Discuss this episode.

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Reco's got to be safe! Those previews have to be deceptive! Pls let's see Daniella auf'd!

Well, I was first for this and Top Chef Masters last week ; wanted to see how the other half lives, so I've had my fun. I'm actually kind of excited for this episode. I want to see what these designers will pull out to update classic designs by people like Halston and Dior. I also want to see what can make Reco cry like a little b!tch.

Strangely enough, one of my favorite pieces of clothing are the flannel shirts I bought by Halston. There were five, bought in 1980, and I wear them rarely because I love them so much, but they are, after all, 29 years old. They still get me compliments, and they're still in good shape.

co-sign

daniella's attitude sux

Your lips to God's ear! Or whatever works!

I've been racking my mind to imagine what could make Reco cry short of being auffed. Reco is so competitive; perhaps just the fear of losing drove him to it. In the end, another may have been called sweetheart.

Reco does not seem to be the type to cry for just any reason.. My guy would agree with bear and call Reco a b*tch. He would swear and once put his fist through the wall when I cried because he saw it as manipulative. Too many crocodile tears from the women in his life did that as well as a strict upbringing. I think younger guys are brought up allowed to cry and it does not bring up such loathing in them to see another man cry. But yeah, for all my words, it does bother me to do it or see it also, though I know it is no great fault.

I remember your mentioning those 5 shirts years ago on a Project Runway post. I'm glad you still have them.

He put his fist through a wall. I once did that when a lover I broke up with proceeded to stalk me. While it did have the desired effect, I have to admit that it wasn't much fun. I still have a bone chip in my thumb, and it clicks when I bend it, to Drew's delight.

By the way, I heard Michael Jackson had a cardiac arrest, and is; depending on what you read, either hospitalized, or dead. As you are aware I've had five cardiac arrests, and a double bypass, but it's still freaking me out. Life just keeps on getting weirder.

I suspect that you have a lot more to live for than he does bear, despite his brilliant musical career. A lot more..

Hey Note and Bear!

I'm looking forward to this episode. As we know, commercials are deceptive. I expect Reco and Danielle to be in the finals.

As to Michael Jackson, I think his private life was a mess (putting it nicely) he made himself. But oh, the music he gave us!

Hey sfekty!

You are probably correct, but worrying for Reco is letting Bravo distract me from war and famine.

I do not know what to think about Michael Jackson, but I am determined to shut out the media circus that will now commence. His life brings up issues worthy of discussion, but without the taint of fame-gawking.. I don't know the correct word for it.. but I hope you know what I mean.

I honestly do not know what to say, here:

Michael Jackson Dies In L.A. Hospital.

SSssiiigggghhhhh...

The girls tried to screw the guys and it backfired! Thank GAWD!

I figured from the judges' discussion that Haven was going bye-bye. Gotta say that I agree with the decision.

However, the comments about Reco's dress was wench-like and prime for a Renaissance Fair was on target.

I don't know how Reco could not have known Halston? I would think that designer would need to know basic fashion history and I certainly would put Halston in that category.

I wonder if Haven knew that boring = gone?

I wonder if Haven knew that boring = gone?

BRAVO . . . PLEASE . . . PLEASE . . . PLEASE get RID OF KELLY ROWLAND!!!!

SHE IS AWFUL AND NOT CREDIBLE!!!!

LOOKING NICE IN OUTFITS STYLED BY OTHER PEOPLE DOES NOT MAKE YOU A CREDIBLE HOST OR JUDGE FOR A DESIGN COMPETITION.

Every comment and criticism she utters makes me CRINGE!!! This woman's claim to fame is that she was a glorified back up singer to the UBER TALENTED Beyonce. PLEASE GET A CREDIBLE CO-HOST FOR ISSAC . . . SOMEONE who actually works in the FASHION INDUSTRY . . . not some washed up back up singer desperately looking for employment. She is not REMOTELY qualified to criticize or comment on any of the talented design competitors on this show.

IF ANYONE'S CAREER IS HANGING BY A THREAD, IT'S HER'S . . . AND RIGHTLY SO!! AWFUL . . . JUST AWFUL!!!

I couldn't figure that out either. Halston was all about a lot of the things that Reco does week after week, plus he was the designer of choice for an era that he may not have lived through, personally, but should have still been cozy and familiar to him. I was puzzled. I knew he was screwed as soon as the word, corset, left his lips.

I loved Johnny's Versace inspired dress. He got everything right, and, though I don't care for his attitude, this was the winner. When the child does good work it almost seems like he does it in spite of himself.

The rest was pretty much a mixed bag. James Paul got the top right, and Merlin's drapery was fine. The jacket on the Chanel inspiration left me scratching my head. That's pretty much it.

I'm from Honduras and I never miss a Fashion Show program on Bravo TV. I Love the cast, there incredible. I'm so content to see Merlin, James-Paul, and Jonny they are Terrific.... I love them. I'm really cheering for MERLIN.. I love his creativity, his designs are always flawless. His designs are amazing and interesting all the time. Jonny's designs are always unique and brings out life out of every outfit, he has a great sense of fashion. James-Paul has a huge imagination on his designs, they are fabulous and well constructed. I love all three of them. I just hope one of these wonderful designers will be the final winner, because any of these three designers are well wroth buying something spectacular.

Exactly! Worth repeating (is that comment-squared?)
This sounds really weird since I don't know her, but I was proud of her tonight.

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While I agree with your first two paragraphs, I have often wondered about Reco's aggressive attempts to belittle the competition to their faces as well as off camera. Before starting to write tonight I went back and reviewed his official bio. Sure enough, I found what I was looking for, or rather what was lacking.

ITEM:"Reco obtained his B.S from Tennessee State University and has a strong background in architecture and performing arts. . ." No mention of formal schooling in fashion or fashion design -- now that's interesting.
ITEM:"Reco has moved up in the industry from designing costumes for campus queens to dressing celebrities. . ." So that confirms my suspicions!

So reading between the lines, Reco, without formal training in fashion per se, is basically self taught and if we believe the rest of his bio has been successful in spite of it. He's very talented instinctively and possesses needle working skills surpassing many of his competitors. No wonder he was unaware of the Halston look. He's a doer, not an academic designer. And all his bluster and bravado -- a mask he wears to hide his own insecurities about the specialized training he's never had. The tears were genuine. Whether they were because he felt trapped by his own lack of knowledge or his fear of losing his big chance only he knows for sure.

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Hmmm....kind of like Kenley Collins? I'm sorry, but I just had to go there. Also, as a gay wild child shouldn't Reco know Halston as an influence; he did dress Disco's Divas, and as a gay man. I'm just saying, especially since Halston is all over gay lit ; fiction and nonfiction, from that time period, as well as the Warhol diaries. Gay men should know our history.

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Bear, you and I lived through "that time period" and remember it well. With some exceptions, I see that many young gays today are more obsessed with just whom they might end up with on Saturday night after "last call" than they are about what happened last week or last year let alone our whole history. I'm not saying they should not know. I'm saying they do not know.

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It's a shame. This photo is from 1977.

Well I didn't hate the mini challenge but it did put some of the designers at a disadvantage. Nature of the challenge, I guess. I was pleasantly surprised by the general quality of the garments this week. Particularly Johnny and Merlin's looks were high quality and were reminiscent of the designers. Did not like Daniella's at all, and don't understand how it made it into the top three. Loved James-Paul's outfit also - the blouse was totally Pucci although it looked like he was playing with shapes again with the skirt. Anna's dress was nice, but the jacket was so matronly! Haven's was a big fat mess - not YSL at all! The fit of her pants was atrocious, her colors were muted and not YSL. Meh. I keep watching, but can't wait for PR to start again. Bravo sure did cheap up the winning look -- again! The fabrics they used didn't have the expensive hand of Johnny's original, and the whole outfit just looked flat and wilted.

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THANKS . . .

. . . for such a great visual reminder!

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Isn't anybody else disgusted by Anna & Daniella? They can't win on the merits of their own designs, so they stoop to deliberately trying to sabotage someone else, especially Reco. Every time Daniella comes on the screen, with her snide little grimaces and poor little me pouty faces, I just want to slap her! She's unimaginative and jealous of what others are doing. That said, Reco needs to pay attention and curb his ego. His education may be lacking, but how could he miss all the clues to Halston offered by others, the displayed gown, etc. Me, too, can't wait for PR to start up again. I HATE Kelly, she's frivalous and shallow, could easily be replaced by a plastic mannequin.

I'm really trying to like this show but...it's hard. Was very surprised that Reco didn't know Halston....his tears were a big surprise also. He's so damn cocky, lol! Liked the design that won...finally. Usually I don't like his stuff. I agree that Kelly has to go, she adds nothing & her lines sound soooo scripted...ugh! This is such a poor man's PR...such a shame.

I have been checking in to the boards, but really didn’t see what I had to say would lend to any of the discussions so I have been quiet. Also being busy and now with the deaths of Farrah Fawcett (just couldn’t watch her special although I tried), Ed Mcmahon and Michael Jackson there is a stuffiness in my head …which I am sure a lot of us are feeling.

TCPhil, I am truly sorry to hear of the flood and hope that you are doing well.

DCJewBear, hope all of your family with the transit events are fearing well and that no was in any danger. Didn’t get chance to see the movie, but have seen it before and YES the Bride wore black is exactly as you put it.

Also to anyone else who is currently going through lifes mishaps… simply hold on.

As far as the last weeks and this weeks TFS…I think we were all waiting to see what could make Reco cry as was shown in previews. Everyone has an Ego, Jonny (sp), Merlin, Daniella, Haven, Angel, James, you, me, etc. It is healthy to have an Ego (I once thought differently because as a female it is looked down upon) and was told this once by a top industry professional. I think that society places a lot of labels and restrictions that make us hide within ourselves and forget who we really are.

(I break here as I am now doing the thriller dance since the video is being aired on MTV)

K, Im back

Each contestant has an ego, they just display it differently. We either like or dislike (each contestant)based on what we term as acceptable forms of ego behavior. Ego is influenced by culture environment, etc. I like Merlin, Reco ego because it is familiar to me the trash talking they do, and that’s how I understand it trash talking and I love it. I trash talk with my GrandGran (My ex-fiance thought I was disrespectful) but in my culture the way I banter with my GrandGran is a sign of love. Although most see Reco and Merlin egos as negative I see it as them saying you are a formidable opponent so bring it on because I am going to bring it. Whether I like you are not I am going to bring it. Although Angels and James ego doesn’t come across like what I am generally exposed to culturally I understand it and if anyone thinks that the quietness of an Asian person means that they have no ego, then you are mistaken. I dislike Daniellas and Jonnys Ego because its not trash talking it comes across underhanded and reminds me of classmates who would pretend to be friendly but then participated in destroying the designs of classmates who may have left their work unprotected in their desk. YES it does happen A LOT!

As far as Reco not knowing Halston …if you come to play a game you need to know the rules of how the game is played. Reco should have known, just as Angel should have known and I am glad that Reco was given another chance to prove that he can make this an opportunity for growth. Reco take this as a lesson even though you did not go to FIT or Parsons as you stated on the show, but you knew already that you need a more secure background in the names of Fashion. So get it together, or be ready to go home. You have been warned. I know when I am not getting any (TMI) I tend to let my frustration out in a good cry as I am very passionate so I didn’t see Recos crying as whimpy I just thought damn TFS better hurry up so that this fella can go home and get some or he just might start yelling at someone. I think we all know Reco can be passionate as he stated his displeasure in Jonnys attitude to not really caring whether he was sent home or not as he already had his design opportunities in place.

Am I surprised at Daniellas and Annas attitude..NO it goes on 24/7 at design schools and within the industry. Remember Daniella is a recent graduate of design school and Anna is a teacher at one (?) Also, this also happens in the Art world, music world, architecture world, etc.

The people who won should have won loved the black dress…

DCJewBear I especially condensed this response especially for you….didnt want you to feel as if you were in school….Oops do you all realize that’s not my EGO but that im just trash talking (lmao)

Wldye where did u go…

Anyhoo I hear my partner coming back and I am supposed to be working, but quess what I will be blaming my lack of completed work on youuuuuuuuuuuuu…heh heh and Michaels Dirty Diana is on…

Ciao bella

I was right in the middle of this era, graduated high school in '75 and my favorite suit for going out was made by Oleg Cassini! What happened to him in this challenge? It was a beige double knit; bell bottomed pants lined and the top sorta like a structured button-down sweater with collar! Only about $150, but at the time kinda expensive for a boy I guess! Hell, I wasn't paying for it! Thanks MOM! I would post the pic, but it would be a little embarrassing with the afro and platform shoes! lol!!

Bummer, I really liked Haven, but I also like Reco and think he's probably got the best shot at beating Danielle.

That said, I hated this week's premise. I couldn't care less what a designer knows or doesn't know about fashion history if he produces good designs. Seriously, at the end of the day, what does it really matter so long as the designer creates good designs? They set Reco up, and it almost worked. I hope he kicks everyone else's ass more than ever, now.

Johnny's dress was pretty sweet -- totally deserved to win. He's still a little [expletive deleted], though.

Kelly is still useless, and no, she doesn't have as much right to be there as Heidi Klum did. Heidi offers critical, original insight. Kelly nods her head and agrees with Isaac, and other than milking every drop out of her "You're still in this competition, but you are hanging. By. A. Thread" line, that's all she does. She's dead weight. I want actual original input from a judge. Kelly Rowland offers none.

Michael Kors told Kenley this on the last aired season of Runway, and I agree with him. A Designer needs to know the history of his, or her, art. For Reco to not know someone who was as influential as Halston is really bad. Just look at someone like Jay McCarroll, who can recite who did what, and when.

It goes that way for all of the arts, really. If Doug Liman had said he knew nothing of Martin Scorsese after Swingers I would have been just as annoyed. What Reco does is kind of similiar, in ways, to Halston, so he should have known this stuff.

Then again, when I play the Trivial Pursuit that is for the arts I rule, so I may be biased. I love that stuff, and I know it. I got every question right, in that challenge last night.

Bear, does Halston have his hand on that sticklike model's crotch, or is it rather low on her derriere? Maybe she is so weak that he has to prop her up? It's hard to tell because of the draping. BTW, I was a year old summer of 77. Da!

I think it's just an allusion.

I feel old sometimes, but when I look back I can tick off the great things I saw, like Martin Luther King, The Beatles, Bob Dylan going electric, Joan Didion, a man walking on the moon, LSD, Broadway musicals when they were still about people, the Miracle Mets, Hank Aaron and so many other things. I feel kind of proud of 52. I don't envy your 33.

I Love the Fashion Show.
Really thought Merlin and JP's outfits were great as well. I wonder if anyone knows: are the outfits that the designers create owned by Bravo TV or by the designers? Because, except for Daniella's outfit for the "regular woman" challenge (which I tried to buy but the site's traffic didn't allow me to, I consistently like other pieces that the single one shown, i.e.:
Johnny and JP's entire outfit from episode 7, minus the felt jacket (I think it was- the challenge to design for M's line), JP's jacket from episode 6 when Lidia, sadly was let go. Anna's dress from ep. 8, etc. etc. SO I'd love it if I could find out if they'll ever get made?

Also, message to BravoTV: Thank god you're posting these episodes at Amazon.com (which is how I buy and view them as I don't subscribe to cable TV).
And Message to BravoTV.com- your videos clips of the designer pleas don't work in Firefox and there's no directions for Firefox users on whether there's a plug in we need to check or update? And I couldn't find any "give us feedback links to post that to your team. Sorry to everyone else on the boards for posting it here; I know I'm a bit challenged by the Bravotv.com website and this is just me, probably.

I just have to say first of all that I love Reco. Even with all his [expletive deleted] talking, which is how I mostly take it,s hit talking. He can be a little insensitive. Probably doesn't take it nearly as well as he dishes it out.

He has said himself several times I think that he does not have a formal 'fashion' education as some of the others do.

I am so confused! When did the 'final show' take place? is it sneak peaks from next week already or did they do a show outside of the show? Is next week the finale?

Dare I say it? At 43, I take pride in the fact that I've got you both straddled!

Oh, go on ahead and say it as much as you wish. It is an interesting concept.

There have been times when I wished I was born at a different time, but that's only because I dislike the thought of missing out on all the fun that'll come after I'm gone.

Ultimately, though, I love having experienced the 70s and 80s during my childhood and teen years respectively, and I wouldn't trade the frame of reference I had back then for the world.

I know that last night's epi wasn't really about paying homage to more fantastical or "costume-y" designers, but I was a little sad at the exclusion of Bob Mackie. Love her or hate her, but Cher was a major fashion icon in the 70s, and I was dazzled and amazed every week by what Mackie designed for her on The Sonny & Cher Show.

The elimination of Haven we saw last night was not what actually happened, if we are to believe Reco’s description of the event as recorded in his blog on the BRAVO website.

“By the end of the elimination Haven told the judges how much I wanted this and my desire to stay and that she would go home. As I cried, she whispered in my ear, ‘You better win. Don't trust anyone because this is a competition.’ Thanks Haven.”

If you don’t believe me click on the link below.


http://tfs.bravo.starcut.us/inf/infomo;jse...&id=1_40793

Seriously??? If that's really the way things went down, then Bravo and its editors should be ashamed at having skewed reality to that degree. I don't think Haven ever had a real chance at winning TFS, but I liked her (hey, I'm an 80s lovin' girl too, and we have to stick together) and I was moved by her compassion last night. But to be that manipulated and that deprived of the possible real reason for Haven's elimination makes me pretty angry at Bravo, and more than a little suspicious about future episodes. Grr.

You do know I'm gay, don't you? Almost all gay men who grew up in that time period love Bob Mackie. His work was a veritable fantasia of gay style, and taste.

Bear, I may be getting older, but I haven't lost that many brain cells thanks to time and my misspent youth! Yes, I know you're gay. I guess having frequented Bravo's venues for as long as I have, I sort of expected them to include a designer as vibrant and as fantastically and beautifully bent as Mackie, and I felt a little let down that they passed him by.

I was kidding you, my dear, and, in case you were wondering why I chose that Diana Ross dress, it was so you could see that Mackie and Halston's basic aesthetics were not all that different. It was the bangles and beads that Mackie added that made them different. That's not that much.

It's very interesting to note that both Halston's and Mackie's basic aesthetic was one of more simplicity, so thank you for posting that DR pic. Do you think styling for Cher so exclusively did Mackie a disservice? So many of the designs he created for her were form fitting and over the top to the point where they were almost Vegas showgirl-worthy (and I still adore those over-the-top designs, I don't care what anyone says!).

I'm not certain that it neccesarily did him a disservice ; Mackie is extremely aware of the world around him, but it did make him a joke to some.

Really, though, if you couldn't see through to the design, then what did he care? It didn't make him seem any less talented, to me. If anything it made him even more fabulous. Just think of the people who think Gaultier is a joke, and just how wrong they are.

And my favorite was the thing that Cher wore to the Oscars, and then cracked "this is what a serious actress wears." It cracked me up then, and it still makes me laugh.