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!

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!

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!

As someone who has tried her hand at designing only to realize, as I’m sure many have before me, that those who can, design, those who can’t, become editors, I have a real appreciation for young, up-and-coming designers. Which is why I am thrilled Project Runway is back. In the spirit of tanorexic Blayne, it promises to be fabulicious.

I’m a nostalgic kind of girl, so was happier than Carrie Bradshaw at a Manolo sample sale that the first test of designer mettle was a replay of season one’s now famous Gristedes challenge (I still have visions of that Austin Scarlett corn husk number – now that’s what I call a real Field of Dreams).

And yes, while Stella’s trash bag travesty (which I could totally see Marilyn Manson’s next child bride wearing down the aisle by the way) and Jerry’s Singing in the Rain Without My Meds ensemble weren’t as inspired as I, and I’m sure they, would have liked them to be, my socks (okay, tights) were knocked off by Daniel’s molded cup concoction. I say if you can make plastic look posh then you have my vote any day.

I’m also keen on the quirky, so am not afraid to admit that I really dug Korto’s yellow, produce-embellished frock.

Like Heidi, Nina, Michael and Austin, I too was impressed by winner Kelli’s artful A-line and brilliant treatment of coffee filters and vacuum cleaner bags. I’d try to do the same with my vacuum cleaner bags, but I realize that’s impossible. Not only because I lack this skill, but also because my vacuum is a Roomba.

But I digress.

Despite a few runway misses, season five promises to be full of good old fashion reality TV-filled drama and inane-but-you-know-you-love-them coined phrases ending with “licious,” but most importantly, truly innovative minds (and hands), which, let’s face it, is the reason we’ll all be tuning in again and again.

Well, that and to see just how nuclear Blayne can get.

Until we meet on the Runway again!

Kelly Lee
Editor-in-Chief
BussBuss.com
The Online Shopping Bible.

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!