Even though it’s interesting to see all the designs from Project Runway in person, I do have my favorites. And I finally was able to get a better look at two of my favorite designs from 501–Daniel and Jennifer.

I absolutely loved Daniel’s plastic cup dress on the runway and it didn’t disappoint in person. His dress was just as fabulous as I imagined it. Daniel thought outside the box with his material selection and chose Solo blue plastic cups for his dress. Surprisingly, Daniel was able to create the illusion of a smooth surface with the cups. The dress had a muslin lining which served as a foundation to hot glue the plastic cup pieces onto. This was another dress that was glued onto the model and had to be cut off. The only downside to the dress was its sweaty smell, as the plastic cups don’t breathe. Overall, it’s obvious that Daniel knows how to highlight a women’s silhouette; the plastic pieces were arranged it perfectly follow the model’s hourglass shape. In the auction, Daniel’s dress did well, raising $105.

I also got to peek at Jennifer’s lipstick paper towel dress. While this dress was just ho-hum on the runway, it was marvelous in person. This dress was really well made–from the sweetheart neckline, to the fitted waist, and the immaculate ruffles. I especially liked the back detailing and tiers of ruffles; these fabulous details made the dress. Jennifer was also smart about the lipstick–making her prints on separate paper towels that she sewed on. Like to so many others, this dress was sewn onto the model and cut off. “Gojengo” was the auction winner–guess Jennifer has a fan club already, or a devoted bff. Hmmm.

Make sure you check back tomorrow as I will be giving up all the details on the rest of the designs from 501. And don’t forget to nab your own Project Runway original in this week’s auction: Bright Lights/Big City!

This week, in a familar challenge, the designers were taken out into the city, where they had an hour to take inspirational pictures. Tim Gunn escorted the designers on a tour bus, where designers were let off in groups at Columbus Circle, Times Square, NYC Public Library, and Greenwich Village. The upside: the nighttime social scene was happening; the downside: it was raining. Overall, I thought the designers took some creative pictures–especially Kenley & Emily. Stella tried to stir up drama after she became irritated with an inconsiderate, distracted Keith, but it didn’t rile Kenley who backed his competitive, “in the moment” attitude.

The designers each selected one picture to inspire their design for a fabulous night out on the town. For the first time, the designers headed to Mood to pick out their own fabric. Stella kept running around screaming, “who’s helping me?,” but no one seemed to hear or care. Has she never been in a fabric store before, or does her store only sell “leatha?” In the workroom, it was interesting to watch everything come together–I was holding my breath for Kenley, Blayne, Terri and Emily who took risks with bold, splashy colors.

Kenley’s design instincts were right on cue, as she won this challenge, receiving immunity for next week. Her throw-back to the 80s was modern, playful, and perfect for a flirty girl on the town. However, I thought Leanne’s fabulous and chic separates would be hard to beat; her design was so interesting, classic, and most wearable by all women. While I had doubts about Terri’s graffiti inspired backless dress and pants, it made a fabulous showing on the runway. I also loved the sophisticated ambiance and deep olive color of Jerell’s design and the rainbow of electric colors on Blayne’s design.

While most of the designers succeeded in creating appealing garments for the runway, there were a few that were no where near making the cut. This week, we said auf wiedersehen to Emily. I loved her inspiration photo–with the moving light of NYC, but her execution was just plain awful. The ruffles were unflattering, had poor placement, and did not flow with the garment.

Personally, I liked Keith’s inspiration photo–there was something so intriguing about the battered magazine, but I was disappointed by the execution of the garment. I agree with Michael Kors’ comment: “It looks like toilet paper fluttering in the wind.” Jennifer rounded out the bottom three with her matronly frock. There are no words for it other than boring. Nina Garcia made the infamous remark, “no comment.” That is when you know it was bad!

Make sure you bid on your favorite design from Bright Lights/Big City in our auction this week. I think I might bid on Kenley’s ode to the 80s–it would be fabulously fun for a night out with my girls.

After handicapping tonight’s epsiode around the office, our coworkers were surprised with Kenley’s win. But her look was definitely daring and unique … though we must admit that we thought Leanne’s cute separates would be the one to beat. Can’t decide which one you like the best? No worries - you can buy all the designs in our Episode 503 Auction - which has just begun! Happy bidding…

I’m back with another update on the dirty details of the Project Runway Episode 501 Designs. Today I got a peek at both the good & the bad!

First for the bad. While Jerry was upset about leaving the show on the first episode, it had to be someone; and after seeing his garment in person, I know why it was him! The judges stormed on Jerry’s rainy day fun outfit. His idea was had potential, but his execution was nowhere near making the cut. Jerry’s rain jacket was made out of a shower curtain liner, using the hooks for buttons. Props for the creative buttons and the unique cut of the jacket hem. However, it was poorly constructed–it was cut so small across the back, it had to be taped to the model for the runway. Jerry also made a shift dress out of gauze and a lavender plastic tablecloth to go underneath the jacket. This also was badly executed: it did not hang well and was badly sewn. Interestingly enough, Jerry’s garment wasn’t last in the auction–it was second to last, raising $50. To Jerry’s credit, it was difficult to be the first to leave, but it seems his party would’ve been rained on sooner or later.

Now for the nitty gritty on Keith. While I would love to dish on him for using an unoriginal fabric–a checkered black and white tablecloth–I just can’t. His dress was well constructed with good detailing. Keith’s dress had a deep v neck with a volumious bubble skirt. I absolutely loved the skirt on the dress–it had a fabulous, flirty shape and movement. Keith also incorporated laundry bag netting into his skirt to add interest and texture, which he dip-dyed black. The only fault to this dress was the pins holding the back seam together. Keith also made a belt out of shinny silver squares–a trendy touch. Keith’s dress went for $105 to a “mommydelbear,” do you think his mom is starting a collection like Blayne’s mom?

Check back tomorrow for another update on the designs–I’m covering a few of my favorites! Make sure you bid on your favorite auction designs!

Rami Kashou, one of our Season 4 favorites will have six of his Project Runway Final Collection designs on exhibit at the Third Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibit at FIDM in Los Angeles, alongside designs by Bob Mackie and Nolan MIller.

In addition to the designers listed above, TV costume designer and guest curator Mary Rose selected Emmy Nominated costume designers for the exhibit including: costume designer Donna Zakowsk of HBO’s “John Adams,” Jenny Katharine Bryant of “Mad Men,” Robert Blackman of “Pushing Daisies,” Salvador Perez of “Moonlight,” Carey Bennett of “Scrubs,” Mandi Line of “Greek,” Abram Waterhouse of “Dexter,” and Roberta Haze of “Dirty Sexy Money.” The show will also have over 100 sketches included in the exhibit.

Check out the exhibit which opened yesterday and goes until September 28, 2008 - and don’t forget to visit our friends at Maneater Threads for your to-die-for Rami Kashou dress. We’re loving his Myra Twisted Pencil Dress and his Nadine Gladiator Jersey Dress (seen below).

Shop his looks here!

If there was ever speculation about whether the bidder on Blayne’s first design under the username “Blayne’s Mom” was really in fact Blayne’s mom, we got our confirmation today when we received this message:

Yes, it WAS TRULY ME… BLAYNE’S MOM, bidding on his first design! As I would very much like to own each and every one of his designs from the show, you’ll be happy to know that I won’t be bidding on every one. I wanted the first one for memorabilia. Blayne is an extremely creative & talented designer, amazing artist and an all around fun-loving & wonderful person. He has always had a great sense of humor (as you can see on the show), and is easy going and pretty laid back most of the time. I hope all of you who bid on his designs in the future enjoy them. And once again.. don’t worry.. I won’t be bidding on All of them… maybe just a couple more.

We love her enthusiasm and her support and wish Blayne and the other designers the best of luck!

I still get excited looking at all the Project Runway originals we have in our office. Some of the designers were innovative in their design and execution of their garments from the first challenge, promising much talent for future challenges.

We put Terri’s garment on the mannequin–it has been one of the few that has been big enough to actually fit our bust form! Terri used safe materials to create her garment: a red plastic tablecloth for the skirt and mops for the halter top. Even though the materials were ordinary, Terri’s execution of detailing and construction were well done. She made a simple a-line skirt, but added ruffles to the back to add interest and create volume. The skirt had seams to make it fit well, but it didn’t have any closures, so I’m not sure how it stayed on the model. It was obvious Terri spent most of her time creating a braid pattern for the halter; the pattern was intricate and well designed. My favorite part was the open structure of the back–very sexy. This was sewn onto the model, so we had to use a rubber band to dress our mannequin. Even though Terri played it safe in design and fabrication, her work was solid. In last week’s auction, her dress was continually bid on by three persons and went for $70.

I also got to examine Wesley’s paper tablecloth dress–which had been completely cut off of the model! This dress was among my favorites as it was with viewers. In last week’s auction, this was one of the top dresses, with a max bid of $115. The same bidder nabbed both Terri’s and Wesley’s garments. Wesley, like many of the designers, played it safe with a paper tablecloth, however, his keg cup and flyswatter flowers added a pop quality to his design. Wesley used a muslin base for his dress, allowing him to create a good shape and movement.  Most of his time was spent cutting out individual petals for his flowers, but his craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident. The rubber gloves were interesting–they were tacky in design, but on trend in design conception. Wesley used rubber kitchen gloves adorned with a smashed keg cup. This dress was good, but the color is what made it standout on the runway.

Make sure you place your bid in this week’s auction and I’ll keep you updated on all the dirty design details!  

Today, I was able to take a closer look at more Project Runway garments from Episode 501, the first challenge. It is so interesting to see everything in person–epecially the detailing, construction, and artistry.

Blayne’s fiesty personality was evident in his “Girlicious” romper, which was topped out with a $60 bid in last week’s auction; the winner was a fierce battling “Blaynesmom.” Hmmm…if it really was his mother, is she going to be buying everything?! The romper wasn’t very attractive, but it was definitely innovative–as the judges noted.  Blayne used charcoal grey and white shelving liner for his design, which created a heavy, rubbery garment. Down the front of the design, Blayne create a net pattern with gauze, basketball netting, and shoelaces. He also used bright teal, pink, and green “No Fog” mitts to create a voluminous halter neckline for the romper. The romper was hand-stitched together with a lime green floss-like thread. This was another garment that they model had to be sewn into and cut out of! While the “Girlicious” idea was debatable, Blayne’s overall garment was well made, creative, and interesting.

I also got to peek at Jerell’s design–a colorful dress with flower detailing. In last week’s auction, this dress raised only $50. Jerell used a mesh laundry bag to create the bodice of his dress; the princess seams were well constructed, bringing shape to the garment. And, like everyone else, Jerell used a lace tablecloth for the skirt; however, he did dip-dye the skirt in fruit punch to give it more color and a stiff texture. Across the asymmetrical neckline, Jerell cut up a hawaiian floral garland to create individual flowers. Lastly, on the shoulder, Jerell used a bright blue Koosh ball, which made the garment really heavy. The dress was pinned together in the back, so Jerell must not have had time to finish it! While I didn’t find Jerell’s garment to be anything stellar, it was well made.

If want to be able to see a Project Runway original, make sure you bid on your favorite design at our Episode 502 auction. If you are curious to see more inside details about the designs, check back as we will keep you updated.

Last season some fans were upset that there weren’t more feuds and that many of the the contestants seemed to be conservative and calculating of how their behavior would look on screen. Even Christian with his “Fierce” cries was accused of not ‘letting it all hang out.’ Although there weren’t huge blowouts such as Jay and Wendy’s feud from Season 1, or Jeffrey and Angela’s feud from Season 3, I think Ricky’s consistent crying and spat with Carmen in the workroom (remember “Don’t go home too soon”?) deserves some recognition.

This season, If people are looking for some drama and feuding, I think they must have been pretty pleased with the last episode. It appears the claws are already coming out.

Let’s see. First, Jennifer steals Jerell’s model and Jerell admits he is “salty”; Blayne makes fun of Stella’s love of leather only to have Stella brush it off in an interview calling him “12″; and let’s not forget Suede talking about himself in the third person. You’ll remember in Leanne’s interview she says “Leanne likes Suede. But Leanne wishes Suede would stop talking about himself in the third person.” Yikes! I think this is an indication that Leanne smiles silently and sweetly in the workroom but probably has a lot to say about what goes on in there. We can’t wait!

And although we love when people get along and make merry, we must admit we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a good feud. These competitions are all about being hungry, and you’re not going to get what you want by not saying what you feel and/or sticking up for yourself.

So here’s hoping they continue to spice it up-both in the workroom and on the runway!

Working behind the scenes at ProjectRunway.com definitely has its perks! Not only do we have access to exclusive photos and videos of Project Runway, we also have the designs from the first challenge right here in our office. This week, we are getting ready to send out the designs to the highest bidders from last week’s auction, so I took a moment to examine the different designs. It was such an awesome opportunity to see all the detailing, stitching, and overall aesthetic up close in person.

Of course I had to see last week’s winning design–Kelli’s vacuum cleaner bag and coffee filter creation. What amazed me most about this design was it’s creative pattern from the bleach. It is evident Kelli focused most of her time on getting the pattern perfect for the bodice and skirt. Her hems, stiches, and finishing was efficient in design. She creatively used notebook wire ( see picture above) to create hook and eyes to fasten the dress. Kelli used a whip stich to hem the top of the skirt and attach the straps, coffee filter top, and skirt altogether–and she must have been pressed for time! Overall, it was evident the creative patterning and use of materials made this dress the winner.

I also had to peek at Leanne’s lucious candy creation, one of my favorites from the challenge. Leanne conservatively chose a bubblegum pink tablecloth for her main material, but her use of candy and coffee filters made her dress stand out. My favorite part of this design was the silhouette–the deep v neck and bubble skirt are very trendy and fit the candy ideology. Leanne also created ruffles with her white coffee filters. While the candy was adorable on the runway, it might not stay preserved for long. This design was also so tiny that it wouldn’t fit on our mannequin! Overall, I was impressed with how well Leanne’s garment was constructed under the time constraint.

If you are just dying to be able to see a Project Runway original firsthand, make sure you place your bid for this week’s auction–its going to be hot!