For those of you who were jonesing for some of your favorite designers from last season, tonight was a special treat as Chris March came out to help announce the challenge. As we all know from watching his audition tape and looking at his portfolio he is the king of costume design and is particularly talented when it comes to making beautiful drag pieces.

Surprinsingly, the designers seemed to have less problems with this then they did with the Olympics challenge. Apparently making over-the-top creations for beautiful drag queens where the sky is the limit is totally within their realm of understanding. Well, all except Joe who was struggling with the concept of making a piece for a drag queen.

It was interesting to watch the designers pad the bust forms and play with bras made for men. Some designers like Joe, Kenley, Jerell, and Korto really had fun while other’s like Stella and Keith seemed to be stuck in a rut. Terri went over-the -top  it was up for debate whether it was in a good way and Leanne’s design looked like the pleats and pintucks she has done for other challenges. In the words of Micheal as far as Leanne’s design went we  felt like ”she could have gone farther.”

Perhaps the most interesting was Suede who claimed his design came to him in a dream where his gardening grandfather told him to toss seeds all over  his dress. He was pleased with his design and lettuce influences only to have his model call him “lazy” for making gloves instead of sleeves . Yikes!

After all the spats and speculation the designs hit the runway. As expected Keith, Jerell, and Danielwere in the bottom three. Although I definitely had issues with Daniels cha cha design we were pretty confident the vote to go home would be Keith. I mean how many times can you do scrappy tears.

Terri, Joe, and Korto rose to the occassin and impressed the judges especially glamazon guest judge Rupaul. Ultimately, Joe claimed his first victory with his curve hugging pink sequins jumper, while Daniel was out for not being innovative enough.

This challenge was good queen fun! Check back tommorrow for the up-close and personal details of the garments! 

We’ll admit that one of our favorite designers is Leanne. There we said it. Not only does she create beautiful innovative designs she also manages to save her small gripes for her interviews and steers clear of drama. Yet it’s not only her designs on the runway  we dig, but her personal style.That’s why it’s great news that she often wears her own designs (see above) from her own line Leanimal. This means that we can steal her style.

With Leanimal she does for pleats, pintucks, and folds what Rami does for draping. Each of her designs, which you’ll note from her audition video she designs and produces all herself, is a beautiful piece of wearable art. We know she will be doing big things this season.

Get to know Leanne a little better- and check out her Spring 2008 line  on her website!

We checked out Jennifer’s blog ‘The Suite Life’ and found  this sweet note to Project Runway fans and the bidders on her losing design for Episode 504.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

All I have to say is that you have to go home, go home a winner!

I just want to thank everybody who bid on my losing design for the 4th challenge on Project Runway, making it the winner of the auction!!

Read more to find out about what what she’s up to and what projects she’s working on here!

Let’s face it, some of the designs created out of the challenges are not things you can wear off the runway. Lettuce neckline anyone?  The accessories the models wear from the Bluefly accessories wall however are the exception. From patent pumps, metallic clutches, to embellished cuffs the accessories really add drama to the pieces.

We love the red  Maryjane patent pumps that Emily’s model Leslie wore in Episode 502: Grass is Always Greener. They work with Emily’s gray, white and navy swingy cocktail dress and are on-trend for fall. This style is one that will go the extra mile with your fall wardrobe. Wear it with a basic sheath dress for the perfect pop of color at the office, or make a statement by pairing it with a print piece.

Wristlets and clutches are another trend we saw the designers add to their runway looks. Our favorites: the oversized black croc clutch Terri’s model Xaviera carried plus the mint colored wristlet Kelli’s model Germaine carried in Episode 502,  and the metallic gold clutch Joe’s model Topacio carried in Episode 503: Bright Lights/Big City.  All three of these looks are great for day or night, working as easily with a pair of skinny jeans as they do with a cocktail dress.

The last runway trend we continue to see is bold bracelets. Large colorful bracelets were seen on  Jerell’s model Alex , Daniel’s model Elena, and Blayne’s model Polina in Episode 501:Let’s Start From the Beginning and again in Episode 502 on Nicole,  Korto’s model Katarina wore stacked bracelets in Episode 502, and statement cuffs graced the wrists of  Leanne’s model Karalyn.

Since trends change so often accessories are the best way to update your look. Adding a great pair of heels or a  clutch can instantly make an old dress new again and save you from being bored with your closet.  Visit Bluefly for your perfect fall shoes and accessories-and shop Heidi Klum’s jewelry collection for great earrings and cuffs.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave you are probably well aware that the 2008 Olympics starts this weekend in China. So it’s only appropriate that this week’s challenge be about the Olympics. As soon as they entered the stadium with Apollo Ohno I knew that this challenge was no joke. As Tim announced that they would be following in the vein of Ralph Lauren and were to create a design for the althletes to wear for the opening ceremony for the games I could see the designers getting excited.

This was short lived. Once in the workroom many of the designers fell to pieces. From those like Jennifer and Daniel who refused to create something sporty and insisted on creating pieces with their distinct point of view, to those who didn’t grasp the concept like Jerell and Stella this challenge raised stress and added additional tension to the competition. Some of the designs were ridiculous. Korto, Terri and Joe rose to the occasion being some of the few who actually made a sporty garment and incoporated all three colors into their design.

It was rather shocking that this challenge was so hard. It seems that people vying to be the next great American designer would just ‘get it’. This challenge was about each designers perspective on America and American athleticism and the designs should have reflected that. I don’t see any athletic element to a cocktail dress or a swing skirt ? Do you? This was a chance to do what Michael has asked repeatedly and that is to go further. Think outside the box and create something for our “superheroes” as Michael so aptly called them.

Let’s hope they get their act together for next week when they will be creating a  design  for the working woman inspired by one TV’s most fashionable shows; Lipstick Jungle! We can’t wait.

In honor of the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympics this Friday, the designers were challenged to create a warmup look for the Olympian’s version of the red carpet. Korto won with her sleek white warmups. The judges thought her high-waisted pants and mini vest had what it took to make the cut. If you thought another designer should have won the gold, don’t worry because you can always bid on your favorite Olympic look in our Episode 504 Auction. And make sure you watch the 2008 Olympics starting this Friday!

And, stay tuned for a closer look at this week’s designs tomorrow… we have them all in the office right now!

The judges thought Kenley had what it took to win last week’s Bright Lights/Big City challenge and apparently, so do you! Our auction is getting haute: Kenley’s fabulous ode to the 80’s minidress has jumped to the lead with a current bid of over $500 and quickly mounting. Currently, there is a bidding faceoff between “laney” and “ggarvin.” Who do you think will come out  highest bidder? Or will someone else slink in and take the cake? Make sure you keep bidding on your favorite design so you can own a Project Runway original!

As you know, ProjectRunway.com is the source for everything you ever wanted to know about Project Runway. With the season quickly progressing, I’m sure you are starting to wonder how all the designers were selected, where they came from, and their backgrounds. Don’t fret, as we are bringing you the cast’s audition videos where you can see their previous designs, learn about their inspirations, and peek into their eccentric and creative personalities. Our audition videos give you an inside look at each designer.

Make sure you watch Kenley’s audition video. She’s one of my favorite designers–I just love her retro, 40’s inspired style and witty personality. She says, “I want to bring back to the fashion world hope, beauty, and real glam.” Kenley, honey, I am with you! What woman doesn’t need a fabulous wardrobe that makes her feel demurely sexy and glamorous?

If you are like me and just adore Blayne (disagree all you want, but there is something about his quirky colorful personality), make sure you watch his video. In his video he says, “I want to inspire people that inspire me.” While his portfolio is eccentric and imaginative (I want to know who inspired his parachute-leg jumpsuit…), you have to love his heartfelt passion for designing.

Another fan favorite is Daniel’s video. While I marvel at his well-executed animal inspirations, I think the random birds flitting about his sewing machine may be a bit to extreme for my taste. However, to each his own.

Lastly, make sure you check out Stella’s audition tape. “I hammer, I bang, I snap, I grommet, I paint, I distress…” she says. Yes, we know, and all on “leathuh” too. In her video, Stella expresses that she wants to jump outside her box and do more. Do you think we’ll see that this season?

All of your favorite designer’s audition videos are posted, so make sure you watch them to get an inside look at thier design aesthetic and personality.

I couldn’t wait to get a look at the Bright Lights/Big City designs from last week’s episode when they came into our office; and most of them didn’t disappoint me. Here’s the skinny on the best and the worst from last week’s challenge.

Kenley was the winner with her ode to the 80’s mini dress. She took a fashion risk when designing this outfit, but I just loved it. The dress was well executed–a mini dress with three quarter sleeves, mock turtleneck, puffy shoulders, and a bubble skirt. All of the hems were well finished and the zipper laid flat. I especially loved the fuschia and purple ombred tulle she used to offset her asymmetrical skirt hem. While her bright green floral print fabric looked fabulous on the runway, it looked a bit like a doctor’s office couch in person. Nonetheless, it was obvious that Kenley’s creativity and execution deserved the win. Currently, Kenley’s dress is doing well in the auction, so don’t miss out on your chance to have a fabulous throwback to the 80s dress.

Although Kenley ended up with the win, I thought Leanne’s separates might be the ones to beat! From an abstract picture, Leanne created a tiered skrit and simple blouse that were elegant, creative and wearable. She used basic black with charcoal grey tiers in the skirt. The sewing was among the best I saw–finished hems, flat seams, and overall polish. Leanne also paid attention to details, with the tiers at the blouse neckline and across the back of the skirt. Right now, Leanne’s design is leading the auction with a bid of over $300! If you think this outfit would like divine in your wardrobe (and trust me, it would), then makes sure you place your bid today!

Terri rounded out the top three last week with her multicolored, backless mini dress and black pants. When I saw her design in person, I just loved it–it was playful, sexy, and classy. I especially liked the sleeves on the dress with the layers of colors at the cuff and baggy fit. She also made a pair of fabulous, fitted satin pants with a boot cut. Her execution was finished and polished. Terri’s design stood out on the runway to me because it was a fresh take on the dress and a new look for the Big City (and don’t forget the fabulous, fiesty sunglasses!). Make sure you love Terri in our auction and bid on her dress/pants design.

And now for the worst. Emily’s LBD with the bold ruffles didn’t make the cut this week. Her light and energy photograph was inspiring and her idea had potential, but it was poorly executed. Emily’s basic little black dress was well sewn with obre trim, but the ruffles were messy. First, most of them weren’t finished, so they were starting to fray. Second, they were poorly placed across the dress and didn’t flatter the model (and models look good in most anything!). However, Emily’s dress isn’t at the bottom of the auction, so you must like it; don’t forget to place your bid on her dress.

Although Emily got the boot, I’m surprised Jennifer’s matronly frock didn’t have us saying auf wierdersehen to her this week! I’m sorry, but not only was this dress boring and nunnish, it was poorly executed. Jennifer created a simple black and white dress with long sleeves and a three-tier ruffle skirt. While the dress looked okay on the runway, the sewing was not appealing in person. The belt hid her messy waist seam (see above), the tiers were uneven, and her whip stitching wasn’t attractive. Jennifer tried to add intricate details to her dress like the piano key sleeves and sheer keyhole on the back, but it didn’t do her justice. Right now, Jennifer’s dress is one of the the lowest in the auction, but her faithful “gojengo” fan is once again the highest bidder. Think you love Jennifer more? Then make sure you bid on her dress in the auction.

Keith was the last among the bottom three this week with his ratty magazine inspired dress. Being a magazine junkie, I adored his picture (it was so intimate and unique), but the dress didn’t pan out like I had hoped it would. However, I will admit the dress is better in person that it was on the runway. Keith had a basic slip dress which he adored with little 2×2 squares of printed fabric. It was a unique idea, but it would’ve been better if the dress had more of a shape and more intense, darker colors. The one downfall were the twisted messy straps–that might have been intentional as a literal translation of the inspiration picture, but it didn’t help his design any. Keith’s design is at the lower end of the auction, but I bet with a belt and little personality, this dress would be a great addition to your wardrobe.

That is the down and dirty on the designs from last week’s Bright Lights/Big City challenge. Make sure you place your bid on your favorite going out outfit before this week’s episode!

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!