Project Runway... 3 episodes to catch up on! #TeamDmitry

Lifetime

Yikes!  I'm way behind on Project Runway.  Since you've probably already been watching, I won't bore you with the details.  I'll just recap where I stand with the designers.

Lord & Taylor Challenge: I didn't get to watch!  The video online expired!  FAIL.  But based on the runway photos (before I saw the results!)  My favorite was Dmitry, least favorite Alicia and Elena.  Result?  NO ONE was out!  I agree with Christopher... why did the judges decide to save someone this episode?

Starving Artist: The teams for this challenge were rigged.  Seriously, Project Runway.  Too predictable.  But going in, Fabio, Alicia, and Gunnar are my least favorite designers.  So I kind of figured one of them would go home.  Elena is impossible all-around.  On the runway, my favorite team was Sonjia/Christopher/Gunnar, least favorite Dmitry/Elena/Alicia.  Result?  I think Gunnar did the best overall, and Christopher was good to recognize that.  Sonjia did a nice jacket, but I think Gunnar deserved it more.  I agree with Alicia going home, she just wasn't going to win.

It's All About Me: I actually really liked this challenge.   I love the idea of creating your own fabric, like you can on Spoonflower.  In terms of cultural heritage, I wish there was a Korean designer... I would love a modern take on the hanbok!  I also liked that the designers got to see their loved ones; it's such a cutthroat competition, being able to see them let down their guard a little was nice!  I really liked Dmitry's look the best (rocking illusion jacket and print!), even if it is a bit "prim", and Melissa impressed me with something different.  Ven's was my least favorite.  It just looked cheap, though I thought Tim was too hard on him.  Result?  Dmitry won, and Gunnar was out.  It was probably time for Gunnar to go, though he grew on me.

I'm Team Dmitry now, by the way.  This season isn't as clear to me as some others, but for now, that's where I am.

I've also been thinking, what if this show was more like Fashion Star, where we were able to buy the clothing we love?  I want to buy some of these pieces!!! And honestly, the Project Runway designers eventually go on to create things I can't afford.  I want a piece of the design!

Mean Girls (and Guys) #ProjectRunway

Make it shorter!  And twirly!

I'm done with Ven.  For real, from what he displayed tonight, he doesn't respect real women with curves.  He can keep designing his one-trick tailored looks for hangers and mannequins.  Ugh.  Don't say proportions are off!  They are REAL!

This was (obviously) the regular people challenge.  Not only that, these are people going through a makeover.  What an opportunity to change someone's life with fashion!

Since I've jumped ship from Team Ven, immediately I had high hopes for Dmitry, Melissa, and Sonjia. I felt like they've been growing on me the most.  As the episode progressed, I just couldn't tell who was winning or losing... I feel like Nathan, Alicia, and Fabio are at the bottom of the totem pole, with possibly Gunnar as another weak link.  But no matter how closely I watched, all the would tape was the personal interactions, not the construction, so until the runway I couldn't tell who I liked!

Photo Shoot Challenge #ProjectRunway #TeamMelissa

Lifetime

I feel worthy of watching Project Runway this week.  I hemmed pants and repaired two tops on my sewing machine, as well as cut out a dress pattern for my first sewing project in months.

The hard part about TEN seasons of Project Runway?  Coming up with original ideas for the challenges.  More "women on the go" workwear?  At least it's a team challenge and a collection, vs. last challenge.  And I love when it's Nina Garcia being a "lead" judge for a challenge.  The photo shoot twist was pretty interesting though.  It's hard to make editorial looks that work in the real world.

As for the team selection... WHO WOULDN'T PICK VEN FIRST?  And it feels like schoolyard kickball picking.  These designers took it very personally.  I say, someone has to be picked first and last.  Just don't let the emotions get in the way!

Raul was driving me nuts.  He was all for himself when everyone else was aligned to a cohesive collection.  On the other team, Gunnar was trying to make himself heard, and Nathan and Christopher were dictating.  I was surprised Ven wasn't louder, but I think he realized that he was safer than the others and ought to just contribute the quality work he usually does.  But his team seemed to have it together.  Sonjia's team was CRAZY in Mood!  As time passed, however, it seemed like "Team 6" had the right idea to play to everyone's strengths and "mix" looks.  "Team 5" had great colors picked out initially, but their Mood selections made me question their direction.

Disappearing Designers #ProjectRunway

Lifetime

So... SPOILER ALERT.

Andrea left in the middle of the night.  She is a teacher in sewing, and she cowardly disappeared like that?  Lame.  Especially since there are so many people dying to be given the opportunity to be on Project Runway.  You know?  And then Kooan decides to make his exit.  Then everyone else who starts crying and lamenting their "plight"?  Is this a result of indulgent parenting where everyone is told they're a winner?!  COME ON.  But at least they brought back Raul, because even though he blew the last challenge, I felt he was better than Kooan, Andrea, and Buffi.

As for the challenge, I thought it was a nice, "normal" challenge where the designers could shine.  I am a "woman on the go" who loves Michael Kors, so why not do a little something-something I could wear as I travel, work, and play?  The minute that Tim said "no wrinkles", I knew everyone was going to look at jersey knits.  And you know what?  That works for me.  I love a great jersey knit.

My impressions on the designers that have managed not to quit? Buffi is a one-trick pony, and they spent a lot of time focusing the camera on her, so I was predicting she'd be the one eliminated.  Her look should be in a Body Central store... not a high end store.  And you know what?  If she had takent the black chiffon from Christopher, it might not have looked so trashy.  I also haven't been able to figure out Fabio's aesthetic at all.  He dresses kind of homeless-looking... what's his angle?  What did he show them before the show to get a spot on Project Runway?

I love Ven's designs.  But he is so into the competition that he is always ready to be critical of everyone else.  He's great, and he knows it.  Can he make it through the competition?  And Christopher seems like he's on downers.  He is not the happy, energetic guy from the first episode.  It's interesting, because  initially I thought he could be a contender.

Emmy/Lexus Challenge? #ProjectRunway #TeamVen

Lifetime

Hello, shameless product placement?  The designers are working on a look for the Emmy red carpet, but you have to incorporate the color of the Lexus you are assigned?  WEIRD.

But a team challenge always makes things more interesting!  Especially with such an arrogant group of designers.  Not to mention, they're designing for PAST Project Runway designers!  Gunnar was right on... the hardest people do design for is a fashion designer.  The team pairings were kind of interesting... I felt like the matches kind of gave everyone a shot.  The pairings just didn't seem extremely skewed one way or another.

I did feel that Buffi or Kooan would go home, without even seeing what happens.  Just a hunch, because I felt like they were the weakest links.  I did feel that Alicia and Raul picked an ugly print, so that did worry me a bit.

Of all the dresses, I really liked Ven's team dress (very vintage!) and Elena's team dress (dramatic!).  I felt like those were my picks based on the sewing footage.  I thought Alicia/Raul's scrap dress and Kooan/Gunnar's weird wedding-like dress were weak.  Once I saw the runway, I picked out Ven/Fabio as my favorite, and Alicia/Raul as my least.  But no matter what, my Ven was safe!

#ProjectRunway is back! #TeamVen

I know I used to recap every single Project Runway episode, but now I watch them online... so it's not a regular, weekly thing!

Lifetime

This year is the 10th Anniversary of Project Runway, and the latest contestants were thrown in headfirst!  The 16 designers were forced to do a  runway show in Times Square right off the bat.

I think that weird hair is a theme this year in designers (afro, dreads, long in front, leopard, partial shaved, etc.); it's like they are really trying to make themselves stand out from the get-go, versus their designs.  First-episode strategy?  Intimidating their fellow designers?  Perhaps.

My questions always is, CAN THEY SEW?  (Despite whats-her-face Anya who won despite her inability to sew last year.  VIKTOR WAS ROBBED!)

My first impressions of each designer (because in the first episodes you barely get to know them):

• Buffi wants to be Betsey Johnson.  Her designs all looked like Betsey.
• Gunnar's designs look very Marc Jacobs, with a minimalist flair.
• Lantie looks like a Real Housewife of someplace.
• Elena will find a job at House of Gaga.
• Kooan is a goober who could dress a harajuku drag queen.
• Melissa loves black... but I am sure they will force her to use color!
• Ven's homework pantsuit was stunning and tailored, wearable... will he be my Viktor this year?  I think he may be a contender, off the bat.
• Christopher is the nervous, sweet college dropout with some stunning, classy sketches. If he can really sew like that, I see potential!
• Alicia will be the menswear as womenswear person... if she can make good pants, she'll wow them like Kimberly did last year.
• Beatrice lacks sewing skills, and she's nervous about it. She says design comes naturally to her.  She loves knits, which if you can sew them can do great things.  Maybe she can drape?
• Raul does menswear, but I love his feminine looks.  They look very antique-y.
• Andrea calls herself the grandma at 58, a fashion professor.  
• Sonjia didn't really make an impression on me.
• Fabio is a "freegan" who dumpster dives for his food at supermarkets.  Huh?  "Freegan"?!
• Dmitry called Buffi "loud, like her look"!  Ha!  Quiet and a former ballroom dancer.  Designs seem architectural but simple.
• Nathan made no impression on me either.

Oh, I missed Tim Gunn!  And I wanna go to MOOD!  And this token bitchiness between Christopher and Gunnar?  Dmitry called Buffi's look "diarrhea".  Yup, we're back in the workroom.

And now, the runway...

Project Runway: I am STILL #pr9viktor

I know this is way late.   But I'm going to write it anyways...  VIKTOR WAS ROBBED.

I'm not going to go into detail, because you've seen the runway and can decide for yourselves.  While Anya has vision, she was one-note all season.  (Come on, I could have placed a bet that I would see deep V-cuts, maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and prints.)  I ranked them Viktor, Josh, Anya, Kimberly.  That's how I think it should have gone.  Viktor really grew over the season, and his designs are classic and accessible to women.  He should become Michael Kors' protege.

I feel like Anya was the judges' darling all along, and even when she sucked they babied her.  I know that the judging is subjective, and I feel the final runway show is EXTREMELY hard to judge.  The designers' unique styles really stand out.  But I feel like the judges are losing their edge... maybe they need to rethink how they evaluate designers.

BTW, Viktor's white jacket is OH. EM. GEE.  Seriously, he is wonderful!

What I'm now interested in seeing soon is what the 'decoy' runway lines looked like, the lines the other designers had to make so no one would know who actually was a finalist in Fashion Week, since the filming took place so long ago.  From what I could see, a few of the eliminated designers did a great job; I think Bert's collection looked pretty nice!

Project Runway FASHION WEEK #pr9viktor

It's SHOWTIME!

The episode started off with Tim 'Make it work!' Gunn visiting all of the designers at home, commenting and advising them on their collections thus far.  Anya had nothing sewn; all she had to show were fabrics.  FAIL.  Kimberly seemed the long shot, but at least she tries to make wearable pieces.  Josh was ALL over the place.  He lost his ability to edit after he left Parsons, and he needed Tim to tone him down.  It made me wonder if he's been drawing inspiration from others in the workroom all along?

GO VIKTOR!  (Lifetime)

Viktor...  my beloved Viktor Luna!  He has been competitive all season and he grew to be my absolute favorite.  It was so sweet to meet his boyfriend David, and to see his inspiration for the collection.  He makes stuff that I would want to wear... it bugs me that the judges knock his work because it is so wearable, especially since Michael Kors made a career out of beautiful, but wearable pieces.  We're looking for a fashion designer, not the next head of the editorial Haus of Gaga.  Tom and Lorenzo agree with me, and wrote a great article about the show.

Only three of the designers from the final four will be part of the Final Runway walk.  They show three of their ten collection pieces so the judges can decide who they want to see.  Anya's pieces look like everything she's done before... v-necks, jumpers, prints, maxis.  This is the first time I've really seen her frantic, even more so than the episode where she lost her fabric money.  Thanks goodness Josh edited after Tim's visit.  He actually did some well-tailored pieces.  Kimberly has always appeared to be the long shot to me.  As for Viktor, how AWESOME was it when all of the other designers looked so freaked when they saw his amazing white jacket piece?  His look with the skirt pleated with zippers was so rockin'.  LOVE that his prints are made from photos he actually took.  Viktor's critique was really great; I think the judges were right to tell him to edit a bit, but everything he did was amazing.

Project Runway: Who's going to Fashion Week??? #pr9viktor

GO VIKTOR!  Pay no attention to the
 models on the right... (credit)

I actually liked plenty of things in the collections presented to see which 3 of the remaining 5 designers would move forward to Fashion Week.  I've never been a huge Josh or Anya fan, but I did guess that it would be Viktor, Anya, and Josh on the final runway.  I didn't care for either Anya or Josh's collections in this most recent challenge, but the judges have always liked Anya.  Josh is lucky he toned it down, but I am worried about his final collection when he has time to overdesign and go crazy.

Then they tossed in a twist.  Laura and Kimberly were told that ONE MORE designer would move on to create a collection.  I think Kimberly had more potential.  And Laura just choked.  Close, but no cigar.  It was neck and neck between her and Kimberly, but Kimberly was just a little bit better.  I didn't see either of them at Fashion Week in my mind.

Going into Fashion Week, I am still TEAM VIKTOR!  I think he will do something that I would love to wear, tailored and lovely.  I hope he wins, but even if he doesn't, I have the highest hopes for him.

Did you know that during Fashion Week, since the show airs so long after, they made ALL of the designers that would be 'remaining' on the show at that point walk collections... so you had to guess who was a 'real' finalist and who wasn't.  Fun game, right?  I could cheat and look up photos of the contestants' looks, but where's the fun in spoilers?  I'm waiting anxiously for the finale; I love the final episode.

I'm excited to see who shows up for Project Runway All-Stars!!!  Having a bunch of people used to the kinds of challenges on the show, competing neck and neck...  that will be awesome.

Project Runway: For the Birds! #pr9viktor

Sorry this episode recap is a bit late, but I was traveling and had to DVR the episode!

I want Viktor to win!  He's my favorite!

Okay, first off I was annoyed by the huge L'Oreal product placement again.  Birds, eyeshadow, makeup... but the combination of head-to-head design battles, a $20,000 prize, and TWO looks made it all very high-stakes!  I like all six of the designers left in the competition at this point in their own way, but I like Josh the least.

I was kind of tuning in to Lifetime's coverage of the designers, because in the past they have featured the designer most who is going to be kicked off the show.  Initially, the camera was all over Kimberly's meltdowns, so I predicted she'd get the boot.  She was a total Debbie downer and all over the place this episode.  Then they started focusing on Anya's lack of sewing skills showing through, and her decision not to share fabric even though most of the designers helped her WIN the last challenge.  Viktor was right after all... everyone needs to just look after themselves.  And everyone DOES use similar ideas as Viktor! They draw inspiration (cough cough) from what he's doing!

I think it's really torture that they had the designers make two looks, then 'cancel' one.  But it's actually a realistic and good challenge, forcing them to make some decisions.

Project Runway: 70s #pr9viktor

credit

I had really mixed feelings about everyone's performance on last night's episode.  There was definitely some drama when Anya lost her money... she is so lucky Anthony gave her his leftovers and that the other designers bailed her out.  I also think the other designers were kicking themselves for helping her, because she ended up WINNING.  Wowza.

I liked Viktor's looks the best, and I think he should have won over Anya.  I think I would have liked that awesome jacket to match the pants better.  He is great at tailoring.  I also liked the dress that Bert did, and I'm glad that he was recognized with a reward in the end too.  I feel like Anya's looks won over Viktor's because they would look good online.  Bert's dress (selling for $98 on Piperlime) is already sold out!

I am very surprised that Anthony Ryan went home.  I really felt like Josh missed the mark completely (those HEINOUS PANTS) and should have been eliminated.  Josh can't tone himself down.  Anthony Ryan was a fan favorite, and you could tell people on the show really liked him...  Tim Gunn was tearing up when he said goodbye!  Anthony Ryan was my favorite in the beginning, and he was in the top for three straight episodes... then what he did just stopped translating.  I think Josh will go home.

I am on Team Viktor these days.  I don't like his attitude, but he is focused on the competition.  He whines a bit, and complains that others are copying his ideas.  It's fashion... everyone is copying someone else.  Viktor needs to stay positive, because he has the talent and the eye to make it all the way!  I know Anya is everyone's favorite, but I feel like everything she does is the same... prints with a maxi dress or jumpsuit or racerback.  Right?

Tim was right though, all of the remaining designers have real talent, and it's hard to tell who will go home each week.  I have no idea what's next!

Project Runway: Menswear! #pr9viktor

Wow.  Last night's Project Runway was kind of all over the place.  The designers finally had a menswear challenge, but it was for a band of normal-sized rockers who needed to define their image before doing their first Rolling Stone cover.

That said, I have a bone to pick with the editors of the show.  Lately, they have had a tendency to overly feature the antics of the designer that will later be eliminated.  I felt they did it already with Bryce and Becky, and they need to stop it!  Immediately I noted that Olivier was heavily featured, and I predicted it was foreshadowing his dismissal.

It was another team challenge... sort of.  There didn't have to be a leader or group aesthetic, it just allowed two designers each to outfit a member of the band.

Viktor's pleather jacket (credit)

Major annoyances this episode were Olivier's complaints about the client and the Garnier product placement.  Olivier needed to go.   He refuses to design to a client's needs/wants, he can't sew for anything other than a stick-thin model, and he is a weakling that is irritating to watch.  He appeared to be brilliant, winning a challenge early on... but week after week we see NOTHING from him.  As for Garnier, I can't even count how many of their products got screen time/mention this episode.  It's a business, I get it, but tone it down.

I don't even know how to begin describing the outfits.  Even the judges were all over the place, disagreeing on many things.  I didn't like the Pocahontas look of Anya's, nor the braids that Bert choice for hairstyling.  Laura's looked like an old lady outfit.  I liked Bert's pants.  I initially thought I liked Kimberly's until I saw it close up... the lack of runway walk kept me from really seeing the outfits until later.  Josh's look was wild, and could have been toned down, but it wasn't bad.

There was a clear loser.  Olivier's outfit didn't fit properly.  It didn't match the singer's style.  It was Olivier's style, he was uncompromising, and it was dreadful.  He kept complaining about how large his client was, which is ridiculous.  He was the clear loser.  And he does MENSWEAR?!

While I didn't feel initially there would be a clear winner, Viktor shined.  I didn't like the print on the jacket, but his denim rocked and the pleather jacket with braiding was pretty cool.  I think it was right to choose him for this challenge.  I really didn't give Viktor or Josh much credit earlier in the season, but they've really stepped it up to become, in my opinion, the front-runners.  If you'd asked me earlier, I would have guessed Anthony Ryan or Anya, but now Anya's lack of sewing skill/versatility is showing and Anthony hasn't produced much lately.

But only time will tell!

Project Runway: Men are from Mars #pr9viktor

I took the bait and thought that Project Runway was doing a menswear challenge... not something for the client's significant other!  I knew there had to be a twist.   And these guys are NOT helpful!  They are very typically aloof to their girl's style.  The other challenge for the designers is that they haven't seen their model, and these women are REAL!  They have curves and aren't all super tall.

My favorite!  credit

I liked that the men got to go to Mood with the designers.  It's a neat challenge, because they could very well have someone commission them to create a piece as a gift, without seeing the end client.  Luckily, the designers got to see their women... and true to form, they had to make adjustments.

The episode really focused on Bryce, who is basically the weakest link in the last nine designers.  He's a downer, and the other designers know he won't last until the end.  It's like they are being nice to him just knowing he's got an expiration date on the show.  Olivier also had a lot of trouble, because he's not used to designing for someone with breasts.  Newsflash, there are a lot of curvy celebs out there that wear designer clothes!  Think Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, the Kardashians... you have to be able to adjust to a model with a different shape.  I used to think Olivier had a shot early on, but now I realize he designs for art and not for real work... Michael Kors has simple, clean lines, but women can wear it and look beautiful.  Olivier can't make it work.

Viktor's outfit rocked!  I would wear that, and it suited his client perfectly!  I also think Joshua did a great job making a simple piece for once.  He toned it down!  Both of them were my favorites, but I think Viktor did it a bit better.

In the end, Joshua won, making him the first two-time challenge winner.  The judges didn't choose Viktor because of his over-accessorizing, which I think is really unfortunate.  He made pieces any woman would love to wear!  But Joshua's dress was definitely awesome and I am content with his win.  Surprise surprise, Bryce went home.  His dress wasn't bad, even though it bunched a little bit because the fit was off.... but at this point in the competition, fit is important!  I personally didn't like Kimberly, Bert, or Olivier's looks either.  Boo.  But Bryce needed to go.

Project Runway: Textiles! #pr9anya #pr9anthonyryan

Anya's dress, the winning look credit

Okay, I LOVED this challenge.  I love fabric, and I've toyed with the idea of designing my own and having fabrics printed.   It's pricy, but a neat way to express yourself.

In typical Project Runway fashion, we had another group challenge!  Two teams were formed... but they were completely lopsided.  I mean, having Josh/Bert/Becky on one team?!  Ugh.  I have a problem with Becky... she gets so wrapped up with what everyone else says, it causes her to get extremely upset and defensive.  She needs to step back and let her work speak for itself and not be a crybaby.

In terms of the fabrics, I felt Team Nuts & Bolts had very literal fabric.  I did not like the cogs and clocks.  I'm not surprised at all that Josh and Becky ended up in the bottom.  I think Josh ended up there simply because he doesn't work well with others.  He would be a difficult designer to work with as a client, I believe... I don't see him making it to the final three.  And his look was not great today.

Anthony Ryan's look credit

I would wear Anya's dress!  I love it!  She has proven she deserves to be there.  And Anthony Ryan totally redeemed himself in my eyes.  Love him all over again.  Olivier and Viktor both had great pieces, and Olivier's jacket was awesome... they just weren't something I'd see myself wearing.  Team Chaos just kicked some butt overall.  It was cohesive and sophisticated!  Even Bryce's look worked, and I felt he was the weak link.

The judges made the right decisions.  I loved Anya's dress from the moment it came down the runway, and I thought Becky's look was weak.  I'm actually glad I don't have to watch Becky on the show anymore, because she and Cecilia are just miserable to have to listen to.  Negativity, be gone!

SIDENOTE:  Does anyone else feel the judges have been voting people off the show based on overall performance, not their performance during a particular challenge?   I think the winners are consistently the best from each challenge, but it seems the judges are very likely to send someone home who has been consistently bad and forgive the occasional SNAFU from someone they feel is more talented overall.  Even Heidi has commented that the judges are doing this... not sure how it makes me feel, because it has always been about the challenge and not the designer overall.

Project Runway: Avant Garde Challenge #pr9bryce

Top 3 Looks... I think Josh M.'s on far left was best. credit

Yeah, you read it... I liked what Bryce did!  Doesn't mean I'm a fan, but I'm giving him some kudos.  Still think he'll be headed home fairly soon.

Overall, I was disappointed with the designers' performance this episode.  They were told to create an avant garde look based on a painting they created with kids from an art school in Harlem.

I just don't feel like any of them really gave us avant garde.  Like Laura said, I feel that avant garde is something normal people wouldn't wear, something that borders on costume-ish but still exudes fashion.  Lady Gaga often dresses in this way.

I liked Bryce's look, even though it was extremely simple... the straight-jacket sleeves concept and the colors I felt made it avant garde; the sleeves were part of the statement.   I also like the looks from Kimberly, Anya, and Josh M.  I was on the fence about Bert's look.  The pants were really cool in my opinion, and I'm glad Heidi saved him; the other judges hated it.

I do think Olivier's look was pathetic; he was fortunate poor Josh C., who is so lovable and yet not that in tune to design and fit, was back to replace the uber-downer Cecilia last episode.  Sad to see Josh C. leave again, but he wouldn't have made it to the final runway show anyways.  Olivier needs to brighten up his color palette and take more chances... or maybe get out in the SUN and get some Vitamin D!  Poor kid looks ill.

While I liked Bryce's outfit, I was torn about Anthony's win.  I've been an Anthony Ryan fan until last episode, and I just don't think his dress was particularly avant garde.  I think I would see it worn on a celebrity.  Between his outfit and Josh M., I think Josh M. should have won.  Sigh.  But I'm not a judge.

I think I am going to continue to stay on Team Kimberly.  She is consistent and has some great ideas, and I think she will stick it out for the long run!

Project Runway: New Balance Challenge #pr9kimberly

The toughest judge! "Klum of Doom" credit

My comments are all over the place for this episode, but in the end I felt confident in my favorites, even though they differed from the judges' choices!  (Note: my hashtag in the blog title does NOT denote winners, but my favorite look for the episode!)

Debbie Downer Cecilia quit.  Good, because watching her was like staring at a sad basset hound who wants to commit suicide... she was so depressing and not in it.  So good for her for finally quitting and allowing the designers to bring Josh C. back.  He actually did alright, and I'm glad he gets another shot to prove he can sew to fit a woman's body.

What happened, Anthony Ryan and Laura???  I know that it sucks you got stuck working with Bert, but you guys didn't pull it together and your collection was my least favorite.  And Bert's look wasn't your worst!  I actually think Anthony Ryan's look was the worst.  :(  SAD FACE!  The model had a cameltoe and wedgie!!!  I have been pulling for you Anthony Ryan!  Anthony/Laura got what they deserved because they did not treat Bert well, even though he never deserves it.

Project Runway: Nina Garcia's Challenge #PR9viktor

Becky's Look, I would wear it! credit

This week on Project Runway, the designers had a DAUNTING task... design a day-to-night outfit for Marie Claire's Nina Garcia, who is also one of the show's judges!  Nina has a VERY particular style... very monotone, geometric, no prints, tailored, and so on.  She was an extremely tough client, and the designers were visibly stressed!  I didn't have time to rate all the outfits, so the ones who were "okay" aren't really mentioned here.

I had high expectations for Anthony Ryan this time... and was SO disappointed.  When he and Becky picked the same fabric, I assumed he would 'school' her in its usage.  But I HATED his look and actually think it belonged in the Bottom 3 this week.  The skirt kept bunching and seemed ill-fitted, and the look was boring.  Becky's dress is one of the ones I would actually wear myself, which shocked me!

Cecilia seems have caught the Fallene disease.  Her "woe is me" defeatist attitude the entire challenge was painful to watch.  Her work was hideous, and I really thought she would be eliminated, not Julie...  Julie's exit was surprising to me.  I knew she wouldn't make it to the end; everything she has made seems the same combination of athletic wear and asymmetric cuts.  I don't doubt her talent, just her ability to hang on Project Runway.  But she really wanted to be there, and Cecilia should have done the right thing and requested to go home instead of Julie.  I have a feeling all the other designers hate her for not doing so.

I was disappointed in Anthony Ryan. credit

Kimberly finally got some good screen time!  She was the challenge's winner.  Kimberly is known for her awesome tailoring of pants, but this time she tried to go in a different direction with a dress... only to have Nina steer her towards pants again, which led to victory!  Good for Kimberly for creating a ready-to-wear look that suited Nina and looked great.   She even styled her model like Nina, which was a smart move!  It wasn't what I would wear, but that's not the point for this challenge.

I liked Viktor's futuristic separates piece the best.  It was the winner in my mind.  I can't understand how everyone like Anya's jumpsuit; the accessorizing with the belt was all wrong.  The color was improved for Nina's tastes, but I don't see why Anya is such a fan favorite except for the fact that she's beautiful.

Viktor's Look credit

A controversial part of the show was a few of the designers "helping" each other.  Viktor in particular was miffed by this.  Laura helped Anya a bit (though from what I could see, it was mostly advice and basic cutting, not sewing) and Cecilia helped Julie.  I am happy Viktor didn't rat them out; he was right, their lack of sewing skills will shine through eventually.  No one likes a rat, and it's better to have Tim Gunn discover the unfair practices than lose popularity amongst the designers.

Okay, so here's the rundown...  I think Viktor should have won, Cecilia should have been out, and Becky kicked Anthony Ryan's butt with that fabric.  Also I still don't get why everyone loves Anya so much.  There you go!

Project Runway: #PR9anthonyryan

(Every blog post, I'm going to include the hashtag for my favorite designer of the week!  And, as always with my TV review, SPOILER ALERT!)

My favorite looks!  Credit

It was a group challenge this time, outfitting models on stilts!  Sometimes the challenges are gimmicky, and I really want to see more ready-to-wear clothing... but group challenges are so interesting to watch.  The group challenges really force the designers to clash, because each designer is so (generally) narcissistic in their feeling that they are the best/expert/genius, resulting in the biggest conflicts and drama.

The pairings just seemed so lopsided.  There was the supposed dream team of Anya/Olivier, the latter who won immunity last episode.  Then there were some really explosive pairings.  Viktor/Bert resulted in a tense episode for those two...  everyone else was relieved not to work with Bert, because he is a TERROR (so arrogant!) and I can't believe I loved him so much in the first episode.  But the WORST pairing was Fallene/Bryce, because they have both been in the bottom before and it was depressing from the beginning.  Bryce's outfit was one of the worst last week, but Fallene really failed him in the team effort.  Boo.  She just GAVE UP.  FELL APART.  Cried on Tim Gunn.  BLAH.

The rest of the pairings had arguments/conflicts, but those designers never really interested me to begin with.  With this challenge, I really had a difficult time seeing the total outfit on the mannequins... usually I have an idea of what's going on before the runway show, but this episode focused on the personal conflicts instead of the design it seemed.  I had to wait for the runway show to give my opinions, but I had a feeling Fallene was headed home even before then.

My favorite designer, Anthony Ryan, was paired with Laura Kathleen... and I really had high hopes for them.  They are both good designers, so I felt it would result in an upset against Anya/Olivier.  That said, I immediately liked the Joshua/Julie matador outfit.  It was really fitting to the competition, I felt... great detail on the jacket and the black/white vertical stripes REALLY played up the stilts.  Anthony/Laura had a great outfit, the red was stunning, and the feathers were very couture.  I didn't like the clear fabric on top, I wish it had been more translucent, but it was definitely one of the best.  SO many of the outfits were BLAH though.  Really... just didn't like it.  It's the group challenge problem, the visions don't mesh and result in chaos.

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I was really surprised that the judges didn't like the matador look, but it was a bit costume vs. couture.  I didn't think it was 'tacky' but cool.  I didn't agree with Danielle/Cecelia's chiffon outfit being so great.  I'm glad they agreed with me on Anthony/Laura.  I'm glad they won, and I'm proud Anthony Ryan basically was responsible for Laura getting immunity by praising her on the runway... he hasn't had immunity but has always been in the top, so he is just winning more points in my book.

I can't believe Bert threw Viktor under the bus on the runway.  They fought the whole time, and Bert wouldn't own up to choosing that hideous fabric.

Side note: I LOVED Heidi's look at the outdoor runway show!  All black, with a tight but beautiful updo...  gorgeous!!!

Project Runway: #PR9anthonyryan

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(SPOILER ALERT!  Read and heed.)

I have got to tell you, I have COMPLETELY changed my tune in terms of who I'm rooting for on Project Runway.  Seriously.

Just when I'd declared that I was rooting for old man Bert, he COMPLETELY blew the unconventional pet store materials challenge.  It's like he didn't even try, and he had a bad attitude about it.  The judges are going to think twice about letting him win another challenge; while they do try to judge based on the individual challenge, I know they definitely take past work into account in terms of consistency; if you are always a top competitor, and you have a bad day, they're more likely to keep you than send you home.

So Bert is off my list.  I can't support him.

Also, I disagreed with the judges choosing Olivier's look over Anthony's AMAZEBALLS birdseed dress.  I agree with Heidi, his look was tops.  So it was a little short... designers send those kind of dresses down the runway all the time!  I really thought that Olivier's dogbed top was just too bulky and made the model look like a linebacker.  In addition, the eyebrows were just too much.  I like the effort to create drama, but save it for the couture challenge.  I really questioned Anthony's hot-glue-gun seeds because I thought it lacked construction, but when I realized where he was going with it, I couldn't believe the craftsmanship he displayed!  WINNER.  #PR9anthonyryan!!!

Reality Recap

I've been so wrapped up in The Mommy vs. Non-Mommy Divide, I haven't been writing about my favorite reality shows!!!

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Real Housewives of New Jersey:  I watched the Christmas morning episode, and it was alright.  I loved the Manzo Christmas, and I want to be an honorary member of their family!  That said, JOE GIUDICE, WTF?!  I mean, Teresa is trying to make peace with Joey and Melissa, and he's spewing poison about them?  And then he's too lazy to get up for Christmas morning with his kids, refusing to put a shirt on and videotaping them from the sofa without even looking through the viewfinder.  He's gross.  Seriously.  Every episode, I like Melissa/Joey more.  Oh, and I like Kathy less.  She wants to stay on the show and so she's brewing a feud with Teresa... very Kim G. of her!

In other reality news...
Project Runway Season 9 premiered on Lifetime!  It's been a long time since I followed a Project Runway season, but the concept itself is part of what inspired me to start sewing.  I really enjoy the candidates this year for the most part...  I'm absolutely rooting for the 'old man' Bert (I love a comeback!) and was really shocked by Anya's incredible sewing ability.  When she said she'd only been sewing for months, I rolled my eyes and counted her out from the beginning... until she won the first challenge with some AWESOME trousers!  Looks like a season full of surprises.  Oh, and Kathleen is annoying, but not as bad as the (thankfully cut) Amanda Perna.

I've also been watching some Ice Loves Coco, the occasional Toddlers and Tiaras episode, random My Fair Wedding with David Tutera and Say Yes to the Dress episodes, and pretty much anything on Bravo!  Yes, I am a TV addict... but it's just so much fun!