the challenge: design for your customer but do lose your design aesthetic. I felt she did both really well. Jeffrey, on the other hand, did not.

He still remains a douchebag throughout the show but for some reason he did not get "auf'd." If you can bring your client (Angela's mother) to tears and make them leave your station because you don't like them (IN FRONT OF HIS OWN MOTHER), and still not get cut ... then he is definitely making the final 3. Is this the Santino effect? I think if he mauled Heidi on the catwalk, he still won't get cut. I don't know. But the sooner he is off my screen, the better. By the way, if he was a recovering alcoholic/junkie ... should he really be drinking a Mimosa? I could have just been OJ, but I am just wondering.

No Jordan 3-peat for Michael.
Michael had the advantage in this task, mostly due to his win for the last challenge, because he got choose a person (Robert's sister) who had proportions close to model. His reversible shirt dress was great but I knew he wasn't going to win because: he had immunity and had one of the best people of the lot. Maybe next week, Michael.

Next Week: Angela is pissed that Jeffrey made her mom cry. And the designers have create a garment for a jet-setter.

Also: Congratulations to Laura on baby number 6!

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 6 - Waste Not, Want Not

The week's challenge was to create a garment with materials retrieved from a recycling facility. This challenge reminds me of the first challenge in season 1 where they had to make a garment using items purchased from a grocery store. You have to be innovative and not over-the-top or boring.

Winner: Michael, Auf'd: Alison, My Fav: Laura
Okay, let me start off by calling shenanigans on this whole judging process. Vincent made a horrible dress, and to top it off the model could bearly walk in the darn thing. So why was Alison eliminated for making a dress that made the model look "fat?" Is looking "fat" in a dress worse than not being able to walk in it, ladies (and some men)?

I am starting to think that Vincent is the token "crazy guy." I think he also maybe a perv. He keep going on and on about how he "got off" when he saw his model walk in his dress. Just the image in my head causes me to shutter. This man cannot make it to the final three. In fact, he should not make it past the next three episodes.

Uli makes it in my top 3 favorites.
When I saw this dress on television I really loved it. But when the model walked on the runaway, it didn't have the same impact. Maybe it was the lighting, or the model, but the dress didn't look the same. I really thought she would win when I saw her design on the dress form.

Jeffrey's dress is made entirely from his own newspaper clippings.
Jeffrey is a douche. Laura made a good point, why is Jeffrey there if he is so good as a designer? To give him some credit, I like his garment which was created using a pastiche of magazines, cardboard and newspapers. The design was good but the blue and yellow color made it look less chic. If it were black and white, it probably would have won ... but he is still a douche.

Lastly, Michael has picked up his 2nd win. Congrats, because it was really unexpected. I thought Uli had it sewn up (pun!). Now he really has to screw up in order not to make it to the final 3. I loved his bustier, but not the dress so much. I think if he used actual fabrics I would have liked the garments more but he worked with what he was given.

There has been wild speculation regarding the sexuality of Michael. He proclaimed his heterosexuality in a interview on BravoTV website. I admit, I questioned his sexuality because I wasn't sure. Yes he is working in the fashion industry, but that doesn't make you gay. There were just some things that read "gay" to me. But he is not, so lets move on.

Next week: I don't know ... my TiVo cut off the last 3 minutes of the show.

Related Items:
Getting To Maybe - PR3 EP6 recap
Project Rungay Blog

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 5 - Iconic Statement

This week's challenge was to create to update and modernize and out that an fashion icon would have worn.

The icons: Cher, Pam Grier, Jackie O., Audrey Hepburn, Farrah Faucett, Madonna, Twiggy, Katherine Hepburn and Diana Ross. I won't going into all of the detail of which designer got which icon, you could go to the Project Runway website for that.

The twist: the models got to choose the designer that they wanted to work with.

2nd Fav: Angela (Audrey Hepburn), Winner: Michael (Pam Grier), Auf'd: Bradley (Cher)
Even though Michael's win was so telegraphed that I knew he was going to win within the first 3 minutes, I am was so happy that he won. Has been nearly non-existant through the first 4 episodes that it was about time that he shined. I hope he keeps bringing it because I want to see him in the finals. I think he will make it because, as much has it pains me to say, he will be the "token" designer in the final 3. Even though his designs were fantastic, I think that he will make it because he is a black male of indeterminate sexual orientation. He just needs to keep up his level of work up and he is golden.

Designer: Michael for Madonna
That the hell is this? ...seriously? How did Jeffrey make the cut with this design? I think Jeffrey will be the "token" trouble maker (a la Wendy Pepper & Santino) and he will make it into the final even thought his designs have been crap, for the most part.

Next week: the designer are going on a fieldtrip.

I sure hope that Tim won't be arriving in that stupid Saturn. They are really pimpin' him out, aren't they? Ah well, carry on!

Related websites:
Rod 2.0 - Make.It.Work.
Concrete Loop - Project Runway: Michael Knight

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

So this past Wednesday was the big reveal of the season. Which contestant was going to be kicked of the show? And, of course, it was Keith. Most people speculated that he would be kicked off the show, but not for the reasons that were stated. First, blogs and websites ousted him as a copycat when the portfolio he used for the casting special were stills from photographs for other designers. Keith denied these claims, naturally.

When the show started and it focused heavily on Keith, I felt a conspiracy of ravens signaling his doom. People were talking about how arrogant he was the praised he received for his basic designs. I thought he would get kicked off the show after receiving a major discount at Mood for his fabrics…


…but no, that was fine. It all started when Kayne mentioned that saw fashion books underneath Keith’s bed.


These items, according the contracts that they signed, is prohibited because it could give contestants an unfair advantage. Kayne told the producers, the producers talked to Tim Gunn, and Tim arrived at the apartment to informed Keith that he would be going home because of this major infraction. If you listen to Tim’s Project Runway podcast, he mentioned that designers were given two verbal warnings regarding contraband and no one stepped forward. Also, Keith was sneaking off without telling the producers and he used the Internet at some point during the competition.

When he was told to leave he took it well in the beginning, then he became a douche. I hate it when people do something that they were told not to do, and when they get caught they try to play the victim. I think Laura said it best:

“Keith … what an a**hole. I am glad to see him gone.”
Episode 4 – Reap What You Sew

The contestants were asked to make three pieces for Macy’s private label International Concepts (INC). I did not have a favorite.

Winner: Angela (along with Laura and Michael), Auf'd: Bonnie
I don’t freaking believe that Angela won this challenge. I think this was due to her having Laura and Michael on her team to help witht he design. Without them keeping her from putting rosettes on everything, her outfit would have been a travesty.

I am amazed that the designer's sketches ... save Angela.

[top to bottom: Laura, Bonnie, Robert, Michael]
I wish I could sketch like that. I can barely make stick figures; maybe that is why I abandoned my career as a designer ... and the fact that I can bearly dress myself with store purchased clothes.

Next week the contestants will be modernizing a look for a fashion icon. So my guess is that the designers will be taking stills of fashionable women and updating the look.

We will see on Wednesday!

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

Episode 3 - Designer's Best Friends

This episode the designers were to design and outfit based on a popular accessory. A bag? A necklace? A pair of shoes?

It turns out that the accessory was a dog. Dogs are NOT accessories! I don't care if a lot of public people are buying dogs to carry around with them. They are living, breathing creatures that requires a lot of care. If people get a dog because Paris Hilton has one, they're idiots.

Sorry to get a PETA on y'all, but it just reminds me of when people were getting Puggles because it was the hot new thing.

Anyway ...

Winner: Uli, My Fav.: Michael, Auf'd: Katherine
Let me just say that this season is by far the best season in terms of the designs. They contestants are making jackets! The first season you were luck if you saw a sleeve. I think designers saw that this wasn't just some fluke show, so they decided to join the competition.


Michael is rocking my world with his designs. They fit wonderfully, impeccably sewn and look very wearable. I originally thought that Robert, Keith and Jeffrey would be the final 3... but I would like to replace Jeffrey with Michael. I you watch the show there is a noticable absence of Michael presence. Maybe they are gearing up for a underdog win. I am looking forward to his next designs.

Next week we have the removal of a contestant for whatever reason. I haven't read any spoilers regarding this, and I am trying to avoid them at all cost. From the preview I know that it isn't Kayne or Robert ... or is it?

Tune in next week to see how it goes down.

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

I am a bit late with this, so it is probably been done to death by now ... and probably better. But I am doing it anyway.

Episode 2 Challenge - Fit For A Queen

No, they are not designing dresses for drag queens even though Kayne and Robert would probably love to do that. They are designing a dress for Miss USA contestant Tara Conners ... yeah, I don't know who she is either. They only thing I could surmise is that NBC is showing the Miss Universe pageant and NBC Universal owns both NBC and Bravo; voila, corporate synergy.

Winners: Kayne and Robert, My Fav.: Michael and Laura, Auf'd: Malan and Katherine
Miss USA will be wearing the winners dress at the Miss Universe pageant on Sunday. I didn't really like it, but I wondering how it will look on stage. I may TiVo it tomorrow and just fast forward until I get to the evening gown portion of the show. I am pretty sure there will be some altering of the dress, but I wonder how much it will change from when the show aired.

If you like -- Marius, I already know you will be watching -- tune into NBC on Sunday 9/8c for the finished product.

PS: What do you think about Michael? I am not sure about his "preference", if you know what I mean.

Yay or Nay? ... not that there anything wrong with it. I am just sayin' ...

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3

I am so glad that my favorite reality show is back on the air. Amazing Race used to be my favorite show, but when they aired that damn family edition ... the love was gone. I love Project Runway because it is reality show in which the participants actually have a skill. They don't have to eat the testicles of a syphillic money to win $10,000.

I know it is a really show and there are some dramas that the producers created, but the people actually have to design the clothes. You can't fake that. Unless you are Wendy Pepper.

Episode 1 Challenge - Wall to Wall

The challenge was to take existing material from their apartment and create a innovative design from it.


The winner was Keith but it just basically used a bed sheet, buttons and some wall hangings for necklaces. Not very innovative but a good design.

My Final 3 Picks

Robert, Keith, Jeffrey
I don't know why, I just have a feeling. The first season was 2 female and 1 male; second season was 2 males and 1 female ... so I think it will be 3 males this time. I could be wrong and I think I am but I will enjoy the show either way.

This season should be really good, and my TiVo for the heavy use. There is some drama in a future episode. Apparently some breaks some rules and possibly gets the boot. I don't know for sure and I am staying away from the spoilers.

You will have to tune in to find out!

Labels: project runway, Project Runway 3