trixie
February 5, 2005 - 08:14 AM
birdaileen, who knows if the author of this article actually has the real scoop? I mean, it sounds right to me, but there are several conflicting theories floating out there in web articles about yesterdays show...
One sad thing I'm reading consistently is that darling Austin's collection bombed (according to fashion critics) *cries*
It's SO HARD to wait for next wednesday's show! Ahhhrrhh!
Morgasmo
February 5, 2005 - 08:19 AM
"And BTW, everyone has a right to their opinion and what they think the show should be and could be. And one more thing. . .read the disclaimer at the end of the show. This ain't no "reality show". "
Did I say you have no right to your opinion? I just said some of you guys sounded a bit too invested I find it humorous. And btw, chamomille tea is awesome.
They use that disclaimer on shows like The Apprentice. There is always going to be a certain amount of manipulation. Is it fair? Not really. But Project Runway has become buzzworthy because of the personalities, in particular Wendy the Villain and Jay with his endless stream of bon mots. If we had four Kara Sauns, it would be intriguing for the hardcore fashionistas but not for the average viewer.
Going back to all the eliminations, the one instance when I think Wendy should have been eliminated was two weeks ago when Kevin went instead. On the swimsuit design, Robert should have been the one going instead of Alexandra. Wendy's design was lacking the bottom but the top was well executed in fit and color. Robert's was horrible. Alexandra's didn't fit her model and the material was very drab. And on the postal worker design, Wendy and Robert were neck to neck but I think Robert had a few more misses and Wendy at least had one win.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 08:23 AM
you are right, trixie-- they might not know what the deal is. sigh. i am also saddened by the austen reports, though it sounds like the criticisms are more that his stuff isn't ready-to-wear which could turn out to be okay. he is more of a haute couture kind of designer anyway
i am psyched for jay's stuff though. i feel so bad that he never won a challenge but came so close so often. he desrves to shine now, when it really matters!
Morgasmo
February 5, 2005 - 08:24 AM
"One sad thing I'm reading consistently is that darling Austin's collection bombed (according to fashion critics) *cries*"
Not surprising really. On the show Austin stays on vision with very gimmickey, costumey, Doris-Day-on-Easter-Sunday creations. The only design where he really shined was the swimsuit because he couldn't put a bonnet and a big bow on it.
I said it before and I'll say it again: I rather see Wendy's dowdy clothes than Austin's overprettified garments on the top 3.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 08:29 AM
quote: I said it before and I'll say it again: I rather see Wendy's dowdy clothes than Austin's overprettified garments on the top 3.
i respectfully disagree. i think austin has a real flair for high fashion and only sometimes goes over the top, and this only in a ready-to-wear context. wendy more often, or at least as often, if you'd like, misses way low, creating designs which leave the model unflattered and unfinished.
NewObserver
February 5, 2005 - 09:36 AM
Wow, if it's really true that all four designers got to show their collections, then it's like Bobby Ewing coming back from the dead on Dallas. Cheap trick and not fair to the three "real finalists?"
FYI, Wendy appears to be happily ensconced in her new Middleburg, VA shop. For all those who think her clothes run to the dowdy side, please note: Middleburg (as much as I love the area) is hunt country outside Washington, DC. And whoever said DC was a fashion capital.
harlow
February 5, 2005 - 09:46 AM
DeVil--
I hesitate to write this post because I know that nobody likes to be preached to and this is not a forum for animal rights, BUT...
You do know that the use of fur is opposed because of the horrifying methods used to kill the animal while leaving it's fur intact and also the inhumane conditions in which most are kept while alive and becasue it's simply not necessary to harm a sentient being in order to adorn your body. Therefore, please dont' do civilization any favors by "balancing out the population". I think you missed the point as to why people oppose using fur.
paillette
February 5, 2005 - 09:49 AM
Quote:
quote: I said it before and I'll say it again: I rather see Wendy's dowdy clothes than Austin's overprettified garments on the top 3.
i respectfully disagree. i think austin has a real flair for high fashion and only sometimes goes over the top, and this only in a ready-to-wear context. wendy more often, or at least as often, if you'd like, misses way low, creating designs which leave the model unflattered and unfinished.
Austin has much more innate talent than Wendy, but he needs to edit his looks down to a purer, more refined essence. Some of his silhouettes from FW are interesting, but he could do without the wide belt AND the huge hat AND the spats on the shoes AND the jabot, all in one look. There are some good ideas there, but the reason he's labeled as "costumey" is because he doesn't just refer to historical styles, he recreates them.
I really like the sheepskin poncho and the suede trench, and the highwaisted pants look sort of fresh. But I don't care for the creampuff gowns (just as I didn't like his BR dress) or the teal velvet jacket with ruffled shirt. I think that as he matures as a designer, he will learn how to incorporate historical references without being so literal.
Wendy's designs, on the other hand, are not worthy of commentary because they are so deadly dull. There's nothing to engage with in her collection. There are a few pieces of Scarlett I'd wear now, and I can see him evolving into someone I'd like more consistently. Wendy's designs are competent, but totally bland and forgettable.
Jay's designs are like sushi: refined, a little techno, interesting combinations rolled together, emphasis on color, carefully contained silhouettes and refined presentation.
Austin is like baked alaska: a bit of frothy meringue, sort of retro, but technically difficult to pull off.
Kara a like a grilled protein entree (choose meat, fish, or veggie according to your preference): lean, smoky, warm and full of subtle, earthy flavor.
Wendy is the mashed potatoes of the fashion world: bland, a good filler, ubiquitous.
PaleFire76
February 5, 2005 - 09:50 AM
Quote:
Going back to all the eliminations, the one instance when I think Wendy should have been eliminated was two weeks ago when Kevin went instead.
I respectully disagree. I think Wendy should have been eliminated during Challenge 1, when her non-existent, non-innovative, candy bikini, was falling apart as Josiane was walking down the runway. (Wendy writes on her own website, "I remember Rob reaching up on the runway to clear the boxes of tic-tacs that were littering her path as she left the stage.") An 8-year old on a sugar rush could have concocted something more durable and less garish/clownish.
Btw, I think inserting over-the-top villains, like Wendy, into a "reality show" is trite and overdone. As this message board attests, there are tons of people who saw through Wendy as a plant. Producers, we've been subjected to this formula tons of times on other shows! Try something new.
I really loved PR at the beginning when it stood out from all the other reality shows on the tube but soured a little on it when I had to endure watching Wendy and her tiresome machinations week in and week out. (Admittedly, it didn't completely stop me from tuning in.) Given all the other big personalities on the show, it's a little presumptuous to assume PR would not have been buzzworthy even without a divisive villain like Wendy.
PaleFire76
February 5, 2005 - 09:52 AM
Quote:
Austin is like baked alaska: a bit of frothy meringue, sort of retro, but technically difficult to pull off.
Kara a like a grilled protein entree (choose meat, fish, or veggie according to your preference): lean, smoky, warm and full of subtle, earthy flavor.
Wendy is the mashed potatoes of the fashion world: bland, a good filler, ubiquitous.
Hilarious analogies! I totally agree.
PaleFire76
February 5, 2005 - 09:53 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Austin is like baked alaska: a bit of frothy meringue, sort of retro, but technically difficult to pull off.
Kara a like a grilled protein entree (choose meat, fish, or veggie according to your preference): lean, smoky, warm and full of subtle, earthy flavor.
Wendy is the mashed potatoes of the fashion world: bland, a good filler, ubiquitous.
Hilarious analogies! I totally agree.
Oops, forgot to quote your analogy on Jay. I wholeheartedly agree with that one as well.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 09:53 AM
jay as sushi.... haha, perfect.
i love sushi!
corprip
February 5, 2005 - 09:56 AM
Quote:
Wow, if it's really true that all four designers got to show their collections, then it's like Bobby Ewing coming back from the dead on Dallas. Cheap trick and not fair to the three "real finalists?"
It seems, from what I have been reading, that the three finalists are filmed. Austin is said to have been left off the filming script.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 09:58 AM
i have heard austin was left off the filming script, too-- but i also read somewhere (on a different message board) that jay is the one who didn't actually make it. can you direct me to your sources so i can see where all of these ideas are starting? Thanks very much!
Morgasmo
February 5, 2005 - 10:03 AM
"Admittedly, it didn't completely stop me from tuning in."
I would hope all or most of you would still tune in. Whether or not La Pepper belongs here, it's still a vastly entertaining show.
I don't think Wendy's a plant. She's not evil or Machievellian (that would require a lot more cunning and cleverness than what the poor thing has to offer). She's most def. whiney, insecure and paranoid, and the producers have amplified this behavior.
I suppose she could have been eliminated in the first week. Hers and Daniel's design were neck and neck. The difference was that her storyline back then was still "small town mother hen" rather "Cruella de Pepper-vil" and that was more compelling than Daniel who was frankly insufferable in the short amount of time he was part of the show.
corprip
February 5, 2005 - 10:04 AM
Quote:
i have heard austin was left off the filming script, too-- but i also read somewhere (on a different message board) that jay is the one who didn't actually make it. can you direct me to your sources so i can see where all of these ideas are starting? Thanks very much!
Here is an article from NY Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/277...9p-238077c.html
'Runway's' next fashion victim
Spoiler alert!
Heidi Klum's "Project Runway" rivals staged their Fashion Week show yesterday, and there's little question about who's going to come away with a stiletto print on the rump.
The final four will be whittled to three in next week's episode. And while he may make good television, Oregon original Austin Scarlett looks like he couldn't design one of Heidi's famous thongs.
(Also, he seemed to be strangely absent from the camera crew's shooting script.)
The star of the show was Kara Saun (Fashion Week honcho Fern Mallis said she was her pick), and Jay McCarroll was a crowd-pleaser with his crew of models who looked like they were dressed for Bjork's birthday party.
"People have to go when it's their time to go," Klum told me unsentimentally before the show.
Miramaximus Harvey Weinstein was an unexpected presence on the catwalk during Wendy Pepper's collection. He tried to remove a stray piece of what looked like a model's double-sided breast tape that got stuck on the runway.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 10:07 AM
thanks! wow. i guess the 'surprise elimination' really is a surprise then. i thought in the preview that austin's blue/silver/purple gown looked very nice on martinique, but i guess not...
thanks-- great sleuthing!
(have you heard the rumor that it is jay who is not really in the final three at all? did i imagine that?)
corprip
February 5, 2005 - 10:15 AM
Quote:
thanks-- great sleuthing!
(have you heard the rumor that it is jay who is not really in the final three at all? did i imagine that?)
YW. I have heard that rumor, but no one has backed it up.
Morgasmo
February 5, 2005 - 10:18 AM
"have you heard the rumor that it is jay who is not really in the final three at all? did i imagine that?"
I think that started because of somebody posting an article saying how Bravo/the producers didn't treat Jay right or something to that effect.
The evidence would suggest that Jay and Kara are solid and that it'll come down to La Pepper and Austin, with Austin being the surprise elimination.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 10:19 AM
i found this on a different board for PR i just came across:
The Austin Equation
http://www.gawker.com/news/culture/fashion...aled-031993.php
JustTzujIt
February 5, 2005 - 10:19 AM
Quote:
you are right, trixie-- they might not know what the deal is. sigh. i am also saddened by the austen reports, though it sounds like the criticisms are more that his stuff isn't ready-to-wear which could turn out to be okay. he is more of a haute couture kind of designer anyway
I had such a weird dream the other night. It was the final four elimination, and Austin got kicked off! I was there somehow, and I went up to him and hugged him and we both bawled (Can you tell he's my favorite?) Well, someone must have felt bad or something because they decided to have a vote with the designers who should go. I don't think it needs to be said that everyone voted off Wendy instead. All I can do is hope that this is some sort of freak-cosmic twisted foretelling?
I heard all the bad stuff about Austin's designs, but personally I find his style the most intriguing. If I were to go to a party/dance/special occasion event, I would DEFINITELY choose Austin's. "Over-the-top?" Excuse me, am I the only one who finds this remark sort of ironic for fashionweek? Maybe I'm naive, but most fashion shows are usually only there for inspiration or telling what's next to come in the season - but usually in a flamoyant, over-the-top sort of manner. That said, I hope Austin wins because he deserves the money to start his own line (like in my other posts, Kara is fairly established).
Kara's designs I can see as a rich business woman, and Jay is so diverse; it's very cool. But my personality fits the most with Austin's, and that's who I'm rooting for.
Twitchly
February 5, 2005 - 10:29 AM
OK, I looked at the pictures, and my favorite is ... Jay. I'm surprised. I've always thought he was in the top 3, but he really shone at Fashion Week. His blue sweater and miniskirt were amazing, just fabulous. His outfits were all wildly creative but still wearable, really something. The man is good.
Kara's stuff was good, as always, but the plunging necklines don't do it for me. So few people can wear stuff like that. I like her as a person the best, so I'll be very happy if either she or Jay wins.
The only problem is -- I don't see Jay working for Banana Republic. He's waaaaay too edgy for them. Kara could modulate herself to work for them; Jay couldn't (and shouldn't, in my opinion -- he's better than that).
Austin's stuff is always fun and pretty, and he didn't disappoint. Yes, his theatrical/costume side came out in spades; I think, frankly, he designs for himself and for drag shows, not for women. (Please don't kill me for saying that.) Two notable exceptions: his Banana Republic dress, which was marvelous, and his bathing suit. But his Fashion Week stuff puts him back squarely into caricature again, even though it's all loads of fun, as is he. I think he has a ton of talent, and I'd love to see what he could do when he matures a bit as a designer.
Wendy's stuff wasn't awful. Some of it surprised me; one outfit shocked me (was hers the one with the see-through bodice??). I wouldn't say any of it was dowdy, exactly, just not very creative. A few of the outfits were genuinely decent, and I could see a wide variety of women wearing her clothes -- something that couldn't be said for the other designers.
So in the end, I have a problem: I think Jay's collection was the most outstanding, but I think Wendy would fit in best at Banana Republic. (Can any of you honestly see Austin working there??) Well, guess we'll see what shakes out eventually. If Jay doesn't win, though, I'd love to see a more edgy design house snap him up.
JustTzujIt
February 5, 2005 - 10:37 AM
Quote:
OK, I looked at the pictures, and my favorite is ... Jay. I'm surprised. I've always thought he was in the top 3, but he really shone at Fashion Week. His blue sweater and miniskirt were amazing, just fabulous. His outfits were all wildly creative but still wearable, really something. The man is good.
Kara's stuff was good, as always, but the plunging necklines don't do it for me. So few people can wear stuff like that. I like her as a person the best, so I'll be very happy if either she or Jay wins.
The only problem is -- I don't see Jay working for Banana Republic. He's waaaaay too edgy for them. Kara could modulate herself to work for them; Jay couldn't (and shouldn't, in my opinion -- he's better than that).
Austin's stuff is always fun and pretty, and he didn't disappoint. Yes, his theatrical/costume side came out in spades; I think, frankly, he designs for himself and for drag shows, not for women. (Please don't kill me for saying that.) Two notable exceptions: his Banana Republic dress, which was marvelous, and his bathing suit. But his Fashion Week stuff puts him back squarely into caricature again, even though it's all loads of fun, as is he. I think he has a ton of talent, and I'd love to see what he could do when he matures a bit as a designer.
Wendy's stuff wasn't awful. Some of it surprised me; one outfit shocked me (was hers the one with the see-through bodice??). I wouldn't say any of it was dowdy, exactly, just not very creative. A few of the outfits were genuinely decent, and I could see a wide variety of women wearing her clothes -- something that couldn't be said for the other designers.
So in the end, I have a problem: I think Jay's collection was the most outstanding, but I think Wendy would fit in best at Banana Republic. (Can any of you honestly see Austin working there??) Well, guess we'll see what shakes out eventually. If Jay doesn't win, though, I'd love to see a more edgy design house snap him up.
I'm a die-hard Austin fan, but I have to agree with you. Wendy's designs are so simple that she would fit right in with Banana Republic. But excuse me... fit right in? there's where I think the show went wrong. What they should have done is given two prizes to different people, depending on their talents. The BRship would go great to Wendy or Kara; then the money should go to Austin or Jay. I'm guessing because they don't have a website and are both at the start of their design careers, they deserve it. They both have so much passion and I would just love to see them both with what they could do if they were given some start-up capital. If and when I'm rich enough, I'll buy their designs for sure.
paillette
February 5, 2005 - 11:01 AM
Here's what I'd love to have, from the FW pics:
JAY: Almost everything except the blue sweater (not my color).
Adore the feathery ombre skirt (though I'd lose the matching shrug!). At first I thought it was a dress and didn't care for it, but as a skirt it's cool.
Also really like the lavender techno dress, the green skirt with circle-patterns worn with lhe long scarf, and the gunmetal grey outfit. Also the green one with all the buttons. Also the bronze outfit. Also the amber "sleeping bag" outfit... Now that I've figured out how to blow up the pictures, I like it all!
AUSTIN:
Sheepskin poncho and/or buckskin trench.
KARA:
The caramel leather ensemble is outstanding.
The white silk gown w/ plunging neckline. Also maybe the white jacket with fur trim at collar and elbows.
The gunmetal outfit with cap (unless that's Jay's? But there are no earmuffs).
WENDY:
Frankly, I don't really want any of it. God keep me from ever feeling so matronly and unattractive that I think these are legitimate choices!
Dalloway
February 5, 2005 - 11:07 AM
I don't know if I should be laughing or crying...but I have to admit that I've been having a ball reading all these posts -- and links -- for the past couple of days. It is kind of sad, though, the amount of time and energy we're all devoting to what is essentially in the "BIG PICTURE", a modest piece of fluff called "Project Runway". I wonder if there's a re-hab facility for victims of "reality TV" abuse.
"I swear, doctor, it all started with a passing interest in "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race". The next thing I knew, I was watching "Extreme Makeover", regular AND "Home"
editions. Then Bravo came along with "Boy Meets Boy" and it was just a hop, skip and a jump to "Manhunt." Before you know it, I was watching "The Apprentice" and "Wife Swap"...and now it's "Project Runway"...oh and now I read Martha Stewart's gonna have a show once she gets out of...HELP ME, DOCTOR, PLEASE!!!"
But I digress...
So if I've been following correctly:
There are 4 "finalists" at Fashion Week, though one is bogus, a ringer, to throw us all off and so as not to reveal the REAL three finalists.
The Boston Herald thinks Jay should be the winner or that his collection was clearly the best according to audience response.
Kara is still the critics' and judges' darling (and, from what I've gleaned from these posts) arguably the favorite on the Bravo site (with Jay a close second).
Austin's collection is essentially a dud.
We all still hate Wendy.
I am a little confused by the pictures on the Getty, Wire Image, New Yorker and other websites posting pics from the various runway shows: Jay's designs are all of those with the models wearing the futuristic headphone/earmuffy things?
Nice stuff, but a little repetitious if you ask me. Kara's is still great stuff. Austin (I'm kind of feeling sorry for him now if he's the one eliminated next time around)is talented, but his collection is something like "Movie Costumes from The American Revolution through the Civil War." Though the gal in the red dress looks like she might burn down Atlanta all by herself: Austin Scarlett indeed meets Scarlett O'Hara!
So what's left are, I hate to admit it, a couple of pretty dresses among the dross that Wendy was able to churn out???
From what you've all said, the last three standing are gonna be Jay, Kara, and Wendy???
Gherk
February 5, 2005 - 12:52 PM
Quote:
i have heard austin was left off the filming script, too-- but i also read somewhere (on a different message board) that jay is the one who didn't actually make it. can you direct me to your sources so i can see where all of these ideas are starting? Thanks very much!
Come on - can you seriously believe for one second that Jay isn't in the top 3? He beats out both Wendy and Austin easily. As I said earlier, this competition is really between the two of them. And, even if Jay's look doesn't garner the approval of the judges, his stuff is so beautiful and so unforgettable - I promise you'll hear from him again. This is the beginning for Jay.
rgcam
February 5, 2005 - 01:26 PM
I was at the Project Runway show this morning. I have to admit. I have only seen two episodes, but I was VERY impressed with what was presented!
fastfashion
February 5, 2005 - 01:47 PM
"I hate to pick favorites, but Jay's collection was far and away the best," said Carson Kressley, the fashion expert on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." "A fashion show is all about point of view. ... His show told a story."
BoyzMom
February 5, 2005 - 01:53 PM
Say what you will (and what the columnists will!) about Austin's Collection, but both Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and John Galliano for Dior featured 18th century-inspired collections in New York this week. Some of Austin's pieces could have fit seamlessly into one of those collections and they are two of the premiere couture houses in the world. And remember, Austin is only 23 which is just remarkable to me. For different reasons I love the work of Jay, Austin and Kara. Even Wendy had a couple of standout pieces.
As for the 'ringer argument', I agree with the post that said it was a cheap trick and kind of like Bobby Ewing coming back after being shot on Dallas (great analogy and one I'm unfortunately old enough to get . The fact is that all four designers apparently appeared in Fashion Week. The $100,000 is wonderful and the mentorship with BR is good, but the EXPOSURE coming from having your collection shown during fashion week is the *ultimate* prize. And even if one of the designers is a 'ringer', there were at least 3, arguably 4 that should have been there instead.
BTW Morgasmo, I think I should drink more chamomile tea. Either that or tequila
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 01:58 PM
here's the full story from the carson quote:
NEW YORK – The four finalists on Bravo's fashion reality show, "Project Runway," staged presentations on the same catwalk used by Richard Tyler and Joseph Abboud during New York Fashion Week.
But before the first model stepped onto the runway Friday, supermodel-host Heidi Klum explained that only three of the four aspiring designers would be seen when the show's finale airs Feb. 23.
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Klum didn't want the media to be the spoiler for next week's episode, during which one of the four – Jay McCarroll, Wendy Pepper, Austin Scarlett and Kara Saun – will be sent packing. "Project Runway" airs on Wednesday nights.
McCarroll's "stereotype" collection, which featured models wearing headphones dyed to match their outfits, seemed to be the favorite of fashion fans in the audience.
The flamboyant 29-year-old from Lehman, Pa., showed a gold quilted wrap with a gold sequined skirt with a patchwork applique and a turquoise cardigan with an oversized collar, a wood bead chestpiece, an obi belt and a miniskirt paired with leggings.
"I hate to pick favorites, but Jay's collection was far and away the best," said Carson Kressley, the fashion expert on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." "A fashion show is all about point of view. ... His show told a story."
Pepper, 39, from Middleburg, Va., explained that her collection was inspired by the annual rite of the harvest. Her looks included a brown cashmere cocktail dress with lace trim and a green charmeuse evening dress with darker green feathers at the bust.
When it was Scarlett's turn, models strutted to a jazzed-up version of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" in Americana clothes, such as a tweed day dress with fringe and buttons, a matching bolero jacket and ruffled front blouse.
The 23-year-old from Eugene, Ore., said the clothes were made with a patriotic theme: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Saun, 37, who describes her hometown as "the world," created a collection that embraces the things she loves most: luxury, sexiness, strength and passion.
Her designs included a fuchsia cracked patent leather aviator jacket with rust chinchilla trim and a white double-silk gown with a plunging V front, a jeweled buckle and fox fur wrap.
The winner of "Project Runway" will receive $100,000 in seed money to help launch his or her own fashion line and a mentorship from the Banana Republic design team, according to the show's Web site.
Fashion Week opened Friday and continues through Feb. 11.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/feature...jectrunway.html
nycgal
February 5, 2005 - 02:05 PM
But before the first model stepped onto the runway Friday, supermodel-host Heidi Klum explained that only three of the four aspiring designers would be seen when the show's finale airs Feb.
Did she also say "These designers represent the best and the worst"
rgcam
February 5, 2005 - 02:05 PM
Quote:
but both Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and John Galliano for Dior featured 18th century-inspired collections in New York this week.
This is the first day of NY Fashion Week. You are thinking of the couture shows in Paris about 2 months ago.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 02:06 PM
quote: Did she also say "These designers represent the best and the worst"
LOL... hilarious!
BoyzMom
February 5, 2005 - 02:09 PM
Quote:
Quote:
but both Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and John Galliano for Dior featured 18th century-inspired collections in New York this week.
This is the first day of NY Fashion Week. You are thinking of the couture shows in Paris about 2 months ago.
You're right, rgcam. Duh - don't know what I was thinking lol. But it is for the current season (and obviously European). Thanks!
paillette
February 5, 2005 - 02:13 PM
Quote:
Say what you will (and what the columnists will!) about Austin's Collection, but both Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and John Galliano for Dior featured 18th century-inspired collections in New York this week. Some of Austin's pieces could have fit seamlessly into one of those collections and they are two of the premiere couture houses in the world.
Galliano for Dior and Lagerfeld for Chanel both show their collections in Paris, not New York. And although I think Austin is inspired by designers of their calibre, I think it's laughable to suggest that he's anywhere near in their league. Austin has talent, but Galliano & Lagerfeld possess talent of an entirely different order of magnitude. I'd rather have one piece of clothing from Galliano or Lagerfeld than an entire wardrobe, for life, from Austin.
It's like saying that, because "Dogs playing poker" is realistic and has a dark, moody background, it's interchangeable with Rembrandt's "Night Watch."
BoyzMom
February 5, 2005 - 02:20 PM
Quote:
Galliano for Dior and Lagerfeld for Chanel both show their collections in Paris, not New York. And although I think Austin is inspired by designers of their calibre, I think it's laughable to suggest that he's anywhere near in their league. Austin has talent, but Galliano & Lagerfeld possess talent of an entirely different order of magnitude. I'd rather have one piece of clothing from Galliano or Lagerfeld than an entire wardrobe, for life, from Austin.
Yes, I corrected myself above. I certainly didn't mean to imply that Austin is of that calibre. . .YET and I said 'some of his pieces', not the entire collection (he laid a few eggs). My point is that a lot of people were harping on his 'period pieces' which, in the larger context were actually appropriate. Furthermore, both Galliano and Lagerfeld have been at this for many, many years. Austin is just 23 years old. I do think his work would have fit right in for the couture shows however.
paillette
February 5, 2005 - 02:30 PM
Quote:
I certainly didn't mean to imply that Austin is of that calibre. . . My point is that a lot of people were harping on his 'period pieces' which, in the larger context were actually appropriate.
This is certainly true: I don't think that "period pieces" are irrelevant or unattractive per se. In fact, I rather like historical references in clothes. I think the problem people have with Austin's period looks is that they are so overdone, with all the accessories matching the period look, too, that they don't seem updated for a modern woman. This is one of the reasons why Galliano and Lagerfeld's looks are so much more masterful: they know how to be historic and modern at the same time, with a light touch and a well-edited vision.
Austin has the skill and the talent to do this, but he overdoes it. Someone like Wendy falls short by 25% and her work is just bland and inadequate. Austin does the opposite: he meets the talent "quotient" but then overshoots by 25% and looks costumey. If he could scale back, he could indeed grow into a major designer, but I'm not sure he has the temperament for that.
birdaileen
February 5, 2005 - 02:54 PM
one of the articles mentioned that austin seemed to have low-energy, to be not excited, at the fashion week shows, which led the author to believe that he was the decoy designer. i wonder if this is also reflected by the non-presence of a PR tshirt design by Austin. The other people who don't have them-- Kevin and Vanessa, either showed disguest with the show when eliminated (Kevin) or later in interviews (Vanessa). Maybe Austin's dissapointment at not making the final three is reflected in his refusal or lack of interest in supporting the PR paraphernalia movement.
DeViL44
February 5, 2005 - 03:02 PM
Ok, again, lots of you may disagree with me, but I just can't see Austin as such a great designer anymore. Iv looked at all the wardrobes by the four designers so far on fashion week finally, and Austin's stuff on project Runway seemed a lot better to me. I don't know...I just can't figure it out, he just doesn't seem so appealing. I know his style though, don't get me wrong. His basic style is theatrical, fancy, flamboyant and full of lots of ruffles, gowns and costume-inlfuenced fashion ranging from inspiration from back then in the 1800's it seems like. It's very fantasy-ish and some of his wardrobes DO look appealing, but overall...I can't see it. I know Huate Couture, and I know OVER THE TOP when I see it, and Austin isn't over the top...off the wall...and larger than life when it comes to fashion. He does moderate Couture, and sorta fancy, but he isn't all the way up there. However, he does do figh fashion. As for my opinion on this designs on fashion week...they looked un-appealing. I know he does couture and high fashion, but he can't pull it off and execute it in a way were it looks flattering. Christian Dior, Christina Lacorix...and designers like Versace KNOW Huate Couture, and they know how to execute it and make it look wearable and appealing and at the same time sexy...but take my advice...don't design couture unless you know how to. The most ugliest dress I saw of his was that red dress that looked all cut up at the end by some stupid seamstress with scissors. It looked VERY tacky, cheap and the fabric looked like a tomatoe sewed together. From far way, the picture looked awesome...then I saw the detail and the bottom of the dress and it seems as if he can't pull it off. I think Austin's a talented designer, but he isn't the best couture designer...he's OK...mabye a BIT under average considering couture. Otherwise he's good to go.
Kara seems to be the best one here, then a tie between Wendy and Jay in my opinion.
I think the reason why lots of people think jay is a lot better than Wendy is because they both do a completetly different style of fashion that you can't even compare the two. Jay's look is a lot different. He does a lot of colorful, disverse designs. I can't really explain his style, but it's really different from the other three and he works with a lot of textile designs on the coats and lots of accessories and lots of his outfits usually "cover up" the whole body up to the neck. He uses large portions of fabric.Even his swimsuit on PR had belts or straps which covered up the stomach area and so on.
Wendy's designs are more "correct" and casual than Jay's. Just because her designs aren't as "couture" and "over the top" as Jay's doesn't mean she's a worser and more boring designer. She has her own style too and I think her and Jay are both very talented. Wendy designs a LOT of sophisticated dresses and gowns for a woman going to a ball, or a party, or a dance. I think there all unique and they express a lot of disversity and what you can do to dresses and formal-wear. Her outfits all look as though they can be worn by ANYONE as long as you are slender enough. I really liked Wend's designs, and yes I thought they looked sooo much better than the designs she did on PR.
Kelly_Fair
February 5, 2005 - 03:10 PM
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I love the show and have watched every episode from the beginning and I will continue to watch until the end. BUT, I really believe the show is becoming very contrived. Jay's model cannot make it to the Runway and OH, how convenient that Austin is the exact size and shape and fits into the outfit beautifully. COME ON!! I think they think of these things ahead of time - what would add a little spice to the show. Most people LOVE Austin and you know the boy loves the spotlight - what better way to feed his ego a little bit and keep the viewers happy than for him to model an outfit ON THE RUNWAY. He was in his glory!! He wouldn't have said no for the world. And all this drama with Wendy, very pre-fabricated - and also the drama with Morgan in past weeks. Did anyone notice that she was wearing the same outfit and hat during the one where she comes back with the ripped bathing suit AND ALSO the next one where she gets eliminated???? What's up with that??
Yeah, Right. I doubt they did that with Austin, but who knows, I dont think so, but it could be true, I just dont think that Bravo would sink to that level, they are much better and alot more populare that that, I just have some faith in them that they wouldnt do something that.....dumb....
- Kelly Fair -
Kelly_Fair
February 5, 2005 - 03:13 PM
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here's a little song for the wendy lovers to the tune of cruella deville from 101 dalmations.sing it vanessa.
cruella dewend... cruella de wend,
her "farty" designs gets her to the end,
with garish makeup that will never blend,
goodbye to cruella dewend...
ps.would have felt sorry about the mustached photo had you not been so evil to my kevin and others. try photoshop.
last night was so much fun. love this show.
tracer,
Your song made my day! The [expletive deleted] deserves it. What she did to Kevin and Austin, I will NEVER forgive her for that!
Kelly_Fair
February 5, 2005 - 03:17 PM
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I'm not a "Wendy fan" but that was foul of someone to deface the picture of her daughter. Her daughter had nothing to do with anything and should not have been 'brought into it.' Based on the way the show ended last week with Kevin upset at her chewing him out on the Runway and him going back into the workroom to clear out his space and him writing messages on the work stations of the others (Jay), he was probably the culprit. He certainly wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer to let a Psycho model wear his design out in public and tear it to shreds (knowing her history), but writing on someone's child's picture is totally uncalled even for a doofus like him.
How dare you even blame Kevin, You dont know if he did that. I think it was a set up from her, the [expletive deleted] just wanted sympathy!
Morgasmo
February 5, 2005 - 03:34 PM
You don't really know if Wendy did it either...we can speculate all we want. Maybe in the reunion they will find out.
IMO, Kevin was a passive-agressive shady dude (Kara Saun described him perfectly) that it's equally likely that him or Wendy did it. My guess tho, is that it was Morgan, just because it seems very childish and Wendy did eliminate her after giving her stupid little speech that made it seem that she would pick Morgan after all.
Valo
February 5, 2005 - 03:53 PM
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You don't really know if Wendy did it either...we can speculate all we want. Maybe in the reunion they will find out.
IMO, Kevin was a passive-agressive shady dude (Kara Saun described him perfectly) that it's equally likely that him or Wendy did it. My guess tho, is that it was Morgan, just because it seems very childish and Wendy did eliminate her after giving her stupid little speech that made it seem that she would pick Morgan after all.
that's so genius!! i thought first that kevin did it..then i thought it could have been someone else or even wendy herself. but!!!.......it makes perfect sense that morgan did it. it's certainly seems like something she's capable of, and she definately had reason to do it!!
Peptic_Ulcer
February 5, 2005 - 04:16 PM
Personally, I think it's an incredible honor that Jay, Kara & Austin got to show their work this week. Considering who else is there, it must have been a thrill for all, regardless of the outcome of the show. As far as judging collections, for most of us, if we really love just one piece, we consider it a great collection. That's certainly true for me, and many others I know. It's rare to see a collection that comes together completely and so much theatrics are involved in the end. Typically, the RTW collection that hits the stores is vastly modified.
ericats
February 5, 2005 - 04:18 PM
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You don't really know if Wendy did it either...we can speculate all we want. Maybe in the reunion they will find out.
IMO, Kevin was a passive-agressive shady dude (Kara Saun described him perfectly) that it's equally likely that him or Wendy did it. My guess tho, is that it was Morgan, just because it seems very childish and Wendy did eliminate her after giving her stupid little speech that made it seem that she would pick Morgan after all.
Why don't you leave liquids near your computer? Because the liquid might spill and ruin the computer. Why do you cover your floors and furniture when you paint your walls? Because paint might drip onto the floor and furniture.
Most prudent people do not keep prized possession near a work station! Why? Because the chances of it getting damaged are pretty good.
It's not like someone drew a mustache on the little girl or put devil's ears on her head. It looked a mark that I've gotten on my hands, clothes, important papers, books, magazines, etc.; in other words, anything that may come into contact with a pen.
Last year I had some unknown substance drip onto a couple of photographs that I had laying out on my counter and they got ruined. I didn't accuse anyone of sabotaging me.
nycgal
February 5, 2005 - 04:42 PM
I certainly didn't mean to imply that Austin is of that calibre. . . My point is that a lot of people were harping on his 'period pieces' which, in the larger context were actually appropriate.
How many twenty three year old designers have their designs shown on the NY fashion runway?
Austin has gone further than most twenty three year olds. Let's see where fate takes him. (I have not seen any of the collections yet)
The beauty of this show is watching the possiblity of an artist emerging and saying "I remember the begining of their career" This show's publicity will give all these twelve designers jobs. It will be up to the designers to develop. As far as Wendy, the only two roads for her is to stay the same or grow. it can't be worse than unfinished work.
seagirlpr
February 5, 2005 - 06:22 PM
I don't know if anyone notice, but Kevin's swim suit is too similar to an outfit that Sarah Jessica Parker wears in the Sex and the City episode "Sex and the country".
Veronique
February 5, 2005 - 06:26 PM
Agree, Austin is a kid. He's bound to grow.
Kara and Jay were the best of the show.
Veronique
February 5, 2005 - 06:31 PM
I think all the of the reviews I've read (like three different ones) said Jay was the best. Wendy and Austin both were deemed blah. Kara was seen as good, but not the most exciting. Jay was the definite winner at fashion week.
And he should be. He is the one person I would run to buy clothes from.