We shouldn’t relish in the designers’ anguish but we we can’t help ourselves! As soon as Heidi told them there were special guests, we saw each and every one of their hearts drop down in their stomach. Lucky, or unlucky for some, the guests for the challenge were the eliminated designers from the season. Naturally the first question we had, and are sure you the fans did as well was: ‘How are they are going to pair them up?’. Would they let the designers pick? Of course not! That would be too easy.

It was interesting to see designers confess who they wanted and who they didn’t want. We found it a sorted twist of faith that Blayne would get Stella after he teased and teased her about her “leatha”. Terri hoped one minute she did not get Keith only to have Tim announce a mere second later that they would be paired together. Korto was pleased with Kelli and was confident with her design capabilities, as was Leanne with Emily whom she hoped she would get.

If having to choose whose astrological sign would serve as muse for their designs wasn’t quirky enough the designers were thrown a curveball when they received a note inviting them and their models to the Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space . Naturally stress ensued and the designers arrived at the Planetarium both anxious and fearful at what would happen next. Surprise! The Planetarium was filled with old designers from various seasons of Project Runway including season 1 winner Jay McCaroll, and Season 4’s winner Christian Siriano and designer Carmen Webber,  as well as Daniel Vosovic and Kara Janx of Season 2. At the end of the night the PR alumni voted on their favorite piece and gave the designers some input on their pieces that could help them on the runway.

We were not surprised that Kenley, Terri, Blayne or Suede ended up in the bottom. Kenley and Wesley’s piece was not avant-garde but rather over-the-top and just as “costumey” as Tim warned. Which is precisely why Leanne and Emily were skeptical about her confidence. Of course, Kenley got defensive again on the runway and swore her design was inspired by Aquarius regardless of the judges comments. Terri disregarded all input by Keith and ended up making a piece that was totally “her” but looked cheap to both her partner and Nina. Blayne and Stella’s piece was whimsical as expected but failed to wow the judges; especially Micheal who delivered one of our favorite lines of the show when he said: “She’s pooping fabric!” Finally, rounding out the bottom four was Suede and Jerry who delivered a bland ensemble which left the judges wanting more.

The top four designs were simply brilliant. Leanne and Emily’s Scorpio design was strong and innovative and perfectly embodied the sign. Korto and Kelli made a beautiful flowing chiffon gown  for Aquarius that actually looked like water floating down the runway.  Joe and Daniel made a ruched gown that represented  fiery Aries, and Jerell and Jennifer made a long gown of mixed sequin and plaid  fabric with a jacket to match to represent Sagittarius.

Alas, Blayne and Terri were eliminated and Jerell snagged his first win by impressing both the PR alum and the judges with his design.

For those of you lucky American Express cardholders who fell in love with Leanne’s sumptous plum gown it can now be yours for $650. Take a look at her DVF dress in all it’s glory and buy it here!

Bid here to get the orignal design made by Leanne as well as the pieces from all the designers.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

So here’s the deal. We know you like having the dirty details on the designs from Project Runway and we like bringing them to you. However, we’re pretty much over episode 501, so here is a quick overview of the designs from Emily, Joe, Kenley, Korto, Stella, and Suede. Starting Monday, we are going to bring you the scoop on the 503 garments: hello Bright Lights/Big City!

Emily used a lace tablecloth (boring!) as the basis for her dress, however, she also used tissue paper, balloons, and a cut up children’s outdoor play ball to create a fabulous high collar. The collar was very intricate with tissue paper roses, brightly colored balloons, and the green ball. After traveling it did look a little tired. The construction of the dress was mediocre–it was finished, but wasn’t outstanding.

Next, I took a look at Joe’s design–a gourmet inspired halter and skirt. This skirt was incredibly heavy–I might even venture to say it weighed more than the model! The pasta design was unique and well executed as was the halter. Joe kept everything simple and clean, opting for lace-up closures. From something that could’ve been juvenille (remember pasta art circa kindergarten?), Joe managed to create something that wall well constructed, playful, and not another tablecloth dress.

Next, I took a look at Kenley’s garment–which I absolutely adored. Kenley created her corset-style bodice out of a kickball and a plastic tablecloth. It was lined in muslin and even boned, with the skirt fabric. Her skirt was made from lawn chair mesh fabric (same as Jerell) and had a creative, voluminous shape; it was also lined with the muslin and tablecloth. Overall, Kenley’s outfit had impeccable construction. Her dress did second best in the auction–meaning you like her too.

While I thought Korto’s garment was very grecian and flowing on the runway, it seemed rather frumpy in person. Although it was made out of a paper tablecloth, the dress was mostly well executed–it was lined and Korto had good detailing on the sleeves and belt. However, the bottom hem and back were unfinished and pinned together. Sadly, we didn’t get the vegetable scarf, but it was probably a good thing, as it would’ve been moldly by now! However, the veggies did leave their mark on the dress (see above).

I’m not going to sugarcoat this–I didn’t like Stella’s urban-inspired trashbag dress at all. It was long, unappealing and didn’t have a shape. She did take the time to double everything up and sew a good whip stitch along the panels. This design was also more than risque–it had to be taped to the model to prevent overexposure! This design was last in our auction, so Stella might want to rethink her rock’n'roll urban aesthetic.

Lastly, I looked a Suede’s dress–yet another tablecloth dress (augh). His strapless dress was well made and he did add detailing with the metallic tissue paper squares and ruffles. I also like the back of the dress–with the small oval openings along the back. The execution was good on this dress and it did well in the auction. Fashionista just wishes Suede would stop annoyingly referring to hisself in third person!

Now you have all the dirty details on the garments from the first challenge. Make sure you bid on your favorite design in the auction this week and I’ll be bringing you those details on Monday!

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!

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…