Project Runway Season 11; Episode 1

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Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn return for a new season of Project Runway. It was very nice to see them back together again.

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Returning for another season to share [and entertain us] with her wisdom and expert advice is judge Nina Garcia. Joining the team is designer Zac Posen who replaced Michael Kors.


Let's meet the designers... 




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For the 11th Season of Project Runway, the powers that be decided to give the show a "twist" that in my opinion, "made it work" very well. The sixteen designers were split into two teams, not just for the opening challenge, but for the entire season! Yup, team challenges all season long! Team "Keeping it Real" (stupid name btw) is on the left and Team "Dream Team" on the right (pictured above). What I'm curious about and slightly concerned with is what happens when a member of the team with the lowest score, hence placing them in the bottom for any given challenge, has the best overall design? Does that designer not win even if clearly they had the best design? Sounds like... we'll just have to keep watching.

The inspiration for the first Project Runway challenge of the season was the city of New York. The Dream Team had the lower scores, placing the whole group in the bottom.

"DREAM TEAM"


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I love this sassy, yet classy piece by Matthew Arthur. The blouse could have been tailored for a better fit and I wish it had short sleeves, but it's okay. The skirt, on the other hand, is fabulous!

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Samantha Black represented the Dream Team nicely with this little navy chiffon number. Great detail work on the bodice, on trend and very wearable.

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Tu Suthiwat Nakchat may be the avant garde designer of the group.  There are things I like and don't like about his garment. The overall color choice is just blah and the skirt is too simple for Project Runway standards. The blouse, however, is great! I like the structure and style.

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James Martinez, how dare you share my last name and produce this underwhelming crap for your first Project Runway! I'm in agreement with the judges... a poorly constructed tank and a pencil skirt, really James? Make it work next time!

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Benjamin Mach, the best dressed bloke of the lot of designers, gave us this tone on tone, flowy chiffon dress. I liked it, though I didn't love it. It had a nice runway presence.

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This look kills me, which is kind of funny as the designer is a funeral home director. Yet, ironically, I wouldn't be caught dead in this frock! Don't quit your day job Cindy Marlatt.

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Explain yourself Michelle Lesniak Franklin! Like it's not bad enough that you chose baby shit as your textile color, but you added insult to injury with the homemade crafty harness. WTF! You have a hip hairstyle and seem pretty cool yet you giving us dull.

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Did anyone notice Nina Garcia's expression when this nightmare tainted the runway? I am not sorry for Emily Pollard. She bragged early on about how good she is and will probably land in the top three... I can't even say anything else about this....

"TEAM KEEPING IT REAL"


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I always feel cheated when the designers go sleeveless. They are taking the easy way out. Admittenly it works well here. Its a great, modern look by Stanley Hudson, I just would have liked to see her a little edgier.

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Kate Pankoke. Personality: annoying. Dress: boring.

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Richard Hallmarq gave us a flattering, asymmetrical jersey knit dress. The judges loved it. Me too.

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When Patricia Michaels made that call of the wild sound on the boat I thought, "weirdo!!!" Well, whatever Native American voodoo she put out worked because the dress was on top. It is cute and creative. My only worry is that she's a one trick pony... I guess time will tell.

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Hey Amanda Valentine, I've got news for you dear. Adding those rectangular shapes to the side of your boring pants is not going to make this runway yawn exciting, interesting or innovative. Step it up!

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"Let me make a big first impression on the Project Runway judges by creating something original that has never been seen or done before, like the LBD..." said no one, ever! Layana Aguilar, Dios Mio, what were you thinking mija! Go back to the workroom and start over, geez!

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I just don't know about this one. Blah must have been the color scheme trend this episode. Joseph Aaron Segal's dress looks like he draped chiffon-like fabric around the model and sewed a seam across the top... oh wait, he did. The shoulder straps are too wide and the shoe is horrible. Hmmm, I guess I did know about this one.

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Daniel Esquivel holds the honor of winning the first Project Runway challenge. The outfit is chic, elegant and sophisticated with hints of Dior couture... I find it amazing that a man with questionable personal style sporting a hideous blazer and wearing pleated pants could produce something this classy.

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