Iman dishes on Project Runway Canada

Thursday, October 18, 2007 by

Elle Canada (who knew?) has an interview with the fabulous Iman and she uses the word "flava" in a sentence.

Did Canada blow your mind?
"Well, I wasn't in Canada, so to speak; I was in Toronto, to be more specific! It's like saying you're in America when you're in New York -- it's a totally separate entity all its own. Having said that, Toronto's a very cosmopolitan city that has its own flava!"

Tell me about Canadian fashion -- I want the truth!
"I think they hold themselves back and have this 'inferiority' complex because they're so close to New York. I think they should go for the gold and think global! Fashion has no borders: a beautiful dress is a beautiful dress from Toronto to Timbuktu. I think there's one designer among the finalists on Project Runway Canada who has that potential."

You told the Canadian executive producer that you would "wipe the floor with Heidi Klum." Is she your new Swiffer?
"I wish I was clever enough to have said that, but, alas, I'm not. I accepted to be the host of Project Runway Canada because I love the integrity of the format and that it showcases talent -- it's not salacious. I think we've had enough of that on TV and in the real lives of the new starlets!"

Was there anything you would have changed about the show?
"Definitely. I would have put two huge fans at the end of the runway so that when I walk down the runway, my hair blows -- just like a Beyoncé video. How cool would that be! And I would have given myself a huge budget for clothes -- all exclusively made by the top designers -- and then start archiving it. I also would have given myself a huge trailer with a personal chef and a masseuse. All these personal elements would have added dimension to the show."

PR CANADA EPISODE 2: WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

You can catch it here if you're quick about it:



OR here:


You can watch Parts 2-6 here.

(Photo: John Van Der Schilden/Slice)
(Video: MsRoyalT/YouTube)

73 comments:

Brian said...

God she's amazing.

Anonymous said...

She's hilarious! love it!

Katyola said...

If Heidi ever leaves the show, Iman needs to host America's PR. So funny!

DolceLorenzo said...

"Was there anything you would have changed about the show?
"Definitely. I would have put two huge fans at the end of the runway so that when I walk down the runway, my hair blows -- just like a Beyoncé video."


LOL. I LOVE HER! Now, I'm going to watch the episode :-)

Anonymous said...

Yeah she has a great sense of humor, it was a fun read.

Anonymous said...

Awesome challenge! Good thing Marie Genevieve had immunity. Her design was horrible.

Anonymous said...

Funny, smart, gorgeous and married to David Bowie for a long time. When I grow up, I want to be Iman.

Anonymous said...

Aww, I felt so bad for Lincoln. He's such a nice guy. Thanks for the link, boys!

Anonymous said...

She still scares the shit out of me...

kat

Anonymous said...

It was sweet to see everyone trying to help him and cheering him up. I'll miss him. One Asian down! :- (

Anonymous said...

Biddell is weird. Love the show. Great interview! Iman is hilarious!!

Anonymous said...

Megan needs to go home. She doesn't know how to do anything, living in Shanghai she probably has slaves to do all her work.

Anonymous said...

I love her "personal elements" that would have "added dimension to the show" ROFLMAO

I felt sorry for Lincoln. I knew as soon as Brian said "only take what you need" that they would have to use all the material. Of course it's easy to say that from the comfort of my living room :)

I liked the winning design. Wish we could have seen more of the guest judges, they seemed like a hoot!

Anonymous said...

YAY! Heatherette!!! How cool is that?
Thanks, bitches!!! I love the interview and the episode.

Anonymous said...

MEGAN SHOULD'VE GONE HOME!!! LINCOLN WAS ROBBED!!!

GRRRRR...

And Heatherette? Please, what the F do they know about style and glamor?

Anonymous said...

Hi Boys-

Can I just say 'THANK YOU!' for giving us these links to watch PRC. Even though it seems so far that these challenges resemble the previous seasons in the US (with a twist), this is such a talented group with much less drama and a much better model/host. I'm really enjoying this show- and couldn't be doing it without you!

Anonymous said...

lol. what a diva!

NahnCee said...

I love the integrity of the format and that it showcases talent -- it's not salacious.

What do you suppose she meant by that? I'm trying to think of a word that sounds like "salacious" that means "overly competitive" which is what I think she meant to say from the context, but can't. Surely she didn't *really* mean to say that Project Runway is "salacious" ...

Gorgeous Things said...

Got to watch it on an early lunch. I LOVE it!!! Iman - fabulosity beyond human capacity. She's amazing. I can't say enough good things about her. I also am beginning to really like Brian. Yes, he looks like Robert Urich crossed with Robert Goulet, but I like what he has to say to the designers.

Lincoln - poor guy, but he psyched himself out of the competition at the beginning of the episode.

Megan - Red shirt still, but she's growing on me.

I LOVE the scolding that Iman gave Marie Genvieve and Biddell. I wish I could adopt her imperial tone. My kids would NEVER misbehave!

Anonymous said...

She meant salacious . Meaning that it doesn't concentrate on the sexy, irrelevant, drama of the people, but rather their talent.

Anonymous said...

love this show and love Iman

I read the "salacious" comment differently from nahncee. She was upholding PR, but said that current starlets and a lot of TV were "salacious". She did not put down PR.

If only Lincoln had made a black jacket out of the extra material instead of a poufy dress, he would have been aok. No one considered a wrap from extra material.-- odd

Thombeau said...

LOVE HER.

Anonymous said...

Kendra had the best dress and I thought she deserved to win the challenge. Episode 3, can't wait!

Anonymous said...

I love Iman, I love the judges. They don't beat around the bush, do they?

Anonymous said...

Kendra's dress was a clear winner, but I was really surprised that Carlie Wong's dress didn't get in the "top scoring designs" because it was so beautiful and well-executed.

Anonymous said...

"Was there anything you would have changed about the show?
"Definitely. I would have put two huge fans at the end of the runway so that when I walk down the runway, my hair blows -- just like a Beyoncé video. How cool would that be! And I would have given myself a huge budget for clothes -- all exclusively made by the top designers -- and then start archiving it. I also would have given myself a huge trailer with a personal chef and a masseuse. All these personal elements would have added dimension to the show."


I love her sense of humor. She looks gorgeous in that picture. Nice treat, boys, thanks.

Anonymous said...

When I saw that picture of the green trashcans I was like oh my god are the models in there? LOL. Great episode. I too felt bad for Lincoln. His design wasn't that horrible.

Anonymous said...

Biddell reminded me of Jay sans the incredible talent. Of course the Heatherette guys were going to get all moist over his design. I mean, look at their designs - Paris Hilton is their muse, for Pete's sake.

Anonymous said...

I'm loving it! I love the Photo Gallery with all the designs too. Much better than those tiny little pictures on Bravo.

Anonymous said...

Megan's dress was not only a bad ripoff of Danny V's orchid dress, but it was poorly made. Lincoln did a creditable job with the added challenge of having too much material. I don't get it.

Why didn't Megan throw herself on her sword ala Vanessa? Lincoln seems to have way more talent.

Isn't it fun to watch a version of PR with almost no drama but lots and lots of sewing? I love it. They still don't show enough of the garments on the runway, but you can't have everything.

Still can't wait for the dramafest of US PR.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and Iman is great! Beautiful AND funny, ya gotta love it.

Anonymous said...

And Megan should have been thrown off just for almost choking her model to death in front of the judges. WTF!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic!! Almost as good as PR US.

"macasism said...
They still don't show enough of the garments on the runway, but you can't have everything."

They do a much better job on Project Catwalk. The model stops at the end of the runway and the camera moves around them in circles.

Anonymous said...

Megan's dress reminded me of something Marla would have made in PR2.

--Amy

Anonymous said...

"You told the Canadian executive producer that you would "wipe the floor with Heidi Klum." Is she your new Swiffer?
"I wish I was clever enough to have said that, but, alas, I'm not. "


Lmao. I bet she did say that. Thanks for this great interview with Iman, kittens.

Anonymous said...

Umbrellas? C'mon...I hate that kind of challenge. No matter how hard you try it still ends up looking like a school project. Real designers use the most gorgeous, the most expensive, the most luxurious fabrics they can find.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy the designers here in Canada are finally getting recognized. Go Canada!!

Jessie Maims said...

WHY is the ending in the description?? I don't want to watch the epi knowing the outcome the whole time! It just feels tragic.

Anonymous said...

Iman is fierce! And isn't she like 140 years old? She looks amazing.

Anonymous said...

So fun! I heart Carlie!

BRAVO TAKE NOTE -- Splice website design is what WE WANT. (except for the part where they've noted who gets canned right on the video page)

-- desertwind

Anonymous said...

Um... I'm totally loving PRC, but Iman's kinda wooden. Hope this doesn't turn into another Top Design...

Richard

Anonymous said...

Speaking of Iman fabulousness:

Rosie ODonnell, after starting to become more known via her film work, told a great story about about Iman

They were having a day of beauty together and she was bragging in a giddy way to 1 of the salon staff, introducing Iman as her friend. She also then couldn't help but let in slip she was freinds with Madonna.

Iman then leans forwards and says "And that's all you need to be friends with

Frank"

Anonymous said...

That was a major bummer with the Lincoln rejection right there on page we were linked to. But it's not like Bravo doesn't do the same thing once their episodes air. Oh, to be on the other side of that damn border!

Was Carlie's the black dress with the big, full skirt? If so, I thought that one should have won. But Kendra's was a nifty feat of engineering. Plus she's gorgeous, humble and likeable.

Iman can simply do no wrong. I adore her in a way I had previously reserved only for Tim Gunn and Laura Bennett. But this is a club whose membership I am happy to expand.

And Brian Bailey is not far behind. He may need to rethink the facial hair. And the wardrobe. And the haircut. But other than all that, he is delightful.

As for the designers, it seems as if Lucian and Biddell are bucking for the "villain" role. Marie-Gen is clearly talented and knows it, but is probably smart enough to know she was lucky to escape with only one new @$$hole from Iman. Pretty, pretty Stephen probably isn't long for the competition but he's fun to listen to and to marvel at his exquisite makeup application skills. The rest are still a bit of a blonde blur (although Sofia radiates a slight vibe of do-not-trust).

Anonymous said...

And do I remember the subtitles saying Megan is 25? Yeah right.

Anonymous said...

Why is it I can watch the episode now but it usually says I can't watch it in the USA?

While I prefer Tim Gunn over Brian I must say I enjoy PRC as much as PR. As a first year Fashion student, I am amazed at what it takes to do what those designers do.

Anonymous said...

Ted@10:53 said:

And Heatherette? Please, what the F do they know about style and glamor?


Well, they probably know how to spell glamour. And while you may not agree with their style (I don't) they have a ton of it. And the show isn't about glamour, it's about fashion.

Anonymous said...

" agnes gooch said...

That was a major bummer with the Lincoln rejection right there on page we were linked to. But it's not like Bravo doesn't do the same thing once their episodes air..."


Oh, Agnes, your post is hilarious!

I love the first episode and now the second one. What a great show! The designers are very talented in that PR US S1 way. Very raw, very eager to succeed. I love it!

Anonymous said...

" Anonymous said...

Ted@10:53 said:

And Heatherette? Please, what the F do they know about style and glamor?

Well, they probably know how to spell glamour. And while you may not agree with their style (I don't) they have a ton of it. And the show isn't about glamour, it's about fashion."

Really? Last time I checked it was spelled both ways:

glam·our
–noun
1. the quality of fascinating, alluring, or attracting, esp. by a combination of charm and good looks.
2. excitement, adventure, and unusual activity: the glamour of being an explorer.
3. magic or enchantment; spell; witchery.
–adjective
4. suggestive or full of glamour; glamorous: a glamour job in television; glamour stocks.

Also, glamor.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Check your info before you go jumping down somebody's throat.

Anonymous said...

Biddell's dress=Hot Topic. I love how one of his competitors said it looked like somehting Avril Lavigne would wear while on crack (meant as an insult), then one of the judges said it looked like something she would wear but as a compliment.

I can't believe how much I already dislike that guy!

Alexis

GothamTomato said...

In my next life, I'd like to look like Iman.

-Gotham Tomato

Unknown said...

"Was there anything you would have changed about the show?
"Definitely. I would have put two huge fans at the end of the runway so that when I walk down the runway, my hair blows -- just like a Beyoncé video. How cool would that be! And I would have given myself a huge budget for clothes -- all exclusively made by the top designers -- and then start archiving it. I also would have given myself a huge trailer with a personal chef and a masseuse. All these personal elements would have added dimension to the show."

LMAO! That is hilarious, I love someone who can poke fun at themselves.

Anonymous said...

We saw a lot of growth from Carlie this week in her design, but once again it was underestimated and she wasn't in the top 3 again...

here's my ranking for the garments this week:

1. Carlie
2. Kendra
3. Lucian
4. Stephen
5. Shernett
6. MG
7. Sofia
8. Michael
9. Evan
10. Lincoln
11. Megan

Anonymous said...

Back atcha, Sarah -- love your observation that PR CN S1 has the raw energy of PR US S1. That's it, exactly! It doesn't feel as if the producers are filling the stereotypical niche roles (although Marie-Gen's first dress filled the Jeffrey niche amply well). But there is a fantastic overall energy that I am very much enjoying, too!

Unknown said...

Damn, were Lincoln's parents related to Malan's mother? I am sick of Megan and her complaining. Did she not know her Chinese child slaves would not be there to do her sewing? She needs to go next week. And Iman calling out MG then making Lincoln cry on the runway; damn she's harsh! I LOVE her!!

Anonymous said...

""Tell me about the judges. Any breakout stars?
"Entre nous, Rita Silvan, ELLE Canada's editor-in-chief -- but there can only be one star on this show, and that's me!""

What a fabulous diva!

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Loved Carlie's dress. Can't believe she didn't make the top 3. And I agree about the outcome staring you right in the face before you even see the first minute of video. Bummer.

I may be alone on this one, but I'm not feeling the Iman love. She's funny in print, but not on the show. She seems so overly dramatic that it rings false to me. I never thought I'd say this, but I prefer Heidi. And yes, hell has now frozen over.

-- rain brain

Crow Winters said...

Does /anyone/ remember when, during the S3 tryouts, Tim Gunn turned away the student with the tie-dress because it was "design student work"?

Because Lincoln made the exact same dress. It was the exact. same. dress.

Anonymous said...

I still think that Marie-Genevieve should have been sent packing — immunity or no immunity, I just couldn’t stand the arrogance…and you know what else? I just don’t care for that “I’m so kooky and artistic” shit that she pulls.

Anonymous said...

Carlie’s design was fabulous. You couldn't tell it’s made out of an umbrella.

Anonymous said...

Iman is truly an icon. I love her and her hubby. She is not only beautiful but a very intelligent woman who speaks over 5 languages. You go, Iman!

Yasmine

Anonymous said...

Just got done watching epi 2. It is MESMERIZING. Iman is a total bad ass! The designers are so, so interesting. I think the editing is much better that other PRs so far. You feel more engaged with the people and there is more of the process. I cried at the elimination.

Incredible! Can't wait for Epi 3. Thanks boys, for staying on top of this and posting the links.

Suzanne said...

ASSSSSHHHHHOOOOOOOOOLES
I almost puked when they said it looked like Lincoln didn't even try.

And can I just say I am totally living for Kendra and Carlie???

BTW I think it would have been much more PC to have Iman say goodbye in Somalian, but thats just me.

Anonymous said...

I didn't think MG did THAT bad. I mean, at least she did something different. How many black dress cop outs were there?

Unknown said...

Oh, Iman. Such a contrast with Heidi (whom I also love). Heidi is "Oh, so many of you are talented, but one of you must go home." And Iman is "I hate all of you. If I were not tied to this chair, I would leap up on to the stage and slap each and every one of you. But I cannot. So one of you must go home. Get out before I call security."

Cannot believe Meagan is still there.

Anonymous said...

Before we get all rattled over the spelling of certain words, many US readers should know that CDN's are schooled in the somewhat British mode where the Queen's English is spoken and written.

Unfortunately, Ted is right, glamor shares the same spelling as do many words.ie flavour, colour, etc..

I do also agree that Heatherette are so tiny talented, but at least you can make fun of the little twerps.

Suzanne said...

Deana, I don't think Meagan can believe Meagan is still there.
Talk about being in over your head. Don't they show PR in Shanghai? Did she not know that there would be ACTUAL SEWING involved? Or did she think she would get there and there would be all these people who she'd pay like 11 cents a day to stitch up her creations?
She cannot possibly have lasted that long.

Kerry said...

I WANT MORE CARLIE!!!

Why aren't the judges fawning over her yet? The camera needs to focus in on this talented girl!

Emily said...

Wouldn't it be sweet if David Bowie was a guest judge on PR Canada? A girl can dream . . .

Anonymous said...

Episode 3 is up now, and I was able to watch it despite being from the US, so give it a whirl! Some random observations:

- the black slips that they put the Canadian models in are sooo unflattering.

- I finally figured out what Iman's delivery reminds me of: she sounds like an elementary school teacher. Who must. Keep talking. Until. The goddamn kids. Shut. Up. (But I don't mind. I love her.)

- Shawn Hewson = Kors lite

Anonymous said...

I'd drink a gallon of Iman's bath water! She brings such an imperious, regal dimension to PRC. The dressing down she gave Frenchie La Lazy was brilliant (do NOT like her)! Lincoln's elimination was probably a blessing-- I don't think he would have survived more challenges emotionally. Such a sweet little lamb(rather Andrae-esque) -- I hope he finds his niche.

Emma P.

Anonymous said...

PS: Kendra or Carlie FOR THE WIN!

Emma P.

Wesley Darling said...

She reminds me so much of a co-worker of mine.

I love the way she says "Ciao." Very "Get the hell out of here."

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I like Iman and the judges here better than original PR. They seem to give more constructive criticism, and are less bitchy. And I love that Iman has a sense of humor and seems to care when people leave. The only one I miss from original PR is Tim Gunn (naturally--not that Brian is bad... but he's not Tim Gunn!). Thanks T&L for linking PR Canada!