So this episode started out like last week’s episode with the winning designer given the option to switch models.  We were shocked last week when Leanne decided to choose Tia over Karalyn so we were pleasantly surprised when Korto kept Katarina. Once that was out of the way it was off to meet Tim for a field trip.

The final destination of this field trip was the New York Botanical Garden where Collier Strong met them to discuss how he gets inspiration from the colors and textures in nature. The designers’ were asked to grab a camera and start shooting inspiration for an evening gown inspired by nature. This seemed easy enough. Right? WRONG.

The designers’ ran around Mood looking for fabric, agonized over their designs, and stressed about having enough time to finish their designs. Just when we thought Kenley was completely doomed because she left her tulle at Mood Tim saved the day by allowing her to return to Mood to retrieve it. We aren’t surprised at Jerell’s amusement at Kenley’s misfortune saying,” I am dying to see how this will all pan out. I’m staying tuned!”

In the workroom it was clear that Leanne, Jerell, and Korto were supportive of eachother and that there was definite divide between the trio and Kenley. Kenley appeared to be disappointed by this however explained that she was used to it.  The sulking and stressing didn’t last for long as it was on to the runway. Here Heidi announced that Georgina Chapman Co-Founder and Designer of Marchesa was the guest judge. This was the perfect challenge for her to judge considering her elegant whimsical gowns grace many a red carpets. Who can forget the beautiful looks she did for Anne Hathaway and Jessica Alba at last years Oscars.

As far as the runway show we would like to first point out that we disagree with the judges. We actually thought the designers did a great job and we were torn between several designs as to who we thought should win. Again, we obviously did not agree with the judges. Here is their take:

Heidi and Michael criticized Korto’s gown calling it a  “Pageant dress” and Nina told her that she did not think that the gown was elegant.  In Nina’s opinion Korto’s attempt to impress the judges left her gown looking overworked.  Leanne was given praise by Georgina for mixing soft and structured elements in her gown, however all the judges disliked the back of the gown and felt that she should have omitted the blue fabric at the bustle.  Jerell was applauded for making the most modern and youthful gown, but lost points because his piece seemed unfinished. Finally, there was Kenley’s mock neck sleeveless gown which received no praise from anyone. Georgina felt it wasn’t organic, Nina called it “creepy”, Michael thought it was cliched, and Heidi did not find her detailing “elegant.”

Next it was time for the designers to give their two cents. Heidi asked each of them to  tell the judges why they should go to fashion week and which two of the other designers should go to fashion week with them. Leanne, Korto, and Jerell all talked about their point of view as a designer as evidence of why they belonged at Bryant Park and picked eachother to join them on the runway. Kenley, the odd woman out, said she deserved to be there because she could put on a show and without flinching announced that Leanne and Jerell should join her on the runway. Oh the drama!

Ultimately, the judges picked Jerell as the winner but were deadlocked as to who lost the challenge. Essentially  all four were passed on to the next level of competition and asked to create a collection for fashion week with an elimination upon their return to New York. This did nothing to quell the tension behind the scenes as Korto lashed out at Kenley for making a personal attack, and Kenley moved even farther apart from the other designers even refusing a group hug invitation from Tim.

We can’t wait for the collections–and we certainly can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. Bid in our auction and take home a piece of the runway!

This week, the designers worked in teams to create a look for the ladies on Lipstick Jungle. I have to say, some could have been done by Victory herself and others seemed never have to encountered the New York Fashion scene. So, I won’t make you wait a moment longer for the inside scoop.

This week, Kenley and Keith were the queen and king of the jungle with their winning design.

My favorite design this week was from Korto and Joe; I just adored their sexy backless dress and voluminous coat. The dress had a very low back with a single strap across the back. The leather trim along the neckline was a nice tie into the jacket embroidery and clutch. My only gripe was the polyester fabric - too retro ’70s for a cocktail dress! The jacket was a fabulous orange taffeta with golden embroidery trim along the edges. I especially liked the enormous sleeves on this jacket. Korto and Joe also created a beaded choker and leather clutch with a bow to accessorize their look (because no Lipstick Jungle girl is ever without her fabulous accessories!). If this look is chic enough for the Lipstick Jungle crew, then you better make sure you bid on it!

Terri and Suede were partnered up and they created a fiesta-inspired blouse and tailored black trousers. The black trousers were well made, but they were made out of a stiff linen-like fabric. So not Lipstick Jungle chic! The blouse, however, I did like. It was bold and flirty with a ruffly collar. The black belt with the teal stripe added shape to the breezy blouse. I thought this outfit is perfect for a flirty night out when paired with a fabulous bag and stilettos. Make sure you place your bid in the auction as this top would be adorable with skinny jeans and black heels when wore for a night out with the girls.

Stella and Jerell teamed up to make a very jungle-y skirt and simple scoop neck tank. I did like the minimal approach to thier design. (And after last week, Jerell needed to take it down a notch). Their a-line, leopard pattern skirt was simple, clean, and universally flattering. I also like the use of the fabric in the trim of the scoop neck tank. As always, Stella found a way to incorporate leather with a wide, bright green leather belt. However, I thought that it was fitting for this design. This outfit would be perfect for inside the (Lipstick) Jungle or outside, so make sure you place your bid in the auction!

Kelli and Daniel did not have the skills to dominate in the jungle and we said auf wierdersehen to Kelli. The two create a black pencil skirt, jacket, and bustier from a black fabric. While I liked the concept, the suit seemed a little to throw back to the 80s for me. The skirt was well done, but the fabric was a matte black with a crinkle texture wasn’t chic enough for the sophisticated ladies of Lipstick Jungle. The blazer had a good concept–I loved the ruffle waist and bold teal belt. But overall, the design, just wasn’t fierce enough for the jungle, but paired with a different blouse and killer heels, the suit could be great. Make sure you bid on it in the auction!

Lastly, Blayne and Leanne just missed the entire challenge concept, unless their idea of the jungle is Crocodile Dundee! I was just shocked by how un-chic and unsophisticated their design was. It would’ve been a good concept for the desert, but not the city. The created blue-grey denim Bermuda shorts with a purple belt. I did like the sun-dial like belt buckle. The purple halter top was poorly made out of a jersey fabric. The blue button-down shirt was mostly well done; I liked the cuff detail. And the leather vest (oh!). It was poorly made and glued together. Overall, the design did not fit into the Lipstick Jungle ideology. On the other hand, if you live in the desert or want to look like you do, then bid on this outfit in our auction.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to look Lipstick Jungle chic! Make sure you place your bid in this week’s auction!

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!

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…

We love to watch Project Runway alums grow within the fashion industry and produce their own collections. Christian Siriano, Project Runway Season Four winner, is among the latest to continue to pursue his design dreams. Christian was a fan favorite on Project Runway, known for his elaborate designs, high-maintenance hair, and expressions. Even when he found himself in a “hot mess,” Christian could always “make it work.”

Today, Christian began selling his new collection exclusively at Bluefly.com. Although the collection is small, it is filled with Christian’s signature design elements. All the pieces have intricate detailing–from voluminous sleeves to spunky pleats and ruffles. Christian favors a silhouette with volume at the shoulders and slim through the hips. The collection is focused on black, grey, and gold colors and lends itself well to spicing up wardrobe staples. The black plaid taffeta jacket would be perfect with black skinny jeans or the gold pencil skirt paired with a chic white blouse would be perfect for cocktails with friends.

With his first collection, Christian is giving everyone a taste of his “fierceness.” We hope, we will continue to see great things from this Project Runway alum!

On The Cutting Room Floor…

I am always amazed during the audition process how, with all the talented applicants, Tim Gunn and the other judges are able to whittle down the designers each season to a mere 15 or 16 candidates. This year is no exception. I must say that as I watched the runway hopefuls, I was overwhelmed by the amount of talent and creativity each designer had.

Many of the hopefuls including Andres and Mitzi discussed how they knew at a young age they wanted to be designers. Mitzi even explains how she hated dolls, but loved Barbie and Ken and making outfits for them. All of which goes to show that a lot of our early interests play a big part in our career choices. I can still remember playing “job” with my sister where we worked at what I now I believe was a publishing company. I was an author and she was my illustrator. Twenty-two years later, here I am: an editor and a blogger.

It was also amazing to see designers in their home studios and learn about their local clientele. You can definitely see a shift in the more laid back Bohemian vibe of some of the looks from Grant and Judy, Scotha and Beth from San Francisco, to the more dressed up looks of Kristina from Chicago.

Keep these names in your mental Rolodex, because you never know when one of these hopefuls will sew their way to the top! Watch the videos now and decide for yourself whether each hopeful should have been voted in or out!