Every season on Project Runway there are decoy collections that show at Bryant Park so that results of the remaining shows will not be spoiled by revealing the final three. In the past there have been one, last year there were two, and this year there were three.
Jerell, Suede, and Joe all showed at fashion week to a packed house and gave it their all. Watch the videos, which will NOT be aired on television here on the site.
Stay tuned as the talented trio Leanne, Korto, and Kenley duke it out next week in the second part of the finale for the title of America’s Next Top Designer.
We admitted last week that we sometimes relished in the designers’ anguish, but this week we must admit we also relish in the “real” challenges where they work with people like you and me.
After the designers discovered they would not be working with the first women Heidi brought out on the stage but rather their younger daughters all recent college grads, we knew it was about to get interesting. Would the young women take to a more professional look? Would they like what the designers sketched for them?
Turns out due to the grad’s mothers being around on the first day in the workroom, none of our questions above applied. Some like Jerell, Korto, and Kenley had a great working relationship with the mother daughter duo, while people like Suede and Leanne struggled with their duos. We’ll be the first to admit we were not sure if Leanne or Suede would be able to withstand the pressure, however all our worries melted when the young women returned the next day sans their mothers.
Knowing that the designers knew Cynthia Rowley would be the guest judge we figured they would take more risks and have more fun. After all, Cynthia is known for her funky style as well as her irreverent design aesthetic. It is for this reason that both Leanne and Joe’s designs were criticized.
The judges, especially Cynthia, found Leanne’s design for Holly too buttoned up. Michael and Nina felt like it should have showcased her youthful figure while Cynthia argued that the design should reflect the fact that Holly will more than likely be working hands-on with the children. They all found Joe’s design for Laura too cliched and felt like he should have done a younger look that was more modern. We can’t say we were surprised. Laura expressed that she was apprehensive about the pinstripes while Joe insisted that they would be good. Just another example of what happens when you don’t listen to your client.
Given Suede’s point of view as a designer coupled with Avital and her mother’s design requests we knew Suede’s design might be a bit of a disaster. While we like the dress, we aren’t sure if it was appropriate for the office and we don’t even know where to begin with the jacket.
We agree with the Judges top picks this week. We found Kenley, Jerell, and Korto’s designs both professional and modern. Kenley’s design was young and flattering and perfect for Anna who is a buyer. We do however agree with Heidi that she looked a bit like a “mini-me” of Kenley. Jerell’s look impressed the fab four on the judging panel and achieved the chic and put together look Caitlin and her mother wanted . We love that she said that Jerell made her feel beautiful. Lastly there was Korto’s design, a modern dress and jacket look, which would be perfect for any young grad entering the workplace and equally as appropriate for Medical school interviews. If she had any doubt about whether her look would be cohesive the expression on the judges faces should have put her at ease.
Ultimately, Joe was elminated and Jerell won both the challenge and a TRESemmé ad in Elle Magazine. Come back next week as we get closer and closer to the final three- and bid nowto take home a piece of runway inspiration with a sketch from your favorite designer!
We love when the designers go on field trips. Every time Tim surprises them, or Heidi announces they are to meet outside the workroom for their challenge we prepare for a big adventure. So when Tim announced they were to design for a “Fashion Icon“, we knew this was going to be exciting. When Blayne automatically thought the icon was Mary-Kate Olsen we were at first shocked and then on the floor in stitches. Was the thought wild? Yes. But we expect nothing less from him. Our favorite line from him has to be when he announced “I want to marry Mary-Kate!”
Terri, who always has the best one liners, said it best when they showed up at their destination and she said ” We arrived at this beautiful showroom, and we were like ‘What? What’s goin’ on!’ I mean it’s Project Runway anything could happen.”
Judging from the looks on the designers faces when Diane von Furstenberg was introduced as the icon and the challenge was given, we knew they were looking forward to getting to work. Poor Kenley was overwhelmed and cried so many times from a mixture of excitement and worry that we weren’t sure she was going to be able to sew without exploding. We must admit we understand her feelings. Let’s face it, Diane von Furstenberg is an established American designer who changed the face of fashion with a design so revolutionary and yet so classic that it has remained a staple in generations of women’s closets for 30+ years! Let’s not even discuss what she has done as President of the CFDA. The pressure was on!
From the very beginning it was clear that this challenge was going to be a struggle for both Stella and Blayne. For Stella, this task and DVF’s aesthetic was so out of her point of view as designer that she was going to have to push herself to the limits, and for Blayne this challenge did not give enough wiggle room for him to be quirky. On the flip side, we automatically knew Korto and Leanne would be front-runners given their penchant for sophisticated well-constructed pieces.
How Blayne flew under the radar and did not go into the final three we will never know. His cropped pants were a mystery to us, and certainly are not part of DVF’s aesthetic or a look we saw in her Look Book. Like Diane we didn’t like the rear view of Joe’s look either however, we were taken aback by the harsh criticism he received on the runway. Stella’s look wasn’t spectacular but wewere pleasantly surprised she stepped outside of her box and created a more polished look. Her execution on the construction and the crooked cape were her downfall. Had she kept it simple and maybe nixed the cape she might still be on the runway. Lastly, we thought Suede’s gown looked okay but the vest was awkward and did nothing for the look.
As for the top three we thought Korto’s gown was glamorous and exactly what we expected of her. It looked pulled together and had great movement. We found Leanne’s exquisite gown perfectly channeled both the Old Hollywood glamour of A Foreign Affair and DVF’s Collection. We agree with the judges that she did a great job of mixing the soft feminine look of the gown with the hard masculine edge of the coat.
Finally, there was Kenley. We can hardly talk about her dress because we can’t believe her attitude on the runway! Not only did she cut Heidi off when she was giving Kenley her critique but she shunned all criticism from everyone and sassed Diane von Furstenberg saying she thought she needed color in her collection. Whew! As far as her dress we thought it was nice but we didn’t think it deserved to be in the top three. Like Heidi we saw it as a well constructed but simple dress.
Ultimately, Stella went home and Leanne was the winner again. Her look will be on a special site for American Express cardholders and a portion of the proceeds will go to the CFDA Foundation.
We really enjoyed this challenge and are biting our fingernails until next week. As always bid now-and own a piece of the runway.
This was was a truly regal challenge. Dressing first-class drag queens is no small feat and from the looks of the garments creating these pieces was both fun and frightening. Let’s gets started with the bottom three to mix it up a bit.
Upon close inspection Jerell’s dress is beautiful. It’s well made and you can tell he took his time to make sure each tiny detail was complete. In the light the cool colors of the sequins sparkle and the the detailed collar is impeccable. Still, as all the judges and Heidi agreed this does not look crazy enough to be worn by a drag queen. The length should have beeen shorter, and the details on the collar could have been incorporated elsewhere on the dress.
Next there is Keith’s design which kept us guessing. From the looks of the shoddy work and the layers and layers of fringe we felt like we were experiencing some deja vu from episode 503, wherein Micheal told him his design looked like toilet paper. All together the look is grand, but not in a good way.
Although, we did not think Daniels Cha Cha dress was the worst it did deserve to be in the bottom three. It was similar to Jerell’s dress in that it looked like a basic gown a costume designer might have. It did not scream Drag Queen. First of all the dress was heavy. To be honest it seemed like he took all of the fabric he purchased and incorporated it into the dress. There were layers and layers of fabric and simply put there was just too much going on.
AND NOW ON TO THE GOOD STUFF….
Despite feeling lost, Joe came through with a stellar sailor jumpsuit. It looks just as good off the runway as it did on Varla Jean Mermann. Not only was the color of the jumpsuit pretty but the little details like the stars on the cuff and the oversized belt (which accentuated her waist just right) were dazzling.
Terri’s design is just as outlandish and fun as it was on the runway. It really is a sight to see. Each piece by itself from the kimono style wrap to the Wonder Woman esque lace-up back bustier was well made. Combined, the look commands attention and perfectly embodies the outrageous personality of Terri’s model Acid Betty.
Finally….
there is Korto. Her design with it’s hot “notice me” red is amazing! Not only is her design fit for a queen but the intricate details like the curled pieces on the shoulder give it just the right kick to take it over the edge. We love that the skirt can be unattached and turned into a cape, making two complete looks. This is the type of innovation that the judges were looking for. Sweetie seemed to be having fun on the runway, and with a dress like this, who could blame her?
We had too much fun this challenge and cannot wait for next week!
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!
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!
As fans of NBC’s Lipstick Jungle we were anxiously awaiting this challenge when Brooke Shields would be the guest judge. We knew the challenge would be workplace related but we could not have guessed the reward would be so rich. Having a garment you designed worn by Brooke Shields for a prime-time show… that’s huge!
We must admit that the pairings were interesting. First, there’s Keith who picks Kenley, whom he openly admits is headstrong and hopes that she’ll just be quiet and sew. Doubtful. Then, there’s Terri who so far seems very serious pairing with Suede who is anything but serious. Then there’s Jerell, who is one of the most vocal about how he feels paired with Stella who cannot get past her distinct point of view (i.e., leather). Blayne and Leanne have to be one of the oddest however with over-the-top personality and Leanne’s understated demeanor.
Having watched the show none of the designs seemed like anything Wendy Healy would wear. Although the show is a little sexy Wendy is very chic and more conservative. We were honestly surprised that she even picked Keith’s design. It had a little more flair than we’re used to seeing her in. We certainly didn’t pick it out as the winner.
Despite our initial skepticism, Kenley’s prodding and Keith’s innovation reigned supreme as they impressed the judges including Brooke and won the challenge. Kelli’s design which seemed most like something Wendy would wear and the one we figured would be a front runner totally fell short on the runway. We feel like this is due to poor construction and lack of attention to detail. Who can forget Daniel saying he didn’t care because it wasn’t his design? Korto and Joe’s design was chic and elegant and actually came together quite nicely. As did Jerell and Stella’s design. Luckily, the only leather on their dress was the belt. Terri’s design, which we liked, was just ho-hum on the runway and certainly doesn’t fit the character profile. Last but not least we have to talk about Blayne and Leanne. This look was totally Blayne all the way. Leanne tried to pull it together and encourage him to streamline the look, however nothing could help the fact this was a shorts and blazer look.
All in all we love the idea for the challenge and hope they do more TV-inspired fashion for future seasons. Let us know who your favorite design duo was and why. Place your bid in the auction and ‘make it work!’
I am feeling rather inspired with this the upcoming Olympic Opening Ceremony this Friday and I was pleased to see Project Runway was too! This week the designers had to create a design for the Olympian “red carpet” in the Rings of Glory challenge. Last night I got to peek at the designs in person and now I’m bringing you the inside information.
The gold medalist this week was Korto with her chic pants and vest. This outfit was fabulous on the runway; I also liked her modern take on traditional warm-ups. Korto created high-waisted, white linen pants with cuffs. Although I was surprised by her choice of fabric, they were really well made with flattering seams. Her scoop neck tank was a simple silk fabric. The highlight of outfit was the leather vest with the black and red color inlays. This leather was extremely tactile, soft like butter. Even better, Korto’s outfit is wearable for many different occasions and you seem to agree judging by the auction progress. Think this outfit would inspire you to be the next great Olympian? Then make sure you bid on it in this week’s auction.
Just shy of a gold medal, Terri was in the top three again this week with her Americana suit. Terri’s inspiration clearly came from vintage America, with it’s classic silhouette. The crisp white pants were a nice compliment to the blue and red pinstripe blazer. Both garments were well executed with attention to detail–I personally liked the navy and red stripe down the left leg. The tube top was interesting: it was red, white and blue thick elastic strips sewn together. While to top was tiny and stiff in person, it looked good on the runway. Lastly, Terri added a touch of trend with her summery red and white stripe scarf, the perfect accessory for a classic suit. If vintage and class are you style, make sure you bid on Terri’s design in our auction.
Joe rounded out the Olympian triad with this his USA-inspired track jacket and skort. I was glad to see Joe get some attention this week as he had just been creeping along without notice. The skort was a fresh idea for the runway–shorts with a skirt front. Joe used a traditional track jacket, but made the outfit his own with his USA lettering and blue and red striping. The effect of the color blocking made the design look fresh, athletic, and classic–just perfect for the Olympics. Overall, I thought Joe’s garment was well made and finished. Want a runway original that will get you in the spirit for the Olympics? Make sure you bid on Joe’s design and you’ll be set to cheer on Team USA in style.
Jennifer just wasn’t up to Olympic standards this week and her sweater and skirt were grounds for elimination. Jennifer’s design was matronly and classic (like always). I did like her gold and cream striped high-waisted a-line skirt, but not with the sweater. The sweater just didn’t seem appropriate for the Olympics, but I will give her props for working with a challenging knit. Overall, Jennifer’s execution was decent for the runway but awful in person–the seams weren’t clean and the gold decorations were sloppily glued on the sweater. Jennifer’s design wasn’t fit for the Olympics, but the skirt would be just darling with a puffy sleeve blouse, so make sure you get your bid in.
Another Olympic hopeful this week was Jerell, but his design felt more Kentucky Derby disaster to me. Oh that hat! While it was well made with complimenting fabrics, it just didn’t fit into the Olympian ideology. The blouse was decently excecuted with the puffy sleeves and open neckline; however, the high-waisted skirt was thin and unimpressive. Overall, each of Jerell’s pieces were interesting, but the cumulative effect was too much for the runway. He should probably consider a more minimalist design for next week or we will be saying auf wiedersehen to him soon! However, if excessive accessories are your style, make sure you bid on his design in our auction.
Our last Olympic hopeful this week was Daniel with his purple and red dress. Personally, there was nothing patriotic about this dress; it more screamed Red Hat Society to me. Daniel’s dress was simple and not really Olympic inspiring. It was decently made with good seams, but he used white thread! The one major execution flaw was the zipper, which did not lay flat at all. I did, however, love the adorable red buttons down the front of the dress. Daniel’s dress was not welcome on the Olympic runway, but it would be cute for a morning brunch, so make sure you place your bid in the auction.
Project Runway has been inspired by the Olympics and if you are feeling that way too, make sure you bid on your favorite Olympic inspired design in this week’s auction!
