Project Runway with Miranda Lambert

[caption id="attachment_19679" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Country music star and Grammy winner, Miranda Lambert joined Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum in the judges circle. "]

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Country & Rock collided on

Project Runway

when the designers were challenged to create stage and red carpet looks for country music star

Miranda Lambert

. For this episode, the designers split into teams of two and for the most part, I'd say they all played very well together. No big surprises. No big drama. Imagine that... a Project Runway episode about fashion and

it's

challenges.

Amanda crawled from under the bus her "team" threw her under to create this judge's fav fringed dress. It fit well and had great movement. Amanda didn't win the challenge but I was happy to see her kick butt.

Another judge's fav. Benjamin's red carpet look was beautiful but I just wasn't crazy about it. For some reason, the bedazzled fringe dangling from the bodice really bugged me!

Daniel got served a big fucking slice of humble pie! His cocky and overly confident attitude in the workroom was too much. Look at me, look at me. I'm so fabulous. This technique is the best. Look at me... UGH! Hopefully, being in the bottom put his ego in check and an abundance of talent is all we'll see from Daniel from this point forward.

*Sidenote

, does anyone else hate that ridiculous moustache?!!

Kate's red carpet look is a little much with the red leather. I like the dress and appreciate the effort but the hardness of the leather fights the flowy chiffon bottom. I would have used the red leather sparingly. Also, notice the gold stud work on the shoulders? Perhaps Kate ran out of time, but there just wasn't enough of them. They look like an afterthought. I want to see more from Kate. My advice to her: EDIT.

The ruching and structure of the bodice is very nice and I like that the belt adds a flattering touch of sparkle to the look. I am just not crazy about center slits AND why is the model holding up the dress?!! If she can't work a gown, she shouldn't be on the runway.

This was painful. Not the dress so much as Matthew's demeanor. The dress wasn't awful but it didn't scream Miranda Lambert. The real problem was Matthew's lack of confidence and self esteem. It was hard to watch him speak and question and doubt himself. He was sent home. Hopefully he'll get some help.

Are you kidding me? A denim skirt for a red carpet look! Like the judges, I have to question Michelle's taste. The leather vest was rockin' fab, Miranda like it and Heidi pointed out that they are judging the complete look, not individual pieces. The vest was painfully over-shadowed by the floor length denim skirt and bib necklace. Zac Posen said the necklace was so distracting it looked like linguini dangling.

The Native American-esque leather fringe is dramatic and fabulous. Now, all Patricia needs to do is create a dress to go with it... not this one. She needs a dress that works in unison with the fringed accessory. Right now I am seeing two, very distracting things happening. It's just not working. I think that Patricia is starting to get consumed with her heritage and is compromising good design.

Yay for Richard! He was so genuinely happy to win the challenge and he deserved it. Not only was it a terrific looking dress with plenty of appeal and movement, but Richard truly "made it work." [Tim Gunn should be very proud!] The dress was made of mesh making it too revealing. At the last moment, in a stoke of genius, Richard cut up the Mood t-shirts he bought with their budget money and created a lining. Perfect!

This dress is boring. Stanley struggled with it and it shows. Do I really need to say anything else?

Samantha's look was not a hit with the judges. I didn't love it, but I liked it. The colors are too dark so a lot of detailing got lost. The leather vest is HOT!

Poor Tim Gunn almost suffered a stroke or something in the workroom with Tu Suthiwat's dress. Thank God, Praise the Lord that the advice Tim offered was taken, otherwise the model would have looked like a balloon cartoon with the blowouts Tu Suthiwat wanted to make in the chest and hip areas. And though the final result isn't bad, he didn't really consider the client. This is not a look for Miranda Lambert.

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A HEIDI-Licious Project Runway

[caption id="attachment_19406" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Heidi: "This is the story board to my new fragrance: Surprise." Tim Gunn: "Make it work Heidi, make it work." Heidi: "It's ALL about me Tim. It works.""]

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Last week's Project runway was all about Heidi Klum. And how is that different than any other week?? Well, the designer teams got to design for her as their challenge. Heidi wanted two looks for the launching of her new fragrance called Surprise. The looks would be used for press and promotional events. Tim Gunn advised the designers to use the packaging color scheme gold, black and pink as inspiration. 

TEAM KEEPING IT REAL

[Designer] Richard knew the second his model stepped on the runway that there was too much junk in the trunk... a ruffled overkill...

David was one the winners with this flowing jersey dress with black leather trim.

The ladies took the win. Kate and Layana struggled for a minute, mostly in the communication process, but once they agreed on the design choices, they came up with the killer gown. Its sexy, strong yet pretty.

TEAM DREAM TEAM

Slap on some black lipstick and Heidi can audition for a role in Underworld vs. Resident Evil... not gonna happen! Sorry Tu Suthiwat. Do better this week please.

Samantha had a good concept but fell a little short of "making it work." The illusion netting didn't do well on the model, though it may have worked on Heidi. There are fit issues too. Look at the sleeve.

OMG... where do I begin. Benjamin this is a mess. The sketch was so beautiful. What happened? I don't think the dress should have been so complicated for a designer with his experience and skill. I guess Benjamin didn't account for the fact the he just can't make decisions!

Cindy got to me. Yes she's been in the bottom every episode and yes this dress was not good. But she

did

listen to the judges about sexing up her looks and she's just so sweet. After elimination, when Cindy told Tim Gunn that because of him she became a fashion designer, I may have shed a tear.

Matthew should have gone home. This is terrible. Maybe he though the client was Party City?

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Ralph Rucci NYFW Fall 2013

He gave us futuristic with hints of mod and even 1920s. Sounds kind of crazy and all over the place, but Ralph Rucci is a master, and the collection was incredible, strong and very cohesive. The show opened with a blonde model wearing a black leather dress, like a fabulous character from a couturesque sci-fi movie. Then, amazing pops of color, teal, purple, chartreuse and the first of many ovations. I loved Rucci's use of texture. So much, leather, fur, feathers, embossed leathers and laser cut. Much of this in vibrant color. Lots of structure gave way to strong fashion softened by the luxurious textures. No surprise that Ralph Rucci got a standing ovation. Well earned, well deserved.

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Project Runway SPiN NYC & Susan Sarandon

[caption id="attachment_19289" align="aligncenter" width="396" caption="Project Runway guest judge & client Susan Sarandon."][/caption]

The best part of last week's Project Runway: Academy Award winner, Susan Sarandon. The worst part: Susan Sarandon. The challenge was dreadfully boring, thanks Susan! The designers were commissioned to re-design staff uniforms for ping pong social club, SPiN NYC, co-owned by, you guessed it, Susan Sarandon. While I appreciate bringing real-world  fashion work to the show, I don't watch Project Runway to be entertained with the practical. I want to see the creative and avant garde. The innovative and brilliant. The triumphs and defeats. Thank goodness that hot male models were thrown in the mix, otherwise I would have totally fallen asleep. 

TEAM KEEPING IT REAL

[caption id="attachment_19290" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designer: Stanley"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19291" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Kate & Patricia"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19292" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Joseph Aaron & Richard"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19293" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Amanda"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19294" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Daniel & Layana"][/caption]

Daniel and Layana won the challenge for Team Keeping It Real. The judges also liked Joseph Aaron and Richard's design, especially the graphic print on the front pockets and the holder strap for the ball catcher. I'll agree, it was pretty cool. But the coolness only lasted for 30 seconds... and then we were back to bleh...

DREAM TEAM

[caption id="attachment_19295" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Benjamin & Matthew"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19296" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Samantha & Tu Suthiwat"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19297" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designer: James"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19298" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designers: Benjamin & Cindy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19299" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="designer: Michelle"][/caption]

The Dream Team was the losing team, again. The look on their faces was saddening. I actually felt for them. James Martinez was sent home. He was not a good team player, so no great loss. Benjamin's ego is starting to occupy a lot of space in the workroom. That's going to be a problem. Benjamin and Matthew got a lot of flack for their kilt design. I admire their willingness to think outside of the box, but guys aren't going to wear kilts. The judges also felt the "Balls are My Business" slogan over the crotch area of the kilt was inappropriate. I completely disagree with their pretentious judgement. The placement of the slogan was witty and edgy. Wonder what they think of Hooter's?

With Dream Team two designers short, will Project Runway will balance off the teams?? In this week's Project Runway, gorgeous but high-maintenance Heidi Klum is the client... Now that will be entertaining...

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Project Runway Season 11; Episode 1

[caption id="attachment_19136" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn"][/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_19137" align="aligncenter" width="396" caption="Nina Garcia & Zac Posen"][/caption]

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... 

[caption id="attachment_19158" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="The "new" Project Runway Designers "][/caption]

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"

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!



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



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.



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!



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.



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.



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.



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"

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.



Kate Pankoke. Personality: annoying. Dress: boring.



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



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.



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!



"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!



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.



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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Speakeasies, Soirées & Garden Parties; Project Runway All Stars

[caption id="attachment_18549" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Golden Boy Anthony Ryan in the Project Runway workwroom."]

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Kudos Project Runway for conceptualizing a great challenge. This was a creative and truly competitive one, fitting of an All Star. The inspiration was 1920's. The categories were "Speakeasies, Soirées & Garden Parties." How the challenge was detailed is where it got good... the designers were paired off to compete against each other per category. A fashion "face-off!" The 1920's served only as inspiration for the final design which had to be modern, not '20s! The designers were given $250 and went shopping at Mood. As much as I enjoyed the episode, I

do

have a bone to pick with you Project Runway... 

[caption id="attachment_18550" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Emilio Sosa"]

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[caption id="attachment_18551" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Joshua McKinley"]

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Emilio Sosa and Joshua McKinley "faced-off." Emilio's design was the judges pick but I think it was very close to a tie. Their category was Garden Party. The judges liked both dresses very much but felt Emilio's seemed dated. Joshua's brooch was a fail and the judges felt his dress didn't take a big enough risk. At this point in the competition the remaining designers are all so skilled and talented that the judges (usually) have little choice but to be extra picky.

[caption id="attachment_18552" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Uli"]

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[caption id="attachment_18553" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Laura Kathleen"]

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Uli's and Laura Kathleen's girls went to a soirée. The judges loved both looks. They felt Laura Kathleen's was better without the fur vest and they agreed that this was a challenge made for Uli.

[caption id="attachment_18554" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Ivy"]

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[caption id="attachment_18555" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Anthony Ryan"]

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There was no competition between Ivy and Anthony Ryan. In the workroom, mentor

Joanna Coles

asked them to rate one another on a scale of 1-10. Golden boy gave Ivy a strong 7/8 and she gave him a 5! Seriously Ivy? Well, that made for good TV because Anthony Ryan won the overall challenge and Ivy was in the bottom two. The feather caplet, btw, was fabulous!

Here is the issue I have with the show... Feels like Project Runway is up to their dirty tricks again... When you compare the criticism given to Ivy and to Laura Kathleen, who was the loser, it was a no brainer that Ivy had the weakest design. Clearly Ivy should have gone home on the basis of her critique. Did you notice Ivy's facial expression when she realized she was safe? Even she thought she was being sent home. The only reason I can imagine the producers kept Ivy is for ratings. I bet she'll have a meltdown which Project Runway will sensationalize and capitalize on... ahhh... "reality" TV!

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CFDA Visit

The CFDA {Fashion Incubutor} brought their style to Atlanta last night in partnership with W Hotels. Up and coming designers, Burkman bros, WHIT, Emanuela Duca and Daniel Vosovic presented mini-collections of their work at the W- Buckhead. Cocktails and fashion flowed liberally. I was disappointed I didn't meet Daniel Vosovic, best known as Project Runway runner up Season 2. We were about to say hello when he was swooped away on stage. The event was very well attended and personally, it was exciting to be a part of a "real" fashion event in Atlanta - for a change!

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