So, let's get this straight: Nancy O'Dell decided the winner of last week's competition, because whichever dress she chose to wear at the Grammys won. Except that she didn't end up wearing the "winning" dress. Do we know who did design the dress the Nancy wore? (Which, by the way, was only moderately better than the orange-crush schmata that Wendzilla "designed. And don't get on my case for writing "orange-crush schmata more than once. It's an apt description. Plus I like writing "orange-crush schmata." Do they even make Orange Crush anymore?)

Good point. That's my guess, too: that they pushed back their schedule sometime in December and finally figured out that they should get Austin in as a "decoy". Maybe they figured out from the early weeks that some would really come to like him a great deal, too. But I think the decoy idea wasn't set from the get-go and as a result Austin's "show" suffered. That was a major "tell" that he was "out." So instead of them losing face or making the change you suggest, they shifted the potential onto Austin. I guess he was too classy or in need of the exposure to say "no." That's my guess.

I hope enough of his talent came thru to convince someone to take him on. I definitely want some of his clothes!

lk

Who said that about Tang? It's perfect! (I was thinking a washed out Gossamer.)

lk

I have to say that I have never been into reality shows, but Project Runway has changed that for me. This is my favorite show! I have dreamed of being a fashion designer since I was a young girl and have yet to venture into it. I think the show displays such a wonderful view of the creative process. Each contestand is qualified to be on the show which is so nice to see for a change. I love the cast, I think the personalities add so much to the program. Like most people, I think Wendy is the most aggrivating person on the face of the earth. The only thing that disappoints me about the show is that the producers are keeping Wendy on for ratings. It is obvious that she doesn't have the talent that the other designers have and I hate to see the show go down that road.

Other than that, I think Project Runway is fabulous!

In the bonus video there is an interview with Robert who says wendy started out doing a blue and silver dress for the grammy.

I can truly say that the show has been overall a successful and inspiring way to get more designers to break their way into success. But to fully say that it's successful, there's always a few tweaks in which the show can fix. First with the judges, I truly believe that the show should have not chosen Nina as a judge for the show. She's absolutely pathetic, and thinks that by being a mean nasty lady that it will help make a decision, she may say what she wants, but she really has no real JUDGEMENTAL input for the designers, she doesn't see out of the box, and I feel that if the show was to continue and make a second season, they'd be better off without her, she's the weakest link of the judges, I think that the only reason she's like that is because it draws the wrong kind of attention to her. She should consider being Simon's counterpart on 'American Idol' than a wannabe Andre Leon Talley. Michael Kors presents a fair way of judgement, he has personal levels of critique, and can tell you what he sees, I feel that he's the strongest judge, but then again he has his moments where he's not sure wether he hates something because it's horrific, or because he didn't think of it for himself. Heidi is the adorable one, and as a model, her input is valuable. She presents her personal critique clearly, and knows what she's saying from a Model's Point of View. The show started smoothly, and went into a more dramatic experience, and it's great. I suppose those who we're eliminated were mostly affected by Wendy's 'Strategic Planning' to eliminate her competition. Although everyone hates her, I truly admire her hard work to get where she is. She's in competition and is executing everything to go her way. She's experienced, and knows her surroundings. That's why those who thought that they'd make friends would last longer, are the first to be eliminated. Wendy has won several major competitions in the show, and it's the judges who liked it, and for MARIO to say that she was nasty and meticulous to earn her way to the top is wrong and being a SORE LOSER. She didn't bribe the judges, the judges chose based on what they felt achieved the mission of their objectives, therefore, MARIO or anyone else, cannot justify Wendy's behavior as an act of sabotage.

Wendy is in a competition, and she gave the others a 'Wake-up Call' to realize that sometimes you have to do what it takes to make it up to the top. Like Starr said, "I didn't come here knowing who I'm up against" and Wendy played her mother-like role and used it to her advantage. I applaud that, because she's determined to win. Austin would have been perfect in the TOP 3, but of course, 'Couture Mode' isn't always perfect. Now and days, people cannot define REAL COUTURE with that of non-french made couture like 'Juicy Couture'. Austin's last design was marvelous but was too 'Oscar Chic' for the Grammy's.

As for the winner, it wouldn't surprise me if Wendy won, or Jay, or Kara, they are equally talented, and they know that to be successful and to be the one to REALLY BE THE WINNER, we as viewers, as consumers, and as the REAL JUDGES, we have to make the final bout for their upcoming success. Nor Michael, Nor Heidi, and especially NOT NINA, can do or say anything to make or break them. All we can do is wish all the participants who we're eliminated a great virtue of luck, and the winner, congratulations and design what your heart desires. Take an opportunity to be unique, and your own design, let it be your art, and your key to success.

Good Luck,
-Alexander

I love, love, love the show. I've never watched any "reality" TV before, but this hooked me more than I ever would have expected. And Tim Gunn -- what an amazing presence on the show! Articulate to a fault, jaw-droppingly handsome, and wickedly funny.

I have to say that I have never been into reality shows, but Project Runway has changed that for me. This is my favorite show! I have dreamed of being a fashion designer since I was a young girl and have yet to venture into it. I think the show displays such a wonderful view of the creative process. Each contestant is qualified to be on the show, which is so nice to see for a change. I love the cast; I think the personalities add so much to the program. Like most people, I think Wendy is the most aggravating person on the face of the earth. The only thing that disappoints me about the show is that the producers are keeping Wendy on for ratings. It is obvious that she doesn't have the talent that the other designers have and I hate to see the show go down that road.

Other than that, I think Project Runway is fabulous!

Could be. The pre-Tim comments dress was incredibly bad. Edgy it was not. Diaster more like it. Rob has some interesting comments on his extra interview here.

Very entertaining "reunion" show tonight. "Morgasmo" called it on Vanessa's bitterness coming thru. Jay had a good take, though I would have phrased it, that however justified the complaints were, she went too far. The only thing I regret about that is it took time away from other elements.

And the Wendy Defendy types shoulda taken note that Cruella herself does more to support the views against her than anyone else.

I'm surprised they didn't "out" whoever defaced that photo. Maybe they did. Kevin is hard to read on what was going thru his mind when he didn't initially respond, but I think Jay was wrong to attack Vanessa's contention that Wendy did it herself. The closeup of Wendy's reaction, if anything, gave credence to the accusation (she turned her expression up a bit like "you got me"). And Jay: Vanessa didn't say anything we haven't considered here before. We got three possible suspects other than the 4 designers still there (who by proximity are suspects but it seems unlikely in terms of their personas): Kevin, Morgan and Wendy herself. Tim's response seemed to be dismissive about Morgan having the opportunity. He might know, though I am unsure.

Did anyone just LOVE Austin's outfit on the "reunion" show? The cape, the hat. COOL!

lk

Who woulda guessed he was the biatch Mario was talking about!

lk

That was the best part of the show other that the outtakes. Jay, Austin and Vanessa show have a variety show with special guest Robert.

I missed the first few episodes, but am now a huge fan of this show. Can I ask all the rest of you fans a question? What has Wendy done to get such a strong reaction from people? I felt that Vanessa was a much more tedious personality than Wendy, and I can't think of anything Wendy's done to "lose her soul" as Kara S. keeps saying. Maybe it's because I'm closer to Wendy's age, but I think she's been very honest, and has been clear she's not in this to make friends but succeed. That seems only ethical and respectful.

Have I missed something?

Funny how no one fessed up to drawing all over wendy's pic?
i still say kevin did it... come on, he wrote all over the
desk after he got kicked off the show! obviously that pen
was super-glued to his hand long enough for him to do that.
I dont care for wendy that much, i think her designs suck!
i am not fond of kara either. she has such a 'holier than thou' attitude and thinks she is better than everyone else.
i am not going to even watch the rest of the show! it isnt
really worth it unless Jay wins. LMAO ugh i hate so called reality shows they are SO rigged...

I think she chose her times to be "truthful" to be when it was most to her advantage, in front of the judges. She never complained to Austin or Kevin about their leadership. And in her
interview and her website she states how she would (and did) manipulate people and situations.

Good point he did have a pen out. You would think they would have gotten it on camera though.

I am not a Wendy hater. Without her there would have been no one on the show for Message boards to [expletive deleted] about How fun would that have been?

I think it was Kevin as well who did the mustache.

As for Wendy criticizing Kevin. I wish she would have brought up the fact that everyone was saying he sucked as a leader. She was the only one with the balls to say it. Also Tim talked to her about it before the runway and told her to say what she thought of his leadership.

I saw Nancy wearing the dress of Wendy's at the Grammy's--the feathery bottom was "tweaked out", but it was Wendy's design.

I just wanted to say to all the designers who apparently did not win ( I haven't watched all the episodes ) and who seem to really resent Wendy, that everyone went on there to win, or in the least had ardent fantasies about it and to act like pure innocent bystanders is unfair to her. This is America, capitalistic, egotistic and the fashion industry at that! Don't act like you think I would ever buy a single outfit I saw on there for my size 11, 32 year old, working poor mother of two self. I think a great number of the designers are incredibly talented and deserve some place in that world, win or no win, NY fashion week or none. Especially Nora, Austin certainly others, though I haven't watched enough to say, and the three who apparently went to fashion week.And just as a side note, whom ever drew on that woman's picture of her daughter is no better than the opinion of everyone that a cut throat or strategic attitude is somehow immoral or uncouth in the world of fame and money and who you know and how society thinks beauty should be judged.

Maybe so, but it was very self-serving of Wendy to claim that others were as manipulative and/or dishonest as her. I think a number of them disputed that, including Jay and Kara. Kara seemed fed up with Wendy. I think competitive is one thing, underhanded is another. And a lot of them seemed upset by the concept that they were anything like Wendy. Mario clearly didn't think he was and his "be true to himself" element with his elimination episode pretty much bears this out. If he had been calculating, he wouldn't have done that and have said "I'm never apologetic about my work." His whole approach would have changed. You may think that this is some kind of fake veneer. It might be a professional veneer but I doubt it's exactly fake either. It's a concern about burning bridges, for one. For a few it's about professionalism. For others it might be what's "true to themselves." Yet I am having a hard time thinking of a single example where this group, supposedly like Wendy, did anything to deserve being lumped in with her on this account.

I mean, how come she didn't have an example? Do you have one? I sure can't think of one.

lk

I live on the West Coast - so just saw the [expletive deleted] Session Show. It was a complete travesty. Nothing was really explained, Heidi and Tim blamed one of the designers (Kevin) for the mustache, and once again, it was the hour of Wendy. Heidi, especially, seemed especially supercilious in this segment. She should work on that.

I'm amazed at how everyone attacked Wendy tonight. She bore the brunt of everyone's bitterness about their own losses or failures and I find that quite stunning. The self-righteousness of the others who apparently did nothing to lose their soul along the way amazes me! Perhaps they'll look back and see some of the things the rest of them did that were much more abhorrent than anything Wendy did. In my opinion, Vanessa came off as a pure, evil, vile [expletive deleted]! and did I hear her correctly that she expected 2.7 million in sales at one point and saw that number decreasing? You've got to be joking! If that [expletive deleted] succeeds out of all of this, I truly hope there are no more shows of this nature that reward the creeps of the world!

Other than one segment or so, I hardly see how Wendy bore so much -- certainly she deserved confrontation. Second, you almost completely echo Wendy's contention that others did what she did. You got an example of that? A number of the other designers seemed to openly refute that assertion. Wendy seemed incapable of naming anyone specifically or pointing to any particular act, other than the unnamed person responsible for the photo defacement (who is still a mystery and is possibly Wendy herself: I don't think Vanessa has said anything that hasn't been here already). Vanessa by far bore a bigger brunt and it didn't help that she was drunk (most likely).

Mario's question was apt and Wendy's answer was garbage. As Jay said, "This ain't 'Survivor'." I'd like to see someone actually give an example of employing the same "tactics" as Wendy. Can't see it out of Daniel, Mario, Starr, Alexandra, Rob, Jay, Austin or Kara. Kevin? Don't know. Didn't see him except being in his own world, mostly. Didn't see it from Vanessa. Sure didn't see it from Nora. So I'm calling you on it, just like I would call her on it. Who was like Wendy here? When? She made it sound like everyone was like her. I got at least 8 of the 12 being NOT like her. So where are you getting this?

lk

Yeah, that is suspicious. No revelation about who stole Kevin's dye and such nor who drew on the photo. Does make you wonder what's up with that.

lk

Like I said, I haven't watched that many episodes so I will admit that I don't have enough knowlege to give specifics. The truth of the matter is that while I don't necessarily think or know enough to say that Wendy is the best person to have gotten the recognition and be in the "final 3", for everyone to act as though the real world runs on a nicey nice attitude about climbing to the top is naive at best. I am not trying to make a generalization, I apologize if it came out that way. I think there are probably more talented designers in the show, but should they not make the mark on one challenge they may be out, fair or not, and that is what competition is about. I think it stinks, but it is the way American consumerism controls our lives and "reality" TV is the best recent example of it.

Very good point! It certainly didn't get there by itself, that much we know. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find out that the people running the show would try to get the contestants riled up at each other, it has happened before and will again. And don't forget about the hours and hours of tape we never see. How many times have we watched these shows, Real World etc. , only to find out that they edit it to show the most provocative stuff and leave out some major truths or redeeming items.

Maybe so, but this show had the opportunity to judge talent and talent alone, just like Jay said. Watch some of the marathon. Tell me if you see any substantiation to Wendy's claim (bogus to me) that others were just like her.

lk

That's why that I'm shocked at Heidi and Tim. They really put Kevin on the spot, saying he had a motive, the time, and was in the right place at the right time. With a jury like that, who needs lawyers?

If I catch it I will pay better attention. P.S. I just looked through all of the designers' runway photos and I do not think Wendy is the winner I would choose based solely on talent. Austin has much more completion in his work than anyone else and several of the designers have far more vision. I think Kara will win for her talent and being more on the line of conventional non-conformism, as fashion is, though Jay certainly has the ability, I fear he will be judged too much for his wildness.

"the same tactics as Wendy"?? How about Karazan telling Jay that he needs to change his outfit/top- I mean WAS she really trying to be helpful- or was that a tactic...VARIOUS members making FUN of Wendy- pretty much to her face- that's NOT a tactic?? (and a low one at that) Get real, it's a competition.So she's not going to be all warm and fuzzy...but at least she has kept focused- you don't see her calling people names, giving opinions on how she feels about them personally. Her comments are in relation to the task at hand, or design.

I think attacking someone as a person should be considered the 'mean' person- not someone who is taking a competition seriously.

I love this show and am in front of that screen every wed night it was on to get my fix. I also have to say that from the beginning, Wendy as struck a cord with me. So everything I say is from the point of view as being slightly Wendy biased but true to form too.

I think if anything, this show from day one kind of threw 12 people to the fashion industry lions of sorts. What wound that was opened that "killed" every designer that eliminated was their glaring faults that were quite open or internally hidden and came to the surface. Focus on every castoff from Daniel to even up to Austin and every fault exposed were their ticket off. Many had these faults beginning to show at the start but many did not learn and "heal" themselves as they went on.

Daniel was meticulous in the design process but poor in execution. I think had he put more effort into the execution to match his vision, he would have made it even farther.

Mario was lazy and simplistic. He almost seemed to be there to party, not seriously design. It showed big time.

Starr was not focused (or misinterperted the challenge) on commercial appeal or looks. It was supposed to be a "Banana Republic" product and pretty, not Starr's and ugly (well pretty to Starr). Poor Starr seems to be fashion fodder for the lions. She could be a great staff designer in a firm but not a name brand.

Vanessa was not sure of herself, thus offered herself up to the lions. Your a designer... BE HEADSTRONG AND SURE OF YOURSELF WITHOUT BEING CONDESENDING AT THE START! Many others at times were guilty of this too but at the right times and learned! I hope her passport is revoked so she never comes back to this side of the pond.

Nora gave up Nora and gave into her client's desires completely. I truely think Nora would have made a fabulous wedding dress that was a Nora Caliguri creation her client would have loved had she listen to her heart and not her client totally. Sell yourself, not just your sewing skills.

Alexandra was an outright thief of designs and looks, rather than being inspired and paying homage to other designers. When someone can say "That looks exactly like a Missoni or a Gucci!", then you have not put your mark on the design. I think if she had been just inspired and put her own spin on it the design would have been a winner instead of a loser, abet a good looking one.

Kevin, who I think is a great designer in his own right has 2 glaring faults that have shown up in various challenges and stopped him here. First is his time management which even Tim has noted is a problem. Wendy did point that out as his fault and rightly so, but reguardless of that it alone did not bring him down. It was the simple fact that he didn't follow his own edict on the collective design he assigned to all the designers. If you go with deconstructed, go deconstructed too!

Robert, who I have to say is a fair designer who's focus seems to be designs for slim, curvy model bodies as well as verbal BS was also destroyed by 2 things. First like Kevin was time management on a project. Like his 3 designs and settle on one project, he put too much time on one thing and left himself little time to everything else. His pants were good and the zip off legs a good idea but his top was not USPS material and even at that looked unfinished and lopsided (the collar area looked like one was higher and one was lower. That was the final killer, he didn't design for the project's client, a quasi-corporate public entity with an image to uphold. I also have to say that this challenge was one I was personally into, I was at one time a Temp Postal Carrier. Kara's winning design was quite stylish but I have to say those pants would not make me happy on the route. All I could think was this "Humidity and these would be falling down or rubbing me wrong!" Still a great look. I did like Wendy's design on practicality under use but it was not "fashionable in look" like the others.

Austin's downfall was sadly a long time coming. He is quite talented, very Yves St. Lauent (to a scary T) in looks and flamboyant in character but his faults brought him down. Austin's creative "sunglasses" colors his vision to a fault, overshadowing the client's or challenge's instructions, requirements or taste. While it helped him on challenges like the swimsuit and such, it also hindered him on others like the Banana Republic, Wedding (which I have to say is a fashion abortion that would have killed him off had Nora's bland design not lost), Future (which he forced himself to add deconstruction to his vision) and finally this. The Grammy's are fun, funky, artistic, wild and comfortable. His creation was Oscar night, not Ice T night.

There is my take on it, plain and simple. Who I think will win.... Wendy Pepper.

Kara Sand seems almost scared of Wendy, thus confrontational in manner towards her, which is an interesting change from the time when she helped Wendy look more like a designer. And as was mentioned on the recent show by one of the designers... Kara's designs, like Austin's are on the costume-like side, with a unique breakout look every once in a while that does not conform to Kara's regular fare (The fabulous Wedding dress don't look like anything she has designed before!).

Jay's look is locked into a look without being costume-like. And I don't think this look for the most part is name brand material while some is. I think he will be a great designer but he will lose this challange, though I also have to say that I would love to be proved wrong.

I have looked at Wendy's designs on her site and its a look that will sell. Banana Republic challenge design was a hint of it, she can produce a corporate product with designer looks. She can also produce for client's and their needs while putting her stamp on the design.

My 2 cents.

I HATE THOSE STUPID COTTON COMMERCIALS.

JEEEEEEEEZE !!!! Where are the next chapters ???? They should have been divorced by now !!!!

LOL

To the Producers: I really enjoyed this show for its look at the creative process and the world of fashion design. I also appreciated the show's intelligent approach (good jury, excellent commentary by Tim, etc.). Believe it or not-there are plenty of other viewers who like these things. Project Runway has been unique.

On the other hand, the interpersonal conflicts/sniping were the least interesting part for me and I found last night's show unpleasant-I think it was a mistake. I'm even debating whether I want to watch the final episode next week.

Last night's episode was just standard, cliched reality show stuff and, after viewing it, I found myself liking the designers a lot less. At this point I don't care who wins. Everyone was a big disappointment.

The Wendy/Kara back and forth is tiresome and annoying. Wendy is simply a good example of how important endurance can be in any creative field. She may not be the most talented, but she's hung in there a long time, even when beaten up by jury, colleagues, life, disappointment. Lack of self-confidence is her most annoying trait. Kara Saun's self-righteous, sanctimoneous preaching grates and is making the show unwatchable for me. But enough already, Bravo, please...

If there is a Project Runway #2, I hope you'll find ways to continue to portray the creative and business sides of the industry-or other industries-in an intelligent way-and leave "the apprentice" type stuff for another show. Otherwise, I won't be tuning in.

Hi, Just want to say how much I've enjoyed the concept of this show. I love watching the creative process and the designers' approaches to their challenges. The runway shows are a great culmination of the entire process, and I have to say that I think that all of the designers focused on Project Runway are incredibly talented people.

I think the premise I have the largest problem with is that "you are only as good as your last design," because I like the consistency of a strong talent. I like looking at the overall collections that these designers have produced on the show, and seeing their styles evolve. I also think that if "you're only as good as your last design," Austin should have been gone after the wedding dress competition. And I absolutely love Austin's clothes! I think he adds glamour and elegance, and wouldn't I love to own at least one of his beautiful dresses! At least Nora's dress was a wedding dress, although I agree that she has so much more talent than she put in this. I'm hoping that the designers are given more input, guidelines and direction off camera than they are on, because otherwise I could understand why Nora put so much of her client in the dress. It seemed that the models were confused about this assignment as well, thinking that they were actually in charge of the design, so its no wonder that some of the designers were confused. It seems that more clarity in the assignments might be helpful, especially to the younger and less seasoned of the designers. At least thats how it looks on camera.

All in all, a great show. My teen daughter and I watch this together, and love all the characters! Well done, designers!

The "reunion" show was disturbing to watch. Everyone looked uncomfortable being there and there was tremendous tension in the air. It became obvious the producers were more interested in the "catfight [expletive deleted]" attitude than in the designers' talents. I will not be watching any further shows.

I still haven't heard an example from any of you of a specific action Wendy took on the show that was underhanded or unethical. Telling the truth about Austin's and Kevin's leadership is neither, in my opinion. Can anyone give me a real example of anything she did to "lose her soul"? So far, she looks like a serious player, and that's all.

Just wanted to say that Project Runway is my favorite TV program of the last five years. It's just superb and so much fun, and much of that came from choosing excellent competitors. This is the only show in recent memory that became a standing weekly appointment for me. And I *cannot wait* for the fashion week special--it's my Superbowl!

Please make subsequent seasons, and please continue to choose designers who are funny and talented (and please DON'T go the route of sensationalism, a mistake that's made many bad reality shows even worse). Even the judges were great and had a genuine eye for what worked and deserved to win. You've got something really special here--excellent job, Bravo!!!

Robert was the one who told Kara Saun he was worried. And Jay said it was better than what he had before.

Who's kara sand?

I dont think anyone here would be as anti-wendy if she had talent to back it up. I may be putting myself up for ridicule here. Lets say everything is the same, except that is Americas next great surgeon not designer. Imagine that instead a design a week, it was an operation a week. Based on performance and execution would you want Wendy operating on you?