Where did you read this? Where was this interview? I'm wondering if he gets booted off early and that's his blowing it all off? Cause that's what it looks like.

Dear Austin,

When I first came out of the closet, I was told, just don't ever embarrass the family, and the subtle message of try not to be too feminine seeped through, and I'm writing to congratulate you on your willingness to be yourself. The first glimpse I got of you reminded me of one of my novelist heroes--Truman Capote. My advice, keep it up, and don't compromise. I doubt we will ever meet, but should we cross paths, I would be happy to buy you a drink to cheer to your success.

P.S. Watch out for Robert and Kara and the others--they all seem quite talented. I'm looking forward to the possibility of seeing you in the finals.

Michael Anson

Ok, dude, that's so stalker status, for real. I know you might think he's like your role model, but there are many people on television expressing their feminimity, whether its fact or fiction. So, please don't do that, because I highly doubt that the designers even look at this board. I mean, you can compliment him in many ways, but what you wrote kind of freaks me out. I know you how you feel, but you are profiling yourself to be an over-obssesed fan who's gonna start stalking him. Sorry if this offends you, but it freaks me out.

I have been waiting for this show to premiere since I heard of it's working name, "The Cut." I rushed to the Bravo website and downloaded the application with the goal to give it a shot. Once I realized I would be competing with people who had already invested many years into their dream (via formal schooling and/or current experience), I felt more comfortable rooting for the show and the contestants than for being a part of the spectacle. (Did anyone else consider applying?)

The designers are all amazing, creative artists. I am still studying their faces to remember their names, but I can say they sent the weakest designer (David) home. He talked a good game, but seemed unable to visualize beyond the mundane. I, too, have been thinking of what I would use from a supermarket, and agree that Austin was THE BEST. I know that 'the cotton industry' is a sponsor, but I wonder what they were allowed to use beyond what was in the store? Was thread the only thing? Would Parson's have a refrigerator available that would have prevented his disaster? The first episode narrative from Tim Gunn said Vanessa's had a muslin infrastructure, so they must have had a little leeway. His post-show narrative also explained what Austin did to save his design. Would I have had that vision? I am learning from each of them!
The current leaders of the pack are (IMO)Austin, Vanessa, Mario, Nora Alexandra and Kevin. The others will find the upcoming challenges their platform to shine. This first episode was only the beginning!

I think you're wrong. The Wendy 'do looks like her hair stylist added a retro-punk highlight to her hair - think Blondie! Remember, she is the oldest and I believe the only contestant with a child (daughter). I'm giving her kudos for making it past that grocery store challenge. In the next episode, her evening gown looks FABULOUS!!!!
I can't wait to watch Wednesday -HURRAH-

trim out of aluminum as genius you say?
boy they sure have lowered the bar for that label havent they.
daniel = all talk

HI everyone, I did't even know about this show and was late nite channel surfing and freaked at this totally cool show. I LOVE Daniel even tho he was eliminated. I thought his model was the sexiest face and his outfit was so emotional. He is the one my jaw fell to the floor over. It's sad he was eliminated because I feel we were only seeing the beginning of his talents. I am definately going to be looking for you out in the real world Daniel!

Peanuts - For you to comment on Nora's prom dress and to speak of "Shire Style" would only suggest that you yourself had known our future fashion designer back in the day. I feel bad for you that your high school experience left such a bad taste in your mouth that you cannot be proud of a past classmate and admire her determination and creative fashion sense. Not only has Nora exceeded in college, graduating at the top of her class and with honors, but she has propelled herself on to a reality television show, beating out thousands of contestants. Nora has long stood out from the crowd as a unique individual, far ahead of the Abercrombie and Fitch fashion that is synomous with "shire style." While you may be able to say "I knew Nora when..." I can confidently say that I know Nora now and let me tell you...not only does she rock but she is going places far better than half the people from the shire, perhaps even than you.

Yummy - I would love to hear what your most embarassing moment would be. If I were at my prom and my top slid down (as Im sure many of you woman who have ever wore a tube top have experienced)I would be mortified. As for basing opinions on people...I would agree with you that forming opinions on someone you knew in high school would be unfair, especially for those contestants who have been out of high school for many years. But I think you forget, that Nora is the youngest and one of the most promising designers on the show, which means she hasn't been out of high school for that long. Not only that, but I am still friends with Nora, so my opinions are based on her as she is today. I do believe that making judgements based on what you read on a web site is a little more shallow...for you are forming opinions without ever meeting a person.

I think it's time for everyone to quit playing 'monday night quarterback' and pretending that you can do better than these designers.
All 12 have beaten out 1000's of designers nationwide and all are extremely talented and cream of the crop.
It's time to quit bashing all designers.
This is TV and how many of you have been on a reality tv show...probably none! TV is suppossed to make drama for ratings and what you see is not really the whole story. So continue to watch and enjoy the show. It's TV!!!!

I'm not defending anyone. I just think people should enjoy the show. It's a great one!, but if you don't have anything nice to say. Don't say it!

Gear water,
Yeah, actually it was pretty genius, mainly because they were using SUPERMARKET masterial, and I bet if he was still in and they used like regular fabric, he would be like one of the best. His design had feeling, and expression, so maybe you don't have the capability to understand that. So, yeah, to trim the butch paper which had a very intricate cut, is very admirable, so maybe you don't know fashion with supermarket material.

I agree with you! Come on people.. this is a show. I think we should only discuss what goes on on the actual show! There is going to be drama through out the entire run. Do you guys honestly think these 12 were picked because of talent alone?? Now, I think they are all talented.. but they threw in juice as well. Like I said, I know Jay, Jay.. you know the one who says f**k every few seconds! What I saw of him on the first eppy is HIM.. that's how he was and how he still is!! No one is telling me that they saw his tape and didn't say "whoa.. he's going to be a wrench in what could have been smooth sailing". What I mean is.. they all have different personalities. Producers want DRAMA!

For those of you fighting over Nora.. she is talented... NOW! maybe she was in high school, maybe she wasn't.. we the viewers, will never know. Appreciate what we get to see of her on the show and stop fighting about it.

Jelouse?? yeah, people are going to be jelouse over seeing someone they know on TV and it's not them, especially if they didn't like the person in real life. Oh well!
I am personally glad to see my once friend on TV.. I think it's funny and whether you like him or hate him.. he's going to spice things up every eppisode until it's over or he's gone.

WOW-- my spelling sux!

I apologize that this message thread has gotten so out of control. The original message was only written to congratulate the designers on their work and to root on a friend. As we have seen everyone does have their own opinions...and should have the opportunity to express them. That said, I return to the original message....and wish Nora and the rest of the designers the best of luck in all they do.

It's only been an episode and I'm already addicted. I really like the concept of the show and hope it'll continue on a seasonal basis.

I personally think the most mature work is from Nora. Her work actually reminds me of Thierry Mugler. If the theme was "innovation", regardless, I for one could understand why the judges were not pleased with Daniel's work. It's a no-brainer to just wrap a black garbage bag and call it a couture when given supoermarket material. I believe most of the contestants could score success in commercial rtw area (or some of them have been establishing in retail field) but if you are given very little material, very little time and very few money, what you come up with shows your vision and creativity.

The choices of shower curtains, garbage bags, tinfoil paper are such no-brainers and may I say, mediocre? You can drag a random person on 7th avenue and he would probably do the same thing, the lawn chairs and corn husk, on the other hand, are surprisng, and believe me, for folks like Nina Garcia, Pat Field and Michael Kors, it takes a lot to surprise them--not to mention technically speaking, Nora and Austin weren't sloppy at all.

Daniel annoyed me so much. His message perhaps meant well but he delivered it in such a phony way. He gave me creeps. That big guy Jay bugs me too, but I'm sure for a reality show someone like him is needed, for huh, a comic relief.

Starr's work looked very amatuer-ish to me, although I'm sure she's very passionate about her work but she needed to borrow some confidance from Daniel. It's torturing to see her weeping like that. Like one poster said, I wouldn't want her to represent me as well..lol.

I can def. see someone like Nora making it and getting more exposure in the future, she and Austin seem to have that It factor.

One last note, yes, Robert is a hottie.

capability to understand? hmmm, maybe i just know a run of the mill paperbag outfit is the least creative, predictable, and fugly creation anyone could have and did create. supermarket material or not, one does not have to have a well trained eye to identify the lack of vision, creatively deficient design, and cheesed out, nauseating, motivational tape speeches that daniel provided in spades.

Austin is FAR from my favorite--you can always tell who they put on a show to be "the annoying one"--he looks like Hermey from the Rudolph cartoon ( the little elf who wanted to be a dentist?). Sorry Austin, but Carson Kressley you are not!!!! you and your corniness need to go!! too bad that win last nite gave him immunity which means we have to see you at least another week.

i am partial to Nora and her beach chair dress and Alexandra and her brown sock dress--those were real and innovative.

Not me! You know I appreciate fashion but not for one minute could I have went to the supermarket and come up with even one of those designs (even the awful butcher paper creation).

I was really impressed because I really thought that at least one of the designers would have been like, "Nope, couldn't do it." Especially with the limited time given. Instead everyone had something to offer, some better (Alexandrea, Austin, Nora, Jay) some worst (Daniel & Starr come to mind).

There is talent among these designers.

I really liked so many of the designs. Once again, I was truly impressed at the "innovative" way they handled the task.

Jay, Mario, Kara, Vanessa, Alexandra and Austin were my favorites. Wasn't really feeling Wendy's barely there attire (but liked her explanation). Daniel and Starr's were the worst. What made Starr's design so unacceptable is hers was the only one I think I could have pulled off and that's just not right.

And Austin....sigh. There hasn't been a man in lipgloss that gave me such tingles since Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran. I would gladly be the Grace to his Will (or more like Karen to his Jack?). I can't wait to see more of him

the interview was taken from this week's issue of 'time out new york' (dec 2-8)...

clearly, jay didn't win.


-zoolander

I've known Jay for a little over a year and he's awesome! I'm so proud of him for making the show! I have a few pieces from Jay and I get tons of compliments every time I wear them. Jay, show 'em what you got!

jay is jay. he's real. let him be. his designs are incredible. let them do the talking instead of his words.

no, the interview is not available on tony's site. the article in essence talked about the plethora of reality shows (that has a fashion theme) that are currently on ('the apprentice'), about to air ('PR'), and coming soon ('the cut')...

kara is the only other PR contestant quoted: "ten years ago, i illegally held a fashion show in front of calvin klein's show. this time, i want to be inside the bryant park tent - not standing outside on the steps almost getting arrested," she says.

did you know? all PR's contestants' lines are on sale at 30 vandam (it's a store here in the city).

-zoolander

Hey, just curious of the exact location of the PR store. I'll be in the city in a couple of days and would like to check it out. Thanks!!

1st Episode Winners
GOLD: Austin
SILVER: Kara
BRONZE: Mario
The Big Loser: Wendy

Austin is of all - truly the most creative. I see him as shy, but he does have a character that stands out, and he actually seems like one that "DOESN'T" get into other people's business, and seems actually considerate. He reminds me of Andy Warhol in a way. I'm Andy was much more successful than you, as well, I have a hunch so will Austin be.

It was a supermarket - BUT they stressed "PRODUCE MARKET." ONLY ONE PERSON seemed to listen to that title...

so far i'm the most impressed with
austin
kara
nora
robert
i can't wait to see the next episode !

Oh my gosh... Carson's little brother Austin is fabulous too!

I'm sick of all the Wendy is a big loser and looks like Cruella stuff that has been said--she was one of three designers that acctually used groceries--i.e. food! And if you read her inside scoop at www.wendypepper.com then you will see that she attempted something much more complex--using celery thread to sew peppers together! Even if her design was little more than a bikini--it still rocked and showed definite innovation--it was way more innovative and complex than a tin-foil dress that even I could make! So here is to Wendy the mom with style!

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Austin back in April of 2004 when he was in Omaha, NE. Austin is a brilliant individual and has an amazing sense of fashion design and style. Hes also amazingly inovative. I was performing in drag the night I met him and I couldnt keep my fishnet stockings up. Austin made me garters out of rubberbands to keep my fishnets up. WHAT A BRILLIANT INDIVIDUAL!! GOOD LUCK AUSTIN! ~Marcus aka Ethel Nitrate~

I AM MAKEING XMAS PILLIOWS FOR MY GRANDMA, UNCLE RICHARD AND AUNT SUE. THEY CAME OUT REALLY GOOD. I KNOW THE EXACT DEMINSIONS IF ANYBODY WANTS THEM.
USE FLORAL PATTERN WOOL FABRIC 5/8 (THERE WILL BE 15INCHES LEFT OVER YOU CAN USE FOR A SLEEVE OVER CHAIR ARM)
THEN CUT 19 IN BASE X 1012 LENTH TRIANGLES FOR A FLAP ENVOLOPE LOOK. ONE TRIANGLE USE A SOLID COLOR. LIGHT IN WEIGHT (SILK). ON WRONG SIDE OF FABRIC IRON FUSIBLE INTERFACING.
SEW FRONT FLAP WITH FRONT SQUARE PATTERN AT THE 19 INCH BASE.
THEN DO THE SAME WITH BACK FLAP AND SSQUARE BODY.
HAVE 71 INCH TWISTED CORD WITH 12 INCH LIP. COMBINED (INSIDE OUT) STARTING FROM CENTER BOTTOM FRONT, CORD, AND BACK AND SEW. MAKE SURE YOU STITCH ON TOP OF CORD. LEAVE TOP SIDE OPEN TO INSERT 18 INCH PILLIOW OR STUFFING. TURN RIGHT SIDE OUT, CHECK YOUR STITCHING, INSERT PILLIOW AND STITCH THE REST. YOU CAN ADD A TASSEL AT THE END OF FLAP TOO. HAPPY FASHION HOLIDAYS.

Name calling is edited. LOL

Less than an hour.. I can't wait to see who gets the boot.

Is it me.. or does anyone else think it's kind of poopy that people get eliminated after ONE challenge.. I mean, it should be, like three strikes your out or something. Who knows what the other guy could have done this week. I know it's budget and all.. but still it would be cool if they had to get lowest score more than just once. I mean, Austin is safe from this weeks challenge.. it should work both ways. Like if Daniel (was it?) got a bad score again this week, he's gone... not just one time. Who out there is PERFECT at what you do.. everytime??

THIS IS A VERY HARD DECISION. THEY SAVED THE BEST DESIGNS FOR LAST. I THINK AUSTIN IS GOING TO WIN.

well im going to have to agree. nora is my favorite i agreed with the judge when he sed her blue outfit was quite wearable. i love her look its fun and cool. i hope that nora wins. my second is jay he looks like a fun guy tht knows what hes doing i hope for the best for both of them