I loved Korto's jacket; very ethnic and striking with beautiful colors. You're right, though, the puffiness should've been toned way down.

"We can understand the principle of the thing but if there's one thing we've learned watching this show, reality competitions are no place to stand up for your principles. Hunker down, whore yourself out and get yourself to the next stage in the competition. That's how it's done."

AMEN!!!!

If they took a yard or two of fabric out of the jacket, they really would have had something there.

Once the jacket came off and she turned around, it sort of looked like she was wearing one of those Spanx things, not a dress.

I thought the jacket was fabulous, and didn't mind the full sleeves (though they could be a bit of an interference at work). But the fit of the dress! I was really shocked, because that hasn't seemed to be a problem for Joe.

I don't know why Joe didn't speak up, but I'm thinking maybe he is scared to death of Korto!

....That's Korto's model, Katarina, isn't? Not Joe's, which may explain the fit issues.

"julie.faye said...

....That's Korto's model, Katarina, isn't? Not Joe's, which may explain the fit issues."

Yep. We got that part wrong and edited it out.

The whole look screamed "meh" to me. I think that the jacket color and the taffeta would look matronly. And yes, the fit was just awful. And like Bill says, the dress looked like one of the full body slips that Laura Bennett Case Clothed talked all about.

Julie.faye just took the words out of my mouth.

And I kinda bought Joe's explanation as to why he didn't speak up sooner. He'd been working on the dress and hadn't really thought so much on the jacket.

That said- this was not a great work outfit. The bright shiny orange and beading doesn't really say executive and there's no way the dress is at all work appropriate without the jacket.

I wasn't sure how the jacket would turn out and was delighted to see it go so well on the runway. But was sorely disappointed when I saw the dress - it was terrible. The fit was just ridiculous. Bulges & pulls everywhere!

Yeah I wasn't sure what Korto was going off about. Clearly it was annoying and Joe is annoying - but geez girl, lighten up. She always seems so.....angry! Or seething.....lol

That said- this was not a great work outfit. The bright shiny orange and beading doesn't really say executive and there's no way the dress is at all work appropriate without the jacket.

People keep saying this sort of thing but they're forgetting that this isn't a literal work outfit. It's a costume for an actress playing a studio head.

I don't think the dress was meant to be "work appropriate". It was supposed to be the "night" look. Those sleeves are too much. They're an accident waiting to happen with the shredder or are to be used to smuggle scripts out of the office.

Thanks for the pics, TLo, because those issues with the fit of the dress were more important to deal with than the sturm und drang.

I think Korto has a very thin skin when it comes to ANY criticism, for example, the tizzy she got in when she tought her fin-dress looked too similar to Wesley's and did a workroom poll to see if she was being paranoid about it. And her reaction to the once-over she got from the judges for the same dress. Hunker down, Korto, and focus!

As for Pasta Joe, I don't think he meant to be harsh with his "poofy" remark. Tim's remark about 'sweet potato' would've pissed me off more, because that has to do with color - something you can't change in the garment's design. I think he only mentioned it with Tim around because Joe wanted some backup in his opinion. (Much like Keith called in Tim when dealing with Kenley and that horrid flower print.) At least Joe went out of his way to talk to Korto about what she wanted in the lounge and didn't just sit there. That doesn't absolve him of his sins with the fit of his dress, however.

"she looks like the show is taking precious time away from her cutting and goth poetry. Lighten up, girl."

LMFAO!

Wow. That is basically exactly what I would have blogged. Spot-on, guys! However, I feel like that orange would look horrific on Brooke. HORRIFIC. An odd choice, but very Korto.

Why does the dress fit so poorly? It looks like a simple design.

I think Korto will be in the top 3, or close to it. She's one of maybe 4 designers who at least has a clue what they're doing.

I found a maturity lacking in alot of these designers when Joe & Korto actually sat down to discuss the issues.

The resulting on-camera interviews strike me as scripted when presented with the above fact.

That said, this was not something I could see Brooke Shields in, in an office setting. I could see her in it for an evening setting, however, which is why I think they were safe - Princess Puffy Sleeves and all.

I liked this design... and thank god someone mentioned that look of clinical depression on Korto's model.

I like Korto, but this outfit was meh. And while I agree that her nerves may lead to her downfall, I'm also concerned that her clothes are just too simple - or, if you prefer, too "classic". Sure, she has talent but where's the wow factor?

I was wondering what was up with Korto's model. She's actually quite attractive when she smiles.

Zak, I tend to agree. However, the idea was that the outfit was supposed to be believable for the character. Real person or not, the outfit just doesn't seem to work for the challenge. And the look was supposed to be work to evening. So it should have worked for both, even if leaned more to one than the other.

Picture a TV character, an executive, walking around the office in that dress. the speculation of a late night, with too many drinks, and an unplanned sleepover at someone else's place would fly faster than a secret interoffice memo.

And those sleeves would make her a laughing stock. Picture Lily Tomlin in Big Business venturing up her sleeve for the lost shoulder pad. Its that level of dopey looking poofery that screams "I don't belong in the boardroom."

"[S]he looks like the show is taking precious time away from her cutting and goth poetry. Lighten up, girl."

Bwahahahahahaha!!!

Reason #15 why the next challenge winner should snap up Sha-NO-nay as fast as possible.

The color on that dress is just a little too bland. It works well with the jacket, but not on its own.

The color on that dress is just a little too bland. It works well with the jacket, but not on its own.

I do not like this jacket in the same way I didn't like most of Christian's puffy-sleeved clothing, which ends up looking ridiculous. I also didn't like the neutral tone of the dress, the color of which also really amplifies the fitting problems (if you are going to use a neutral color for simplicity's sake, you have to nail the execution!).

Yep, what you guys said. My guess is that Joe didn't speak up partly because he didn't think Korto would be receptive to criticism (she does seem touchy), partly because she had immunity so wasn't in danger, and partly because the jacket is a big departure from Joe's aesthetic so he wasn't confident in his own opinion. Tim's feedback gave Joe the courage (and the cover) to speak up plus he got to kiss Tim's ass a little.

I did think Tim's sweet potato comment was a little mean and off the mark though. Orange was the right color for that jacket and I hate orange.

I like the color and shape of the jacket, but the actual fabric is too stiff. If she had used a draper fabric the "puffyness" wouldn't have been a problem. If she was dead set of the taffeta darts would have been better than a belt to control the fullness.
I can't imagine wearing a strapless dress all day at work. Aside from that the fabric is too limp. They needed to use heavy interfacing or boning at the sideseams to support the shape of the dress and keep it from colapsing at the keyhole.
Other than that it's cute.

I actually didn't mind the puffy sleeves, they actually added some character to the outfit. I think it should have been more fitted in the bodice area, shown a semblence of a waistline and shape. The color was great.

The dress itself was dreadful and I didn't like the cutout on the back.

- Donna

She reminds me of victorya believe it or not. She isn't very consistent through the challenges even though she's a strong designer. Sometime soon she'll have a challenge that she'll hate and get screwed.

Great commentary, Boys!

And not just because I agree with it! I absolutely thought this look was a contender for the win. But the fit on the dress, oy vay. What happened?

Antares said, "this was not a great work outfit." But it's not for a real life workplace, and isn't it pretty much exactly a "workplace on an upscale TV night time soap" outfit?

rainwood said:
"Tim's feedback gave Joe the courage (and the cover) to speak up plus he got to kiss Tim's ass a little."

Rainwood, I've noticed over the past few episodes, and especially the Olympic one, Joe really, really does seem to look to Tim for some sort of validation of his design. Is he that worried about going off in the wrong direction, or does he just want to kiss up?

Nobody likes a brown-noser, Joe.

Well, I loved the color of the jacket (Go Vols!), but I can't figure out what the daytime look is supposed to be. That gold-braid trimmed poofy jacket isn't a daytime look, by any stretch of the imagination, and that skimpy little nude dress isn't a daytime look, either.

Color me confused.

I agree with you about it coulda been a contender. I can't imagine any executive working in those sleeves! The dress? Again a basically good design with real fit issues. And sewing issues. He should know how to put in a zipper!

Thank you for mentioning the model's expression. Jaysus, she radiates irritation and misery; is she being forced to do this show through some sort of model sweat shop?

You know, I'm just not feeling Korto's aesthetic, which puts me in the minority here.

I'm not sure orange would have worked on Brooke, and I don't see the day to night aspect of this outfit, either.

I was beyond shocked that Korto kept her model. I have always thought Katarina looked a little pissed. Either that or consitpated. Her consistant scowling coupled with PR's notorious lighting issues makes it appear as if she has a uni-brow.

Korto blew up at a bad time. She could have sucked it up and dealt with it. Which leads me to what I believe the underlying problem is: Korto doesn't do criticsm. At All.

It’s a shame, she’s been my fav since the get go. I sincerely hope it doesn’t become an issue later down the line.

Aha! Maybe she should have used the limp neutral fabric to make the jacket and then it would have been soo puffy. And the stiff bright taffeta to make the dress that would mostly be covered during the day.

Does Joe look a little like the devil in the pic where he's draping the muslin?

I think Joe is clinging to Tim because he's been in the middle a lot. Other designers from past seasons complained that their "middle status" meant they got zero feedback from the judges. Joe's had three "safes" and one third place.

This jacket reminded me of Seinfeld's "puffy shirt!" Cheri

Korto is too paranoid!
I mean--she really has internalized it. Worse--it clouds her judgment and occupies her attention.

I have to agree with esther.
I couldn't see this outfit on Brooke, too orange and too ethnic. Then again I haven't seen the show and have no idea how her character dresses.
Is it just me or does this seem to be a theme with this group ? Not being able to adjust their own asthetic to the challenge and or client.

Well I am not giving up on Joe. I think he, Kenly or Suede might make it through. Korto's designs are sorta boring, Daniels are terrible, Leeann's - well a few not bads, but she needs to step it up, and the rest - I guess we will see. I did like Kelly and am very sorry to see her go, espeically when Blainalicious is still around. She could design whirlwinds around him.

I am wondering if anyone else has takent the time to go and look at the audition videos. I followed a few links to the designer's actual websites. It sure gives you a different outlook on their talents.

Inky Muirhead
(Opps. stripper name not drag queen!)

I really didn't care for it at all... I think the horrible fitting dress killed it for me...

The fit on that dress was ASSY. So, so bad.

I didn't think of the fact that Korto had immunity when she got all bent out of shape about Joe. Too funny. I was on her side, because it seemed so shitty of Joe and Sooooooo passive aggressive to be all like, "Well, I wasn't going to say anything but since Tim brought it up...yeah, the jacket is too poofy." Pretty lame, Joe.

But you're completely right. She should've chilled on getting up in his face. They could have sent an orange lunch sack down the runway and it wouldn't have mattered.

But I completely understand where Korto was coming from. If you see issues, then you should bring them up and not wait for the oncoming bus to run you over. Immunity or no immunity.

The fit on that dress was ASS. So, so bad.

I didn't think of the fact that Korto had immunity when she got all bent out of shape about Joe. Too funny. I was on her side, though, because it seemed so shitty of Joe and sooooooo passive aggressive to be all like, "Well, I wasn't going to say anything but since Tim brought it up...yeah, the jacket is too poofy." Pretty lame, Joe.

But you're completely right. She should've chilled on getting up in his face. They could have sent an orange lunch sack down the runway and it wouldn't have mattered.

OTH, I completely understand where Korto was coming from. If you see issues, then you should bring them up and not wait for the oncoming bus to run you over. Immunity or no immunity.

guys - Day to evening ... that dress could have been worn with a more subdued/tailored jacket/sweater for day and switched jackets for night.

I've done things like that. As long as you keep the work appropriate cover over the dress for day it would be fine.

Korto is absolutely my favorite designer this season. I'd wear that outfit--or any of her designs--in an instant.

As far as the "impractical" sleeves go: There's no exec (especially a fake TV exec) on the planet who does her own filing or makes her own copies or pours her own coffee. Those sleeves gonna stay nice and puffy for after work cocktails.

I'm glad Korto called Joe out for the adult version of tattling. He waits to call her out in front of Tim? Seriously? Who did he think would go home if that outfit failed? Not so much on the thinking things through front, eh, genius?

I loved the jacket and the color palette. Other than fit issues, I thought it turned out pretty well.

sorry for double posting. I am such an ASS.

I don't see why people think that the fact that Korto had immunity means that she should have been any less concerned about the quality of her team's work. Just because she couldn't get aufed doesn't mean that she'd want to be in the bottom, or even the middle.


And I'd be (and have been) pissed if someone on my team didn't speak up when he thought we were going off-track.

As for Joe, you'd think he'd have been much concerned to turn out a good garment than he seemed to be. After all, if they were the bottom team, it wouldn't be Korto who was going home!

Those sleeves weren't any bigger than Joan Collins shoulder pads in Dynasty. My point being that it wasn't a real world challenge, it was an outfit for a TV character. It doesn't really matter if her sleeves are too big, the idea is does the wardrobe reflect the character. In Korto's meeting with Brooke, they both talked of the ethnic influence of Korto's design and I think the result showed that without it looking like a costume. If the character's wardrobe was to set a trend in the real world, this jacket would have been likely altered to work for real women and their lifestyles.

I think the look fell off completely when she took off the jacket, the fit was so bad.

I did like both of them for having their little talk in the outerroom, at least they ironed things out.

BrianB

"Korto doesn't do criticism. At all." - Patsy Stone

Totally agree, patsy stone. What I don't understand is how one can expect to succeed in the fashion industry let alone a reality competition show without dealing with constructive criticism and opinions differing from your own. It's a shame because the girl's got talent and a vision. She's definitely one of my season favs. Korto just doesn't seem to handle criticism or stress on the show very well. I dunno, perhaps she's been operating in a bubble for such a long time and is used to everyone telling her how fabulous and talented she is. And like patsy stone mentioned, this could very well be her undoing on the show which would be very unfortunate. However, I'd bet good money the producers are taking this one aspect of her personality and shaping a story for us fans salivating at the opportunity to find flaws in our heroes/heroines of PR.

- edina -

Not every woman could pull it off, but Brooke Shields has the broad shoulders, height and strong features required to pull of that jacket. I don't understand why the fit on the dress was so bad, especially with the "extra" time with the models, but I thought the concept was spot on for the challenge.

I loved the jacket and I don't blame Korto for getting upset with Joe's passive-aggressive behavior. Even though she had immunity, I'm sure she would have like to have won the challenge, too. Korto doesn't strike me as someone who's content to just slide by.

For all his straight-guy tough-talk, Joe is turning out to be quite the catty little bitch. Meow!

When the producers aired her interview in which she spoke about her life in Liberia, she stated that the horror she saw and that threatened her and the other women in her family 'marked..(her) for life', to paraphrase. I think her defensiveness and reactive tendencies were being explained through her own words so that when she a) either DOES blow up during the season, or b) when she heroically pulls it together and goes on to the tents, her story will be just that much more poignant and riveting. Magical Elves are masters of editing when it comes to creating publicity-worthy personas for the PR designers.

I love the jacket, hate the dress, seriously, WTF? My mouth dropped when I saw that thing coming down the runway. Fitting Class 101?

Korto's way too defensive for this industry. She better start growing some thicker skin.

I'm glad they fixed the jacket, but I agree, the sleeves were still puffy. I’m still not sure that orange is Brooke Shields’ color though. The dress is insane.

Agreed!

This was really the only look that met "boho-chic" & "day into night" of the challenge. Love the sweet potato color!

Shame the execution is wonky all around.

Don't implode Korto! We luv u.

-- desertwind

that jacket is the most "bohemian" thing on the runway. i don't know what happened with the fit of the dress. i'm not all that observant of fit issues, and even I shrieked when i saw that ragbag mess.

because i like korto and her work, a LOT, and can kind of understand where she was coming from, i'm letting the paranoid outburst go, this time. but she does need to just put her head down and relax a little.

also: i think joe goes to Tim for backup because he's insecure. he's coming from a pretty different place than most of the other designers, and I think he feels insecure.

Those sleeves are too big. What was she thinking? It reminds me of Santino's bat dress for the finale.

Welcome to the land of manufactured controversy. I got the impression that this "fight" was really for the cameras, since there was otherwise not much reason to feature a contender that's merely safe.
He did use Tim as cover, but then I thought it was clear he was hedging a little and about to tell her something about the jacket when Tim came in. Maybe that's just editing. In any event, at least he tried to apologize, no matter how goofy. She was graceless.
All in all, it was a reasonable look though yeah, the fit sucked and the sleeves were a trifle whack.

Grrr!

I think a lot of the variations on "Korto is too angry/seething/defensive/thin-skinned/sensitive" &/or "Korto needs to tone it down" comments are a wee bit racist. I would hate to see Korto stereotyped as nothing more than Angry Black Woman when her behavior reflects the attitude it takes for a black woman to stand up and be counted (much less succeed) in a racist industry. (Quick: Name me a successful, world famous black female designer. Time's up.)

Korto is willing and able to stand up for her designs *and* she is turning out consistently beautiful work. She's not like the overtly offensive/defensive/smack-talking Jeffrey Neck Tatts from season whatever. When did anyone ever suggest to that ass to tone it down? Never. (At least until he made Angela's mom cry.)

Mina said...
Korto's way too defensive for this industry. She better start growing some thicker skin.


I have to disagree. The fashion industry is filled with hypersensitive emotionally disfunctional freaks that make (even this highly edited version of) Korto seem like an absolute stoic.

I think the reason Korto & Joe weren't a Dream Team is because they are both Alpha-types.

And BTW, I love the sleeves, voluminosity & all. Very Elizabeth I. Kinda makes you want to have someone drawn & quartered (would that be Joe?)

I am hoping Korto makes it to the final 4 though. She's got the goods.

--GothamTomato

Tokyo Rosa said...

Grrr!

I think a lot of the variations on "Korto is too angry/seething/defensive/thin-skinned/sensitive" &/or "Korto needs to tone it down" comments are a wee bit racist.

Oh brother.

Orange and tan are bad, bad colors for television. Brooke would have looked like a big ol' pumpkin. With some more editing, this could be a good outfit for someone, at some point, but not for Brooke and not for TV. I liked the basic idea.

It was a little baggy but I loved the orange and the belt to complement the jacket.

The sleeves are a little too puffy, perhaps a darker shade of orange would've been better. I still like it though and it's far better than Keith's.

Great post, guys! Korto can't take criticism and that shocked me. I don't know, for some reason I thought she was a little tougher than what she's shown. I'm afraid this is going to be her downfall.

I thought the color was unflattering and the sleeves were too big.

Bailey said...

"I feel like that orange would look horrific on Brooke. HORRIFIC."


Have to agree, I'm not sure that orange was a great choice for Brooke's coloring. The whole thing was a good concept, just not executed particularly well.

Does anyone else think that Korto's model looks like a poor man's Jaslene Gonzalez from America's Next Top Model? She was the winner three cycles ago. Which is funny, because Jaslene is kind of the poor man's Janice Dickenson, minus the crazy.

Korto is a great designer, but she had a sour personality and it’s starting to show through.

Uh, no...this should have been in the bottom with kelli.

You have to admit though, being embarassed like that in front of Tim Gunn would feel pretty bad.

And Korto's bus analogy was FREAKING HILARIOUS!

Oh, and the proportions on that look were gorgeous, except for, well, you know,

Kotex would have torn Pasta Joe a new one if he'd made a comment about her work one-on-one. Last week, she made it clear that she doesn't respect any of the other designers - I can see why PJ chose to wait until Tim was there to help him get his 2 cents in. Whether or not Joe's timing was right takes a back seat to the real issue: she is supposed to be the team leader. Her time would have been much better spent moving past the little spat & checking over the details of that potato sack dress Joe made. Kotex - next week I hope you take your midol and focus on the challenge not your fellow designers.

" C'est moi, c'est moi Lola said...
Tim's remark about 'sweet potato' would've pissed me off more, because that has to do with color - something you can't change in the garment's design. "


It is a big sweet potato! Why should Tim sugar coat it? He's the mentor, that's what he's supposed to do.

coulda, shoulda, woulda,----

could have worked,
they should have worked together better,
would have been contenders!

I don't like her. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think we'll see more of her tantrums and outbursts when she gets frustrated.

Even the toned down jacket was too much for me, but I think Wendy would've been able to get away with it; add a new color, style to her boring wardrobe. Korto hasn't really impressed me much since the first challenge, and quite frankly, I don't know what the heck Joe is still doing there. The same could be said about Blayne and Stella.

I hated this outfit,especially the jacket. Doesn't it look like something from a community theater's production?

I think Korto made an excellent point about Joe throwing her under the bus by not mentioning his issues with the garment until Tim got there. I'm on her side.

I love Korto. Here's a great interview

"where Korto discusses her other areas of interest — she performs African dance, is part of a dance and drumming group, and is a skilled hair braider, although she reveals — ” In Little Rock it is actually [illegal] to do African style hair without a cosmetology [license], which means doing my child’s hair is considered a crime. . . It’s 2008 but I’m fighting this issue.”

http://ladybrille.blogspot.com/2008/08/ladybrille-exclusive-korto-momolu-of.html

Loved the jacket; hated the dress. I don't like strapless dresses in general, and this garment was a perfect example of why -- they're so darn hard to fit unless they've got structure. If only Korto (or Joe) had decided to make a sheath with back interest instead, I think they could have gone farther.

And yeah, there are plenty of super-sensitive designers out there. I think Korto was irritated because she wanted to win, not just stay in the race.

You liked this? Yikes, I thought Korto and Joe were extremely lucky to have not been in the bottom two.

Don't get me wrong, Blayen's outfit made no sense given the challenge, but fit issues like the ones easily noticed on this most basic of dresses were completely unacceptable. Also, the entire color scheme of this ensemble in no way communicated business woman to me. I felt this was the most "renaissance fair" that any garment has been since Santino's dress for Iman.

To each his own, I suppose. But for what it's worth, I'll take strange and too casual to lumpy and pumpkin-esque anyday.

"amfancey said...

To each his own, I suppose."


You supposed right.

A hideous, orange-colored fright
Does not fit the challange quite right.
Korto and Joe -
You both can go
For producing insufferable shite.

Tokyo Rosa wrote: "I think a lot of the variations on "Korto is too angry/seething/defensive/thin-skinned/sensitive" &/or "Korto needs to tone it down" comments are a wee bit racist."
--

Really? I think you might be overthinking a bit. Any of those things would be said if she were white and had the same personality.

FWIW, I don't agree with the opinion that Korto is "angry." She's cool w/ me.

rainwood said...
My guess is that Joe didn't speak up partly because he didn't think Korto would be receptive to criticism (she does seem touchy), partly because she had immunity so wasn't in danger, and partly because the jacket is a big departure from Joe's aesthetic so he wasn't confident in his own opinion. Tim's feedback gave Joe the courage (and the cover) to speak up plus he got to kiss Tim's ass a little.

I agree. Joe needed to be more confident and find a way to talk to Korto (or others on teh next team challenge or CLIENTS who have whack ideas) about his concerns before daddy Tim showed up.

That said, I liked the idea of this dress too, even the colr for Brooke, but the execution of the dress was hideous. Great idea, but really if it doesn't look good on a model, it won't look any better on Brooke or any of us. Said model's scowl and apparent unibrow doesn't help, but still...the fit!

The jacket would have been better in a softer fabric that draped, as someone already mentioned. I like the color, but I'd have to see Brooke in person (wouldn't that be cool?) to see if it fits her skin tone.

I hope Korto can channel the positive energy it took to get her where she is today into self- esteem that allows constructive criticism to sink in. She does have talent.

she had immunity yes, but I think she still wants to put out a good design. Millions of people are watching her as a designer. Critiquing at the last second doesn't do either designer a favor.

that said, korto should have recognized the poofiness herself.

It still wasn't quite saved, but it looked pretty good on the runway. It was a unique look

Not a winner, but very respectable and perhaps appropriate for a different challenge.

My question to Joe is:
Are you packing balls or a vajayjay?
Man up. By the way, I can't wait to read your commentary on that, Tlo.

It’s VERY over sized like everything else Korto does. I'm not impressed.

I think Korto spoke to Joe in an aggressive manner, but she was right, he needed to speak up and save his ass.

I've been thinking about it, and I haven't seen anything from any of the designers that makes me think "clear winner", or even "great designer". This season seems to really be more about entertainment than talent.

I think Daniel will start saying, "this is not what I design. I have very good taste and make high quality garments," right after they announce the challenge.

Poor Daniel.

I'm with you esther. Some of this stuff has been nice, but none of it has made me sit up and say, wow. (Though in fairness, Keith's outfit came closest this season.) Could it be that we've already seen the best PR has to offer? Hope not.

Toyko Rosa: RACIST?????? You've GOT to be kidding!!!! You're the one doing the stereotyping. Not a single post referred to her race as a factor in her anger so please don't list it as a factor in the criticism.

Is it Wednesday yet???? TLo, I hope you are ordering lots of extra olives and swizzle sticks. You may need to knock out a wall.


However, I feel like that orange would look horrific on Brooke. HORRIFIC. An odd choice, but very Korto.

Didn't Korto and Brooke discuss the palate. Korto used colored pencils to show the color combination.

Korto is cool, and she's funny (when she isn't getting worked up about something). She's also talented, but where's the creativity/innovation? It's hard, at this point, to get excited by the prospect of seeing a collection designed by her at Fashion Week. I mean I'm sure it will be classy and wearable, but...
Of course, this is true of most of the designers this season. Anyway, we shall see.

Zak said...."People keep saying this sort of thing but they're forgetting that this isn't a literal work outfit. It's a costume for an actress playing a studio head."

Trouble is, I'm watching that actress play a studio head on a high definition TV. Gone are the days you could get away with puckered seams.

Which reminds me...

Dear Lifetime:

Can we have Project Runway Season 6 in HIGH DEFINITION PLEASE?

Thank you.

Back to Tim's "sweet potato" comment. I think he was referring more to the combination of color and shape than just the color. If it had been ecru, he would have called it a "baked potato."

And Brooke knew it would be orange when she saw Korto's drawing. Apparently she didn't think the color was wrong for her. I don't think the color was the issue.

But I do agree that Korto should have saved a spot of vitriol for the fit of the sheath. It was horrid.

Note to Season 6-ers. Save a little of your budget for some velcro dots. You'll thank me later.

I agree that Korto has problems with criticism. No one likes it, and most people react by feeling little hurt, or some combination of sad/worried/ self-doubting (Leanne) or by going on the defensive and trying to explain their "vision" (Daniel). Some people actually try to listen and learn from it (Jarell). But Korto seems to react differently by acting affronted and angry that anyone would DARE critique her work. I see an entitlement mentality at work, combined with some highly developed sulking skills. Maybe she feels like she's paid her dues by having a rough past?

I think it is, among other things, oddly amusing ( as well as off-base) what people are saying about Korto's reaction to criticism (as well as the bizarre entitlement projections some are claiming).

It didn't seem to be the criticism that that irked her, but rather the way Joe did it, in front of Tim. The designer who seems to have the biggest issue with criticism is actually Kenley, with sacharine laughing. But then Kenley isn't the 'type' that some project entitlement claims onto.

--GothamTomato

GothamTomato...

I'm not projecting entitlement... I'm hearing it. When Korto won the Olympics challenge she certainly said "Finally, it's about time", and she has also grumbled about others "not knowing anything, so they don't deserve to win... how can the judges not see that..."

As for the rest of your post... go make a refreshing cocktail and relax. Make me one, too.

tokyo rosa said...
(Quick: Name me a successful, world famous black female designer. Time's up.)

Tracy Reese. Kimora Lee Simmons. Simone Williams.

Rosa, I agree that there is racism in the fashion industry; I've suffered its effects as a model & the aunt of a current Ford model.

I just don't think this post & its comments is where to find it. TLo are incredible critics of the discrimination in the business (check some of their earlier posts).
Granted, some of the posters here can be somewhat shortsighted on the topic; but there are so many Korto enthusiasts on this blog, maybe you're being a bit hypersensitive?
Kind of like Korto; this isn't about her expressing any type of stereotypical behavior, or about people disliking her. It's more about her being so sensitive to criticism. Did you see episode 2 where she literally collapsed in tears? "I worked sooo hard!"
That's sensitive.
I think Kelli had similar issues, she reacted to criticism w/ angry defensiveness. I don't think I'm being racist when I say that.

Re: the outfit. Not appropriate for the challenge, but gorgeous w/ flaws. The Hindenburg was smaller than those sleeves.

" C'est moi, c'est moi Lola said...
Tim's remark about 'sweet potato' would've pissed me off more, because that has to do with color - something you can't change in the garment's design. "
CanIGetYouAnything? said...
It is a big sweet potato! Why should Tim sugar coat it? He's the mentor, that's what he's supposed to do. 3:34 PM

Then Tim should have said something at Mood. I'm not saying he needs to keep his mouth shut, but was there a constructive element to that comment, e.g., Kors is going to say, "She looks like a big sweet potato," be prepared to defend that?

Tim has to ride the very fine line of offering criticism without substituting his own vision for that of the designers. He couldn't have known that Korto was going to poof up the jacket so much based on her fabric purchase at Mood. And he didn't pick the blouse fabric for Keith to use either - he encouraged them to look elsewhere. According to his blog, he felt he had to mediate because Kenley was so intractable. And how many designers have completely negated Tim's take and done what they wanted? Just because Tim thinks it looks like a big sweet potato doesn't mean that the judges aren't gonna love it.

I completely disagree with you guys on the point that Joe KNEW she had immunity. While I DON'T think he was being calculative in a Kenley kind of way, he WAS being typically passive/aggressive. I think he forgot Korto's immunity until she reminded him. And I LOVED the double entendre tonality with which she read him, "I have immunity. YOU can go home!" which is exactly what he parroted later when interviewed before the runway.

I, frankly, found her candor to be refreshing; especially since after getting it off her chest she and Joe got back to work and tried to address most of Tim's concerns. I also think her admonishment reinvested Joe even more to the project, which was the best and most judicious use of leveraging one's immunity that I've seen. I don't think you give her enough points for that or for being as passionate as she was about her garment when many designers of the past (and as recently as last episode) have mailed in designs when they have immunity. Lastly, the whole affair made for GREAT reality drama! Why would we want her to suppress it?

E

In the "...to ass" photo - it looks like we can see the model's tattoo she has on her left butt cheek. Either the fabric is much more sheer than it looked or it is WAY too tight.

"...but she looks like the show is taking precious time away from her cutting and goth poetry..." BWAHAHAH LMAO

Plus, darlings I feel the need to say this because I've notice it more than once on your blogs and I care so very deeply about you:

. It's = it is
. Its = possessive pronoun

Nearly EVERYONE gets "it" wrong. But I have every confidence you no longer will.

Loveya muah!

suzq said...
Back to Tim's "sweet potato" comment...

From my vantage point, Tim was referring to Joe when he said (he) looked like a big sweet potato. (Did you see the midsection profile?) Definitely nothing to swoon over there.

Can anyone explain why crying when you're in the bottom three is a bad attitude? Or how challenging yourself to win a competition and when having finally done it, saying, "It's about time!" is a bad attitude? Or how TAKING Tim's criticism and altering the jacket design out of respect to his position and mentorship is a bad attitude? Or how annoyance at Joe, whose opinion SHE ASKED FOR and only got when "the teacher" came is somehow equitable to not taking criticism well?

Context folks: she was annoyed at Joe's timing, his silence and the time wasted as a result. Anyone would be. No creative is ever thrilled with criticism but at the end of the day Korto DID listen to Tim. That's the period on the end of the sentence.

As for all the assertions that "Joe was probably too afraid to say anything..." That's borderline offensive. She has yet to have any tantrum that comes close to the antics of Jeffrey, Santino, Vincent or Rami! So really, if Joe's that baselessly intimidated then perhaps it's not just Suede with the questionable 'vajayjay'!

Stepping away from the "entitlement" argument that seems to be gaining momentum and stepping back on the catwalk --- In theory, this was a very exotic, striking, sexy and fresh look for today's modern woman, as they say. I loved Joe & Korto's collaboration and thought it a fabulous look for a professional woman who want's to make a strong statement with her look.
Personally, my only issue was with the extremely voluminous and excessive use of fabric for the sleeves. They threw off the balance of the look. I think that this outfit would actually make a great editorial piece for VOGUE, or some maybe ELLE, but in the real world or TV land, it just wouldn't make it.

- edina -

First, Korto tells Joe she has immunity and doesn't want him to be offed should their design fail to impress and would he please speak up if he has issues. Then, after his passive-aggressive criticism, she's had enough and tells him she'll throw him under the bus if that's what it takes. The more I thought about this situation, the more I realized we didn't hear the entire conversation. My guess is that Korto was trying to get Joe to man up and stop being so namby-pamby. That does get awfully irritating after a while.

And, yes, she should have been all over his shit for the fit of that dress. I thought the dress had major potential. The color was perfectly subtle and sophisticated, but the fit was awful.

That model..."she looks like the show is taking precious time away from her cutting and goth poetry"...lol! Awesome! Yes, Katarina, take a lesson from Tyra and at least emote from the eyes, would ya? Cuz you could look all bored like this: :| or you could get eyemotey and look like this: :|

By the way, the pumpkin jacket wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered it.

I loved the jacket, but then I've always been a fan of the Russian cossack look. In fact, I had a very similar top in the late 60's (now, that's my age--damn it!)which I wore with gaucho pants (please tell me someone else here remembers gaucho pants)and high black boots. Although I considered myself "fashion-forward" then, I'm probably just really, really fashion-backward now...still, I know what I like. As for the dress, the design wasn't bad, but the fit was really horrible.

By the way, is it just my failing memory, or didn't Korto show pencils that were deep red, orange, and deep green as her color palette during her pitch to Brooke, eliciting the response from Brooke, "I love the color palette", or something to that effect. Not really important, I guess, but maybe would have helped Korto win Brooke's seal of approval on the final garment had she stuck with the original colors...though I can't imagine why.

The whole ensemble didn't really come together, but I actually felt that this (properly designed/assembled) fit the aesthetic Brooke was describing---slightly bohemian NYC studio exec, leavind directly for jazz club from work. With the jacket, it's bohemian/creative business-y, then the tan strapless dress that evening. But yeah, the jacket was a bit voluminous and the dress, while a nice concept, looked horrible in practice.

I thought it looked like something left over from "Bombay Dreams".
Not a fave.
Next!

I thought it looked like something left over from "Bombay Dreams".
Not a fave.
Next!

I cannot, for the life of me, fathom why Korto hung on to this particular model when she had the chance to 'trade up.' Such a perpetually wounded expression.

I liked the orange jacket after they belted it and forced some of the sweet potato puffiness out.

One more outfit to go! Can't wait to hear what TLo has to say about Terri's 'va-jay-jay' comment!

Those sleeves are too much. They're an accident waiting to happen with the shredder or are to be used to smuggle scripts out of the office.


Shredders and script-smuggling are for assistants, not executives.

And, what Tokyo Rosa said:

There's no exec (especially a fake TV exec) on the planet who does her own filing or makes her own copies or pours her own coffee. Those sleeves gonna stay nice and puffy for after work cocktails.

Korto and Terri are my picks to be in the Final Three. Just don't make them work with other designers. Not every designer can collaborate on cue.

I got the hit that these two ladies each have a very clear sense of their own authority, and what "respect" actually means to them -- Joe's "tattling" and Suede's whimpering just don't cut it.

I don't think it's fair to say that Suede was whimpering. Unlike Daniel, he cared enough to get it right and it shows in the result. And I still don't understand why Terri sewed the pants and Suede did the shirt. Terri seems like quite the perfectionist. Why, then, did she have Suede execute the most difficult of the two pieces? Something just isn't right with that equation.

I loved the jacket. Fabulous colour, nice style but I can't see Brooke wearing it nor can I see anyone wearing it in an office setting.
The dress was totally meh and a bad fit. I hated the colour and the shape of that dress, it looked more like a slip.

Thank you! The fit on that bodice was atrocious! I did like the big voluminous sleeves though. Maybe the fabric was a bit too stiff to really pull it off though.

But when she peeled that off my eyes bugged outta my head! Over that heinous FIT! There wasn't much there TO fit so the fit had to be perfect and dang, this looked like my 4H project which actually fit my prepubescent body better than that fit that model!

Granted it was a smock, but still...

I loved the color of the jacket and the trim - just a tiny bit more depuffing and it would have been perfect. I loved how bold it was. And I liked the dress, but whoa, the fit was all over the place, which is s shame. When the jacket came off I said out loud, "Oh, that didn't come out right *at all*, did it?"

"I think Korto spoke to Joe in an aggressive manner, but she was right, he needed to speak up and save his ass."

That was my reading of her reaction, too. Hey Joe, I'm going to save you from the bus! was her weird metaphor for it. But it seemed to me she wasn't as upset about the criticism as much as Joe's passive aggressiveness.

Lucky Cheng's!

Isn't that the place that our Laura said that she and Peter went to for Valentine's Day!!??

That jacket is really reminiscent of Dior Haute Couture Spring 08

Korto barely cracks a smile even when compliments are made about her designs. She lacks personality, and it so important when dealing with the public. She does have talent though. Also, why is the race card always pulled when dishing out criticism? Michael Knight was a clear favorite in season 3 as was Kara Saun in season 1. I haven't seen an Asian or Hispanic win Project Runway. I guess they're racist toward them too!