sarahcatherine
February 10, 2005 - 08:11 AM
I thought I'd try bringing up some of the positive things I saw last night...
Anyone else love Jay even more for staying loyal to Julia? Although I still really want to know what happened to her last challenge, it couldn't have been too bad or I don't think Jay would have picked her. I just really think that was a great thing that he did.
As much as some people really wish he hadn't, for whatever reason, I think Tim showed a lot of professionalism and class in continuing to try to help Wendy. It's clear that he's tried to help everyone, as needed, and whether they took his advice was up to them (Austin, much as I love him, could have stood to gain from taking some of Tim's help), but he was going to continue to offer it no matter what...even if he wasn't too fond of the designers personally.
Anyone else confused by them bringing Rob of all people back in for technical support? I think they chose him over other designers who might have more technical skills because he's friendly enough to work with everyone...work being a loose term in his case, of course. Two beers at once, Robio? Were the clothes really that bad? (kidding, kidding)
instyle
February 10, 2005 - 08:12 AM
It's my fault for actually thinking BRAVO was doing original TV. This was just the same old scripted reality TV we've seen on every other network. I can't believe it - a reunion show - how trite is that?
How about something original - like behind the scenes on how the fashion was created and executed?
Now that I think about it, who really would want a mentorship with Banana Republic? Talk about your bland ready to wear!! Could you see them mass producing a Jay design? I don't think so. By the way, it doesn't matter who wins the bland mentorship, their designs will stand on their own merits (or not) at Fashion Week.
The judging on the last episode was just horrible - you could see that the designers did not agree with Ms. O'dell - if she wants to look like an orange, that's fine, but don't let her have that much input on the finalists for Fashion Week.
Also, Heidi Klum has been surprisingly "unfashionable". Couldn't Michael Kors give her some outfits for the show - and please, send her to the salon with the models - she really needs some help in hair and makeup.
No more Project Runway for me - I'm sure BRAVO will be happy to keep the lemmings as followers, but those of us that were looking for more are disappointed again.
ShuoHan
February 10, 2005 - 08:16 AM
Pure talent, schmure talent, eh? I think it would be much more interesting to have just the three faves battling it out- with dignity, of course, as it's obvious that at least Jay and Austin actually like each other. Kara sems to hold herself a bit aloof, but at least she's not a sniping, hateful creature. (No names, but the initials I have n mind are "Wendy".)
Why o why have we come to the dumbed down level of "there has to be a clear enemy"?
As for Wendy- I have figured out what exactly about her bothers me- she's just plain sad. I've lived in DC and her 'style' reflects the Northern Virginia Momset perfectly. A certain "would like to be hip but it isn't proper-ness" to everything she does. Her latest looks almost maternity- but with a hint of drag queen in the feather boa skirt. How, I ask you, is anyone supposed to sit in that thing without standing back up looking mashed?
Austin's was lovely, like a Grecian sunset. Very classic, again, and femme. So pretty.
Jay's was jays, to be sure- kicky and fun.
Kara's dripped with class.
But- what I really hate about this show is: I've moved to an area that does not get Bravo!!! So I rely on this board for PR updates now! (Nothing against you guys- just that I'd like to see for myself what's going on!)
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 08:31 AM
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That's it! In order to preserve my own humanity, I will ignore all hateful people on this board, starting with gracieo!
Hahaha. I only speak the truth. Willed ignorance is a funny thing. Purposefully ignoring reality won't make it go away. It's just naiive.
You didn't say anything negative, gracieo - you just told the truth. If she was so nice then we wouldn't hear things like, "The Wendy we knew in the beginning is NOT the Wendy we know now." How do the W-lovers try to justify this statement? "Oh that Kara Saun is so arrogant." WHERE?! They're pulling anything out of the air to try to justify ill behavior...pathetic.
iowahousewife
February 10, 2005 - 08:33 AM
http://timmyray.typepad.com/timmy_ray/2005...o_girlfrie.htmlUse this link for an interesting write up on Austin - poor man. Who cares if he's gay or straight or confused?? Anyway - there is a place to post messages to him!
sarahcatherine
February 10, 2005 - 08:45 AM
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Use this link for an interesting write up on Austin - poor man. Who cares if he's gay or straight or confused?? Anyway - there is a place to post messages to him!
Great for being able to post messages to him, but what a shame that people think it's okay to bash someone's sexuality. You'd think that with as much abuse as the gay community gets for being gay they wouldn't turn around and abuse someone in their community for not being gay enough.
I think Austin's just part of the young 'queer' community who allows sexuality to be open...he's not confused, he just knows what he likes and apparently he likes both men and women. Good for him for being brave enough to be open about it in the face of the gay and straight communities.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 08:47 AM
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Question: Who do you think drew the 'stache on Wendy's daughter's pic?? Just wondering what everyone thinks..
She did for the pity factor - I wouldn't put it past her and I don't care how much she is "hurt" by the thought that others think she did it. She used her "mommy" factor in the beginning, you cough up a copy photo, draw a line and wa-la, pity factor.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 09:12 AM
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With all this Wendy bashing, I'm glad to see some people coming to her aid. Gosh, you Wendy bashers, get a real life! Wendy works with the client, listens, doesn't play games, has a grip on reality.
After you, Ms. Godiva. You must be a Wendy client. Been horseback riding lately?
And she doesn't have a grip on reality, you're mistaking that with a knife handle.
RGRRGR
February 10, 2005 - 09:14 AM
The real reason that Rob was brought back to the show was to provide eye candy to the viewers and help the show get rid of an overstock of beer the Parson's class from last semester had left behind. This show started out with good intentions but has lost its identity and become a horrible conglomeration of so many other reality shows. If there is a next season, It will not hold the same feeling that I had hope for this show when it first began airing. Sure I would watch next season, but only if there is not something better on (i.e the Return of CopRock or The Real Gilligan's Island).
adrianangel
February 10, 2005 - 09:28 AM
When I saw Austin's gown come down the runway last night, I gasped. It floated. I am sure there will be well-heeled buyers out there for that gown. As for the others, they were average, just variations on the color orange.
By the by, the entire costume department of a major east coast theme park is watching this show very avidly.
strangedaze
February 10, 2005 - 09:33 AM
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well, folks, it's been nice chatting with you, but I've decided this show is no longer worth my time, therefore I will no longer be posting here or watching the show.
Bad job, Bravo!!!
However, I am sure we will be seeing Austin's and Kara's designs in the future . . .
How childish of you. If you are this perturbed over fluff TV I can't imagine how you handle setbacks in real life. Or do you just take your ball and go home when things don't go your way?
Firefly
February 10, 2005 - 09:34 AM
I'd like to respond to this with a different perspective. I don't think Wendy's work was as bad as indicated by many.
Wendy's greatest skill appears to being very sensitive to her clients' wishes. This week she managed to identify Ms. Odell's taste despite being the only contestant unfamiliar with the celebrity. Time after time, this sensitivity has been her saving grace. Even her failure with the postal uniform was to a significant part doomed by placing more value on the client requirements than on effectively considering the judging panel's wishes.
Outfits like the Banana Republic dress, the bathing dress and the Grammy Dress shows she has clear talent--and particular skill using color. In this week's dress, I found the construction especially skillful--she made a heavy fabric (ultrasuede?) appear to drape in a very flattering way--and I especially liked the detail of the matched tucks (or darts) at the bustline.
That said, I think Wendy’s designing shortcoming is that she doesn't have a defined style or theme. However, in other contexts, this may eventually translate into truly being an asset (most clothing designers work in environments that emphasize being able to design to a briefing or client, not to personal muses).
It’s a bit sad (though I guess it makes compelling drama) on how petty the whole situation has become. I find the collective scapegoating and childish "picking on" behavior most regrettable. However, when I consider that the whole deal was an exhausting two-week endurance contest in the hottest part of the summer, I can't say that it’s surprising that nerves were fraying.
For Wendy, I see the drama exploiting her apparent lack of self-confidence. You can clearly see this problem with her frustrations with the design process, her appearance, her (lacking) self-promotion and in her chameleon designs. I believe the producers have used this to create division. For instance, the judges have twice given her a manipulative one-two punch, by following scathing criticism with inquiries into her opinions on fellow contestants. Given that this kind of treatment has only been targeted at her, it appears manipulative. And a side of me wonders if it wasn’t one of the crew who defaced her daughters' photo?
Clearly Jay and Kera both have clearer visions of their personal senses of style. They both exceed at personal presentation at a far higher level than Wendy. This is clearly appealing much more to the judges, all of whom work at the most creative end of the design spectrum. Ironically, however, the award winner will not be working at the creative level. By working for a mainline retailer (Banana Republic) whoever wins (and I’m assuming that Wendy won’t) will ultimately have to learn to be more like Wendy—or face not succeeding at the bigger game of staying in the business.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 09:37 AM
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Actually his dress is no different that the green number J-lo shocked the world with. Austin's concepte was BETTER and more complete in my opinion that pinned and glued rag J-lo wore. Yes Austin is over the top but I think American eveningwear needs to move back to that era. Based on Nancy's choice.......Casual Fridays have BUTCHERED the American woman's sense of what is style for evening. Can I get a witness on that??!!??!??! All that to say I argree with the quote even though I have loved EVERYONE of Austin's designs. I hope to see him in RTW for the 2006 formalwear season WE NEED HIM!
AMEN!!!
anOutsider
February 10, 2005 - 09:40 AM
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True, the show is very manufactured and it's so apparent that Wendy was a "plant" as others suggested to keep the drama in the show. But, gee, I guess some of us are just tired of the same old "reality show formula." Like others that have posted their frustration, I just crave "real" originality instead of these "manufactured" reality shows.
Very good point!
CasualModel
February 10, 2005 - 09:48 AM
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I was amused and pleased by read birdaileen's response...addressing these posts point-by-point makes things much more intersting and logical and can help mitigate some of the inevitable emotion that can plague message boards populated by enthusastic fans.
I'm glad there is a board for people to release whatever thoughts they have on this, esp those very upset about stuff. Better to "release" on a message board than in the home.
Are there truly individuals so upset by this television show that the presence of a message board actually addresses *potential* "releases(s)" at home?!! I guess I've just never been SO upset by a television show.
Part of me thinks "Get a life, it's just a television show designed to entertain its viewers."
Another part of me, however, thinks "Well, I guess when you think about the word 'fanatic', the (usually wonderful, sometimes troubling) ability of a person to be passionate about virtually anything and the natural tendency people have to identify with characters they've come to "know"....theeenn...hey! I guess it's not so strange afterall!"
I've stopped watching the show, but find these boards to be very entertaining themselves...who needs thes show when there's plenty of drama, humor and certainly more "reality" right here on the net?!
LilibetP
February 10, 2005 - 09:51 AM
Yeah, that and the fact that at 5'4" I'm NOT short. I'm AVERAGE height. These models are not average height but designers like to think they are. Drives me loony.
Me, too. If the average woman is 5'4", then 5'4" is average, right? A couple of years ago some magazine had photos of all the gowns worn the year before to awards shows and they were broken down into categories - tall, curvy, thin, older, etc. Under "petite", they had an actress who is 5'4". I nearly came out of my skin!
Lilibet
Eve889
February 10, 2005 - 09:52 AM
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I'm not angry that Austin was out, but that last challenge was so ridiculous! And to have the decision made by Nancy O'Dell??? Who the hell is she? This judging for the last challenge should have reflected who over the course of the entire show deserved to compete at fashion week. Plain and simple. To give Nancy that power was just absurd. And, she didn't like any of the dresses as they were presented. Every single one needed tweaking, she said. On Wendy's, she would have gotten rid of the feathers and sequins. Ok, so then what would she have had? I was never bowled over by Austin, but he is a better designer than Wendy. He just is. And I loved how Nina actually stood up for him and said some really beautiful things about him. He got to show in Fashion Week so I guess that's good, but he really deserved to compete. What makes this show so special is that these people have a skill that most of us don't have. They actually have talent. To have such big names in the industry like Michael Kors, Betsy Johnson and Patricia Field judge it and then have someone like Nancy O'Dell make the final call just cheapens it. Sad but typical.
I figured they were doing another real-life challenge (Like in the wedding dress one), were as in real-life you get a client and have to design for them. In the end, it's the client who decides who "wins" by buying what they like.
None of the past challenges had any individual stand-outs overall (Kara had the most wins, but not always). The judges did discuss past work (which hurt Austin the most as they all felt he kept designing the same thing). I wonder if Austin chose to go "glamor" due to the reaction to his following his "client's" wishes in the wedding dress challenge. O'Dell was right in saying his dress was good for the Oscars -- which is a more glamorous setting than the Grammys.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 09:56 AM
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On a similar note, is there something we can do to STOP Wendy from designing?
Probably nothing short of offereing her a part on Survivor - she'd definitely fit in there.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 10:08 AM
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Strictly on design - - not on personna.
Wendy won this - legitimately.
Her color was great - and her design best fit the occasion of the Grammy's.
I even loved her mini feathered skirt.
(what is the deal with "stuff can not match?" My daughter -who works in Hollywood production - is the same way. If colors match - she won't wear it.)
Strictly on design, not persona, Wendy's design...uhm, wait...excuse me...
*grabs bucket*
>>>PPUUUUKKKEEEE!<<<
And I'm speaking as one who thought her wedding dress was beautiful.
birdaileen
February 10, 2005 - 10:11 AM
quote: And she doesn't have a grip on reality, you're mistaking that with a knife handle.
TTB you are hilarious.
btw, what is the origin of your name?
CasualModel
February 10, 2005 - 10:13 AM
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thanks, CM. i'm glad i was helpful! *smile*
No...thank YOU birdaileen (if I typed "BA" I couldn't get the more traditional meaning associated with that abbreviation out of my head!). *wink*
I'm obviously a newbie here, but reading these posts has become a fun way to unwind, get work out of my head and just be entertained by something completely unrelated to my own reality. Seems like virtually everyone here feels as though the show itself flopped in some way or another, but I have to say the message boards seem to have been very successful!
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 10:22 AM
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she did not steal the fabric ... she was working with the same colors as Kara and found that the fabric would work with what she was planning to create. Too many Wendy-haters on this board!! I've done that with fabric many times ... Wendy's dress was great, I loved it.
Too many Wendy-lovers on this board!! And if you've stolen fabric from someone many times, 'CAUSE THAT'S WHAT SHE DID, then you're no better than she is in that aspect!
"I steal fabric all the time, it's not stealing!"
"She was backstabbing to play the game, so what if anyone got hurt!"
What the hayell is the world coming to!! I swear, Armageddon MUST be coming. And with Wendy in the final 3, no one will have to worry about their soul because I'm sure He*l is frozen over.
NiceNJgal
February 10, 2005 - 10:30 AM
I'm betting Austin becomes the Clay Aiken of Project Runway!
sassychic
February 10, 2005 - 10:31 AM
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I was amused and pleased by read birdaileen's response...addressing these posts point-by-point makes things much more intersting and logical and can help mitigate some of the inevitable emotion that can plague message boards populated by enthusastic fans.
I'm glad there is a board for people to release whatever thoughts they have on this, esp those very upset about stuff. Better to "release" on a message board than in the home.
Are there truly individuals so upset by this television show that the presence of a message board actually addresses *potential* "releases(s)" at home?!! I guess I've just never been SO upset by a television show.
Part of me thinks "Get a life, it's just a television show designed to entertain its viewers."
Another part of me, however, thinks "Well, I guess when you think about the word 'fanatic', the (usually wonderful, sometimes troubling) ability of a person to be passionate about virtually anything and the natural tendency people have to identify with characters they've come to "know"....theeenn...hey! I guess it's not so strange afterall!"
I've stopped watching the show, but find these boards to be very entertaining themselves...who needs thes show when there's plenty of drama, humor and certainly more "reality" right here on the net?!
It is entertaining, isn't it? on the "releases" comment, there might be some people who need a place to vent and may take it out at home, dunno. The thought crossed my mind since the one of the highest domestic violence rates is during the superbowl or other sports championships, but that certainly is a different matter. The two are not the same. Feel the same as you.
deedee7
February 10, 2005 - 10:39 AM
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well, folks, it's been nice chatting with you, but I've decided this show is no longer worth my time, therefore I will no longer be posting here or watching the show.
Bad job, Bravo!!!
However, I am sure we will be seeing Austin's and Kara's designs in the future . . .
How childish of you. If you are this perturbed over fluff TV I can't imagine how you handle setbacks in real life. Or do you just take your ball and go home when things don't go your way?
one final post - wow, i am shocked at your rude and inappropriate response. i merely posted an opinion of how disappointed i am with this show, and that i have better things to do with my time. i am neither "perturbed" nor "used to things going my way", and have dealt very well with many major setbacks in my life (not that this is any of your business.) the only "childishness" around here is your rude response. if you don't want to read an opinion, then don't view these message boards - they are here for people to post their views.
by the way - do you work for Bravo?????
fieryredfairy
February 10, 2005 - 10:43 AM
First off I don't think it was fair for austin getting kicked off in the final round. Crap I seen wendy design a dozen time in department stores like macy, more than I have seen austin.
Also she had no clue what hell grammy was all about anyway, I mean that dress is going be what was she thinking piece for sure. Plus reviewing wendy other line's it has been nothing but just boring, because she didn't put much effort and her design leave little to the imaginaton. It's like me taking an existing design and tweeking it a little.
Austin design were invatotor brought a very fantasy quality, would work well with gwen stefani look right now. He is a talented designer, and also took encount of the fact how the feminity and elgance should always be a factor.
Love Jay, because he's out there and lovely person
Karas love her spirit and willing to explore
sassychic
February 10, 2005 - 10:45 AM
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I'm betting Austin becomes the Clay Aiken of Project Runway!
That would be neat! Hope Bravo has the sense to keep people informed about the designer's. That includes Wendy, too. I don't like her behavior or her clothes much, but think after this experience, maybe it will change her. I don't wish her "ill" or "hate" her, because her behavior has been her demise and she created all on her own. Maybe she'll learn from it. Become a better person.
strangedaze
February 10, 2005 - 10:45 AM
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I'd like to respond to this with a different perspective. I don't think Wendy's work was as bad as indicated by many.
Wendy's greatest skill appears to being very sensitive to her clients' wishes. This week she managed to identify Ms. Odell's taste despite being the only contestant unfamiliar with the celebrity. Time after time, this sensitivity has been her saving grace. Even her failure with the postal uniform was to a significant part doomed by placing more value on the client requirements than on effectively considering the judging panel's wishes.
Outfits like the Banana Republic dress, the bathing dress and the Grammy Dress shows she has clear talent--and particular skill using color. In this week's dress, I found the construction especially skillful--she made a heavy fabric (ultrasuede?) appear to drape in a very flattering way--and I especially liked the detail of the matched tucks (or darts) at the bustline.
That said, I think Wendy’s designing shortcoming is that she doesn't have a defined style or theme. However, in other contexts, this may eventually translate into truly being an asset (most clothing designers work in environments that emphasize being able to design to a briefing or client, not to personal muses).
It’s a bit sad (though I guess it makes compelling drama) on how petty the whole situation has become. I find the collective scapegoating and childish "picking on" behavior most regrettable. However, when I consider that the whole deal was an exhausting two-week endurance contest in the hottest part of the summer, I can't say that it’s surprising that nerves were fraying.
For Wendy, I see the drama exploiting her apparent lack of self-confidence. You can clearly see this problem with her frustrations with the design process, her appearance, her (lacking) self-promotion and in her chameleon designs. I believe the producers have used this to create division. For instance, the judges have twice given her a manipulative one-two punch, by following scathing criticism with inquiries into her opinions on fellow contestants. Given that this kind of treatment has only been targeted at her, it appears manipulative. And a side of me wonders if it wasn’t one of the crew who defaced her daughters' photo?
Clearly Jay and Kera both have clearer visions of their personal senses of style. They both exceed at personal presentation at a far higher level than Wendy. This is clearly appealing much more to the judges, all of whom work at the most creative end of the design spectrum. Ironically, however, the award winner will not be working at the creative level. By working for a mainline retailer (Banana Republic) whoever wins (and I’m assuming that Wendy won’t) will ultimately have to learn to be more like Wendy—or face not succeeding at the bigger game of staying in the business.
That was the most level, dispassionate discussion of the show and its characters that I have read yet. I think you nailed it.
It's a sad state of affairs when the wendy bashers are so invested in their vitriole that they can no longer contribute reasonable discussion to the message board.
Trundle
February 10, 2005 - 10:54 AM
Yikes, now this _is_ a heated board. Before I get the crux of my post, I too want to weigh in on a few things:
- Austin was eliminated for a very clear reason. I thought he was an interesting designer, sure, and I imagine he'll land on his feet just fine. But the reason he got cut out was very straight forward.
- Wendy has also remained in for a very clear reason; she's the show's villian. Her work isn't _horrible_ (she's certainly better than Starr) but it is uneven, and usually unimaginitive. This has been more than a fair tradeoff for the drama she produces! My god, this board is obsessed with her. And may I opine: we can argue about the quality of Wendy's work-- it's subjective, ultimately-- but the people who are aruging that she isn't the show's villain... I just don't understand. If you're arguing that Wendy is not the show's resident "bad guy" then either you haven't seen enough episodes, or you're one of Ms. Pepper's family or friends. ;-)
Whew! Now that that's out of the way, I just wanted to ask you folks how you think they're going to handle the finale. In reality show tradition, we've got our villain Wendy in the final three. She's there, of course, to ratchet up the tension. "She can't win!" we're supposed to worry to ourselves.
The trouble is, however, that she really can't win. The collections are all visible on-line. Kara Saun's work is (as to be expected) interesting and very solid, and Jay's work is a friggin' revelation! Amazingly good stuff-- it's a whole collection of Chrystler-building quality. Wendy's collection (like Austin's) was a dud. It did not go over at fashion week at all.
How is the show going to deal with this? People who have accused it of being overly manipulative will have ample oppurtunity to be proven right. If the show focuses heavily on Wendy's two good dresses and ignores her dross we'll know: the fix was in.
I don't know, though. I think PR may be going for a different approach. Given that they don't really have the ammunition to do a "Wendy-might-steal-it" finale, it looks to me like they're just going to mug the poor woman in the Jerry Springer episode.
But that's reality television for you. Spend 9 episodes building up a monster, and in the tenth, tear her to shreads. Everybody loves a happy ending. ;-)
CasualModel
February 10, 2005 - 11:00 AM
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well, folks, it's been nice chatting with you, but I've decided this show is no longer worth my time, therefore I will no longer be posting here or watching the show.
Bad job, Bravo!!!
However, I am sure we will be seeing Austin's and Kara's designs in the future . . .
How childish of you. If you are this perturbed over fluff TV I can't imagine how you handle setbacks in real life. Or do you just take your ball and go home when things don't go your way?
one final post - wow, i am shocked at your rude and inappropriate response. i merely posted an opinion of how disappointed i am with this show, and that i have better things to do with my time. i am neither "perturbed" nor "used to things going my way", and have dealt very well with many major setbacks in my life (not that this is any of your business.) the only "childishness" around here is your rude response. if you don't want to read an opinion, then don't view these message boards - they are here for people to post their views.
by the way - do you work for Bravo?????
Goodness me...speaking of places to "release" instead of the home...! I haven't even read a fraction of the posts here, and I have virtually no idea as to the "personalities" that accompany the screen names/people posting. Given these caveats, however, I have to say that I was disappointed, but not surprised, by the response and name-calling. Passion and emotion often override better judgement in the "heat of the moment" or when people discuss things about which they feel very, very strongly. Perhaps this person just read your post at an inopportune moment and fired off a response. Whatever the case, it certainly was a disproportionately emotional, judgemental response to your post.
Cindy1
February 10, 2005 - 11:05 AM
Wendy admitted in the episode itself that she wouldn't have gotten that far without someone being worse. As to the fabric "stealing", I guess the rule is until it's cut and paid for, someone else can grab it. I've had the same happen to me so I keep my fabric and trims in my cart until I get up to the cutting table. Unless Kara Saun needed the whole roll of fabric--but at this point no one was really willing to share. Remember Wendy was first in with the question of color to O'Dell and orange/tangerine fabrics weren't exactly overflowing on the fabric warehouse shelves.
I thought Kara Saun had it won--the ideal challenge for her and Jay--until she insisted on the pants. Wendy isn't a designer as having her own vision--she is good when she has exact perimenters and guidelines as to what's wanted--probably a reflection of her business as to what the client wants comes first.
Jay blew it when he insisted on the rasberry pinks--blue, green, turquoise--but not anything close to hot pink.
Poor Austin--loved that dress, the swimsuit and his Banana Republic dress--he believes in dressing women like ladies, but after Lil' Kim at the Grammy's a few years' ago, anything goes. Let's see if he really does get to make Nancy O'Dell's Oscar dress. Perhaps he'll end up working for Vivian Westwood, John Galliano, or Jean-Paul Gautier.
It would have been helpful to the designers, especially with the time constraints, to have a montage of photos Nancy O'Dell at the Grammys and previous events to get a better idea of her style and what she prefers wearing for the camera. Kors and Garcia really ripped into all four designers and I thought--how would you two have done with the limited info the designers had, no custom-designed fabrics, and Rob as Tech support?
Kara Saun's Fashion Week collection was pretty good--that link to the movie "The Aviator" wasn't as forward-thinking as you might think as Sophia Coppola is shooting "Marie Antoinette--The Journey" with Kristen Dunst, and designers already were showing 18th century influenced fashions in some of the Spring 05 collections.
After thinking Kara Saun would win it all easily, after seeing the fashion week pics, my guess is Jay. Of course, what will be the judging criteria: audience reaction or actual orders placed for the three designers offerings.
And what was up with bringing back Rob for technical support? The machines at Parsons weren't the best anyway and Rob totally slacked. I was suprised he didn't really help apparently--I'd count something like that as a chance to show myself a team player and maybe land a job somewhere--after all, the cameras were rolling.
And the trip to the Kors studios and the Fashion Week tents--better to schedule and show this to all 12 contestants at the start of the series, rather than to yank the designers away from their already limited time to create their dresses for the last challenge.
GypsyMoongal
February 10, 2005 - 11:09 AM
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classic lines from tonight (feel free to add):
JAY: (sigh) I hate Wendy!
JAY: (to Julia, when having a hard time zipping the dress) Did you eat today?
ROB: When they saw me, you could tell on their faces it was like looking at gold.
KARA: People who need to sabotage other people can't rely on their own talent.
and for the bitchiness factor
WENDY: I love seeing people squirm. I could stay there forever.
WENDY: I want to win just so I can see Karasaun in my rearview mirror.
feel free to correct (i know some are slightly different wording, but i cant remember exactly =] ) and add...
Anyone who likes Wendy and thinks she is a good designer.. should re-read some of the things she has said .. un-cut and un-edited. ... like these ( above ) and all the ones she has on her website... erghhhhhhhhhhhhh
ThomsTeddyBear
February 10, 2005 - 11:14 AM
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btw, what is the origin of your name?
Hi bird lady
I'm a Queer Eye for the Straight Guy FANATIC (they think I'm bad here, lol)! I belong to the Thom Wives - side name of all fans is "The Thom Filicia Freak Fan Conglomerate" but that hasn't been used in a while because we are composed mostly of women. Thom is officially the Husband-of-a-Million-Wives; yup, we married him! We even wear rings on our ring fingers! Mine is a silver band with striking biased cuts! I'm his "teddy bear" because I'd love to be cuddled up in his arms Oh and my friend and fellow Thom Wife, D, runs the best site on the net for QE resources!
Thanks for asking - may I ask the same of you? Are you an avid birdwatcher?
momemilou
February 10, 2005 - 11:16 AM
I am very new to this board and found Project Runway one evening looking for something to watch late in the evening and was hooked. I like the simplicity of it, if done by Mark Burnett they would probably have to make a dress out of pig entrails and then eat it. I guess the models would then be allowed to barf it up.
Anyway, here is my input as someone who can relate most to Wendy.
She is around my age, at the edge of the boomers and a bit too old to be a Gen X. She is also I believe the oldest, with Kevin (who also showed his age and relative maturity) being the next oldest.
I have looked at her website and the actual clothes she has designed - I have to say that if you will put bias aside, her clothing on her site looked a lot like the clothing in the room of clothes that Michael Kors showed them where he showed them the JLO dress he had designed.
The big bucks are to be made for clothes that are appealling not just to the avant guard and on the edge fashion folks (I will put Sarah Jessica Parker in that group) but to the greater masses. There was a great comment last night about the dresses looking more like Fashion Don't - and who determines what a fashion dont is? Folks like Joan Rivers, etc. But basically you never see the top designs being too weird, words like Classic, and Sophisticated are used.
Yes the "runway" shows the trends, but these trends are then modified down for high end or more for mass production.
All of Wendy's designs have a classic timeless quality - she does a lot of formal for events as well as bridal wear and for these events where people with real money go, they dont wear things off the runway as these people are 20's to 80's and a size 1 to a size 18. And all these women want to look beautiful and most have the funds to do just that.
I am a mom like Wendy and 90% of the time how I look just isnt as important as that I get done what needs to be done with my family, kids, husband and home based business as I too an entrepeneur. I did notice however in the preview to the final show, it appears Wendy has gone Red and looks much more stylish
My best guess from the promos for next week is that Wendy will win or as a long shot Jay.
I think all three of the remaining designers (and many of the other ones) are extremely talented - and the three couldnt be more different
I am actually rooting for Kara Saun as I think her designs are beautiful - note however I believe she only won one contest, and also that Wendy has won the most critical from a consumer standpoint as they are the most palatable to the general public.
The people with the bucks are driving the end result and the money overall is with the boomers and the Gen X'ers, not the 20 somethings as a percent of the whole. We have lived longer, saved more and are sitting on buckets of equity in our homes. We also have realized that no matter how hysterical you get in the end you have to do what you have to do to stay alive and ahead of the game.
eve1978
February 10, 2005 - 11:19 AM
i'm seriously outraged that wendy is still in the show. the only joy i get from it is that everyone is going to [expletive deleted] her out in next week's epidsode. also, if i were austin, i would've [expletive deleted] slapped nancy o'dell for asking me to design her oscar dress. she's the one who outed him!!!
PhDiva
February 10, 2005 - 11:29 AM
Project Runway showed wit and verve, but their show is now just another Mark Burnett knockoff. It's one thing to create drama, it's another to sacrifice talent for ratings. I will never watch the show, buy Elle magazine or, and this is the hardest part, shop at Banana Republic again.
At least Austin still gets to show at Fashion Week--a privilege he deserves far more than Pepper.
He obviously won't get the mentorship, but I so desperately hope that someone snaps him up so his designs are available and soon. Austin brought femininity and grace back to fashion. I share everyone's rage that Pepper "won" the challenge (and btw, Nancy O'Dell? They couldn't get a real celebrity?).
strangedaze
February 10, 2005 - 11:30 AM
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one final post - wow, i am shocked at your rude and inappropriate response. i merely posted an opinion of how disappointed i am with this show, and that i have better things to do with my time. i am neither "perturbed" nor "used to things going my way", and have dealt very well with many major setbacks in my life (not that this is any of your business.) the only "childishness" around here is your rude response. if you don't want to read an opinion, then don't view these message boards - they are here for people to post their views.
by the way - do you work for Bravo?????
Everythings a melodrama with you isn't it. As far as your conspiracy theories go, no, I am not a Bravo employee -- they have better things to do than to patrol these message boards. It's amusing how many people think that their complaints are heavily weighed by the powers that be. Trust me, your words are not being heard.
strangedaze
February 10, 2005 - 11:33 AM
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First off I don't think it was fair for austin getting kicked off in the final round. Crap I seen wendy design a dozen time in department stores like macy, more than I have seen austin.
If you recall, it was actually Austin's gown that was cookie cutter. I believe Michael's words were "I've seen that gown a dozen times, and so have you."
Tejayes
February 10, 2005 - 11:36 AM
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I'd like to respond to this with a different perspective. I don't think Wendy's work was as bad as indicated by many.
Wendy's greatest skill appears to being very sensitive to her clients' wishes. This week she managed to identify Ms. Odell's taste despite being the only contestant unfamiliar with the celebrity. Time after time, this sensitivity has been her saving grace. Even her failure with the postal uniform was to a significant part doomed by placing more value on the client requirements than on effectively considering the judging panel's wishes.
Outfits like the Banana Republic dress, the bathing dress and the Grammy Dress shows she has clear talent--and particular skill using color. In this week's dress, I found the construction especially skillful--she made a heavy fabric (ultrasuede?) appear to drape in a very flattering way--and I especially liked the detail of the matched tucks (or darts) at the bustline.
That said, I think Wendy’s designing shortcoming is that she doesn't have a defined style or theme. However, in other contexts, this may eventually translate into truly being an asset (most clothing designers work in environments that emphasize being able to design to a briefing or client, not to personal muses).
It’s a bit sad (though I guess it makes compelling drama) on how petty the whole situation has become. I find the collective scapegoating and childish "picking on" behavior most regrettable. However, when I consider that the whole deal was an exhausting two-week endurance contest in the hottest part of the summer, I can't say that it’s surprising that nerves were fraying.
For Wendy, I see the drama exploiting her apparent lack of self-confidence. You can clearly see this problem with her frustrations with the design process, her appearance, her (lacking) self-promotion and in her chameleon designs. I believe the producers have used this to create division. For instance, the judges have twice given her a manipulative one-two punch, by following scathing criticism with inquiries into her opinions on fellow contestants. Given that this kind of treatment has only been targeted at her, it appears manipulative. And a side of me wonders if it wasn’t one of the crew who defaced her daughters' photo?
Clearly Jay and Kera both have clearer visions of their personal senses of style. They both exceed at personal presentation at a far higher level than Wendy. This is clearly appealing much more to the judges, all of whom work at the most creative end of the design spectrum. Ironically, however, the award winner will not be working at the creative level. By working for a mainline retailer (Banana Republic) whoever wins (and I’m assuming that Wendy won’t) will ultimately have to learn to be more like Wendy—or face not succeeding at the bigger game of staying in the business.
Nice writing, Firefly! Very smart and fair, unlike me (sorry for all the ignores, people).
In actuality, I think Wendy has a lot of natural talent, as every contestant does. However, she does not have the education the others have. While all the others (save Starr) went to fashion school or something similar, Wendy went to college for anthropology, and thus is relying on her own natural talents. I don't think she should win (Jay has everything necessary to win), but I would give her $100,000 for schooling. She may be 40, but you're never too old to go to school. Once Wendy gets some good education, she could be a brilliant designer.
dancer
February 10, 2005 - 11:43 AM
The ironic thing about Austin's elimination is that if he hadn't modeled for Jay when Julia didn't show up, in all likelihood, it could have meant Jay getting eliminated instead of Rob in which case Austin might have made the final 3 if Rob was in the final 4 instead of Jay.
It's just one of the many reasons why so many of us love Austin. He kept the competition to be about talent and if he had made it, no one would be saying that it was because he backstabbed his way there. What a nice legacy Wendy has.
But it also makes me wonder about the whole thing. Why didn't Julia show up that day? Why is it that Wedny has to look the part of the wicked witch with that hair of hers and then next week she so conveniently has a better dye job? Rob as technical support was laughable. It sort fo makes one feel like this show was some sort fo scripted play.
DivaofStyle
February 10, 2005 - 11:54 AM
I am of course new to posting, but I know that I am not the only one on here that has seen the pictures from the runway show. I actually saw Wendy's first and i was surprised at first. Like hmm... maybe I was being overly critical and that she had some type of talent. But the more I saw it, the more it became to me reminiscent of the things she presented earlier in the show. That is, her stuff lacked any clear direction. It ranged from "dowdy"(I can't say how much this word has been overused)with that nancy regan dress to bad street chic. Then compared to Kara and Jay's collection she looked like a mere amateur. Though two very diffent looks, both Kara and Jay had an overall theme and look to their collections. Wendy's looked like things you have seen MANY times before on a rack in a department store. And Austin, though he is more creative and talented than Wendy, the collection did look sad to say costumy.
Harvey7475
February 10, 2005 - 11:56 AM
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I dunno who the HELL that Elle woman is, but people learn when you dont cut them down. You are supposed to be there to not only judge but to guide a teach. She seems like a crappy person.
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Yeah. She's the kind of woman my mom always warned me about: people who try to make themselves look/feel superior by bad-mouthing others. How 'bout if we pull out some pages from Elle and discuss them?
johng3110
February 10, 2005 - 11:57 AM
I just want to make one more point:
Austin Scarlett has reintroduced and reinvented femininity in fashion. And that means he is news . . . and that he has a strong career ahead of him.
DCViewer
February 10, 2005 - 11:58 AM
I too would like to know if and when we get to see the fashion shows of the three finalists. How are they going to pick the winner? When is the Elle spread running?
I'm totally irritated by the promo for next week. I don't care about who drew on Wendy's picture. I want to see the clothes!
angeedee
February 10, 2005 - 12:01 PM
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True, the show is very manufactured and it's so apparent that Wendy was a "plant" as others suggested to keep the drama in the show. But, gee, I guess some of us are just tired of the same old "reality show formula." Like others that have posted their frustration, I just crave "real" originality instead of these "manufactured" reality shows.
Very good point!
I so agree!
you know what bothers me the most?
that they call this drivel "reality."
what they mean is "we use real, desperate people so we don't have to pay those high salaries that actors charge."
corprip
February 10, 2005 - 12:01 PM
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If you recall, it was actually Austin's gown that was cookie cutter. I believe Michael's words were "I've seen that gown a dozen times, and so have you."
Actually, that was Nina. Michael was far less kind, referring to Austin's look as that a first-year fashion school student might put together.
Did anyone catch how disgusted Nina and Michael were? Nina didn't even want to look at Nancy when she was praising Wendy.
DivaofStyle
February 10, 2005 - 12:04 PM
You can see the clothes online now and judge for yourself. Go to gettyimages.com and type in Project Runway and you will see the pics from the show. And the caption will tell you who designed what. But trust me you wont need it cause you will be able to tell just by looking at the clothes.
oscar
February 10, 2005 - 12:07 PM
At one point I actually thought Thoms had something intelligent and credible to say.
My mistake.
I focused on the design aspect of the show - - I have no interest in "borrowing" drama.
tivogirl
February 10, 2005 - 12:09 PM
I avoid reality shows. Just the previews of most repulse me. I have been thankful to have stumbled on this one from Episode 1. Each designer has been fun to watch--except Wendy. Her designs are unflattering in the hip- even on models. She is ugly on the inside; which reflects not only in her speach, but her eyeshadow. From a business stance she is too mean sprited work with a team, and would not be a respected boss. This liability needs to go back to making Prom dresses in the 'burbs. Kara has been solid in her designs. She has also shown that she can be cordial and professional. After Wendy is no longer a pawn of "good television", Kara will be a name to look for (along with Jay, Austin, and the rest of the cast).
LilibetP
February 10, 2005 - 12:10 PM
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do you think jay was helped or hurt by kara's (well-intentioned) advice?
HURT!!!...
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