Yazzi2005, apparently you missed my point. Kara should have won project runway. Her design targeted the New Fashion High End Clients...and it was appropriate to show the gowns, leather, furs and backless cuts. These designs will be widely duplicated and tweaked for the average customers. She provided consistent innovative designs throughout the competion.
Jay's designed pieces for the New York customer and average folks -- sweaters, vest...I do not see the vision where people will be wearing quilt designs...This will be a FAD. The only segment of society currently wearing them are small town grannies and his designs are too edgy for them.
The ultimate compliment for a design is to be sold -- High end and minor tweaks for the average customers.
Full Version: The Designers
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Some one asked if Kara had been white would she have won. The answer without doubt is YES. KS was meticulous, professional, classy, the quentessential tailor, she had vision, style...she was the ultimate designer and everybody knew it...she won 4-5 competitions. She can make whatever Jay could but not so with Jay.
Instead, Jay, while likeable was very limited. His finale was not impressive at all...all of his models looked like they worked at the airport. What's interesting is the nobody is mentioning Jay's lack of tailoring...THUS the baggy designs to hide his flaws (in fact Wendy --though I dislike her--was a much better tailor than Jay).
Why is racism so difficult you people to accept. It's simple, you don't have to call somebody the "N" word to carry out racist acts. The fact that KS was denied the award is simply racist...I know that sounds harsh, but its the truth (I'm not calling the judges overt racist, however their collective decision, clearly represents bias/racist outcome....
Please wake up and be honest with yourselves.
tssh
While I do not agree that racism was the overriding factor in the outcome, I think that your points merit consideration. Racism is so pervasive and invisible. We all have it, even you and I. But stating that, owning that, and considering that, are necessary steps to dealing with racism in any particular situation.
In my life, the hardest situations in which to fight racism, are the situations where the principles are so frightened of the word, they freeze at it's mention and refuse to consider the issue. Maybe this is because the word is used too often as a blanket indictment that is meant to stop conversation, not start the conversation.
Your post uses phrases such as "without a doubt", 'truth', and "everybody knew it" and "you people", and that makes for a good opinionated post about your enthusiasm for Kara Saun, but when combined with the issue of racism, very incendiary. In fact, so incendiary, that your post has recieved very little reply despite it's uber-provocative nature, and that is probably due both to topic and style.
Unfortunately, the word racism is sometimes used only to have the final unanswerable word in any arguement. To start talking about racism when there is a grade, a promotion, or $100,000.- at stake, is very bad timing also. It smacks with the potential of sour grapes.
As far as the design competition...
You seem to be making the point that because Kara Saun has superior technical skills, that makes her the better designer. That is almost like me saying that because I am a better carpenter than most college trained architects, I should be in charge of a project.
Remember whiter than white Kevin? His technical and design skills were also above par. Wendy also had the technical skills, but not half of his design skills IMHO.
All of the judges said that it was a very close decision. It was like judging apples against oranges. Austin lost out because the judges and two bit celebrity judges didn't connect with his vision as much as for any other reason.
Jay won because the judges were familiar with the glamorous style of Kara Saun, and less familiar with Jay's style, which to me, looked like a cross between Swedish and Japanese anime. Very quality, very youthful, but with just enough irony to appeal to street.
Fashion has a fascination with youth and innocence trashed. Theatre paint on 16 year old models it's epitome in a way. There was so much more going on behind Jay's win, than racial sensitivities. Jay was the fairer skinned, but Kara Saun's designs were the most caucasion and more derivative of what the white judges were familiar with.
If you want to talk about racism, there was a post I read throwing that speculation concerning Wendy's choice to have her only model of color wearing the "boobie" blouse. Even that conversation speaks as much to perception as intent.
I did not intend to write so much. I want to thank everyone who has posted. I hope these stay up long enough for me to read all the one's I've missed. They are as interesting as the show.
Congratulations to Jay! What a very strange trip it has been, and I hope it's blue skies, health, and prosperity for him now and in the future!
notevayas
Quote:Okay, I understand this and agree with it. Thanks for the clarification. Btw, don't worry about turning 50. I loved it.
I see Wendy dealing with two hard realities simultaneously - (a) she's a mom and a wife which are both incredible time commitments, and (she still wants a lot more from her self and out of life than she has had yet - and the world won't give her forever to get it. Kevin, on the other hand, is allowed (societally speaking) to drown himself in his job/profession, whether or not he has a family. Society has real issues with moms of young children who do the same - which is why the whole PR participation thing is/was so huge for her, as I see it. If she wants to find/follow her muse, she is up against the clock.
Mel
Get real rufusblue -- The New York Fashion Week is not to target middle america. Project Runway goal was not to find a middle america designer. Jay is not a middle america designer. Did you understand Tim's and Kor's movement to keep Wendy from sewing dowdy middle america clothing. This is exactly why I don't understand them signing up for Jay's quilting motif. Quilt clothing is small town granny wear but, Jay's design would be to edgy for them.
Wake up Plum. This is America, race has everything to do with everything.
I have to agree with you. I found myself in love with Jay's line. He did an excellent job and it wasn't a typical Jay design. I'm a KS fan but she really disappointed me with her line. ...and did anyone see Austin's line. omg ...what the heck was he thinking ...his line looked like some throw back from Gunsmoke. What happened to the beautiful clothes Ms Scarlet was so noted for throughout? I love you Ms Scarlet but your line was not a Ms Scarlet line!
I still think that Julia's not showing for the USPS challenge was a show set-up. Come on! I think that they wanted to see if the designers would show team spirit and collegiality and help out. Which they did. Austin did, at any rate. And I like your comments. I like the patchwork coat too, but I guess that makes sense since I'm similar in age and height
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I've said this before but at the risk of being redundant: if PR thinks another season of controversy will make their show more successful, they will lose me as a watcher. Survivor type shows are down in the ratings; people can only take so much negativity. Fashion is such an attraction on its own merits, give me more. Give me less backstabbing and whining! E
amen, E!
and let's see the clothes, for crying out loud.
sometimes i have to hit the website just to figure out what a garment really looks like.
and how about showing us the actual design process?
let's see the sketches!
let's see the draping!
let's see some actual construction work!
whew.
that made me tired.
If we're voting, add mine (and those of many with whom I've spoken who do not access these boards). Listen up, Bravo. Or should I say NBC? Personalities at a minimum, design at maximum. Sketches, process, consultation, redesign, construction tips, etc. And more info on the specifics of the challenge, tools and materials, context.
Hello,
Lets't get a few things straight, it seems that there are WAY too many people here that know NOTHING about procurement<including Kara Saun and Tim>.
Here we go......
1) PIMP SLAP Kara Saun. In aquiring her shoes she should have read and followed the rules. Her blatant disregard for the rules decreased the value of her presentation and her very UNPROFESSIONAL direct connect call sunk her. Dumb a%^ award for not going on the balcony to make her call.
2) In PROCURMENT you have the right to make a deal to strech your dollar. I am CERTAIN the fabric stores give them dicounts because of patronage. I am certain none of them paid full retail for any of their fabrics. Which brings me to the shoe issue, Kara was dead wrong to expect shoes for free. The standard is to ask to borrow for a show or to buy the samples at wholesale. In both cases you get a proper reciept.
3) DOLLHOUSE is a RTW line junior based and the shoes were NOT desiged for Her...Tim you are a liar. You can see them on the web site and they were at the trade show for buyers to order. They sare not high end by a long shot so a 15 buck per pair is about right except for the boots and the heavy rhinestone sandels<add about 25 more dollars.
4) For those that want to yap learn something about wholesale and procurment before accessing your keyboards
Final sum up Kara due to her lack of thinking deserved what she got, but her collection was STILL STUNNING.
Lets't get a few things straight, it seems that there are WAY too many people here that know NOTHING about procurement<including Kara Saun and Tim>.
Here we go......
1) PIMP SLAP Kara Saun. In aquiring her shoes she should have read and followed the rules. Her blatant disregard for the rules decreased the value of her presentation and her very UNPROFESSIONAL direct connect call sunk her. Dumb a%^ award for not going on the balcony to make her call.
2) In PROCURMENT you have the right to make a deal to strech your dollar. I am CERTAIN the fabric stores give them dicounts because of patronage. I am certain none of them paid full retail for any of their fabrics. Which brings me to the shoe issue, Kara was dead wrong to expect shoes for free. The standard is to ask to borrow for a show or to buy the samples at wholesale. In both cases you get a proper reciept.
3) DOLLHOUSE is a RTW line junior based and the shoes were NOT desiged for Her...Tim you are a liar. You can see them on the web site and they were at the trade show for buyers to order. They sare not high end by a long shot so a 15 buck per pair is about right except for the boots and the heavy rhinestone sandels<add about 25 more dollars.
4) For those that want to yap learn something about wholesale and procurment before accessing your keyboards
Final sum up Kara due to her lack of thinking deserved what she got, but her collection was STILL STUNNING.
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I cracked up when I read the interview about Wendy's "small town". She's 40 miles outside of Washington, DC. She lives in the suburbs of a large city.
Not just the suburbs of a large city--I live in D.C. suburbs. Middleburg tends to have a rather large percentage of extremely wealthy and socially elite citizens. Not 100%, but let's say 50 times the average of the typical D.C. suburb. It's kind of a closed circuit.
I cracked up when I read the interview about Wendy's "small town". She's 40 miles outside of Washington, DC. She lives in the suburbs of a large city.
Not just the suburbs of a large city--I live in D.C. suburbs. Middleburg tends to have a rather large percentage of extremely wealthy and socially elite citizens. Not 100%, but let's say 50 times the average of the typical D.C. suburb. It's kind of a closed circuit.
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When Kevin was left onstage with Wendy on the 2005 challenge, you could see in his face that he was sure Wendy was finally gone! What a shocker! Was that the episode in which Jay called Wendy a cockroach? After the marathon and revisiting the BR challenge, Kevin became my favorite.
Pretty sure it was the postal challenge. Also when he made that extremely funny comment about Kara Saun. And this was definitely the challenge when Wendy should have been axed. Yuck! At least Robert had something positive in his design. Not to mention her snide view of postal workers.
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I had to search to find out Kevin's last name, to make sure it's the same Kevin. He's 44 years old!
All that talk about Wendy being the 40-something, yet she was in her late 30's when the show started.
Kevin was the true 40-something, but no one mentioned it. What's up with that? Sex and age discrimination??
I had noticed that on one of the early shows Kevin's age was reported as being 44, but that later it changed to--what?--37? I kept wondering why, and which was correct. And Wendy was originally 39, but she obviously had a birthday and turned 40. No mystery there. I'm all for varied ages. Let's see some 50-somethings too.
I had to search to find out Kevin's last name, to make sure it's the same Kevin. He's 44 years old!
All that talk about Wendy being the 40-something, yet she was in her late 30's when the show started.
Kevin was the true 40-something, but no one mentioned it. What's up with that? Sex and age discrimination??
I had noticed that on one of the early shows Kevin's age was reported as being 44, but that later it changed to--what?--37? I kept wondering why, and which was correct. And Wendy was originally 39, but she obviously had a birthday and turned 40. No mystery there. I'm all for varied ages. Let's see some 50-somethings too.
I watched both collections<Wendy's was such a dud it don't count>. Both made feel good but as a total neither reached out and grabbed me so i had to evaluate based on the oufits that caught my eye. Kara had 2 items that stopped me and MADE me want to have them in a shop. Her white gown and the lime green dress, but then Jay rolled our the blue sweater WITH clevage. The color was arresting and the model SOLD it. Whomever she was give HER the Elle spread. I saw that # and I wanted to order it ASAP necklace and all!
That is when I had to cast my vote for Jay
I am sorry Melissa had to wear the fecal colored corset gown.
That is when I had to cast my vote for Jay
I am sorry Melissa had to wear the fecal colored corset gown.
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LibraAngel I totally agree with your post, the editors did portray Kara Saun as this terrible person when she was the exact opposite the entire season - I do still love her and her work. Even with the poor editing, I must say that Kara Saun did not handle the 'shoe gate' incident with the most professional behavior, she WAS however being professional by being totally prepared from head to toe for all of her designs unlike Wendy or Jay who scrambled last minute to find shoes and accesories.
Another note, the shoes are Dollhouse Shoes, not Baby Doll... I did a seach on Dollhouse and either they are now selling the same shoes that Kara designed or she didn't really design them herself, so not sure what to think of that... I wish the show cleared the air completely on this issue. Those sparkly sandals and the fur and leather boots can be found online and they are not super expensive... the sandals sell for around $70 and the boots for $150, so while she did get a deal for $15 a pair she just pulled strings like anyone in the industry would have done! links in case you want to see yourself: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2702763/c/385.html & http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2632404/c/419.html
As for the winner, I really was impressed by all 3 designers (yes, even Wendy!) but Jay and Kara Saun were so talented in different ways it was a hard decision... I do wish Austin was in the final 3, he was my favorite from day 1!
that's my 2 cents - can't wait for Season 2!
:-)
Don't know if anyone is still reading, but you're totally right...it's Dollhouse, not Baby Doll. I was rewatching the tape with my 8 year old daughter yesterday (who was also following the show via reruns with me) and blushed when I heard them say Dollhouse lol. Oh well. But I still think Baby Doll was much more fun to say. Baby Doll.
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Don't blame Julia. It was another client's fault. She got there finally around 5 pm but was already told Austin had stepped up. It was cute to see Austin model, anyway. Too bad he can't get a shot in Elle too...lol. Anyway, Julia explained things in more detail in the Models section here. Jay didn't hold it against her, so why should you?
I didn't think Kara was too preachy, even if the promos were monotonous. She was justifiably annoyed. And yet, as a "professional" she should have checked regarding the shoes and not at the last minute. I wonder if she had not said anything, if this would have slipped under the radar entirely.
Kara is not to my taste, so I cannot comment on content so much as vision. Jay is not to my taste either, but that boy has vision to spare. He deserved his win.
Wendy is boring imo. The best piece was the one Melissa wore. Other than that, it's been done. I mean, that green suit is, minus the fur, an exact match for a Kaspar gray suit I own, in terms of stiching and fit. A FW runway show is about vision and a cohesive collection. Wendy didn't have much of either. She's the kind of person a middle market or discount chain might hire to make knock offs, given what she did for the Grammy challenge, for example. But she thinks she's a "designer" which means originality and vision. She doesn't have that. Tim Gunn makes that quite clear. And a lot of us who have criticized her work have said the SAME thing.
lk
I liked the brown dress too. But didn't it seem a little too much like Jay's swimwear with the straps and buckles, and Austins Grammy skirt? And the first outfit (green jacket) reminded me a little too much of Kara with the baby doll top/dress and the pants. I like the little ruched off the shoulder top and I even liked the see through number..you could wear it with a same color bra or camisole and get away with it...but then she threw in these weird numbers. Like the Donna Reed meets Jane Jetson red/fuschia (can remember the exact color) dress, and the velvet gown, which was lovely in terms of materials, but did in fact look like it was taken right out of a pattern book. I won't go into every piece, but overall, it looked to me like her collection was sort of put together by her racking her brains and combing countless fashion magazines for ideas, resulting in a mish mash of other peoples ideas more than anything else.
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Once again Congratulations to Jay!
I just finished watching the finale....again.
That long quilted jacket is just amazing, beautiful, funky, unique, just FABULOUS!
What fun this show was and what fun (albiet frustrating at time with this AWFUL message board system - BRAVO, please fix this for next time!). So different from other run-of-the-mill reality shows.
BRAVO, Bravo!!
Bye bye all...it was really fun!
p.s. purpledreamart..I wish I could afford one of your original paintings!! I love the flower girl too! You're oficially bookmarked...maybe you'll hear from me in the future!
Ciao!
Hey thanks!!! And I too just can't stop thinking about that long quilted jacket. I want, I want!
Competition doesn't build character, it reveals it. Kara Saun showed herself seriously lacking in honesty and integrity. I wonder how many other little things she did to mess designers up during the competition.? The rules were clear to the other competitors, either she is terminally stupid or a cheat. Her minions will sing her praises, but at the end of the day she is an affront to the honest designers that worked hard at their craft and didn't sell out. All to often, those that stand on the soapbox and preach character are the most flawed and lacking.
I thought Wendy's final collection was sophisticated and beautiful for the most part. They didn't take her seriously because of her personality. Did anyone else notice that Kara's final collection was a bunch of dead animals. All that fur was very uncool. When I saw it, I was hoping she wouldn't win.
[quote Michael Kors came close to saying Wendy is a dressmaker like Tim Gunn did by complimenting her tailoring.
I thought Jay greeting Tim Gunn with a gun was very funny and an intentional play on the man's name. It does tell ya that Jay was in the sticks though, given the "center of town." Part of Jay's geometrical thing makes sense, given what he showed Tim of his father's business. What I don't get is the relationship between Jay's own clothes and his designs -- that so more than how he makes what looks like urban hip chic.
lk
I know...ouch! I think that's the thing I like best about Jay's clothes...that they are most definitely urban, hip, chic...but I think that you could get away with wearing alot of them in the country...which is where I live now. And I can tell you, it's so hard to dress for everyday...your choices being either an LLBean aesthetic, a sort of gunney sack crunchy granola vibe, or looking sorely out of place with even the least fashionable of clothes. I think his materials and textures sort of bring them down to earth. They're not pretentious or showey or trying to be too much one way or the other. While at the same time, the looks are appealing because the have enough "style" for the city, but with the sort of comfy down to earth feeling that many there crave (if they're anything like me growing up, working, and schooling in Boston and its environs.) Imagining wearing his clothes I think gives you kind of like that feeling you get when you get out of your work clothes and into your weekend gear, pulling on your soft flannel pj's or wrapping a warm blankie around your shoulders. So to me, it's kind of country and city..drawing from the best of both.
I thought Jay greeting Tim Gunn with a gun was very funny and an intentional play on the man's name. It does tell ya that Jay was in the sticks though, given the "center of town." Part of Jay's geometrical thing makes sense, given what he showed Tim of his father's business. What I don't get is the relationship between Jay's own clothes and his designs -- that so more than how he makes what looks like urban hip chic.
lk
I know...ouch! I think that's the thing I like best about Jay's clothes...that they are most definitely urban, hip, chic...but I think that you could get away with wearing alot of them in the country...which is where I live now. And I can tell you, it's so hard to dress for everyday...your choices being either an LLBean aesthetic, a sort of gunney sack crunchy granola vibe, or looking sorely out of place with even the least fashionable of clothes. I think his materials and textures sort of bring them down to earth. They're not pretentious or showey or trying to be too much one way or the other. While at the same time, the looks are appealing because the have enough "style" for the city, but with the sort of comfy down to earth feeling that many there crave (if they're anything like me growing up, working, and schooling in Boston and its environs.) Imagining wearing his clothes I think gives you kind of like that feeling you get when you get out of your work clothes and into your weekend gear, pulling on your soft flannel pj's or wrapping a warm blankie around your shoulders. So to me, it's kind of country and city..drawing from the best of both.
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Exactly! They weren't looking for someone who is going to design for middle america. How many folks in middle america have heard of Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, hell even Michael Kors for that matter.
Oh, PLEASE. Could we actually lay off the patronizing tone about this stereotypical, mythical "Middle America"? We actually *do* know who "Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, hell even Michael Kors" are. We can count on all 10 fingers and toes, too. You don't have to live on a coast to have a functioning brain cell or even -- *gasp* -- fashion sense.
Now that I've got that off my chest, I agree that high-end fashion is not about dressing the majority. It's about wearable art; it's about fantasy; it's about setting trends that may filter down into what the person on the street might eventually wear. Jay's work is all about that. Kara Saun's work is somewhat about that, too. (Her bomber jacket on her first model was to die for.) Austin in his own way is about that, too.
Wendy isn't: she's already designing for the person on the street. That's fine, it's just not high fashion. I think she's wise to aim at opening her own dress shop, and I think she'll do well at that. I hope the others aim higher.
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kara saun is a second rate designer.
the more times i watch the series, the more it becomes evident how conniving kara saun actually is AND how absolutely boring her designs are. now, i don't like wendy at all. but at least wendy seems to have a sense of humour, despite how tacky.
i think kara saun has been given too much credit without any real substantial fact. she knows how to sew well. maybe i'd let her tailor my dries van noten trousers for me. that is, if she asked politely.
Yes, I'm sure she's absolutely desperate for work. And you sound like such a lovely client. Perhaps you should post your phone number for her.
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I cracked up when I read the interview about Wendy's "small town". She's 40 miles outside of Washington, DC. She lives in the suburbs of a large city.
Not just the suburbs of a large city--I live in D.C. suburbs. Middleburg tends to have a rather large percentage of extremely wealthy and socially elite citizens. Not 100%, but let's say 50 times the average of the typical D.C. suburb. It's kind of a closed circuit.
Yeah, that's why I wanted to throw orange peels at the TV when Wendy kept saying she was "from the country." "I'm just a li'l ol' MOM from the COUNTRY ...." Yeah, sure. That's like saying Scarsdale, New York, is "the country." Typical Wendy. She'll be manipulating people until she dies.
Now, Jay really *is* from the country. And he didn't need to play that up because his work spoke for him. I loved seeing his family home and his workshop. He's a true American original.
What do you want to bet that money never changed hands?
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My thoughts on the show remain...
I LOOOOVED the final show. I know you guys all know im a very, very big Wendy fan...but regarding her loss...I still loved the show. It made me cry literally at the end. No..lol, tears weren't coming down my eyes, but I was crying for real though. I was happy AND sad.
I loved how Tim wen't to everyones house. That was really sweet of him, and it really was important for him to see the progress of there designs...it was also important because it gave Tim a chance to see the designers personal life and family and friends. It was really charming and it let Tim sorta feel there living style and there way of inspiration and dreams. It was awesome.
Now as for the designers...I want to comment on there presence in there house with Tim, there runway designs...and there attitude on the show in New York.
KARA - Iv never ever been against kara. I always thought she was the "perfect" competetor on the show in terms of ability to compromise and cooperate awesome with partners and the way she wen't about with all the challenges on PR. She's incredible and she can go very far. I thought her presence in her house with Tim was very kind and she really had things to show him. I liked her inspiration a LOT. In fact..a lot of my inspiration has come from Kara's inspiration for her particular runway show...the whole 30s glamour...the furs, some of the leathers. It was beautiful. The only difference is that I kinda keep the 30s glam a bit more than she did. She wanted to sorta transform them into a more "modern" wear with a mix of technology infleunces like she said. Anyways, her family seems very encouraging and polite. I also loved the fabric store she showed Tim. It looked proffessional. Her attitude in new York wasn't anything I would have expected. I mean...she always seemed conservative, and proper and understanding...even VERY logical and fair. But she was sorta unfair, greedy and un-reasonable in New York in my opinion. The things that happened in New York with Kara though doesnt change my opinion on her character...I understand that it's full of pressure. Getting ready for a fashion show is not easy...lots of stress, lots of everything...and Kara kinda wen't off the handle a bit. That's ok though, but I THOUGHT she should have known better. I didin't expect that behavior from her.
WENDY - I loved her house. It was cute, small and very cozy. Her office is organized and her inspirations of her style is very very femenistic and sophisticated. Lots of her gowns really look like something I would design. I see a lot of cutting techniques and basics that I use in my designs...so I really, really look up to the woman. The only difference is that our choice of fabrics are not the same. My fabrics are more closer to Kara's...furs, leathers, vintage...ect. Anyways, I loved how she treated Tim. It was what I expected. It showed the REAL Wendy. Caring, polite, mature and very, very kind and humerous. Not to mention thoughtful for bringing Tim to her grandmother's "once home"...seriously, that was nice of her to show Tim her inspirations and her personal treasures. Her attitude in new York fashion week was also a bit pressured. Like Kara...she DID go off the handle a bit. Lots of cussing. Im not going to say I was proud of Wendy for all her foul language, but I WILL say that many of the things that she stated...wether it was said in a nasty or polite way...was VERY VERY true. Very true. For example...when Kara had the whole "shoe" issue...were she had custom designed shoes for only 10 bucks a pair...it WAS unfair to the other designers. She had these luxury shoes, and the other 2 didn't. This would have affected the judging a little, and Kara wa sbeing VERY unfair. She mentioned to Wendy that playing unfair to her advantage was wrong...and yet if Kara does it, it's not wrong. It's ok for her to charge only 10 bucks a pair for these BEAUTIFUL shoes custom made for her by doll-house....so im super happy that Wendy pointed that out to Kara...cuz it was very true. Wendy's designs on fashion week was pretty good. In my opinion...they could have been a LOT better. No, her designs weren't awesome, or great, but very good. She had style going on and an open inspiration. 2 of them looked doudy and looked like they were ment for an "older" woman. Everything else was pretty good. The first design that came out and the last design were 2 best ones...as well as the other design were it was a colored corset with "leaf" styled chiffon coming out of the front of the corset and the train. Beautiful collection...but she could have done 5 times better. Iv seen her work in her videos on this website AND her website. She designs clothes way better than on fashion week and should have stuck to THOSE inspirations instead in my opinion. She has lots of talent with textiles, and DRESSES. Very sophisticated and very classy with elegance.
JAY - I love the guy..not as much as Wendy, but his personality is SUPER, SUPER, SUPER. He has the coolest sense of humour, and whenever things get serious and bitchy, he emmedietly turns feelings around and makes the show turn into comedy central. He has a GREAT personality. He's VERY funny, and makes me crack up on TV, lol. It's important to have a sense of humour in a fashion world, cuz the design course is so tense and stressful and Jay kinda moves along with it greatly. I love his house. Very cozy like Wendy's, but a bit smaller. His work room is so organized and his family is lovely. They all support him and look up to him. He really does have talent as well. His behavior in new York was the same as usual...humerous, funny...even funnier, lol. ESPECIALLY when things got serious, he really turned things around and made me laugh instead of feeling bad. His collection on fashion week was VERY VERY unique. In my opinion, he WAS taking huge risks cuz the textiles he used with all those colorful accessories was really risky cuz they were wild...and using wild stuff in design is hard to accomplish to make it look good and Jay knows how to do that. His style is unique and I also believe he can take his creativity and transport that into other things.
Why was I crying? Well...for the good reasons was because I was happy for Jay. I thought all 3 of the designers should have won...but I was still happy for Jay anyways. It's such a nice site to see people happy....it really is. And now Jay's life is really going to change. I was crying also in a negative way when Wendy got eliminated first. When she got eliminated I emmedietly thought to myself...her daughter, all her hard, hard work for this show, her talent, and her success. Not to mention she is 40 and she really NEEDED to win to change her life. It was time were she had to take a chance to win...I think she will go far and I cried even more when her daughter said "does this mean your still in?" and Wendy said "Well, im still in with you aren't I?" God...it made me cry. I couldnt sleep, lol. The feelings Wendy has for her daughter is so strong. You can feel how she feels about her daughter and her successes. I feel bad for Wendy...for everything. All the critism she got, all the bad things people have said about her...and all the nasty T-shirts being soled against Wendy. Her reputation is bad, and it makes me cry. I love Wendy, and I can't believe whats been happening to her.
Not to mention...Wendy's daughter is the CUTEST little girl ever!!!
Oh, don't feel bad. I don't know if you're talking about anyone else, but I had a place where I had made some t-shirt designs...but it's not like I went out and had them made or anything. And no-one has bought one lol. They were really meant to be satirical art project, and I think anyone who really didn't like Wendy "got" that, you know? But my 8 year old daughter really wanted me to order her a "Wendy Defendy" sweatshirt...she was really proud to be one lol.
And as for becoming emotional...isn't that funny how that happened for so many people with this show? As I said earlier in the week, I came up with the designs essentially because I was angry with some of the things Wendy said in an article about "speaking for other women" ... and my t-shirts were sort of a response to that, my voice in response to hers, if you will. But after the final episode, even though I was so angry at her...and still am, I did say that I felt badly for her. Not because anyone was mean to her unnecessarily, but because she was outclassed in the venue they put her in, even though she herself didn't realize at the time but most likely has by now. And I'm not an overly emotional person, but I too almost cried when her daughter asked her if she was still "in." It's so hard for kids to understand that kind of stuff. Like my 8 year old daughter often asks me if I'm a famous artist because I sell paintings and have a website lol. So I can understand that Wendy probably had a lot of explaining to do with her little one, and at least could relate to her on that level.
I don't watch many reality shows...one season of Survivor (outback) premeire season of the Apprentice, and one season of Big Brother where the "nice" one won (which was great.) But I don't remember ever becoming this involved or emotional about it, and I wonder if this is common or uncommon, you know? So many people getting emotionally involved in a television show lol. Interesting to think about.
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The thing that made the whole shoe incident even more obnoxious is how completely cynical I am that Kara Saun took an interest in and was inspired by "The Aviator", simply because there had to be some calculation about that decision beyond just a "I-got-out-of-the-house-and-saw-a-movie-and-I-felt-an-urge-to-design-moment" as she seemed to imply. Why?
Because "Project Runway" is produced by Miramax, the same producers of "The Aviator".
I am confident that had Kara Saun been inspired by a non-Miramax film, we would never have heard her talk about it.
Ultimately, Kara Saun had to know this. Inherently, this was a signal to the producers that she was ready to play their game, cross-market, and be a team player for Team Miramax. As such, it was another way Kara Saun was strategizing, that perhaps snuck under the radar for Jay and Wendy who were probably too busy at the time to make the connection.
The funny thing is, had the shoe incident not happened, I might have really just thought Kara Saun was smart in making this decision. But now, I don't know. It just seems too calculating. Kara Saun probably would never admit it either. She would simply stick to her "I-went-to-the-movies-on-a-random-day-out-of-the-house" story.
Interesting point. I think Kara may have in fact begun to think in terms, maybe not of strategy a la Wendy, but in terms of using every resource at her disposal in response to Wendy's use of strategy getting her to the top.
I think in the Grammy episode, Austin did himself proud by not compromising his vision in deference to the client and stood by his work. At least in part, I think, because he was trying to say "I'm not going to play you're reality show game anymore, I am what I am, deal with it." Because he had been screwed over and no-one did anything about it, and Kevin had been screwed over and he was the one who was eliminated. I think Austins sort of American dream/freedom runway theme was a response to that, where honesty and justice were the impetus for forming this country initially, but those values have since gone by the wayside.
So yeah, I think Kara decided in her own anger to play what cards she had for all they were worth, since it did seem clear from what had happened that that was the way to play "the game." And as others have said, all Wendy did was play the game. And if that's true, then so did Kara. Kara just had more weapons at her disposal than Wendy did.
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Competition doesn't build character, it reveals it. Kara Saun showed herself seriously lacking in honesty and integrity. I wonder how many other little things she did to mess designers up during the competition.? The rules were clear to the other competitors, either she is terminally stupid or a cheat. Her minions will sing her praises, but at the end of the day she is an affront to the honest designers that worked hard at their craft and didn't sell out. All to often, those that stand on the soapbox and preach character are the most flawed and lacking.
LOL. Yes, we're all her minions. In fact, we all belong to the cult of Kara and are on her payroll.
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Yazzi2005, apparently you missed my point. Kara should have won project runway. Her design targeted the New Fashion High End Clients...and it was appropriate to show the gowns, leather, furs and backless cuts. These designs will be widely duplicated and tweaked for the average customers. She provided consistent innovative designs throughout the competion.
Jay's designed pieces for the New York customer and average folks -- sweaters, vest...I do not see the vision where people will be wearing quilt designs...This will be a FAD. The only segment of society currently wearing them are small town grannies and his designs are too edgy for them.
The ultimate compliment for a design is to be sold -- High end and minor tweaks for the average customers.
Actually, I thought that would win it for her too. But Jays vision is more that of the future of design, not the past gone present as Kara's seems to be. I think in the end that was what tipped the decision in his favor...that the judges felt that his designs were a greater predictor of what might be ahead in fashion etc.
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Jay deserved it...
Kara came off as a snatch from hell...
Wendy came out of this looking pretty damned good...
Thank you, Knarf. Although I might have picked a different (non-gender) noun for Kara such as "schemer," yours is by far the most concise and correct assessment of the final episode, IMHO.
Amen. Kara Saun is very talented (although having watched that Austin extended exit video, I think she's right that her work is too 1970s tacky.) She is a first class hypocrite, however. And I for one don't believe that she didn't cut a few other corners -- that was a lot of leather and fur for 8,000 USD, no? I bet some amount of that stuff was "donated" and not just "discounted." Everyone knew the rules, she chose to ignore them because she was the one who was SUPPOSED to win.
Nevertheless, fashion is a [expletive deleted]. And she can roll with the best of 'em. So I suspect she will do just fine.
Nevertheless, fashion is a [expletive deleted]. And she can roll with the best of 'em. So I suspect she will do just fine.
So I was pretty suprised and happy for Jay. I was a bit cynical that the designer I liked would never win, no reasons, just because I could never predict the loser in any of the episodes (other than Starr). Anyways there is a lot of talk here about what type of style should've won and some pretty un-educated opinions. That is why I'm recommending elle.com or style.com for those who thought Jay's designs were meant for a minor, insignificant audience. I believe there is a huge audience that counts on designers for edgey clothes. Anyways, go to either of those sites and look at the new D&G ready to wear line or the Ana Sui line. These clothes sell well, and sell out in stores. I guess what I'm trying to convey is that Jay's line will sell tremedously well once it is launched. You can't speak for everyone when you don't believe a designer's clothes look marketable.
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She designed and commissioned those shoes--and those shoes/boots retail from approx. $400 to over $1000 a pair. How could the judges not notice what the models had on their feet and legs??? She should have been made to show WITHOUT SHOES!
Lizz K
Lizz, do a quick Google search for "Dollhouse shoes". You will see that the EXACT shoes that Kara was using in her runway show retail for $50... not $400 - $1000.
Your post is dead on. To me the whole idea of Kara Saun even being selected as a participant was bogus. After all, she is hardly an amateur...as opposed to the others, who despite being involved in related industries, were not veteran fashion designers(for crying out loud she talked about her informal 1994 display at Olympus Fashion Week). I LOVE that this veteran status, connections and all, came back to haunt her in the end.
For the record I am very glad that Jay won, as "anyone but Kara" was my goal for the show towards the end. For those who suggest that Austin was shafted in the Grammys Challenge, please consider that Austin should have been out much earlier at the Wedding Gown Challenge. He didn't even create a wedding dress, give me a break. I don't get the Austin supporters who think he should have continued to have designed whatever couture-ish designs moved him regardless of the assignment...and that should get him an "in". Although not as underhanded, just like Kara, he didn't play by the rules as well.
For the record I am very glad that Jay won, as "anyone but Kara" was my goal for the show towards the end. For those who suggest that Austin was shafted in the Grammys Challenge, please consider that Austin should have been out much earlier at the Wedding Gown Challenge. He didn't even create a wedding dress, give me a break. I don't get the Austin supporters who think he should have continued to have designed whatever couture-ish designs moved him regardless of the assignment...and that should get him an "in". Although not as underhanded, just like Kara, he didn't play by the rules as well.
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tssh opined . . .
tssh opined . . .
- "Some one asked if Kara had been white would she have won. The answer without doubt is YES. KS was meticulous, professional, classy, the quentessential tailor, she had vision, style...she was the ultimate designer and everybody knew it...she won 4-5 competitions. She can make whatever Jay could but not so with Jay.
Instead, Jay, while likeable was very limited. His finale was not impressive at all...all of his models looked like they worked at the airport. What's interesting is the nobody is mentioning Jay's lack of tailoring...THUS the baggy designs to hide his flaws (in fact Wendy --though I dislike her--was a much better tailor than Jay).
Why is racism so difficult you people to accept. It's simple, you don't have to call somebody the "N" word to carry out racist acts. The fact that KS was denied the award is simply racist...I know that sounds harsh, but its the truth (I'm not calling the judges overt racist, however their collective decision, clearly represents bias/racist outcome....
Please wake up and be honest with yourselves."
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to which notevayas replied . . .
- "While I do not agree that racism was the overriding factor in the outcome, I think that your points merit consideration. Racism is so pervasive and invisible. We all have it, even you and I. But stating that, owning that, and considering that, are necessary steps to dealing with racism in any particular situation.
In my life, the hardest situations in which to fight racism, are the situations where the principles are so frightened of the word, they freeze at it's mention and refuse to consider the issue. Maybe this is because the word is used too often as a blanket indictment that is meant to stop conversation, not start the conversation.
Your post uses phrases such as "without a doubt", 'truth', and "everybody knew it" and "you people", and that makes for a good opinionated post about your enthusiasm for Kara Saun, but when combined with the issue of racism, very incendiary. In fact, so incendiary, that your post has recieved very little reply despite it's uber-provocative nature, and that is probably due both to topic and style.
Unfortunately, the word racism is sometimes used only to have the final unanswerable word in any arguement. To start talking about racism when there is a grade, a promotion, or $100,000.- at stake, is very bad timing also. It smacks with the potential of sour grapes.
As far as the design competition...
You seem to be making the point that because Kara Saun has superior technical skills, that makes her the better designer. That is almost like me saying that because I am a better carpenter than most college trained architects, I should be in charge of a project.
Remember whiter than white Kevin? His technical and design skills were also above par. Wendy also had the technical skills, but not half of his design skills IMHO.
All of the judges said that it was a very close decision. It was like judging apples against oranges. Austin lost out because the judges and two bit celebrity judges didn't connect with his vision as much as for any other reason.
Jay won because the judges were familiar with the glamorous style of Kara Saun, and less familiar with Jay's style, which to me, looked like a cross between Swedish and Japanese anime. Very quality, very youthful, but with just enough irony to appeal to street.
Fashion has a fascination with youth and innocence trashed. Theatre paint on 16 year old models it's epitome in a way. There was so much more going on behind Jay's win, than racial sensitivities. Jay was the fairer skinned, but Kara Saun's designs were the most caucasion and more derivative of what the white judges were familiar with.
If you want to talk about racism, there was a post I read throwing that speculation concerning Wendy's choice to have her only model of color wearing the "boobie" blouse. Even that conversation speaks as much to perception as intent.
I did not intend to write so much. I want to thank everyone who has posted. I hope these stay up long enough for me to read all the one's I've missed. They are as interesting as the show.
Congratulations to Jay! What a very strange trip it has been, and I hope it's blue skies, health, and prosperity for him now and in the future!"
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notevayas, thank you for your reasoned assesment. You missed one argument 'that everyone knows for a fact.' If one chooses to use 'discrimination' as an excuse, then Jay shouldn't have won either. In fact, discrimination against homosexual men and women is at least, if not more, insideous than the racial variety. If Jay had not won, gays with the same mindset as tssh would feel they have good reason to cry, "foul!"
So . . . if one were to accept de facto discrimination on the part of the judges, then neither Kara Saun nor Jay could be on top. And guess who is left with the winner's crown -- why lovable, lily-white, Wendy, of course. Even her "Christian" name bespeaks Aryan superiority, and she's MARRIED to a MAN, and they have a little child, who is already following in her mama's footsteps, designing doll clothes.
* W A K E * U P * A N D * S M E L L * T H E * C O F F E E, * P E O P L E * ! *
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And in my opinion...if Wendy DID back stab Kevin, she would have acted nice to him throughout the whole thing saying "Oh kevin, your a great leader...keep it up. Your doing good." If she ever flaunted herself kissing kevin's ass in the studio saying these remarks...and THEN all the sudden change courses and say "Kevin was a bad leader." THAT would be a great example of a "backstab". Wendy hasen't backstabbed on this show once in my opinion. People think she does though because of the sole reason that she remains quiet. She keeps to herself unless questioned or spoken to...THEN she states her opinion and her beliefs. I like her strategy. And it's not an evil stradegy...its simply...mind your own business unless business questiones you.
<applauding wildly from the bleachers> YAYYYYY!!! Another devotee of critical thinking and objective reasoning.
I CONCUR!!! (okay, now I'll stop posting on this topic. I think. )
Ummm, but she was ass kissing in the episode in question. He and Wendy had never gotten along, then all of a sudden she started being nice to him in the episode when he was in a leadership position on her team. I said earlier, I don't know if it ever made it into the episode, but in the promos it had her saying that she was tricking Kevin into trusting her, and Keving saying he was confused about why she was being so nice to her but that he thought he could trust her. Then she turned on him onstage.
Wendy never really gave Kevin a hard time specifically because he was never a threat to her until that moment. Which was probably why Jay was able to tolerate her in the final episode. He was no real threat to her in her eyes, at that point or any point prior...so her target was Kara, who she saw as her real competition. If she ever took her eyes off her hatred/jealousy of Kara long enough, and thought that Jay had any real chance of beating her, she would have been all over him too.
Although, I predicted Kara would win, it didn't mean that I wasn't hoping for Jay. Everytime Heidi said "Jay" during the final time with the judges, I kind of felt that "Oh, I lost" expression on his face with him. And I loved his show. The knits and the patchwork especially, I wasn't expecting that.
More of what we see on the runways is to get that desire factor going for the viewers and I wanted Jay's stuff the most, even though I could never wear it, even if I could afford it. I wonder if we will see Jay's influence in mass-market things now--in the knits, matched bright colors(so cheerful for dreary winters)and that stupendous patchwork coat! He took his home influences, what his family is and does and put it on the runway in a true winterwear show that was real Jay. I also loved that patterned dark blue sweater with the jeans and boots. Everything was quite different from his first two challenge designs and the swimsuit challenge. He shows true originally and fashion extremism while also creating things real women want and appreciate. I found myself smiling during his whole runway show.
I can't wait for ELLE's issue on Jay--I will buy at least two copies. And I hope there is a full page of that coat!
And I laughed out loud when Jay walked away when Wendy and Kara were arguing in the apartment and commented about if they got into a catfight, he'd win.
More of what we see on the runways is to get that desire factor going for the viewers and I wanted Jay's stuff the most, even though I could never wear it, even if I could afford it. I wonder if we will see Jay's influence in mass-market things now--in the knits, matched bright colors(so cheerful for dreary winters)and that stupendous patchwork coat! He took his home influences, what his family is and does and put it on the runway in a true winterwear show that was real Jay. I also loved that patterned dark blue sweater with the jeans and boots. Everything was quite different from his first two challenge designs and the swimsuit challenge. He shows true originally and fashion extremism while also creating things real women want and appreciate. I found myself smiling during his whole runway show.
I can't wait for ELLE's issue on Jay--I will buy at least two copies. And I hope there is a full page of that coat!
And I laughed out loud when Jay walked away when Wendy and Kara were arguing in the apartment and commented about if they got into a catfight, he'd win.
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I disagree. All of Jay's clothing could be worn by average folks on the streets. They could certainly buy and wear his jeans, vests, shirts and sweaters and separate skirts. His intricate detailing is gorgeous and once he is established the creation of his quilting designs can be done by machine. It's ready to wear and it was fabulous.
Great American designers don't always fit into the mold of evening gowns and furs.
Jay's talent is like that of Picasso. One where his skills are so sharp he could easily do a gown like Kara but his creativity pushes him further into abstraction. Mix that with his street sensibilities and you have a masterwork of creativitity and a strength that the other two competitors do not have. Even Wendy noticed that in the final episode.
Ooooh, nice analysis!
Racism...please. I was waiting for that one. Actually, in today's society white males are just as likely to be discriminated against(i.e. affirmative action---reversed discrimination). So quite frankly, seeing as Jay won, we can throw racism out.
I hate when people bring race into things without any proof. You know what you do when you do that? In the process of 'advocating for' the dis-enfranchised, you question the success of those who succeed. Do not diminish Jay's talent that way.
I hate when people bring race into things without any proof. You know what you do when you do that? In the process of 'advocating for' the dis-enfranchised, you question the success of those who succeed. Do not diminish Jay's talent that way.
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a lot of the pro-wendy people are like one time posters or people who have only one post to their profile....
Thus the theory of them all being Wendy, relatives of Wendy, or paid supporters of Wendy.
... or dating Wendy, trying to date Wendy, trying to date Wendy's daughter, being black-mailed by Wendy, owing Wendy money and trying to repay in kind, owing Wendy's family money, trying to negotiate a clothes-for-favorable-posts trade with Wendy, etc etc etc ad nauseum. Well, at least they're consistent.
No, I think it's because the same question is asked over and over and over again i.e. "what did Wendy do that was so bad, I didn't see it, give me specific examples." To which people do, only to find that person dissappears and more pop up in their place with the exact same question phrased in almost the exact same way. Now I've only been here a few weeks...and I can see it. So maybe the people who said they are all friends of Wendy are actually being kind, as a much less nice way to say it would be that it seems like the people who are making the posts are like these cookie cutter charicatures that can't seem to form an original thought.
How do you spell Kara Saun? L-O-S-E-R!!!!! She is nothing more than a sanctimonious windbag.
Quote:I googled. There aren't any shoes like KS's rhinestone high heels, but even the plain shoes are $40 a pair. Every pair of boots is about $82 dollars, and those don't have the fur and leather like KS's.
Lizz, do a quick Google search for "Dollhouse shoes". You will see that the EXACT shoes that Kara was using in her runway show retail for $50, not $400 to $1000.
Mel
My favorite was Wendy Pepper. I thought her designs were beautiful. I thought she was terrific. Maybe its my age, but it was a contest and I think she played the game. Kara didn't see the hypocrisy of the shoes. Just as Wendy said, "That says it all!"
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3) DOLLHOUSE is a RTW line junior based and the shoes were NOT desiged for Her...Tim you are a liar. You can see them on the web site and they were at the trade show for buyers to order. They sare not high end by a long shot so a 15 buck per pair is about right except for the boots and the heavy rhinestone sandels<add about 25 more dollars.
Not sure if anyone else has responded to this point yet, but I can't resist...because I hate seeing Tim called a liar.
It was *Kara* who said that she designed the shoes and that Dollhouse made them for her. The rhinestone shoes are very similar to ones on their website, though the heels/soles look like they are made out of different materials. I would accept the idea that Kara didn't design *those* shoes, but choose to use them from Dollhouse's designs. However, the boots for at least three of the outfits were *clearly* made to match her outfits, using the same leather/fur as was used in the coat. Kara was shown pointing out how much the boots matched the coats, so unless she designed her coats to match the boots (doubtful), the boots were made for her.
Funny, I don't even know Tim, but I feel highly protective of him and it bugs me that people would call him a liar.
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tssh opined . . ."Some one asked if Kara had been white would she have won. The answer without doubt is YES. KS was meticulous, professional, classy, the quentessential tailor, she had vision, style...she was the ultimate designer and everybody knew it...she won 4-5 competitions. She can make whatever Jay could but not so with Jay.
Instead, Jay, while likeable was very limited. His finale was not impressive at all...all of his models looked like they worked at the airport. What's interesting is the nobody is mentioning Jay's lack of tailoring...THUS the baggy designs to hide his flaws (in fact Wendy --though I dislike her--was a much better tailor than Jay).
Why is racism so difficult you people to accept. It's simple, you don't have to call somebody the "N" word to carry out racist acts. The fact that KS was denied the award is simply racist...I know that sounds harsh, but its the truth (I'm not calling the judges overt racist, however their collective decision, clearly represents bias/racist outcome....
Please wake up and be honest with yourselves."
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to which notevayas replied . . ."While I do not agree that racism was the overriding factor in the outcome, I think that your points merit consideration. Racism is so pervasive and invisible. We all have it, even you and I. But stating that, owning that, and considering that, are necessary steps to dealing with racism in any particular situation.
In my life, the hardest situations in which to fight racism, are the situations where the principles are so frightened of the word, they freeze at it's mention and refuse to consider the issue. Maybe this is because the word is used too often as a blanket indictment that is meant to stop conversation, not start the conversation.
Your post uses phrases such as "without a doubt", 'truth', and "everybody knew it" and "you people", and that makes for a good opinionated post about your enthusiasm for Kara Saun, but when combined with the issue of racism, very incendiary. In fact, so incendiary, that your post has recieved very little reply despite it's uber-provocative nature, and that is probably due both to topic and style.
Unfortunately, the word racism is sometimes used only to have the final unanswerable word in any arguement. To start talking about racism when there is a grade, a promotion, or $100,000.- at stake, is very bad timing also. It smacks with the potential of sour grapes.
As far as the design competition...
You seem to be making the point that because Kara Saun has superior technical skills, that makes her the better designer. That is almost like me saying that because I am a better carpenter than most college trained architects, I should be in charge of a project.
Remember whiter than white Kevin? His technical and design skills were also above par. Wendy also had the technical skills, but not half of his design skills IMHO.
All of the judges said that it was a very close decision. It was like judging apples against oranges. Austin lost out because the judges and two bit celebrity judges didn't connect with his vision as much as for any other reason.
Jay won because the judges were familiar with the glamorous style of Kara Saun, and less familiar with Jay's style, which to me, looked like a cross between Swedish and Japanese anime. Very quality, very youthful, but with just enough irony to appeal to street.
Fashion has a fascination with youth and innocence trashed. Theatre paint on 16 year old models it's epitome in a way. There was so much more going on behind Jay's win, than racial sensitivities. Jay was the fairer skinned, but Kara Saun's designs were the most caucasion and more derivative of what the white judges were familiar with.
If you want to talk about racism, there was a post I read throwing that speculation concerning Wendy's choice to have her only model of color wearing the "boobie" blouse. Even that conversation speaks as much to perception as intent.
I did not intend to write so much. I want to thank everyone who has posted. I hope these stay up long enough for me to read all the one's I've missed. They are as interesting as the show.
Congratulations to Jay! What a very strange trip it has been, and I hope it's blue skies, health, and prosperity for him now and in the future!"
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notevayas, thank you for your reasoned assesment. You missed one argument 'that everyone knows for a fact.' If one chooses to use 'discrimination' as an excuse, then Jay shouldn't have won either. In fact, discrimination against homosexual men and women is at least, if not more, insideous than the racial variety. If Jay had not won, gays with the same mindset as tssh would feel they have good reason to cry, "foul!"
So . . . if one were to accept de facto discrimination on the part of the judges, then neither Kara Saun nor Jay could be on top. And guess who is left with the winner's crown -- why lovable, lily-white, Wendy, of course. Even her "Christian" name bespeaks Aryan superiority, and she's MARRIED to a MAN, and they have a little child, who is already following in her mama's footsteps, designing doll clothes.
* W A K E * U P * A N D * S M E L L * T H E * C O F F E E, * P E O P L E * ! *
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I personally would hate for this to be the case, but when you think about, how many designers of color do we really have among the "elite?" I'm not saying that I like Kara's designs better than Jay's...but hey, I'm white lol. I found the dresses beautiful but the leather and the jackets especially...I don't know...outside my tastes. One of the people interviewed after the show said that she liked Kara's and that it was all about "the bling," a term with it's root more in black culture than in white. And maybe the two in terms of design are still really seperate. You know you have your Sean Combs and Baby Phat and J. Lo or whoever....and there over THERE. I mean, who have you seen yet at the Oscars or Grammy's that when questioned says, "Oh, I'm wearing J. Lo" and everybody swoons. I think overall they're considered to be designing for a specific client base rather than more haute couture...but maybe because there really is no market for them. Granted the comparison is tough because they're more celebrities employing designers for a line that they influence...but it does make you think. Where are all the black haute couture designers? Interesting.
PS-I'm previewing this and it's all coming out red. Sorry. I'm usually not that loud lol.
Quote:Quote:
Jay deserved it...
Kara came off as a snatch from hell...
Wendy came out of this looking pretty damned good...
Yes - - - I was surprised how bad - whiney - manipulative - and defensive - Kara came off - - and how redeemed Wendy came off.
Now - - - can we talk about how Wonderful Jay is????
Thank you, Knarf. Although I might have picked a different (non-gender) noun for Kara such as "schemer," yours is by far the most concise and correct assessment of the final episode, IMHO.
Dollhouse Beverly design is the boots with fur -- retails for $157 with Zappos. The rhinestone sandal is called Ritz and retails fro $73. You must have missed it in your search.
However, these are not the EXACT same shoes because Kara Saun obviosuly had the material changed to match her designs. So she had the Ritz and Beverly designs modified slightly. Definitely more than $15, but it was obvious -- the guy was a friend of hers.
However, these are not the EXACT same shoes because Kara Saun obviosuly had the material changed to match her designs. So she had the Ritz and Beverly designs modified slightly. Definitely more than $15, but it was obvious -- the guy was a friend of hers.
Quote:Quote:Quote:
Jay deserved it...
Kara came off as a XXXX from hell...
Wendy came out of this looking pretty damned good...
Yes - - - I was surprised how bad - whiney - manipulative - and defensive - Kara came off - - and how redeemed Wendy came off.
Now - - - can we talk about how Wonderful Jay is????
Thank you, Knarf. Although I might have picked a different (non-gender) noun for Kara such as "schemer," yours is by far the most concise and correct assessment of the final episode, IMHO.
Sorry, that's just gross.
Well, the board seems to be winding down. I loved the show and hope there is another. I'm glad I found these boards to discuss the show with others who love it. I've enjoyed reading the posts.
In PR2, I'd like "blind" judging, choosing the winning garment without knowing which designer made it. That way, personality, charm, and favoritism shouldn't be factors. They could ask questions the contestants questions after the winning garment is chosen.
It's been a lot of fun, and part of that has been sharing the experience with all of you.
Thanks, Mel.
In PR2, I'd like "blind" judging, choosing the winning garment without knowing which designer made it. That way, personality, charm, and favoritism shouldn't be factors. They could ask questions the contestants questions after the winning garment is chosen.
It's been a lot of fun, and part of that has been sharing the experience with all of you.
Thanks, Mel.
Blind judging would be actually a good idea. Of course once the safe scores are chosen they still would need to bring out the designers to defend their stuff.
Kara Saun: Inspired or copycat?
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.co...fani/harlow.jpg
As for the shoes: She herself said that the shoes were custom-made to match every individual piece. So pooh-pooh all you want, but she was in the wrong. Then she tried to equate that to Jay's using a friend's help for the quilting, except that he paid for it.
Wendy certainly came off a little better after the final show. But when they showed little Finley "designing" her little dress, it sure looked a lot better than some of Mom's creations.
ciao all.
Kara Saun: Inspired or copycat?
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.co...fani/harlow.jpg
As for the shoes: She herself said that the shoes were custom-made to match every individual piece. So pooh-pooh all you want, but she was in the wrong. Then she tried to equate that to Jay's using a friend's help for the quilting, except that he paid for it.
Wendy certainly came off a little better after the final show. But when they showed little Finley "designing" her little dress, it sure looked a lot better than some of Mom's creations.
ciao all.
My first, and what may be my only post. Just popped on to say I will miss Project Runway! My daughter and I watched it from the beginning, and we loved it!!!
Episode 1 I thought--Austin is going to win this competition, hands down. The dress he made out of cornhusks was gorgeous, reminded me of Tinkerbell. Also, loved Austin's suave, Truman Capote-like personality. (How can you not love him when he put his shoe trees in his perfect loafers before he left?) But as much as I really did love him, his rock star and wedding dresses were dreadful. (Each should have been used for the other's category). The Grammy dress was just wrong. But he was still my favorite, sigh. How can you not love a man who loves making women beautiful?
Also liked Nora--at first. Making a dress out of a chair was very clever. But she lost me when she threw the tantrum in the rock star episode. Nora--always take the high road, babe.
Mario and Daniel were just space fillers, they added nothing to the show. Word to producers---skip these poseur wannabe types next time. Alexandra also showed us nothing. That was sad.
Starr was so sadly poignant, and so seemingly talentless. Loved her, hated her work.
Vanessa made us laugh, and she probably is a good designer, but we didn't get to see it.
Robert's best effort I think was his penis-envy outfit and Kevin's was his rock star work. Their designs were okay, but lacked excitement. I think Kevin put the mustache on Wendy's pic despite his claim otherwise.
Kara was the consummate professional. Her works were always thought out and well presented. It would have been fair if she won. She will undoubtedly be a success. The irony of her lectures to Wendy about having a soul, and then cheating with the shoes, showed Kara's weakness. She wanted to win at all costs. Not a bad weakness to have Kara, in this business. It will serve you well.
Wendy was certainly the one you loved to hate. Look at the picture of her on the Bravo Web site--too funny. She was an interesting villain, but her designs often looked bad. She should have been out a lot sooner. If Daniel wasn't so lazy in the first challenge, it should have been Wendy to go. I think she was kept on because of her personality and the edge she gave the show. She had some pretty pieces in her final collection.
I could not stand Jay in the first few episodes. He was too flamboyant and bitchy. He looked so odd and creepy, especially when he was impersonating Jesus. Somewhere along the line, though, he grew on me. I started to laugh with him. When he told the Daily News reporter that he would need a highchair if he went to a fancy restaurant I nearly fell of my own chair with laughter.
Watching Tim's tour of Jay's home in PA, was very interesting. As a result, I really did appreciate Jay's crocheted poncho and long quilted jacket. Very beautiful folk art. I was happy to see him win.
When it was all said and done, deep down, I wonder what Austin would have done with $8,000 and the time to create beautiful clothes.
Alas.
Episode 1 I thought--Austin is going to win this competition, hands down. The dress he made out of cornhusks was gorgeous, reminded me of Tinkerbell. Also, loved Austin's suave, Truman Capote-like personality. (How can you not love him when he put his shoe trees in his perfect loafers before he left?) But as much as I really did love him, his rock star and wedding dresses were dreadful. (Each should have been used for the other's category). The Grammy dress was just wrong. But he was still my favorite, sigh. How can you not love a man who loves making women beautiful?
Also liked Nora--at first. Making a dress out of a chair was very clever. But she lost me when she threw the tantrum in the rock star episode. Nora--always take the high road, babe.
Mario and Daniel were just space fillers, they added nothing to the show. Word to producers---skip these poseur wannabe types next time. Alexandra also showed us nothing. That was sad.
Starr was so sadly poignant, and so seemingly talentless. Loved her, hated her work.
Vanessa made us laugh, and she probably is a good designer, but we didn't get to see it.
Robert's best effort I think was his penis-envy outfit and Kevin's was his rock star work. Their designs were okay, but lacked excitement. I think Kevin put the mustache on Wendy's pic despite his claim otherwise.
Kara was the consummate professional. Her works were always thought out and well presented. It would have been fair if she won. She will undoubtedly be a success. The irony of her lectures to Wendy about having a soul, and then cheating with the shoes, showed Kara's weakness. She wanted to win at all costs. Not a bad weakness to have Kara, in this business. It will serve you well.
Wendy was certainly the one you loved to hate. Look at the picture of her on the Bravo Web site--too funny. She was an interesting villain, but her designs often looked bad. She should have been out a lot sooner. If Daniel wasn't so lazy in the first challenge, it should have been Wendy to go. I think she was kept on because of her personality and the edge she gave the show. She had some pretty pieces in her final collection.
I could not stand Jay in the first few episodes. He was too flamboyant and bitchy. He looked so odd and creepy, especially when he was impersonating Jesus. Somewhere along the line, though, he grew on me. I started to laugh with him. When he told the Daily News reporter that he would need a highchair if he went to a fancy restaurant I nearly fell of my own chair with laughter.
Watching Tim's tour of Jay's home in PA, was very interesting. As a result, I really did appreciate Jay's crocheted poncho and long quilted jacket. Very beautiful folk art. I was happy to see him win.
When it was all said and done, deep down, I wonder what Austin would have done with $8,000 and the time to create beautiful clothes.
Alas.
I couldn't have been happier that Jay won.
He truly had a vision all his own. It was original, and it screamed 'Jay.'
I enjoyed Kara's designs (they were impeccable), but felt that she didn't have an inspiration all her own. As Kors said, some of the dresses looked very Gucci. I failed to see the originality in her collection. Seemed the theme was take the costumes from 'The Aviator' and tweak them for the runway. I don't know. I was expecting something that showed more of Kara, and less of Hollywood blockbusters. Also, let's not forget how the model struggled in that one dress.
Wendy did a pretty good job. It wasn't as well thought out or well designed as Kara or Jay's, but she did well. Alot of the individual pieces were really something, but overall, as a collection, it didn't ring true. It didn't form a cohesive whole.
As far as the personality aspect of the designers, I never had a problem with Wendy and was happy to see her redeem herself to others. I thought it was a bit silly that people thought she 'betrayed' Kevin and Austin. Kevin wasn't a very good leader. (We all saw how Kara was the first to leap in there and become a leader.)
I ended up very disappointed with Kara in the end. At the beginning of the show I wanted her to win so badly, and thought she was the most noble, if you will, of all the designers. When she first 'took over' for Kevin is when I started to have my doubts. Then when she informed Jay 'this doesn't look like you. Do this.' I thought she was again overstepping her boundaries. But when she proved herself to be a very rude hypocrite in the last episode... I was just very disenchanted.
Jay, of the final three, conducted himself with the most decorum (even though he swore more. ) Good for Jay!
-Cambryn
He truly had a vision all his own. It was original, and it screamed 'Jay.'
I enjoyed Kara's designs (they were impeccable), but felt that she didn't have an inspiration all her own. As Kors said, some of the dresses looked very Gucci. I failed to see the originality in her collection. Seemed the theme was take the costumes from 'The Aviator' and tweak them for the runway. I don't know. I was expecting something that showed more of Kara, and less of Hollywood blockbusters. Also, let's not forget how the model struggled in that one dress.
Wendy did a pretty good job. It wasn't as well thought out or well designed as Kara or Jay's, but she did well. Alot of the individual pieces were really something, but overall, as a collection, it didn't ring true. It didn't form a cohesive whole.
As far as the personality aspect of the designers, I never had a problem with Wendy and was happy to see her redeem herself to others. I thought it was a bit silly that people thought she 'betrayed' Kevin and Austin. Kevin wasn't a very good leader. (We all saw how Kara was the first to leap in there and become a leader.)
I ended up very disappointed with Kara in the end. At the beginning of the show I wanted her to win so badly, and thought she was the most noble, if you will, of all the designers. When she first 'took over' for Kevin is when I started to have my doubts. Then when she informed Jay 'this doesn't look like you. Do this.' I thought she was again overstepping her boundaries. But when she proved herself to be a very rude hypocrite in the last episode... I was just very disenchanted.
Jay, of the final three, conducted himself with the most decorum (even though he swore more. ) Good for Jay!
-Cambryn
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