I know the models will look good in a potatoe sack. But real women need real fashions that they wouldn't be arrested for. That is one of the general problems with fashion now too. Most of the stuff out there is designed for people with perfect bodies. Which there are very few people with that body. And classy is a word that can be applied to few enough designers in general. there was one design that really stood out to me. It was the yellow colored dress with the halter neck. It was classy and feminine with it's own little flair. It reminded me, in some ways of the 40's and 50's for some reason when ladies fashion was still about the taking advantage of a womans form not trying to shock the world.

I think Kara's was the yellow one with the halter. It was beautiful, second in my mind only to Austin's.

The site said Austin. I am not entirely sure.

Austin's was definitely the cream dress with the rose-print, and I just checked, and the yellow dress was Kara's. Hope that helps.

Yes, Riof, menswear is much tougher. They aren't going to go for gimmicks like women will. They want to be fashionable, but they have higher standards of quality than women. I would like to see a Project Runway for Men.

Men do look more for quality. they expect to buy something and have it last for years. Where as most women or most of us anyway (myself not so much included) expect to be replacing most of their wardrobe the next season or at least within the next year. Men also want simple and stylish. They don't want to have to work hard to look good. In the process they also want to be comfotable. Women will put themselves through sheer torture to look good, push-up bars panty hose and high heels are the prime example. I think a show one mens wear would be a true challenge b/c it is harder to come up with a new idea that fits mens criteria.

Fashion Monkey; Also for persons that want to be designers, read about them! There's two newly realeased books , one Tom Ford and one about Donna Karan, she flunked 'draping' and turned out to bee the Queen of Draping! She was also fired from one of her first jobs! So don't get discouraged for it can be a sort of 'cut throat' business...
A good place for beginner designers with no resale license is www.fashionfabrics.com , they will send sample swatches also.

BTW~ It's not "Fashion Monkey" that is the "beginer", it's me!! (Jollyrancha243)
Jus wanted to clear all the confusion up. Thank you for all of your help, and I will read about them!!

I found that Austin's dress (the cream-colored flowered 50's style dress) and Audrey's black "Audrey Hepburn" type of dress were the best. While I prefered Austin's, if I remember, the theme was a "Holiday" dress for BR. His dress might work in the warmer states, like Florida or Hawaii for the December holidays and would be perfect for the spring/summer - garden party/wedding guest - Audrey's was more marketable for the BR customer and had that generic, but classy style that can be worn by women all over the US during the winter holiday season.
Audrey Parker
Virago Creations
http://www.viragocreations.com

My only problem with that logic, is that they said "holiday," not "Christmas." I didn't automatically assume Christmas, and I can't have been the only one. They ought to have said Christmas if that's what they meant, because holiday is a very vague term.

I agree holiday is very vauge. it could be the 4th of July easter, any number of holidays. So if they wanted x-mas they should have said so. And the general public needs to remember that x-mas isn't the only holiday.

That did not look like Bananna Rep. material at all!! That looked like a costume idea from the Hot topic!! She is a great designer, but she needs to be more creative if she's going for NY

Given that this show was probably taped in the late Summer / early Fall months, the term Holiday would allude to Christmas. Plus, I don't know of anyone who uses the term 'holiday' when speaking of Easter. Labor Day, Memorial Day: Holiday Week-End's, sure. But again, no one refers to these as 'holidays' for fashion needs.

Western civilization Menswear has been close to dead since the 18th century. The french revolution suppressed it for good- remember? Don't forget that those gorgeous jackets WERE their bespoke tailoring back before the reign of terror made it all go away.

Men today want to be nice looking, but their low turnout rate in their clothing makes them more about classic style than fashion style, especially in america.

As for New York, most of the fashion jobs there are what you'd call corporate. New York isn't actually all that innovative or different when it comes to fashion, at least, not in comparison to London, Milan, and Paris.

There are some eccentric designers, but most of them are very much the same- designing and distributing to the millions of americans all over the states. That's one of the things you learn quickly in fashion school in NY- that in school you must comply and make your ideas realistic for americans if you intend to be a designer (unless you're independently wealthy, have great connections, or plan to move to europe). Corporate isn't so bad if it puts food on the table.

The Thames and Hudson Dictionary of Fashion and Fashion Designers (World of Art)is the book for you if you like fashion. What's so interesting about it is that it defines construction techniques and details, textiles, and fashion history from haircuts to cultural catalysts.

right...no one said it was about Christmas... and have you been in a store lately? It is all about 50's glam..sleevless, floral prints, chiffon, silk. Fabric and design are almost becoming seasonless (velvets, satin, beads were thought to be only evening appropriate but are daily staples in fashion now) Austin's design showed flair and style....Wendy's looked very off the rack and boring!

Project Runway is certainly not boring . . . and I'm really looking forward to future episodes . . . I hope there will be some episodes that show some of the in-depth work going on about design and construction challenges and what the designers were doing to overcome them

I'd like to add a few thoughts about what to do and where to go for learning more about fashion design and construction.

I wholeheartily agree with the ideas about classes in both business (e.g., accounting, budgeting, etc.) and art . . . color theory and application (runway lighting can really screw up an amazing design by distorting colors) . . . also proportional theory.

I would also add to take advantage of classes you may have in speech communications . . . many of these designers are hanging themselves out to dry when they have to be articulate about their designs . . . think about how Wendy felt she fell on her face during the show-and-tell auction . . . a number of the designers can gotten dinged on not being able to effectively communicate to the judges . . . in contrast, Wendy's explanation of her winning design in episode #3 was spot on . . . clear and concise by pointing out who the intended customer was . . . and reinforcing how it was consistent with Banana Republic's line.

Another reason to learning effective communication skills is conflict management (Michael Kors made a very interesting point about working in groups and how the more successful you are, the more you need to work with others) . . . negotiation (a very big must!) . . . and to present yourself . . . as a designer, I have to be prepared at all times with a series of "info-mericals" about myself . . . one very short (10 seconds or so) . . . another about 30 seconds . . . 60 seconds . . . and the longest is about 90 seconds. This is critical when someone asks any of the following questions:

- What do you do?
- What kind of designer are you?
- Who's your primary customer?
- What distinguishes your designs from other designers?
- How do you see your designs evolving?

Also, be prepared to explain clearly and quickly to different people . . . communicating with someone you've just been introduced to at a cocktail party may be very different from someone "in the business" as far as their level of interest, understanding, etc. Learning how to read people is also a part of this.

Communication aside, I also suggest the following:

Magazines: Threads and SewNews are two of my favorite . . . both have very informative articles about design and construction techniques, pattern alterations, fabric nuances, trends, etc. I believe I've also seen fashion "challenges" advertised in both of these magazines if you're looking for opportunities to enter something.

Books: If you already know sewing basics (but, I warn you . . . there's a lot to know), I would check out your library and see what they have . . . I love anything written by Claire Shaeffer . . . she does a really nice job explaining couture techniques . . . My two favorite books by her are "Couture Sewing Techniques" and "High-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, and More" . . . This may seem like overkill . . . but, excellent garment construction techniques help with the fit and form of a garment . . . it really helps show why "tailored" garments are often so much more expensive.

Garment design and construction techniques are critical for high fashion . . . and the designers on "Project Runway" seem all over the place . . . I think Austin has really demonstrated this rather well in all of the episodes (his floral party dress had some very nice detail) . . . and so has Robert (his "penis envy" outfit was well done) . . . and Jay and his team did a wonderful job on the rock-and-roll outfit in episode #4 (I would love to have seen the bodice up more closely . . . including the inside) . . . These are things that will help to set them apart from the shapeless tube dresses that hang off the shoulders of the models . . . and give them versatility with the challenges of future episodes.

....Mr. Kors made a good point and there should be more designers on the show, less unknown pop singers as judges....I could understand Madonna ( who has made numerous fashion statements )but not an unknown....do a reality show for hard -working photographers like me....the prize-a contract with a major magazine.....

...interesting what you say about NYC ....many think the NY fashion industry is glamourous....most people I have seen in NYC in the garment district have normal 9 to 5 jobs and there is no hype....the hype I think comes from magazines and television.....typically young students are starry eyed about the fashion industry and they have these delusions based on magazines and television....what do you think?

HI Everyone ~ this is my first time posting anywhere !
But I had to write to this one ... I have been a rabid follower of the show; and thought I would post my thoughts. On the first episode ( creativity ); I was SOOO impressed with the dress that Austin made.. and was mortified by the outfits by Wendy and Starr in particular...
On episode 2 ( cotton ); I was SOOO disgusted by Wendy's "plot" to win the show-- that frankly; I was wishing her off. AND -- I really agreed with the judges that her's was one of the worst outfits made. I also was appalled at Starr's outfits ( both #1 and #2 ). I was not surprised to see Mario go... I just thought that Starr and Wendy would go first. Speaking of Starr --- how did she even manage to get on the show with her designs ? The best design I saw of hers is the one that is in the RUNWAY store -- the t-shirt.
The 3rd epsiode ( teamwork ); was a real stumper. I was surprised at the teams in general ( that is .. who ended up working with whom ). And then --- once again I was amazed at Wendy's attitude in not talking to anyone... and even more shocked at Nora's complete breakdown and hissy fit. Vanessa; while perhaps not the "best sewer" on the show.. was at least honest in saying she may have been the weakest "link" in her team -- and she gets punished for her nonesty by getting booted ???? What kind of message is that sending to people.... that to get anywhere in life you have to lie and backstab ?
Clearly; I felt that Nora should have left because of her complete immaturity and disfunctionality in working in a team environment. She challenged her design leader; Kevin; on everything he said; was careless with supplies ( losing the pattern piece ), and wasting much needed time and energy making the outfit by her tantrums. I really felt she should have gone instead.. based on her attitude and "work ethic" during the 3rd episode. I agree that Nora has talent -- but perhaps she should try again when she matures a bit ?
I did like the outfit that Austin's group made; but according to the singer; it strayed from the original concept... and therefor; was not a contender for first place.
I was surprised that Kevin's outfit won first place. Firstly, because of the whole lack of teamwork; and also because, frankly, I didn't think it was as good as Jay's design.
I felt that Jay's team not only functioned the best together; but I also felt that they definately should have gotten first for their design also. It was an awesome outift.. innovative with the removeable skirt.. leather and feathers.. what more could a rocker want ?
Any thoughts ?

....I heard it takes about $500000 to start a fashion line and do it in NYC...if that is true, why are they giving only $100000?

....I think Nora was not a team player and showed immaturity...for that reason I don't see her going to the final 3....all of Austin's outfits have been costume-like, I don't think that will help him in the end....Kara and Jay have had good designs and have had pleasant attitudes which is why I think they will be in the final 3....Kevin is not pleasant and I don't think his design skill will compensate for that...Wendy is a joke and not pleasant ( I guess they think she is good for ratings )....I don't think Alexandra is a real contestant, they never interview her or have the camera on her, she may be a hidden judge or something.....

BTW -- on the 2nd episode.... Although Wend's outfit was conservative and yet; holiday casual -- I really really thought that Jay's was much better in style and construction.. did you see all those pleats ??? I was surprised he didn't win.

....that design of Jay's was difficult to mass produce and would cost Banana Republic more money than a simple one like Wendy's....Jay's design would be at a higher priced store....

....having the models be clients like a haute couture designer next week is a good idea if that is how it plays out....what do you think?

Ruway - -- you are right. ALthough I really think that Jay's dress was the most gorgeous one I have ever seen... I wan't thinking in terms of reproducing it for a store. Thanks

Mass production versus limited edition . . . I don't know what the cut off point is to distinguish the difference . . . Banana Republic only made 200 copies of Wendy's dress . . . it was marketed as a "limited edition" . . . I would think that Jay's design could have been done on that scale.

By the way, does anyone know what BR charged for the limited edition copies of Wendy's dress?

My personal favorite creations:

Nora's and Alexandra's holiday party dresses (Banana Republic challenge).

Jay's Chrysler building number (Banana Republic challenge).

Kara's beautiful yellow dress (Banana Republic challenge) and her military design (2nd challenge).

Nora's lounge chair outfit (1st challenge).

Alexandra's pantyhose dress (1st challenge).

Austin's corn husks creation (did not look very fresh, but the idea - amazing!)

And finally - Jay's, Kara's and Robert's 'french prostitute' (Rock'n'Roll challenge).

Q : Do they have to create their own - ( forgive me for asking this, people - I wasn't sure, so I had to ask and not assume ) or . .. do they use the patterns they created from school ( if they are recent student graduates, or , if they previously experienced professionals ) . . . ??? -

and another thing- though I do like Kara 's designs and all - WHY are they letting people who ALREADY have established themselves compete . . ??? what's the purpose in this - someone lemme know . . it seems kinda off to do so . . . I coule be wrong- someone fill me in on this tactic . . because Nora- for someone who JUST finished school and HAS NO EXPERIENCE OR CLIENTELE - she likes to talk as if she's been designing for years and years . . poor thing- her little drama [expletive deleted]-out fest proves she's still got breastmilk on her lips- young and fussy - it's like she is too used to her way; and when that doesn't happen - and like when Kara called her on her accusations of stealing pattern pieces, she suddenly can't take the heat she likes to give out to others . . and SHE was in INSTEAD OF VANESSA . . . damn. . .that's truly chit-ty indeed. >:{

Does anyone have any idea of what fabric and tack stores they have visited on the show? I am going to be in NYC next week and would like to pick up some cool fabrics and don't have any idea where to go...

you're right

jay's banana dress was too expensive for banana to produce

that makes me feel better that there WERE better dresses than Wendy's just too good for banana!

NEWDESIGNS:
if you look at beginning of ep 4- the most recent one-, you will see many store signs, and that is where they are going, example

Mood Fabrics,
Steinlauf ans Stoller,
Daytona Trim,
GR Fabrics Inc,
AK Fabrics,
B & J Fabrics,
United Textiles #5

>>>ALL in garment district- between 7th and 8th Avenue on 37th through 41st street