0 Project Runway Recaps: Episode 5 "Marie Claire Team Challenge"--My Recap!

One Way Monkey, Silk Chiffonies, Eddie Munster and The Working Woman:

This past Thursday was the newest episode of Project Runway Season 10 so you know what comes after the episodes...my Recaps!

First, let's begin with this gem:

A One Way Monkey is a One Trick Pony...in Belarusian: Dmitry Sholokhov, one of the more talented designers in this season of Project Runway (and one of my favorites from early on, I might add!), mouthed this one liner on last Thursday night's episode of the reality show.

In trying to describe--and diss--fellow contestant Ven Budhu, during his confessional, Dmitry (above) wanted to say that Ven was a "one trick pony" in terms of his repeated silhouettes and style aesthetic--and instead he said "One Way Monkey". One Way Money...One Trick Pony...Potato...PoTATOE...it's all the same. Awww Dmitry, you slay me! PS: I like Ven's "One Way Monkey" style aesthetic! He's one of my top faves of this season as well.

Onto the episode: Separated into two teams, the designers were asked to create a capsule collection for the Working Woman that would then be photographed for the Marie Claire @ Work supplement of the magazine. Nina Garcia--Marie Claire's Fashion Diva--said it had to be both Editorial and work for the "real world".

The teams were "Team Five" (above)--all boys--Christopher, Gunnar, Ven, Nathan and Fabio; and...

"Team Six", which consisted of Alicia, Dmitry, Elena, Melissa, Raul and Sonjia

No one likes to work in teams so they were not happy about that, and is it just me, but throughout this season, there just seems to be a cloud of general unhappiness to begin with. They all seem MISERABLE...and what is up with all the profanities? (and I am by no means a Wash Out Your Mouth With Soap Profanity Grandma!)...

These future designers want to be the next Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Ann Demeulemeester...whoever---and build brands, create design companies, open stores...well, I just NEVER saw any of those aforementioned ICONS of the Fashion World shout profanities like these kids on their way to success and fame. I feel as if I am watching "MTV's Real World" and not my little ol' show. Moving on...

The episode also had Raul hoping to create a Reality Show "Bromance" with Cutie Christopher but when Fabio--from Christopher's team, didn't choose him--Raul was left sad that somehow, his Christopher-Raul Bromance was over. Awww, the young gays...

Miss NOT Congeniality Award: Elena tried her best to become the Most Hated Contestant on this season. She fought with just about everyone, got on everyone's nerves--in the workroom and while trying to dictate the Marie Claire @ Work photoshoot. She also called the "Team Five" boys the "Silk Chiffonsies" (or "Chiffonies") calling them out on their love of silk chiffon (I guess I would be in that group too!). She also called Raul "Eddie Munster" (see bottom of this post). I bet Raul is changing that pointy thing on his forehead hairstyle AS WE SPEAK. There's always a Villain on all these types of shows and I think we finally know who the Villain of this season is: Miss Elena.

The Runway: Joanna Coles--Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire (she's also the "Tim Gunn" of Project Runway All Stars)-- was the Guest Judge for this "Design a Working Woman's Collection" Challenge. Now, in case you were wondering what actual successful fashion designers think is Working Woman Clothes, take a look:

 Working Woman Fashion

Now, here's what the PR Season 10 contestants did in Thursday night's episode:

Alicia and "General" Elena worked on these two looks. Alicia did the pants (both FAB!) and Elena made the jackets--one Victoriana/Gothic and the other, contemporary and very NOW! Of the two looks, I liked the one on the right better. It seemed more "real world" Working Woman--a young fresh out of college Jr. Assistant at a PR firm or magazine.

I also liked Christopher's printed silk chiffon skirt with black jacket look. It was very H and M cute. One of my faves.

Dmitry of the "One Way Monkey" fame--designed a color-blocked sheath dress that was chic and sexy. Is this something a girl can work in an office? Maybe not, unless that "office" was being the hostess at the hippest new restaurant in the Meatpacking District. But it was a very well made dress.

Ven Meet Dior: Ven's jacket and skirt was gorgeous and Jackie O fab--the jacket reminded me of the iconic "Dior" Bar jacket/suit (seen above from Dior Haute Couture Spring 2012). As Nina would say, it was a bit "referential".

The Top 2 though were Fabio's black and white color-blocked tunic dress and Melissa's royal blue high funnel neck sheath dress. Melissa's won for being very editorial, looking great in photos, and for its bold dramatic color and silhouette. Do you guys think the judges made the right choice? Talk amongst yourselves or leave me your comments on my Lifetime.com Blog HERE.

These above were the Bottom: potty mouth Gunnar (he's one of those that needs his mouth washed with soap) did this dress on the left which did not do anything to make the model's boobies look pretty. Heidi said it was a "deflating souffle" or something to that effect. But it was Raul who was sent home--mainly for his not so cute tops--one of which was this bib-front ruffled blouse that was anything but exciting or creative. If you're going to do a blouse like this, at least twist the ruffles diagonally or a bit askew or something! This blouse looks like it came from the Loehmann's ultra, ultra sale rack.

So it was "Adios" to Raul aka Eddie Munster. His goodbye was less than gracious and well, I had my "Nick Two Cents" thoughts on that plus MUCH MORE on this past episode...so here's my Recap:

Team Miserable

Hello "Project Runway" fans and blog readers. A new week and a new recap ... and yes, another chance to get something off my chest. Here we go:

Why is EVERYONE on Season 10 So Miserable?

People are crying left and right, contestants are bolting out in the middle of night, everyone is OVER-stressed and swearing like drunken sailors (What. Is. With. All. The Swearing by the way? I feel like I'm watching Snooki on "The Jersey Shore"). The whole thing is kind of depressing. Now, granted, it is always easy to remember the good and not the bad, but I don't recollect the environment back in my season being so miserable, or my fellow cast mates being so contemptible (Or at least most of them). We would be in the confessionals cracking jokes, saying this-and-that (and not in a nasty, spiteful way) and the requisite "I'm not sure I will be finished on time" comments. On this season, it's been a cloud of unhappiness and doleful anguish almost every week. And it's only week five. I'm beginning to understand why Andrea and Kooan did a "I'm OUTTA here!" without even batting a L'Oreal mascara'ed eyelash.

Design a Working Woman Collection, Direct a Photoshoot, Work on a Team & Go to Mars!

Heidi enters the runway and brings out my Colombian sister from another Mister, Nina Garcia. Nina announces to the designers that this is the "Marie Claire Team Challenge" and they must create a capsule collection for a working woman that is both editorial AND will also work in the "real world," AND they will work in teams AND they will also direct a photoshoot of the collection with the winning team being featured in the Marie Claire @Work supplement of the magazine. Oh, and did I mention that the winning design will also be launched in the Mars Rover to be used as an instrument to find proof of water on the planet? Just kidding. But seriously folks, that is a LOT rolled into one challenge...

Bromance Ends As Soon As It Begins

The designers begin to choose the members of their teams and Raul is the Last Man Sitting. He's feeling like a "schoolyard reject" as Christopher, whom he thought was his new Bromance love, ends up passing him over for Potty Mouthed Snooki, I mean Gunnar. The final two teams end up being "Team Five" (5 designers) Nathan, Ven, Christopher, Fabio and Gunnar, and "Team Six" (6 designers), Sonjia, Elena, Melissa, Dmitry, Alicia and Raul. During the pre-shopping pow-wow meeting, Raul (feeling his ego at an all-time low) is confrontational, already predicting his teammates will throw him under the "Team Challenge Bus." He also declares that he's "good at making pants" at which point I almost hear the producers rushing to the "Project Runway Season 10 Wall of SHAME" and showing proof of just the opposite from last week. Oh these kids, they SLAY me.

Click HERE to read the rest--and be sure to tell me YOUR thoughts!

Did the right Winner Win? Is Elena AWFUL? Should Gunnar stop swearing? And did you think Raul's Goodbye was classy with a "K"?

0 Nick Verreos Season 8 Mylifetime.com Recaps: Episode 8 Jackie Kennedy Cameltoe!!!

Jackie Oh No!!!!!Even though I am traveling in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico!!!) and the South (Nashville Tennessee), I am still keeping up with good ol' Project Runway, of course. This last week's episode was all about American Sportswear and Jackie Kennedy as the Muse and Inspiration.

Mondo Guerra,or as I lovingly call "Latin Urkel", won for his fun yet elegant "Jackie Kennedy at H&M" ensemble. I wonder if he realized that it was the 2010 version of this...

Black and white houndstooth wool tweed with black braided trim Suit, ca. 1959, which Jackie Kennedy wore for the Presidential campaign, fall 1959-spring 1960. For some "Fashion History" c/o your truly, here's a brief background: It was designed by Bob Bugnand who trained with the Parisian couturiers Lelong and Piguet.
After his apprenticeships, Bugnand opened his own salon in Paris before establishing a branch in New York in 1957. Although his fashionable clients were fitted in New York, their clothes were made in Bugnand's Paris workrooms. "French workmanship without the necessity of a passport" is what Harper's Bazaar declared about his clothing. LOVE that!

The WORST for me was...
This unfortunate get-up from usually on-point Andy I-only-design-with-an-Asian-aesthetic South. It was a mess! He said he wanted to give the judges "Edgy Jackie". Nope. This is not Edgy and furthermore, not even cute. The Star of this bad outfit were those pants! AGHHHH!!!!! (Is that a word?) The drape is odd and not harmonious and of course: Can we TWALK about the CROTCH:

Nasty.

But, he was Safe! So, Michael Drummond and his cute tank tops and questionable Do Rag scarves, had to go.

It was his Annie Get Your Gun pleated skirt ensemble which was more Prairie Home Companion and less Jackie Kennedy in her Official State Visit to France.

Here's the Intro to my Mylifetime.com Project Runway Recap for this week, titled:

Jackie Cameltoe!!!

I just arrived in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico to host a fabulous Macy's event ("Don't Cry for Me, San Juan!") and had visions of last week's Resort Wear Challenge and how maybe they should have brought the designers here — but somehow I don't think a trip to Puerto Rico would be in the show's budget! Upon arriving at my hotel, I got "good and ready," turned on the flat-screen TV and began watching this week's new "Project Runway" episode to see:
A. What Challenge these kids would not understand;
B. If Gretchen would continue her critiquing; and
C. If maybe, just maybe, Mondo figured out how to take his tacky Vegas Resort Roller Disco Girl (from last week) to a higher level … I would soon find out.

The Queen of Effortless Chic
Still Shag-a-delic Heidi Klum greets the designers by telling them that they are to meet up with Tim, where they will be "stepping back in time." At a "Capsule Studio" in Manhattan, Tim Gunn — with a wall of fabulous Jacqueline Kennedy photographs projected behind him — tells the remaining designers that for their next Challenge, they will create a look that defines THEIR point of view on American Sportswear — and use fashion icon Jackie O as their muse.....

Click HERE to read my entire mylifetime.com Blog!

0 Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap: Campbell's Soup Dresses are Mmm Mmm Bad!

Red, White and Soup:Tim Gunn and The Campbell's Red Dress Muses

This last week's Project Runway episode, "Design Your Heart Out", had promise of a good thing. The designers were told to create a signature dress for the Campbell's AdDRESS Your Heart Campaign, to be worn at the Red Dress Awards during NY Fashion Week by women who had been impacted in one form or another by Heart Disease. Monsieur Gunn also instructed them that the color red must be prominent in their design and the Campbell's Logo/Branding must also be present in one way or another. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was the iconic "Andy Warhol Souper Dress": I'm sure a lot of jaded fans of Project Runway scoffed at the Ain't-Got-No-Shame use of branding and I agree that there are ways in which it is used that are oh-so-tacky (NBC's Biggest Loser and the "Chew some Extra sugarfree gum and it will curb your appetite!" brand plug comes to mind). But I had no problem with the designers instructed to make a dress for Campbell's and such an amazing campaign. The designers met with their "real women" models, discussed their heartwarming stories and proceeded to design the outfit that would make everyone gasp as they walked into a room full of New York fashionistas. On hand for the runway judging was Mrs. Harvey Weinstein, the gorgeous Georgina Chapman, co-founder and co-designer of Marchesa.

Now onto the runway:Let me just begin by saying that I really hate to be a "Negative Ninny" but what I witnessed on the runway--for the most part--was a mess! I was shocked. For two years in a row, I have been privileged enough to have either hosted or judged the Macy's Seattle Project Red Dress Gala and Competition for the American Heart Association. And these dresses, which were made by local Seattle design STUDENTS (with only 16 hrs and $200 for material) were all much better than anything I saw on this week's episode (save for Amy Sarabi's winning design). Why so much shiny cheap-looking fabrics, why so many uninspiring designs and why the absence of contemporary looks? With that in mind, let's just praise the one good dress in this challenge. As one dress after another came sashaying down the runway, I thought to myself: "OK, this is not looking good for anybody". Until Amy's dress appeared. Her strapless Silk Chiffon Empire Gown looked glamorous and appropriate to create a statement at the Red Dress Awards. The fit was perfect and it was ideal for the model's body-type. Congratulations Amy! I was thrilled that the judges felt the same way and awarded her the Top Prize.

The Not-so-Good "Campbell Soupers":Anthony Williams' look made great use of the Campbell's branding (on the top) but that stiff satin fabric did not help the model, the sleeveless design is a definite no-no and the skirt was three inches too short. But, Lordy did she work that runway! She gets points for that and I loved the interaction between Miss Anthony and his muse.
Mila's red and white "Star Dress" was not a red carpet NY Fashion Week dress. It was more Fourth of July-meets-Drag Queen Bingo Night at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood! Again, why the stiff taffeta fabric? I know that this was one of the judges favorites, but it was too costume-y for my taste.

And now, let's take a trip to the Mall, circa 1985:Oh Jesee. You are everyone's new hottie boyfriend and could be a shoe-in for a Christian Bale look-a-like contest but why this dress? I know the judges somehow liked it (what are they drinking backstage?), but I just didn't get it. It was not flattering or contemporary. The cropped sloping-shoulder on his white satin jacket came straight out of the closet of a Van Halen groupie from 1985.I did like the plunging sweetheart neckline (even though the construction is questionable) which showed off her Cha-Cha's. And everyone knows how much I love me some Cha-Cha's, but was there really no other fabric than shiny satin?!
And now, let's take a drive to Laguna Beach:During his Direct-to-camera interview this week, designer Jesus Estrada told us that he was sure he would be in the top this week. I think he was drinking the same thing the judges were backstage. Too-tight and shiny red satin (again)? Diamante crystal straps? Was she competing for the Mrs. Bakersfield Pageant or going out to her anniversary dinner at the Chart House in Newport Beach? It was SO Vicki of "Real Housewives of Orange County"! Compare Jesus' face to the rest of the designers: Amy, Mila, Emilio and Anthony need "Pop Up Bubbles" saying "Oh Dear!"

I have to agree with Michael Kors on this one, saying that it was a "checklist of everything that can turn tacky...and combined into one garment ". Even his fellow designers couldn't keep their "Oh Dear what is that?" looks off their faces when his design came down the runway...Enough said. With that Jesus Estrada was out--surprised to be out--but out none the less.
See you next week kiddies!

0 Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 7 Recap: Episode 1

Back In The Big Apple!Yes, Project Runway is back kiddies, for its Seventh Season! Production returned to New York City...and not a moment too soon. Lifetime did not waste time in getting this season "in the can", edited and done with, to satisfy the fans who were left with a not-so-yummy taste in their mouths after the last "LA" season. For the Season 7 Opener, the designers returned to the Atlas Apartments where they were met by a I'm-pregnant-again-Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn to toast their arrival in NYC.

First Challenge: Who are You?Now, it's "First Challenge" time: Designers must create a look that embodies who they are as a designer, pretty standard for the first Project Runway challenge. The designers take a trip to Central Park, where Tim is waiting for them-- instead of making a trip to Mood, Mood has come to them, in the form of a Central Park Outdoor Guerrilla Pop-Up Store! They have 3 minutes to grab as much fabric as they can. Then they can only select 5 pieces from all that fabric to take back to their workroom.

FIDM Copycat:As they entered their newly painted Parsons Workroom (pink???) and checked out their Brother Sewing Room, I am struck at how much it mirrored the interiors back in the LA workrooms of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising last season. Huney, back in Season 2, that same Parsons Workroom was GRAY and reminiscent of a hospital greeting area. And don't let me start on the sewing room, it had corkboards on the wall! That WAS the decor! They seriously were doing it "on the cheap" back in the day. Also, now the contestants were given an HP TouchSmart Notebook to help them with their sketching (say what?). Is this their First Semester of Fashion Illustration at Parsons?!

The Cast Of Characters:
Of course, it wouldn't be a Reality Show without having its cast of "characters". Yes, we know that this show stands out from others in that brain-numbing genre in that they actually HAVE a Talent. But that's not enough. It's TV kiddies. Character highlights:
Miss Thang:"It's hard to be Gay, Black and from the Ghetto" Anthony Williams seemed to have thought he was auditioning to be on "Real Housewives of Atlanta", not Project Runway. The minute he came in the room, he turned up the "hoochie" factor a couple of notches (OK, MANY notches!). He seems like fun and I'm sure the producers just LOOOOVED him--however, if he can't back up his over-the-top persona with incredible creations, Miss Thang might be sent packing and forced to hang out with NeNe.

The Token Straight Rocker Guy, Season 7's Jeffrey Sebelia:Seth Aaron Henderson is the Straight Rocker Guy. He likes eyeliner, and has a knack for over accessorizing. A Scarf, three necklaces, three rings, plus a cuff or two...I have a feeling I would not want to be standing behind him at LAX when we have to go through the TSA Security Check. Rock on Seth Aaron!

The Quiet Pixie, Season 7's Leanne Marshall:Anna Lynett was one of the contestants I was privileged to have met during the LA castings. She was quiet, reserved and reminded me a lot of Season 5's Winner Leanne Marshall. Her designs mirrored her demeanor as well.

The Crier:Oh darling Janeane Marie (what is it with EVERYONE having two first names this season?) Ceccanti. It's only the first episode and she's already crying up a storm! Bless her heart! I know that it's a pressure cooker/surreal environment up in there, but try to hold it back, at least for the first five episodes.

Tim's New Boyfriend, Season 7's Logan Neitzel:Contestant Jesse LeNoir (is that a real name?) is this season's new "hottie". Move over Logan Neitzel, you've been replaced (just kidding Logan!). His Audition Video was one of the best. No wonder: He lists "Actor" as his first way of describing himself. He does remind me a bit of Christian Bale. I'm sure many a female--and male fan--can't wait for the producers to get those "Jesse Shirtless" shots edited into several episodes.

The Ari Fish of Season 7, Miss Kooky:Ping Ping Ping!!! Two "Ari Fish's" in back-to-back seasons! But this one might have a little bit more design talent thank God! You just KNOW that when Ping Wu walked into the castings, the producers all high-fived themselves--they had struck Character GOLD! I actually like her quirkiness and free-spirit. In her MyLifetime.com Bio, it states that she's a physical therapist (as well as designer), I can totally see that. I can smell the incense and calming fragrance candles a MILE way!

The Designs--My Faves and not so Faves:
It was judging time, and well, let's all take a moment to clap for Nina and Michael's "return". Nicole Ritchie was the guest judge for the premiere episode. Last season it was Lindsay Lohan. Is there a pattern here? Maybe next season, Paris Hilton will make her Project Runway judging debut. I actually think Nicole did a good job. Her comments were nice, intelligent and she seemed approachable. Since this Challenge was to show who these kids were as designers, I admit that I was a bit--to coin Michael Kors--underwhelmed. Not so many of them really "shouted" at me or made a definitive statement of who they were as a designer. Except...
Amy Sarabi: Interesting diagonal draping and tucking and it was "on trend" with her under-corset as outer-top, which John Galliano for Dior championed at the last Paris Haute Couture 09-10 Autumn/Winter shows.
And the Winner, deservedly, Emilio Sosa: He might not be re-inventing the design wheel here but this was Upper East Side chic. Very Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta. His original use of ribbon details, the fit, and the fact that he didn't just use the fabric he had but "re-created" something new, gave him the First Challenge win. It also helped that his model stomped it like the RENT was DUE! Love her!
The Kooky Bunch:
Number One: Ping of course. I know I am in the minority here, but I actually liked this. It was very Issey Miyake (one of her favorite designers) and showed some orginality--especially in a sea of not-so-exciting dresses. I know that it is not to most people's tastes but neither was Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons or Hussein Chalayan. Ping is NOT designing for most of America. She made a definite statement here. The only thing that was wrong for me is her choice of shoes. Gold strappy heels? Really?
Maya Luz: As I watched her in the workroom, it looked as if she was going to come up with some FIERCE look. However, when this too-tight shift dress with an oversized ruffle THING came down the runway, all I wanted to do was get some scissors and cut it off! When Christian Siriano and Chris March did it, it was organic; on this design, it was forced.
Seth Aaron Henderson: Can anyone say Hot Topic? Is it just me? I am not a fan of the picking up-of-the-fabric technique that we see in a lot of TACKY prom and wedding dresses. So just that alone, made me give it a "Nick No-No".Jay Nicolas Sario: Where are those scissors again?Anna Lynett: A gold brocade halter dress that I can find at a local Silverlake vintage store as well as the back racks of Chico's does not qualify as "making a statement". I like Anna for her quiet demeanor, but she will have to SHOUT next time in terms of her designs and creativity.
Matthew Williamson's Pre-Fall 2010 Draped Chiffon Gown and Christiane King's Aufed Dress

Finally, the "First One Out" Title went to Christiane King--She was on the right track with this design (as seen above next to the Matthew Williamson Pre-Fall look), however, she just needed more sophistication. I have no problem with color. I love color. I just think some of her color combinations in connection with the style, as well as the not-so-good construction got her in trouble. Bye Christiane!

See you next week for another "Uncle Nick" recap...