Tag Archives: Georgina Chapman

Project Runway Season 10, Episode 11 – It’s Fashion Baby

Posted on September 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

One Sentence Summary: For a change, it’s not the designers whining and crying this week as they make outfits for Heidi’s children’s clothing line.

My Thoughts:

Dear Lord, why can’t they just make it work?

Rachel:  So, I have a minor bone to pick with Lifetime and the whole Project Runway family.  Oh yeah, that’s right.  The whole mishpocheh.  (Click here if you’re not up on your Yiddish.)  I just read today that they’re doing another All-Star season next.  Really?  Already?  Let me say, in the spirit of full disclosure, that I am not a fan of all-star seasons of anything.  Well, I am slightly excited about RuPaul’s Drag Race doing one, but those bitches are fierce.  Project Runway Take 2.  Not so much. It’s too soon.  You just had one five minutes ago and it wasn’t really the greatest fun I’ve ever had.  And while I loves me some Joanna Coles, I wasn’t feeling the judging panel.  They just never gelled.  So, yeah, basically I disagree with the choice.  There I’ve said it.  Now, I’ll quit my crying and turn it over to the fake babies Tim is handing out tonight.  Though I feel like my complaining has only just begun…

The designers are awake and aware of how close they are to Lincoln Center.  Time to get really serious and really real.  But first it’s going to get really loud.  Yes, the designers are headed to Babies R Us to find out just how fabulous their next challenge is.  They walk in to see Heidi & Tim waiting for them.  Heidi tells them that her four kids have inspired her to create the affordable children’s clothing line, Truly Scrumptious.  Truly terrible name. And of course that means the designers will be designing something for this line.  Needless to say, none of the designers is jumping for joy at the idea.  And really, neither am I.  I get that the show needs to support Heidi in her endeavors, but this is stupid.  And here come the kiddies that will be modeling their looks.  OK, these kids are kinda scrumptious… but I’m still anti this challenge.  Dmitry is concerned because these babies don’t seem old enough to speak.  Uh true, but I bet mommy has a pretty good grasp of English.  Just a thought.  But right now, it’s the button bag’s turn to

Did she just say babies? This is a joke, right? Just keep smiling… The joke is coming any minute now…

speak and pair up designers & babies.  Oh, and baby mommas.

The designers will each make an outfit for their “model”.  There will be one girl winner and one boy winner.  Each winning outfit will be manufactured by Truly Scrumptious and sold at Babies R Us.  And no going to Mood today.  Heidi will be supplying the fabrics so the looks are cohesive with her line.  Time to meet with the mommies!

Elena’s mom likes adult clothes.  Melissa’s mom likes girlie girl clothes.  Dmitry’s mom is a little more opinionated than he’d like.  Bet he’s wishing he was talking to the kid now.  Sonjia’s mom likes to dress her son up.  Fabio’s mom likes easy clothes that fit her kid’s big head.  Ha!  Love that kid!  She also likes vintage.  Christopher’s mom prefers a classic look.  And with that they all get to sketching.

Post-Babies R Us, the designers return to the workroom to find their toddler-sized mannequins waiting for them.  But that’s not all.  Yeah, you know what’s coming… Also waiting for them are the “we’ll scare the hell out of you so you never want children” Like Real babydolls.  Tim tells them that they’re giving them to the designers so they get a better understanding of what goes into creating clothing for infants.  Please.  You’re so not giving them those dolls for any other reason than ratings.  I have a sinking feeling this whole thing is going to backfire on all of us viewers as we’re about to listen to crying babies for the next 25 minutes.

This thing does stop crying at some point, right?

And first one crying is Dmitry’s baby whom he tells to please shut-up.  Yeah, maybe fatherhood isn’t really for Dmitry.  Stick to ballroom dancing in your spare time.  Now, the whole room is full of crying babies and I’m desperately wishing I could fast forward right now.  How is this fun for anyone?  Well, it seems like it’s fun for Fabio who is talking to his baby like it’s real.  That’s… cute… I guess.

So now we’re on minute 3 of non-stop crying and I’m already ready to shoot my television.  I can’t imagine what it’s like in that workroom.  Finally, Heidi & Tim come in for their walkthrough, which, not coincidentally, calms most of the babies.  Elena’s first and Heidi’s digging her jacket.  Fabio needs a whimsy injection.  Dmitry’s on the right track but he needs to find “more cute”.  Sonjia’s outfit is off to a good start but she needs to add some details.  Christopher is trying to make his mom happy with his all-white outfit.  Heidi isn’t against it, but Tim wonders if that’s so practical.  Finally, Melissa.  She seems to have made a pair of pants that Heidi already made.  Heidi wonders where the actual design is.  Yipes.  But before the judges can leave and the babies start crying again, it’s time for a twist.  That’s right, time to make a companion outfit for mommy!   As if the hysterical babies weren’t enough to give the designers a nervous breakdown.

Cute couple.

After a trip to Mood and some more work, it’s time to sleep… or not.  Atlas is alive and kicking with crying babies!  The designers fumble around to get the babies to stop crying and to get to the workroom in one piece.  Upon their arrival, they get a visit from Tim who is taking their babies to daycare.  It’s a workroom miracle!  Everyone is chugging along… Everyone but Melissa who is way behind.  The designers are knee-deep in mommy-wear, but Melissa is still dealing with the baby’s outfit.

The mommies and babies arrive and Christopher’s mom hates everything.  He’s panicked, but Sonjia thinks the real worry is what Heidi thinks, not what “Mary J Blige” thinks.  Hee hee… She totally is trying to work the MJB vibe.  And that closes another day.

The next morning the boys are discussing how far behind Melissa is.  Christopher says they shouldn’t help her.  Fabio wonders how you say no to someone that needs help.  Uh, by saying no.  Look, I’m all about camaraderie and helping out, but this girl is behind every week.  Time management is part of the competition.  And I say this really liking Melissa.  Fine, call me a Scrooge anyhow.  Turns out she doesn’t need the boys as she’s asked the mom to sew on buttons for her.  Really, Melissa?

Tim comes to collect the gang for the runway, but Melissa is still furiously working on the sewing machine.  That doesn’t work for Tim who tells her that she has to stop immediately.  Whatever condition the garment is in is what goes down the runway.  Period.  She’s not ready and is pretty sure she’s going home tonight.

Oh look it’s an All-Stars preview… Cassanova’s an all-star?  And do I need to deal with Laura again already?  Well, if I do watch, I’ll probably be Team Andrae or maybe Emilio.

Time for the runway with special guest judge Hilary Duff.

The Runway:

Fabio – I love the outfit. That kid is too freaking cute. And I dig mom’s dress.

Melissa – The vest is super cute but the dress is a mess. Mom’s not looking too hot herself, but I think shorts was a good idea.

Dmitry – The jumper is cute but I don’t know what to do with that pointy head. Mom looks good but we didn’t need the shot of the VPLs (visible panty lines for those playing at home).

Sonjia – Oh that kid’s adorable. I like what she was going for but I don’t know that I love the jacket. Probably just me though. Mom looks great.

Christopher – Oh I think that little girl looks so cute. I know it’s not a practical dress for a kid, but it’s cutie patootie. Mom looks nice.

Elena – She did a good job, but I want her gone so I’m not saying more than that.  Well, i’m saying i don’t like the top with the jacket.

Heidi is impressed with everyone… but still, we judge…

Your Top – Sonjia (Hilary: He can move in it which is really important. I love that you can dress it up & down.  I love what mom is wearing as well.), Fabio (Michael: It’s a modern take on nautical. On boys, it’s a tried & true thing.), Dmitry: (Heidi: I think they both look very modern. It’s not very commercial but I think there are lot of moms out there that would like that.)  Christopher (Michael:  I don’t think the jacket is working well, but I think the special occasion dress is great.  I happen to think the sheath for mom is fabulous.)

Your Bottom - Melissa (Heidi: I love this jacket, but I don’t love the dress underneath. It’s too simple and she constantly has to cover her butt.), Elena (Nina: I think the jacket is the problem. There is no practicality to this jacket whatsoever.  The mom’s look is my favorite, but it’s baby challenge.)  

Heidi and the winning looks.

And the winners tonight are Sonjia and Christopher.  I think Christopher was the winner on the girl side by default since the other two girl looks are not loved.  I kinda wanted Fabio to have this win for the boys.

Going home tonight:  Elena.  FINALLY!!!!  Man, am I happy to see her go.  I know I’m not in the majority here since she’s leading the Fan Favorite vote… which I so totally do not understand.  But she’s gone.  Peace out!

Bottom Line:  Minus the babies crying, it actually was a fun challenge.  I have to admit I was wrong.  I don’t like it, but…

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America’s Next Top Model British Invasion – Week 8, Georgina Chapman

Posted on April 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Tyra and this week’s guest judge, Georgina Chapman of Marchesa

We’re back and I’m still fuming about the Jays and Nigel getting fired.  I’m telling you that it really has changed the way I watch the show.  They should have waited until after the final episode.  Am I the only one feeling pissy about this? I mean Nigels’ been playing nice-ish in the press, but I can’t imagine that’s how he really feels.  Well, I guess I need to get over myself and start watching this week’s show.

We start back at the house and Laura is celebrating the elimination of Kyle.  It’s like her birthday and Christmas all rolled into one.  Meanwhile, Aleisha doesn’t understand why they keep telling her that she’s commercial and not editorial.  She gets told the opposite in the UK.  She needs to be successful to repay her family who works three jobs a piece to support her.  OK, that’s sweet.  Wait, is Sophie really eating celery & hot sauce?  Ah, the diet of a model.

The girls are momentarily interrupted from their drama to watch a video from brand guru, Martin Lindstrom.  I wish Martin he would stop doing this show.  He’s too smart for this shit.  Seriously, his book Buy*ology is phenomenal.  But we’re not here for intellectual pursuits, obviously…. Martin wants to remind the girls that they have to remember their personal brands.  He tells Sophie not to lose her bubbly personality by getting too full of herself  Eboni – Her youth is her strength but she also can come across as arrogant.  Seymone speaks with confidence but her body language says the opposite.  Aleisha shows fierce determination but she can crumble under a bad critique.  He says all the girls should believe in themselves always.

For their challenge, the girls go to the Beverly Hills Hotel where they are met by Kelly Cutrone.  She tells them that the hotel is one of the most beautiful in the word and is owned by The Dorchester Collection.  They are there to walk in tehe fashion shows for the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize.  The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize carries an endowment of $40,000 to be awarded by a panel of expert judges to a gifted designer of ready-to-wear or premium accessories to help establish their brand.  Each designer will select one of the girls to open their show.  The models the opens the winning designer’s show will win 2 nights at any Dorchester Hotel in the world.

During the auditions, Catherine trips during a jewelry designer catwalk,  Seymone can’t figure out what to do with her arms and overall they’re not bringing their A games. Kelly says Eboni looks like a robot on oxycontin.  Ha, love it.  Kelly thinks they all need to step it up.  There’s no” slayer” – a girl that just outshines everyone else – in the group.

Before Kelly announces who will be opening shows, she offers some critques of the girls’ performances.  Eboni needs to relax her face.  Catherine is the only girl Kelly has ever had fall.  I find that hard to believe.  Seymone’s walk is not happening.  She cannot be swinging her arms.  Seymone says Kelly talks a lot of crap.  Uh, Kelly is your judge.  You may want to take a spoonful of crap and swallow it down with a smile.

Sophie walks in Siki Im’s show.

Now for the winners:

Aleisha is opening for Anndra Neen
Annaleise is opening for Julian Louie
Sophie is opening for Siki Im and Giulietta

All Brits… Seems Uncle Mo has shown up for the Brits.  The American girls had better start stepping it up.  Anndra Neen wins the Dorchester Prize and Aleisha wins the challenge.

Next, they head to their photo shoot where they will be wearing couture dresses made of Hello Kitty products.  Filipino designer, Francis Libiran, was tapped to design the dresses and worked for 3 months to create the looks for this shoot.  Ann He is the photographer and she’s only 16 years old.  She was a finalist in the 17 Magazine Pretty Amazing Contest.  Damn, way to make me feel like an underachiever.  During the shoot, Jay says that Catherine brought her “regal” with her.  Sophie didn’t bring much of anything.  And Seymone is complaining about her wig before she takes one shot.  This child is on my last nerve.  She sulks and bitches constantly.  I actually can’t blame the girls for ripping her to shreds.

Time for panel and Tyra is cat talking because it’s a Hello Kitty photo shoot.  And they wonder what is causing the ratings to slump… Yeah, news flash, it’s not Nigel.  Anywho, Georgina Chapman, Marchesa designer & Dorchester Prize judge, is the guest judge.

Time for critiques:  Seymone – Nigel says it’s modeling 101.  Kelly says the angle is so disturbing.  Laura – Nigel says she loves to bend. Kelly thinks she should maybe have winked to add to the 50′s housewife vibe of the look.  Eboni – Georgina would love to see some quirk with the girlie.  Tyra & Kelly say she makes that fierce face all the time, and it’s not working.  Tyra says she has novacaine face.  Catherine – Nigel likes the face but the body is too obvious.  Georgina loves the strength in her face.  Aleisha – Kelly loves this picture.  It’s fierce.  Nigel thinks it’s best picture he’s seen this year.  Tyra loves the snarl of her lips.  Sophie – Kelly loves the silhouette and outfit but not the face.  Georgina likes that it’s slightly off.  Annaleiase – Nigel likes the pose and body but not the face.  Kelly likes the neck down but not the face.  Georgina & Tyra like the face.

Worst picture of the week.

Best Picture:  Aleisha

Bottom Two:  Eboni & Seymone

It’s the two girls with bad ‘tudes… Not surprising.  Eboni stays and Seymone goes.  Also not surprising since Kelly told Tyra about Seymone’s rudeness at the challenge.

And after Tyra talks to her about her attitude, she throws a temper tantrum in her exit video.  Genius. Way to leave like a lady.

Bottom Line:

Can’t say I’m sad to see Seymone to go.  She was such a brat.  I wonder what will happen if all the American girls are gone and it’s just the Brits?  Seems Laura is going to be the only left standing.

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Project Runway All-Stars – Episode 9

Posted on March 4, 2012 by | Leave a comment

One-Sentence Summary:  The runway goes glow-in-the-dark for guest judge Pharrell Williams.

Hi, Pharrell... Heyyyyy...

My Thoughts:  

Rachel:  It’s down to the wire.  One lady (and I hesitate to call her that) remains and she has been warned that it’s time to push her boundaries.  I wonder if Kenley can make something without polka dots that isn’t a jumper.  But the most important news about tonight’s episode is that Pharrell Williams is guest judging.  I lurve me some Pharrell.  Though I kinda wish he hadn’t gotten rid of the tattoos, but I see there’s still one on his neck.  Nice!  I respect him for choosing to remove all the arm tats.  I’m sure he’s thrilled about that.  You know he sits home at night and wonders if I respect him or not.  He can rest soundly tonight.  I do. 

Light It Up

Look at me! I light up pretty!

We meet on the runway and Angela tells us that innovation and technology are as much part of the fashion world as fabric and thread.  And tonight’s challenge is all about using lighting technology to create innovative, avant-garde looks that will be shown on the catwalk under black lights.  Oh boy… Tonight we’re doing glow-in-the-dark dresses!  They may call it avant-garde.  I call it a frat party.  Are they going to be serving Mad Dog too?

The winning look will be worn by of one of Pharrell’s artists.  Not him, mind you.  Some poor struggling artist that is not in any position to say no.  Didn’t the Black Eyed Peas do this at the Super Bowl last year?  I’m thinking if the BEPs have done it, it can no longer be called “avant-garde”.

Make It Work

I can't remember the rule... Is it no DayGlo tape after Labor Day?

Before they go to Mood today, they get to spend $300 at the light store.  There are lots of cool lights there, to be honest.  Mondo is tired of Austin’s drama and tells us that  he thinks Austin is high-maintenance as he sprays some kind of aerosol all over everyone.  Ya think?  I’ve been saying this all year.  Kenley is over her $300 budget and tries to negotiate herself a discount.  No go and some of the lights go back.

Afterwards, they head to Mood with another $100 to spend.  There is a lot of talk about choosing stiff fabrics, but not one person cracks a “stiff” joke.  Guess these designers are more mature than I am.

Another Day In The Workroom

This episode would have been a great product placement opportunity for Head & Shoulders.

Back at Parson’s the designers have been given a room for them with black light to test their outfit.  OK, OK… This challenge could actually be really cool.  I’m coming around to this.  Slowly.  Just creeping into it so as not to jar anyone (and to avoid anyone noticing I was wrong).

Michael was trying to make a big pink jacket but his heart isn’t in it.  So he’s going back to the drawing board and going with Plan B.  He says he is falling victim to his fashion commitment issues.  I believe that’s defined as Chiffonaphobia in the medical world.

It’s time for Joanna’s visit and she tells us this is the most avant-garde challenge ever.  She sure loves to announce that this is the “most” something every time she walks in the door – The “most” talented, the “most” avant-garde, the “most” exciting…  She’s excited about Pharrell as this week’s judge.  Get in line, lady.

She starts her rounds with Kenley.  They chat and we hear that Mondo likes Kenley’s design, but we don’t know what Joanna thinks.  Um, ok.  At Jerell’s table, he says he’s figuring it out as he goes.  It will have an ethnic flair and again we’re not sure what Joanna thinks.  I guess if it’s not posing an underwear situation, there’s nothing to discuss.  Austin says he is making his woman into the starry sky.  Joanna wonders if that is too romantic for Pharrell.  Finally, an actual thought!  Michael shows Joanna both his designs – Plan A & Plan B.  This week, he has stayed away from draping and that excites Joanna.  She says the pink coast is very Lady Gaga.  On the black dress, the tape puckering stands out & she doesn’t want to see him get called out for that.  She likes what Mondo is doing, but doesn’t want him to rest on his laurels and pushes him to push himself.  Yes, Mondo, push yourself.  Imma gonna be mad if you go home this close to the finish line.

Phone Home

Austin talks to his mom and gets some bad news.

Austin says Jerell’s design is weird and poorly constructed.  Clearly, Austin has an issue with Jerell since he takes exceptional point with his design every week.  Why so angry Austin?  Could it be that mustache?  Maybe you should shave it off.   Just a suggestion…  Oh snap!  He’s got it shaved off in one of his video diaries.  Way to hear me, Austin.

Oh my… Now that I’m actually listening to what’s going on with Austin’s Skype call to his mother and not focusing on the mustache, I realize that he’s talking to her about her home being in foreclosure.  Ugh, that’s so sad.  I’m feeling a little less animosity toward Austin.  I know, I’m generous that way.

The Runway – Week 9

Everyone’s rushing to finish their dresses.  Michael hasn’t gotten his lights done.  Mondo is having technical issues.  He can’t get the dress to light up.  That could be a problem.

Let’s see who got lit up on the runway…

Mondo

I like it. It's fine but I'm not sure he pushed far enough.

Jerell

Yikes. The silhouette is very old fashioned.

Kenley

It's very Nicki Minaj. It's pretty cool. I have give this one to her.

Austin

It looks like what he wanted it to look like; very princess/starry night. It's pretty cool.

Michael

I'm not sure about how good it is but I actually think it's pretty hilarious. Samurai Sister.

The Good & The Bad

The good, the bad & the glowing.

Kenley – Pharrell – I like the shape of it.  Wish you could have used the lights woven into the outfit, not draped on it.  It’s one of my favorites.  Isaac – I think it’s divine.  You managed volume on top & bottom but she doesn’t look huge.   Georgina – The proportion is really great.  Job well done.  Angela – So thoughtful in creating a plaid with the tape.

Mondo – Georgina – I see so much of you in this.  Perhaps if you had brought the tracks in a bit as it makes her look a bit up & down.  Very Tron-esque.  Isaac – Love the use of technology.  I wonder how avant-garde it is though.  Pharrell – The shoulders look like old Cadillac wings.  Angela – The breast shape is very strange.  Georgina – It reminds me of Madonna.  Isaac – Reminds me of a Tele-Tubby but they’re my favorites things on earth, so it’s a compliment.

Jerrel – Georgina – I like the movement in it.  She looks like a little tribal raver.  Isaac – It’s fun that you have a light in her mouth.  The rest looks like she bought it in a joke store; especially the glasses.  The shoes go joke store.  Angela – There’s this amazing shaped skirt but why is there a long black dress underneath.  Pharrell – The styling came off as grandma and her body gets lost.  Georgina – Can you make it into a mini-skirt? (He does) So much better.  Angela – She just went from grandma to sexy.

Austin – Angela – I would have liked to see the lights incorporated into the dress vs just draped on it.  Isaac – I love this.  I think there’s something mysterious about it.  Pharrell – It really is a beautiful piece.  Georgina – Very romantic.  The problem is that it’s just lights put on a dress.  I’m really enchanted by it.

Michael – Isaac – I like the idea of this but the execution falls short.  It looks like tape on a dress.  The chaser lights are very noisy on the shoulders and around the waist.  A person doesn’t want to draw that much attention to her waist.  The bow in the back hides her waist and that’s a big problem.  Georgina – Don’t just put something on.  If you’re going to do it, do it properly or don’t do it at all.  Angela – I really like these shoulder pieces.  They’re whimsical and crazy.  I kinda like the ninja thing too.  Pharrell – When I see this, I keep seeing Mortal Kombat meets Grace Jones.  She’s more fit for Comic-Con.

Angela doesn’t disappoint and gives us her standard “the judges have a lot to talk about” line.

And The Winner Is…

Austin & his mustache bring home a win.

Austin get the wins and Kenley is the bridesmaid again.

Week 8 Loser:  Jerell goes home for his granny dress.  I like Jerell, but he has been skating by they last few weeks.  I think the judges are right when they say he has an editing problem.  If he just did half of his idea, he’d probably be in the finals.

Bottom Line:

One last challenge before the Final Runway.  I am still pulling for Mondo.  I think the judges favor Austin.  That means either Michael or Kenley are the two I’m putting on the chopping block next week.  I’m on Team Michael between the two, but it’s anyone’s game really.  It will depend on the challenge and whose strength it plays to.  Until then…

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Project Runway All-Stars – Episode 8

Posted on February 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

One-Sentence Summary:  It’s an international challenge as the designers create an outfit inspired by a foreign country.

My Thoughts:  

Hi, designers. Tonight you're here. And I'm here. And this is a runway.

Rachel:  Ok, I have to admit something.  I don’t like Angela.  Well, let me clarify that.  I don’t like Angela as the host of Project Runway.  She seems lovely enough as a person, but I’m not feeling her in the role of of lovely hostess.  Here’s the thing…  As much as I rip on Heidi, I secretly do love her.  She brings a charm to the evil task of sending people home, which is saying something considering she does it with a German accent – An accent not known for its warmth.  A charm that Angela just doesn’t have.  Maybe, in the same way the judges haven’t gotten fully gelled with their feedback, Angela hasn’t gotten her hosting sea legs quite yet. I mean she says, “We have a lot to discuss.” every single week in that same deadpan tone.  But at least, we have Joanna.  She’s not quite the next Tim Gunn, but I definitely dig her.  Anyway, we have some flags to fly so let’s get to it. 

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

OK, we both have an inflated sense of self, let's be friends!

We rejoin the designers at their Atlas apartment and Austin is missing Kara.  He things that she deserves to be there more than Jerell or Mila based “solely on design”.  Yeah, more like based solely on bitchiness.  Let’s be honest, the one thing the judges got right was that Kara gave up and stopping pushing boundaries.  I could have designed her outfits and that’s saying a lot.  And Austin, have you seen some of the junk you’ve sent down the runway?  I don’t care if the designers think it’s awesome.  It’s not.  But he & Kenley have each other which is comforting him.  I thought it was his “captain o’ the train” hat and mustache that comforted him.

You’re A Grand Old Flag

Michael lets his Greek and freak flags fly.

Welcome to the United Nations.  Really?  They have nothing better to do there than host a Project Runway episode?  Well, I guess they aren’t inside where, Angela tells us, they face the challenges of dealing with issues like climate change, human rights & national security.  They’re out on the lawn dealing with issues like hemlines, fabric choices & construction.  Yeah, forget climate change! Let’s talk about dresses!  Each designer will pick a flag representing a country from one of the world’s regions.  The countries are:  Chile, Greece, India, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea & The Seychelles.  Let’s see, how many of these designers have ever even heard of Papua New Guinea let alone can pick it out on a map.  Wait, can I pick it out on a map…  Ummm… yeah, I think I can.  OK, permission given to myself to continue to rip on the designers.  The colors of the flag and the culture of the country will influence the design.  Mondo won last week’s challenge so he gets to pick first:

Mondo – Jamaica
Michael – Greece
Mila – Papua New Guinea (OK, she may actually know the country)
Jarell – India
Austin – Seychelles (He’s excited to learn about the area.  Maybe first learn that it’s Say-shells not See-shells.)
Kenley – Chile

They are given cheat sheets about the culture of the countries they have chosen.  That will be helpful… Of course, if you don’t already know about Greece or Jamaica, you may want to get yourself some learning.

At Mood, Austin lets us know he’s all about elegance & beautiful harmony.  You sure about that?  He is and so is Kenley.  Now that Kara’s gone, Kenley needs someone else to shake her poms poms and cheer for and Austin gets the honor.  Wonder if he’ll be willing to dance around the workroom with her?  She loves his fabric. It’s gorgeous.  I guess that means he’s permitted to buy it.  And she, wait for it… wait for it… buys polka dots.  BUT they’re in the shape of hearts so it’s totally different than every other polka dot.  And that is All-Star creativity.  And a whole lot of sarcasm.

The Thong (and Bra) Song

I don't care what you say, Austin, that hat is stupid.

Anyone else love that we are reminded of the challenge after the first commercial break every week?  You know, in case we forgot in the 2 minutes we were away.

Joanna time!  This is the most talented room in the history of Project Runway she proclaims!  I wonder if she was thinking “now that Kara is gone”?  Anyone else think she didn’t love the Kara so much.  She meets with Mondo first and he’s doing a sexy dress that Joanna likes but wonders how you would wear a bra with it.  Mondo’s response:  You don’t.  Fair enough.  Jerell’s India dress looks a little bit like a national costume.  She wonders if the sari concept is taking India too far.  He says no.  He thinks he can still do his thing and make it work.  Michael has also made a no-bra dress.  Joanna wants to wear underwear with her clothes.  She says women do too.  Really?  Have you been on Perez Hilton lately?  This week, Joanna thinks it’s Michael’s that is the one whose ambition is lacking.  She’s not sure his goddess dress is going to impress.  Austin is draping and draping and draping… and you can wear a bra with his dress.  Joanna is happy to hear that but wants to make sure the back of the bra isn’t peaking out.  OK, what is going on with the bra obsession?  Did someone at Marie Claire suggest a “Burn Your Bra” fashion spread?   Did nipples go out of fashion?  Someone please tell Lindsay Lohan.

Moving on…  Mila’s dress is half-long, half-short and you can wear underwear!  Joanna deems her the winner.  If only it were that simple. Over to Kenley and her innovative polka dot dress.  How are you going beyond your comfort zone Joanna wonders?  She says she’s doing a party dress and everyone else is doing a gown.  Um, ok.  Good answer.  She doesn’t care what Joanna thinks and pretty much blows her off.  Mondo’s over her attitude.  Honey, we’re all over it.  I was over it before she sewed a single stitch.

You’re The Vulgarian

Make sure to smack Austin with your sari on the way past.

It’s almost time for the runway and Austin thinks Jerell’s India’s outfit is one of the most vulgar, hideous, tasteless outfits he’s ever seen in his life.  Are we looking at the same thing?  It’s not the best dress in the history of fashion, but that’s a little much.  It’s not like her chooch is hanging out or there’s areola happening which I think has to happen to qualify for “most vulgar ever” status.  She might even be able to wear underwear in that, though probably not a bra.

The Runway

Angela welcomes back the designers and lets then know that there are only 6 of them and after tonight only 5 will be remaining.  No shit.  See what I’m saying?

Tonight’s Guest Judge is fashion designer Catherine Malandrino.  Love her.  Love her accent.  I swear I was supposed to be born French.  But enough about me… Here are the dresses:

Jerell

I don't hate it. I don't love it. It is a bit over the top.

Kenley

It's super cute but I'm over Kenley. It really is the same thing every week.

Austin

Someone makes this dress every year. Nothing special here.

Mondo

I love that dress, but I worry if it's Jamaican enough.

Mila

I think I want to like this more than I do. It just doesn't work.

Michael

It's a pretty dress. Kinda too on the nose and holy naked back.

The Good & The Bad

Top 3 - Michael, Mondo & Kenley. Bottom 3 - Mila, Jarell & Austin

Kenley – Georgina – Like the attitude of the dress.  Catherine – It’s a beautiful young dress.  Didn’t go too far with the Spanish attitude.  Isaac – I love the spirit of the dress.  Angela – I think of Chile and I picture ponchos.  But when I hear your story, I think ok this is the modern cool girl.  Isaac – Push yourself though.  You do the same dress again and again.  (Kenley acts surprised at this feedback.   Joanna should have come from backstage -not that she’s actually there- and smacked her.)

Jerell – Angela – Love the white stripe down the arm.  It gives it a modern feel to India.  Isaac – It’s like Nike in India. It’s fantastic.  At the same time, it’s wiggly and wonky and I can’t get past that.  Catherine – So many ideas that could have been right.  Love the idea of a bustier dress but cannot appreciate it because it disappeared behind the draping.  Georgina – I just wonder, are there too many ideas & it’s going a little too ethnic with the jewelry.  It needed editing.

Michael – Georgina – I’m on the fence.  It’s an acceptable dress but it’s screaming beauty pageant right now.  Catherine – I have the same feeling as Georgina.  The starting point of draping is there but treated with too much volume.  Angela – The only thing that really bothers me is the bow.  It would look better on a Christmas present.  Isaac – It would have looked better without the trim.  It would have taken the beauty pageant away.

Austin – Georgina – It’s a pretty dress.  Just concerned about your color use.  They’re not quite the colors of the flag.  Isaac – There’s something about the rouching that’s a little tortured because you didn’t have time to finish it.  Is it a terrible dress?  No, but it doesn’t work.  Angela – It’s the not the worst dress I’ve seen on Project Runway.

Mondo – Georgina – I love the dress and I get Jamaica from it.  It’s funny how you can get Jamaica from a simple black dress.  Catherine – It’s very well-cut but the only thing is the hair.  It takes too much attention.  Isaac – My favorite part of this dress is that you took simple matte jersey and made it look like a new textile.  My least favorite part of the dress is that, when she turns around, in your face is the green & yellow.

Mila – Georgina – I can really see you in this dress and after last week that’s really great.  Isaac – I get communism.  It looks Russian.  Angela -  I really like the neckline and those aspects of your graphic style really come in.  The thing that bothers me is they’re two different lengths and they’re two different colors.  Isaac – It’s disturbing to look at in certain ways.  I think that was your intention, so in that way, you succeeded.

And The Winner Is…

Mondo's Jamaican-inspired dress gets him his second win in a row.

Mondo does it again!  Loving it!  Doubly loving it because Kenley didn’t win. And because she got a finger wagging about sending the same dress down the runway.

Week 8 Loser:  Mila is going home for her awkward two-tone two-length dress.  It was down to her and Austin.  Sigh… I’m starting to wonder if Austin’s contract stipulates that he make it to Fashion Week.

Bottom Line:

Only one lady left and it’s Kenley.  She must go.  And she must take Austin with her.

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