lemons
January 17, 2005 - 09:29 AM
Is this true?Somewhere I saw Jay beating the Crap out of Austin in the next episode..IM not sure if he really does beat the crap out of him.
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 09:50 AM
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Nora was not one of the worst for two weeks straight. She was one of the best in the first episode, then she was in the bottom three for 'Envy' challenge, then safe for BR challenge, and than in the winning group for Rock-N-Roll outfit. Compare her to Austin - winner in the first challenge, safe for 'Envy', one of the worst for BR, THE WORST for Rock-N-Roll challenge. Well, who do you think deserved to stay?
And about Alex. I have to admit - I hated her wedding dress, however, I did not see anything in it from her BR or 'Envy' designs. She may not be as original as some of the designers, but she has a strong point - her dresses are wearable.
I guess her designs are wearable...but it's hard for me to really see it as one of her strongpoints since I personally wouldn't wear them.
As for who deserved to go...I still think it was Nora. Her team may have been the best in episode 4, but after her "episode," it was obvious that if Vanessa hadn't screwed herself, Nora would have gone home. I think that in episode 4, even though they said anyone could be eliminated, they already planned not to eliminate any of the group leaders. Even though Austin's dress was picked as the worst, it was only out of three; he still beat six other designers to be picked by Sarah (I'm not saying I agree with that logic, but I think it's what the producers/judges were going on). I've also noticed another pattern. Austin, Kara, Wendy, and Kevin have all won a challenge. None of them have been kicked off. So even if one of them is having an off week (Wendy has had many of them and she's still on), the judges are more likely to let them stay on because they showed extreme promise at some poing. Just an observation.
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I would love to see Austin in a fight! Remember he once said that he was bigger and stronger than Robert. I think he made a fool out of himself right there.
I'm pretty darn sure that was sarcasm.
About the Rock-N-Roll challenge - I think that Nora was not a candidate for elimination simply because she was in the winning team, and it was only fair that one of the designers in Austin's (loosing) team had to go. I was hoping it would be Wendy, but...
About Alex's dresses - I personally wouldn't wear them as well, but just because I'm a male with a few extra pounds, and I don't think they would look good on me
paillette
January 17, 2005 - 10:08 AM
I suspect that the top three designers will have to possess the three qualities of sheer talent, versatility, and professionalism. Other valued qualities, in terms of staying on the show for a longer period of time, include having a dramatic persona and the eye candy factor. Then there were those who were cast in order to be eliminated early. So far, I think these are the patterns emerging, though we always could be surprised.
Alexandra: Moderate talent, little versatility, high professionalism. Nonexistent personality (at least as shown on the show), but very high on the eye candy factor. I don't think she'll make the top three unless something dramatic happens.
Austin: High score on talent but little versatility thus far, moderate-to-high professionalism (loses points for hissy fits). Very high on the dramatic persona factor, moderate eye-candy factor, depending on tastes. COnclusion: Love him or hate him, Austin can make the top three if he can break out of the "costumey" label.
Daniel: Saw too little of him; probably cast with an early elimination in mind.
Jay (my current fave): High talent, extremely high versatility, moderately high professionalism (he should have insisted on shortening that hem!) High points for a dramatic persona, and, though low on the eye candy hierarchy, he does have an interesting appearance and personal dress sense. I predict he'll make the cut to top three.
Kara: High talent, moderately high versatility, very high professionalism. Moderate in terms of both persona (she's nice) and eye-candy factor (she's attractive, but doesn't seem to have on-board fans in that regard). Nevertheless, her high scores in the three qualities that count most lead me to predict she'll be in the top three.
Kevin: In my opinion, moderate talent, moderate versatility, moderate professionalism, very quiet persona and moderate eye-candy. He may persist through a combination of moderate factors, but I don't see him in the top three.
Mario: Saw too little of him; cast for early elimination.
Nora: Moderate-to-high talent, moderate versatility, low-to-moderate professionalism (she worked very well on her own). Good for drama and eye candy, depending on tastes. I think she had a good run, gained visibility, and will ultimately succeed in the biz.
Robert: Low-to-moderate talent, moderate versatility, low-to-moderate professionalism (not seeing the work ethic). Low on dramatic persona, but high points for eye candy, judging from this board. I don't think he'll stay much longer, but he's been fun.
Starr: Low talent, low versatility, low professionalism. Good on the drama scale, though: it was fun to watch her quiver! She might have been eye candy if she hadn't always either been crying or looked like she was about to. They kept her on for about as long as people could stand her.
Vanessa: High talent, high versatility, high standards/professionalism. Lots of points on the persona, EXCEPT she's a Brit, which makes her less appealing to an American audience as a finalist. Low eye candy, though one poster mentioned that her husband liked her looks. I would have liked to see more of her, but I'm sure she appreciated getting the good expposure she did.
Wendy: Low-to-moderate talent, moderate versatility, high professionalism (she hunkers down at that machine!). Unlikeable, but that makes her an important dramatic player in the bunch -- the "villain". Has a sort of anti-eye-candy factor, since people like to wonder about her green eye shadow and streaked hair. I predict she'll stay in a couple more rounds, but won't make the finals.
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 10:11 AM
Who designed the horrendous shorts that Michael was talking about in one of the previews? What challenge do you think that would be? Maybe the swimsuit challenge? Did you see that Jay and Robert were on the runway at that moment? Do you think one of them is getting eliminated soon?
runwayfan
January 17, 2005 - 10:21 AM
In TIM'S TAKES, Tim marvels frequently about how Kevin is able to complete his ambitious designs in time for each runway challenge. Then, regarding the Rock-n-Roll design challenge, Tim wonders why Kevin doesn't act more like a design leader and console the out-of-control Nora. Let me tell you why... If Kevin had stopped working on the dress to tend to dear Nora, the dress would *not* have been completed in time for the runway judging. That is how Kevin completes his work in time. No-nonsense.
Tejayes
January 17, 2005 - 10:31 AM
Say what you will, but I LOVE Wendy! She has an evil underdog quality that just rocks!
Jay rocks, too.
peanutsonedollar
January 17, 2005 - 11:10 AM
"Nora is a heterosexual girl, but do I get upset because she acts like an immature brat because I'm also a heterosexual girl? No, because that's stupid."
I get upset because she acts like an immature brat. She is on the show carrying out a stereotype that so many people already hold about the individuals from her hometown in CT. That's why her behavior is so frustrating to me, which may be why some people get upset about the way Austin is portrayed on the show. Nora's behavior may have been edited to paint her as a super brat just as Austin's behaviors may have been edited to show him as he is depicted on the show. Nevertheless, the events being shown DID happen and therefore have to give a somewhat accurate depiction of the characters they are made to be on the show. I guess my point is that Nora, in her own special way, is working to uphold a less widespread stereotype of young women who grew up in "the shire." Therefore, I feel that I have a right to be offended by her immature and bratty behavior. I mean this in a tongue and cheek kind of way, so please do not get too offended when you read this.
P.S. Lauren123 thanks for your support... you are my hero
Istya
January 17, 2005 - 12:29 PM
Not at all, that makes perfect sense. I was saying that she didn't bother me based on sexual affiliation alone (she does bother me just in general). I'm sure if someone from my home town was on TV acting a certain way that made others form opinions on the people who lived in my town, I'd be very upset too.
ayem8y
January 17, 2005 - 01:21 PM
Wasn't it funny when Nora sat there and said "The dress looked great up on the runway, and I mean I don't even know how". You don't know how? Because you wasted hours having a nervous breakdown, while Kevin worked on his dress. That's how!
Senka
January 17, 2005 - 01:30 PM
Gosh I was trying to post that too !!!
AuntieKrabby
January 17, 2005 - 02:04 PM
Finally, I got to watch the entire episode in one sitting!
I have to say that I found Nora's two-faced attitude about the roses completely uncalled for. (oh yes, Melissa, this is perfect //// oh yes, designers, this is crap) She was dealing with a flippin' child and as a professional and an adult it was her RESPONSIBILITY to tell Melissa that the roses were too much. Melissa, as a child, might have understood! I got really irked watching her laughing about the roses in the workroom! Completely immature and unnecessary!!!
For this alone, I'm glad she got the boot!
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 02:05 PM
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Wasn't it funny when Nora sat there and said "The dress looked great up on the runway, and I mean I don't even know how". You don't know how? Because you wasted hours having a nervous breakdown, while Kevin worked on his dress. That's how!
Personally I did not like the dress, and think that Jay's team should have won the challenge, but that's not the point...
First of all, I find it very doubtful that Nora's nervous breakdown lasted that long. Secondly, I do agree with the girls that Kevin did show poor leadership skills.
angeedee
January 17, 2005 - 02:20 PM
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I worked as a seamstress/designer for about 10 years in "another life" as they say. I find that some of the people on the show now, while obviously interesting personalities and capable tailors/seamstresses, aren't really the caliber of a designer, in my opinion.
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Ha ha, you can't escape like that ! You have to cite designer's names !
OK, Senka, let me see.
I don't think Wendy is anything other than a dressmaker. I've visited her website, looked through her portfolio, and haven't seen a durn thing that looks new, fresh, interesting or individual.
I felt the same about Starr or Star or however that unfortunate young woman spells her name. The line she offers on her website is gimmicky, and she doesn't seem to have a grasp on the concept of "fashion."
At the risk of upsetting the Nora faction, the only real design we saw from her was the BR challenge, and other than the pleating detail (which we see repeated in her portfolio ad nauseum) there was nothing interesting or fresh about that dress, either.
Alexandra has been low-key, and although I'm sure she is an attractive person her designs have not stood out, although the similarity of their siloutte has. I get the impression that Alexandra just designs what she would like to wear. I think you have to be a little more broad in your approach to carry a line.
Again at the risk of sending a faction into hysterics, I think Austin is obviously a top-notch technician and capable of great creativity -- as long as it is in his preferred direction. I thought the idea behind his wedding dress was great, but the execution left much to be desired. all you ahve to do is put that dress next to his BR dress to see he perhaps does not possess the flexibility to respond to, or direct, fashion trends vs. follow his own drummer.
Honestly, if i had to pick the top three for a runway show during fashion week today i could only come up with two: kara and jay. they both have a style that is recognizable but not repetitive, and they both seem to be able to respond to the challenges without losing their grasp on that style or their work ethic.......
that's just my opinion.
And thanks to everybody for sharing their opinions, too.
i think it is very interesting to read what everyone thinks about the show!
AliK512
January 17, 2005 - 02:44 PM
he ya'll. i'm new to this board, but not to fashion. i'm only 16 but i love to dress up and really play with my style. i go to a small high school so i usually stick out compared to everybody else. i love watching p.r. because i get to see how clothes are made, and how creative others can be. to me, they're all inspirational and deserve a lot of credit to be able to pull off an outfit in a couple days. but the thing that really tweaks me are the judges. i sometimes totally disagree on some outfits that i really like. and isn't fashion supposed to be about the consumers? i mean, one of the reasons i'd buy something is because it suits my taste, and it's at an affordable price. so if fashion is for only the rich and famous, then why is it so globally presented to everyone?
anyways, i really like nora, because she was so young, but yet brought some freshness to the show. i liked her wedding dress, because in the back there was a trane coming down, and the back was laced up, which is totally nora. but seriously, how can someone create a better classic like the big puffy wedding dress without ruining it?
austin tried his best with his model to make her happy, and he succeeded, but he did put austin into his design, so kudos buddy. he has an unique style that is very interesting.
wendy needs to go. her clothes arn't that inpressive, and i didn't like her wedding dress, it seemed a little dramatic with the red. she's definately a nutcase who's desperate and thinks this is her only shot at the big time.
kara doesn't seem all that special. i mean, yeah, her designs are good and her added details are nice, but it's like any of those other designers could also pull that off also.
i've always like kevin from the start, because his clothes were so classic and conservative. his wedding dress was beautiful with just the little amount of jewels on his dress.
jay's an overall designer who sees what he wants, and goes for it all the way. he would definately succeed in the fashion business.
rob seems to kinda mentally freek out when there's bigger opportunities, such as on his br dress. he couldn't make up his mind, when he already had a great idea, he went and messed it up. he even knew his dress was bad, but he kept with it.
alexandra has nice outfits and a cute syle, but she does need to mix it up. but maybe her 20s look his her trademark.
vanessa should still be on. she was one of the best designers with great ideas.
i do wish this show would have let everyone do all the challenges, and then at the end, the judges would pick the top three with the highest scores to be in the runway show, then we could have seen what every designer had to offer. aw well, what can you do ?
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 02:52 PM
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Honestly, if i had to pick the top three for a runway show during fashion week today i could only come up with two: kara and jay. they both have a style that is recognizable but not repetitive, and they both seem to be able to respond to the challenges without losing their grasp on that style or their work ethic.......
I do think Kara and Jay will be the last two standing. Not sure who has more chance to be the winner...probably Kara (as more safe choice).
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And thanks to everybody for sharing their opinions, too.
i think it is very interesting to read what everyone thinks about the show!
I think so too
ayem8y
January 17, 2005 - 02:54 PM
Not necessarily. Nora was trying to save her ass by accusing Kevin of poor leadership. She said it before the judging segment that she was worried that the team leader (Kevin) would be able to pick someone to be booted. To be fair, we did not see Kevin give much direction on this project, maybe he was consumed with his design and was uncomfortable with compromise, but neither did we see Austin or Jay offer much direction for that matter. We merely saw everyone busily constructing this and that but we did not hear the direction. We never heard Alexandra utter a word until asked to pick a member of the team. She picked Kevin because he is a greater threat to her, pure and simple and she also knew Nora would pick Kevin.
Didn’t Kevin ask or rather delegate a sewing responsibility to Nora? She replied that his technique was to time consuming and that she was not going to do it. Then she promptly stormed out with accusations that Kevin is up to something and that she has her eye on him. She was filled to the brim with emotion and paranoia and was in no way helpful to fulfilling a team project. Tearfully hacking away at fabric, double talking about accusing everyone of stealing a pattern. Enough!
Personally I agree with you, I liked Jay’s design better.
And yes they probably edited her drama to seem like it looked longer but Kevin himself said it was like three hours.
Lauren123
January 17, 2005 - 03:01 PM
P.S. Lauren123 thanks for your support... you are my hero
You're welcome. I was just getting sick of all the little cronies posting the usual "'shire" crapola. I can't even tell people where I am from if they are from CT, because they roll their eyes and gag, and the way this Nora girl acts on the show only fuels the validity of such reactions. Sigh.
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 03:10 PM
I agree. I would also like all twelve designers to work on every challenge and would love to see the results, however, I think that would have brought less drama into the show...
ayem8y
January 17, 2005 - 03:19 PM
In reference to Austin
Don't delude yourself that he's some mild-mannered sweetie. He's just more careful than Wendy not to let it show.
After all of his crying and drama backstage and on stage "Working with my dream team, with what I think is a dream job" and "I just love both of them so much" He turned on Wendy as fast as she turned on him. Wailing for Vanessa's departure but dancing his ass off when the final credits were rolling.
Vladi
January 17, 2005 - 03:25 PM
I do agree that all three of them did not shine as leaders (Jay probably was the best in delegating responsibilities and giving directions though), however, we are talking about a specific incident in a specific team. I think that from the beginning of their work together Kevin felt that 'he could have done it better without Nora'...or Alex...or anyone else. You could feel that in his every word and every move. And I think Nora felt that too.
Once again...we do not know of everything that went on, and can only have our opinions on what we saw.
paillette
January 17, 2005 - 03:33 PM
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[Austin] He turned on Wendy as fast as she turned on him.
I noticed this, too: he's holding a grudge about it.
ayem8y
January 17, 2005 - 03:39 PM
I think Wendy really started it all by making a strategic move in offering Austin up for elimination. She knew he was a big threat to her, and she went for it. She said herself that she wants everyone to be dissarmed by her mother hen routine. Then Alexandra and Nora went for the same tactic on Kevin.
hookedonPR
January 17, 2005 - 04:44 PM
Never in my TV watching life have I been so hooked on a show. God, Wednesday nights don't come around soon enough. Bravo, I hope this just the first of several Projects.
And about the designers...
Nora was great, but a little too young (I'm trying to avoid the word immature) to stay in as a competitor.
Wendy surprised me with the wedding dress and Banana designs. Would someone please give that woman a makeover though. Her own look doesn't inspire much confidence. And her attempts at being a "player" are just embarrassing.
Jay--used to love to hate him. Now I just love him. And that art deco outfit for Banana... I think I could possibly kill for that ensemble.
Robert is very likeable, but just a little too cute for my taste. (Oh, was this supposed to be just about design, or can I make personal observations?) Should I admit that I actually liked the frosty blue and leopard piece that he put together for Banana? Yeah, maybe I should keep that to myself.
Kara Saun is totally cool. I think she's consistently strong as a designer. And God bless her for giving Wendy a little bit of a makeover. (Will someone please slap that blue eyeshadow out of Wendy's hands. Pleeeeeeeaazzze?)
Austin. Never fails to entertain. He's quite gifted, but verges on slipping over the line to being a little annoying every once in a while.
And my favorite... KEVIN. Enigmatic for sure. What is it about that guy? Damn, he's so strangely alluring. I'm absolutely smitten. Frankly, I don't think we see enough of him on screen. Maybe it's because he's so quiet, and quiet doesn't make for good television, but I've found myself watching old episodes over and over again just for a glimpse of him. If I can find a way to loop that shot of him rolling his eyes up to the camera while he's fervently working on a dress form, and commenting on whether a certain few others would be accepted into the Banana workroom, and then that devilish little smile that slowly eased onto his face... mmmmmman. Kevin, if you want a date with a California girl who's into fashion, come on out after you've set up your couture house and look me up!
I'm sure I've missed commenting on someone--but I'm too busy thinking about Kevin now to bother with anyone else. Geez, I haven't felt this way since Shaun Cassidy!
AuntieKrabby
January 17, 2005 - 05:10 PM
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And my favorite... KEVIN. Enigmatic for sure. What is it about that guy? Damn, he's so strangely alluring. I'm absolutely smitten. Frankly, I don't think we see enough of him on screen. Maybe it's because he's so quiet, and quiet doesn't make for good television, but I've found myself watching old episodes over and over again just for a glimpse of him. If I can find a way to loop that shot of him rolling his eyes up to the camera while he's fervently working on a dress form, and commenting on whether a certain few others would be accepted into the Banana workroom, and then that devilish little smile that slowly eased onto his face... mmmmmman. Kevin, if you want a date with a California girl who's into fashion, come on out after you've set up your couture house and look me up!
I'm sure I've missed commenting on someone--but I'm too busy thinking about Kevin now to bother with anyone else. Geez, I haven't felt this way since Shaun Cassidy!
Dang!! I couldn't have said it better myself!! Kevin is hot in an alluring way ....
FACE
January 17, 2005 - 05:26 PM
what is it about this show? i usually hate reality television but i'm hardcore addicted to this. i think they're using subliminal messages...
JustTzujIt
January 17, 2005 - 07:01 PM
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he ya'll. i'm new to this board, but not to fashion. i'm only 16 but i love to dress up and really play with my style. i go to a small high school so i usually stick out compared to everybody else. i love watching p.r. because i get to see how clothes are made, and how creative others can be. to me, they're all inspirational and deserve a lot of credit to be able to pull off an outfit in a couple days...
HEY! Wow, we should be twins! I come from a small high school too, or rather a small (POPULATION-WISE) state, so yeah, it's pretty fun being the person that stands out in the crowd and always has a cool and fresh outfit. What kind of styles do you like? I'm into boho mostly, some retro, especially the fifties floral a-lines and cardigans. Think "Joan of Arcadia." It's all retail though, and I really hope that with the growing population rate where I live, that we might be able to attain a cool vintage store here - Salvy's isn't very "chic!"
JustTzujIt
January 17, 2005 - 07:12 PM
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In reference to Austin
Don't delude yourself that he's some mild-mannered sweetie. He's just more careful than Wendy not to let it show.
After all of his crying and drama backstage and on stage "Working with my dream team, with what I think is a dream job" and "I just love both of them so much" He turned on Wendy as fast as she turned on him. Wailing for Vanessa's departure but dancing his ass off when the final credits were rolling.
Personally, if I liked both of my teammates but one of them turned on me for a problem that was never communicated towards me, I would turn on them as fast as I could. Why? What Wendy did is enough to make me reconsider my opinion of her, were I Austin. If Wendy plays the game, beat her. (Sorry to say, no one won).
I believe that Austin's feelings were heartfelt, because if I had lost a teammate that I was friends with, I would be crying too. There were only one or two people consoling him, and the rest were talking to Vanessa, so the accusations of him stealing the show don't have much strength. I'm sure that they had time to say goodbye before she left. After that, what can you do? He had a good cry, and I bet the teammates had coaxed him into being happy again... I would have.
jais_girl
January 17, 2005 - 07:30 PM
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the same thing I was thinking. Uh-oh with a multitude of expletives about her heritage, sobriety, attitude, professionalism, sexual orientation, IQ and other stuff.
Now why did those come to mind? I can understand sobriety but what does sexual orientation have anything to do with it? Or heritage and IQ?
JG
jais_girl
January 17, 2005 - 07:39 PM
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Wow, 89 posts! But I finally got through them reading, skimming, and skipping. Next time I'm away, I'm going to have a ghost poster fill in for me. Most have been pretty nice and a pleasure to read (hello newbies)! Other have been...well that's what skipping is for, lol
I'm with you, I think it said something like 117 when I got on.
JG
ayem8y
January 17, 2005 - 07:49 PM
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Personally, if I liked both of my teammates but one of them turned on me for a problem that was never communicated towards me, I would turn on them as fast as I could. Why? What Wendy did is enough to make me reconsider my opinion of her, were I Austin. If Wendy plays the game, beat her. (Sorry to say, no one won).
I believe that Austin's feelings were heartfelt, because if I had lost a teammate that I was friends with, I would be crying too. There were only one or two people consoling him, and the rest were talking to Vanessa, so the accusations of him stealing the show don't have much strength. I'm sure that they had time to say goodbye before she left. After that, what can you do? He had a good cry, and I bet the teammates had coaxed him into being happy again... I would have.
I agree that Wendy's maneuver backfired and no one benefited from this action on her part, in short she showed her hand to soon. It will only serve to alienate herself from Austin and others will be wary of her motives. I’m sure that Austin was crying for many reasons, a lot is going on with him, especially representing the worst design in this challenge, and losing a teammate, facing betrayal from Wendy, and stress. Then facing the bottom again with his wedding dress. Austin wavers between costuming and actual design. But then again that’s what I like about him, he’s flamboyant, he’s prissy, he’s egocentric, and he’s fabulous. It’s all so very dramatic with him. So YSL! or is it more like the Old Navy lady. Let’s hope Austin does what sometimes happens with these competitions, and that is maybe he’ll learn from his mistakes swallow his pride a little and take the last chance opportunity given to him with the last elimination and start to blossom and become a threat to the other players.
Personally I would enjoy seeing the top three being:
Kara Saun
Austin
Jay
goddessamelia
January 17, 2005 - 07:56 PM
I see the top three being Jay and Kara but Im torn between Austin and Kevin for the third spot and I think just keep Robert around after he is eliminated just for kicks and giggles.
JustTzujIt
January 17, 2005 - 10:58 PM
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Robert is very likeable, but just a little too cute for my taste. (Oh, was this supposed to be just about design, or can I make personal observations?) Should I admit that I actually liked the frosty blue and leopard piece that he put together for Banana? Yeah, maybe I should keep that to myself.
No, I liked it too! I think it had this sort of "Leopard in the Arctic" thing, like a clash of worlds, and I'm very into that kind of stuff. Don't think it was BR, but definitely a good idea indeed.
Puddinhead
January 18, 2005 - 08:02 AM
Okay - Austin definitely wins the How Gay Am I award. I'm convinced he's Dame Edna's long lost daughter. The makeup, the scarves, the CURLERS (jeez, I don't even know any WOMEN who wear curlers!). Why doesn't he just don a tutu and a tiara and be done with it. He should have been bumped after that first ridiculous corn husk ensemble.
I like Kara's designs but don't see how any of them could be worn by a woman with actual breasts, as opposed to the models' "fried eggs sliding down a wall."
I'm voting for Wendy or Kevin, but I think Nora never should have been bumped; her stuff was awesome - and wearable!
Tejayes
January 18, 2005 - 08:23 AM
It seems to me that a lot of people are misunderstanding the challenges and why people won and lost. I'll give an explanation:
CHALLENGE 1: Innovation. The challenge was to take unconventional items and turn them into something good-looking. The ten non-losers succeeded in either going with very strange items (Nora, Robert, Starr, Vanessa, Wendy) or making it look good (Alexandra, Jay, Kara, Kevin, Mario). Austin won because his cornhusk dress was both. Daniel lost because he took a garbage bag and butcher paper and made it look like a garbage bag and butcher paper -- not innovative.
CHALLENGE 2: Vision/Sell Your Vision. This challenge meant two things: show you think outside the box, and convince buyers of that. Kara's professionalism and design skills got her the $405 bid and the win. Likewise, Mario's laziness and over-simplicity showed that he didn't care as much for his vision as the others, including the much-hated Wendy (I love you, Wendy). That's why Mario lost.
CHALLENGE 3: Commercial Appeal. The Appeal factor not only meant how a design would appeal to customers, but also to the store carrying the design. This is why Wendy won. Her design fit the aestethic BR was looking for, was easy to construct, and looked good, too. Some, like Jay's, were a little too complex for BR. Others, like Robert's, were not very appealing. Starr failed on all accounts -- her design was ugly, looked hard-to-make, and her whole wardrobe was unappealing. Goodbye.
CHALLENGE 4: Collaboration. This challenge meant working with AND critiquing other people. The ultimate goal in this was to show how well you can work with other to make something. Kevin won because his design worked with Sarah Hudson well and he kept working on the design even when Nora was being uncooperative. Nora's behavior would have been more than enough for elimination if not for Vanessa's fatal mistake. How can you work with other people if you can't work with yourself? She admitted so many times she cannot sew, and this is bad in itself. But to confess your weakness to the judges AND not defend your weakness? Sorry, Vanessa, you're out.
CHALLENGE 5: Working with a Client. Once again, two important goals: make the client happy, and don't sell yourself out. Kara kept true to her own traditions and made a dress that was beatiful, conventional and unique at the same time, and most importantly the model loved it. Nora's problem was that she let Melissa control her and not let any of Nora's creativity show. In Nora's case, Melissa was not a client -- she was an authority figure. Fatal mistake, Nora.
Now, looking ahead, it seems the theme of Challenge 6 may be self-management or something. The 5-hour deadline and the clue on conduct at the party playing a role are signs of this. I'd also like to see a theme where they have to design something other than dresses, like accesories (hats, purses, shoes, etc.) or men's clothing (using the model's boyfriends).
paillette
January 18, 2005 - 09:10 AM
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I like Kara's designs but don't see how any of them could be worn by a woman with actual breasts, as opposed to the models' "fried eggs sliding down a wall."
Yes, but for those of us in the "fried eggs" contingent, Kara's necklines look great!
I also thought Jay's narrow wedding dress would be good for us fried-egg types... I'm just glad he didn't have the fried egg shapes at the hips, too.
lilmiss23
January 18, 2005 - 09:23 AM
NORA IS A HOTTIE!!!
Puddinhead
January 18, 2005 - 09:33 AM
Wow - first of all, congratulations on such a lengthy post with only one spelling error. But it seems to me that you may be presenting opinion as fact.
I still disagree with your opinion on challenge #1; the cornhusk ensemble was ridiculous. Yes, you could probably make a "dress" out of flaming torches. It would be innovative, but silly and unwearable.
I also disagree with your take on #5. Once again, it was Austin who completely capitulated to a possibly deranged anorexic. It was Austin who let his "client" completely dictate an idiotic design, while Nora actually designed a wedding dress that thrilled her client.
The only reason they're keeping Austin is that he's made himself into a caricature, a la Omarosa. This is clearly a decision of the producers.
AuntieKrabby
January 18, 2005 - 09:55 AM
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still disagree with your opinion on challenge #1; the cornhusk ensemble was ridiculous. Yes, you could probably make a "dress" out of flaming torches. It would be innovative, but silly and unwearable.
Butting in here, exactly what could you make out of grocery store items that would be wearable? I cannot think of one darn thing.
hookedonPR
January 18, 2005 - 10:24 AM
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And my favorite... KEVIN. Enigmatic for sure. What is it about that guy? Damn, he's so strangely alluring. I'm absolutely smitten. Frankly, I don't think we see enough of him on screen. Maybe it's because he's so quiet, and quiet doesn't make for good television, but I've found myself watching old episodes over and over again just for a glimpse of him. If I can find a way to loop that shot of him rolling his eyes up to the camera while he's fervently working on a dress form, and commenting on whether a certain few others would be accepted into the Banana workroom, and then that devilish little smile that slowly eased onto his face... mmmmmman. Kevin, if you want a date with a California girl who's into fashion, come on out after you've set up your couture house and look me up!
I'm sure I've missed commenting on someone--but I'm too busy thinking about Kevin now to bother with anyone else. Geez, I haven't felt this way since Shaun Cassidy!
Dang!! I couldn't have said it better myself!! Kevin is hot in an alluring way ....
Yeah! I'm strangely happy that there are other fans of Kevin out there. (Romantic competition be damned!) Maybe we can form a fan club and coerce Bravo to make a make a "win a date with Kevin Johnn" show. And by the way, aren't his photos on this site fabulous?! I think I might print them out and wallpaper my bedroom ceiling with them. If you don't mind me showing so much enthusiasm so frankly.
hookedonPR
January 18, 2005 - 10:34 AM
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Robert is very likeable, but just a little too cute for my taste. (Oh, was this supposed to be just about design, or can I make personal observations?) Should I admit that I actually liked the frosty blue and leopard piece that he put together for Banana? Yeah, maybe I should keep that to myself.
No, I liked it too! I think it had this sort of "Leopard in the Arctic" thing, like a clash of worlds, and I'm very into that kind of stuff. Don't think it was BR, but definitely a good idea indeed.
Yeah! I think he put sequins on the leopard part, though, which was over-kill a little. I could do without the sequins, but the contrast of the two fabrics was really interesting. And I liked the simplicity of the design. Perhaps the simplicity was necessary, in light of using such disparate fabrics. And yeah, I agree, it's not too BR--but definitely way cool.
I'm really impressed with all of these designers, really. They're all really interesting and inspiring and loveable, and they've ignited in me a much more fervent interest in fashion. I think I'm going to hit a newstand and pick up a few hardcore fashion magazines, just to see what's going on in the rest of the fashion world.
jooles
January 18, 2005 - 11:20 AM
Alexandra's photo appears on the New York Social Diary's website. She's shown at an exclusive VIP party. This makes me think she's the winner or possibly the mole.
Here's the link: Scroll down a bit. You'll eventually see her on the left in a green shirt.
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdi...ary01_18_05.php
PaleFire76
January 18, 2005 - 12:06 PM
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OK, Senka, let me see.
I don't think Wendy is anything other than a dressmaker. I've visited her website, looked through her portfolio, and haven't seen a durn thing that looks new, fresh, interesting or individual.
I felt the same about Starr or Star or however that unfortunate young woman spells her name. The line she offers on her website is gimmicky, and she doesn't seem to have a grasp on the concept of "fashion."
At the risk of upsetting the Nora faction, the only real design we saw from her was the BR challenge, and other than the pleating detail (which we see repeated in her portfolio ad nauseum) there was nothing interesting or fresh about that dress, either.
Alexandra has been low-key, and although I'm sure she is an attractive person her designs have not stood out, although the similarity of their siloutte has. I get the impression that Alexandra just designs what she would like to wear. I think you have to be a little more broad in your approach to carry a line.
Again at the risk of sending a faction into hysterics, I think Austin is obviously a top-notch technician and capable of great creativity -- as long as it is in his preferred direction. I thought the idea behind his wedding dress was great, but the execution left much to be desired. all you ahve to do is put that dress next to his BR dress to see he perhaps does not possess the flexibility to respond to, or direct, fashion trends vs. follow his own drummer.
Honestly, if i had to pick the top three for a runway show during fashion week today i could only come up with two: kara and jay. they both have a style that is recognizable but not repetitive, and they both seem to be able to respond to the challenges without losing their grasp on that style or their work ethic.......
Thanks for giving us your thoughts. Always interesting to hear an industry insider's view on each of the PR designers. I'd love to hear your assessment of Vanessa, Kevin, and Robert too!
Just another question (and it might be too broad a question to answer), it seems as if it's tough scraping together a living as a designer. (I'm just basing this off of Vanessa's online video where she says she could barely afford her groceries before she got the call from the Project Runway people. That, to me, was incredibly depressing.) What do you think will happen to most of the contestants who don't make it to New York Fashion week? Do they wind up setting shop on their own?
Sorry for being so ignorant. I know next to nothing about how the fashion industry works.
corprip
January 18, 2005 - 12:14 PM
I couldn't find her picture, but I think that is just Alexandra's normal scene, not necessarily and indicator of her show status.
paillette
January 18, 2005 - 12:41 PM
"What do you think will happen to most of the contestants who don't make it to New York Fashion week? Do they wind up setting shop on their own?"
Frankly, even the winner of the show will be bucking the odds if he/she succeeds in having a line under their own name for more than one or two seasons. It's extremely hard to make it as a fashion designer.
Any of these folks will have to get financial backing, even the winner: PR is only giving seed money for a single show, and a single fashion week show will surely eat up that entire budget. After that, the winner, like everyone else, will need some patrons with deep pockets and a firm belief in the designer.
Anyone who makes it also needs good editorial reviews, in major newspapers as well as magazines like Womens Wear Daily, Vogue, Harpers, Elle, and all the others. Without the interest of editors, your clothes will be forgotton; with the interest of editors, they will be photographed and published often. And you have to do this season after season: sometimes designers "debut" with huge success, but then interest in them wanes precipitously with their later collections. Miguel Adrover, for example.
Third, you have to get buyers for the major stores, like Barney's, Bergdorf's, big-name department stores and small-designer boutiques like 30 VanDam to invest in your line and place it in their stores. Otherwise, selling is hard.
Lastly, you have to sell enough of your stuff to the consumer such that your financial backers don't abandon you. Many fashion lines do not make money for years, but if they have good editorial reviews, are published frequently, and have some consumer interest, backers will sometimes be patient for a few years to see if things turn around and the profits come in. Stella McCartney's line, for instance, and even (I think) Alexander McQueen are in this situation: great press, lots of buzz, some high-profile celebrity clients, some consumer base, but not a lot of profit yet.
I predict some of these people will succeed in fashion, but not under their own names. They may well end up working for another, already-established designer like Donna Karan. I count that as success, though it obviously is not the stuff of which dreams are made.
I'd be surprised if, five years from now, there is a well-know fashion line under the name of any of these people.
AuntieKrabby
January 18, 2005 - 12:59 PM
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I couldn't find her picture, but I think that is just Alexandra's normal scene, not necessarily and indicator of her show status.
Do a * <ctl> F * (find) on the page and type in her name Alexandra Vidal, you'll find her!!!!!
Vladi
January 18, 2005 - 01:05 PM
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Robert is very likeable, but just a little too cute for my taste. (Oh, was this supposed to be just about design, or can I make personal observations?) Should I admit that I actually liked the frosty blue and leopard piece that he put together for Banana? Yeah, maybe I should keep that to myself.
No, I liked it too! I think it had this sort of "Leopard in the Arctic" thing, like a clash of worlds, and I'm very into that kind of stuff. Don't think it was BR, but definitely a good idea indeed.
Yeah! I think he put sequins on the leopard part, though, which was over-kill a little. I could do without the sequins, but the contrast of the two fabrics was really interesting. And I liked the simplicity of the design. Perhaps the simplicity was necessary, in light of using such disparate fabrics. And yeah, I agree, it's not too BR--but definitely way cool.
I'm really impressed with all of these designers, really. They're all really interesting and inspiring and loveable, and they've ignited in me a much more fervent interest in fashion. I think I'm going to hit a newstand and pick up a few hardcore fashion magazines, just to see what's going on in the rest of the fashion world.
Hi guys!
Can you imagine how beautiful Robert's BR dress would look if it had snow leopard skin fabric instead (white, black and bluish grey)! Even with the sequins on it.
Also, I had a question. Does anyone know if Robio has a website?
Vladi
January 18, 2005 - 01:21 PM
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still disagree with your opinion on challenge #1; the cornhusk ensemble was ridiculous. Yes, you could probably make a "dress" out of flaming torches. It would be innovative, but silly and unwearable.
Butting in here, exactly what could you make out of grocery store items that would be wearable? I cannot think of one darn thing.
Alexandra's pantyhose dress, that's what!
angeedee
January 18, 2005 - 01:56 PM
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"Thanks for giving us your thoughts. Always interesting to hear an industry insider's view on each of the PR designers. I'd love to hear your assessment of Vanessa, Kevin, and Robert too!
Just another question (and it might be too broad a question to answer), it seems as if it's tough scraping together a living as a designer. (I'm just basing this off of Vanessa's online video where she says she could barely afford her groceries before she got the call from the Project Runway people. That, to me, was incredibly depressing.) What do you think will happen to most of the contestants who don't make it to New York Fashion week? Do they wind up setting shop on their own?
Sorry for being so ignorant. I know next to nothing about how the fashion industry works."
All I can tell you is how it went for me: When I was working, it wasn't that tough to cover the bills, but that's because I never tried launching a line. I designed mostly evening gowns and wedding dresses for my customers, but it was on a piece basis (i.e. i didn't actually go to the expense of making the dress until I had a customer) and there were no fashion shows, no runways, etc.
I do know that a lot of designers get jobs working for companies that make clothes, and I know some people who work for pattern companies, designing clothes for them.
From my time in it, I know this much: this is the chance of a lifetime for these people.
re: the other designers, I liked Vanessa's style. I looked at the lines on her website, and although I didn't see a lot of variation, I liked the style. I think she has a good eye and a good imagination. (too bad she can't sew!)
Robert: he's a cutie but that BR dress was just terrible. Nothing about it was good (concept, execution, nothing). His grocery store dress didn't blow my skirt up, either. His wedding gown had a good concept, but something about the fit of the bodice bothered me, and honestly fit is number one on my list. a lot of stuff people wear looks like *@#* because it doesn't FIT them. So I don't know how long I would like Robert to last.
Kevin: I liked his BR dress. I thought it looked like something a human being would actually wear. I could see it on a rack, you know? I wouldn't be caught dead in his R&R dress, but it was for a client and she loved it. I liked his wedding dress, but hte fact that he didn't have a lining in a dress that obviously needed it bothers me. Because of that, I wonder if he's making the deadlines.
I guess if i had to pick a third for the finalists, it would be Kevin........
verhrzn
January 18, 2005 - 01:57 PM
It's interesting, debating what REAL fashion is. My friend Lindsey always used to joke that if she made it big in the fashion world she'd design clothes that actual women could wear.
Walking through any usual public place-a college campus, high schools, the mall, a resturant-how many bodies do you see that are identical to the models'? That could actually WEAR and pull off some of those designs.
I am a 5 foot 110 pound gal with curves in all the right places. It's IMPOSSIBLE for me to wear any of, say, Alexandria's designs, for exmaple.
Fashion needs to look nice not only on the models but on the consumer as a whole. Despite what Hollywood tells us, we are not a country of Alexandrias and Roberts. We're slightly overweight and, as a general public, not that glamorous.
Show me a fashion designer who takes a slightly-drab-and-flab public and makes them look great anyway!
I think Jay has enoromous potential in that. I could wear his designs despite my un-model-like build. Examining the designs, I also see this potential in Austin, who seems to be shying away from 'sleek' styles, like Alexandria's, which always remind me of drapes. I mean, seriously, you'd have to be uber thin to wear her outfits!
Our country may have an overweight problem, but I'm not sure anoxeria is the answer.
I also believed Nora has this possibility (this is just my own little homage) because her age helped her connect with my generation, the 18 to 34-ers. We're the biggest group of consumers, followed closely by teenage girls. Watch the market and think about what we would like; something you can wear to school or wear to a party that will look hot, but not desperate.
My pick for the final three: Austin, Jay and Kara.
angeedee
January 18, 2005 - 02:14 PM
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"Yeah! I'm strangely happy that there are other fans of Kevin out there. (Romantic competition be damned!) Maybe we can form a fan club and coerce Bravo to make a make a "win a date with Kevin Johnn" show."
Hmmmmm.......
Honestly, girls, I got the impression Kevin might be more interested in a date with Austin.
BTW, if anyone is interested, I saw a New York Fashion Week schedule for 2001 that had Kevin Johnn on it, right between Momo Falana and Geoffery Beene.....
Interesting, eh??