Project Runway Season 10 Recap: "Where's Joan Rivers When You Need Her?"

Where's Joan Rivers?

Oh Joan, I Wish You Were The Judge: Joan Rivers E! Fashion Police

This week's Project Runway Season 10 Challenge was to Create a Red Carpet Look to be worn at the Emmy Awards. The official name of the challenge was the LEXUS Team Challenge--hello, the show has to pay the bills!

Car Style: Mentor Tim Gunn tries to keep a straight face (no pun intended) as he announces the "LEXUS" involvement in this challenge

Somehow they created an addendum to the challenge that would somehow make it justifiable for LEXUS to be involved--yes, kids, the designers were "inspired" by the colors of these fab LEXUS GS automobiles...yeah, right. This season's designers were given their Red Carpet clients and no, it was't Sofia Vergara or Claire Danes.

Not so muchey as I like to say. Remember the mustard-mess of a dress Season 1's Wendy Pepper made for Nancy O'Dell (photo above). Yeah, bless O'Dell's heart--she smiled through it and was a good sport but you know she was like "NEVER AGAIN!".

Instead, it was former Project Runway contestants and/or winners--such as Laura Bennett from Season 3, Kenley I-threw-a-cat-at-my-boyfriend Collins from Season 5 (above), Irina (Season 6 Winner), Anya (Season 9 Winner) and several others. Let's just get to the Runway darlings, shall we:

Nina, Michael Heidi, and guest judge, actress Krysten Ritter were there and really--nothing against the lovely Miss Ritter--but I was hoping it was going to be Joan Rivers. She would have let these Season 10 contestants HAVE IT. Especially those who were all "I HATE designing 'Red Carpet'..." Yes, I am talking to you Alicia and Raul!

Anyhow, Miss Klum walked out in a strapless sequin LBD with a wink-and-a-smile secretly saying "THIS is a Red Carpet dress kids! Now, go home!" Speaking of Red Carpet dressing and the Emmys--here are the Best Dressed of 2011 as a refreshner:

2011 Emmy Awards Best Dressed

My favorite was the silver silk charmeuse gown that Dmitry and Melissa created for "Kelly Osborne 2.0" April Johnston (above). Somehow, this ended up in the "middle" and not as one of the top two. What gives? Maybe Heidi, Nina, Michael and Krysten were too tired and "over it" (some of those judging sessions go on 'till the wee hours darlings!)

Four Inches Too Short Wedding Dress: Bitchy McBitchy Gunnar and Kooan created this white gown for Irina and somehow this ended up in the Top Two.  You can read my Recap at the end of this post to really know what I think of this dress...

This was the Winner (above left photo)--a short navy blue silk gazar cocktail dress from Ven and Fabio--for "I Want ALL the Attention" Kenley Collins. It was very pretty and expensive looking but Emmys worthy? Go back to that collage of Emmys 2011 Best Dressed...

Is That Your Pageant Britney? Season 9 Winner Anya and Miss District of Columbia USA 2012 Monique LaShone Thompkins

The Bottom Two were cutie (I am renaming him "Drama Queen Christopher" after this episode) Christopher and Andrea BA MA MFA Katz and the design they created for Anya. I do LOVE a pageant gown and a slit--as long as it's not DANGEROUSLY close to her nether-regions--and this dress was. Poor Anya would have been SLAMMED by the "Fashion Police" --or at least moi on TV Guide's Emmys Fashion Wrap!

But the worst was the dowdy dirndl halter dress that pointy-haired Raul and dreadlock'ed Alicia created. Bad with a Capital "B". Poor Mila. This look really aged her and made her look like a Mother-of-the-Bride as opposed to a Red Carpet Diva.


If you want to know what I REALLY thought of this last episode? Read below:

"Where's Joan Rivers When You Need Her?"

 Team I-Don't-Want-To-Be-On-A-Team
We knew it was going to be a KRAZEE episode the minute Tim Gunn said that this was a "Team Challenge." No One. I reiterate, NO ONE, likes the Team Challenges on "Project Runway" (except the viewers). The challenge this week? To create a red carpet look that is to be worn at the Emmys in September. Lest you forget, our little ol' show is nominated this year! This challenge was also dubbed the "LEXUS Team Challenge" because the designers also had to incorporate the colors of the new LEXUS GS cars (the automobile sponsor) into their red carpet creations. I almost wished they had to make these looks out of actual LEXUS car parts! But oh wait, I think that's already been done...
 
Red Carpet Sacrificial Lambs
Seven Teams of two were created — Christopher/Andrea, Sonjia/Nathan, Elena/Buffi, Ven/Fabio, Gunnar/Kooan, Alicia/Raul and Dmitry/Melissa. Now, who would these teams be designing Emmys red carpet creations for? Heidi? Nina? Sofia Vergara?! Nope, darlings. Remember the debacle years ago when Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll created La Klum a gown for the Emmys and she ended up not wearing it? (Oops). And the mess Wendy Pepper made for Nancy O'Dell to wear to the Grammy's as a result of a challenge she won? Yeah, in other words, not such a good history of these collaborations. So, instead, the show brought back seven past Runway contestants and winners — Season 9 Winner Anya, Season 6 Winner Irina, Laura Bennett, Kenley, Mila, April Johnston and Valerie Mayen (who?) — to be the Red Carpet Sacrificial Lambs ... I mean clients.
 
Time Complainer, Hissy Fits, Ironing Assistants
Team Elena/Buffi got Laura Bennett as their red carpet client which immediately scared me. If Laura and those two were the last people stuck on an island, she still wouldn't choose them to make her a dress (But, alas, she has no choice). Laura is elegant Manhattan chic, while Elena is Lady Gaga futurama and Buffi is just tacky-licious. Strong-headed Elena is delegating Buffi to steaming/pressing assistant status while she's just running around stressed and panicked. She's also complaining about the lack of time they are given to make an evening dress. Really Elena? What part of "Project Runway" did you NOT understand? These kids, they slay me.

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Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 1 "A Tenth Anniversary Fashion Party"

Happy 10th Anniversary Project Runway!

What do the Teletubbies:

Dumpster Diving:

And Mosquito Netting:


 Have In Common with Project Runway?  Well, read on kids...

This past Thursday night was the PREMIERE of Season 10 of Project Runway on Lifetime. Yes, kids, it's the Tenth Anniversary. The show began in 2004 so it's actually been only 8 years but TEN SEASONS. I was part of Season 2, which we shot in the Summer of 2005 and debuted in December of that year. So, in case you're countin', I am part of "Vintage Project Runway". Now, back to the new season, the show has a new set of sixteen designers; lots of talent and LOTS of "characters" and a BIG Flashy First Challenge Runway Show (The BIGGEST in Project Runway history!!) that took place in Times Square. For many, many seasons now, I've had the honor of being asked to Recap the Episodes of my "little ol' show" and once again, I'm back at it!! Hope you guys enjoy Season 10 and yes, also enjoy my Recaps with a "Nick twist".

So...let's get to the Haute and Not-So-Haute of Episode One of Season 10:
 

The Judges: (left to right) Costume Designer/Stylist Patricia Field, actress Lauren Graham, Marie Clair Fashion Director Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum--For the first Challenge, the producers brought in actress Lauren Graham and the first ever Project Runway "Guest Judge", Patricia Field. She was a hoot with her throaty I-smoke-two-packs-of-Marlboro-Reds-a-day voice, great insight and at 71 years old (yes, SEVENTY ONE kids, Thanks Wikipedia!), dresses like a woman who's 29--and looks good! (No Oscar de la Renta Barbara Walters suits for her, thank you very much!).

The Teletubbies Connection:

Domo arigato: For the first episode challenge, the designers had to bring one look from home that best exemplified their design aesthetic. Once at Parsons--on the show--they then had to create a "companion look" with only $100 and one day. One of the designers--and more "Kooky" characters of the season, Kooan Kosuke (above) from Japan, made these two looks above.

Kooky: His first look from home, included this jumper with oversized teal blue polka dot applique, laminated shoulder strap detail and printed long sleeve top. I thought it was kinda fun and quirky. He definitely had a point of view and his style--even in just one look, reminded me a lot of Spanish fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (her fried egg dress with baguette hat design on the right photo above).

Tubbie: However, for his second made-at-Parsons look, judge Michael Kors criticized it as being a little too Teletubbies-esque in its shape. He's right. Kooan was also criticized by Nina Garcia and Kors as well for possibly being too much of a "Character" and less of a Designer per se. We'll see how serious he is and if he'll annoy Miss Nina more throughout the season with his "Harajuku JapFro" antics. I have a feeling, however that the fans--and viewers of the show--will just LOOOOVE him!

The Freegan Hipster:

What's for Breakfast: A First for Project Runway is the fact that one of the designers, a 29-year-old bearded chap, originally from Brazil, named Fabio Costa, is a FREEGAN. I didn't even know what that even meant until A) he described it and B) I looked it up (Thanks Wiki again!). In case you don't know, a Freegan is someone who "reclaims and eats food that has been discarded". Yep, you go "Dumpster Diving' for your daily meals. I wonder how difficult it was for him to eat from what the P.A.'s got for the designers every day during their filming from nearby restaurants. Or did he specifically instruct the producers that they had to send someone out Dumpster Diving for his breakfast, lunch and dinner? I wanna know.


So now, let's get to who ended up on the Top and the Bottom of the first challenge:

The Top:

South American Pleating and Folding: Project Runway Season 10 contestant Ven Budhu (left) with his designs and a design by Angel Sanchez on Miss World 1995 Jacqueline Aquilera of Venezuela

The designers on top in the first episode were Guyana-born Ven Budhu (left) who showed two stunning looks included an ivory crepe palazzo pant and jacket ensemble with a folded-and-draped "Flower" bustier and a bubblegum pink high neck sleeveless dress with diagonal pleats.His designs remind me of another South American designer, famous for designing for Miss Venezuelas, Miss Worlds and Miss Universes--as well as beautiful wedding gowns--Angel Sanchez. To me, Ven should have won this first challenge. However...

Pretty Gown, Wonky LBD: The winner was Christopher Palu. The judges "Oohed" and "Ahhed" at his first look--a gown constructed in strips of satin. And basically they gave him the win because of it. It was very pretty, but I'm not sure how fair this was since this was the look he brought from home and did not make at Parsons with a limited budget and time. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the LBD he did for his second companion look. The fit was wonky and the back zipper was buckling (see right photo above). It was a little amateur hour for me. But he won, nonetheless.

The Bottom:

Mosquito Netting Prom Girl Goes Shopping: The bottom two included the looks from designer Lantie Foster. She "re-worked" vintage-like fabrics but achieving results that the judges did not like. In fact, Miss Nina (never one to hold back) said that the one dress above was "Horrible". Ouch. Miss Lantie likes to do these center front bib things that well, she shouldn't be doing. And then on top of it she makes this dress in a muddy-colored tulle that looked like mosquito netting as Kors pointed out. It was all wrong, poor thing (and I didn't even begin to talk about WHY OH WHY did she style it with a big ol' I'm-going-shopping-on-a-Sunday-at-2pm bag!!??). Hashtag Styling Fail.

Knit Girl Bye-Bye: But deemed the worst were the knit designs from oh-so-pretty Beatrice Guapo (she should be an anchor--or at least the weather girl for Good Day LA Fox Morning Show--if the designing thing fails). She had trouble throughout this challenge with her sewing which I just didn't understand being that she grew up in the industry. And then her final designs were called sad (they were). That maroon/terracotta-colored top on the left photo looked as if she just got some fabric remnant and slopped it on the model and tied it with a belt. It had little design quality or originality. During the show, Guapo said that she loves designing/making scarves. She should probably stick to that.


Anyhow, without further ado, here's my Recap of the 1st Episode for MyLifetime.com:

"A Tenth Anniversary Fashion Party"

Eight Years, Ten Seasons
Happy 10th Anniversary "Project Runway"! As a member of the "Runway Club" (it's like the Mickey Mouse Club, but more fashionable), it's not surprising that the show has survived this long. Back in 2005, when I did Season 2, I knew that I was going to be part of something that was iconic in TV History. The show premiered almost 8 years ago and well, as we now know, it has become the "Grand-Daddy" of all Fashion Reality Competition Shows. In fact, last week, while on a trip to Mykonos, Greece, I was switching channels and stumbled on Greek TV and guess what was on my hotel TV? Season 6 of "Project Runway"! In Greece! Say no more. 2012 marks the Tenth Season of the show and last night's premiere was a doozy so let's get to the Recap'ing shall we.

Center of the Universe Fashion Bang
It is quickly revealed that the first challenge and runway show is taking place in the HEART of NYC, "Center of the Universe": Times Square, for the first time EVAH! Models are under a tent squeezing into their clothes; designers are putting the last minute touches on their garments and the Stars of the show — Heidi, Tim, Nina and Michael — are greeting the crowd with a Champagne toast. Cut to the previous day...

The Who, What and Where Are You From
Since Season 3, I have had the privilege to judge the castings and this past Spring, I took part in the LA Castings for Season 10. I, obviously, had no idea who would make the Final 16, so it was with great delight to see several of the designers I saw during those castings, actually make it onto the show. This included Elena (Miss Futuristic Thierry Mugler-meets-Claude Montana-meets Lady Gaga), the lovely Beatrice "jersey knit" and blonde-haired Melissa, who loves black and edgy.

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And make sure to let me know YOUR thoughts!! I always LOVE reading them!!! 

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: The Finale--Another Controversial Ending!

And the Winner Is...

Caftan Queen: Anya Ayong-Chee, Winner of Project Runway Season 9

Alrighty kids, last night was the Project Runway Season 9 Finale and yes, it was a DOOZY! The show--and season--ended with another controversial ending and winner (we had barely gotten over the whole Gretchen thang!). There has been much criticism about not only the winner, but the show itself--none more biting than by my Fab friends Tom & Lorenzo and their Recap HERE.

Heidi and Nick: Heidi Klum and Nick Verreos , Project Runway Season 9 Finale Fashion Show

Although they do make some very valid points and there's no denying that the show is different than it was "back in my day" (Season 2 Rocks!!). I come from a place where I am an "Alumni"--a Graduate perhaps--therefore, I have a soft spot for the show. I want to see it succeed and have the show--and its designers do well. Sometimes, I turn a "blind eye" to its "bad parts" and hope for the best but I think that everyone can agree that the level of the talent was "lower" than usual and the DRAMA was rather "heightened" maybe, as a result.

Top Four: Viktor Lina, Anmya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley, Kimberly Goldson

I've been getting comments on my BLOG at myLifetime.com saying that I am "toe'ing the party line" in terms of Lifetime and the show. I think it's important to state that Lifetime or any of the producers of the show have NEVER tried to edit me or say "Umm, do you really wanna say that?" and I thank them for that and allowing me to voice my humble opinion. You--the fans, the readers, can make arguments for both Josh or Viktor winning, however, I still feel that out of the four collections shown that day at Lincoln Center, Anya's was the best.

Print Queen: Anya Ayoung-Chee and her models, backstage at the Project Runway Season 9 Finale Fashion Show

Oh, and BTW: this is just my opinion, and to add: I tend to go for the "Anya" aesthetic": I like prints and easy-breezy Resort-y gowns. That's what I like. You may not. That is the great thing about fashion, it is subjective and we can all have our OWN opinions. I attended the Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Project Runway Show and I was there to witness it all. Let me just also add that the collections look different on TV than they do in person. When you see the collections live, you get the 3D experience, a sense of flow and a power from (some) of the pieces. On television it often can seem slicker with it's fancy camera angles and close-up shots.

And the First Runner Up Is: Anya Ayoung-Chee and Joshua McKinley, Project Runway Season 9 Finale Episode

From the live show, I thought Joshua's was "questionable" (I would have bet he was a "decoy" and not a Finalist!), Viktor's was good and I loved his prints (but I was apprehensive about the no-lining dresses), but I did remember thinking Anya's Resort Luxe-looking collection was one of the most cohesive. But, I also felt, she's not the Winner, not with all those similar-looking printed caftans! But then if not her...who was??? Well, yes, it was Miss Anya Ayoung-Chee. How was her collection the "Best"??? Let me Review them all:

Kimberly Goldson:

Kimberly Goldson Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

I liked Kimberly's collection but I remember sitting there at Lincoln Center thinking "Those black wedge heels for EVERY LOOK, don't look so good!" and at the same time, loving that black sequined gown and not loving that "Bootie-Bump" skirt. It was very Baby Phat-meets-Rachel Roy. Which I love. But is that the next Top American Designer? I didn't think so. These looks are already out there--versions of them--in stores. It doesn't take fashion to well, "another level" per se. A counterpoint that many commentators are making to me is that neither does Anya's; which is a valid point. I guess the difference to me is that Anya's looked Luxe, while Kimberly's looked more suited for the Contemporary Department of a Store.

Joshua McKinley:

Joshua McKinley Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Joshua--such a controversial "Love-him or Hate-Him" character this Season. He almost got the Project Runway crown. Why? Because the judges just LUVED his designs. And he edited. He learned from their critiques. And yes, it made for GREAT TV to have the "Villain" be up against Miss Anya. I liked his collection BUT...it suffered from being TWO different women. One, loves plastic-accented jersey gathered tunic gowns...and the other, neon green 80's bicycle shorts! No one argues that maybe he should have won (boy, would that have been a WEB uproar!!!). But what people are all angst-ridden about is...

Viktor Luna:

Viktor Luna Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Now, this is where the controversy kicks in--everyone and their puppy thought Viktor should have won. His collection was good; but not all-together cohesive good. At least for me. His prints were AMAZING. But then, he went into an S&M Bondage, sheer chiffon, Frida Giannini-for-Gucci Fall 2011 girl. The reason he didn't win--as opposed to Anya--was the same as for Joshua--he also suffered from what I call the "Two-Headed Woman" syndrome. This was also a collection that did not benefit from the LIVE viewing. In person the collection was not very impacting. It was much more subtle and almost delicate (even with its bondage elements). I think if he was able to have made a 35 look collection it could have been amazing, but with only 10 looks to make an impact, it left the audience wanting more.

Anya Ayoung-Chee:

Anya Ayoung-Chee Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Miss Anya...How could she have won? I just don't get it? She only learned how to sew months ago...She never finished her dresses with an opening/closure!...

Her collection was the most cohesive. She had ONE GIRL in mind and she stayed true to that vision. You may not like that ONE girl or think it was too narrow in its scope, but to my eyes it was the most cohesive and complete collection that day.

Congratulations to all four of the finalists and take it from me, its not always winning that makes you a success!!

To Read My myLifetime.com Recap of the Finale Episode, scroll down kids...

"From Beauty Queen to Fashion Queen"

"Project Runway" Rewind: Back in September, I flew to the East Coast for two things: to host a "Fashion's Night Out" event in West Virginia (technically "The South" but still East Coast–adjacent) and then to attend the Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week "Project Runway" show. It was two days before the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and traffic in Manhattan was at a standstill. I barely made it. I watched NINE — yes, NINE — shows (five "decoys" and the four finalists). There was a whole lot of mess (little Bryce, I am talking to you!), but there were some shining moments. I SWORE Laura Kathleen was one of the finalists. Hers was one of the strongest collections. I was wrong. And I thought Joshua's was all over the place and too "kooky" ('80s neon-green "bicycle shorts"?). I would have bet one of my Hermès ties that he was a "decoy" (wrong again!). But one thing stuck out: Those glorious dresses from Anya. I thought, wow, if she made it THIS far, and with barely knowing how to sew … Atta-Gurl!

A Gift of $500 … to Anya!
Let's see how it really turned out. As of last week, the Top Four finalists showed the judges three looks that were supposed to be representative of their collections. Anya suffered. Her pieces looked like she had made them in three hours. Under any other circumstances, she would have been OUT. But the judges decided to keep her. "She has come this far …" they argued. Going into the final two days before the Finale Show, she was the underdog. Out of the blue, Monsieur Gunn walks into the workroom and provides them all with a "gift." The conspiracy theorist in me felt it was intended for Anya, as a "GURL, you better 'Make It Work' and redo your damn collection!" She did.

The Susan Lucci Award Goes To …
How are the rest of the finalists doing? Viktor inexplicably buys some see-through, stretch cheetah print that has nothing to do with his collection, to add some new looks. As they showed him going through his rack, editing out some of his custom prints, I thought, "Oh dear, he's heading down the wrong path!" Kimberly is making more of those not-so-flattering "booty bump" skirts (NO!), and Miss Joshua is doing his best Soap Opera Digest Award Performance of how he has "NOTHING … to come home to … not even a job!" ...

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