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 Project Runway Minute: Nick Verreos Judges Los Angeles Castings for Season 10 Project Runway--The Recap!

Make It WORK Los Angeles!!

Day One Runway Threesome: Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra and Abby Gardner, Season 10 Project Runway LA Castings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

It's Project Runway Season 10 Casting Time!!! For the last EIGHT seasons (Gosh, I'm like the "Grandpa" of Casting Judges!) , I have been asked to be part of the Project Runway Casting Process--in terms of judging the Casting Sessions. For Season Ten---Yes, kids, we are onto Season 10!--I was invited to be one of the Judges for the Los Angeles Casting Sessions.

LA Judging Smiles: Marie Claire's Web Site Director Abby Gardner, Fashion Designer Nick Verreos, Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra, Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The producers and casting executives have been traveling across the nation--to Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, NYC, and so on...to find WHO might be on the next season of Lifetime's "Project Runway". This week, it was L.A.---the end-of-the-Project Runway-Fashion-Line.

Stripes, Mesh & Plaid: Day Two of the Season Ten Project Runway Castings---(Left to right) Marie Claire site director Abby Gardner, Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra, Nick Verreos--Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Castings took place at the beautiful Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the HEART of Hollywood (almost across from the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theater!) I was joined by Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra (I HEART HIM sooo much!) as well as Marie Claire Magazine site director Abby Gardner (my statuesque best new girlfriend!).

Day Two Judges Table: (Left to right) Nick Verreos, Mondo Guerra, Abby Gadner,  Project Runway Season 10 LA Casting, Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood

During the two days I was a co-judge, we saw many, many very talented fashion designers and aspiring Project Runway contestants. I am shaking with anticipation to find out who--of all the designers we said "You're In" to--will actually make it through (there's still lots of other steps they have to go through darlings).


Now, can we TWALK about Miss Mondo's FASHHHIUUUUN??? Day Two gave us this outfit below:

Mondo Day Two "I Am Not Trying To Hear It L.A. Castings Look": Red scoop neck sweater, white dress shirt, "Hot" shorty shorts (his fave!) and fabulous necklaces--Project Runway All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra getting mic'ed for the Project Runway Season 10 Los Angeles Castings

I cannot wait to see WHO MAKES IT onto Season 10 of Project Runway!!! Stay tuned...

0 The Project Runway LOOK TV Talent Search: YOUR Opportunity to Audition for the 10th Anniversary Season!

Do YOU want be on Project Runway????

Melon & Peach Boys: Nick Verreos and Project Runway All Stars Season One Winner, Project Runway Season 10 Chicago Castings

If your answer is a resounding "YESSS!!!!!!" , then darlings, keep reading...As you may know, we are now on Season Ten of Project Runway-- Yes, kids, it's the Tenth Anniversary Season (note to self: I feel REALLY OLD!!!).

I flew to Chicago last week to film some fun "Call To Action" videos for a very special contest/opportunity for fashion designers wanting to be on Project Runway for the newest--and most fabulous--fashion and beauty channel on YouTube: Look TV...

Look TV has partnered with the Co-Creators and Executive Producers of Project Runway to create this FIRST TIME EVAHHH (!!!) opportunity: a chance to audition for the show! THIS is your only chance to get a spot on the exclusive Final Closed Casting Session in Los Angeles on May 1st. The search is on for the next Project Runway fashion designer candidate!

Here's what you have to do:
*Submit a creative 1-2 minute video explaining why you're qualified to compete for the show.
*Show us why YOU think you can "Make It Work!"
*Make the best case of what you have to bring to the table as a unique, innovative fashion designer.
*The Look TV/Project Runway team will judge each of your submissions/videos and select their FAVORITE candidate to join the designers already chosen to show their designs--in LA on May 1, 2012.
*At this exclusive closed casting session, one lucky winner will go through an in-person interview and assessment of their designs.
*Look TV will chronicle the journey of our lucky designer hopeful as he or she vies for the spot in the top finalists.
*Do YOU have what it takes to make it to the Final Casting Session?? If you think so, then send your video to: looktvnet@gmail.com.

DEADLINE is April 26 so "Make It Work!"...like NOW!!!!!

Chicago Filming: Nick Verreos filming the Look TV Project Runway Call To Action videos, The James Hotel Chicago

Click Below for the "Call To Action" video I filmed during the Chicago Season 10 Project Runway Castings for the LOOK TV/YouTube "Project Runway Talent Search" giving all the DETAILS:

0 Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 12--The Almost-Halloween Edition!!

Time for my Recap!!!

Last week, I wrote--about Anya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley and Viktor Luna--three of this season's Project Runway designers--and how their whole "interaction" and "She Can't Sew But We Can!" drama was like a Project Runway version of Cinderella and her Evil Stepsisters. I dubbed Anya, Cind-Anya-rella:

And Joshua and Viktor...the "Construction Stepsisters":

I know! I LOVE that image of the Cartoon version of the "Cinderella" Stepsisters. Genius. I think that Joshua is the one on the right and Viktor, the black-haired one on the left! As we head toward these final challenges of the season--when it really is getting down to the VERY HIGH STRESS wire--both Joshua and Viktor have been on the "It's NOT FAIR that Anya keeps winning" bandwagon. There has been much kvetching about how she "can't sew" and sometimes even forgets to put a zipper in her dress(!). Hence the name, the "Construction Stepsisters"!

Di Suvero Posing: Project Runway Designers at Governors Island, NYC

But enough of the fairytale--let's get to this week's episode: The designers had to take a ferry to Governors Island in NYC. The Challenge was to create 3 Looks inspired by the island, the art/sculptures and/or the landscape/architecture, on the island.

I was struck by WHAT THEY WORE to this trip. And why did they all look as if they were on their way to a tacky gay nightclub in Atlantic City (see above)? Moving on...

The Fashion:

Anya Ayoung-Chee: Yes, Cind-Anya-rella--"won"--well, she was the first one picked by the judges to move on to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The judges LOVED her mini-collection of three "intellectually" sophisticated looks. To me, they actually looked very "Bert Keeter" (one of her fellow contestants and her "assistant" on this challenge).

Take a look at one of Anya's looks from last night (left) and one of Bert's from when he showed at the Project Runway Finale at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Show. In case you are not that much of a Project Runway fan and don't know: NINE of the contestants got to show at NY Fashion Week. Look it up...anyway, I don't doubt that these were Anya's designs but when they were turned over to Bert to "assist" with the patternmaking and construction, they suddenly looked liked something he would design. Kudos to her for realizing they made a great team and utilizing his talent.

And now, the "Construction Stepsisters":

Viktor Luna: I loved his mini-collection. Very polished. And yes, very sellable. However, in terms of a "Runway Fashion Scale": About a 6/10. But, well done. Especially that leather cascade front jacket look in the middle. If this was the "Banana Republic Challenge": A WINNER!!!!!

Joshua McKinley: Above were his 3 Mini-Collection looks--(Oh Dear!)

Mean Girls Cheerleader: One of the looks made the model look really THICK (poor thang) and it was very "Mean Girls", which is very apropos. I think individually, the pieces are great and contemporary but together...not so mucheeeyyyy.

And then there was this above. He used a silver Lurex fabric and tried to create a draped gown. It ended up looking very "Statue of Liberty"/Toga Halloween costume.

Kimberly Goldson: I liked the colors--very NOW! But those HIP-enhancing skirts? I appreciate the askew-cowl-and-pleated draping. LOVE. I just don't know if she should continue placing these drapes right in the area a woman DOES NOT--under any circumstances--want any extra "stuff". It's also funny how in the above photo she almost fits into the mini collection! She should incorporated the pants she is wearing in one of the models outfits!

Laura Kathleen: It was the self-professed "St. Louis Princess", designer/contestant Laura Kathleen who unfortunately, got the boot this week. She was OBSESSED with this circle fabric she found at Mood (because she was inspired by circle shapes on Governors Island) and she decided (against Monsieur Gunn's objections) to go CIRCLE KRAZEE. But it wasn't the circle looks that did her "OUT". It was:


This hastily put-together dress (the one on the right, in case you are confused), which made the judges go "Uh, no". Let's start with the iridescent organza-like fabrication. Then , the bad side-breast fit. And well, it also looked like a bad "Toga Girl" costume for Halloween. PS: What. Is. Up. With. All. The. Halloween. Costume. References? Very timely. And I have to say, I kinda like the tacky dress on the left better...The tacki-licious black shoes and even TACKIER bra-strap tan line, is what REALLY makes it!!!

OK, enough for now--Here's my Recap of this week's Project Runway Episode:


Cind-Anya-rella and Her Two Construction Stepsister

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: “Cind-Anya-rella and her Construction Stepsisters.” Starring “Cind-Anya-rella” – the former beauty queen who just learned how to sew; her two “Construction Stepsisters,” Viktor and Joshua; and finally, the two supporting “Design Damsels,” Kimberly and Laura. How will this movie end? Stay tuned …

Boxers and Pumps
As the episode begins we are told that it is the final challenge, the outcome of which decides who will show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The five remaining designers head out for a ferry trip to Governors Island. Kimberly is wearing her highest pumps, while Anya is sporting a pair of fur Uggs (?) and Joshua, bless his little heart, is wearing printed boxer shorts and combat boots! In those getups, did they think they were going to a gay club in Atlantic City? Anyhow, Tim Gunn is there, along with Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island, and John Stern, president of the Storm King Art Center.

What, No Standard Hotel Rooftop Pool Bar at Governors Island?
Gunn announces the final challenge: to create three looks that show a “range” (meaning a dress, pants outfit, a skirt ensemble, etc.) inspired by the island, its landscape, architecture and/or the fabulous Mark di Suvero sculptures on the island. They have two days and a $500 budget (Lordy!). After 30 minutes exploring the island, Joshua realizes that there is no Standard Hotel with a Rooftop Pool, so he ends up going to a church for his inspiration. Kimberly decides to be motivated by one of the di Suvero sculptures, entitled “New Beginning.” Anya is drawn to the positive/negative spaces of the artwork. Laura is inspired by circles. And Viktor likes the juxtaposition of the NYC metropolis vs. the island’s scenery...

To read the rest...CLICK HERE!!

0 Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 9--Bears, Sheepdogs and Woodstock Hippies!

A Very Hair-y Bear-y Sheepdog-y Project Runway

Last night, we had another episode of Project Runway Season 9. As always, there are several things I need to get off my HAIRY Chest:

First, What Does A Musical Revival of "Hair"...

Bad Brady Bunch Hippie Halloween Costumes...

"Massive" Men...

And Gay Bears...

Have In Common? According to last night's episode, A LOT--The Challenge was to create a look and "image" for The Sheepdogs, an up-and-coming band from Saskatoon Saskatchewan (say that three times!). They beat out 15 other bands to win Rolling Stone's "Choose The Cover" contest. They were the first unsigned band to do so, in fact. Oh, and they are all MEN!

And the designers were not happy--to design, create, and fit, men's clothes, that is. The results were worthy of many many MANY Michael Kors one-liner zingers! In fact, so many, that this week provided enough Kors-isms to last through an ENTIRE season! The Sheepdogs told the designers that they liked a 70's Boho/Hippie-but-2011-Hippie Vibe. The designers took that too far. The clothes were cartoony and costumey, for 98% of them. Madonna British-accented Olivier who is a specialist in Menswear did not fare well.

Speaking of Olivier...this episode stood out for his insensitive and almost body-dysmorphic remarks against anyone who wasn't a size 2. He called his client, the lead singer Ewan Currie "MASSIVE" (he's not!). And it didn't end there, Olivier went on and on about not liking to design for "Plus Size" and that he got "The Fat One". Boy, did I just want to dump Olivier in a (Name your Local Gay Bear Bar) and have my MASSIVE Boys at him!!!

The Hippie Winners and The Woodstock Losers:

Joshua McKinley's creation for bass player Ryan Gullen: It was a costumey and reminiscent of a local community college musical performance of "Hair", but DANG, those pants fit very well.

I didn't like those contrast back patch pockets though. No need for those. A little too "Fashion School First Semester Project".

Bert Keeter's look for lead singer Ewan: He looked like a Viking during Oslo Norway's Gay Pride. And I actually mean that in a good way. Not sure if the braids were necessary, but at least the rest of his look was not a "Hippie Chick" costume.

Viktor Luna's look for guitarist Leot Hanson: The jeans fit well and that fringed-and-braided jacket was outstanding. Not so sure about the tucked-in shirt. Most "rock-band"/musicians do not do TUCK-IN's but he was the Winner.

Now, The Bad:

Anya Ayoung Chee's look for drummer Sam Corbett: Huuuuuney!!! What. Were. You. Thinking? That is a Dashiki Don't. Kors, and guest judge Adam Lambert were having a field day with this one, saying that it reminded them of something...

Greg Brady wore on the "Brady Bunch"

And poor Sam, he got it AGAIN--this time from another designer, Kimberly Goldson. He looks like he sells some really cheap--and bad--pot somewhere in Amsterdam! Supposedly Kimberly is "famous" for her pants...but these were one of the WORST pair I've ever seen; too big, too loose, too much rise. I think Sam should get a special "Good Sport" award just for dealing with the embarrassment.

But the BIGGEST LOSER--Massive in fact--was Olivier "I Hate Fat People" Green and his design. At least he mitered the print down the center front and it wasn't straight out of "Hair". But, the shirt was too lose, too cropped, and the entire look had no Design "It" Factor. Anyway, I think just for being so UGLY to Ewan, he should've gone home anyway.

Now that I've quickly summed up my "Main" thoughts--Below you can begin reading my "Extended Version" and what I REALLY thought of this week's "Image Is Everything" Episode on myLifetime.com:

The episode begins, and once again, within 30 seconds, there are two ominous hints at what’s to come: Anya’s can’t-sew issues and Olivier’s time-management problems are both quickly revisited. Unless the editors are trying to throw me for a loop, I just have a feeling one of these two is going home. And I just KNOW it isn’t Anya — those judges have drunk the Anya Kool-Aid, and they’re not sending her back to Trinidad and Tobago, that’s for sure! Oh and yes, Olivier still hates fat people …

Musique C’est Chic
Let’s begin. Last week, the designers thought that they were designing for men — when they saw nine guys walk onto the runway — and they weren’t happy. But as “‘Project Runway’ luck” would have it, they had to create looks for the men’s respective girlfriends/wives. Whew! That was a close one. Well, kids, don’t do the “happy dance” just yet. This week, the designers head out to Rockwood Music Hall, where they meet up with Monsieur Gunn and Peter Butler, Consulting Stylist for Garnier. There, Tim tells the designers that fashion and music are forever linked, adding, “Think The Beatles and,” um, “Lady Gaga.” (I know that took A LOT out of Tim to even mouth —the Lady Gaga part, that is).

The Dogs Get Groomed
It turns out that Garnier and Rolling Stone magazine have partnered to showcase a new band, The Sheep Dogs. Here’s the first catch: The “Project Runway” contestants would be responsible for creating the band’s fashion image, and the winning look would be worn by a band member at an event as well as be featured in a Marie Claire/Garnier advertorial. Here’s the second (more important) catch: They’re ALL men! Yes, kids, this is THE Menswear Challenge, officially. Third catch: They must work in teams ... again.

Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...and leave your comments on the site! I read 'em all!!!