lisakaz
February 17, 2005 - 12:46 AM
Kara started out being very supportive and helpful to Wendy. In episode 3, SHE gave Wendy a makeover. Kara has slowly turned her opinion around, starting around the USPS episode and reinforced when Wendy took her fabric (and as Robert put it, Wendy started out with a blue and silver dress beforehand, so she clearly changed her view based on studying what Kara was doing). It does look like Kara has gotten to the end of her rope, but I don't think Jay has any different of an opinion. I think Kara is forced to spend more time with Wendy and Wendy probably thought she could annoy Kara more (maybe overlooking Jay as competition). Jay is likely saying "everybody hates you" to Wendy. Why is Kara now a villain when she isn't saying anything different than Jay? Jay has already said he hates Wendy. Kara is more upset. That seems to be the major difference, and perhaps it is because Kara actually helped Wendy out and was generous and feels stung here. We'll have to wait and see.
lk
cidk
February 17, 2005 - 01:02 AM
I have to wonder, how is it possible that Wendy has managed to make it thus far?! It certainly isn't based on her talent or innovation. And even though she won the Grammy contest, she never should have made it that far in the first place. And by the way, just because she managed to get her design picked (which is fairly meaningless) if you compare her body of work to Austins, and the strength of her position (or the lack thereof) for the previous episodes compared to his repeated wins, it's pathetic. She can't hold a candle to Austin's work or accomplishments. She should have been cut from the beginning and has always been on the ragged edge of being thrown off for poor workmanship and design quality. My gosh... they felt her overall style was "dowdy"! And how right they were!!! Her truly unlikable and conniving personality aside - if you judge her simply based on her work, without any judgement towards her person, I'm just shaking my head at how very mediocre and unremarkable she is, and how far she's come on such little talent.
The only thing I can think of to solve this riddle, is that she is the antagonist to this soap opera... the person you love to hate. Her personality gives the show a great deal of tension, adds an element of intrigue and anticipation (ie. what sh*t is Wendy going to pull this week) and serves to agitate the other designers in ways that, although not pleasant, creates friction. I think she's the "rubber neck" element. Everyone is waiting to see what will come of the dynamics she creates, and whether or not she will finally get what she deserves, and get cut! Sort of like a train wreck - you just can't bring yourself to look away, even though you hate looking.
I think she's there strictly for the drama and poor Austin took it in the shorts, because if he, Kara, and Jay had been left in the end... there wouldn't be any drama or tension. They all like each other, and are pretty darn supportive of one another, considering the pressure they're under. Austin was the most tolerant of her and the least likely to react to Wendy's crap; whereas, Jay and Kara are having an increasing difficulty in suppressing their hostility and agitation towards her. It makes for more interesting viewing and therefore generates higher ratingsto keep Wendy and cut Austin. She's like the Erica Cain character of All My Children - lets face it, people would way rather watch a cat fight building, than folks being warm and fuzzy.
Personally, I think they've done a disservice to both Austin and Wendy. To Austin, because he's an amazing talent and deserved a fair shot, and to Wendy, because she's being used to pump ratings, not because of her accomplishments and talent.
loulou
February 17, 2005 - 01:28 AM
I think that Wendy is NOT mean. I mean, come on...it's a competition. Get real! Why is it that men can be serious- and that's okay, but when women take 'life' seriously, they are b*tches? I mean, other designers on the show talk about Wendy- calling her names, making fun of her-and yet NO one talks about how "unfair" that is...but Wendy is asked a question on HER opinion of something, and she gives it- and she's a horrible person?? I think not. At least you don't see her attacking other people.
rmm4jay
February 17, 2005 - 02:00 AM
I really agree with everything you said. I believe that wendy was used to boost ratings and add drama... and it obviously worked. Practically all the messages on this board are about wendy... how much we hate her, love her, whatever. Personally, i don't think wendy is as talented as Jay, Kara or Austin. I believe that the producers of the show merely responded to the tremendous reaction to this character and kept her on to give us something to talk about. Talent aside, I loved the show for its drama, drama, drama...I am not a wendy fan so it was great to see how everyone, especially JAY, would respond to her. In the end, I'd have to say kudos to Wendy/Bravo producers for making such a great villain. Wendy was truly a character that i loved to hate.
EmpressAlexandra
February 17, 2005 - 03:07 AM
Waited till the end to post..........I think we are all in agreement....Kara, Jay and Austin were the best and most diverse designers.
If the producers kept Wendy on 'cause she was the Cruella de Ville of the show....so be it. AND.....I don't think any of the designers marked her daughter's pix. Could have been a model, could have been a crew memeber....damn could have been the producers or Wendy herself....who knows.
Listen, I didn't like her either. And even if it wasn't a set up.....even if she was a [expletive deleted].....She was a smart [expletive deleted]. She was old, dumpy....up against young hip designers. She played a strategy, was calculating, didn't give a damn....and gloated alllllllll the way to the top....so far. Like her spiritual sister Linda Tripp, Wendy is shedding her snake skin (thank god that awful hair is gone), looking younger, thinner, more attractive.....and quite frankly un-apologetic.
All this touchy-feely nonsense from the other designers was sooooooooo junior high school. The fashion world is cut throat. Damn, the business world is cut throat. Period. There's a a lot at stake in this competition. The goal is to win. Period. Not to get Miss or Mrs. Popularity....Not to win friends.....but to get to first position. Okay so she has no soul. (Do y'all reallllllly believe that ??? C'mon) And she's a [expletive deleted]. And she just doesn't give a damn. So what ??
Like that other poster said........She's the one we'all lovvvvvvvve to hate. Go get 'em Wendy.
Good luck to all the designers. I loved the show tonight. Loved having everone back. Had a blast watching all the partying.
Can't wait for next week. Having a project runway party.
Love,
Alex
maruchan
February 17, 2005 - 03:26 AM
1.Wendy stole the BR design,I knew I had seen it before,It is a sad copy of my favorite designer's work, Givenchy. 2. Wendy is a sociopath,I know, I have studied the subject,I was once victimized by one. 3. She is cunning,devious,dangerous,and will stop at nothing to get her way.She marked the picture,this is typical behavior of a sociopath,Remember her talking to herself? No one commented on that.I really think she's crazy,I think all her designs are stolen and poorly executed. She will win and do well for a while then someone at BR wil see through her and out the door she'll go. I don't feel sorry for her she only gets pleasure from others pain.
Saxon2
February 17, 2005 - 03:43 AM
I agree. Bloody good riddance to Vanessa! She can dish out the dirt, but doesn't have the courage to take it! She freely took this fantastic opportunity to shine and literally [censored] on it. No one wants to deal with someone who has the gall to "bite the hand that feeds them and then spit in their face!" She should take those "sour grapes" back with her to Texass (Bush country) and clothe those "Hillbillies" in the tasteless rags they're accustomed to wearing!
dobieheart
February 17, 2005 - 04:12 AM
There's no getting around it. As has been discussed, without the drama, it would not have garnered the large audience which it has. I think this is the reason why the Reunion show paid extra attention to Austin: because he should well have been in the top three. I'm very gratified that he got the opportunity to show at Fashihon Week, and I have no doubt that his glamorous flair attracted a following. The only other "Reality" show I've ever watched is "Queer Eye..." It's fun and upbeat with interesting and attractive regulars.
You should know that TV makes a FORTUNE on reality shows. It's not "THe West Wing" where production values are near perfection and astounding actor salaries are doled out.
Twitchly
February 17, 2005 - 04:52 AM
Quote:
I'm sorry that this show did not live up to many people's expectations but it was a COMPETITION. Exploiting your opponent's weaknesses is standard in competing.
Wrong. It's standard in sports and business, maybe, but not in artistic competitions, where one actually has to rely on -- gasp -- one's own talent, vision, and skill. PR was ostensibly about talent but of course is more about ratings. But the designers' careers will ultimately be about a combination of talent *and* business acumen. I doubt, though, that sabotaging other designers and making them look bad will further one's career as much as creating great clothes that people respect and want to buy.
Even in the business world, it's frequently not about exploiting opponents' weaknesses (Microsoft notwithstanding). I actually work for a company that hires you based on whether you make your co-workers look good. Imagine that.
-- Twitchly
AnneDecollete
February 17, 2005 - 04:58 AM
Quote:
Is anybody else willing to agree with me now that Vanessa is a [expletive deleted]? Not only that but a bitter pathetic drunken [censored]? Major points for Jay and Nora (yay) for ripping on her. I bet Wendy was relieved that Vanessa was rambling and therefore deflecting the spotlight from her own suckitude.
I had an inkling the night Vanessa lost and petulantly asked if she could "go now" when Heidi was saying goodbye to her. When I saw the teaser about one designer walking off I predicted it would probably be Vanessa. Wendy would have been too obvious, plus she puts up the "sticks and stones" shield and the icewater in her veins gets even colder. No way was Wendy going to be the one. I thought maybe Starr or Nora could have been possibilities since they are so young and each had an emotional near-breakdown in the early episodes, but I couldn't figure any reason someone would be attacking them enough to make them leave. I was impressed with both of them last night. And Jay was awesome - the most serious I've seen him - take note, Mr. Page 6 man - this guy CAN take care of business!
I think Vanessa's own insecurities, bitterness and poor sportsmanship, combined with the wine (did anyone notice how fast she was drinking it? and remember how well she held her liquor throughout the show? Ha!) ... well, that was a deadly combination. I believe she walked off because she was just sober enough to realize that if she stayed she would have made a total jackass of herself ... and she was very close to it.
It did kinda take the spotlight off Wendy and there may be some Wendy haters out there who are now going to be dividing their bashing between her and Vanessa. But with only another week to go, they should be able to dish out plenty to go around.
desperatewannabe
February 17, 2005 - 05:02 AM
Twitchly, I'm with you in part. This show was about talent, and in that respect Wendy finishes near the bottom of the pack for sure. (Although it occurred to me watching the recap show and then some clips from the rest of the season -- she was also one of the few without a formal design education. By Fashion Week, the clothes are no longer dowdy, just a little been there, done that. They are IMHO a million times better than the crap on her website. SO maybe she did learn something from the show, Tim and the others).
But the fashion design world is NOTORIOUSLY backbiting and bitchy. It is a business involving huge egos. The top designers at houses often crawled over the backs of other designers to get there. So, yeah, there is an element of backbiting in that business like any other, you need to learn to live with.
notevayas
February 17, 2005 - 05:10 AM
Quote:
Wendy is the obvious villain but personally I find Austin hard to swallow too. He comes across as an arrogant prig, i.e. "I was born to be a star" or something like that. Granted some of his designs are beautiful (episode 1) but when it comes to wearability? Forget it. He just doesn't get it. He lives in his little world where Austin Scarlett is the fashion god who will bring his sense of beauty to the little people. Sorry, but fashion is not fine art. Van Gogh can work in an attic and not care a fig about what the masses think about his paintings but a fashion designer must work with the public. Ergo, the difference between an artist and a designer. Even his couture "vision" doesn't strike me as anything new or different. It's been done over and over again. So Scarlett, get over yourself and start listening to the little people.
I think Austin has a healthy self-image and if he comes across as conceited, it is probably because he is so unapologetic for his vision and his opinions. I think it is pretty self-evident that Austin has had to be stubborn to survive this world. He does not troll for sympathy like Wendy or play it for laughs like my favorite, Jay. And when Austin starts listening to the 'little people' he will stop being the artist he is. And that would probably kill him.
Yes, he will not be such a business success initially, but if he can keep his name associated with his own aesthetic, he will have the customers coming to him before long. I wish for him to have the opportunity to work for a compatible and more established designer while he refines his art. It would be a mutually beneficial relationship, because Austin shows an admirable work ethic.
Do I agree with everything he says? Hell no! I disagree with some of what he said in the extended interview here on this site. He was saying that he saw Jay as more of a fellow artist than Kara Saun. That part I could agree with. But then he went on to say that both he and Kara Saun drew from the past, but while Kara Saun drew from the "tacky 70's", he, Austin, drew from a time when there was beauty and worth.(not his words..I forget his exact words). This bothered me because I see a multicultural (God I hate that word but love the concept.. give me a better word!) leaning in both Jay's and Kara Saun's work. I see only a european influence in Austin's work. So I translate his aversion to the 70's look, as a bit more negative than he intended I'm sure. It's like the "I hate Disco" that was so fashionable when I was a kid (and secretly loved that old stuff.) On the one hand, some disco was awful, but behind the trashing of it was a power struggle between disco's ethnic inclusivity and white boy rock. Also between fashion and anti-fashion. Also between gay and straight in a way. So, even though the 70's was my mother's generation and I resented the impact what I call 70's morals had on the family life of my generation, I also can see the beauty in the attempts of diverse people to come together and celebrate life. And I often see that sensibility reflected in the bright and daring fashions of the time. Retro is not all bad! I think that Austin should remember that the period styles he favors were from the times when many of us had no access to a good life, though he may very well have found patrons then also.
So, while I would say that it is a good thing that he does not listen to a media celebrity like O'Dell, who, whatever her tastes are privately, does not have the status to attempt a classier look than the trashiest of celebs that she interviews, he should look to wider influences than he does, and not dismiss Kara Saun's aesthetic out of hand.
But enough about Austin! My favorite is Jay and I have only more respect for him after the way he comported himself on the "reunion" show. I can see him working with a team, leading a team, doing great independently as well. Banana Republic would be lucky to get him for a year!
Looking at Jay's fashions on the show, there is not a weak effort in the bunch. They are all different and yet all have the unique flavor of Jay. And it is disingenuous to label him as 'punk' or 'rock'. He is so much more complicated than that. I think it was Tim the 'hot [expletive deleted]' who called Jay's work infused with intelligence.. or maybe I just wanted an excuse to second that statement? Both statements! Anywayhow, I can see a World Influence in Jay's work, Kara's work, Austin's work. I just see MORE of the WORLD influencing Jay! He is just brewing POTENTIAL and is finally coming out of his shell and SHOWING HIS ART.
YEAH! DESIGNERS ARE ARTISTS! GO JAY!
notevayas
softhemidwest
February 17, 2005 - 05:11 AM
After watching the Recap show I couldn't believe how Wendy handled herself. She could've easily redeemed herself by saying she felt bad seeing how she acted and was sorry and just hoped that everyone could forgive her and realize that she wanted the same dream as all of them - instead she came of as a completely arrogant [expletive deleted]. Why would a grown woman do that? She must be proud of her accomplishments to deceive everyone. I really agree with the comment that she was kept on only to boost the ratings. The fact that she stayed and Austin got cut sure got my blood boiling. From here on it is a real tummy turner because Jay and Kara are equally talented and it's all going to come down to who has everything work in their favor on judgement day. I wish we could have been able to communicate with all the designers while the show was going on. It would have been nice to encourage the ones we are rooting for while they were in the actual competition. **** One other thing I am curious about though...... Does anyone know where the article is that Vanessa wrote that Jay said was so horrible? Where can I read it? I'm very curious.
desperatewannabe
February 17, 2005 - 05:16 AM
It did mine.
Nora -- what a cutie! I thought she was talented, now I think she's smart, decent and maturing nicely. She had more perspective on the whole thing than Vanessa, the self-proclaimed "professional" designer.
Mario and Daniel -- still look too much alike. I swear to you that's why they were eliminated early. Cute, funny, but the producers couldn't tell them apart (except by which one was hitting on Tim).
KS -- some other poster said she was pretty preachy and annoying last night. I'd have to agree. Doesn't change her abilities, of course, but the holier than thou stuff was irritating. Made me less of a fan.
Jay -- what a doll! Very fair-minded. Doesn't change his views of the world to suit others, has a great wit, but doesn't see a need to be a jerk either.
Vanessa -- wow! What a nutcase! I now think I know why she left the show -- she has a problem dealing with stress, and it was only going to get worse. I think she wanted to limit the amount of bad video they would be showing of her drunk and crazy. Love to go to a bar with her, though!
Wendy -- no real change in opinion, though she did look GREAT, comparatively. Actually, I thought Vanessa was even more pissed off because she looked Dowdier than Wendy now.
Kevin -- I actually respected him more. He seemed very fair-minded and even subtle about his experience. (Insinunated that Wendy deserved the Grammy nod!). However, he obviously did the stache. I have never seen anyone telegraph fear as obviously -- the little gnawing on the lower lip -- as when Tim nailed him. Sorry, if he's on the witness stand, I know he's lyin about that one. Still, I like him and hope he is wildly successful.
Everyone else was pretty consistent with how I thought they were during the show. How about you?
AnneDecollete
February 17, 2005 - 05:19 AM
Quote:
**** One other thing I am curious about though...... Does anyone know where the article is that Vanessa wrote that Jay said was so horrible? Where can I read it? I'm very curious.
http://www.popgurls.com/article_show.php3?id=529
NewObserver
February 17, 2005 - 05:23 AM
After watching the Reunion show, it's clear that Wendy isn't the only one with issues.
Kara Saun: Get over it. Wendy is in the final three. Deal with it.
Vanessa: Get over it. The show wasn't what you expected. Deal with it.
Whodunit? My bet is that Kevin and/or Austin wrote on Wendy's picture. Kevin was squirming with that guilty look on his face. Austin kept saying it was a "silly thing" to do. "Silly?" That's a word used when someone gets caught after peforming some minor mischief. If nothing else, I think Austin was in on it; maybe he was the lookout.
Eve889
February 17, 2005 - 05:23 AM
I caught part of the recap show last night (inbetween watching Alias). I'll catch the rest of it this weekend during reruns. I did see Vanessa go off -- and Jay ripping into her. Were they quoting the blog (they called it an article, but I think it was part of a web blog) where she ripped into Heidi (and the show)? When Vanessa stomped off -- was it my imagination or was Heidi grinning like a chesire cat? Part of me wondered if she was glad Vanessa was gone.
PRaddict
February 17, 2005 - 05:44 AM
Well said. So many people think that just because these 11 other people don't like Wendy that she must be evil. But these 11 people are so much alike and Wendy is so different, I don't buy into their opinions much. If you noticed in the recap, she wasn't really part of their group from the beginning. I laugh whenever Kara says that Wendy turned into a different person. They were there for what, a month?! Maybe they were all just too drunk to notice what kind of person Wendy was. I doubt they even cared - they thought she was going home right away.
300 people showed up for her charity event on February 9th. I'm sure these are people that know her better than those 11 designers or any of us. She may not be perfect, she may be rather imperfect, but she's a human being. A mother, a wife, a daughter, a member of a small town community. It sickens me to see how downright nasty people can be regarding someone they've only seen on television.
Griggs
February 17, 2005 - 06:01 AM
Wendy good luck we are keeping our fingers crossed for you. You seamed to listen to your clients and have their interest in your designs. GOOD LUCK !!!
utgrrl
February 17, 2005 - 06:02 AM
My suspicion is that Morgan (the model) drew on the picture -- it was around the same time that Kevin left the show that Morgan was eliminated. And Morgan seems the type to do something childish and impulsive like drawing on Wendy's daughter's picture.
fancytancy
February 17, 2005 - 06:08 AM
Has anyone found how to contact Austin yet? I hope if he doesn't have a website that he will get one up an running soon....
Go Jay!
katgirl
February 17, 2005 - 06:09 AM
you finally found something to pick with KaraSaun about! hurray for you! but please note that she wasn't the only one that was giving it to Wendy - Daniel and the other guys were not shy and neither was Jay - did you hear what he had to say about Wendy and then he called Vanessa "soul less". i think its about time Kara Saun spoke up she pissed me off by trying to be so diplomatic all of the time - Wendy is a purposely self-created beyotch and the other designers should have reckoned with her evil ahs during the show not just during the recap. And i still think she drew on the picture herself. please note that she never uttered a word when Vanessa accused her (probably worried that there was footage that could dispute whatever lie she was thinking of telling). Wendy didn't just "learn", Wendy stole ideas and "looks" as evidenced by her 360 degree change from dowdy to somewhat current - the bodice she created in her runway show...she'd never done bodices like that before - look at KS's deconstruction piece for reference. layers - she didn't know anything about layers...look at Jay's use of materials. bottomline i hope Wendy wins, cuz to do work for chains like BR you have to be a copy cat as evidenced by her BR cape dress, she's a perfect fit - she'll sell her soul for BR but jay and ks won't! i hope the next Project Runway will be sponsored by Ralph Lauren or DKNY or some more creative organization then we'll see a real competition!!!!!!
utgrrl
February 17, 2005 - 06:11 AM
I have to agree that Kara Saun came off as a little too preachy -- but you know, for as much as I don't like Wendy, I think that she defended herself well....doesn't make me like her tho'.
And what is up with Morgan and her continued drama? She won't come on the reunion show unless everyone signs an agreement to not portray her in a negative light...um, Morgan, honey, get a clue. If they were to portray you in a positive light, there would be no footage....
I LOVE JAY & AUSTIN! They are guaranteed to be fashionable, funny and just plain entertaining. Since Austin is out of the running, I really want JAY TO WIN! I think Kara Saun is very talented, but JAY is such a personality that you can't help but love him!
Chinchilla3
February 17, 2005 - 06:14 AM
Quote:
It did mine.
Nora -- what a cutie! I thought she was talented, now I think she's smart, decent and maturing nicely. She had more perspective on the whole thing than Vanessa, the self-proclaimed "professional" designer.
Mario and Daniel -- still look too much alike. I swear to you that's why they were eliminated early. Cute, funny, but the producers couldn't tell them apart (except by which one was hitting on Tim).
KS -- some other poster said she was pretty preachy and annoying last night. I'd have to agree. Doesn't change her abilities, of course, but the holier than thou stuff was irritating. Made me less of a fan.
Jay -- what a doll! Very fair-minded. Doesn't change his views of the world to suit others, has a great wit, but doesn't see a need to be a jerk either.
Vanessa -- wow! What a nutcase! I now think I know why she left the show -- she has a problem dealing with stress, and it was only going to get worse. I think she wanted to limit the amount of bad video they would be showing of her drunk and crazy. Love to go to a bar with her, though!
Wendy -- no real change in opinion, though she did look GREAT, comparatively. Actually, I thought Vanessa was even more pissed off because she looked Dowdier than Wendy now.
Kevin -- I actually respected him more. He seemed very fair-minded and even subtle about his experience. (Insinunated that Wendy deserved the Grammy nod!). However, he obviously did the stache. I have never seen anyone telegraph fear as obviously -- the little gnawing on the lower lip -- as when Tim nailed him. Sorry, if he's on the witness stand, I know he's lyin about that one. Still, I like him and hope he is wildly successful.
Everyone else was pretty consistent with how I thought they were during the show. How about you?
I agree with everything you said! But I've got some stuff on the others you forgot.
Starr-Seemed much more like an actual attorney this time. Very in control, very smooth, very stable and articulate. I think the show just ended up throwing her for a loop because it was something entirely different and in a sense, she was completely out of her element and a little inexperienced when compared with the others.
Rob-Rob, Rob, Mr. Rob. Did anyone else find it hilarious that he managed to lose track of what he was saying mid statement? I really like this guy and even though he was clearly in favor of some people over others, he had enough grace and class not to have be nasty. He seemed like a great guy (and all the gratuitous near nudity didn't hurt).
Austin-I thought he was so sweet and innocent before but watching his extended interview and from what he had to say on the show, he still seemed a tad bitter and resentful that he was eliminated. I am glad, however, that different aspects of his personality were shown because we were able to see that he is human (and still cute as a button).
Alexandra-This girl just isn't a talker, but I like her. She always seems in control and she seems like a real professional.
In general-Nora's impersonations were hilarious! If that girl doesn't make it as a designer, she should definitely audition for SNL! And Jay, I liked him before but now I love him (not like love-love him, but, you know). He is a little out there and in his own little dramatic world but he still clearly has a grasp on this one and is able to remain grounded. He also isn't afraid to confront, which I always respect.
PRaddict
February 17, 2005 - 06:14 AM
Nora -- she definitely had much more of a personality that I thought. Her impersonations were hilarious.
Mario and Daniel -- I never had an opinion of these two. It seemed silly to see them rip on Wendy as she really didn't get either one of them eliminated and I don't get the impression that she interacted with them much. They just jumped on the bandwagon like everyone else.
KS -- I really can't stand her. She's all peaches and cream when she's the center of attention and the favorite but I wish I could have seen her face when she read some of those lukewarm reviews her runway show received. She definitely feels threatened by Wendy (she wants to think talent will win out in the end but I'm sure there's a seed of doubt since she never thought Wendy would come this far).
Jay -- as much as he clearly dislikes Wendy, he somehow manages to keep some degree of maturity through it all, even while calling her a cockroach and repeating how much he 'hates' her all of the time. I don't think he's comfortable with the idea of completely ruining her life but maybe I'm wrong.
Vanessa -- I thought she was a [expletive deleted] after reading that article. Now I see she's an alcoholic [expletive deleted]. She is very deluded. Why have a competition at all if she just thinks the 3 most experienced designers should have won? And what does amateur designer mean anyway since clearly some of these people have been working as designers for years.
Wendy -- I'm a Wendy fan. I have been since the beginning. I'm not saying I agree with everything she's done but I don't think she deserves the amount of hatred that's been directed at her. I think she handled herself very well considering how much was thrown at her. She clearly doesn't like Kara but if you were in a competition and kept getting slammed while someone else kept getting praised, it's going to sting. It's human nature to want to outdo that person.
Kevin -- I never know what to think of him. He's sort of strange. He didn't say much last night.
Alexandra - was she there? She's practically invisible.
Robert - dumber than I thought (and I thought he was pretty dumb after he said that people would be solar-powered in 50 years) but he's got the most class out of all of them.
Starr - ugh. she's still just Starr to me. She is definitely one designer that I don't feel has a right to attack Wendy's talent.
Austin - same old Austin. I really think he overreacted to Wendy's criticism of his leadership on the runway when he himself turned around and criticized Vanessa. But that was okay because they were friends and still are???? But after that Wendy was persona non grata?
utgrrl
February 17, 2005 - 06:18 AM
Thank goodness it's not just me - it takes me forever to read just one thread --- and trying to use "next" to read the next message in the thread doesn't work -- instead it sends you to the next major forum. Argh!
Chinchilla3
February 17, 2005 - 06:23 AM
Quote:
Well said. So many people think that just because these 11 other people don't like Wendy that she must be evil. But these 11 people are so much alike and Wendy is so different, I don't buy into their opinions much. If you noticed in the recap, she wasn't really part of their group from the beginning. I laugh whenever Kara says that Wendy turned into a different person. They were there for what, a month?! Maybe they were all just too drunk to notice what kind of person Wendy was. I doubt they even cared - they thought she was going home right away.
300 people showed up for her charity event on February 9th. I'm sure these are people that know her better than those 11 designers or any of us. She may not be perfect, she may be rather imperfect, but she's a human being. A mother, a wife, a daughter, a member of a small town community. It sickens me to see how downright nasty people can be regarding someone they've only seen on television.
I agree! I always try to remind people that this is a show and a competition: two situations that would change people dramatically on their own and when put together are like gasoline to a camp fire. People are going to play it differently and that's what makes it interesting. The show was shot over three weeks (I think?) and you cannot get to know someone in that amount of time-especially when someone is doing the picking and choosing of what you see! They all seemed interesting and different, and most of them appeared to realize that this was just some show that they were on. None of these people are going to be ruined by this, no matter when they were eliminated.
shadow6
February 17, 2005 - 06:26 AM
OK-had to get in on this. I was a fashion junkie in the early 80's and PR has got me hooked again. I have followed Wendy because I think she is quite different from the rest. She has not lived and breathed "fashion" in NYC. She has lived it in the "real world" She has approached this show quite differently from the rest and to me more objectively. When it gets down to the runway it is the judges and producers deciding, not the other designers. They seem to forget they are on a "manipulated reality show" and the end credits say the winner is chosen with input from producers or whoever else- the statement is never on the screen long enough to read the whole thing. I am thinking that Wendy is the only one who gets that!
When they got to the Grammy dress- I was underwhelmed too but truthfully, the bodice and back on Wendy's seemed to be the best choice. There was no other option but to let Austin go. So..is Wendy the most talented? NO. Is Wendy a savvy business women? Absolutely. Is there rampent jealously from the others? It is seathing and I am sure that those eliminated would "play" differently if they had another chance.
Also-Kara needs to check herself. She is very talented and worked very hard for a long time to get here but she is appearing arrogent and if she says "your gonna need your soul one day" one more time I'm gonna scream! Wendy has not sold hers-being blunt and straight forward takes guts it is not selling your soul. Wendy- congrats for getting this far, I think you are just as surprised but Jay is my pick-he has been consistantly great and just under the radar - great personality that changes for no one. P.S.-from a mother's viewpoint I think Austin did it-he looks like a little kid quietly squirming while someone else takes the blame. But I still like him too!
utgrrl
February 17, 2005 - 06:27 AM
Quote: The show was shot over three weeks (I think?) and you cannot get to know someone in that amount of time-especially when someone is doing the picking and choosing of what you see!
No way that the show was filmed in just three weeks. I would estimate 6 weeks... but does anyone know for sure?
Morgasmo
February 17, 2005 - 06:28 AM
>>KS -- I really can't stand her. She's all peaches and cream >>when she's the center of attention and the favorite
I think her confidence was shaken a bit with the whole Grammy dress challenge. This was the only time when the judges lambasted her. The whole thing with Wendy and the color palette and the fabric might be a scapegoat for her? I don't know. It's very unlike her to get so pissed but she's grating a bit
>>Austin - same old Austin. I really think he overreacted to >>Wendy's criticism of his leadership on the runway when he >>himself turned around and criticized Vanessa.
I think Austin was just reacting naturally. Upon hearing Wendy's rationale for volunteering Austin's name in the reunion show, I thought he nodded and seemed to accept her answer. Austin's such a character that it would be in his nature to overreact to such a thing.
shadow6
February 17, 2005 - 06:36 AM
Oh yeah- forgot- any thoughts on Rob! He said nothing the entire reunion show. No one asked how he got so far-others were far more talented! No resentment or animosity toward him!
utgrrl
February 17, 2005 - 06:37 AM
Yes, I agree. I love Austin - even if he didn't get into the top 3, I think the important thing is that his designs are seen -- (Nancy O'dell wanted to know if Austin was available to design her Oscar dress) -- I know that PR isn't the end of the line, but just the beginning for Austin.
I think that just like "American Idol" each of the top three designers will be winners - in fact, I think that the top 12 are winners -- with all that publicity and attention, you are bound to benefit, esp. since this show is such a hit!
ThomsTeddyBear
February 17, 2005 - 06:56 AM
Quote:
As predicted Wendy was not gonna win any popularity contests with the other designers. And as I thought, she basically didn't give a [censored]. That woman must have ice in her veins to sit through that.
And she STILL tried to justify it as a "game" instead of using talent. She sucks, plain and simple and I'm glad she gets what's coming to her including Jay in the scenes for next week saying, "EVERYBODY HATES YOU!"
Quote:
Is anybody else willing to agree with me now that Vanessa is a [expletive deleted]? Not only that but a bitter pathetic drunken [censored]? Major points for Jay and Nora (yay) for ripping on her. I bet Wendy was relieved that Vanessa was rambling and therefore deflecting the spotlight from her own suckitude.
Me - well I don't agree with the whole drunken b*tch thing but she is definitely not showing herself in a good light now. Gave her the benefit of the doubt after reading the article (way too long, didn't read it all) but after hearing her speak, I think that she is burnt out on her anger at the show. On the down side, though it's good to have confidence in yourself, it's not good to bring it to a point of near narcissism(sp?). I liked her, thought she was funny...now I don't hate her but I don't know what to think about her anymore.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 17, 2005 - 07:06 AM
Quote:
>>There's another saying, "if you can't stand the heat, get >>out of the kitchen."
I hate to say this but the much anticipated Wendy melt-down didn't materialize. She basically didn't waver from her usual positions and i think the designers actually got bored with it...Vanessa ended up being the easier target.
Agreed - shame Vanessa set herself up that way. It left little time for the designers to confront Wendy completely. She knew it was going to happen anyway but there's no getting away from Jay and Kara next week!
Quote:
Speaking of emails, Wendy stated that a lot of the fans of the show wrote to her and were "upset" with her. I wonder how much hate mail she got before she put the filter/blocker dealie?
It's gotta be quite a flow of "upset" email to put the filters on not once, but twice! I believe someone said there was one filtering process at first then they refined it a second time. That's gotta be a pretty big chunk of "upset" emails.
("upset" - nice substitution)
adelphus
February 17, 2005 - 07:07 AM
I've been watching this show since day one but never posted here because this board is SO D*MN SLOW! It's taken me a half hour just to get this far.
Anyway, I'm watching the reunion and everyone is dumping on Wendy. I don't get it, not at all. Just because the rest of the group is emotionally based and Wendy is more analytical doesn't mean she doesn't have a soul! God! It seems like she has more soul than most of them. I mean, she was comforting Morgan when she was late, she was really upset about the rift that formed between her and Austin, she went to tears when someone defaced her picture.
She acts distant to preserve herself because I think she is a fish out of water. The fashion world is filled with these artsy types, I would know, I've been there and dropped out because it was too emotionally toxic. They seem to be the nicest, kindest, most fun-loving people until they are irked by something, then become almost savagely cruel.
If my life depended on anyone in that show I would bet on Wendy. The others think they're so tough? Lets see them raise a kid and then come back into the fashion world.
As for KS's sickening attacks on her as being manipulative and sabotaging, that's a lot of crap. If Kevin had been a good leader and Wendy had said otherwise, the judges wouldn't have cared. They would've dumped Kevin anyway. What the designers say often has no real effect on what the judges think. At that point they already have their decision. And Kevin was a bad leader. I mean, he went in a completely different direction than the rest of the group! Even Austin's fit in better. Wendy was asked a question; 'Was Kevin a bad leader?' and she took it that they wanted a truthful answer not a suck-up answer so she told the truth.
The way Austin and the others froze her out shows that they are so immature that they can't handle someone pointing out faults. They'd rather hate her than except the fact that there were problems with Austin and Kevin. And she's entitled to her own opinion anyway.
What a bunch of jerks.
KS gets all crapped up about Wendy using 'her' colours. No one owns the colour orange and Wendy can use it if she wants to. Thinking she's picking the colour just to sabotage you or copy you is so infantile. Get over yourself, Kara. Wendy didn't win by setting your dress on fire, she won because O'Dell LIKED HERS BETTER! She used 'your' colour and used it better.
And you know what? Wendy almost never talks crap about anyone! You notice that? Jay and Kara and friends are busy talking trash behind her back and Wendy's just trying to survive. She's always civil. How sick that no one wanted to clap for her at the reunion when she came in. I don't think she was ever mean to ANYONE on that show. Never put anyone down, that I saw.
It boils down to this. The rest of the designers talk big about having souls and doing fashion for the love of the art, but not one of them had the balls and the maturity to step forward and say anything in her defense. Not one of them tried to help her when her picture was ruined. Even if she did accuse them, a real good person would have understood that she said those things out of anger and overlooked them.
Personally, I'm not sure I want Wendy to win. I don't want her to stay in the high fashion scene with this breed of people. I want her to find her niche with a more family-based fashion industry like the company I work with. The behavior that most of the other designers have displayed would never have been tolerated here.
So Wendy, if you have the divine patience that is required to do anything on the board, I hope you read this and know it's not you. I know people and you are a good person who has stepped into a fabulous, glittery, cruel world of volatile egos, and if you don't have a thick skin (I don't) you will lose your soul; you won't give it away, the industry will steal it from you. I still love fashion and I still design, but I'm never stepping in the ring again.
-Anie
PS. Austin is the most beautiful man I've ever seen! Besides Johnny Depp, of course.
musclemonkey
February 17, 2005 - 07:08 AM
I think Vanessa is a prime example of everyone else on the show. We never got to see any of them as they truly are. Only the way the producers wanted us to see them. I am not even going to mention Wendy.
Kara came of differently because I think she's had it. I know I would have been burnt out a long time ago with everything that has gone on. Wouldn't we all be?
ThomsTeddyBear
February 17, 2005 - 07:11 AM
Quote:
I wasn't surprised that many of the designers turned on Wendy. Most of these designers, while having superior talent, have the maturity level of a spiteful junior high preteen turning on the judging grown up, all lacking independent thought, embracing the pack mentality with amazing efficiency. Their youthful smugness is tempered only by their lack of personal depth, education, and life experience. Despite their verbal disdain for her, the other designers are amazingly threatened and jealous of Wendy. She provided a convenient outlet for their anxiety and self doubt. Little do the kids know, their lack of character, inarticulately expressed, will follow them to their next job interview, which is really what this show is.
Now boys and girls, THIS is the way to put your foot in your mouth right out of the gate. Just goes to show that just because you're a self-imposed "educated" intellectual, it don't mean jack-smack if it doesn't come with wisdom - they're two separate things.
RGRRGR
February 17, 2005 - 07:13 AM
"Is anybody else willing to agree with me now that Vanessa is a [expletive deleted]? Not only that but a bitter pathetic drunken [censored]? Major points for Jay and Nora (yay) for ripping on her. I bet Wendy was relieved that Vanessa was rambling and therefore deflecting the spotlight from her own suckitude."
I for one would not agree with you in any of your rantings. I feel that Vanessa was just being honest with her feelings and expressing some of the crap that I for one assumed was occurring on the show. I respect Vanessa for her honesty even though some of it may have been tinged with understandable sour grapes. I have been aware of her work for several years now and appreciate its simple beauty and sophistication.
aguynamedWayne
February 17, 2005 - 07:13 AM
It still amazes me, that after all the talk on this website about how the producers of the show used the "Producers Preference" rules to decide the three finalists instead of basing it solely on talent (Everyone knows Wendy got to the finals because the public hated her, and the producers knew that every show needs a villian to keep up the dramatics and ratings. So it was not a real contest and not really a "Reality" show. But even though it has been discussed in depth, it only takes one new episode, to make people forget that, and start thinking exactly the way the Producers of the show want you too. Last night was all about rehabilitating Wendy and her image (The real fashionistas in New York seem to agree with the public that giving Wendy a leg up to Fashion Week was all about ratings and not about fashion, read any of the reviews by the real critics and you'll see what I mean). So the show tried a bit of creative Media rehabilitation. So if thats what the show is about, thats cool. It's entertainment, not a fashion competition. So lets stop acting like it is anything other than that. And since it is really all about ratings, the producers should recognize a star bullet when they see one. Jay and Austin should be given thier own show. A new millenium version of the Odd Couple. Just put those two in a room, give them some booze and watch the ratings zoom through the roof!
gowendy
February 17, 2005 - 07:13 AM
I can't believe I've actually been moved to post a message to defend Wendy after last night's show. That group is acting like an unruly mob and I just don't get the animosity they have for her or her work. In group dynamics and office politics there always seems to be the much hated outsider. Frankly, I think the other designers are too hallow headed to understand that they come off as the cast of "Lord of the Flies".
I'll admit Wendy wasn't always consistant but she did win crucial challenges including the one getting her designs on the market through Banana Republic. Frankly, post-office clothing should be practical and comfortable are her defense of her design seemed pretty cogent. I can't think of one other designer that shows more commercial savvy.
gowendy
ThomsTeddyBear
February 17, 2005 - 07:17 AM
Quote:
I think Wendy played her cards VERY WELL, and in any competition, she had Strategic motives to get where she wants, and for the rest to turn against her, Well they're being SORE LOSERS.
We'll have to wait until the 2 hour finale to see who wins.
Better a sore loser with talent than a hack-winner. Her email filters tell the story of what people think of her - she won't win...unless BR wants its stock to drop like Pier 1's did after they got rid of Thom.
musclemonkey
February 17, 2005 - 07:17 AM
I hate to label anyone since we don't actually know them, but I would say [expletive deleted] pretty much sums it up.
anOutsider
February 17, 2005 - 07:19 AM
This is a message to all of you who write here defending Wendy. The quote below is one of the few things some of you understood:
Quote:
So..is Wendy the most talented? NO.
Please!!!
Write your messages somewhere else! Remember, the subject of this group is "Designers". Wendy is not a designer, she is just a player who plays dirty and enjoys it.
Morgasmo
February 17, 2005 - 07:20 AM
>>And she STILL tried to justify it as a "game" instead of >>using talent.
Best quote of the night from Jay: "This isn't Survivor!". What the other designers basically wanted Wendy to say was: I suck as a designer and I hustled my way to the top 3. You guys are so much better than me.
Wendy's viewpoint is plain and simple: "Hard to argue with results. That's why you're over there hissing and I'm in Fashion Week". Unreal.
TomTool71
February 17, 2005 - 07:20 AM
Go Wendy!!
RGRRGR
February 17, 2005 - 07:23 AM
Quote:
im so glad jay called vanessa on that interview. i remember reading it way back when it was first posted and wondering why no one commented on how bitter she seemed. im glad it was brought to light-- she is a sore loser.
and just to clarify-- i think that bravo didnt pay her way to the FW show, but they did to the reunion show.
Please, although I like Jay and his designs, he was trying to play the holier that thou card last night, he knows he takes pleasure in stirring the pot, look at some of his offhand comments thoughout the series.
ThomsTeddyBear
February 17, 2005 - 07:24 AM
Quote:
Two mysteries revealed:
1) The "hot [expletive deleted]" was Tim. :-)
I NEVER saw that coming but you know what, Tim was kinda hot!
Quote:
2) I swear Kevin was the mustache bandit. Did anybody see him grin when they showed the picture in the video clip? Then when Tim accused him he went into his shifty eyed, lip-biting, rodent thing. And the camera just stayed on him. yikes.
Hey hey hey! No he didn't, he was just nervous trying to defend himself as witnessed in the Wendy-eliminates-Kevin episode that's all. Plus, the camera was still in the room even though they said he was alone because it films them until they're gone to try to catch reactions. If he did it, they would have showed it and said, "We have you on camera".
Somuchforthat
February 17, 2005 - 07:27 AM
Quote:
Quote: The show was shot over three weeks (I think?) and you cannot get to know someone in that amount of time-especially when someone is doing the picking and choosing of what you see!
No way that the show was filmed in just three weeks. I would estimate 6 weeks... but does anyone know for sure?
According to Austin, it took about a month. I don't know if this has been previously posted (I'm about 90 posts behind, just in this folder, lol!) but in case it hasn't, here is a nice interview with Austin:
http://advocate.com/html/stories/933/933_scarlett.asp
Morgasmo
February 17, 2005 - 07:27 AM
"I feel that Vanessa was just being honest with her feelings and expressing some of the crap that I for one assumed was occurring on the show"
She crossed the line between being honest and acting like a horse's a$$. And if she's so willing to be honest she sure as heck couldn't take it when people were being honest with her and walked off the show like a big baby.
"I have been aware of her work for several years now and appreciate its simple beauty and sophistication."
Her clothes are very nice, yes.
Morgasmo
February 17, 2005 - 07:30 AM
"Write your messages somewhere else! Remember, the subject of this group is "Designers". Wendy is not a designer, she is just a player who plays dirty and enjoys it."
the Pope of the PR Message Boards has spoken. Not!