Project Runway Review

Once again, this review contains spoilers. If you have not seen last night's episode of Project Runway, please do so here.

Here again is my caricature of Tim and Heidi

Okay, so Michael Drummond is gone. I'm already bummed at the beginning of the episode... **sigh**.

The challenge this week was to create a head-to-toe couture look. The winner will be featured in a L'Oreal "advertorial" and receive $20,000! The looks have to be inspired by the finishes of L'Oreal eyeshadow: matte, bright, metallic, crystal, and velvet. Naturally, since the look has to be at a couture level, the budget was upped to $300, and the time limit was extended to two days.

The cash prize for a non-finalist winner is completely unprecedented in all the seasons of Project Runway. This challenge, however, is not. Flashback to Season 3: the designers were taken on a surprise trip to Paris, France, and were asked to create couture gowns. I can't find any pictures of this episode, or I would have shared them with you.

Moving on. Since the designers were given a whole extra day, many of them lollygagged and really took their time, something April was quick to point out. She herself was really working quickly saying, "You never know" in a way we'll later understand was foreboding...

Day 1 goes off with only a few minor hitches. Mondo's bodice apparently dramatically changed sizes after his first fitting when he tried to insert the boning. "Wretchen" and Michael Costello exchanged catty remarks because they both (once again) picked Burgundy/Bordeaux as their main color. Here's all I have to say on the issue of this repetitive color choice:



For those of you who don't know, that's from the movie Kinky Boots. Yes, I know, the color isn't the same, but the sentiment still fits for me.

Day 2 began with the designers still seemingly moving at a snail's pace - all expect April that is - but lo and behold, in floats Tim. I can hardly say he walks. He's never really walked, in my opinion. Tim has a greatly irritating announcement: the designers will be required to create a second, Ready-to-Wear look to compliment the main couture design. I thought this was an excellent addition to the challenge. What Tim said is very true. Designers do not make money off of Haute Couture; they make money off of RTW.

Cue designer drama! Everyone had something nasty to say about this addition to the challenge, except April, who was probably really happy she didn't dawdle like the others. Valerie had a complete meltdown and escaped to the restroom. I was actually really glad to see Wretchen and Ivy go to comfort her. Though my faith in the collective talent of this group is waning more and more quickly, it's interesting to see that time and time again the designers seem to bond despite the competition.

The runway was ultimately unimpressive, and it was really anyone's guess who would be in the top and bottom three. You can rate the runway for yourself here. My picks for bottom were Ivy, Christopher and Valerie. I very much disliked Wretchen's as well, but it was well-made so I wouldn't have put her in the bottom. The other three had either questionable concepts or bad execution. Valerie had all three, and I would have booted her. Instead, it was Ivy who went home.

Mondo won the challenge. I suppose it was because his look was the most outlandish. Though I did love his RTW look, and despite being a self-proclaimed member of Team Mondo, I personally would have chosen Andy as the winner. I thought his warrior idea was the most cohesive.

Here's my look for this challenge:

The Haute Couture piece is a gown with a button-down Minoan bodice in crepe with bright blue accents and a delicate chiffon front-piece for modesty. The skirt is asymmetrically layered chiffon. The Ready-to-Wear look is an elegant suit with open Minoan jacket and a bias satin blouse. The look is made for the "matte" finish of L'Oreal eyeshadow. If you're curious about my inspiration, you can read yesterday's post on Theseus and the Minotaur.

The preview for next week showed Tim introducing some guests that sent the designers into joyous hysterics. I'm going to go ahead and predict that members of the designer's families are these secret guests - let's see if I'm right!

On a side note, I've finally understood the point of Twitter. It's not about following someone so you can read about every detail of their lives. It really is a global conversation. I was logged in and posting all throughout the show last night and it was quite an experience. I was literally conversing with people all across the United States who were watching the same show as I. The wonders of technology do still occasionally impress me, despite being a child of Technological Age.


Thanks for reading,
Nostalgically Yours

Project Runway Sep. 9 - Review

This review contains spoilers. In fact there will be a spoiler in the first line of it, so if you still haven't seen the episode, keep your wandering eyes up here and click this link to watch the episode

Before I start let me get this off my chest:

CASANOVAAaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Thank you. As you well know, my poor dear Casanova was eliminated this week... I would have very much preferred to Ivy go, as much as it would have distressed Michael Drummond...

This week's challenge was to create a resortwear look that reflected the designer's individual style. Additionally, the designers were divided into pairs and were asked to sew the sample garment for their teammate. Yikes! This was going to get ugly and it did, but not where you would think. I was really surprised by the civility that surfaced between Mondo and Mike Costello. I don't know if I could have dealt with him so well... The real drama came from Ivy! I guess the inability to work on her own design really brought out the worst in her. She had absolutely no faith in Michael's abilities, so she dumbed down her design beyond any sort of taste.

I really enjoyed seeing April and Christopher working together. I'm also liking Gretchen less and less each week. As much as I hate to say it, she, Mondo, and either Andy or Valerie are my picks for top three at this point.

My favorite look by far was Andy's. Fabulous. I was surprised that Valerie's look didn't make the bottom three. I mean, Mondo's may have been Junior-ish, but it didn't have holes in it!

Anyway, here's my design for the challenge:

Daywear ensemble: white cotton Capri pants with ties at knee, jersey gathered top and long jersey sweater (for those air-conditioned stores!).

Hope you're enjoying this season as much as I am!

Nostalgically Yours

Project Runway Review - Philip Treacy Challenge

This review contains spoilers. If you have not seen this week's episode, you may do so here.

So, this week’s challenge was to create a look inspired by a hat designed by Philip Treacy. Yes, you did read that correctly. Philip Treacy was the guest judge on this week’s episode! If you’re not having a hat-gasm right now, let me give you the background on this incredible artist.
Philip Treacy is the foremost milliner of our time. Discovered by the late Isabella Blow in the late 80s/early 90s, Treacy has become the most famous hat designer in the world. He has created hats for designers such as the late Alexander McQueen (also a disciple of Isabella Blow), Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karen. His hats have been worn by such prominent celebrities as Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the Duchess of Cornwall. After receiving countless awards throughout his career, in 2006 Treacy launched a collaborative collection with Umbro, a British sportswear supplier. Like Alexander McQueen's designs, Treacy's hats push the boundaries of the everyday and have made him today's most avant-garde milliner. Here are some of his designs:

Philip Treacy (right) and Isabella Blow (left, wearing Treacy's hat)

Needless to say, the hats were positively stunning. I did feel bad for Kristen, though. Her hat was literally a gigantic orchid and she pointed out, it’s difficult to treat such a literal inspiration. However, the schlep she turned out was in my humble opinion completely inexcusable.
Micheal Costello is proving to completely fulfill my prophesy of being the annoying contestant who's generally safe because he causes a lot of drama. More on this jerk later.
The other Michael is proving to be my favorite contestant. Most of you probably know that this decision has almost nothing to do his talents as a designer and a lot to do with the fact that he wears a tank top really well. I have a similar appreciation for Christopher Collins... Don't judge me!

The bottom and top three were really surprising. It was one of the first times I really couldn’t guess what the judges were going to say. I was expecting April, Chris, and Michael C. to be the top three, but only one of them (Michael C.) actually made it in... The top three were Valerie, Michael C., and Michael! They ripped on poor April, who had a great concept though her execution wasn't the best. I was shocked that the judges liked Valerie's design. I agree with Mr. Treacy when he said there was no correlation between the garment and the mask. Though I appreciate what she said about an evening gown being expected, here is my idea for Treacy's mask:

The mask reminded me of the vintage Maidenform Bra ads, so I went with a classic silhouette in a vibrant orange with a layered chiffon skirt.

I wasn't surprised that Kristin got booted this week. As I mentioned before, her garment was a mess. I would have been ashamed to send something like that down the runway.
I hope I wasn't the only one who screamed at his television set when they announced that Michael C. had won. It was completely ridiculous, and as Mondo pointed out at the end of the program, we're never going to hear the end of this. I'm certain that the producers stepped in and asked that he win to create conflict between the contestants, and no, I'm not just biased towards cute Michael, I really think that from a design standpoint he deserved to win. I really enjoyed the look on Ivy's face when Michael C. told them he had won. To quote her: "What the ----?!?".
Did anyone else think Mondo's design should have been in the top three? I know it was completely out there, but the challenge was, after all, to compliment the hat and not let it completely take over. I really like his design. I also thought that Ivy's jacket deserved an honorable mention. The draped back of her jacket was gorgeous! I would totally wear it.
I really enjoyed this week's challenge, despite the outcome, and perhaps the appearance of these major celebrities is an indication that Project Runway isn't, in fact, dying, but will actually be around for quite some time.

Hope you enjoyed it!
Nostalgically Yours

Photo Credits:
Lasplash
Nicola Formichetti
Vogue UK

Project Runway: Review with Spoilers

Remember you can watch last night's episode on the Lifetime website.

The first thing I want to say about this episode: I was really mad that they auf'ed two designers last night. I really don't like that they brought the seventeen contestants and told them they weren't on the show. It was completely unfair of them to do that to McKell. I'm not going to lie: I'm glad they kicked off Jason (did anyone else get a kick out of the Clockwork Orange reference?), but I think the fact that they needed to get back on schedule isn't a reason Nicholas should have gone home. The issue with Nicholas' garment was styling. I think had he removed the cape, he would not have gotten as low a score - though I did really like the concept.

Anyway, the challenge this week was to create a look that reflected the essence of the Marie-Claire reader. The winning look would be shown on a giant billboard in Times Square. Fun challenge, but I didn't see a lot of Marie-Claire info given to the designers. Maybe I'm wrong, but how else did Jason end up with his "Infinity Symbol" concept? I have no idea how that came from Marie-Claire at all. As I predicted, Michael Costello is quicky becoming the Annoying One (at least for me, perhaps you don't think so).

I am absolutely amazed by the chemistry between all the designers this season. Normally, it seems the competition prevents any but a few friendships from blooming on the show (Robert and Kayne on Season 3, anyone?). This season, though, there seems to be an incredible sense of unity among the designers. Did you notice how they all ganged up on Jason when he inexplicably tried to blame his model for his atrocious dress? It will be interesting to see how this all develops through the series.

I might have to rethink my prediction about Peach not being so sweet as all that, but I still have the feeling she's not as nice as she seems... I had my picks for top 3 at one point last night, but I forgot them. I do think that Mondo will go to Fashion Week.

Hope you enjoyed my review! Here are my impressions of my favorite
runway looks:

It makes me really mad that any outfit that has sleeves suddenly becomes "matronly". Just because an outfit is sophisticated and elegant it doesn't have to be matronly.

I really liked the pleating on this dress.


More on PR next week!
Nostalgically Yours

Project Runway - Season 8 Premiere Review

This review contains spoilers. If you wish to watch the premiere online before reading, you may do so here. Please do not read this review if you do not wish to know who was eliminated.

Well, as many of you know, the latest season of Project Runway premiered yesterday. Now, to tell the truth, I'd recently fallen out of love with this show. Last season, especially, seemed to be a culmination of drama and petty fighting, and choosing personality over talent... However, from the first scenes of this episode, there was a palpable change in tone from all of the previous seasons: the show seems lighter now, almost auto-satirical. Heidi, Tim, and the judges seem to take themselves a little less seriously this season.
I have a good idea who I'm going to like and dislike throughout this season. Casanova and Ivy are definitely my favorites at this point. I can tell I'm not going to like Jason - mostly because he thinks Bowler Hats are intimidating and has no concept of Hat Etiquette, but also because he just comes off as a jerk. I might be wrong, but I think he's definitely going to be this season's main villain. I get the feeling that Peach isn't going to be a total peach throughout the show - did anyone else get some serious Laura-from-Season-3 vibes? Also, I predict that Michael Costello is going to be the one who gets on everyone's last nerve. More on my predictions next time.
One of the other major changes fans of the show will notice is the way the contestants are introduced. In all the past seasons, the designers were shown arriving at Atlas or Gotham apartments - wherever they happened to be staying that season - they have them meeting each other outside, in the streets of New York, on their ways in to the Big Apple. I suppose this is because of the challenge I'm about to explain, but I hope they keep it that way for a bit. I really enjoyed seeing how the designers interacted outside the comfort of the dorms; the edge of competition, the awkward silences, etc.
They also showed parts of the audition interviews, which is something I don't remember from previous seasons. I liked that simply because it reminded me of American Idol and I couldn't help but picture a line of thousands of designers, each carrying a bundle of their clothes.
I suppose the main reason for them meeting outside their rooms this season was that they hadn't finished the audition process. The more observant fans (myself excluded) probably noticed there were seventeen contestants instead of the usual sixteen. This was because (according to Heidi and Tim) none of the present designers had yet made it to the actual show. They would all have to prove their worth in a 5-hour challenge before they would officially be on the show, and they were warned that maybe more than one of them would be going home.
I really did not like this about the first episode. I felt it came completely out of left field and if you're going to invite the seventeenth person to fly out to New York, at least tell them they made it onto the show.
Anyway, the designers were asked to take one piece of clothing out of their suitcases to use in this challenge. Then, the designers were asked to pass this piece of clothing to the person to their right! I really enjoy seeing the designers' faces when twists like these are thrown at them. I felt really bad for Casanova, though, who (for some ungodly reason) chose the $1,000 Dolce & Gabbana pants he had just bought and had never worn...
Most of the work time isn't really worth talking about here. Suffice it to say that I don't think Tim Gunn has ever been seen without a hand somewhere on his face.
Then came the runway show! If you'd like a refresher, you can see the runway fashions here. Here are my favorite looks: Andy's, Gretchen's, and one of the Michaels.
At the end of the show, as usual, six designers were left on the runway while the rest were sent backstage to the green room. However, the first thing they did was pick the winner - Gretchen. I was a bit thrown off by this, but even moreso by the fact that the remaining five designers were the bottom five. They really didn't treat the contestants well in this first episode.
Some guest judges tend to be a little tentative in railing on the contestants, not this week's! She went off on pretty much everyone, which I think adds insult to injury to the fact that they were tricked into thinking they were on the show.
Finally, after a commercial break, the bottom five were narrowed down to three: McKell (the sympathetic contestant), Casanova (the ESOL rating magnet), and Ivy (the talented one who misunderstood the challenge). At this point it was obvious to me what was going to happen - McKell would be out and they would continue with sixteen contestants, and I was right!
McKell, of course, was crushed, especially because she had left her nine-month-old child to come to New York. Yet, besides the whole sympathy thing, I really cannot for the life of me remember what she made... Especially since the Lifetime website makes my dinosaur of a computer crash. Clearly, whatever it was wasn't memorable enough. Goodbye, McKell! We hope your baby is happy and healthy!

Don't worry, I'll keep watching and giving you the skinny on what's going on up at Parson's!

Nostalgically Yours


PS: Did anyone watch that new show "On the Road with Austin & Santino"? Well, at least it's a more creative follow-up than "Models of the Runway"...

Project Runway - New Season! (Thoughts, no spoilers)

Okay, how many babies is Heidi Klum going to have? I can barely remember a season where she's not bursting with baby happiness...!

(On a related side note, I assume you've all seen the previews for the "Pregnancy Pact" Lifetime movie. Is there anything that can't be turned into a TV movie?)

Seems to be a pretty good group of designers so far, but it's hard to say so early into the season - not to mention the episode.

Why are the designers always so judgmental of unusual methods of creation? So Ping's trying to see the motion of the fabric on herself; stop staring at her like she's an alien. They're probably just jealous because she's the same size as her model...

I thought Anthony would be annoying, but he's actually rather charming!

Lots of West Coasters this season - represent!

It's interesting to note that I believe anyone with experience in costume will have a distinct advantage. Think about it: costume designers have to do the most with the fewest resources and in the shortest time frames. They'll also know tons of shortcuts to getting similar effects with less work. (Just look at Emilio's work)

There's also always one designer who is never seen sewing, and is always seen wandering around the workroom giving advice to the other contestants. What's with that?

How do models not go bald? With all the sheer torture their hair goes through, it's incredible to think they can go from gig to gig without completely destroying their hair.

Why is Nicole Richie starting her own clothing line?

I also wasn't convinced by Anthony's fabric choice, but he surprised me again! :)

Overall this seems to be building up to a pretty decent season for PR. I won't give away what happened, but the winner totally deserved it - and in hindsight the "loser" was pretty obvious.

Go watch it now!!


Nostalgically Yours!