SrsZee
October 23, 2006 - 09:35 AM
Quote:
I mean, has a woman won PR yet?
YES!! Chloe won last season!!
tamarinden
October 23, 2006 - 09:36 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
~And to the staunch defenders of those who post what the defender believes in - there is no way for you to know who that poster is - s/he could be a 47 year old 354 pound guy who stand 5'3", neo-nazi, with a book of "famous quotes" at hand to impress the easily impressed, rather than a tall skinny French chick. . . .
'tis the quality of the masquerade that counts, uh, non? such a long season -- seams were bound to show, eventually.
Forgive my latecoming. Life sometimes interferes with virtuality.
I just want to add that sometimes how we write tells more about us than what we say about ourselves. And I would say that on the internet, since we are not here to find a date, we are dealing with each other on a thought to thought basis, and Tam's posts match what I would expect of a young idealistic person, not some jaded old game player. The only amazement I have had about Tam is that her English is so fluent, but that is only for the good.
Another reason that I believe tamarinden is because of her choice of a name which is neither masculine nor feminine, but refers to an exotic spice. That is not to razz OscarSimon who has freely identified as a woman. In the past, many women used masculine pen names to publish under and OscarSimon has also mentioned that she is 60, so that fits just fine. So would OscarGrouch somedays..
whiskers is aptly named for her devotion to animals and the environment which over the years is consistantly apparent. If someone posts as Sweetiepie16, then I wonder..LOL
It is obvious Tam does not need me to support her as she is very popular, not for being a tall French beauty, but for her passionate posts championing Laura, and my fave Uli. Although from a design perspective, Jeff's collection was, as Fern Mallis so aptly stated (about his zipper dress) full of "ideas", I agree with Tam that his collection did not celebrate the female form, but was more about his own vision. It is my opinion that the bad decision to elevate Chloe's "pretty and shiny" aesthetic over the more refined and thoughtful collections of Santino and Daniel was partly responsible for Uli not having real consideration this season.
Uli has more than great skill, she has great natural artistry. But IMO because she uses this artistry to enhance the natural curves of a womans body rather than design around/despite them like Jeffrey, her ideas seem more limited because she was designing within parameters of a certain sense of beauty and taste while Jeffrey felt freer to flaunt those conventions.
This all brings me back to Nick Varios from Season 2 and his decision to construct a suit for Daniel in the "Make-over" challenge that had neither buttons on the jacket nor pockets on the trousers. This was deemed completely unacceptable by the judges. But for women there are few if any rules of functionality or dignity in style. So a designer can basically splatter paint on a female model in a short sarong and send her down the runway and be hailed a genius, but not so much for men.. yet anyway. But since Project Runway is about womenswear, the designers who basically see women as blank canvasses for their whims will always be seen as more innovative than those who design for human females with needs and requirements from fashion that are sometimes different but just as important as men's needs and requirements from their fashion.
Just some thoughts. Maybe for the show's reputation, it was good for them to send a signal that they were more interested in "design ideas" than any one standard of beauty or the perceived persona of the designer. I just wish in Project Runway's zeal to have a winner who would not embarrass them, they accepted a man with his own design company and celebrity clients and passed him through the challenges despite his overt failures.. "everywoman" and "black and white cocktail".
Just my Opinion. (I would have loved to see Kayne's runway.)
notevayas
Thank you Notey, Thank you for having faith in me.
I did so miss you after the final. I wanted to tell you (and I did post it, I dont know if you saw what I wrote).. I wanted to say how beautiful Uli's collection was for me.
Like many of us, I had seen the images of each collection, and although I was prepared to like Uli's collection, I simply was not prepared for the effect it had on me, how it touched me!
I was lounging on my back, with Ulf, and we were watching Jeffrey's collection, which was marvelous.... I was "floatee" hehe and just lying on my back and when his collection finished I was giggling with Ulf and Uli was talking and maybe in my mind it was "yeah yeah Uli, on with the collection WHERE'S LAURA?!?"
I guess that was it, I was just giving Uli a look waiting for Laura's collection and suddenly the music began and I JUMPED UP! Ulf thought there was an intruder! lol He said something and I said "shhhhhhhhhhhhhuuuuuuuuuut"!!!
And there it was, the beautiful music, quasi teutonic, that light music that reminded me ever so vaguely of Mozart... and the CLOTHES! I was truly blown away more and more with each garment. I suddenly saw what this east german lady was trying to say! Visions of what she feels, her taste and lightness of heart, all these things were hitting me at once...
Is this not the whole point of art? She (and Laura after) gave me a glimpse into her soul, and I understood her. All the little doubts I had about Uli as a person I began to see clearly lit by the flame that is her talent and soul.... I did have tears because it was a great moment for me.
When Lauras collection came on I was thrilled and loved it, but I coulld not forget Uli. For me it was just as good as Laura's collection and definitely more marketable I am sure!
None of this is meant as an attack on Jeffrey's clothes, I loved them too. I definitely adored them. I put the final on DVD and I watch it a lot when I just want to see what four people can create with their hands and hearts.
I hope you get to read this, because I was anxious to talk to you of this when the final was over.
ChristineA
October 23, 2006 - 09:40 AM
I kind of have that same issue, but now I see both sides of it. If they had complete non-professionals on there, the show might have been a joke. I agree that Jeffrey was a little too far along in his career success to be considered. Maybe Chloe was too--didn't she already have her own retail shop with her designs?
I don't know....I do think that they have to draw a line--and they probably have, but I disagree where that line is. After seeing his work space, I think Jeffrey is too successful. But, I'm a Chloe fan and if I say that about Jeffrey, Chloe shouldn't have been there.
Also, Vincent had his own design house and was actually successful in the '80's. So, perhaps, he shouldn't have been there. I'd love to know their specific eligibility criteria to be a contestant.
SrsZee
October 23, 2006 - 09:43 AM
Quote:
Are models not allowed to smile? they all looked like they hated being there!
Oh man--I thought all the models SUCKED except for the ones who had been on the show all season. None of them knew how to walk and they all looked scared to death. I guess all the big names were already under contract for the already established big-wig designers, but heck--most of my daughter's high school friends could have done a better job at modeling these clothes than these lack-of-personality-pencils. I understand they should not take away from the clothes, but they almost did that anyway by their lack of enthusiasm.
notevayas
October 23, 2006 - 10:44 AM
I'm glad you caught my post. I was surprised by my strong reaction to the beauty the women created. I didn't strongly disagree with the decision though. I disagreed more with the uneven playing field between the newcomers to fashion and Jeffrey who had his design business with celebrity clients and a mini factory with 6 employees already.
I absolutely loved Jeffrey's trouser sets, especially the three peice set with the vest and also his cool blazer, but his dresses were to me, hideous or childish, except the first which was offbeat and artsy/fun.
Uli's runway ran the whole gamut from regal gowns to sophisticated solids to hothothot bathingsuit. It was the fantasy honeymoon wardrobe and told a complete story of happy ever after.. LOL Michael Kors was so assbackwards in his comments. Jeffrey's runway was a rollercoaster with hits and misses. Uli's was yes yes yes Yes Yes Yes Yes... to YES! And I also regret that Nazri did not win for best model because Project Runway did not want to gamble on a true beginner like Uli, but wanted to associate themselves with Jeffrey and his rock star/celebrity clients.
However I was not unmoved by the tears on the judges faces when Jeffrey was joined by his family after he won. I was so happy for them and hoped they would not be left behind emotionally if he does have big success. He seems so fiercely loyal, but so is my guy and I still watch out for opportunists ready to exploit a moments weakness. I'm sure you are just as possessive of your Ulf.
Anyway, I regret that I am too late to say goodbye to most but if anyone I have traded ideas with is still scanning.. Hi and goodbye unless we find more conversation here which I would not mind. I tried TC and found it unappealing. I am no gourmet and if I ever tried to put snails on our table..
Take it from me Tam.. beg borrow or steal your guy's mother's recipes and very slowly try to expand the vegetable component. My unique "thing" is always serving meat with a fruit compote of some sort. Do you like to poach fruit? Poach as in cooking, not as in picking from your neighbor's tree!
How to Poach Fruit
Just about any firm, juicy fruit can be poached, although pears, peaches and apples are the most common. Fruit is usually poached in sweetened red or white wine, making for a delicious, elegant and low-fat dessert.
Steps:
1. Peel the fruit if necessary. Apples and pears are usually peeled before poaching, while peaches need only to be cut from the seed. Peach skin will loosen as it poaches.
2. Bring the wine to a boil.
3. Add 1 cup sugar, allow it to dissolve, and taste. The poaching liquid should only be faintly sweet. Add more sugar if necessary.
4. Lower the heat to a simmer and add any seasonings you plan to use, such as lemon juice or zest, a cinnamon stick, peppercorns, cloves or a vanilla bean.
5. Taste again. It's important to get the flavor right before you add the fruit.
6. Make sure the liquid is at a very low simmer and add the fruit.
7. Cover with a small plate to keep the fruit submerged as it cooks.
8. Simmer as gently as possible until the fruit is cooked through but still firm. Test by poking the fruit with the tip of a sharp, thin knife. The fruit is done when it offers no resistance but isn't yet mushy.
9. Carefully remove the fruit with a slotted spoon.
10. If using apples or pears, cut or scoop out the cores with a paring knife or spoon.
Tips:
You can use either a dry red or white wine poaching fruit. Red wine gives the fruit a much stronger flavor and a deep ruby color. White wine allows more of the fruit's natural flavor to come through and doesn't discolor the fruit.
Don't over-season or over-sweeten your poaching liquid. You want the fruit to have the dominant taste.
Poaching times depends on the size and firmness of the fruit and how rapidly the liquid is simmering. Generally, though, peach halves only take 5 to 10 minutes, while apples and pears take up to 35 minutes. Test them every so often during the poaching process.
_________________
notevayas
Cindy1692
October 23, 2006 - 11:06 AM
I was disappointed in Michael's collection, too. But then I'm 50--I know there are plenty of those who can and will buy his designs. But then, since except for the final challenge before OFW, all of his designs could be worn by a wider audience and were so good, he is still very young and with a set theme and limitations, he can turn out beautiful fashion on a severe budget and time limits.
Laura's collection I liked the most, plus her collection did appear as if $8,000 and more went into it, before all of her labor. Team her and Michael together and you've got two winners. Remember their Miss Universe gown and how they worked together from fabric to final product to tame Angela's vision into something wearable. And I don't think Laura and husband are so tremendously rich. For what that NYC loft costs them alone, could buy a huge home in upstate NY. They have kids to put through college, so there probably isn't the money to set her up in business in NYC. Remember she carried vintage LV, not the latest LV during her PR tenure and walked home from Atlas with her luggage, no cab, even for a few blocks.
All four finalists should do well, although I have a few suggestions should there be a season 4 of PR.
Up the prize money to $200,000 or better for the winner. Then we are talking some real money after taxes!
Allow $9,000 -$10,000 budgets for each finalist and/or maybe a $6,000 machine for each(Heck, you can special order a $6,000 machine through JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics). This will make it fair to each finalist to have a quality machine and negate the advantage someone with their own business might have over the out-of-home or hobbist finalist(s).
Pay the models something. Yes, the TV exposure is priceless, but these girls have bills to pay.
And use the models for more challenges if the spread in Elle is worth so much. The way the challenges were set up this season, it was more a matter of luck than a real challenge.
Keep the first challenge for the designers a two-parter and don't eliminate a designer until the second challenge. We get to know the designers a bit better that way. Maybe there can be a kind of quick challenge (Like the quickfire challege on Top Chef), or scoring systen(since we found out the judges score the designs on a 1-5 range on the reunion show). Maybe scores could be kept week to week and a designer with a higher cumulative score can't be eliminated if it comes down to two designers being the worst. Previous work can be taken into account on a limited basis, with maybe half or a third of previous challenges being carried over. This could be done to highen the suspense. Right now, it seems for three seasons that those with one or two iffy designs have a better chance of being auf'ed then those that scrape through to the final half dozen or fewer, being on the bottom two several times.
Lose more of the drama. The drama is in the sewing room. Let us know more about what each designer brings to the tables. Do designers that drape and design directly on the form have an advantage over those that are excelllent pattern makers? Show us. And it can be made not boring.
ArtInstigator
October 23, 2006 - 11:10 AM
Hi Notevayas,
I have been bouncing back and forth between this board and the TC board. I thought I was on the wrong one when I saw your most delicious sounding recipe for poached fruit! lol I always enjoy reading your posts. You help me think about things from a different viewpoint and I appreciate that. As a vegetarian, most of food on TC I can only approach in theory. Tam is going back to France, isn't that one of the foodie capitals of the world? I wonder if her nuns taught her any cooking? I will send her lots of recipes for vegetables.
AI
tamarinden
October 23, 2006 - 11:30 AM
Quote:
Hi Notevayas,
I have been bouncing back and forth between this board and the TC board. I thought I was on the wrong one when I saw your most delicious sounding recipe for poached fruit! lol I always enjoy reading your posts. You help me think about things from a different viewpoint and I appreciate that. As a vegetarian, most of food on TC I can only approach in theory. Tam is going back to France, isn't that one of the foodie capitals of the world? I wonder if her nuns taught her any cooking? I will send her lots of recipes for vegetables.
AI
my email is tamarenne@gmail.com I will give my address to you there or to anyone who would like to keep in touch with me
pinkpenguin
October 23, 2006 - 11:31 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
You missed my point.
Someone who has watched two seasons of Project Runway episodes on television is in no position to judge or compare the designers work.
Someone who has had the opportunity to look at their work first hand is in a better position to know who does better work.
Actually no I didn't miss your point. I disagreed with it. And fashion is designed for people like me, so yes I am in a position to judge what I do and don't consider fashionable. From what I've been reading on here so far, the vast majority seem to agree with me. Even if Heidi did see the creations close up, she was still obviously blind to good taste.
The discussion was never whether fashion was designed for you or not. Nor was the discussion ever about what you do and do not consider fashionable or even whether you were in a position to decide what was fashionable to you or not.
The statement in question was whether Chloe was a better designer than Jeffrey. Questions relating to whether you prefer one's designs or the other's are irrelevant. No one was talking about taste. In a similar vein, having more people agree with you doesn't mean you are right. It only means that your answer is more popular. If the majority of an algebra class come up with X=4 and Y=2 as an answer to a problem, it does not make the answer right. In the same vein, lack of commercial success does not equal failure. Some people may choose to not go the commercial success route because they may have to give up their creative integrity. Success means different things to each of us. For some artists, it is being true to yourself without selling out.
Just because someone makes mistakes in one area does not mean they can't be an expert in another. Not everyone can be an expert at everything. So if Heidi puts on a godawful outfit one day, it doesn't mean she is not in a position to know what constitutes good fashion. Her years in the business of modelling give her credibility and there is no doubt she can recognize good form and construction from a mile away.
My statement still stands, Heidi Klum is in a better position to judge (because she has seen the garments up close and because of her modelling experience) whether Chloe or Jeffrey is the better designer than someone who has just watched an edited view of the garments marched on a runway for five minutes on a television program.
That doesn't mean you can not decide whose clothes you like better - but that is not what determines who is the better designer.
Sorry I've been away but real life beckoned. . . I know what the original discussion was all about; I chose to zero in on a specific point. Yes, you are correct: the popular opinion is not always the best one. History has shown us that more than once. But in fashion, the popular opinion is usually the one that sells the best. And even though Heidi did see all the fashions up close, I still stand by my opinion that she does not have the best sense of style. Oh well, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. Thanks for entertaining a "newbie" ;-) I think I'll have to switch over to the TC board and see what's cooking (LOL) too much drama for me here.
notevayas
October 23, 2006 - 11:47 AM
Hello AI !
I'm glad we caught Cindy1692's great post. I agree with all her ideas as usual, but it is not like Bravo to spend more than minimum for their show.. , especially for decent machines. Any money they spend has to "show" and increase ratings such as in accomodations. Unfortunately each season's stress and drama with the Parson's machines is part of the show now. And if the producers wanted fair, they would not have made a big publicity about Laura's suspicions. It was their exploitation of Laura's concerns that might hurt Jeffrey's reputation for honesty which was wrong to inflict on anyone, especially a family man with a young business. If this was a serious show, they would have handled the investigation behind the scenes.. unless it was proven, which it wasn't.
Yes, I know my poaching bit was OT, but alls fair on a dead thread IMO. I have been vegetarian, but my guy is not happy unless he has meat or fish, and no one wants a grouchypolarbear LOL. I have him off eggs and bacon by asking him which of his (straight) friends I am going to be with when he gives himself a heart attack. LOL Unfortunately that was the only thing he would get up in the morning to cook for us.. Now I am the king of the blueberry pancakes!
I am adding another recipe for the fall especially..
Autumn Fruit Compote
The more different dried fruits in this compote, the better. For purists, this dish is traditionally made with 12 different fruits, each representing one of the apostles. But hey, even atheists will gobble it up.
Ingredients:
3 c. water
1 unpeeled, thinly sliced orange
1 c. sugar
1 unpeeled, thinly sliced lemon
1 c. seedless grapes
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. dried cherries
1 c. sweet white wine
1 lb. mixed dried fruit such as prunes, pears, apricots, peaches, apples or figs
8 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
Steps:
1. Put the water and sugar in a large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Put dried fruits, white wine, orange, lemon, raisins, dried cherries, cloves and cinnamon sticks in saucepan. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits are tender and liquid has reduced to a syrupy texture.
3. Add grapes and cool mixture to room temperature.
4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
5. Serve compote in long-stemmed goblets.
Tips:
The compote can be made up to three days ahead of time.
pinkpenguin
October 23, 2006 - 11:53 AM
Thanks for the recipe! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach . . . my hubby will worship me if I try this! LOL! Got any more tricks up that sleeve?? PS: ? Hablas espanol? Porque tu nombre es 'notevayas', ?verdad? Or are you just a fan? ;-)
notevayas
October 23, 2006 - 12:25 PM
Quote:
Thanks for the recipe! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach . . . my hubby will worship me if I try this! LOL! Got any more tricks up that sleeve?? PS: ? Hablas espanol? Porque tu nombre es 'notevayas', ?verdad? Or are you just a fan? ;-)
No, and I am notevayas because of the song Por favor no te vayas. Also because when I get aggravated I can sign...
not eva yas. The song could have been the themesong for the first two thirds of my life which is why Malan's story really moved me. I am mixed and not bilingual, though my late mother was. My guy is Irish/German and definitely a fan!
My only advice is that most of life's pleasures are very simple and not to overthink things. Be appreciative of your guy and life in general. It is fine to dress sophisticated, but people who try to have sophisticated relationships end up fighting over words. We can do that here LOL.
notevayas
sandysueblu
October 23, 2006 - 12:34 PM
after seeing the decision you came up with i think you need
new judges jeffery should have lost laura should have won
mainer
October 23, 2006 - 01:08 PM
Quote:
I was disappointed in Michael's collection, too. But then I'm 50--I know there are plenty of those who can and will buy his designs. But then, since except for the final challenge before OFW, all of his designs could be worn by a wider audience and were so good, he is still very young and with a set theme and limitations, he can turn out beautiful fashion on a severe budget and time limits.
Laura's collection I liked the most, plus her collection did appear as if $8,000 and more went into it, before all of her labor. Team her and Michael together and you've got two winners. Remember their Miss Universe gown and how they worked together from fabric to final product to tame Angela's vision into something wearable. And I don't think Laura and husband are so tremendously rich. For what that NYC loft costs them alone, could buy a huge home in upstate NY. They have kids to put through college, so there probably isn't the money to set her up in business in NYC. Remember she carried vintage LV, not the latest LV during her PR tenure and walked home from Atlas with her luggage, no cab, even for a few blocks.
All four finalists should do well, although I have a few suggestions should there be a season 4 of PR.
Up the prize money to $200,000 or better for the winner. Then we are talking some real money after taxes!
Allow $9,000 -$10,000 budgets for each finalist and/or maybe a $6,000 machine for each(Heck, you can special order a $6,000 machine through JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics). This will make it fair to each finalist to have a quality machine and negate the advantage someone with their own business might have over the out-of-home or hobbist finalist(s).
Pay the models something. Yes, the TV exposure is priceless, but these girls have bills to pay.
And use the models for more challenges if the spread in Elle is worth so much. The way the challenges were set up this season, it was more a matter of luck than a real challenge.
Keep the first challenge for the designers a two-parter and don't eliminate a designer until the second challenge. We get to know the designers a bit better that way. Maybe there can be a kind of quick challenge (Like the quickfire challege on Top Chef), or scoring systen(since we found out the judges score the designs on a 1-5 range on the reunion show). Maybe scores could be kept week to week and a designer with a higher cumulative score can't be eliminated if it comes down to two designers being the worst. Previous work can be taken into account on a limited basis, with maybe half or a third of previous challenges being carried over. This could be done to highen the suspense. Right now, it seems for three seasons that those with one or two iffy designs have a better chance of being auf'ed then those that scrape through to the final half dozen or fewer, being on the bottom two several times.
Lose more of the drama. The drama is in the sewing room. Let us know more about what each designer brings to the tables. Do designers that drape and design directly on the form have an advantage over those that are excelllent pattern makers? Show us. And it can be made not boring.
cindy i do like your ideas for judging. yes it should be an accumlitive( spell check lol)_ score that aufs some one. it also should be an even playing field in the construction of the final 3 or 4.( machines etc.) i also believe it should belimited to those looking to start a fashion not those already having one. im sure there are plenty out there going to fashion schools or just graduating from one.
but the scoring should reflect the work done in all challenges collectively. lowest out........
all the talk on laura being rich i found amusing. yes a loft is very expensive in nyc so is any apt., add in the living n schools n child care n unless you are a millionare you watch your pennies on certain. starting a business isnt cheap n im sure they dont have the extra to gamble on this. they have 5 children to take care of n put thru schools( 6 almost here). i grew up in manhattan n have relatives that still live there .i miss it but its cheaper to live in other places. so much anomosity was over laura n her looks n $$ yet people have no idea of her personal finances.
the saying goes dont judge a book by its cover.
alice
fashionmisfit
October 23, 2006 - 01:29 PM
I finally got to see the finale. I loved everything that Uli designed and made throughout the show and including her collection. But Laura's collection and presentation was amazing right down to the music that she chose. The music really complimented her clothes and gave her presentation a real mystique. It was thrilling to watch. I am an old movie buff and this had the feel of a woman in a movie of the old "Film Nior" genre. I had to watch it twice. I was disappointed that Jeffery won. I thought that it should have been Uli because every piece was something that most women would love to wear. Being, what I call, a fasion misfit, I don't understand Jefferies clothes. But then again, I don't understand a lot about many fasions that go down the runway. Do you ever see real people wearing those things? I could see very glamorous women wearing Laura's clothes. I'd love to see someone like Charlize Theron wearing some of those dresses in a movie or on the "red carpet". I really liked Micheals clothes as well. They would not be anything that I would wear, but I think that I could go to a big city and see women wearing his clothes. And the thing that I loved about both Uli and Micheal was that they never said anything bad about any of the other designers or their work. They both seem like very nice people. Some of Laura's bashing was kind of funny. And I could really see how she could be suspisious about Jefferies collection and the possibility that he could have had quite a lot of help given that he already has his own business and line of clothing. I do agree that since he is already a professional with an impressive list of celebrities that he has as clients, that he should not have been chosen to compete in the first place. Anyway, that is my 2 cents worth. It was fun to watch and I am surprised that I ever got into watching this in the first place. I kind of got sucked into it one Saturday during Season 2 when they were on all day, so now I'm hooked. It's the only "reality" show that I have ever watched. I'll be watching next season for more fun and drama and whatever!!
ArtInstigator
October 23, 2006 - 01:50 PM
Hello Note et al,
Yes, I very much enjoyed Cindy1692's excellent post. I think it's a little ridiculous to think that PR's going to find "The Next Great American Designer". I think the marketplace will determine that. We live in a consumer society, where unfortunately success is measured in dollars and cents.
I think the tagline ought to be the "Next Up-and-Coming American Designer". You have to pay dues in any kind of artistic field, to think you can be handed "success" on a game show is slightly ludicrous. Lucky breaks aside, anyone who "makes it to the top" has probably worked plenty hard to get there. I wish the challenges on PR were a little more focused on the actual design process. I love the episodes that throw in something to shake up all the designers. I would like to see the designers have more time to work on their designs. Sometimes your first idea isn't necessarily your best idea! I would like to see the best the designers can do on each challenge, not just the fastest. I would love to see a challenge where the designers have to use each other's fabric purchases. Could be interesting. Might be hilarious.
Love the recipes. Wish I had the recipe to my good friend's peach and pear chutney to share with you. He died before I got any of his recipes down on paper. I do have his chef's knife(engraved with his signature). I use it daily. I have to run now, catch ya'll later....
AI
pinkpenguin
October 23, 2006 - 03:38 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks for the recipe! The way to a man's heart is through his stomach . . . my hubby will worship me if I try this! LOL! Got any more tricks up that sleeve?? PS: ? Hablas espanol? Porque tu nombre es 'notevayas', ?verdad? Or are you just a fan? ;-)
No, and I am notevayas because of the song Por favor no te vayas. Also because when I get aggravated I can sign...
not eva yas. The song could have been the themesong for the first two thirds of my life which is why Malan's story really moved me. I am mixed and not bilingual, though my late mother was. My guy is Irish/German and definitely a fan!
My only advice is that most of life's pleasures are very simple and not to overthink things. Be appreciative of your guy and life in general. It is fine to dress sophisticated, but people who try to have sophisticated relationships end up fighting over words. We can do that here LOL.
notevayas
I also really loved Malan's story . . . I would have loved to have seen his interpretations of some of the challenges. And his accent! He is so cultured, sophisticated and well spoken. And I thought his design viewpoint was great! All about a woman, her body and how good she should look/feel! More designers should make that their focus, not the Almighty Dollar!!! And again, kudos to you for the fine recipes! ;-p
chickadee
October 23, 2006 - 05:03 PM
Oscarsimon (and et al) apologies if this is going to be redundant but only have a short time and cannot finish all reading beyond this point and feel a strong need to jump in w. my 2 bits of Spice...
Spent many years living in a town in Or. which I believe holds the record for most oddities of the Human species to be contained within a few sq. miles.
I had a friend who invited me to come to a "channelling" on his 90 acre property. A woman would be transmitting/Channelling an Entity who was originally Pleiadian but was now existing in the Ethers having passed out of even that rarified state of existence.
My 11 yr. old asked what we were doing. I said we were going to participate in listening to our friends' friend speak in the voice of a departed "person" (for lack of better description.
" Departed? You mean like DEAD??"
"Well, dear, sort of but they weren't really "alive" in THIS dimension to begin with."
"What, Mom? You mean like ALIENS!?!?
" Well, yes, dear, supposedly. But they have departed!"
"You mean like DEAD ALIENS, Mom???"
" I suppose so, yes."
" OmyGawd! MUTH-errrr!! Can I please please PLEASE not have to go cause if anyone sees me I WILL DIE!!!"
"Now dear-- we like our friend and he really wants us to come and we must be kind and open-minded and you can't stay here by yourself for the whole weekend-- so we are going."
" AAAAHHHAARRRGGHHH! My Mother wants me to DIE of having to be around her crazy old hippie friends!!"
" OK Kid! Can it!! At least your mother gives you something interesting and COLORFUL to be embarrassed by-- instead of just trying to dress like she's still YOUR age and use your slang!!! Suck it up! And don't let me hear you say " Mothership" even ONCE this weekend!! We can stop by Nordstroms on the way home..."
The upshot of understanding gleaned on that long-ago oddly fated afternoon in the country- is that supposedly the Pleadians are much advanced entities who are responsible for Human DNA-- which used to have @ 22 strands or something but was reduced by some other advanced entities who are Paranoid and have no sense of humour.
Occasionally one entity or another will "walk in" IE- take over the body/ identity/ personality of a person on this planet. Folks used to call it "possession" or "pod people".
They live out the persons life for them and somehow this is useful toward re-instating the extra DNA strands which will eventually manifest as a whole bunch of Superpowers (watch "Heros" currently on NBC Mon.)
The message is also that Aliens are actually what we have always thought of as Angels and that they exist extra-dimensionally-- along w. fairies, leprechauns, Dragons, ghosts, demons, God and Harvey.
There are a lot of books about these things that sell very well in the so-called New Age or WooWoo community. The astrological perspective on this sort of takes off in a book called "The Liquid Light of Sex" by Barbara Hand Clow (who also wrote a book on Pleiadians exclusively --I can't recall the title at the moment but it is still in print ) which has nothing to do w. sex but talks a lot about the plant Uranus (Hmmm, waaiit a minute...?)
Indigo referrs to the Crown Chakra which is supposedly open at birth in the latest generation of babies being born on this planet.
There is a book called "Indigo Children" which is actually kind of interesting and worthwhile. Supposes that children are now manifesting higher intuitional capabilities and psychic awareness and power.
All pointing to the evolution of Mankind and the eventual solving of war and hatred and calories in Cherry Garcia. All loving and peaceful and God-centered.
Whether the Pleadians are actually responsible for this is a matter of debate among interested parties. And the parties where this is debated are actually VERY interesting and colorful and wavy and watery and prettyflowermusicnotesIloveyouandmeandeverythingandIcanswim
inthestarlightdon'tneedwaterorclothesandandandhmmmmmmmmmm
So. I moved to Wa.
Where such things are not unheard of but at least they are on disk and easier to keep track of in your hard drive.
I hope this was of some help -- feel free to ask questions-- I will happily pass them along to Engo the Pleadian Entity and will disseminate his replies...
It's a wide weird and wonderful world out there with enough room for absolutely Anything...!
(Hope you actually get to read this and I haven't waited too long past the PR demise deadline for these boards... I keep checking back in case I miss something....)
Blessings.......
pinkpenguin
October 23, 2006 - 06:32 PM
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!! chickadee, don't worry about being redundant AT ALL! I don't think anyone else could have come up with a better explaination. I feel so enlightened . . . .
ArtInstigator
October 23, 2006 - 10:23 PM
Wow, Chickadee!
I don't think there's an expiration date for these posts. lol
Your epic lives on..........
AI
IMoverit
October 24, 2006 - 12:16 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
...Tim Gunn, comes off as too nice, 'mamby-pamby', phony, pretentious, and psuedo-intellect snob. Sorry. I thought it was rude that he called MIcheal's modest home, "adorable". He so fake.
ROFL. I can't tell if I agreed with any of your other points. After this little rant, I had to completely dismiss you.
IMO, Tim Gunn is one of the nicest, kindest, smartest, and certainly most gracious men ever. I think both his good nature and kindness were tested again and again this season, and I can't imagine how hard he had to fight the urge to dope-slap some of the designers at times. And how sad that you can't imagine anyone could find a modest home charming and adorable!
A phoney, pretentious, pseudo-intellectual snob? In the words of Oprah, "You spot it, you got it."
Well said ChaCha
I like Tim Gunn too, but after this season I wonder if he didn't sell himself. He had to know what crap the producers were pulling. I don't know what to think; he does come off as very sweet and genuine. If he did sell himself out, I can only hope that Parsons will pull out of the deal with Bravo, although I would certainly miss Tim.
I had a hunch that when TIm announced that the producers had decided "the producers have decuded that" Jeffrey had not gotten any additional help on his collection that his heart was not entirely in it.... Insort of the same way he called Michael's house adorable which isn't unkind or anything, but, sort of sets a degree of distance between himself and Michael... I just think he can be a little distant from time to time.... but, that's notthing new...
Also, I felt a little shortchanged by the way the season ended up in general... Jeffrey is no one to really emulate in my opintion unless you are a recovering heroine addict with a chip on your shoulder and a nice family who wants to be the next big american fashiondesigner.... but choosing Uli would have been too much like last season I suppose... and Laura when all is said is done is not so inventive and Michael 's collection was not there... I keep wishing he would make eveningwears like his recycled project all drapey without so much patternmaking detail.......
Carole
October 24, 2006 - 05:55 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
~And to the staunch defenders of those who post what the defender believes in - there is no way for you to know who that poster is - s/he could be a 47 year old 354 pound guy who stand 5'3", neo-nazi, with a book of "famous quotes" at hand to impress the easily impressed, rather than a tall skinny French chick. . . .
'tis the quality of the masquerade that counts, uh, non? such a long season -- seams were bound to show, eventually.
Forgive my latecoming. Life sometimes interferes with virtuality.
I just want to add that sometimes how we write tells more about us than what we say about ourselves. And I would say that on the internet, since we are not here to find a date, we are dealing with each other on a thought to thought basis, and Tam's posts match what I would expect of a young idealistic person, not some jaded old game player. The only amazement I have had about Tam is that her English is so fluent, but that is only for the good.
Another reason that I believe tamarinden is because of her choice of a name which is neither masculine nor feminine, but refers to an exotic spice. That is not to razz OscarSimon who has freely identified as a woman. In the past, many women used masculine pen names to publish under and OscarSimon has also mentioned that she is 60, so that fits just fine. So would OscarGrouch somedays..
whiskers is aptly named for her devotion to animals and the environment which over the years is consistantly apparent. If someone posts as Sweetiepie16, then I wonder..LOL
It is obvious Tam does not need me to support her as she is very popular, not for being a tall French beauty, but for her passionate posts championing Laura, and my fave Uli. Although from a design perspective, Jeff's collection was, as Fern Mallis so aptly stated (about his zipper dress) full of "ideas", I agree with Tam that his collection did not celebrate the female form, but was more about his own vision. It is my opinion that the bad decision to elevate Chloe's "pretty and shiny" aesthetic over the more refined and thoughtful collections of Santino and Daniel was partly responsible for Uli not having real consideration this season.
Uli has more than great skill, she has great natural artistry. But IMO because she uses this artistry to enhance the natural curves of a womans body rather than design around/despite them like Jeffrey, her ideas seem more limited because she was designing within parameters of a certain sense of beauty and taste while Jeffrey felt freer to flaunt those conventions.
This all brings me back to Nick Varios from Season 2 and his decision to construct a suit for Daniel in the "Make-over" challenge that had neither buttons on the jacket nor pockets on the trousers. This was deemed completely unacceptable by the judges. But for women there are few if any rules of functionality or dignity in style. So a designer can basically splatter paint on a female model in a short sarong and send her down the runway and be hailed a genius, but not so much for men.. yet anyway. But since Project Runway is about womenswear, the designers who basically see women as blank canvasses for their whims will always be seen as more innovative than those who design for human females with needs and requirements from fashion that are sometimes different but just as important as men's needs and requirements from their fashion.
Just some thoughts. Maybe for the show's reputation, it was good for them to send a signal that they were more interested in "design ideas" than any one standard of beauty or the perceived persona of the designer. I just wish in Project Runway's zeal to have a winner who would not embarrass them, they accepted a man with his own design company and celebrity clients and passed him through the challenges despite his overt failures.. "everywoman" and "black and white cocktail".
Just my Opinion. (I would have loved to see Kayne's runway.)
notevayas
Your opinions are thoughtful and well reasoned. I still dip back into this board to see if any of my old friends are still here and was delighted to read your post, with thoughts that I had not previously considered regarding the Nick Varios "aufing". It has been previously suggested, and I hope considered by the PR producers, to limit future contestants to those who do not already have production facilities. Chloe sewed in her garage, so I think she should have been given a chance, but Jeffrey, with his professional equipment and workshop, was rightly questioned.
Carole
October 24, 2006 - 06:03 AM
Quote:
Hi Notevayas,
I have been bouncing back and forth between this board and the TC board. I thought I was on the wrong one when I saw your most delicious sounding recipe for poached fruit! lol I always enjoy reading your posts. You help me think about things from a different viewpoint and I appreciate that. As a vegetarian, most of food on TC I can only approach in theory. Tam is going back to France, isn't that one of the foodie capitals of the world? I wonder if her nuns taught her any cooking? I will send her lots of recipes for vegetables.
AI
I am a quasi-vegetarian and also don't do the TC board. I say "quasi" because it seems I just can't eat anything that begins to resemble a living thing slaughtered for my enjoyment, which leaves me free to enjoy my tacos and steak!!!!
notevayas
October 24, 2006 - 10:08 AM
Quote:
I am a quasi-vegetarian and also don't do the TC board. I say "quasi" because it seems I just can't eat anything that begins to resemble a living thing slaughtered for my enjoyment, which leaves me free to enjoy my tacos and steak!!!!
Organic meat is more expensive, but worth it to avoid testicular, prostate, breast, cancer from the sex hormones injected into cattle in the US or pesticides in feed.
What I try to do, since my guy loves meat, besides buying organic is to alternate meat dinners with dinners where the meat is more of a flavouring.
Unfortunately, eating out means all bets are off, and this is the season for long foliage drives, the Regatta last weekend, Halloween.. lots of eating out!
All the more reason to be good at home!
notevayas
Carole
October 24, 2006 - 10:34 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
...Tim Gunn, comes off as too nice, 'mamby-pamby', phony, pretentious, and psuedo-intellect snob. Sorry. I thought it was rude that he called MIcheal's modest home, "adorable". He so fake.
ROFL. I can't tell if I agreed with any of your other points. After this little rant, I had to completely dismiss you.
I like Tim Gunn too, but after this season I wonder if he didn't sell himself. He had to know what crap the producers were pulling. I don't know what to think; he does come off as very sweet and genuine. If he did sell himself out, I can only hope that Parsons will pull out of the deal with Bravo, although I would certainly miss Tim.
I had a hunch that when TIm announced that the producers had decided "the producers have decuded that" Jeffrey had not gotten any additional help on his collection that his heart was not entirely in it.... Insort of the same way he called Michael's house adorable which isn't unkind or anything, but, sort of sets a degree of distance between himself and Michael... I just think he can be a little distant from time to time.... but, that's notthing new...
Two things: I found Tim to be choked up, not distant, when he was telling the designers that Jeffrey was found to be innocent...and second: this is twice you have put down the way Tim called Michael's house "adorable" as if you thought Tim was being phoney about it. As a Realtor in Atlanta, I will tell you that Michael's house IS adorable, the word precisely describes it. I know exactly in which area the house is located. They are renovated bungalows from the 1920's-1940's in a "gentrified" neighborhood and they contain many historic and charming details.
Carole
October 24, 2006 - 10:47 AM
Quote:
Quote:
I am a quasi-vegetarian and also don't do the TC board. I say "quasi" because it seems I just can't eat anything that begins to resemble a living thing slaughtered for my enjoyment, which leaves me free to enjoy my tacos and steak!!!!
Organic meat is more expensive, but worth it to avoid testicular, prostate, breast, cancer from the sex hormones injected into cattle in the US or pesticides in feed.
What I try to do, since my guy loves meat, besides buying organic is to alternate meat dinners with dinners where the meat is more of a flavouring.
Unfortunately, eating out means all bets are off, and this is the season for long foliage drives, the Regatta last weekend, Halloween.. lots of eating out!
All the more reason to be good at home!
notevayas
Actually I always make my tacos at home as no one can make them taste as good as I can! And I usually just use beans and rice instead of meat. Here's the best hint for really good tacos: fry (yes, sorry, fry) fresh FLOUR tortillas in about 1/2 inch of oil until crispy, drain well with folded edge down, then fill with chopped onions, tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce (beans or hamburger meat), & guacamole...fabulous. Gotta go, I'm hungry!!!!
chickadee
October 24, 2006 - 12:20 PM
Carole- as a former fellow Mo.-ian who has been a "hard-core" veggie for 32+ years may I just say re: your taco recipie-- YUMMM! Loooove the fried flour tortillas--- make mine w. black beans cooked w. epazote and cumin and a bit of rosemary (extra kick to the epazote unless home grown fresh) -gonna go hit the co-op just to satisfy my newly revived taco cravings.
And notevayas-- totally agree w. your statements about og.meats. and they TASTE way better as well. I am not a "militant vegetarian" -- it's my own personal matter for personal reasons--but I wholly believe that og. is the highest way to go in general and support it all I can. The pity is that it has been so pricey for so long-- but it seems that is beginning to change. Safeway has a line of over 150 products that are 100% organic and actually cost LESS than the comparable non-og ones!! Lovin' it!
Also enjoy Top Chef even tho' I agree w. the not- able- to- taste- the- food critique. I love to read Anthony Bourdain and Ruth Reichl ect. as well and enjoy the play of egos and drama in the kitchen--and have had the luxury and luck to have eaten extremely well and in varied cultures of the world in my life so I can appreciate what I THINK the dishes should taste like... have the treadmill in front of the tv to stave off the urge to go try something like cornflake fried okra w. chickory sauce ect.-- thereby assuring my continued ability to actually lift the remote.
Where was I ? oh yes-- soak beans/ make tacos....mmm tacos....
ArtInstigator
October 24, 2006 - 12:32 PM
Yum, tacos....
Hilarious, the PR board is talking about tacos, and the TC board is talking about Harold's flip-flops!
AI
CALady
October 24, 2006 - 03:19 PM
Quote:
Yum, tacos....
Hilarious, the PR board is talking about tacos, and the TC board is talking about Harold's flip-flops!
AI
I love Mexican food. Could eat it everyday. What would be the best is eatting tacos... in Harold's flip flops.
cosmogirl_incal
October 24, 2006 - 05:00 PM
One final note to point out. Has any one looked at the Buy Runway auctions? Jefferies cloths are fetching lots of money. Maybe thats a clue to the judges making a good decision.
tamcy
October 25, 2006 - 08:29 AM
Laura should start a clothing line for boys called "Turtle Poop"
Tankthemoroncat
October 25, 2006 - 03:14 PM
Quote:
Laura should start a clothing line for boys called "Turtle Poop"
OMG that's WONDERFUL! I think mom's of boys would love it. If she designed nice but comfy clothes she'd make a fortune!
dcben1
October 25, 2006 - 08:04 PM
Just jumping in. I picked up a copy of ELLE today, and I can see why Nina chose Jeffrey. She seems to really go for the avant garde. I saw a lot of mismatched separates. Not what I would wear, but guess it's popular. Nice spread for Uli, although I think there was TOO much skin. I like the new TV ad for Sears - the girl who says she always hated the bare midriff look, and is glad that more sensible styles are coming back into fashion. Still think Uli should have won, but oh well.
notevayas
October 26, 2006 - 12:07 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Laura should start a clothing line for boys called "Turtle Poop"
OMG that's WONDERFUL! I think mom's of boys would love it. If she designed nice but comfy clothes she'd make a fortune!
I don't think she'll have time. Laura is now the "Advice Lady".
**********************************
Ask Laura- Underestimating Your Parents
October 25, 2006
OUTzone: How's it going, "Bad Mommy?"
Laura: Bad Mommy is doing awesome. Let me just say I love having my gay posse around. From those boys over at Rungay to you bunch here at OUTzone, it’s good to have y'all watching my back.
OUTzone: Awesome. So let’s jump in to these questions. Some of them came from the boards this week. Some have come in through the viewer email. And the first one is from Katie.
Laura: I know this one! And I really hope that she’ll write back in soon with an update.
OUTzone: She writes, "My boyfriend of five years is about three days away from telling me that he’s gay. I know he has a crush on this guy in our building, and they spend a lot of time smoking pot together. I guess I’m okay with the gay part, but do I break up with him before or after he tells me? Because there’s a very slim chance that I’m wrong."
Laura: This is a gut feeling thing. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that you can’t ignore your gut. I think postponing the inevitable is never a healthy thing. What I would do is try to turn the relationship back into a friendship. And though it’s generally hard to take steps backward this way, I don't see any other choice at the moment. You have to go with your gut. And write back in and tell us how it goes.
OUTzone: This one came into the viewer email from Chad, who writes: “My boyfriend and I are going home to his parents' house for Christmas. His parents don’t yet know that he’s gay. We’ve been together for three years. What would Laura do?”
Laura: Oh my God. So he’s going home with his boyfriend to come out of the closet!?! Whoa. Okay. This is...
I think that this is probably... I have friends who came out to their parents where the parents wouldn’t speak to them for five years. And I have friends who came out to their parents and the parents said, “What are you talking about, we’ve known this since you were two.”
I don’t think it’s fair if they’re going together for him to announce his sexual orientation. I think that is something the son has to give his parents a lttle respect in regards to. The parents have a right to have a reaction. And having a guest in the house, it just doesn’t seem like the right time.
If the couple is going and not intending to mention anything to the parents, just as buddies -- I don’t know.
I think people underestimate their parents, who usually have a pretty good sense of their children’s orientation. It’s tough, because even if the parents really don’t know, this child needs to go on his own and talk to his parents before he brings home, you know, hard evidence. Or an outsider.
I don’t know, it seems to me that some time before they show up for Christmas, they should have a conversation.
OUTzone: Okay. This next one is from Cath, who writes, "My friend and I have this other friend, we’ll call her Betsy. We used to be somewhat of a trio. But now -- Betsy has been mean and neglectful lately and we are sick of putting all the work into this friendship. We want to “break up” with her. But we have to see her all the time. What would you do?
Laura: Well. It sounds like Betsy is already branching off on her own. It sounds to me like she’s taken care of the situation for you. So basically, she’s made her bed, and at this point, she needs to lie in it. If it were me, I would just carry on with my activities and decide later whether I want to let her back into the fold.
I think it’s actually healthy that friends sort of branch out temporarily and meet other people, and then later come back to their old friends. I don’t see any harm in that. It’s nice to hear new points of view and get new perspectives on life from people other than just the ones you spend time with. So I don’t think these girls should hold it against Betsy, but yet, they shouldn’t really dwell on it themselves, they just need to carry on with their own activities.
OUTzone: Thanks Laura. We're sure OUTzone readers appreciate the words of wisdom. More next week...
Laura: I’m looking forward to it.
Send in your questions to Laura!
**************************************
Ask Laura
Project Runway finalist and budding gay icon, Laura Bennett solves your problems! No topic is off-limits! Send in your question now.
christyg
October 26, 2006 - 12:50 AM
laura dress bet him out
tamarinden
October 26, 2006 - 05:27 AM
For those who love Laura, they just posted the second part of their review of Laura Bennett's final collection! It rocks!
Laura designed those rocking shoes OMG she is just so talented!
A few quotes from their review of my 5 favorite presnetation:
concerning the grey silk signature dress with chartreuse belt and beading:
.................................................................
/quote (rungay):
"Girl, we fell out.
That [expletive deleted] is GORGEOUS. The MOST beautiful thing that went down the runway - out of all four shows. And Camilla worked it with just the right amount of sass, doing an ever-so-slight dip and turn at the end of the runway. That girl knows what she's doing. This is not a dress that needs the wearer throwing around a lot of attitude. The dress IS the attitude.In fact, as much as we love Nazri, this is one dress that she probably couldn't have sold as well as Camilla, because Nazri is ALL attitude.
As for the dress itself, we don't even need to say anything. Just LOOK at that. Nevermind how impressive the beading is, what we love most about it is the way she placed the chartreuse beads to make it look like they were reflecting the color of the belt.
And that's what Laura has that the other three don't: wit. There's a certain playfulness to her clothing even when it's something as classic as a beaded floor-length gown. As an architect, she has an understanding of how to use form to her advantage and to make a statement. Uli's clothes are the joy of the sun on your face, but Laura's are a smirk and a cigarette holder, a bon mot with a martini.
Laura's no fool. She knew going into it that the judges were going to say it was too expected, but her thinking here was along the lines of her thinking for the final challenge. "I'm going to do what I do best, better than I've ever done it." Win or lose, the girl had a national stage and she used it to make her statement. And why not? If you've got one shot to show the world what you do best, why get distracted with trying to prove something to the judges? Think about it: what would be more important to Laura, winning a car and a hundred grand or showing everyone that she has style, class, sophistication, wit and mad [censored] skills? Go, girl."
......
"Laura had no range! She only did floor length gowns, mini-dresses, separates, shorts, jackets, pants, and shoes!"
Right.
.....
Nina, put the crack pipe down. "Is she creative? I don't know." Oh please. " /unquote (rungay)
I am so please that they loved Laura's brilliant collection as much as I did And I agree 100%. Laura went there to show her stuff. Michael Kors take notes!
dcben1
October 26, 2006 - 10:48 AM
Quote:
For those who love Laura, they just posted the second part of their review of Laura Bennett's final collection! It rocks!
Laura designed those rocking shoes OMG she is just so talented!
A few quotes from their review of my 5 favorite presnetation:
concerning the grey silk signature dress with chartreuse belt and beading:
.................................................................
/quote (rungay):
"Girl, we fell out.
That [expletive deleted] is GORGEOUS. The MOST beautiful thing that went down the runway - out of all four shows. And Camilla worked it with just the right amount of sass, doing an ever-so-slight dip and turn at the end of the runway. That girl knows what she's doing. This is not a dress that needs the wearer throwing around a lot of attitude. The dress IS the attitude.In fact, as much as we love Nazri, this is one dress that she probably couldn't have sold as well as Camilla, because Nazri is ALL attitude.
As for the dress itself, we don't even need to say anything. Just LOOK at that. Nevermind how impressive the beading is, what we love most about it is the way she placed the chartreuse beads to make it look like they were reflecting the color of the belt.
And that's what Laura has that the other three don't: wit. There's a certain playfulness to her clothing even when it's something as classic as a beaded floor-length gown. As an architect, she has an understanding of how to use form to her advantage and to make a statement. Uli's clothes are the joy of the sun on your face, but Laura's are a smirk and a cigarette holder, a bon mot with a martini.
Laura's no fool. She knew going into it that the judges were going to say it was too expected, but her thinking here was along the lines of her thinking for the final challenge. "I'm going to do what I do best, better than I've ever done it." Win or lose, the girl had a national stage and she used it to make her statement. And why not? If you've got one shot to show the world what you do best, why get distracted with trying to prove something to the judges? Think about it: what would be more important to Laura, winning a car and a hundred grand or showing everyone that she has style, class, sophistication, wit and mad [censored] skills? Go, girl."
......
"Laura had no range! She only did floor length gowns, mini-dresses, separates, shorts, jackets, pants, and shoes!"
Right.
.....
Nina, put the crack pipe down. "Is she creative? I don't know." Oh please. " /unquote (rungay)
I am so please that they loved Laura's brilliant collection as much as I did And I agree 100%. Laura went there to show her stuff. Michael Kors take notes!
Fun! Also loved the previous quote. Is that advice column for real?
notevayas
October 26, 2006 - 12:43 PM
Ooops! Here's the direct link to Laura's new column..
http://blogs.outzonetv.com/laura/
Amazon
October 26, 2006 - 12:50 PM
While I didn't agree with all of the judges' opinions and choices during the seasons' episodes, the criteria for the winner of Bryant Park were quite clear: a 12-piece collection that was cohesive, well-constructed, innovative, foward-thinking, and with a woman's body in mind. Jeffrey's collection was the only one that hit all of the criteria.
I think many viewers disagreed with Jeffrey as the winner because they were drawn towards the clothing they themselves would wear. I know I would gravitate towards Uhli and Laura for clothing I myself would feel comfortable wearing. I love Jeffrey's designs, but believe they are for a younger, thinner body than mine.
But that's not what New York Fashion Week is all about. In NYFW they are looking for the designers who will stretch the envelope, push out the boundaries of design into new, innovative directions. I know when I see the NYFW designs I usually think "Who would wear that?," but I know that within a few months I'll see toned-down versions of the look designed for botique buyers.
Laura Bennett's designs and work are beautiful, but limited. She's definitely not one to push the envelope into new realms of fashion. Her designs are based on designs we've seen repeatedly over the decades. That's not innovative.
I just wonder why she was kept on the show so long. Even when the judges repeatedly told her to branch out and "young-up" her designs she stubbornly refused to do it, returning to her decades-old basic designs and just doing them better. Robert got kicked off for being boring and not listening to the judges. Why didn't Laura?
Michael's collection was a surprise. It was like in the two-month interim he'd taken on a day-job as designer for Fredericks of Hollywood. It wasn't just the design--the fit was so tight that it cheapened his design. Clearly, without the influence of working with the other designers, Michael reverted to his beginning style.
Uhli, like Laura, does beautiful work, but she is limited and not innovative. I believe she will do fantastically well, anyway, just not in the NYC top-designer field. She certainly knows how to fit a woman's body with beautiful clothing. Not only that, with many of her designs a woman could wear them during all stages of pregnancy and for that 6 weeks post-pregnancy when shedding the pounds added on during pregnancy. I think this is a strength that she should definitely build on.
I hope next seasons' designers really look objectively at what is required to win Bryant Park, and expand/adapt their look to meet all the requirements. It's clear that if the designer is not innovative in the highly creative fashion world, they simply won't win, no matter how beautiful their designs.
tamarinden
October 26, 2006 - 01:23 PM
Laura has done it again! Laura's Dress Scores Record Price at PR3 auction
Link here:
http://blogs.outzonetv.com/breakoutnews/20..._piggy_bank.phpArticle here:
Watching the “Project Runway 3” finale inspired reactions from “Ooh!” and “Aahhh!” to “Where can I buy that … now?!”
Intrepid shoppers, and just because it was women's wear, we know that a lot of men were bidding, too. Halloween? Or for their "wives"?
Anyway, shopper found a way to get the goods. They visited the PR3 online store and scored the designer outfits in an auction that closed yesterday. The results are filled with record prices for the contestants’ work.
Laura's green beaded dress, the one Michael Kors couldn’t believe Ms. Bennett beaded all by herself, sold for a whopping $4,500, the highest price of any garment by any designer.
Now before fans start screaming about how that’s proof she should have beat Jeffrey, Mr. Sebelia sold three dresses for over $1000 each. His showcase zipper-and-green stripes extravaganza for Marilinda cost one fan $2,900.
Laura’s clothes sold for the most dough overall, though. She sold four gowns for over a grand each.
Uli is not to be forgotten. In fact, she also had four dresses sell for over $1000. Her seriously sexy mini-dress with bone belt across the cleavage hit the bullseye with online bidders taking in #3,425. And, Uli also has the honor of not seeing any of her outfits sell for less than $500.
Michael’s sexy swimwear sold for only a few hundred dollars each. But Michael has his fans. The shear flowing gown that he sent down the runway and straight towards a pop diva of J.Lo’s stature sold for a remarkable $1,325.
Cindy1692
October 26, 2006 - 02:27 PM
While NY Fashion Week editors and buyers are looking for fashion-forward, compared to London, Milan, and Paris, the items that make fashion mag editorial page are mostly what will sell(even what will sell toned down and mass-marketed). So even Jeffrey's collection wasn't really that avant-garde or innovative. What all four designers had to do on their own in two months was pretty incredible, whether we love or loath the collections.
Would love to see a show someday where top designers like Kors and Karl Lagerfeld would have to go by the rules PR designers do.(But of course we would never see KL as he reportedly does not like PR). Each top designer would get to choose one aide (a patternmaker or sewer, for example) to help put a look together in a day or two long challenge. This would be way fun to watch.
Imagine some conglomerate boses who really own these top designers find clauses in their contracts where the designers have to take part in a show like PR. They have to live at Atlas too! Imagine the drama! Just dream of the clashing of egos! And even visualize Tim Gunn's ordering them to "make it work" or saying "This concerns me"
It would be priceless!
jworks
October 27, 2006 - 07:43 AM
I have been mulling this over for weeks now. I don't get it - how did Jeffrey win. I AM SO MAD!! I GET MADDER AS TIME GOES BY - IT IS A INSANITY. ARE THE JUDGES ON CRACK OR WHAT??!!! Laura was the winner hands down - that is the truth. For Jeffrey to win this - it is quite possibly the most bizarre, ridiculous and pathetic thing I have ever experienced in the history of TV. At first I thought I could accept this, but I just get madder as days go by. Does anyone else feel this way?? Thanks for letting me vent. I have been holding this inside for weeks and just had to get it out.
I know that Laura will do well no matter what - but what a slap in the face - to have lost to Jeffrey - that is beyond my comprehension. She is so classy, meticulous - a true winner in my book.
Bravo and Project Runway have lost a loyal fan - I have no faith left in the judge's abilities to pick "REAL" winners. Next season count me out!!
Bubbi
October 27, 2006 - 07:57 AM
Your not alone--I feel the exact same way. Once again a good show ruined for the drama that producers mistakenly think drives ratings. I guess they will no how wrong they are when many dont show up for S4.
Right after the show I got an NBC Universal questionare where they asked me about Jeffery--so I told them exactly how I felt.
Jadis
October 27, 2006 - 08:45 AM
I'll watch season 4 as long as they don't bring in another 49 y/o nutcase, who gets off to his own clothing.
beechlapper
October 27, 2006 - 09:15 AM
Quote:
I have been mulling this over for weeks now. I don't get it - how did Jeffrey win. I AM SO MAD!! I GET MADDER AS TIME GOES BY - IT IS A INSANITY. ARE THE JUDGES ON CRACK OR WHAT??!!! Laura was the winner hands down - that is the truth. For Jeffrey to win this - it is quite possibly the most bizarre, ridiculous and pathetic thing I have ever experienced in the history of TV. At first I thought I could accept this, but I just get madder as days go by. Does anyone else feel this way?? Thanks for letting me vent. I have been holding this inside for weeks and just had to get it out.
I know that Laura will do well no matter what - but what a slap in the face - to have lost to Jeffrey - that is beyond my comprehension. She is so classy, meticulous - a true winner in my book.
Bravo and Project Runway have lost a loyal fan - I have no faith left in the judge's abilities to pick "REAL" winners. Next season count me out!!
Perhaps you could elaborate why you think he should not have won. Make it objective by leaving out any criteria involving personality (his made for tv persona), appearance, or your personal taste (how his clothes do not fit your aesthetic). It seems many people can not separate personality (who we want to win) from who should win based on specified criteria. IMHO, the American Idol model should not be used for creative arts since personality seems to be a whole lot more important than pure talent in the public's eye.
tamarinden
October 27, 2006 - 10:09 AM
Quote:
I have been mulling this over for weeks now. I don't get it - how did Jeffrey win. I AM SO MAD!! I GET MADDER AS TIME GOES BY - IT IS A INSANITY. ARE THE JUDGES ON CRACK OR WHAT??!!! Laura was the winner hands down - that is the truth. For Jeffrey to win this - it is quite possibly the most bizarre, ridiculous and pathetic thing I have ever experienced in the history of TV. At first I thought I could accept this, but I just get madder as days go by. Does anyone else feel this way?? Thanks for letting me vent. I have been holding this inside for weeks and just had to get it out.
I know that Laura will do well no matter what - but what a slap in the face - to have lost to Jeffrey - that is beyond my comprehension. She is so classy, meticulous - a true winner in my book.
Bravo and Project Runway have lost a loyal fan - I have no faith left in the judge's abilities to pick "REAL" winners. Next season count me out!!
hello jworks
I too feel Laura should have won, or Uli. But I also liked Jeffrey's presentation and his collection, and the judges felt it was more in keeping with what the industry sees as youthful, innovative clothing than Laura's unfortunately.
For me, I think that Laura's fearless adherance to the metier of glamour and evening was more radical, and fearless, than Jeffrey, in the veign of Alexandre McQuen, but without the lapses in taste or questionable forays into the garish that he sometimes can do.
In any event, I rejoice for all four finalists, and am totally at peace with Jeffrey's win, as he merited it on its own. I firmly believe Laura will be seen as a guru of elegance as time passes and her name will come to be synonymous (sp?) with elegant, retro inspired haute couture in the future. I think Uli will be a world class fashion designer. I think Jeffrey also has a great future and also Michael, who needs to think and grow, but he has uber skills and taste somewhere locked in his soul.
Just my opinion. But I am here to say I share your love of Laura's offerings, and find it sad that some people do not recognize her particular brand of genius. To religate her clothing to the "mature" category, is at once condescending, and wrong.
tamarinden
October 27, 2006 - 10:21 AM
This is from Tim's Take and it expresses exactly my feeling toward Laura's collection:
"Laura presented a stunning collection. But did she surprise anyone? I don’t think so. Her collection personified her high taste level, her unabashed sophistication, and her masterful execution, but those qualities were expected. Laura has such a clear point of view, and her customer is so well niched, that it is understandably difficult for her to even consider straying from her mark. And it begs the question, “Why should she?” Designers can work a lifetime to achieve the clarity of vision that Laura possesses, so why let it go? I was reminded to Laura’s declaration during our last challenge: “I’ve decided to not take any risks. I’m going to do what I do best, only better.” But with the collection, she did take risks, at least for her. Risks are always relative, are they not?"
tamarinden
October 27, 2006 - 10:24 AM
Quote:
Funny thing is Tim said the ONLY collection that excited him
was Jeffrey's so the judges were right on the money I guess.
Kristlkrost, I don't mean to be argumentative but I would ask you WHERE you found a quote from Tim that Jeffrey's collection was the only collection that excited him? This does not sound like Tim, and for someone who was not excited he had nothing but praise for all four designers. I am not saying he didnt say it, I just have not seen that particular quote from Tim.
beechlapper
October 27, 2006 - 03:05 PM
That has become my favorite song - whenever I need a pick me up . Loveitloveitloveit ...
ediet1
October 27, 2006 - 03:31 PM
I am not replying to your post, just a general note. I cannot believe how emotional everyone is...so, Jeffery won project runway...so what--your world didn't fall apart and the sun still came up the next day. I wasn't happy when Chloe won last year (I loved Santino), but I didn't rant and rave on the boards about how I hated her and felt that she didn't deserve it because of something in her past. Jeffery never blamed anyone for his depression or his suicide attempt...just everyday life took hold of him too much, some people are not as strong as half this board I guess. He took ownership for his actions and is happy that there was somewhere for him to turn and change his life around. I don't feel that what he went through makes him any more deserving than any of the other designers, and there was no indication that the judges used anyone's past to make their decisions. Jeffery won two challenges and should have won three (the recycle challenge) and his designs were organic and developed more character as the season progressed. Jeffery was a little rough around the edges, but I think his comments such as "God was drunk today" were really just his sense of humor, which it seemed like a lot of people did not get. I laughed almost anytime Jeffery made a joke like that--if his designs fail, he could be a stand up comedian!!!
I am not a professional, but I have to say that my daughter cannot wait until Jeffery's designs are out so that she can get some of them. According to about 50% of the board, they agree.