Monday, October 23, 2006 by
Author
This dress is growing on us. At first glance, we weren't so sure that this was flattering to a woman's body and truth be told, it probably wouldn't be for anyone over a size 4, but it has a great clingy, sexy, curvy quality to it. This is such a godawful cliche at this point, but Uli "really knows a woman's body" (we hope so, she lives in one).
Kind of a clunker. Not only is it too typical for Uli, it's too evocative of her last challenge dress. It's an okay dress, but way too sheer. Under the lights it was tootie-riffic. The silver trim bumps it up a notch.
HOT! MEGA-HOT. Even our pants moved when this came down the runway.
Heidi agrees.
That is a total "I covet" face. You can see her doing the math. "Let's see, I'm dropping this baby in late November and I can usually shed the weight and see my abs again after about 6 days, so...Holidays in St. Tropez!"
This is the only look that we flatout didn't like in her collection. It seemed like the color just came out of nowhere, the front and back parts of the skirt don't even look like they're connected, making it seem like a very long loincloth and the contrasting fabric around the bottom of the top is just a hair too thick, cutting her in half.
Then there's the "bone" (or whatever it is) trim. The use of the heavy trim was a through-line for the whole collection but on a couple of the dresses, this one being the most obvious, the trim looked way too heavy for such a light, airy fabric. It's to the credit of Uli's construction skills that she was able to fix such heavy trim on the dresses and not distort the lines, but on this dress in particular it was too much, to the point of distraction.
We both had the same thought when this came down the runway. "Didn't we just see this dress?" It's fine - and even expected - to have variations on a theme in a collection, but when you've only got 12 pieces to show they probably shouldn't be so similar. It is gorgeous though and we love the contrasting fabric on the bottom.
For those who always ask "Why do the models walk like that?" take a look at the bottom half of that dress. She's not standing in front of a wind machine, people. That fabric is flowing and swirling and moving solely through the power of her hips. Come the energy crisis, we should just hook models up to a generator and make them walk up and down a runway. You could power a small city.
Anyway, the dress. Y'know, this just isn't doing it for us the way it's supposed to. Don't get us wrong, it's a pure impact dress and a good one, but Lorenzo's first thought was "J Lo Versace Grammy dress," and Tom's first thought was "Why is she wearing a chili pepper around her neck?"
It took us a while to figure it out. From a design and construction point of view it's a perfectly fine, even beautiful dress but that's not where the impact comes from. It's the print and if you don't like the print or the print's just not doing it for you, then the impact is lessened greatly.
[Photos: FirstView]
Post a Comment
HOT! MEGA-HOT. Even our pants moved when this came down the runway.
Nazri, you fabulous creature, our television is depressed that you no longer grace it with your presence.
64 comments:
Chili pepper = hot Hot HOT! It would've been cool if it were lit up.
You know, as much as I respect Uli, my partner and I couldn't help feeling during her show that we'd seen it all before--i.e. her previous challenges. (OK, you can do a keyhole. WE GET IT. as Madame Kors would say)
Bras do not exist in Uli's world.
'For those who always ask "Why do the models walk like that?" take a look at the bottom half of that dress. She's not standing in front of a wind machine, people. That fabric is flowing and swirling and moving solely through the power of her hips."
GREAT observation, guys. I never thought of that.
"Come the energy crisis, we should just hook models up to a generator and make them walk up and down a runway. You could power a small city."
ROFL. PR gay boys signature.
You are so right about the model "walk", and who better to illustrate your point then our beloved Nazri. Should there be any doubt, just check out her hips after she makes her turn on the Runway. I haven't been so mesmerized since I first watched Marilyn Monroe walk along the train in "Some Like It Hot".
Great post, Boys!
Models walking=Energy crisis solved (just give them a rusk of melba toast should they ever tire - are you listening to me, Gore?)
I had the same chili pepper disconnect. I mean, was that supposed to be coral? WTF?!?
Nazri can work any dress. I mean, she made some bed sheets look innovative for god's sake!
Wow, that thing about the walk was right on! Great observation!
I totally agree about the prints. And what *was* up with those two nearly identical dresses?! Myself, I'd have trashed the first one that came out, the second one was much better. Then I'd have done a dress that incorporated all the prints. Then I'd have realized that the prints don't all work together, and I'd have trashed everything but the first blue and the peacock thing and substituted something else.
Then I'd have gotten vasted.
Anne
Tootie-riffic....aahhh....that's so great. lol. And the fact that your pants moved when seeing the chick in the bikini come down the runway....hell, I'm a very-straight female and even MY pants moved.
and there ya go.
I was so glad that Uli changed up her final dress to the one that Nazri wore. It suited her so much better, even if it wasn't as spectacular as I thought Nazri's dress would be.
The funny thing about Nazri's walk is that when she turns and walks back, her hips are moving EXACTLY in time with the music. Bitch knows what she's doing.
The dress y'all "flat out didn't like"? Vaguely Bea Arthur-ish, alas.
And the blue print "kind of a clunker" dress? Maybe not an innovative dress, nor the best dress, but I suspect that another model--say, Nazri--would have made it work a whole lot better. This model's posture is weird, and the fit and color of the dress don't seem to be doing her any favors.
J,the subject of my blog,would be very intimidated by those models.
I for one am hoping Uli will open a boutique down here a la Emmett. Then I will binge and purge my way back down to a size 2 so I could wear her stuff.
IMHO Uli picked the best models. Michael's looked like they were the walking dead. They were totally marking- not going full out at all.
Here are a couple of questions you guys might know the answers to:
Does the cape thing on that bathing suit come off? Or is it only to be worn by women who are far too fabulous to get in the water?
I kind of don't get the big deal there, frankly. I mean, it's a model in a skimpy bathing suit, yawn. Is it revolutionary?
Do the designers get to pick the models for each look?
Anne
I disagree with most of this post but thats ok. Uli just gets me off I guess ;-) that last green dress is gorgeous.
Astute Uli observations.
The "clunker" dress was not helped by Uli's only model and styling misstep. That girl didn't do the dress any favors. But that bathing suit - va va va voom! Heidi wasn't the only one with her drool on!
The bathing suit/wrap... My husband's reaction was akin to "dayum, why don't we have Tivo?" as he lunged toward the telly. I think her print dresses didn't come off as well because tht was all we saw during the challenges so the metallic/nude stuff just looked so much fresher. Even the shapes were different from what she showed usually.
What disturbed me about the bathing suit was that the bottoms seemed to simulate pubic hair. Another fabric choice would have been better -- but who knows, maybe that's what she wanted.
You didn't comment on Uli's own dress for the show. Although she looked professional, I wish someone would show her how to style her hair. Enough with the friggin' hair clip!
Yes the designers pick the models for each look and yes, the wrap comes completely off.
No, it's not revolutionary. In fashion, very little ever is, but it was high impact when for a moment it looked like the model was ripping off her dress on the runway.
Oh my GOD, I got an answer directly from T&L themSELVES!! I've been touched by their noodly appendage! Pinch me! Pinch me!
I'm too cool for the rest of you now.
Anne
Why can't they ever show at Lane Bryant park for us girls of size?!!?
Uli's designs would've made me look like Bea Arthur.
Awww, that just makes us feel bad. We would love to answer every comment and email, but girl's gotta make a buck every day and we don't always have the time. Trust us, we read everything and if you've commented more than a couple times, we know who you are.
Loveya, Anne!
You guys are so right on...or should I say "write on"? Why oh why doesn't Bravo & Macy's take this show on the road? Other reality shows take their stars out. I'd love to see these collections at my local Macy's. They could also bring out the weekly challenge winners. Although I don't know if I could stomach that yellow plaid "couture" dress of Jeffrey's.
Anyways, they could also throw in some of the models for good measure. That Nazri..she could make rags look good. Camilla is another one.
The hubby watched the finale with me, and I think he appreciated Uli's collection more than the others if only because the women were shaped like women. When the bikini-clad model took off her wrap, the hubby murmured, "Wow, that would be really sexy if someone did that..." Not quite sure where he was going with that thought. Am I the someone? Knowing him, he was probably envisioning Vanessa Williams or Faith Hill. *sigh* But at least Uli is designing for women with some T&A.
Nice girls u've got in here ;o)
I've already stated how much I like this collection, hiccups and all. What I want to say is how shocked I was to discover that Bravo/Weinstein does not pay the models one thin dime. If you listen to the final four model bonus video they talk about 12 hour days and the only recompense is the food in the model holding cell.
To me that seems criminal. Those girls are ONLY making money when their beautiful bods are somewhere in front of a camera or wearing clothes for someone. That is just not right. You would think that Harvey Weinstein could forgo a couple of trips to Nobu and pay them the prevailing wage. Several of the models also said they had yet to get any work from their association with the show.
Maybe you should tell them about their alternative energy potential ?
What Chgo_John said. I'm a straight woman, and I would replay that episode just to watch Nazri's ass. Truly a thing of beauty and a joy forever.
Holy CRAP!
The PRGay Boys know me! Did you see where they said Loveya? Didya? Didya? Huh? Didya?
I'm only like one degree of separation from Tim Gunn now! (whimper) Someone hold me.
Anne
(You guys know I'm just yankin' your chain, right? I can't believe you answer *any* posts!)
My gosh, you are only now starting to like the first dress? That woman is HOT.
Dress by Uli. Underwear not included.
francesspencer - STOP!
Naomi Campbell before she started speaking! I'm dying! That mess of shorts...
You know something, I really think this was the best I've seen Amanda look. Maybe it's the longer runway, or the right lighting or something. I thought she was WORKIN' that shit. Not that I liked the shorts, of course they were a waste of God's good air, but Amanda did well, I thought.
Maybe it's the "camera but no microphone" combo.
Anne
Meow.
Re: not paying the models, from what little I know about the modeling world, I'm not surprised. I took an acting class in LA a few years ago, and did a scene with a model who has developed quite a good career, both as a spokesmodel and actress. She told me that the going rate for landing the cover of a major magazine, such as *ahem* Elle (yes, that's the magazine she named), was $90.00. And yes, I placed the decimal point in the right place. Ninety mofo dollars for the cover of a major magazine with major circulation that depends majorly on the cover to drive sales. She said the whole point of whoring yourself out (my words, not hers) for editorial shoots like that is to amass enough of a portfolio to land endorsements and print ads, such as for a make-up company.
Exploitation is exploitation, even if the exploited partake willingly in the hopes of making it big.
Completely agree! I also thought that purple mess (I mean dress) was the only big mistake. And I agree that the last green dress was fine but she should have chosen something better for the final look. And I don't know if it's revolutionary but I loved how the wrap attached to ring on the bathing suit. Very dramatic and sexy when she ripped off that velcro!
Uli's garments are fetching the highest bids in the auctions on the bravo site.
An Uli blog, but here's an interview with Jeffery (in Spanish) for anyone that might care. :)
http://www.primerahora.com/noticia.asp?guid=735038AFDB574ABEBB2795D8BEE090EF
I want that bikini NOW. Thank god for the tropics.
Seeing as how it's been snowing here in PA for the last two days, I can't believe there are people who actually wear light, airy, "effortless" clothing as the kind Uli designs.... I'm wearing a parka and turtle neck, for cripes sake, and have had a comforter on our bed since September. But anyway, I still thought her collection was the most fun and practical just because, as I've said before, much of it could be worn by women of more than one body shape. I did not like the "clunker" dress, either-- that silver accent at the cleavage looked like a giant zipper pull.
Now skinny jeans are in again.. another throw-back to the 80's when we wore peg-legs and were cuffing our jeans... which was a throw-back to the 50's. If nothing else, I have to give JS credit for being able to read the industry as well as he did and see the trend.
Mohawk, indeed.
Random observations:
I appreciated someone's (sorry, I forget who!) explanation of the safari theme. Makes sense, and it makes me appreciate Uli's subtle approach to that theme. Reading what the the boys and the commenters have posted, I now get why Kors said the collection was a roller coaster. Maybe more looks (16 or 24 instead of 12) or a little more time would have helped it all hang together a bit more, as a collection.
I agree that the Nazri dress, including the print, was not the greatest, though I liked the coral necklace & coral thing on the belt (God, I hope that's not real coral!!). And the purple dress--hmm, not quite there (that's mother of pearl on the trim, I believe); perhaps with more time she'd have been able to "edit" it. Didn't Tim Gunn stand in front of this one looking perplexed?
Nazri is beyond this world; loved seeing her walking down the street towering above all the mortals in the designers-as-photographers eppy. I thought Amanda looked great and I liked the outfit.
While during the challenges Uli showed brilliance at mixing prints (remember the dog challenge?), she didn't really capitalize on that in this collection, though the silver and, what--tan?, mix was suprising and great. Who'da thunk it: mixing cool & warm so succesfully. Yes, too many keyholes. I almost wish there had been just one of her signature shape (couture challenge, dog, 1st eppy challenge, etc.) looks. But there were surprising and wonderful little touches.
Kudos to Uli for pushing herself beyond her comfort zone without losing her identity. Overall it was a lovely collection without a single disaster (even the purple dress wasn't a disaster compared to some of the disasters in other collections), and several knockouts. And I loved her exit interview, which shows she really took in the bigger picture, including the idea that as a successful designer she may need to expand her vision beyond what she herself would wear. She's listening and growing.
Random observations:
I appreciated someone's (sorry, I forget who!) explanation of the safari theme. Makes sense, and it makes me appreciate Uli's subtle approach to that theme. Reading what the boys and the commenters have posted, I now get why Kors said the collection was a roller coaster. Maybe more looks (16 or 24 instead of 12) or a little more time would have helped it all hang together a bit more, as a collection.
I agree that the Nazri dress, including the print, was not the greatest, though I liked the coral necklace & coral thing on the belt (God, I hope that's not real coral!!). And the purple dress--hmm, not quite there (that's mother of pearl on the trim, I believe); perhaps with more time she'd have been able to "edit" it. Didn't Tim Gunn stand in front of this one looking perplexed?
Nazri is beyond this world; loved seeing her walking down the street towering above all the mortals in the designers-as-photographers eppy. And I thought Amanda looked great in the shorts-suit outfit in the collection.
While during the challenges Uli showed brilliance at mixing prints (dog challenge, everyday woman challenge), she didn't really capitalize on that in this collection, though the silver and, what--tan?, mix was suprising and great. Who'da thunk it: mixing cool & warm so succesfully. Yes, too many keyholes. I almost wish there had been just one of her signature shape (couture challenge, dog, 1st eppy challenge, etc.) looks. But there were surprising and wonderful little touches.
Kudos to Uli for pushing herself beyond her comfort zone without losing her identity. Overall it was a lovely collection without a single disaster (even the purple dress wasn't a disaster compared to some in other collections), and several knockouts. And I loved her exit interview, which shows she took in the bigger picture, including the idea that as a successful designer she may need to expand her vision beyond what she herself would wear. She's listening and growing.
Oh, remember in the model audition eppy, there was a model to whom Uli said something like, "We're all going to fight over you"? Anyone figure out if she was in someone's show (and if so -- whose/what was she wearing)?
I liked the purple dress a lot until someone associated it with Bea Arthur. Damn, the truth hurts...it's off the list!
I love Uli's style, but it's only for small-chested women. If she created some bra-friendly looks (even strapless), I'd be there.
I'm afraid Jeffery's green-striped dress was the winner for me overall...super-flattering to the size 8 woman.
Jeffrey's striped dress was a knockoff of a Libertine dress from Spring 2006 Olympus Fashion Week. Check it out.
Another point on the model walk--they swish their arms to catch the fabric and make it flow. Nazri is a pro at "hiding" the arm action, and you can also see this in Jeff's collection--it really moves the fabric.
Tip: put your feet directly in front of each other like you are doing the DUI line--it causes your hips to swish more, thus the "model walk".
Love all your comments, PRGayGuys, but your awesome and thoughtful comments are not slowing down any rumors that you two are going to get your own commentary channel.
That first dress in this post really just kind of snuck in there, didn't it? But I think you guys captured the exact picture that makes people see what the heck it was doing there. And I really do think that model is great for it.
The blue dress, the next one... I think that model is weird looking. Not in the same "six feet tall, weighs 8 pounds" way they're all weird looking either - I think they should have switched her and the MarciaMarciaMarcia girl. The girl who's wearing the blue has some kind of shoulder action going on that's making that dress hang funny and look out of proportion.
I think the MarciaMarciaMarcia dress would have benefitted from the extra shoulder width.
Anne
Anonymous said:
"The blue dress, the next one... I think that model is weird looking... I think they should have switched her and the MarciaMarciaMarcia girl. The girl who's wearing the blue has some kind of shoulder action going on that's making that dress hang funny and look out of proportion."
*************
I went back and looked and dang -- that photo sure resembles a man in drag. That would be interesting...
The bikini with the wrap! I wanted to buy it and wear it the moment I saw it. The I remembered I'm a boy...
I agree with you guys entirely, as usual! The last dress was so boring to me. I look at the garment first, and then glance at the model, so when I saw that it was Nazri (meaning that would be the last look), I think a "Aww hell naw" might have been said.
Overall, I liked a few pieces in her collection, and it was pretty good overall, but there were some that were just flyin' in from left field.
Oh, and just to point out: I typed in your URL and apparently missed the "s" in "blogspot." The URL of projectrungay.blogpot.com comes up with a website of Biblical studies and prophecies. I am HIGHLY amused.
"chili pepper" ~ how funny, i had the same thought
May we have a Part Drei please? My favorite parts of Uli's collection were the backs of the dresses. It's not just her choice of prints, but the way she uses them that is so lovely.
Uli was robbed, pure and simple. She won this thing big-time. My scorecard says Uli by a wide margin, then Laura, Michael, and Jeffrey.
Say what you like about Laura's stuff, but something called Forth & Towne (a Gap company) just arrived in the mail (and numerous full-page newspaper ads) and it's all Laura all the time, right on down the line. Laura is in touch with the public, not Jeffrey.
But Uli's clothes in this show were PERFECT. They too will sell by the truckload in any shop that carries them. The women in my life want to buy them, I know that much!
*whispers* I liked the purple zebra dress. *end whisper*
The bikini-display was certainly attention getting, but was it the garment or was it the girl? Dang, she was perfect, and a perfect example that a model can be model-thin without being starved.
I really like the top dress and I think it could totally be worn by a bigger girl. It flatters the bust creates a waist line and it has a vertical focal point for length. It would need to be a bit longer and in less shiny fabric to be good on a fuller figure tho.
Uli should totally make some stuff in the 12W and up sizes.
The J.Lo. dress was also my first reaction! Also the purple-ish dress?!?! Wtf? Maybe she did want to bring the "everyday woman" challenge to the runway. Who knows..
YEs, Uli knows a woman's body...if she wears a B tops! Big boobies do *not* look great in those dresses...It would be a boobie galore!
I love you guys! You are funny, cool and always on point! Maybe I'm just a gay man in a straight woman's body... <3
I think the problem with the first dress is that it is too short. If it came to just above the knee it wouldn't look like it is riding up like it does.
I'll have to agree about the color choices of the prints. I think red, burgundy, maroon type colors would have worked better with the camel/silver/brown than the blues and greens did.
That said, I think Uli's collection absolutely rocked!
Just went on the Forth & Towne website (www.forthandtowne.com)&
Laura should sue.
I agree w/ fnarf. La Laura has her finger more on the pulse of what the public wants(timelessness not trends & fads!)way more than Jeffrey.
PS: I love you guys, but the purple separates have enormous possibilities. Think of the top w/ a pair of jeans or over your fave bikini (or speedo!); the skirt w/ a crisp white shirt or a 1 piece suit. I think the ensemble showed excellent versatility.
p.s. Although I loved the bathing suit, nothing was moving in my pants ... unless you count my pet ferret.
Maybe instead of that "didn't we see this already" dress, Uli should have done a slacks outfit. The pants could have been in the camel and/or silver, with a flowy, Uli kind of print top. It might have pulled the collection together, while showing more versatility at the same time. I liked the pants she was wearing.
Still, impressive showing. That bikini is going to haunt me like Danny V's ivory coat still does....
I understand why the judges went with Jeffrey, but I agree with you that Uli put on the best show. In fact, if not for the fact that they gave the prize to a female immigrant who made "nice" dresses last year, I think Uli would have brought it home. (I'm channeling Jay a wee bit, there -- because I love him.) No, seriously, I do think that the Chloe decision was NOT popular. It was a wise, but "safe" decision -- Chloe is an experienced designer whose outfits were consistently well-designed and tailored, but I think there was a lot of disappointment that the innovative but uneven Santino or the lovely and talented youngster Daniel V. didn't take the prize. Jeffrey's vision is certainly innovative, or at least unusual and sometime unexpected, and that's crowd-pleasing on a reality show, but in the end I think Uli's (and Laura's) designs are far more marketable. I loved pretty much everything Uli designed this season, I thought her runway show was close to perfect, and I hope hope hope that she makes it big, because I intend to be first in line to buy her stuff.
Uli was beyond the best at picking models that exemplified her collections.
I think that first dress would look fabulously gorgeous on Heidi.
Uli and Laura had most of the prettier models, didn't they?
Wow, I remembered LOVING Uli's collection, but these photographs are bringing ugly second thoughts to mind....
I did love the silver/beige pieces, but the other pieces you posted here are really hideous. The burgundy number is something a young woman would never wear. It's matronly in an Uli sort of way. And the only thing that saves her final piece is Nazri....
Sorry Uli....
The bathing suit: smokin'
The two fitted silver and camel outfits: way cool
The flowerey mumuus: Na ah
OMG!!!! I laughed SO hard when I came to your blog - not out of disrepect, but you are hilarious!!! You are Gay and you shop - that's just what you do.... I LOVE to see life through other people eyes even if I dont agree with them or how they live, BUT - that's none of my business. I am a farm wife, married (to a man) with 4 sons and I am gonna keep coming back here just for the laugh factor! You do have good fasion sense, cuz you got me to see the likeness of each dress. I would love to have you come to my blog - but hold onto your hat, it's WAY differant than yours!! But like I said - I love other people's opinions!!!! Hope to see you there and hope you dont mind me stopping by - good luck with that little one also!
Hi Guys,
I dont often get to keep up with whats happening with some things so I just wanted to say thank you for the updates! :)
Have a beautiful day
"Some of the models looked like they wandered in from a different show."
AMEN. That was all I could think while watching this. Felt like the camel story and the prints story were from two totally different collections; there was essentially NOTHING connecting the two.
Also, as far as the prints go... seen it, seen it, seen it. I've been thinking since the second challenge that she just makes the same dress over and over.
Maybe I would've appreciated her collection more if I'd been watching on a bigger, better TV, because I was seeing the mismatching silhouettes and not the details that (presumably) pulled it all together.
Personally, I'm glad Jeffrey won. I don't feel Uli was "robbed" at all, as so many people responded at Tim's blog.
Post a Comment