Poor Chris. Never was a PR contestant more jerked around than he was. Auf'd, returned, made it to the end, eliminated at the last second after working on a collection for five months. Danielle Steele novels have less plot twists.
As hard as it may be to do so, we would recommend not taking out your frustrations on Rami. It's not like he plotted Chris' downfall or anything. He just did what he does and the judges liked it more.
In fact, we would recommend you do what we're struggling mightily to do and not look at this from a personality perspective at all. We all love Sissy Bear, but let's try and be a little objective here.
To be honest, this was one of those times where we're glad we're not judges because this would have been a tough decision to make.
They both submitted very dark, heavy, over-the-top designs and from our perspective, there was a hair's breadth of a difference between them. We don't want to get too far into analyzing the looks because we'll be doing that extensively in the weeks to come. Suffice it to say, both collections had good points and bad points.
This coat would be representative of the latter. WAY too many elements for one article of clothing. Overwrought and overdesigned.
As an aside, this coat did not appear on the runway in Bryant Park and that strikes us as something of a big advantage for Rami. He got the opportunity to edit something out of his collection that he knew the judges didn't like. We wonder what Christian and Jillian thought of that.
As for the human hair, it was a risk and we applaud him for taking it. We think it shocked the judges and that can only be a good thing since they needed to be shocked out of their RamiLove.
Did Tim overreact to it? Sure, but that's Tim. He has a pretty classic, staid view of what works in fashion and human hair resides way out of his comfort zone.
As for us, well... we think it's an interesting choice but we think that, coupled with some of his other choices, just pushed the collection past the point of fashion and into costume. His looks were too heavy and too goth for us to get on the Sissy Bear Train.
Although to be fair, the safety pin skirt was pretty amazing.
It's not that we LOVED Rami's mini-collection. To be honest, it had almost as many problems as Chris'. The operative word here is "almost."
What probably won it for him was this dress, which the judges rightfully loved. It was the most wearable thing on the runway last night.
People don't seem to like it when the "costumey" tag gets hung on Chris' clothes, but from where we're sitting, it's pretty damn accurate. We give him all the credit in the world for really bringin' it last night and we loved that the judges were shocked by his work. Yes, they made the decision that we all suspected they would make, but they were clearly struggling with it and that, in its own way, was a bit of a victory for Chris.
Auf wiedersehen, Sissy Bear. Thanks for bringing the fun this season.
"After seeing Rami's collection, did you know who would be going home? The judges' comments seemed pretty deadlocked between the two of you.
Well, to be completely honest, this whole thing was very difficult to navigate. I so wanted to do a collection more along the lines of Christian's (complete over-the-top couture fantasy) but we all know the judges would slaughter me for it. If I was TOO safe, I would get nailed the other way. To be completely honest with myself, I don't know if my heart was completely in it. I never thought they would let the "costume designer" guy into the finals. I guess it's my own fault, and I feel like I let down so many people who were rooting for me. Rami is a wonderful man who lives and breathes fashion. After I was eliminated, we were backstage and Rami hugged me and asked if I was OK, and I told him I was fine and that I was happy that he won, because it was what he needed, not what I needed. I am so proud to have lost to Rami. I hope people understand that.
Were you surprised with the decision?
No, not at all. It was the pure and right choice. And trust me, to have made it that far after being brought back and hearing such praise of my work was so gratifying. I always felt I had to do my best with this incredible gift the producers gave me. I will be eternally grateful."
Poor Chris. I much preferred his Goth Flapper mini-collection to Rami's. To me, his clunker (velvet condom) was a better garment than Rami's clunker, the Emerald City guard's uniform.
And I REALLY don't get the revulsion for human hair as trim...I thought it was a fabulous, and that Chris 'made it work'.
To me, Chris' work showed more imagination and ingenuity than Rami's in many ways...
As for the judging, well, what a disappointingly predictable outcome for this season.
Chris is such a gentleman. I really liked how the feelings of affection between Rami and Chris seem to be genuine and not simply edited to look that way. After watching the episode, I found myself like Rami just a little bit more (but I still really wanted Chris to win). But I just knew that they would never let someone who looks like Chris win over someone that looks like Rami. In fashion, looks matter.
that was the most graceful exit ever in PR history.
I guess it's my own fault, and I feel like I let down so many people who were rooting for me.
didn't let me down. it was magnificent. Chris's clothes are elegant and glamorous and divine.
he's world class, in my humble opinion, and i have a feeling that of all the PR designers, he'll get more of a boost from this than any of the others have.
his point of view and his skills are remarkable. these clothes were glorious. it was a couture collection and i'm not sure the other designers are really even capable of that.
"tlo said: As an aside, this coat did not appear on the runway in Bryant Park and that strikes us something of a big advantage for Rami. He got the opportunity to edit something out of his collection that he knew the judges didn't like."
Or...maybe he never had the intention of putting that in his final collection. Maybe Rami thought strategically: He heard complaints from the judges, over & over, about to much draping, but that is where his fashion heart lies. Maybe he knew that what he wanted to show in the final collection was his trademark draping, but that to get to show that final collection, he needed to show something else, to get past the judges.
I agree that both mini-collections are dark & heavy, but Rami's skews just the slightest bit younger, and that could have made the difference.
Most predictable elimination ever. I don't understand why PR could have four finalists last season but not this time. I think they just tried to wring more drama out of this and failed because we all saw it coming when Chris was eliminated. I commend Chris for putting up with all the jerking around and keeping his cool throughout. Good luck to him!
I think I saw that jacket of Rami's masquerading as a chair in my aunt's living room for the past fifteen years. Are you kidding me?
I do feel bad for Sissybear, but wow. What an anticlimax to see Rami move on to drape yet again. Funny how Nina loved his draped dress when she's been calling to see something different all season long. What'd he do? Drape it differently. Oh, joy.
He won because he showed you can get as far as he did without being snotty and arrogant and back-stabbing. He won because he is a gracious loser, and his sincerity in congratulating Rami was palpable. He won because he knows himself, his skills and his limitations. If the "amount of love the universe sent [his] way" surprised him, it shouldn't. This exit interview shows him to be deserving of that love.
As to the collections, well, I did prefer Chris', but I can understand the judges' choice. I particularly loved Chris' second look. The human hair he used reminded me of the monkey fur that was so popular in the '20s, and that dress had a very '20s aesthetic.
I didn't watch the video, but from what you quoted--what a classy guy.
I wasn't rooting for either of them; I've liked and disliked some of R's & some of C's designs throughout the competition (and haven't looked at BP collections). As for last night, I only liked Rami's 3rd look (as well as the cape & blouse he showed Tim during the home visit).
I'd thought Chris' sew-not-over clothes were sew-not-happening, and therefore was sew surprised by last night's threesome. They were beautiful and they really worked as design. Perhaps the judges were right to say over-designed, and perhaps they were a bit over the top, but to my eye that was in a daring, almost avant garde way, not a costumey way.
Chris is pure class with an exit like that. I personally identify more with Rami's style, but there are occasions in life where costume and over-the-top are just right, so I'm glad that Chris is out there bringing it.
I loved Chris' comment that he was proud of this collection because he'd had TIME to put the level of work and creativity into it that he wanted. He gets an A+ for creativity and risk taking.
It's hard to think of him as "losing," so let's hope his showing at Bryant Park gave him the career boost he needed from PR and hopefully we'll see lots more of him in the future!
Love you Chris! For god's sake, someone at Bravo should have the brains to give this man his own show. Fun to watch! A delightful personality. Love his laugh.
Rami: Where was the shot of you shirtless or in a tank top this week? Shame to the video editors!
Well, as much as I hated it, I can’t say that I was surprised at this result. I struggled to look at each mini-collection with an objective eye last night and not be influenced by designer personality or past work. Each had problems and each had highlights. The only Rami dress that I liked was the middle look, for all the reasons you have pointed out. On the other hand, the only Chris look I really liked was his middle look (although after hearing that the first look skirt was made from safety pins I was completely floored and impressed). So overall, it was a tough call. The result was probably inevitable, but I am pleased that Chris made it so difficult for the judges.
And color me the pejorative of your choice, but I thought the human hair was pretty damn cool.
And how adorable was that exit hug and how gentlemanly was that exit interview. Class act.
Chris did demonstrate how to exit with dignity. Very rare for a reality show.
And I also never got why the 'costumey' label is perceived as a bad thing (by both the judges and the viewers). LOTS of runway shows are costumey.
But I think that, in the end, it was also a matter of Chris not fitting into the image that the judges and/or producers wanted to project for the show. And it is kind-or ironic that, during the challenges, they had the designers making garments out of all sorts of odd materials, and when Chris followed through with that theme of oddball materials, it didn't pass the test with them.
But what do you wanna bet that next season, they have designers making garments out of safty pins & human hair.
Does anyone know if Nina Garcia and Rami knew each other personally or through business, previous to the show? It might just be me, but I kept getting such a personal vibe between them whenever she spoke to him on the runway, it seemed so different from the way she critiqued the other contestants.
Chris has such class. So gracious to Rami and the show as a whole. I'm really sorry he didn't have the chance to show at Fashion Week. Count me in as part of the universe sending love your way, Chris!
I'll jump on the "Chris is a class act" bandwagon here. I gotta say that it pissed me off though, that it seemed the judges were all over Rami for trying something new, and not being "all Grecian goddesses". But THEN the look that won it for him was the second dress because it was, what?...DRAPED!! Grrr, it makes me want to rip my hair out. And then carefully attach it to my coat or something.
Human hair? C'mon people...I love Chirs, I really do, but would you wear an outfit with human hair that wasn't meant for a Halloween event? Let's be reasonable here.
the human hair is a funny thing. i really loved Chris' collection, but i was also really repulsed by the human hair. it's a visceral thing, and if it hits you wrong, there's nothing you can do. i wouldn't wear it if it were animal fur either, but that doesn't repulse me in the same way. i guess there's something morbid, or rotting, that gets conjured up with the scalped human thing. if it were fake doll hair, tho... i also think chris was very sweet and i loved his observation and gratitude that the universe had sent a lot of love his way...i don't think he let anyone down at all.
Geez! I love Chris even more now! I predicted Rami for the win - not because I wanted him to, but because I thought the judges would just lean that way.
After the show tho, I have to say I thought Chris really had a chance. I thought his collection was more innovative.
The good thing is that Sweet P and Chris both got to show. Even though they were out of contention for the prizes, they were still able to show their work to very influential people in the industry. I hope they both benefit from that!!
My parents have a sofa upstairs at their beach house. It's covered in wide wale blue corduroy. We call it the blue monster. It looks a heck of a lot like Rami's Wizard of Oz coat. Sofa. Oz. Not good. So was this the inspiration for the coat? Or was this?
Chris is such a class act.. he is going to have great things happen in his life, and although I wanted Chris to get to the finals, Rami is starting to grow on me. Any thoughts why there was no showing of Christian' family or friends on the show last night?
Am I a little heartbroken this morning? Yes. Am I at all surprised by the outcome? Not even a little bit.
After listening to Chris explain the materials he used to make the pieces shown last night I was impressed in a way still pictures could never impress, which made the expected auf that much more bitter. My esteem for him as a human being also rose a few notches after reading the excerpts from his exit interview. I think it's sad and ridiculously deceptive to the viewers to make it seem like Chris had an equal shot of advancing as a finalist. Throughout the clips of the final four in New York, you could tell that Chris was emotionally drained and resigned to the outcome. He was in a no-win situation.
Rami's construction (or draping, as it is) is always impeccable and there are several pieces from his full runway collection that I think are drop-dead gorgeous - but the pieces he showed as his 3 strongest were not my favorites.
Some of the clips from last night threw me for a loop. Was I half-asleep or did Tim's visit to Rami's studio in LA and the clothing on the rack in NY feature several pieces that were primarily yellow? I'm pretty sure that there was nothing like that in his final runway show and it's bugging me since I'm not at home to re-watch the tape and I can't find any screen shots of the episode online. If I'm not dreaming them up, it sounds like Rami almost made enough garments for two collections.
Rami is an arrogant prick. Here's what he said on Bravotv.com:
What did you think about the judges' comments? Especially Nina's comments about the coat and its proportions?
I honestly did not think too much about it. The judges had their opinions and they are certainly entitled to them. I thought that Nina could appreciate the new designs that she had not seen from me before, but regarding the proportions of the coat, I honestly still believed in the design and was not offended at all. I did feel though that Michael did not understand my black gown and I was happy when Nina defended it and so did I.
Did you have an opinion on Chris' use of human hair? The judges seemed both shocked by it and intrigued by it.
In all honesty I did not understand Chris's collection. Some of the looks were not functional to the point that some of his models simply could not walk due to the lack of room in his longer dresses. I felt that Chris knew it as well. I am not a fan of human hair on clothing if you ask me. I love Chris but that's just my opinion.
Can't believe the power of the "ick" factor! It was only hair extensions! Off someone's head! Now, if it had been short and curly, there might have been some cause for concern...
Now that I know that Chris is from the Bay Area, his whole style view has come into focus. Having spent quite a few Halloweens myself in the Castro, I see how Chris takes those elements of costume and drag, and SF's love of black clothing with a hint of goth and fog, et voila...his collection. Bravo, Chris! You get the "love" vote this season and that's better than some lame-o "apprenticeship" or whatever it is they win this year.
I also have to add that, as a New Yorker, I found it funny to see the apartment visits with Jillian & especially Christian. (Yes, of course I paid attention to the apartments; I'm a New Yorker).
Usually, on TV shows, they have young characters with huge apartments (like Friends), that there is NO WAY they could ever afford. It makes kids think they are going to move here, and live in a loft.
The reality for a young person, moving to NYC, especially to follow a creative career, is the space that Christian had. Even Jillian's place was big by Manhattan standards. (And that's also the reality most, of any age).
CHRIS WAS ROBBED!! Michael Kors and Nina Garcia NEVER liked him. Plus, did you see Heidi's face when Rami was explaining his looks? Like a kid staring at candy. What a waste of 30 minutes!!!!!
I don't see what the big deal was over the human hair. Costume designers use human hair wigs all the time so it's not that much of a stretch to use for trim. And since people sell or donate their own long hair, it's more ethical than fur. (To my knowledge, people aren't scalped against their will for hair... anyone know?)
I loved the way it moved on the runway, on the collar of that jacket. That jacket and the safety pin skirt were my favorite look of them all.
I like the safety pins, but must say that we used to make jewelry out of safety pins (with and without beads) and it looked fabulous, though it is time consuming to do. It was not an uncommon home craft in the 1980's.
I think the innovation was to bring that home craft into fashion, but it wasn't a totally new idea.
IMO his three looks last night were stronger (and yeah, more to my taste) than Rami's ... but after having seen both of their full collections I think Rami's was stronger overall ...
Was nice to see contestants kind to each other and supportive, a pleasant change. Then again by 4th season they probably realize that just making it to the finals is making it!
Another aspect of Chris' aufing that gets to me is that, if you compare his final collection to the final collection of PR's *other* costume designer (Kara Saun) who made it into the finals, and you remember how costumey her work was, well, Chris' work was much more original than Kara's.
The more I think about it, the more I love the human hair trim....jeezus, it's not like he used shrunken heads or collected hair from unsuspecting corpses in fresh graves! The most expensive hairpieces are made from real hair...I've even donated my own hair to a Locks of Love type organization.
I don't see what the big deal was over the human hair. Costume designers use human hair wigs all the time so it's not that much of a stretch to use for trim.
You can't be serious. Of course it's a stretch. And yes, you said it...COSTUME DESIGNERS use human hair, not FASHION DESIGNERS. I am amazed how people will go on and on about the "wonders of human hair on clothes" just to defend Chris.
Come on, Rami gave us one new look, and it was dreadful at that, and the judges gush and squirm all over him! Chris really brought the WOW factor! Whether you would wear it or not, he went back to the early 1900s and over-the-top drama - didn't the judges asked to be WOW-ed???
I am seriously disappointed - I agree with Chris that they were NEVER going to let a costume designer into the finals. Too bad, because as Cavalli said, he is the most artistic. I hope he gets his Paris couture show soon.
I am not watching the finals. I hate being played, and I have known that Rami, Jillian and Christian would be the Final Three from the second or third episode. The judges should be ashamed of themselves for their blatant favoritism, all along. How Kevin got sent home over Christian or Rami over the prom challenge, and how Rami was not sent home over the wrestling challenge shows me the fix was in from the beginning.
I boo the judges. I doubt I will watch next year either.
GT said: "...Even Jillian's place was big by Manhattan standards..."
ITA. I too was checking out the designers digs -- but wasn't Jillian's apt in Brooklyn or Queens? I thought that was teh Manhattan bridge out the window, or did I not watch the bridge pics carefully enough?
Franco Moschino was doing safety pin dresses almost 20 years ago guys, FYI. That skirt does not reinvent the fashion wheel. The human hair was actually pretty cool and it looked like gorilla fur. Chris' choice to use velvet and brocade in is collection was theh kiss of death to me, too tacky and dated. Rami's couture dress was GORGEOUS!
"Did the producers edit it out, or did Rami remain fully clothed to prove that he is more than just a piece of meat?"
Yes dear. Rami's main preoccupation during the entire filming of the finale and throughout fashion week was when and how often he should take his clothes off.
As another Commenter said, I don't understand the Judges revulsion to what they term "costumey" and I really liked Chris' collection much better than Rami's.
I would much rather have Chris, with his sense of fun and drama, design clothes for me than Mr. Drapey.
Rami was bottom two at the end for doing too many draped looks. He came to Fashion Week with fewer of them.
Chris was bottom two at the end because his clothes were too close to costume for the judges' comfort. He came to Fashion Week with outfits that were still close to costume.
Chris did some amazing things, but the choice was obvious in the end. Rami addressed the judges' reservations about him better than Chris did.
The only thing less surprising than the judges' decision last night was that you sellouts would sanction it this morning. That said, I guess we should all be grateful that you still occasionally take the time to comment on the show at all anymore rather than just blog about how famous and fab you are yourselves. Anyway, not sure what kind of deal Rami had with the judges this year but hope the ones you guys got with Bravo was at least as sweet. Congrats!
There was no chance for Chris, because he didn't fit the standard catagories. It was a little fashion and a little costume and a little odd. Of course, that lack of fitting neatly into a catagory was partially why I liked it. I'm also just a fan of velvet, which always strikes my as wonderfully sumptuous. A result of a childhood enamoured with period furniture.
I HATED Rami's coat. When they focused on the neckline, she looked sickly or cold, all bundled up to her ears like that. And she didn't look comfortable in it at all.
The coat also gave away the editing. At one point, they showed Rami talking with the coat draped over one arm, despite never showing taking the coat off. Then, they focused on the second dress and you could see the model on the edge of the frame wearing the coat. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
I'm really disappointed, but not surprised, that they did not choose Chris. Oh well!!... Thank you for posting Chris' Bryant Park collection, boys, especially the closeup pictures; the jewelry, the shoes...It's gorgeous! I love every piece.
What a nice, classy exit interview! Chris did make the show fun, as much as editing would allow, and he should not be suprised that so many people have a warm & positive attitude towards him.
As soon as I saw the reaction of Nina to the hair extensions, I knew our Chris was toast on that runway. But I loooved what he said about why he should show at BP: to show a perspective that is outside the fashion mainstream. Contrast that to Rami basically saying, "It's a new and improved me; I swear I listened to you guys this time!" I'll miss Sissybear, but I agree that he will probably get more out of his PR appearance than the others.
PS: Although I have to admit the human hair creeped me out, it was a creative, and might I dare say "innovative" use of non-traditional material. Something PR is all about.
"Isabella said... Human hair? C'mon people...I love Chirs[sic], I really do, but would you wear an outfit with human hair that wasn't meant for a Halloween event? Let's be reasonable here."
If it looked like that second dress? In a heartbeat. I am not saying it is for everyone, but it is totally not an issue with me. In fact, I agree with the post that wearing fur is creepier. Then again, I also didn't have a problem with Elisa "spit marking" fabric, so maybe my gross out level is high.
Nina and Heidi's reactions were quite odd considering that BOTH of them have worn Hair extensions in the past. PR wants someone who will be commercial and Hasn't had a lot of luck with the past three winners. Have you actually HEARD about them outside of Bravo TV, and the Blogosphere?They are desperate for a Success.
Chris is not the first person to use human hair in fashion. Mourning jewelry using the deceased's hair was very popular in the Victorian era, and it was often extraordinarily beautiful.
And, more recently, designer Linda Loudermilk has used human hair in some of her work.
Oh boy, that exit interview is a tear-jerker, in a good way.
Chris, the Universe brought you exactly what you needed. Amazing, isn't it? It will do it again and again. Enjoy the ride.
As for the decision, I was totally disgusted. Clearly, there is some behind the scenes something going on there. Chris didn't stand a chance even though he was the better (more interesting, more diverse, more dramatic, more creative, etc.) designer. I agree that it is obvious that Nina has a "connection" to Rami.
I'm sure the reason why they didn't bring on a guest judge is so that they could accomplish what they were planning all along to do without interference.
But, if Chris is at peace with the decision, then I am too. Doesn't mean I like it though.
I have a feeling the judges would not have been shocked and repulsed had Chris dressed his models in mink or fox. But human hair, which involves no suffering or death on the part of the giver, gave them conniptions.
Thank you guys so much for trying to make sure that Chris fans don't hate on Rami. Rami had a lot going against him as far as being an obvious choice to show at Bryant Park...he's not what most people who watch reality tv want to see [ie: Americanized, fun loving, etc] Coming from a different culture really seemed to damper people's opinion of him, but Im thrilled that he and Chris, who seem so different, appear to have genuine respect for each other. They also seemed to struggle with the same ghosts as far as the pieces they presented...both of them were afraid to chastised by the judges for 'doing what they do....whether that be drama or minimal sophistication. I can honestly say, as far as judging either of them on their personality, they both seem like genuinely good people. Im happy for both of them, because, in their own ways, I think they came out of this experience with a win. Chris has the adoration of..a lot of fans. And Rami has a chance to show his collection.
Bullshit!! The judges never intended to even consider Chris as one of the finalists. Cavalli "screwed up" their plans and they had to come up with a solution. If Rami had used pubic hair as trim around the bottom of every outfit they would've called it a fashion breakthrough.
Love Chris but to be honest PR is more than a show about designs, it's also about marketability. Human hair is not as marketable as draped dresses. Rami is also younger, more attractive and that counts. But I did like Sissybear's collection more than Rami's.
Is it too early to call shenanigans? Why have the producers of teh show not realized they have given Rami an unfair advantage over the other two finalist by allowing him the luxury of having three pieces critiqued by 3 of the finale judges? What an advantage! And looking at his final 12 collection, he took advantage of that critique by removing the look most harshly criticized. Who knows how much else this pre-judge influenced his final choices for the runway. If he wins it should certainly raise a red flag of sorts to the other finalist. `Zombiebirdhouse
Chris comes across as an old soul, and a gentleman. May he continue to reap more good things than he expected from PR.
Seeing the 2 mini-collections in motion on the runway, I lusted after Chris' clothes. For me, they were Edward Gorey women come to life & glamorized. Which may have been read by the judges as too costumey, but as has been noted here before, a LOT of runway looks are costumey - & less than wearable.
Rami makes lovely clothes, but that blue coat thing was everything bad about 80's winter outerwear crossed with living room furniture.
Based on the mini-collections rather than their bodies of work, I think Chris was robbed - but fashion is subjective.
Profuse thanks to all the regular commentators who entertain we-who-lurk, as well as more-than-profuse gratitude to T&L for being the founders of it all & the guys doing the work!
But what's the difference between human hair and fur? I find the human hair less offensive, to be honest, but ymmv.
I agree. To use human hair, a willing volunteer has hair cut from her head with a pair of scissors. She goes home with a cute short 'do and is none the worse for wear. The hair will grow back.
To use animal fur, an unwilling and unwitting animal is raised in a tiny cage until he or she is electrocuted through the anus and then completely scalped from head to toe.
I applaud Chris for his graciousness, because I would have been turning over tables and punching Nina Garcia in the teeth.
This episode here really makes me question the integrity of the show. Rami was their favorite and they were going to send him through no matter what, even with Chris's clothing being far superior to Rami's.
I seriously doubt I will watch any more of the show this year and maybe not next year either. They have jumped the shark and lost all credibility with me.
The only thing less surprising than the judges' decision last night was that you sellouts would sanction it this morning. That said, I guess we should all be grateful that you still occasionally take the time to comment on the show at all anymore rather than just blog about how famous and fab you are yourselves. Anyway, not sure what kind of deal Rami had with the judges this year but hope the ones you guys got with Bravo was at least as sweet. Congrats!"
It's human hair, not human skin! We wear other human's hair all the time, in wigs and hair extensions. So what if it is used as trim? It looked cool.
I would have picked Chris over Rami simply because Rami made a truly fug coat. None of Chris' designs were fug. It was so close otherwise, that the fact that one had a mistake as one of his three "best" should have been the deciding factor.
I just finished reading your post on the Bryant Park collections. How did you bitches know that he used human hair? Did Chris tell you? I was there and I thought it was animal hair.
PeterThePan, I agree. I think what happened was Bravo screwed up the number of shows it needed and realized late in the game that they would need one more episode to fit in properly with the Bryant Park timing. They manufactured this dumb "show off" to fill space and attempt to create drama for this episode.
If it didn't happen that way, then they were planning all along to have the "show off" in this episode. Either way, I smell a rat.
I think they never ever intended to look at Chris as a serious contender. BUT, and this is a big BUT, Chris showed at Bryant Park anyway and I'm sure it was amazing for him to show there.
Yup, Rami is arrogant: Question: Did you have an opinion on Chris' use of human hair? The judges seemed both shocked by it and intrigued by it.
Rami: In all honesty I did not understand Chris's collection. Some of the looks were not functional to the point that some of his models simply could not walk due to the lack of room in his longer dresses. I felt that Chris knew it as well. I am not a fan of human hair on clothing if you ask me. I love Chris but that's just my opinion.
Well, duh, Rami, of course you don't understand Chris' collection. You are a draper, and he is a couture designer. You don't have the ability to understand it, just as I don't unless I understand fashion, history and couture! And BTW, Rami, your model wasn't walking all that gracefully in her black gown either.
Why do the PR people pretend like Chris isn't going to be a decoy at BP? Again last night, Heidi said, "Only one of you will make it to Bryant Park ..."
I thought Chris had a great collection, even the human hair piece, I think it's really innovative. Nina and Michael are always talking about "getting out of the box" or Tim always saying "Do not bore Nina" but in the end they always vote for the conventional, safe look.
Oh, and as for the human hair: no humans were slaughtered for their hair, lol. Can't say the same for fur so I don't understand why people are/were grossed out by that.
Before I even read the 80+ comments on Chris' aufing, I have to say that Sissy Bear did something incredibly brilliant in this challenge... whether he meant to or not, I don't know.
Chris managed to use TV to reach a possibly lucrative niche market with those 3 pieces.
Add this new Goth market to his existing costume market, and I'm sure Chris will "Kinky Boots" the beejesus out of most of the other designers in the cash department.
This is the last forum with civility..let's keep it that way"
Well Vanessa, that USED to be the case here on PRG. Until this season. Exhibit A: Anonymous@10:35. As much as I hate to see season 4 come to a close it'll be nice to see the tourists clear out, not to mention all the bitter bloggers who are completely green with envy at TLo's skyrocketing success.....
I can understand a visceral reaction to the human hair. When we use it for wigs, we are trying to make it blend in with our own hair and pretend that we aren't wearing someone else's. When we wear fur or leather, there's a caveman element of "I killed this and now wear it as a trophy." So I think it's valid to be a little squicked by the use of human hair for clothing.
That said, I loved Chris's collection. I think he showed some real creativity and risk taking. The "costumey" criticism kills me. If the goal is to design something ready-to-wear, it's a very valid criticism. But if you're trying to make something avant garde and editorial, of course it's going to be a little costumey. Show me haute couture that isn't a little costumey.
This episode here really makes me question the integrity of the show. Rami was their favorite and they were going to send him through no matter what, even with Chris's clothing being far superior to Rami's.
I have wondered for a while, since Rami is already dressing women for the red carpet, if a deal was made with him - that if he would be a designer on PR, he would be guaranteed a spot in the top three. It would have been embarrassing for him, and Jessica Alba, if he had been beaten earlier, or by Chris last night.
The problem is that they forgot to tell Cavalli about their arrangement, and he threw a monkey wrench into their plans, hence, the "big showdown" last night (which Chris seemed resigned to lose throughout the whole hour.)
I do agree with another poster, however, that if Chris is given a regular show by Bravo, I will be a huge fan!
I feel so bad for Rami, because, all of the legions of Chris lovers are sooo mean to him. They should emulate the guy they claim to adore, and take the high road instead of making up excuses. Rami is an excellent designer, and its just kind of disgusting to read so many posts blaming Chris' loss on everything from his weight, to favoritism [when who got more chances then Chris??} to global warming. These are all good designers, with their own styles and, as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't hate on people.
When Tim Gunn tells you a story about a monkey house, it would behoove you to listen. Chris didn't. He's not stupid and had to have understood the point of the story. Yet, Chris could help himself, and look where it got him.
I thought his dresses were pretty, but the choice of material was over the top. I kept thinking of hair clots in the shower drain. Perhaps if he had used artificial hair, or faux fur, or even fringe...
I love you guys, you know I do, but there was a crime of fashion committed on PR last night, and it should be declared to all and sundry.
Rami won the right to go to Fashion Week on the basis of a single dress, not a collection, because no one liked the coat, and Nina didn't like the gown. In addition, it was a dress that exhibits exactly the same technique that he has used all through the competition and for the repetition of which the judges had repeatedly chastised him.
I call shenanigans.
In addition, Chris showed three looks that were different than anything he'd done before, that had cohesion as a collection, and that incorporated innovative, even provocative materials, and he was dismissed as "too costumey" and "over-designed". That's completely bogus, because there was nothing over-designed about the middle dress or IMHO about the gown. They simply featured unique materials that gave the pieces a very strong look.
I call shenanigans yet again.
Furthermore, the judges' reaction to the hair trim was pretentious and silly. Why is it all right to knot and clue hair extensions directly onto a model's head (or the head of an actress or a socialite), but it's somehow creepifying to use that same hair to trim a collar?
I call shenanigans a third time.
And finally, Michael Kors made such a big honkin' deal about the way Chris' model walked in his gown--I believe the word "condom" was used--and not one damn word was said about the fact that Rami's model only managed to make it down the runway in his gown by holding the skirt up off the floor.
I'm not callling shenanigans anymore. I'm going straight to bullshit.
lima bean said... And one more beef b/c I am really pissy today.
Why do the PR people pretend like Chris isn't going to be a decoy at BP? Again last night, Heidi said, "Only one of you will make it to Bryant Park ..."
WTF?
That's my big beef too! They should say "compete at Bryant Park" instead of "make it to".
thank you for that great recap. and thank you for pointing out that chris love does not equal rami hate. i think they are both really talented, and i do think that rami had the better three looks. i don't know why everyone seems to think it's because chris is large and rami is hot. why does it always have to go there? i love chris and thought he had some great pieces throughout the season--but so did rami. he's not there just because he's hot. please give him some credit.
Now I love Sissy Bear even more! But we all knew he would be the one out.
I didn't watch the show last night. As I scrolled through your screen caps, I would have bet money that the first picture of the 3 looks was Chris's collection. I thought FOR SURE that teal coat was Chris's design. And when I looked at both mini-collections without knowing whose was whose, I liked Chris's better overall.
But Rami is the pretty boy, and the "fashion designer" of the 2 of them. The outcome is not shocking.
I doubt I'll even watch the finals now. I'll just read about it here. I hope Christian wins.
I loved the look of the hair, but I would have preferred that it had been fake, for the exact reason that another poster had mentioned: Locks of Love. Yes, you can buy hair extensions for your head, and he no doubt paid for them, but it seems to me that he used actual hair for the shock value more than to achieve a look. And even though that particular hair had been sold rather than donated, I think about how many kids wigs that hair could have made, and it would have been a much more worthy use.
Heart and mind again. I find Rami's clothes interesting, but to steal a Tim-ism, I respond to Chris's work. After the show, I checked out his full collection and wonder now if he might have been more successful showing some of the looks with color. Oh, well, no point in wondering.
I do hope Chris gets a chance to do a full-out couture show someday, just like he dreamed. Maybe if I win the lottery....
A very graceful exit, and I am so proud of Chris for exceeding everyone's expectations.
The judges weren't going to let him be in the finals no matter what he did. He wasn't going to get the shot for real. I think he's okay with that because he still got his work seen at Bryant Park and he had Cavalli cheering him on.
Chris brought something really artistic and special to PR.
Rami was very kind and it's obvious that the two have a friendship that goes beyond TV politeness.
As Chris said, he's glad he lost to Rami if he was going to have to lose.
I want to see Chris make it in the fashion world. He is such a sweet, genuine guy ... if you can believe the editing on a basic cable reality show.
He's the one I'd have over for dinner, and take with me on a cruise to some fabulous place just so he could dress me and crack me up with his observations.
I am very grateful to PR this season for one thing, and that's introducing us to Chris March. I love him as a personality, but especially as a designer. I *adore* what he does!
I'm gonna go with the people who like Chris's three looks better...sorry, Rami. I didn't have a huge problem with Rami's looks (ugly blue coat and boring draped dress aside), but I think Chris was thinking more about making his collection high fashion. The human hair was neat, and like has been said, it's not like it's never been done before. And it's not like it couldn't be tamed down for a RTW version--it's funny that people think the version that would make it to the store would still have human hair on it.
What, nothing about the very long hug, and weird moment where Chris so clearly REALLY was about to kiss Rami?
Or maybe I've just really bought into the whole "they're an item" speculation a little too much... but that moment seemed more than a little awkward to me.
I liked but didn't love both of them. Then hair worked for me, in moderation (on the jacket) - I wasn't as big a fan of the hair skirt, though I did like the general lines of that look a lot. REALLY disliked the velvet condom. A whole lot. As for Rami, the blue coat was a disaster, the draped dress was beautiful, the evening gown was ... OK.
"GucciGirl said... Human hair, safety pins...that's not what comes to my mind when I'm shopping for clothes. We all love Chris but let's be reasonable here."
I would agree with this thought if this contest is purely about commercial appeal rather than artistic vision. And it very well may be. Personally, when I think of fashion and runway shows in particular, I do not ask myself if I would buy exactly what is walking its way down that runway. It is more of whether I like the designer's aesthetic or, to use a tired phrase, his or her point of view. I seriously doubt that I will be buying any feather pants any time soon, but I appreciate the whimsy that inspired Christian to create them. Regardless of his use of materials, I prefer Chris' aesthetic and appreciate his artistic vision compared to Rami's. Is Rami talented? Absolutely. Is he more viable to a wide commercial audience? Without a doubt. But, to be reasonable, I also don't want to look like (or buy) Bill's parent's sofa.
By the way TLo, if you are lucky enough to again attend the big finale viewing party and you do get to meet Chris, please let him know how much he is adored here. Tell him if he is ever having a shitty day to come here and read the posts & comments about him.
anon@11:25, you do realize that Locks of Love sells off a lot of the hair they receive to commercial wigmakers to cover the cost of overhead? You never know, that hair might be FROM Locks of Love.
And therein lies where Chris went wrong. Had he mentioned, repeatedly, that only TRESemme products could give his designs that luster, and that he should be chosen to compete at BP so that he could tell the world about all things TRESemme, Bravo's product placement wizards would have handed him the $100k on the spot.
You people need to get over the human hair thing. I mean, most of us have it on our own heads, so why does that gross you out? It's clean I am sure. I would rather wear human hair than the fur of some dead animal.
Everyone has hair and it isn't a gross thing. I think it's actually very innovative and green of him to recycle hair.
And therein lies where Chris went wrong. Had he mentioned, repeatedly, that only TRESemme products could give his designs that luster, and that he should be chosen to compete at BP so that he could tell the world about all things TRESemme, Bravo's product placement wizards would have handed him the $100k on the spot.
I thought that whole living with the monkeys, it stinks here etc was pretty insulting. What were you thinking Tim? I was very uncomfortable watching it.
People wear fur; people wear leather. At least for human hair, nothing had to be slaughtered.
If I were wealthy enough to have my entire wardrobe custom-designed, I'd go with Chris over Rami in a cold minute... even though I'm squarely in Rami's over-30 target market and should supposedly be panting for clothes that give a flattened bosom, accentuated hips, and a slight tum.
Chris' safety-pin skirt isn't exactly comfortable office wear, but the lines of his collection were flattering, and that's what gets as far as ready-to-wear.
"I loved the look of the hair, but I would have preferred that it had been fake, for the exact reason that another poster had mentioned: Locks of Love. Yes, you can buy hair extensions for your head, and he no doubt paid for them, but it seems to me that he used actual hair for the shock value more than to achieve a look."
Actually, none of the hair trim I saw would have made the Locks of Love length requirement, so no harm. I know; I tried donating to LoL two different times, and both times I came up short (the cut hair had to be 12 inches or longer).
Frankly, I'm with the posters that find the human hair idea no more weird/squicky than using fur. I'd rather the hair was donated freely (from whomever, for whatever reason) than an animal killed for it, or the human hair trimmings going to fill a landfill somewhere. If Chris can make use of it in such a creative way, more power to him.
I just love him. And I loved all THREE of his pieces more than all three of Rami's. But Rami's coat was just atrocious.
Anyway, I sort of knew that this would be the outcome . . . and I'm so thrilled that Chris got to do more, and show more. And is at peace with it.
I think Rami will be a fabulously successful designer. I'd love to get me one of them Goddess dresses.
But for my money, Chris is the real coutoure designer.
Costume??? They are all costumes! I think Chris was dealing with any number of biases: size bias, costume bias, age bias, even humor bias (these fashion types tend to take themselves awfully seriously).
I adore Chris as much as the rest of you, but the fact is, Rami's collection was just better. it was more refined. the pinstripe dress is EXQUISITE. the human hair thing is a turn off- it's icky to me in the same way animal fur is. i'd buy the safety pin skirt in a hot second though, but i do wonder... how's a gal sit down in that? :)
Rami's outfits bored me while SissyBear's were at least exciting. I love Chris' comment that "the universe gives you what you need when you need it" because he certainly seems to have enough wonderful things happening in his life that this outcomes won't make much of a difference for him. And as we all know, due to PR's use of decoy collections, our SissyBear DID end up showing at Fashion Week! You have to love that.
Guys, Chris got a chance to show at Bryant Park. That's a wonderful opportunity. Who cares if the judges chose Rami? We all know that Miss Fierce will be winner of PRS4. If it wasn't for Jack's self-elimination, Chris wouldn't have gotten this far in the competition. Think about it.
Can I just point something really obvious? I think we are in a very strange place in the fashion world where everything looks like costume/fantasy. How about the pregancy look? The baby doll look? And now the puffy sleeves, goth revisited look that is just around the corner? Even Kors latest collection is way deritive of the past. Look at any fall collection.
So I wonder if Nina and Mike are feeling just a little self concious?
Late to the party on comments - damn having to deal with email!
Decision based on that second look from Rami, which Nina and Michael nearly had orgasms over. And granted, it's lovely and I'm glad Rami showed it to them for this judging round because it's one of the couple of things I saw in the runway show that I thought was wearable as well as wonderfully constructed.
But that coat - ack and puke! Emerald City guard's uniform, as ms sangrail said. I can't see taking more than two of the - what eleven? - sundry design elements and putting into a coat that a woman could wear.
I actually preferred the showiness of Chris's work. Really, what's the real diff between using goat hair and human hair? It's hair, nobody was killed to provide it and if they hadn't known it was human hair I really wonder.
Rami and Chris were both very lovely about the situation on camera. Kudos to both for taking a horrible situation and being mensches about it.
Could you live in Chris's friend's apartment? I hope TLo will have something to mention on that, heeeee!
Megan said:I adore Chris as much as the rest of you, but the fact is, Rami's collection was just better. it was more refined. the pinstripe dress is EXQUISITE. the human hair thing is a turn off- it's icky to me in the same way animal fur is. i'd buy the safety pin skirt in a hot second though, but i do wonder... how's a gal sit down in that? :)
Well, Megan, that is what we are debating. I don't think Rami's collection was "better." More traditionally crafted, yes. More expected: yes. Better?? No.
"Actually, chgo_john, Chris said something along those very lines when he was interviewed for Entertainment Weekly. :-)
Still livid."
Not having read the EW interview, I can only surmise that I must somehow be psychic-ly linked with Chris. At least this would explain where my new laugh came from. ;)
"brilliant said: To use animal fur, an unwilling and unwitting animal is raised in a tiny cage until he or she is electrocuted through the anus and then completely scalped from head to toe."
You know, there are guys who'd spend a lot of money over on 11th Avenue for pretty much the same experience. And they might even tip.
Well, obviously I am glad Rami made it through, but I think we're all going to miss Chris. I agree that he did seem doomed from the start because he wasn't your typical fashion designer. He seemed to understand that and was just grateful for the love and the opportunity. Gotta like that. But I've got to say that I was surprised by the goth aspect of his collection and didn't like the velvet and hair. A little too Sweeney Todd. I didn't know Chris was so dark and woud've liked to see more of his "fun" stuff. I know he was trying to do something different for the judges, and it certainly was different.
I liked seeing everyone's family and friends, but I found it curious they did not show that for Christian. I laughed at his tiny apartment and remembered the days when I lived in an efficiency apartment.
Are so many people really OK with wearing human hair on their clothes (not that that is neccessarily the litmus test)? The power of the suggestion of TV never ceases to amaze me.
I liked Chris' work, but I don't know: It's kind of part Dr. Seuss, part Third Reich. It freaks me out.
But to me, the most ironic thing about the human hair on Chris's garments is that it looked better than the hairstyling done on any of the models, in the TresEme hair salon, this season.
I think it's kind of crazy that the judges were rather visibly swallowing back some bile at the idea of Chris' use of hair when the fashion world is full of models with extensions on their heads, INCLUDING Heidi, and I'm pretty sure Nina's worn her share. Hell, I wouldn't put it past Michael Kors to have donned them at least once. That being said, I loved Chris' mini-collection and was sad to see him auf'd. What a sweetie, all the way through the ordeal. I believed him when he said he loved those people.
i am a vegan, and it makes me laugh that Heidi or someone asked if Chris' hair was goat, as if that was better to wear than human hair..don't get it.
and another thing i am really tiring of 'oh, i wished i got to go to bryant park' when 5 of them did!!! why can't the show allow them to be honest, 'i wished i was competing' because the 'dream' they all talk about still happened...
i have been in love with this show, but am finally getting weary..if it wasn't for this blog, i wouldn't bother watching..this blog is genius.
Someday, there will be an enormous Chris March retrospective at the Met. It might not be until we are very old, but I think everything from his Beach Blanket Babylon costumes, to these outfits and whatever he does in the future will be in there.
I'm that certain. He's the type of designer that will pique people's interest and create memorable garments. He has an artistic eye, understands drama, isn't afraid to take risks, loves fashion and surrounds himself with creative people like Larry Vrba.
And Rami? We'll keep seeing him on the red carpet, and I'm sure he'll have a RTW line in the near future.
I knew weeks ago that they wouldn't let Crhis into the finals just like I always know that they aren't going to make the "plus size" girl America's Next Top Model.
Congratulations to both Rami & Chris. They put out incredible (& some awful) designs this season.
I do believe the judges were charmed by Chris's imagination, but they were admittedly over the top. Though I have no problem with the hair, Marcia could barely walk in her gown. I wonder why Rami & Chris thought those particular pieces as their stronget. I could've picked several others that were better from each collection (except for Rami's 2nd. I picked that one right off the bat as one of his strongest when looking at his BP collection).
Wow. I'm surprised by all the angst on here about this decision.
While Chris seems like a smart, funny, and nice guy who I'd loved to be friends with, it is clear (to me) that Rami has been the better designer all along, and presented a much better collection on the show last night.
The problem with ALL of Chris's bad designs (I admit, he pulled out some great ones along the way too) is how dated and cheap they look: the weird weight-loss outfit, the denim dress, the velvet last night.
One of the designers - don't remember which - last night said that he wanted to show the judges something that would make them want to see more. After seeing these three, I wanted to see more of Rami's - because he'd demonstrated skills and techniques outside of draping, as well as beautiful use of pattern and color.
liked seeing everyone's family and friends, but I found it curious they did not show that for Christian
I think the reason they didn't show his family is because he was ashamed of them. Looking at the pictures, they appeared to be common, everyday people. He gives off an attitude that he is so above everyone else, I think he isn't proud of his working class beginnings.
A couple of people have mentioned Tim Gunn's "monkey house stink" story and I have to say, I thought that was shockingly tasteless. Comparing Chris's working on his collection to becoming inured to the smell of urine and fecal matter? Jesus, Tim, that was very bad.
The hair trim on Chris's collection didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. We all knew Chris wouldn't be in the televised finale next week--he just doesn't fit Nina's concept of the ideal fashion designer.
I really liked Chris' designs more than Rami. They were dark but all three were beautiful. And I don't see the difference between human hair, leather, or fur.
I thought Rami's blue coat was ugly and the silhouette of his black dress I've seen in many beauty pageants and drag shows.
In hindsight I think Chris has shown more range than Rami overall.
Glad to hear Chris is getting amazing offers after being on the show. The truth is we love Chris and his imagination and creativity and risk-taking. When times are tough, we need something fanciful and charming. That is Chris. Hoping for your continued success!
But what do you wanna bet that next season, they have designers making garments out of safty pins & human hair.
--GothamTomato
Those were my thoughts exactly last night.
Chris, I love your philosophy on the whole experience.
And re: Rami's draped dress (the most 'wearable' look up there, and hence the only one I feel qualified to comment on), I did not like where the scalloped skirt hit her mid-thigh. Standing still, it's OK, but my immediate reaction to seeing it move on the runway was Ick. Would only look good on super supper skinny legs, and even then it's just not flattering.
Wearing human hair is hardly new. The Victorians made all sorts of jewelry out of it and really how different is it really from wearing animal fur? It's not as if you have to KILL someone to get their hair!
I have to say last night was a complete sham of judging and criticism! Too Dark, Too Costumey! What the hell?
1st of all, couture is nothing but costumey at the outset, which is then appropriated for ready to wear! Try re-reading your own design challenges, PR judges! I guess it's a good thing Gaultier never had to compete in front of these hacks! Secondly, it wasn't the designer's "challenge" to work exclusivley in primary colors or pastels! They were told to bring forth their three favorite/strongest pieces and they did! Get over it and judge the designs on their own merits.
I felt the entire time that the judges were stretching to validate their predetermined decision not to let Chris compete at fashion week and conversely give Rami a free ride. That's not a personal attack on Rami, it's looking at the facts in total. As other's have said and based on the judges own critiques during challenges: Rami should have been sent home on at least three different occassions: Prom, Avant Garde and MOST ESPECIALLY that Shocking Pink Hemmoroid of a Wrestling costume! Chris' three designs were FAR superior to Rami's on the runway, in terms of innovation and WOW factor!
Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own.
What a sweetheart Chris is. He has always been my fav. You just want to throw your arms around his neck and give him a big Bear Hug!!! I still cannot believe that Christian made fan favorite over him. I just think that somewhere, somehow, we will be seeing a lot more of Chris, whether it be on Bravo, the Style Channel or doing commentary for the Red Carpet events. Wouldn't THAT be great??? ---StkrShock
"Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own."
Suspicious? I don't really understand that kind of statement. These shows were recorded well before last night's airing.
What is said here doesn't impact the judges decisions at all.
I LOVED Chris's collection. I like the gothy darkness of it - that's MY aesthetic - so I had no complaints with the darkness. And the human hair looked amazing in motion on the runway (I had only seen stills from Bryant Park) - it moved wonderfully and caught the light and was just amazing. And since the Victorians used human hair for jewelry (at the very least), I thought the use of human hair here made a nice link between the darker, heavier pseudo-Victorian-Goth designs.
I have to say I was angry that the judges felt okay calling Rami's black gown (which I quite liked) a "fantasy gown" but Chris's were just "costumey.
What's the difference between "fantasy" and "costume"? Moreover, what's the difference between costume and couture? An awful lot of the couture I've seen pictures of has that over-the-top, costumey, fantasy aesthetic.
But it WAS a tough choice. And I have to say - I'm very impressed with Chris's RANGE. He's made all kinds of garments in a variety of styles this season, which has made him new and interesting (even when bad) each episode. And variety is more than you can say for Rami, JIllian and Christian, no matter how very good they all are.
Best to you Chris March. I do love me some Sissy Bear <3 ;)
The hair fringe ~ people ~ it's a Fashion Show.
Can I say, in a wee small voice, that the potshots at new readers/commentors are getting tiresome? Those of you that take them, I'm assuming you were new once, too. Peace.
"Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own."
My wife and I are in different cities during the week, so we IRC each other during Runway breaks to comment on the episode. Last night I told her "Jesus God, I'm glad I don't have to judge this one."
I figured Rami had the win after seeing that dress, but Chris succeeded in making that decision as difficult as possible. He shook up the judges with his choices and made it a battle to the end.
And it was rather fitting that the last thing we heard was his laugh. You have to love someone who laughs from the soul.
Chris could go work for (couture designer) Jean Paul Gaultier tomorrow. His work is exactly something Gaultier would come up with if he ever did a 20's themed collection. Look at Jean's spring 2008 "mermaid collection." There are purses that look like jellyfish, dresses with scales, and even a dress with a conch shell bra. It's pure fantasy but it's also incredibly beautiful. That's kind of what Chris did here. He wanted 1920's goth so he made flapper dresses with human hair made to look like monkey fur, popular in the 1920's. They take what inspires them and makes them exactly instead of modernizing them, or making them wearable. No one could wear either Jean's or Chris's looks in the real world but it's art. The fashion world is enriched because of such designers. However I think Rami won because not only did he show he could make wearable, pretty dresses (the polka dot one) but also red carpet gowns. Remember the winning collection has a chance to sell on bluefly.com. Couture is supposedly dying so it makes sense that the judges don't want to pick such a designer. Rami can do wearble and glamor.
Long-time listener, first-time caller here. All my comments at once:
TLo - first of all, I adore you.
But I'm confused by this:
"As for the human hair, it was a risk and we applaud him for taking it. We think it shocked the judges and that can only be a good thing since they needed to be shocked out of their RamiLove." ??
I liked Chris's collection better at first - love the silhouette, loved that velvet dress. But as soon as I saw it on the model I was distracted by the fact that she couldn't walk in it. Also, the hair - no. Human or not, I did not like the way it moved on the runway - boing boing boing. It detracted from the garments rather than enhanced them, IMO.
I pretty much hated Rami's looks but overall I think he had more hits than misses this season.
In the end, I loved Chris most of all the designers, but I liked Jillian's clothes the best.
And lastly ... I'm SURE this means nothing but did anyone else notice the looks/grins Chris and Rami gave each other when Heidi said, "I hope you both BLOW us away." (Emphasis hers.)
Sad, but unsurprised. And I completely agree with the folks who said "Edward Gorey" and noted Chris's Bay Area background; so far, all my Left Coast and goth or goth-adjacent friends (myself included) are strongly preferring Chris's aesthetic to Rami's.
I can see why they went with Rami, both the biased reasons and the very legitimate consistent-history-of-good-design-and-craftsmanship, simultaneously artistic and commercial reasons. But, for whatever left coast goth-adjacent reason, his isn't the aesthetic that I personally respond to.
Both of them seemed really gracious, though, and kind and fond of each other, and I've got no Rami-hatin' in me.
And I think I need help with this sentence: A little too Sweeney Todd. I swear that I understand the words individually, but not in that order.
I just didn't like chris's clothes. Goth is just not a good look imo. However, I'll give him credit for being creative. I didn't hate his collection, just didn't do anything for me except make me think i'd never want to talk to women who wore those clothes.
Rami's coat was horrid, but I liked his other pieces.
Also, the models for the most part are bad. That girl in Rami's gown didn't own it at all. Kinda reminded me a bit of Jennifer Garner's oscar dress (hers was much better, but it had a similar color, texture and silhouette). I was just thinking Jennifer Garner would have owned Rami's dress and that model just sucked.
T&L, for some reason I can't email, so I'll ask my question here and hope for an answer. :-)
A couple people have mentioned Chris' friend's apartment and that they may have seen it before.
IIRC, it was featured on an episode of PBS' short-lived series, Find! which starred the Keno Brothers and an interior designer, Alexa something. Can yyou confirm, deny, or correct my hunch? Another poster thought HGTV, but who who knows, it could have been on both!
Either way, it just about rendered Tim completely speechless!
Topic? Chris was robbed. Now that I know he's a Bay Area guy, I love him all the more. :-)
Did anyone else feel that Rami's mini-collection borrowed from his fellow contestants? The collar and military lines on the blue coat reminded me of Jillian, and the sleeves were a caricature of Christian's work. The black ball gown was also quite reminescent of Chris and Christian's layered organza dress from the couture challenge.
"Sage said: Can I say, in a wee small voice, that the potshots at new readers/commentors are getting tiresome? Those of you that take them, I'm assuming you were new once, too. Peace."
I'm new too but I do not take these remarks to heart. They are speaking of commenters like anon 10.35 who seem to delight in being nasty to TLo, ascribing all sorts of nefarious motives to them which is quite ridiculous. This blog is for fun and fashion, not to attack our gracious hosts - or each other.
TLo - once again, this has been such fun. And we all love it that you are getting publicity and meeting all sorts of great people - and then being nice enough to share it with us all.
How about a little conversation about the families and friends we saw?
Jillian's family was refreshingly normal and it's nice to see that they are so supportive. No big surprises there; who wouldn't be proud of a daughter like Jillian?
Chris' comment that essentially his family couldn't care less was pretty sad. I suspect Chris did what many gay men I know have done; move away from your family and keep them at arm’s length. How incredibly tragic to have someone that nice and that that talented in your family and to fail to recognize it, much less shout it from the rooftops. And his friend's apartment, WTF! That has to be the most over the top interior I've ever seen in NYC, besting Donald Trump's campy foyer fountain with gold mirrored ceiling.
It was unclear if Rami's immediate family live in the USA. It was sad to hear that his mother died when he was so young. I was also expecting to see a more plush studio space since 'Ramalicious' designs for Hollywood types.
As for Christian, I don't know if he is uncomfortable with his roots or if his family have issues with him. It's odd that he didn't even mention friends, but perhaps it's the wonky PR editing crew at work again. But boy, does his bedroom take me back to 'Skylab', my old 350 square foot one bedroom apartment in the West Village.
of course i'm disappointed that chris was the one eliminated, but as tlo are saying - it was no surprise. i, too have some issues with the use of human hair as trim. while intellectually i understand all of the comments about "what's the big deal - nobody died from it & people wear it all the time in the form of hair extensions & wigs", there is a deeper more emotional thing that i found happening for me. the first thing that came to mind when i saw it (and forgive me for the downer) was the way the nazis harvested human hair from the jews and wove it into fabric & used it for isulation and such. i understand that that situation is not the case here - nobody was forced to donate/sell the hair, but i just can't get the images out of my mind. i think that may have something to do with people's revulsion to it.
i LOVED the look of it, and would have been fine with it if it were a different material, but of course no synthetic material is going to be comparable to the fall & flow of the real hair.
"another laura said... A couple of people have mentioned Tim Gunn's "monkey house stink" story and I have to say, I thought that was shockingly tasteless. Comparing Chris's working on his collection to becoming inured to the smell of urine and fecal matter? Jesus, Tim, that was very bad."
That's not what Tim was saying. That was an analogy - and I thought a very good (& funny) one. I used to work with animals, and what Tim was saying was exactly true, and cracked me up.
I think he meant it in the best way; that Chris had spent too much time, too close to his collection, to view it objectively. And he was right.
Oh man, I almost cried at the end. Thanks a lot PR. I really really like Chris yet I was not that thrilled about either collections. Still, I am not worried about Christ. He'll get plenty of work and we will see more of him, I think. Very sad about his older brothers. :( Not unexpected of his generation, though.
(side note: I also think Rami might be "copying" Jillian's style with the armor thing... I mean.. Joan of Arc? Wasn't Joan of Arc in the picture that Jillian chose for her art inspired piece?)
One more thing: I figured it was a "tell" that the two designers at Bryant Park who got choked up introducing their collections were Sweet P and Chris. Now I know that I was right -- the other three were probably still too nervous and amped for that sort of emotion, whereas the two 'auf'ed' knew that this was their one big shot and were just happy to be there.
I just have to say I LOVED Rami's blue coat. Maybe I ate something funny last night, because this is the first time this season that everyone else violently disagrees with me. I agree the shoulders are ginormous but I love the color, collar and sleeves.
But, I'm not disappointed (or, really, overly surprised) that Rami won because this is "a search for the next great American designer" and he's a better fit.
Rami is talented and very sweet, but I just wish he had a lighter hand and a better color-sense.
I would prefer to see Chris's show. Not just for the work, but for the show!
Why can't Bravo have a little segment where they broadcast Chris and Sweet P's Bryant Park shows?
361 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 361 Newer› Newest»What an amazingly graceful exit.
Poor Chris. I much preferred his Goth Flapper mini-collection to Rami's. To me, his clunker (velvet condom) was a better garment than Rami's clunker, the Emerald City guard's uniform.
And I REALLY don't get the revulsion for human hair as trim...I thought it was a fabulous, and that Chris 'made it work'.
To me, Chris' work showed more imagination and ingenuity than Rami's in many ways...
As for the judging, well, what a disappointingly predictable outcome for this season.
Chris is such a gentleman. I really liked how the feelings of affection between Rami and Chris seem to be genuine and not simply edited to look that way. After watching the episode, I found myself like Rami just a little bit more (but I still really wanted Chris to win). But I just knew that they would never let someone who looks like Chris win over someone that looks like Rami. In fashion, looks matter.
that was the most graceful exit ever in PR history.
I guess it's my own fault, and I feel like I let down so many people who were rooting for me.
didn't let me down. it was magnificent. Chris's clothes are elegant and glamorous and divine.
he's world class, in my humble opinion, and i have a feeling that of all the PR designers, he'll get more of a boost from this than any of the others have.
his point of view and his skills are remarkable. these clothes were glorious. it was a couture collection and i'm not sure the other designers are really even capable of that.
*sigh*...I do love him, he's just a big bundle of awesome.
"tlo said: As an aside, this coat did not appear on the runway in Bryant Park and that strikes us something of a big advantage for Rami. He got the opportunity to edit something out of his collection that he knew the judges didn't like."
Or...maybe he never had the intention of putting that in his final collection. Maybe Rami thought strategically: He heard complaints from the judges, over & over, about to much draping, but that is where his fashion heart lies. Maybe he knew that what he wanted to show in the final collection was his trademark draping, but that to get to show that final collection, he needed to show something else, to get past the judges.
I agree that both mini-collections are dark & heavy, but Rami's skews just the slightest bit younger, and that could have made the difference.
--GothamTomato
Most predictable elimination ever. I don't understand why PR could have four finalists last season but not this time. I think they just tried to wring more drama out of this and failed because we all saw it coming when Chris was eliminated. I commend Chris for putting up with all the jerking around and keeping his cool throughout. Good luck to him!
Blanche
I think I saw that jacket of Rami's masquerading as a chair in my aunt's living room for the past fifteen years. Are you kidding me?
I do feel bad for Sissybear, but wow. What an anticlimax to see Rami move on to drape yet again. Funny how Nina loved his draped dress when she's been calling to see something different all season long. What'd he do? Drape it differently. Oh, joy.
I'm still laying money on Jillian to win.
Chris may have been "auf-ed", but he won.
He won because he showed you can get as far as he did without being snotty and arrogant and back-stabbing. He won because he is a gracious loser, and his sincerity in congratulating Rami was palpable. He won because he knows himself, his skills and his limitations. If the "amount of love the universe sent [his] way" surprised him, it shouldn't. This exit interview shows him to be deserving of that love.
As to the collections, well, I did prefer Chris', but I can understand the judges' choice. I particularly loved Chris' second look. The human hair he used reminded me of the monkey fur that was so popular in the '20s, and that dress had a very '20s aesthetic.
Awww..Chris....what a sweetie!!!!
Makes me love him more!!
Good luck Sissybear!!!
You'll do very well!!
herdgirl72
I didn't watch the video, but from what you quoted--what a classy guy.
I wasn't rooting for either of them; I've liked and disliked some of R's & some of C's designs throughout the competition (and haven't looked at BP collections). As for last night, I only liked Rami's 3rd look (as well as the cape & blouse he showed Tim during the home visit).
I'd thought Chris' sew-not-over clothes were sew-not-happening, and therefore was sew surprised by last night's threesome. They were beautiful and they really worked as design. Perhaps the judges were right to say over-designed, and perhaps they were a bit over the top, but to my eye that was in a daring, almost avant garde way, not a costumey way.
Oh, and as my husband pointed out, people wear human hair wigs, so what's the big deal?
Rami gave all three of his models saddlebag hips.
I want to go out on the town with Chris's gothic chic models.
Chris is pure class with an exit like that. I personally identify more with Rami's style, but there are occasions in life where costume and over-the-top are just right, so I'm glad that Chris is out there bringing it.
I loved Chris' comment that he was proud of this collection because he'd had TIME to put the level of work and creativity into it that he wanted. He gets an A+ for creativity and risk taking.
It's hard to think of him as "losing," so let's hope his showing at Bryant Park gave him the career boost he needed from PR and hopefully we'll see lots more of him in the future!
Rami dressed the Emerald City guards, and Chris designed lovely dresses for the flying monkeys.
Love you Chris! For god's sake, someone at Bravo should have the brains to give this man his own show. Fun to watch! A delightful personality. Love his laugh.
Rami: Where was the shot of you shirtless or in a tank top this week? Shame to the video editors!
Well, as much as I hated it, I can’t say that I was surprised at this result. I struggled to look at each mini-collection with an objective eye last night and not be influenced by designer personality or past work. Each had problems and each had highlights. The only Rami dress that I liked was the middle look, for all the reasons you have pointed out. On the other hand, the only Chris look I really liked was his middle look (although after hearing that the first look skirt was made from safety pins I was completely floored and impressed). So overall, it was a tough call. The result was probably inevitable, but I am pleased that Chris made it so difficult for the judges.
And color me the pejorative of your choice, but I thought the human hair was pretty damn cool.
And how adorable was that exit hug and how gentlemanly was that exit interview. Class act.
Chris did demonstrate how to exit with dignity. Very rare for a reality show.
And I also never got why the 'costumey' label is perceived as a bad thing (by both the judges and the viewers). LOTS of runway shows are costumey.
But I think that, in the end, it was also a matter of Chris not fitting into the image that the judges and/or producers wanted to project for the show. And it is kind-or ironic that, during the challenges, they had the designers making garments out of all sorts of odd materials, and when Chris followed through with that theme of oddball materials, it didn't pass the test with them.
But what do you wanna bet that next season, they have designers making garments out of safty pins & human hair.
--GothamTomato
Does anyone know if Nina Garcia and Rami knew each other personally or through business, previous to the show? It might just be me, but I kept getting such a personal vibe between them whenever she spoke to him on the runway, it seemed so different from the way she critiqued the other contestants.
Chris has such class. So gracious to Rami and the show as a whole. I'm really sorry he didn't have the chance to show at Fashion Week. Count me in as part of the universe sending love your way, Chris!
I'll jump on the "Chris is a class act" bandwagon here. I gotta say that it pissed me off though, that it seemed the judges were all over Rami for trying something new, and not being "all Grecian goddesses". But THEN the look that won it for him was the second dress because it was, what?...DRAPED!! Grrr, it makes me want to rip my hair out. And then carefully attach it to my coat or something.
Human hair? C'mon people...I love Chirs, I really do, but would you wear an outfit with human hair that wasn't meant for a Halloween event? Let's be reasonable here.
the human hair is a funny thing. i really loved Chris' collection, but i was also really repulsed by the human hair. it's a visceral thing, and if it hits you wrong, there's nothing you can do. i wouldn't wear it if it were animal fur either, but that doesn't repulse me in the same way. i guess there's something morbid, or rotting, that gets conjured up with the scalped human thing. if it were fake doll hair, tho...
i also think chris was very sweet and i loved his observation and gratitude that the universe had sent a lot of love his way...i don't think he let anyone down at all.
And what was with there being no Rami-in-towel/lotioning/spraying self with gold dust scene last night?
Did the producers edit it out, or did Rami remain fully clothed to prove that he is more than just a piece of meat?
--GothamTomato
Geez! I love Chris even more now! I predicted Rami for the win - not because I wanted him to, but because I thought the judges would just lean that way.
After the show tho, I have to say I thought Chris really had a chance. I thought his collection was more innovative.
The good thing is that Sweet P and Chris both got to show. Even though they were out of contention for the prizes, they were still able to show their work to very influential people in the industry. I hope they both benefit from that!!
And what's up with Rami hiding the fact that one of his "friends" was actually his boyfriend? Does he want to pass as straight? Who is he kidding?
But what's the difference between human hair and fur? I find the human hair less offensive, to be honest, but ymmv.
My parents have a sofa upstairs at their beach house. It's covered in wide wale blue corduroy. We call it the blue monster. It looks a heck of a lot like Rami's Wizard of Oz coat. Sofa. Oz. Not good. So was this the inspiration for the coat? Or was this?
Chris is such a class act.. he is going to have great things happen in his life, and although I wanted Chris to get to the finals, Rami is starting to grow on me.
Any thoughts why there was no showing of Christian' family or friends on the show last night?
Am I a little heartbroken this morning? Yes. Am I at all surprised by the outcome? Not even a little bit.
After listening to Chris explain the materials he used to make the pieces shown last night I was impressed in a way still pictures could never impress, which made the expected auf that much more bitter. My esteem for him as a human being also rose a few notches after reading the excerpts from his exit interview. I think it's sad and ridiculously deceptive to the viewers to make it seem like Chris had an equal shot of advancing as a finalist. Throughout the clips of the final four in New York, you could tell that Chris was emotionally drained and resigned to the outcome. He was in a no-win situation.
Rami's construction (or draping, as it is) is always impeccable and there are several pieces from his full runway collection that I think are drop-dead gorgeous - but the pieces he showed as his 3 strongest were not my favorites.
Some of the clips from last night threw me for a loop. Was I half-asleep or did Tim's visit to Rami's studio in LA and the clothing on the rack in NY feature several pieces that were primarily yellow? I'm pretty sure that there was nothing like that in his final runway show and it's bugging me since I'm not at home to re-watch the tape and I can't find any screen shots of the episode online. If I'm not dreaming them up, it sounds like Rami almost made enough garments for two collections.
I loved Chris' velvet condom dress! Its downfall was forcing the model to take mincing Morticia Addams baby steps down the runway.
And I liked Rami's drapey dress.
I am not surprised by the ending, nor am I totally dismayed. I hope that Chris does great!
How funny were Christian's feather pants? Couture or Muppet Show?
With the human hair, I kept going "ooh, look how that moves" and then "eeeew human hair" and then back to "but its so pretty" and then "EEEEEEW".
Rami is an arrogant prick. Here's what he said on Bravotv.com:
What did you think about the judges' comments? Especially Nina's comments about the coat and its proportions?
I honestly did not think too much about it. The judges had their opinions and they are certainly
entitled to them. I thought that Nina could appreciate the new designs that she had not seen from me before, but regarding the proportions of the coat, I honestly still believed in the design and was not offended at all. I did feel though that Michael did not understand my black gown and I was happy when Nina defended it and so did I.
Did you have an opinion on Chris' use of human hair? The judges seemed both shocked by it and intrigued by it.
In all honesty I did not understand Chris's collection. Some of the looks were not functional
to the point that some of his models simply could not walk due to the lack of room in his longer dresses. I felt that Chris knew it as well. I am not a fan of human hair on clothing if you ask me. I love Chris but that's just my opinion.
Can't believe the power of the "ick" factor! It was only hair extensions! Off someone's head! Now, if it had been short and curly, there might have been some cause for concern...
Now that I know that Chris is from the Bay Area, his whole style view has come into focus. Having spent quite a few Halloweens myself in the Castro, I see how Chris takes those elements of costume and drag, and SF's love of black clothing with a hint of goth and fog, et voila...his collection. Bravo, Chris! You get the "love" vote this season and that's better than some lame-o "apprenticeship" or whatever it is they win this year.
He had the last laugh anyway. The crowd at Bryant Park was clearly wowed by his collection.....cannot say the same for Rami.
I also have to add that, as a New Yorker, I found it funny to see the apartment visits with Jillian & especially Christian. (Yes, of course I paid attention to the apartments; I'm a New Yorker).
Usually, on TV shows, they have young characters with huge apartments (like Friends), that there is NO WAY they could ever afford. It makes kids think they are going to move here, and live in a loft.
The reality for a young person, moving to NYC, especially to follow a creative career, is the space that Christian had. Even Jillian's place was big by Manhattan standards. (And that's also the reality most, of any age).
--GothamTomato
CHRIS WAS ROBBED!! Michael Kors and Nina Garcia NEVER liked him. Plus, did you see Heidi's face when Rami was explaining his looks? Like a kid staring at candy. What a waste of 30 minutes!!!!!
I don't see what the big deal was over the human hair. Costume designers use human hair wigs all the time so it's not that much of a stretch to use for trim. And since people sell or donate their own long hair, it's more ethical than fur. (To my knowledge, people aren't scalped against their will for hair... anyone know?)
I loved the way it moved on the runway, on the collar of that jacket. That jacket and the safety pin skirt were my favorite look of them all.
I like the safety pins, but must say that we used to make jewelry out of safety pins (with and without beads) and it looked fabulous, though it is time consuming to do. It was not an uncommon home craft in the 1980's.
I think the innovation was to bring that home craft into fashion, but it wasn't a totally new idea.
Rami's collection was boring as usual. I don't understand those judges at all. Time to replace them.
Chris is an incredibly gracious gentleman!
IMO his three looks last night were stronger (and yeah, more to my taste) than Rami's ... but after having seen both of their full collections I think Rami's was stronger overall ...
Was nice to see contestants kind to each other and supportive, a pleasant change. Then again by 4th season they probably realize that just making it to the finals is making it!
Once you get past the revulsion of the human hair, the way it moved and bounced on the runway was great.
Embeedubya said...
It was only hair extensions! Off someone's head! Now, if it had been short and curly, there might have been some cause for concern...
Haha! And exactly! Sure, it's unorthodox. But having it on a garment is less personal than having it woven into your own hair.
Another aspect of Chris' aufing that gets to me is that, if you compare his final collection to the final collection of PR's *other* costume designer (Kara Saun) who made it into the finals, and you remember how costumey her work was, well, Chris' work was much more original than Kara's.
The more I think about it, the more I love the human hair trim....jeezus, it's not like he used shrunken heads or collected hair from unsuspecting corpses in fresh graves! The most expensive hairpieces are made from real hair...I've even donated my own hair to a Locks of Love type organization.
Stephanie said...
I don't see what the big deal was over the human hair. Costume designers use human hair wigs all the time so it's not that much of a stretch to use for trim.
You can't be serious. Of course it's a stretch. And yes, you said it...COSTUME DESIGNERS use human hair, not FASHION DESIGNERS. I am amazed how people will go on and on about the "wonders of human hair on clothes" just to defend Chris.
Come on, Rami gave us one new look, and it was dreadful at that, and the judges gush and squirm all over him! Chris really brought the WOW factor! Whether you would wear it or not, he went back to the early 1900s and over-the-top drama - didn't the judges asked to be WOW-ed???
I am seriously disappointed - I agree with Chris that they were NEVER going to let a costume designer into the finals. Too bad, because as Cavalli said, he is the most artistic. I hope he gets his Paris couture show soon.
I am not watching the finals. I hate being played, and I have known that Rami, Jillian and Christian would be the Final Three from the second or third episode. The judges should be ashamed of themselves for their blatant favoritism, all along. How Kevin got sent home over Christian or Rami over the prom challenge, and how Rami was not sent home over the wrestling challenge shows me the fix was in from the beginning.
I boo the judges. I doubt I will watch next year either.
GT said:
"...Even Jillian's place was big by Manhattan standards..."
ITA. I too was checking out the designers digs -- but wasn't Jillian's apt in Brooklyn or Queens? I thought that was teh Manhattan bridge out the window, or did I not watch the bridge pics carefully enough?
Franco Moschino was doing safety pin dresses almost 20 years ago guys, FYI. That skirt does not reinvent the fashion wheel. The human hair was actually pretty cool and it looked like gorilla fur. Chris' choice to use velvet and brocade in is collection was theh kiss of death to me, too tacky and dated.
Rami's couture dress was GORGEOUS!
Pumpkin Man
http://www.little-pumpkins.blogspot.com
You know given that the hair was glossy black and lovely... I would bet that it was temple hair from india
There is a tradition of cutting off hair and offering it to certain hindu gods...this hair is then sold to wig/extension makers around the world.
So its a gift of the gods yes? lol
LET'S FACE IT. RAMI IS A MUCH BETTER DESIGNER!!!!
Please don't yell.
This is the last forum with civility..let's keep it that way.
Chris' three looks?
Two words: SWEENEY TODD!
"Did the producers edit it out, or did Rami remain fully clothed to prove that he is more than just a piece of meat?"
Yes dear. Rami's main preoccupation during the entire filming of the finale and throughout fashion week was when and how often he should take his clothes off.
Infantile.
"Team RamiDuh said...
LET'S FACE IT. RAMI IS A MUCH BETTER DESIGNER!!!!"
That's debatable, dear, which is why we're engaging in this exchange of comments.
As another Commenter said, I don't understand the Judges revulsion to what they term "costumey" and I really liked Chris' collection much better than Rami's.
I would much rather have Chris, with his sense of fun and drama, design clothes for me than Mr. Drapey.
Rami was bottom two at the end for doing too many draped looks. He came to Fashion Week with fewer of them.
Chris was bottom two at the end because his clothes were too close to costume for the judges' comfort. He came to Fashion Week with outfits that were still close to costume.
Chris did some amazing things, but the choice was obvious in the end. Rami addressed the judges' reservations about him better than Chris did.
The only thing less surprising than the judges' decision last night was that you sellouts would sanction it this morning. That said, I guess we should all be grateful that you still occasionally take the time to comment on the show at all anymore rather than just blog about how famous and fab you are yourselves. Anyway, not sure what kind of deal Rami had with the judges this year but hope the ones you guys got with Bravo was at least as sweet. Congrats!
There was no chance for Chris, because he didn't fit the standard catagories. It was a little fashion and a little costume and a little odd. Of course, that lack of fitting neatly into a catagory was partially why I liked it. I'm also just a fan of velvet, which always strikes my as wonderfully sumptuous. A result of a childhood enamoured with period furniture.
I HATED Rami's coat. When they focused on the neckline, she looked sickly or cold, all bundled up to her ears like that. And she didn't look comfortable in it at all.
The coat also gave away the editing. At one point, they showed Rami talking with the coat draped over one arm, despite never showing taking the coat off. Then, they focused on the second dress and you could see the model on the edge of the frame wearing the coat. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
I'm really disappointed, but not surprised, that they did not choose Chris. Oh well!!...
Thank you for posting Chris' Bryant Park collection, boys, especially the closeup pictures; the jewelry, the shoes...It's gorgeous! I love every piece.
What a nice, classy exit interview! Chris did make the show fun, as much as editing would allow, and he should not be suprised that so many people have a warm & positive attitude towards him.
As soon as I saw the reaction of Nina to the hair extensions, I knew our Chris was toast on that runway. But I loooved what he said about why he should show at BP: to show a perspective that is outside the fashion mainstream. Contrast that to Rami basically saying, "It's a new and improved me; I swear I listened to you guys this time!" I'll miss Sissybear, but I agree that he will probably get more out of his PR appearance than the others.
PS: Although I have to admit the human hair creeped me out, it was a creative, and might I dare say "innovative" use of non-traditional material. Something PR is all about.
"Isabella said...
Human hair? C'mon people...I love Chirs[sic], I really do, but would you wear an outfit with human hair that wasn't meant for a Halloween event? Let's be reasonable here."
If it looked like that second dress? In a heartbeat. I am not saying it is for everyone, but it is totally not an issue with me. In fact, I agree with the post that wearing fur is creepier.
Then again, I also didn't have a problem with Elisa "spit marking" fabric, so maybe my gross out level is high.
Nina and Heidi's reactions were quite odd considering that BOTH of them have worn Hair extensions in the past. PR wants someone who will be commercial and Hasn't had a lot of luck with the past three winners. Have you actually HEARD about them outside of Bravo TV, and the Blogosphere?They are desperate for a Success.
Chris is not the first person to use human hair in fashion. Mourning jewelry using the deceased's hair was very popular in the Victorian era, and it was often extraordinarily beautiful.
And, more recently, designer Linda Loudermilk has used human hair in some of her work.
"Even Jillian's place was big by Manhattan standards."
Jillian lives in Brooklyn, not Manhattan.
Oh boy, that exit interview is a tear-jerker, in a good way.
Chris, the Universe brought you exactly what you needed. Amazing, isn't it? It will do it again and again. Enjoy the ride.
As for the decision, I was totally disgusted. Clearly, there is some behind the scenes something going on there. Chris didn't stand a chance even though he was the better (more interesting, more diverse, more dramatic, more creative, etc.) designer. I agree that it is obvious that Nina has a "connection" to Rami.
I'm sure the reason why they didn't bring on a guest judge is so that they could accomplish what they were planning all along to do without interference.
But, if Chris is at peace with the decision, then I am too. Doesn't mean I like it though.
I have a feeling the judges would not have been shocked and repulsed had Chris dressed his models in mink or fox. But human hair, which involves no suffering or death on the part of the giver, gave them conniptions.
Sigh. A dear man. I hope he gets lots of lovely work.
Thank you guys so much for trying to make sure that Chris fans don't hate on Rami. Rami had a lot going against him as far as being an obvious choice to show at Bryant Park...he's not what most people who watch reality tv want to see [ie: Americanized, fun loving, etc] Coming from a different culture really seemed to damper people's opinion of him, but Im thrilled that he and Chris, who seem so different, appear to have genuine respect for each other. They also seemed to struggle with the same ghosts as far as the pieces they presented...both of them were afraid to chastised by the judges for 'doing what they do....whether that be drama or minimal sophistication. I can honestly say, as far as judging either of them on their personality, they both seem like genuinely good people. Im happy for both of them, because, in their own ways, I think they came out of this experience with a win. Chris has the adoration of..a lot of fans. And Rami has a chance to show his collection.
What a class act!
It's a rare thing to see someone who can be this funny and this humble at the same time. I agree, Bravo should give him his own show!
Bullshit!! The judges never intended to even consider Chris as one of the finalists. Cavalli "screwed up" their plans and they had to come up with a solution. If Rami had used pubic hair as trim around the bottom of every outfit they would've called it a fashion breakthrough.
Love Chris but to be honest PR is more than a show about designs, it's also about marketability. Human hair is not as marketable as draped dresses. Rami is also younger, more attractive and that counts. But I did like Sissybear's collection more than Rami's.
Is it too early to call shenanigans?
Why have the producers of teh show not realized they have given Rami an unfair advantage over the other two finalist by allowing him the luxury of having three pieces critiqued by 3 of the finale judges? What an advantage! And looking at his final 12 collection, he took advantage of that critique by removing the look most harshly criticized. Who knows how much else this pre-judge influenced his final choices for the runway.
If he wins it should certainly raise a red flag of sorts to the other finalist.
`Zombiebirdhouse
Emerging from appreciative lurkerdom to say:
Chris comes across as an old soul, and a gentleman. May he continue to reap more good things than he expected from PR.
Seeing the 2 mini-collections in motion on the runway, I lusted after Chris' clothes. For me, they were Edward Gorey women come to life & glamorized. Which may have been read by the judges as too costumey, but as has been noted here before, a LOT of runway looks are costumey - & less than wearable.
Rami makes lovely clothes, but that blue coat thing was everything bad about 80's winter outerwear crossed with living room furniture.
Based on the mini-collections rather than their bodies of work, I think Chris was robbed - but fashion is subjective.
Profuse thanks to all the regular commentators who entertain we-who-lurk, as well as more-than-profuse gratitude to T&L for being the founders of it all & the guys doing the work!
But what's the difference between human hair and fur? I find the human hair less offensive, to be honest, but ymmv.
I agree. To use human hair, a willing volunteer has hair cut from her head with a pair of scissors. She goes home with a cute short 'do and is none the worse for wear. The hair will grow back.
To use animal fur, an unwilling and unwitting animal is raised in a tiny cage until he or she is electrocuted through the anus and then completely scalped from head to toe.
But hey, chacun a son gout.
Chris got to show at Bryant Park and that's more than most PR contestants got to do on the show. I'm happy for him!
I applaud Chris for his graciousness, because I would have been turning over tables and punching Nina Garcia in the teeth.
This episode here really makes me question the integrity of the show. Rami was their favorite and they were going to send him through no matter what, even with Chris's clothing being far superior to Rami's.
I seriously doubt I will watch any more of the show this year and maybe not next year either. They have jumped the shark and lost all credibility with me.
"Anonymous said...
The only thing less surprising than the judges' decision last night was that you sellouts would sanction it this morning. That said, I guess we should all be grateful that you still occasionally take the time to comment on the show at all anymore rather than just blog about how famous and fab you are yourselves. Anyway, not sure what kind of deal Rami had with the judges this year but hope the ones you guys got with Bravo was at least as sweet. Congrats!"
That tinfoil hat clashes with your outfit.
It's human hair, not human skin! We wear other human's hair all the time, in wigs and hair extensions. So what if it is used as trim? It looked cool.
I would have picked Chris over Rami simply because Rami made a truly fug coat. None of Chris' designs were fug. It was so close otherwise, that the fact that one had a mistake as one of his three "best" should have been the deciding factor.
I just finished reading your post on the Bryant Park collections. How did you bitches know that he used human hair? Did Chris tell you? I was there and I thought it was animal hair.
PeterThePan, I agree. I think what happened was Bravo screwed up the number of shows it needed and realized late in the game that they would need one more episode to fit in properly with the Bryant Park timing. They manufactured this dumb "show off" to fill space and attempt to create drama for this episode.
If it didn't happen that way, then they were planning all along to have the "show off" in this episode. Either way, I smell a rat.
I think they never ever intended to look at Chris as a serious contender. BUT, and this is a big BUT, Chris showed at Bryant Park anyway and I'm sure it was amazing for him to show there.
The human hair was truly gross, but Tim's reaction was hilarious!
Anon 10:44 said:
"For me, they were Edward Gorey women come to life & glamorized."
Totally love your reference! So true, if you like Gorey's illustrations!
It wasn't a little accent or detail...It was freaking human hair ALL OVER his collection.
Yup, Rami is arrogant:
Question: Did you have an opinion on Chris' use of human hair? The judges seemed both shocked by it and intrigued by it.
Rami: In all honesty I did not understand Chris's collection. Some of the looks were not functional
to the point that some of his models simply could not walk due to the lack of room in his longer dresses. I felt that Chris knew it as well. I am not a fan of human hair on clothing if you ask me. I love Chris but that's just my opinion.
Well, duh, Rami, of course you don't understand Chris' collection. You are a draper, and he is a couture designer. You don't have the ability to understand it, just as I don't unless I understand fashion, history and couture! And BTW, Rami, your model wasn't walking all that gracefully in her black gown either.
Jerk.
Was it me or did the wedding picture of Rami's mother look JUST like Jillian? No wonder they were so close on the show.
And one more beef b/c I am really pissy today.
Why do the PR people pretend like Chris isn't going to be a decoy at BP? Again last night, Heidi said, "Only one of you will make it to Bryant Park ..."
WTF?
I *hated* Rami's collection so I was disappointed in the outcome.
I thought Chris had a great collection, even the human hair piece, I think it's really innovative. Nina and Michael are always talking about "getting out of the box" or Tim always saying "Do not bore Nina" but in the end they always vote for the conventional, safe look.
I love that hefty son of a bitch.
All the best to Chris... he did a killer job, through and through.
Oh, and as for the human hair: no humans were slaughtered for their hair, lol. Can't say the same for fur so I don't understand why people are/were grossed out by that.
Fashion designer Julia Reindell designed an entire collection made of human hair:
http://thefashionguide.co.uk/?p=672
he's not the only one.
Before I even read the 80+ comments on Chris' aufing, I have to say that Sissy Bear did something incredibly brilliant in this challenge... whether he meant to or not, I don't know.
Chris managed to use TV to reach a possibly lucrative niche market with those 3 pieces.
Add this new Goth market to his existing costume market, and I'm sure Chris will "Kinky Boots" the beejesus out of most of the other designers in the cash department.
Bravo, Chris! You rock!
I actually liked Chris's concepts, but the human hair grossed me out. Rami's collection was the best by far.
"Vanesssa said...
Please don't yell.
This is the last forum with civility..let's keep it that way"
Well Vanessa, that USED to be the case here on PRG. Until this season. Exhibit A: Anonymous@10:35.
As much as I hate to see season 4 come to a close it'll be nice to see the tourists clear out, not to mention all the bitter bloggers who are completely green with envy at TLo's skyrocketing success.....
I can understand a visceral reaction to the human hair. When we use it for wigs, we are trying to make it blend in with our own hair and pretend that we aren't wearing someone else's. When we wear fur or leather, there's a caveman element of "I killed this and now wear it as a trophy." So I think it's valid to be a little squicked by the use of human hair for clothing.
That said, I loved Chris's collection. I think he showed some real creativity and risk taking. The "costumey" criticism kills me. If the goal is to design something ready-to-wear, it's a very valid criticism. But if you're trying to make something avant garde and editorial, of course it's going to be a little costumey. Show me haute couture that isn't a little costumey.
This episode here really makes me question the integrity of the show. Rami was their favorite and they were going to send him through no matter what, even with Chris's clothing being far superior to Rami's.
I have wondered for a while, since Rami is already dressing women for the red carpet, if a deal was made with him - that if he would be a designer on PR, he would be guaranteed a spot in the top three. It would have been embarrassing for him, and Jessica Alba, if he had been beaten earlier, or by Chris last night.
The problem is that they forgot to tell Cavalli about their arrangement, and he threw a monkey wrench into their plans, hence, the "big showdown" last night (which Chris seemed resigned to lose throughout the whole hour.)
I do agree with another poster, however, that if Chris is given a regular show by Bravo, I will be a huge fan!
Human hair, safety pins...that's not what comes to my mind when I'm shopping for clothes. We all love Chris but let's be reasonable here.
But I do love his exit video. What a sweet man!!! Best of luck to you, Chris!
Chris - one of my all time
favorites from Project Runway.
Hope you all can keep in touch
with him for us.
Bravo should give Chris his own show. I'd love to see what he'd come up for every one of his clients, all the crazy events, that would fabulous!
I thought Sissybear deserved to compete as much as Rami did for many of the reasons already stated. And once again, Saint Tim is prophetic.
But the little thought kicking around my head all morning, causing random giggles, is the care label which would be needed for for Chris's garments.
Dry clean or shampoo, rinse and repeat?
ROTFLMAO!
I feel so bad for Rami, because, all of the legions of Chris lovers are sooo mean to him. They should emulate the guy they claim to adore, and take the high road instead of making up excuses. Rami is an excellent designer, and its just kind of disgusting to read so many posts blaming Chris' loss on everything from his weight, to favoritism [when who got more chances then Chris??} to global warming. These are all good designers, with their own styles and, as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't hate on people.
When Tim Gunn tells you a story about a monkey house, it would behoove you to listen. Chris didn't. He's not stupid and had to have understood the point of the story. Yet, Chris could help himself, and look where it got him.
I thought his dresses were pretty, but the choice of material was over the top. I kept thinking of hair clots in the shower drain. Perhaps if he had used artificial hair, or faux fur, or even fringe...
I am livid. Just livid.
I love you guys, you know I do, but there was a crime of fashion committed on PR last night, and it should be declared to all and sundry.
Rami won the right to go to Fashion Week on the basis of a single dress, not a collection, because no one liked the coat, and Nina didn't like the gown. In addition, it was a dress that exhibits exactly the same technique that he has used all through the competition and for the repetition of which the judges had repeatedly chastised him.
I call shenanigans.
In addition, Chris showed three looks that were different than anything he'd done before, that had cohesion as a collection, and that incorporated innovative, even provocative materials, and he was dismissed as "too costumey" and "over-designed". That's completely bogus, because there was nothing over-designed about the middle dress or IMHO about the gown. They simply featured unique materials that gave the pieces a very strong look.
I call shenanigans yet again.
Furthermore, the judges' reaction to the hair trim was pretentious and silly. Why is it all right to knot and clue hair extensions directly onto a model's head (or the head of an actress or a socialite), but it's somehow creepifying to use that same hair to trim a collar?
I call shenanigans a third time.
And finally, Michael Kors made such a big honkin' deal about the way Chris' model walked in his gown--I believe the word "condom" was used--and not one damn word was said about the fact that Rami's model only managed to make it down the runway in his gown by holding the skirt up off the floor.
I'm not callling shenanigans anymore. I'm going straight to bullshit.
Livid, I tell you. Just livid.
Ehmm, that would be "Chris could not help himself..."
lima bean said...
And one more beef b/c I am really pissy today.
Why do the PR people pretend like Chris isn't going to be a decoy at BP? Again last night, Heidi said, "Only one of you will make it to Bryant Park ..."
WTF?
That's my big beef too!
They should say "compete at Bryant Park" instead of "make it to".
herdgirl72
thank you for that great recap. and thank you for pointing out that chris love does not equal rami hate. i think they are both really talented, and i do think that rami had the better three looks. i don't know why everyone seems to think it's because chris is large and rami is hot. why does it always have to go there? i love chris and thought he had some great pieces throughout the season--but so did rami. he's not there just because he's hot. please give him some credit.
loved the genuine affection between these two.
Now I love Sissy Bear even more! But we all knew he would be the one out.
I didn't watch the show last night. As I scrolled through your screen caps, I would have bet money that the first picture of the 3 looks was Chris's collection. I thought FOR SURE that teal coat was Chris's design. And when I looked at both mini-collections without knowing whose was whose, I liked Chris's better overall.
But Rami is the pretty boy, and the "fashion designer" of the 2 of them. The outcome is not shocking.
I doubt I'll even watch the finals now. I'll just read about it here. I hope Christian wins.
I loved the look of the hair, but I would have preferred that it had been fake, for the exact reason that another poster had mentioned: Locks of Love. Yes, you can buy hair extensions for your head, and he no doubt paid for them, but it seems to me that he used actual hair for the shock value more than to achieve a look. And even though that particular hair had been sold rather than donated, I think about how many kids wigs that hair could have made, and it would have been a much more worthy use.
Heart and mind again. I find Rami's clothes interesting, but to steal a Tim-ism, I respond to Chris's work. After the show, I checked out his full collection and wonder now if he might have been more successful showing some of the looks with color. Oh, well, no point in wondering.
I do hope Chris gets a chance to do a full-out couture show someday, just like he dreamed. Maybe if I win the lottery....
Where can I see all the collections? I can't find it. Thanks.
I'm happy with Rami.
But I just want to say, Chris's second piece looks just like the feather duster/french maid from Beauty and the Beast.
A very graceful exit, and I am so proud of Chris for exceeding everyone's expectations.
The judges weren't going to let him be in the finals no matter what he did. He wasn't going to get the shot for real. I think he's okay with that because he still got his work seen at Bryant Park and he had Cavalli cheering him on.
Chris brought something really artistic and special to PR.
Rami was very kind and it's obvious that the two have a friendship that goes beyond TV politeness.
As Chris said, he's glad he lost to Rami if he was going to have to lose.
Sad to see our Sissybear go. Love you, Chris!
I want to see Chris make it in the fashion world. He is such a sweet, genuine guy ... if you can believe the editing on a basic cable reality show.
He's the one I'd have over for dinner, and take with me on a cruise to some fabulous place just so he could dress me and crack me up with his observations.
Miss Splendora said...
Where can I see all the collections? I can't find it. Thanks.
Hi Miss Splendora,
Here's our post about the collections with pictures, video and commentary.
Enjoy!
XO
T&L
I am very grateful to PR this season for one thing, and that's introducing us to Chris March. I love him as a personality, but especially as a designer. I *adore* what he does!
I'm gonna go with the people who like Chris's three looks better...sorry, Rami. I didn't have a huge problem with Rami's looks (ugly blue coat and boring draped dress aside), but I think Chris was thinking more about making his collection high fashion. The human hair was neat, and like has been said, it's not like it's never been done before. And it's not like it couldn't be tamed down for a RTW version--it's funny that people think the version that would make it to the store would still have human hair on it.
Ugh,the judges have such boring tastes!
What, nothing about the very long hug, and weird moment where Chris so clearly REALLY was about to kiss Rami?
Or maybe I've just really bought into the whole "they're an item" speculation a little too much... but that moment seemed more than a little awkward to me.
I liked but didn't love both of them. Then hair worked for me, in moderation (on the jacket) - I wasn't as big a fan of the hair skirt, though I did like the general lines of that look a lot. REALLY disliked the velvet condom. A whole lot. As for Rami, the blue coat was a disaster, the draped dress was beautiful, the evening gown was ... OK.
Hi darlings,
For Chris' collection click here.
For Chris' and Sweet P's collections click here.
For all the collections click here.
Thanks!
XO
T&L
"GucciGirl said...
Human hair, safety pins...that's not what comes to my mind when I'm shopping for clothes. We all love Chris but let's be reasonable here."
I would agree with this thought if this contest is purely about commercial appeal rather than artistic vision. And it very well may be. Personally, when I think of fashion and runway shows in particular, I do not ask myself if I would buy exactly what is walking its way down that runway. It is more of whether I like the designer's aesthetic or, to use a tired phrase, his or her point of view. I seriously doubt that I will be buying any feather pants any time soon, but I appreciate the whimsy that inspired Christian to create them. Regardless of his use of materials, I prefer Chris' aesthetic and appreciate his artistic vision compared to Rami's. Is Rami talented? Absolutely. Is he more viable to a wide commercial audience? Without a doubt. But, to be reasonable, I also don't want to look like (or buy) Bill's parent's sofa.
By the way TLo, if you are lucky enough to again attend the big finale viewing party and you do get to meet Chris, please let him know how much he is adored here. Tell him if he is ever having a shitty day to come here and read the posts & comments about him.
anon@11:25, you do realize that Locks of Love sells off a lot of the hair they receive to commercial wigmakers to cover the cost of overhead? You never know, that hair might be FROM Locks of Love.
Stubenville said...
"... Dry clean or shampoo, rinse and repeat?"
And therein lies where Chris went wrong. Had he mentioned, repeatedly, that only TRESemme products could give his designs that luster, and that he should be chosen to compete at BP so that he could tell the world about all things TRESemme, Bravo's product placement wizards would have handed him the $100k on the spot.
chgo_john
You people need to get over the human hair thing. I mean, most of us have it on our own heads, so why does that gross you out? It's clean I am sure. I would rather wear human hair than the fur of some dead animal.
Everyone has hair and it isn't a gross thing. I think it's actually very innovative and green of him to recycle hair.
Actually, chgo_john, Chris said something along those very lines when he was interviewed for Entertainment Weekly. :-)
Still livid.
Anonymous said...
Stubenville said...
"... Dry clean or shampoo, rinse and repeat?"
And therein lies where Chris went wrong. Had he mentioned, repeatedly, that only TRESemme products could give his designs that luster, and that he should be chosen to compete at BP so that he could tell the world about all things TRESemme, Bravo's product placement wizards would have handed him the $100k on the spot.
chgo_john?
ROFL. Did you read that Bravo? So true!
I thought that whole living with the monkeys, it stinks here etc was pretty insulting. What were you thinking Tim? I was very uncomfortable watching it.
People wear fur; people wear leather. At least for human hair, nothing had to be slaughtered.
If I were wealthy enough to have my entire wardrobe custom-designed, I'd go with Chris over Rami in a cold minute... even though I'm squarely in Rami's over-30 target market and should supposedly be panting for clothes that give a flattened bosom, accentuated hips, and a slight tum.
Chris' safety-pin skirt isn't exactly comfortable office wear, but the lines of his collection were flattering, and that's what gets as far as ready-to-wear.
So human hair is not OK but animal hair is? WTF????? CHIS WAS ROBBED!!! GOLDEN BOY STRIKES AGAIN!!!!
anonymous @11:25 said:
"I loved the look of the hair, but I would have preferred that it had been fake, for the exact reason that another poster had mentioned: Locks of Love. Yes, you can buy hair extensions for your head, and he no doubt paid for them, but it seems to me that he used actual hair for the shock value more than to achieve a look."
Actually, none of the hair trim I saw would have made the Locks of Love length requirement, so no harm. I know; I tried donating to LoL two different times, and both times I came up short (the cut hair had to be 12 inches or longer).
Frankly, I'm with the posters that find the human hair idea no more weird/squicky than using fur. I'd rather the hair was donated freely (from whomever, for whatever reason) than an animal killed for it, or the human hair trimmings going to fill a landfill somewhere. If Chris can make use of it in such a creative way, more power to him.
-J
You people aren't seriously advocating human hair on clothes are you? Do you all love Chris that blindly?
What a class act.
I just love him. And I loved all THREE of his pieces more than all three of Rami's. But Rami's coat was just atrocious.
Anyway, I sort of knew that this would be the outcome . . . and I'm so thrilled that Chris got to do more, and show more. And is at peace with it.
I think Rami will be a fabulously successful designer. I'd love to get me one of them Goddess dresses.
But for my money, Chris is the real coutoure designer.
Costume??? They are all costumes! I think Chris was dealing with any number of biases: size bias, costume bias, age bias, even humor bias (these fashion types tend to take themselves awfully seriously).
But I think Chris is great.
Chris, we love you! Rami is just an arrogant prick!
I adore Chris as much as the rest of you, but the fact is, Rami's collection was just better. it was more refined. the pinstripe dress is EXQUISITE. the human hair thing is a turn off- it's icky to me in the same way animal fur is. i'd buy the safety pin skirt in a hot second though, but i do wonder... how's a gal sit down in that? :)
Chris is such a sweet person and his exit interview proves it. He is very gracious, even though he was clearly the victim of bias.
I don't get the people who say "Rami is hot". I don't think so at all. He has a pumpkin head and looks like Charlie Brown, plus he is pale as a ghost.
I hated it that his mother died when he was young, but I still don't think he is attractive at all.
Chris was robbed.
Rami's outfits bored me while SissyBear's were at least exciting. I love Chris' comment that "the universe gives you what you need when you need it" because he certainly seems to have enough wonderful things happening in his life that this outcomes won't make much of a difference for him. And as we all know, due to PR's use of decoy collections, our SissyBear DID end up showing at Fashion Week! You have to love that.
Guys, Chris got a chance to show at Bryant Park. That's a wonderful opportunity. Who cares if the judges chose Rami? We all know that Miss Fierce will be winner of PRS4.
If it wasn't for Jack's self-elimination, Chris wouldn't have gotten this far in the competition. Think about it.
Can I just point something really obvious? I think we are in a very strange place in the fashion world where everything looks like costume/fantasy. How about the pregancy look? The baby doll look? And now the puffy sleeves, goth revisited look that is just around the corner? Even Kors latest collection is way deritive of the past. Look at any fall collection.
So I wonder if Nina and Mike are feeling just a little self concious?
Late to the party on comments - damn having to deal with email!
Decision based on that second look from Rami, which Nina and Michael nearly had orgasms over. And granted, it's lovely and I'm glad Rami showed it to them for this judging round because it's one of the couple of things I saw in the runway show that I thought was wearable as well as wonderfully constructed.
But that coat - ack and puke! Emerald City guard's uniform, as ms sangrail said. I can't see taking more than two of the - what eleven? - sundry design elements and putting into a coat that a woman could wear.
I actually preferred the showiness of Chris's work. Really, what's the real diff between using goat hair and human hair? It's hair, nobody was killed to provide it and if they hadn't known it was human hair I really wonder.
Rami and Chris were both very lovely about the situation on camera. Kudos to both for taking a horrible situation and being mensches about it.
Could you live in Chris's friend's apartment? I hope TLo will have something to mention on that, heeeee!
Megan said:I adore Chris as much as the rest of you, but the fact is, Rami's collection was just better. it was more refined. the pinstripe dress is EXQUISITE. the human hair thing is a turn off- it's icky to me in the same way animal fur is. i'd buy the safety pin skirt in a hot second though, but i do wonder... how's a gal sit down in that? :)
Well, Megan, that is what we are debating. I don't think Rami's collection was "better." More traditionally crafted, yes. More expected: yes. Better?? No.
Ok, maybe I'm weird and goth, but i HAVE worn safety pins and would again. On the other hand, togas aren't for me.
Thank you Bill, for this:
"Rami gave all three of his models saddlebag hips.
I want to go out on the town with Chris's gothic chic models."
I wish I had written that pithy remark instead of my whinging.
Sarah said "What, nothing about the very long hug, and weird moment where Chris so clearly REALLY was about to kiss Rami?"
Ah- So I wasn't the only one who had that reaction! I thought he was going for it for sure.
Yes, human hair is so in. What were the judges thinking???
I can't wait for the Victoria Secret human hair bra.
Self-delusion is a wonderful thing.
PhantomMinuet said...
"Actually, chgo_john, Chris said something along those very lines when he was interviewed for Entertainment Weekly. :-)
Still livid."
Not having read the EW interview, I can only surmise that I must somehow be psychic-ly linked with Chris. At least this would explain where my new laugh came from. ;)
chgo_john
Correction: It wasn't EW, it was TV Guide.
Mea culpa.
"brilliant said: To use animal fur, an unwilling and unwitting animal is raised in a tiny cage until he or she is electrocuted through the anus and then completely scalped from head to toe."
You know, there are guys who'd spend a lot of money over on 11th Avenue for pretty much the same experience. And they might even tip.
Just sayin'...
--GothamTomato
Well, obviously I am glad Rami made it through, but I think we're all going to miss Chris. I agree that he did seem doomed from the start because he wasn't your typical fashion designer. He seemed to understand that and was just grateful for the love and the opportunity. Gotta like that. But I've got to say that I was surprised by the goth aspect of his collection and didn't like the velvet and hair. A little too Sweeney Todd. I didn't know Chris was so dark and woud've liked to see more of his "fun" stuff. I know he was trying to do something different for the judges, and it certainly was different.
I liked seeing everyone's family and friends, but I found it curious they did not show that for Christian. I laughed at his tiny apartment and remembered the days when I lived in an efficiency apartment.
Are so many people really OK with wearing human hair on their clothes (not that that is neccessarily the litmus test)? The power of the suggestion of TV never ceases to amaze me.
I liked Chris' work, but I don't know: It's kind of part Dr. Seuss, part Third Reich. It freaks me out.
But to me, the most ironic thing about the human hair on Chris's garments is that it looked better than the hairstyling done on any of the models, in the TresEme hair salon, this season.
Pretty weird all around.
--GothamTomato
I think it's kind of crazy that the judges were rather visibly swallowing back some bile at the idea of Chris' use of hair when the fashion world is full of models with extensions on their heads, INCLUDING Heidi, and I'm pretty sure Nina's worn her share. Hell, I wouldn't put it past Michael Kors to have donned them at least once. That being said, I loved Chris' mini-collection and was sad to see him auf'd. What a sweetie, all the way through the ordeal. I believed him when he said he loved those people.
i am a vegan, and it makes me laugh that Heidi or someone asked if Chris' hair was goat, as if that was better to wear than human hair..don't get it.
and another thing i am really tiring of 'oh, i wished i got to go to bryant park' when 5 of them did!!! why can't the show allow them to be honest, 'i wished i was competing' because the 'dream' they all talk about still happened...
i have been in love with this show, but am finally getting weary..if it wasn't for this blog, i wouldn't bother watching..this blog is genius.
Someday, there will be an enormous Chris March retrospective at the Met. It might not be until we are very old, but I think everything from his Beach Blanket Babylon costumes, to these outfits and whatever he does in the future will be in there.
I'm that certain.
He's the type of designer that will pique people's interest and create memorable garments. He has an artistic eye, understands drama, isn't afraid to take risks, loves fashion and surrounds himself with creative people like Larry Vrba.
And Rami? We'll keep seeing him on the red carpet, and I'm sure he'll have a RTW line in the near future.
Even the power of suggestion on TV could not get me to wear Rami's sofa coat.
A girl has her limits!
I knew weeks ago that they wouldn't let Crhis into the finals just like I always know that they aren't going to make the "plus size" girl America's Next Top Model.
Chris - You rock, baby
Chris, Chris, Chris - always listen to what Tim says...
...and boys, I love you tons, but it's "fewer plot twists," not "less plot twists." Tim would not approve.
Congratulations to both Rami & Chris. They put out incredible (& some awful) designs this season.
I do believe the judges were charmed by Chris's imagination, but they were admittedly over the top. Though I have no problem with the hair, Marcia could barely walk in her gown. I wonder why Rami & Chris thought those particular pieces as their stronget. I could've picked several others that were better from each collection (except for Rami's 2nd. I picked that one right off the bat as one of his strongest when looking at his BP collection).
Anyway, good luck to both guys.
And yes, when is Chris going to get his own show?
Wow. I'm surprised by all the angst on here about this decision.
While Chris seems like a smart, funny, and nice guy who I'd loved to be friends with, it is clear (to me) that Rami has been the better designer all along, and presented a much better collection on the show last night.
The problem with ALL of Chris's bad designs (I admit, he pulled out some great ones along the way too) is how dated and cheap they look: the weird weight-loss outfit, the denim dress, the velvet last night.
One of the designers - don't remember which - last night said that he wanted to show the judges something that would make them want to see more. After seeing these three, I wanted to see more of Rami's - because he'd demonstrated skills and techniques outside of draping, as well as beautiful use of pattern and color.
liked seeing everyone's family and friends, but I found it curious they did not show that for Christian
I think the reason they didn't show his family is because he was ashamed of them. Looking at the pictures, they appeared to be common, everyday people. He gives off an attitude that he is so above everyone else, I think he isn't proud of his working class beginnings.
A couple of people have mentioned Tim Gunn's "monkey house stink" story and I have to say, I thought that was shockingly tasteless. Comparing Chris's working on his collection to becoming inured to the smell of urine and fecal matter? Jesus, Tim, that was very bad.
The hair trim on Chris's collection didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. We all knew Chris wouldn't be in the televised finale next week--he just doesn't fit Nina's concept of the ideal fashion designer.
Almost 80% of the hair sent to Locks of Love is unusable--they'd prefer a check. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06locks.html?pagewanted=1&sq
I really liked Chris' designs more than Rami. They were dark but all three were beautiful. And I don't see the difference between human hair, leather, or fur.
I thought Rami's blue coat was ugly and the silhouette of his black dress I've seen in many beauty pageants and drag shows.
In hindsight I think Chris has shown more range than Rami overall.
Though I have no problem with the hair, Marcia could barely walk in her gown.
And Rami's model couldn't walk down the runway without holding her gown skirt up off the floor.
Six of one...
Glad to hear Chris is getting amazing offers after being on the show. The truth is we love Chris and his imagination and creativity and risk-taking. When times are tough, we need something fanciful and charming. That is Chris. Hoping for your continued success!
But what do you wanna bet that next season, they have designers making garments out of safty pins & human hair.
--GothamTomato
Those were my thoughts exactly last night.
Chris, I love your philosophy on the whole experience.
And re: Rami's draped dress (the most 'wearable' look up there, and hence the only one I feel qualified to comment on), I did not like where the scalloped skirt hit her mid-thigh. Standing still, it's OK, but my immediate reaction to seeing it move on the runway was Ick. Would only look good on super supper skinny legs, and even then it's just not flattering.
Wearing human hair is hardly new. The Victorians made all sorts of jewelry out of it and really how different is it really from wearing animal fur? It's not as if you have to KILL someone to get their hair!
They're hair extensions people, not this:
http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/3363932.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=5C1929E78F851DD21D5349440A17EAA3A55A1E4F32AD3138
Chris has class. And a great heart. God, I'm gonna miss seeing him every week.
Sarah said...
What, nothing about the very long hug, and weird moment where Chris so clearly REALLY was about to kiss Rami?
So I'm not the only one...
I have to say last night was a complete sham of judging and criticism! Too Dark, Too Costumey! What the hell?
1st of all, couture is nothing but costumey at the outset, which is then appropriated for ready to wear! Try re-reading your own design challenges, PR judges! I guess it's a good thing Gaultier never had to compete in front of these hacks! Secondly, it wasn't the designer's "challenge" to work exclusivley in primary colors or pastels! They were told to bring forth their three favorite/strongest pieces and they did! Get over it and judge the designs on their own merits.
I felt the entire time that the judges were stretching to validate their predetermined decision not to let Chris compete at fashion week and conversely give Rami a free ride. That's not a personal attack on Rami, it's looking at the facts in total. As other's have said and based on the judges own critiques during challenges: Rami should have been sent home on at least three different occassions: Prom, Avant Garde and MOST ESPECIALLY that Shocking Pink Hemmoroid of a Wrestling costume! Chris' three designs were FAR superior to Rami's on the runway, in terms of innovation and WOW factor!
Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own.
What a sweetheart Chris is. He has always been my fav. You just want to throw your arms around his neck and give him a big Bear Hug!!!
I still cannot believe that Christian made fan favorite over him.
I just think that somewhere, somehow, we will be seeing a lot more of Chris, whether it be on Bravo, the Style Channel or doing commentary for the Red Carpet events. Wouldn't THAT be great???
---StkrShock
"Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own."
Suspicious? I don't really understand that kind of statement. These shows were recorded well before last night's airing.
What is said here doesn't impact the judges decisions at all.
I LOVED Chris's collection. I like the gothy darkness of it - that's MY aesthetic - so I had no complaints with the darkness. And the human hair looked amazing in motion on the runway (I had only seen stills from Bryant Park) - it moved wonderfully and caught the light and was just amazing. And since the Victorians used human hair for jewelry (at the very least), I thought the use of human hair here made a nice link between the darker, heavier pseudo-Victorian-Goth designs.
I have to say I was angry that the judges felt okay calling Rami's black gown (which I quite liked) a "fantasy gown" but Chris's were just "costumey.
What's the difference between "fantasy" and "costume"? Moreover, what's the difference between costume and couture? An awful lot of the couture I've seen pictures of has that over-the-top, costumey, fantasy aesthetic.
But it WAS a tough choice. And I have to say - I'm very impressed with Chris's RANGE. He's made all kinds of garments in a variety of styles this season, which has made him new and interesting (even when bad) each episode. And variety is more than you can say for Rami, JIllian and Christian, no matter how very good they all are.
I'd hire Chris to design for me in a heartbeat - only I doubt I could afford him now!
Good luck with everything, Chris. I look forward to seeing one of your designs on the red carpet someday very soon.
Best to you Chris March.
I do love me some Sissy Bear <3 ;)
The hair fringe ~ people ~ it's a
Fashion Show.
Can I say, in a wee small voice, that the potshots at new readers/commentors are getting tiresome? Those of you that take them, I'm assuming you were new once, too. Peace.
Wow, Chris is just such a mensch. His parting comments are so gracious.
"Last night's outcome was one big hanging chad in terms of legitimacy and I'm more than a little shocked and (hate to say it) suspicious at your (T+L's) endorsement of it sans the offering up of any critique of your own."
GET A GRIP, PEOPLE!
My wife and I are in different cities during the week, so we IRC each other during Runway breaks to comment on the episode. Last night I told her "Jesus God, I'm glad I don't have to judge this one."
I figured Rami had the win after seeing that dress, but Chris succeeded in making that decision as difficult as possible. He shook up the judges with his choices and made it a battle to the end.
And it was rather fitting that the last thing we heard was his laugh. You have to love someone who laughs from the soul.
Mister Terrific
Defender of Fair Play
Chris could go work for (couture designer) Jean Paul Gaultier tomorrow. His work is exactly something Gaultier would come up with if he ever did a 20's themed collection. Look at Jean's spring 2008 "mermaid collection." There are purses that look like jellyfish, dresses with scales, and even a dress with a conch shell bra. It's pure fantasy but it's also incredibly beautiful. That's kind of what Chris did here. He wanted 1920's goth so he made flapper dresses with human hair made to look like monkey fur, popular in the 1920's. They take what inspires them and makes them exactly instead of modernizing them, or making them wearable. No one could wear either Jean's or Chris's looks in the real world but it's art. The fashion world is enriched because of such designers. However I think Rami won because not only did he show he could make wearable, pretty dresses (the polka dot one) but also red carpet gowns. Remember the winning collection has a chance to sell on bluefly.com. Couture is supposedly dying so it makes sense that the judges don't want to pick such a designer. Rami can do wearble and glamor.
Long-time listener, first-time caller here. All my comments at once:
TLo - first of all, I adore you.
But I'm confused by this:
"As for the human hair, it was a risk and we applaud him for taking it. We think it shocked the judges and that can only be a good thing since they needed to be shocked out of their RamiLove." ??
I liked Chris's collection better at first - love the silhouette, loved that velvet dress. But as soon as I saw it on the model I was distracted by the fact that she couldn't walk in it. Also, the hair - no. Human or not, I did not like the way it moved on the runway - boing boing boing. It detracted from the garments rather than enhanced them, IMO.
I pretty much hated Rami's looks but overall I think he had more hits than misses this season.
In the end, I loved Chris most of all the designers, but I liked Jillian's clothes the best.
And lastly ... I'm SURE this means nothing but did anyone else notice the looks/grins Chris and Rami gave each other when Heidi said, "I hope you both BLOW us away." (Emphasis hers.)
Sad, but unsurprised. And I completely agree with the folks who said "Edward Gorey" and noted Chris's Bay Area background; so far, all my Left Coast and goth or goth-adjacent friends (myself included) are strongly preferring Chris's aesthetic to Rami's.
I can see why they went with Rami, both the biased reasons and the very legitimate consistent-history-of-good-design-and-craftsmanship, simultaneously artistic and commercial reasons. But, for whatever left coast goth-adjacent reason, his isn't the aesthetic that I personally respond to.
Both of them seemed really gracious, though, and kind and fond of each other, and I've got no Rami-hatin' in me.
And I think I need help with this sentence: A little too Sweeney Todd. I swear that I understand the words individually, but not in that order.
Chris makes me happy to create.
Easily one of my favorite contestants of any season. I'll miss you, Mr. March.
That's it!!!
I could totally envision the late Isabella Blow in Chris's hair trimmed clothing...
I just didn't like chris's clothes. Goth is just not a good look imo. However, I'll give him credit for being creative. I didn't hate his collection, just didn't do anything for me except make me think i'd never want to talk to women who wore those clothes.
Rami's coat was horrid, but I liked his other pieces.
Also, the models for the most part are bad. That girl in Rami's gown didn't own it at all. Kinda reminded me a bit of Jennifer Garner's oscar dress (hers was much better, but it had a similar color, texture and silhouette). I was just thinking Jennifer Garner would have owned Rami's dress and that model just sucked.
T&L, for some reason I can't email, so I'll ask my question here and hope for an answer. :-)
A couple people have mentioned Chris' friend's apartment and that they may have seen it before.
IIRC, it was featured on an episode of PBS' short-lived series, Find! which starred the Keno Brothers and an interior designer, Alexa something. Can yyou confirm, deny, or correct my hunch? Another poster thought HGTV, but who who knows, it could have been on both!
Either way, it just about rendered Tim completely speechless!
Topic? Chris was robbed. Now that I know he's a Bay Area guy, I love him all the more. :-)
Did anyone else feel that Rami's mini-collection borrowed from his fellow contestants? The collar and military lines on the blue coat reminded me of Jillian, and the sleeves were a caricature of Christian's work. The black ball gown was also quite reminescent of Chris and Christian's layered organza dress from the couture challenge.
"Sage said: Can I say, in a wee small voice, that the potshots at new readers/commentors are getting tiresome? Those of you that take them, I'm assuming you were new once, too. Peace."
I'm new too but I do not take these remarks to heart. They are speaking of commenters like anon 10.35 who seem to delight in being nasty to TLo, ascribing all sorts of nefarious motives to them which is quite ridiculous. This blog is for fun and fashion, not to attack our gracious hosts - or each other.
TLo - once again, this has been such fun. And we all love it that you are getting publicity and meeting all sorts of great people - and then being nice enough to share it with us all.
Thanks for a great season!
How about a little conversation about the families and friends we saw?
Jillian's family was refreshingly normal and it's nice to see that they are so supportive. No big surprises there; who wouldn't be proud of a daughter like Jillian?
Chris' comment that essentially his family couldn't care less was pretty sad. I suspect Chris did what many gay men I know have done; move away from your family and keep them at arm’s length. How incredibly tragic to have someone that nice and that that talented in your family and to fail to recognize it, much less shout it from the rooftops. And his friend's apartment, WTF! That has to be the most over the top interior I've ever seen in NYC, besting Donald Trump's campy foyer fountain with gold mirrored ceiling.
It was unclear if Rami's immediate family live in the USA. It was sad to hear that his mother died when he was so young. I was also expecting to see a more plush studio space since 'Ramalicious' designs for Hollywood types.
As for Christian, I don't know if he is uncomfortable with his roots or if his family have issues with him. It's odd that he didn't even mention friends, but perhaps it's the wonky PR editing crew at work again. But boy, does his bedroom take me back to 'Skylab', my old 350 square foot one bedroom apartment in the West Village.
If any designer but Chris used human hair, you would all be grossed out by it.
of course i'm disappointed that chris was the one eliminated, but as tlo are saying - it was no surprise. i, too have some issues with the use of human hair as trim. while intellectually i understand all of the comments about "what's the big deal - nobody died from it & people wear it all the time in the form of hair extensions & wigs", there is a deeper more emotional thing that i found happening for me. the first thing that came to mind when i saw it (and forgive me for the downer) was the way the nazis harvested human hair from the jews and wove it into fabric & used it for isulation and such. i understand that that situation is not the case here - nobody was forced to donate/sell the hair, but i just can't get the images out of my mind. i think that may have something to do with people's revulsion to it.
i LOVED the look of it, and would have been fine with it if it were a different material, but of course no synthetic material is going to be comparable to the fall & flow of the real hair.
"another laura said...
A couple of people have mentioned Tim Gunn's "monkey house stink" story and I have to say, I thought that was shockingly tasteless. Comparing Chris's working on his collection to becoming inured to the smell of urine and fecal matter? Jesus, Tim, that was very bad."
That's not what Tim was saying. That was an analogy - and I thought a very good (& funny) one.
I used to work with animals, and what Tim was saying was exactly true, and cracked me up.
I think he meant it in the best way; that Chris had spent too much time, too close to his collection, to view it objectively. And he was right.
--GothamTomato
Oh man, I almost cried at the end. Thanks a lot PR. I really really like Chris yet I was not that thrilled about either collections. Still, I am not worried about Christ. He'll get plenty of work and we will see more of him, I think. Very sad about his older brothers. :( Not unexpected of his generation, though.
(side note: I also think Rami might be "copying" Jillian's style with the armor thing... I mean.. Joan of Arc? Wasn't Joan of Arc in the picture that Jillian chose for her art inspired piece?)
*Chris, not Christ. LOL. That's what I get for not editing....
One more thing: I figured it was a "tell" that the two designers at Bryant Park who got choked up introducing their collections were Sweet P and Chris. Now I know that I was right -- the other three were probably still too nervous and amped for that sort of emotion, whereas the two 'auf'ed' knew that this was their one big shot and were just happy to be there.
I just have to say I LOVED Rami's blue coat. Maybe I ate something funny last night, because this is the first time this season that everyone else violently disagrees with me. I agree the shoulders are ginormous but I love the color, collar and sleeves.
With Chris, I don't think it was his 'one big shot'.
He is highly talented, and I'm sure we'll see him again in the future.
--GothamTomato
I actually thought Chris might win this round!
But, I'm not disappointed (or, really, overly surprised) that Rami won because this is "a search for the next great American designer" and he's a better fit.
Rami is talented and very sweet, but I just wish he had a lighter hand and a better color-sense.
I would prefer to see Chris's show. Not just for the work, but for the show!
Why can't Bravo have a little segment where they broadcast Chris and Sweet P's Bryant Park shows?
-- desertwind
GothamTomato said...
With Chris, I don't think it was his 'one big shot'.
I hope you're right.
While I sort of 'liked' rami's stuff, when Chris's first look came down the runway, and that hair collar bounced and shimmered, I was hypnotized.
Costumey? Sure, but so is Gaultier, whom I love.
Some people were wondering about extra looks not used on the runway show.
I think most of the final designers bring extra looks and edit when they see what others have or how they feel once they get the looks to New York.
It's not "cheating" if they make those extra looks within the budget and it's a very professional thing to do.
-- desertwind
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