Also, we got in touch with the strip's illustrator (and S3 alum) Robert Best who gave us a little interview.
Well, let's start with a Robert Best update. Has your life changed after Project Runway? You had a pretty solid career before the show - Isaac Mizrahi, Anne Klein and Donna Karan not to mention your years as the Principal Designer at Mattel. What have you been working on lately? Are you getting laid more?
The most significant way my life has changed since Project Runway is that I am recognized by every manner of person in the oddest places. It's not like being mobbed by adoring fans - it's more like ,"Say didn't we meet at Katy's wedding... how do I know you?" it makes a person feel a little paranoid because you reach a point where you just wanna scream" Yes... it's me - I was on the third season of Project Runway...'" the person will stare back at me perplexed and respond with something like "Dude, I was just wondering if I could work in..." or something equally humbling. Then when people seem to look at you too long, you just assume you have toilet paper stuck to your shoe or something. I thought it would all kinda go away now that there is a new cast to follow but I guess it will always be a part of what people associate with me. I pretty much have just been busy with Barbie and back to business as usual at Mattel. I get laid about the same as before. Maybe just a little more interest from some, because more people know who I am.
How are things in Barbie world? Why do you think Barbies are so universally popular, not just with little girls, but grown women and middle-aged gay men?
Barbie remains as awesome as ever. I'm very fortunate in my job. I think Barbie is universally popular because she's escapist in that good way like "Golden Girls", or an old Hollywood musical. Barbie reminds us of our childhoods and for most people those years are happy times. It doesn't seem like something bad is gonna happen when Barbie's around. Plus she has a kick-ass wardrobe and she's gone through more image overhauls than Madonna so you gotta love her.
We still remember when Laura showed us that sketch you did of her back in the day. She absolutely adored it. It's ironic that now you're sketching her once a month. What special features or characteristics about Laura inspired you to draw her that way? We noticed the character even has the infamous Hermes bag.
Laura is easy to draw because she's one of those people who is larger than life. In a way she is cartoon-y because she has this red hair, wears red lipstick and has this very specific style that translates really well into a sketch. In some ways it's almost a good lesson in style, if you distill a person's style into a cartoon or a sketch - does it translate, and if it doesn't maybe they're just boring (and I should know). Like Jackie O was big hair big sunglasses and neat little sixties suits with pillboxes, etc. I've always wanted to do a cartoon type book sketching all the great fashion icons who've inspired me like Catherine Deneuve in" Belle Du Jour", Julie Christie in "Darling", Capucine in "The Pink Panther"... maybe one day. But for now I have a ball sketching Laura in all her fabulosity.
People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura.
How was your relationship with her on the show? She's always had nothing but wonderful things to say about you; how talented you are and how beautifully you sketch. Now's your chance to let it all out. She's really a hardcore bitch, right?The truth about Laura... this is the part where I say she's completely crazy or I really only took the job for the money, but honestly I've always liked Laura and though we shared insults on the show it was all in good fun. I don't think I would have liked her if she hadn't held her own or been as straight talking as she is. I like that Laura calls things as she sees them, and she pulls no punches. I prefer people with strong, sharp personalities and Laura is good that way. I don't have much time or patience for dull or stupid people.
She told us that she had nothing to do with iVillage hiring you for the strip; that you submitted your resume and they loved it. Needless to say, we're not surprised. What made you decide to give it a try?
When Laura contacted me with the iVillage project it just seemed like a really natural fit, because we get along and we have similar taste. It also just seemed like it would be a fun opportunity, and I love to draw so why not! I submitted some samples of my sketches and they were very excited at the idea, so it went forward pretty smoothly.
Do you watch Season 4? If so, what do you think of the designers? Rooting for anyone?
I am watching season 4. I'm pretty bored. Not really rooting for anyone, maybe Sweet P cuz I love her name, and Rami was such an asshole to her and she came out looking like the better person so that was fun, otherwise it is what it is.
[Illustrations: Robert Best/iVillage.com - Photo: Wireimage - Screencap: Project RunGay]
99 comments:
"People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura."
What coat is this? I have no memory of a fabulous coat...
"People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura."
Huh? I feel like the last one to hear about the "big party"...and "oh, you didn't know? You can come if you WANT...".
sniff.
-Ignatz
Great interview!
As long as PR plays rerun marathons, people will always remember him. I'm really glad he still has his job with Mattel, and that his creativity is going strong.
Robert is definitely one of the designers who I know would be so much fun to hang out with. He wore one of funniest shirts ever during filming...."you looked better on My Space"
BlueBoy said...
"People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura."
What coat is this? I have no memory of a fabulous coat...
We added a picture of the coat to the post.
Robert Best had this coat at a promotional shoot for Project Runway. Laura loved it and he allowed her to wear it during the filming of Project Runway 3. The border of the coat is silk screened figures drawn by Robert. Later, when she tried to return it he said she could keep it.
You can see a mini version of the trench coat here .
XO
T&L
With the departure of Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne, I think it'd be great if Target asked Laura Bennett to take his place and give it her own style.
Excellent idea, kanani! Robert and Laura were my two faves last season. Alas, I am too poor to buy things at that level, but I would be all over Target if Laura designed for them.
Robert was one of my favs and definitely was auf'd too soon. Could you imagine the couture gown he would have made???
Glad he's doing well! Thanks T Lo.
Fabulous Q&A, boys! I love Robert Best. He's so funny and catty. His illustrations are GORGEOUS! Robert and Laura best combo EVER!
Loved Robert Best on PR3-I've always thought that the three harpies (ahem, judges) beat the creativity right out of him before he was auf'd.
But,it's all good-he's drawing Laura, and dressing Barbie-how fab is that!
Awww, I love Robert!! What a nice surprise.
Fab interview, bitches!! Season3 was awesome!!! Kayne, Robert, Laura...what a great group of fabulous, talented, funny people!!
LOVE. HIM. Thank you, guys! This is so cool.
Robert is so freaking talented. Those drawings are beyond fabulous.
I love that you interviewed Robert...his answers are funny!! Great way to start my day : )
How could he think it would all go away after a new season with all the reruns that Bravo shows? (And will keep showing in perpetuity.)
These designers are going to be like the Brady Bunch kids; frozen in time.
I have every confidence that, even after a nuclear holocaust, and the only living thing left on the planet is cockroaches, Bravo will still be broadcasting an endless loop of PR reruns, (and the cockroachs will, for the first time in evolutionary history, start worrying about their thighs & their fabulosity factor).
--GothamTomato
this is flipping fabulous. i just love the collaboration of these two. so tongue in cheek, so chic, so...everything.
This is fabulous!!
Thanks, guys. You sure know how to brighten my mornings.
F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!
These designers are going to be like the Brady Bunch kids; frozen in time.
Ha! Good one!!
THAT's what PR4 is missing! It needs more than one "House Wit" so they can play off each other! PR3 was crawling with them. For that matter, so was PR2. Hell, even PR1 was better stocked. Wake me up when Chris gets to Fashion Week.....
"People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura."
What are you talking about? I see this picture? Is that the coat? When did he give this to her?
Still miss you, Robert!
Fabulous! I LOVE Robert Best!!! I got one of his T shirts from Target..!
This comic strip is more fabulosity and glad to hear Robert is doing so well. I didn't know about that coat either..details, please.
Robert, if I ever run in to you, there will be no awkward moment. Just me fawning "OMG, there's Robert Best from Project Runway!!!" loud enough so the entire terminal can hear me (see in my fantasy meeting it's in an airport). ;)
I see now.
Who worried about their thighs? That must be a woman thing.
It's sad how dull the people are in this season - they are great designers half of the time, but most of them just sit back and complain to themselves about the challenge or cry... I think I'm only rooting for Christian because he does make me laugh here and there.
It never occurred to me, but Robert could very well be responsible for the Movie Star Barbie collection (e.g., stunning red charmeuse gown that falls gracefully to the floor, accented with a matching red belt with golden buckle) that I have in the closet, um, er, waiting for my niece to get old enough. Yeah, that's the ticket.
"sam said...
"People still talk about that fabulous coat you gave Laura."
What are you talking about? I see this picture? Is that the coat? When did he give this to her?"
See TLo's comment above.
Oh just scrolled up and saw the details on the coat...thanks T Lo!
Robert is sooo talented! I love his illustrations of Laura! (and Barbie.)
Thanks for the interview! Love it!
I feel so "connected" reading this site and so informed!
You guys are great!!
Robert was always a riot on PR. I'll get on the love bandwagon re: his Laura cartooning and Barbie designing.
He also reminds me of a guy I used to date a million years ago.
Now, can he start sketching Tim Gunn and have him help men out with their fashion emergencies?
"Are you getting laid more? "
ROFLMAO. Only you bitches would ask that and that's why I love you both.
oh my god this is gorge i love Robert!
I checked out the comic strip. The illustrations were great. That is the only nice thing I can say about it. The advice was sorely lacking and this should be just used for entertainment value only. I don't think this will last unfortunately.
anonymous 10:39, what was lacking about the advice? I loved it!
anonymous 10:39, what was lacking about the advice? I loved it!
What was lacking was good content. the bag question was how can I combine all bags, gym, shopping, hand and baby. Where is the shopping bag? That wasn't addressed. Or the gym.
Also on the previous one, the question was how do I look good at parties with no time to SHOP. She told her what things to buy for your wardrobe that will always be classic. She didn't answer the question in either case.
Anonymous said...
What was lacking was good content. the bag question was how can I combine all bags, gym, shopping, hand and baby. Where is the shopping bag? That wasn't addressed. Or the gym.
That wasn't the question. This was:
"Help, Laura! With all my errands and the kids' after-school activities, I look like a disheveled bellhop by the end of the day. How can I look put-together and still carry everything I need?"
Nothing in there about shopping or gym bags.
Also on the previous one, the question was how do I look good at parties with no time to SHOP. She told her what things to buy for your wardrobe that will always be classic. She didn't answer the question in either case.
You're misrepresenting again. This was the question:
"Help, Laura! With the holiday season in full swing, I have so many parties to go to. I want to be glamorous. But, as a mom, I don't have the time or the money to put together an entire glam wardrobe. What can I do?"
She didn't say she had NO time to shop. She just said that she didn't have time to "to put together an entire glam wardrobe."
Fabulous start to the day. Thank-you, Thank-you. Thank-you.
I think iVillage/laura/robert should put the origina drawings up on eBay to benefit a charity.
Love, love, triple love the latest Robert-drawn, Laura-inspired cartoon.
Robert's comments on Season 4 made me think that possibly PR is on a good season/dull season cycle.
Season One: Fabulous
Season Two: meh
Season Three: Fabulous
Season Four: fierce only in its blog form
Maybe you need a dull season as a palate cleanser to appreciate the better seasons before and after?
I think the point was that you go back and choose one bag that looks fantastic. It might not be Hermes, but believe me, you can find fabulous laptop bags at Target.
I know, it's hard when you have kids. I remember using my stroller as a combination battering ram and U-Haul.
But edit through what you really need to have. Does baby really need sixteen diapers, a full can of wipes, two changes of clothes every time you step out the door? Probably not. Can you find a way to wear that stretch yoga shirt under your clothes? Make it part of your look? I'll bet you can.
And you'll look fabulous.
Great strip! Of course, as a hard-core tote bag junkie, I was bound to love it.
"Not really rooting for anyone, maybe Sweet P cuz I love her name, and Rami was such an asshole to her and she came out looking like the better person so that was fun, otherwise it is what it is."
YES!!!
I knew I love him.
I was at some high end furniture store in Boulder over the holidays, and was wandering through the 'art' section when I saw some glamor Barbie illustrations, with gorgeous dresses from different eras of fashion. I knew I recognized the style from somewhere, and indeed, when I looked closer it was Robert's handiwork! They were really high quality, and I wish I had forced myself to make room for a couple of them in my luggage. You go, Robert!
TLo! You changed your avitar to an Alex! version. It looks fabulous!
Robert Best is so hot. That dark hair is irresistable. I think he is getting laid more than he lets on.
I'm over the moon that Robert mentioned the Golden Girls. I have a freakish fascination with that show. I adore Dorothy's wardrobe. I know, I know, but I just can't help it.
And, let me add that I think Robert should do that cartoon book he's been thinking about. His illustrations are stunning. I would buy something like that in a heartbeat.
Robert is very talented as a designer and illustrator and
Laura gives sage advice, as always.
When are the downloadable paper dolls coming out?
The big surprise for me in the interview is that Laura and Robert didn't start out as a team for the iVillage cartoon advice column. I'm stunned that he had to submit sketches. Having him do the drawings is such an obvious choice!
Well, either Robert or Alex!. heh.
I want Robert Best to be my BFF.
Interesting that he likes Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour & Capucine in the Pink Panther -- both designed by Yves Saint Laurent in the 60s. You can REALLY see that influence in Robert's dress for the first challenge, not as much in his later challenges (I think).
I love Laura, but even more I love Robert. And I really loved Robert & Kayne working together! Please, please BRAVO, create a new Robert & Kayne show with Laura as a frequent special guest!!
I really miss those guys. Thank goodness you report on them regularly.
Loved the comic strip. I am 9 months pregnant and shuddered with horror everytime I saw the diaper bags that were available for sale. What self-respecting woman would want to carry a bag with winnie the pooh or mickey mouse stitched on it?!?!? Not I. Who knew there was a population of such FUG bags out there? I have refused to buy them and at last settled for a very cool tote made of a great, funky asian fabric. I am so glad to know that even if I end up schlepping my baby around town in jeans & a t-shirt, at least my bag will be fabulous.
~ muellersdayoff
I love Robert! I feel like Anonymous 8:43 - what coat? It's fabulous Why haven't we seen it before, or did I miss it????
Two things:
First,
gotham tomato said:
"I have every confidence that, even after a nuclear holocaust, and the only living thing left on the planet is cockroaches, Bravo will still be broadcasting an endless loop of PR reruns, (and the cockroachs will, for the first time in evolutionary history, start worrying about their thighs & their fabulosity factor)."
Now THAT is the funniest, most true thing I've heard all week...
Second, Robert Best was always one of my favorites, and this interview just reinforces my opinion. I like that he's fairly outspoken about his political beliefs. He is a terrific designer, fantastic PR character, and most importantly, seems to be a good person.
You are NOT boring, Robert!
Especially when compared with this crop of S4 dullards.
*shrugs*
Back in the day I just bought a diaper bag that didn`t look like one, with cool, wide ,blue and white stripes. Bubbie still uses it to this day as his suitcase for traveling. (he`s 12 now.) Ummmm, back on topic, yea cartoon?!
Kzspot
To Sewing Siren: Love the coat! Thanks for the "extra" on a no-Runway Wednesday.
And TLo thanks for keeping us all happy this season.
I loved Laura's advice about trashing the juvenile bag and getting something chic and grown up. Babies can carry things with
ducks and stuff on it – why should their mothers!
"Now THAT is the funniest, most true thing I've heard all week..."
Really?
Gorgeous, simply gorgeous, Robert IS the BEST!
Great interview! I always love them. I miss S3 a lot! Best season ever, IMO.
Ok, I missed the coat too, but seeing it here, it is really cute!
I am trying to find Robert's blog or cartoon thing on iVillage and can't find it! Can anyone help?
Jeana said...
Ok, I missed the coat too, but seeing it here, it is really cute!
I am trying to find Robert's blog or cartoon thing on iVillage and can't find it! Can anyone help?
Hi Jeana,
There's a link to it in the post, but you can see it here too.
XO
T&L
I have never been able to navigate to find it on ivillage myself either. I have only found it through your link.
Also, it would be nice if they would make the illustrations bigger so that we could click on them and view them blown up larger to see all the detail. Now when you try to look at them larger size they are just all fuzzy. And at the end they should put all the panels together in one strip so we can click on it and see it larger and all at once. Just my 2 cents....But I love it. Laura is fabulous and Robert is a very talented illustrtor.
PS: Are you guys going to update us on what day we have to call in sick in order to buy a Laura Bennett dress on QVC?
A "princess" phone! What a fabulous detail!
As usual, thanks for sharing the fabulosity!
Slow news day eh?
"Anonymous said...
Slow news day eh?"
Hi Jeffrey!!!
Robert Best is boring and it's a good thing he kept his day job at Mattel.
I respectfully disagree, Robert is great. I think he was just one of those guys who has trouble with the confines of the show. Look at his Barbi clothes, they are fabulous.
She really is THE BEST, isn't she?
LOVE. HER.
Aw, Frank! How cute!! Remember Tim saying to Laura 'I draw the line at turtle poop'? Hilarious!!!
"asian spices said...
Robert Best is boring and it's a good thing he kept his day job at Mattel.
4:17 PM"
In case anyone cares, this isn't me. Some loser is using my screen name.
Good interview. Robert is so completely shaggably delicious. If he's not getting laid more after the show it's because he's not sharing the wealth!
Lovely to hear from Robert! I think he has a very thoughtful aesthetic sense. Some of what he produced on PR may not have been fashion forward, but it sure would have worked well on this woman of a certain age (okay, 58.)
(Of course after reading this thread, I am picturing cockroaches in Barbie clothes and heels, worrying about their thighs. Thanks, GT - my day really needed that picture!)
Excuse me, but why the hate on LB? Her advice is great, and Robert's illustrations (as stated over, and over, and over) are brilliant.
I want Laura to be my BFF...
The idea of a Project Runway All-Stars has been mentioned here before, but if it ever happens I would hope Robert would be asked back. So talented! Such a great personality too. And the camera loves him...
Sometimes Chris March reminds me a little of him--criticized by the judges, so then he pulls back and loses some of his confidence and perspective.
Is Rami the only one who has been boring the judges this season (with the repetition of draping)? They've complained that Ricky's work is simple and not up to par, that Chris is costumey and dated...has anyone else gotten the boring critique?
Robert's personality was always fun to watch, never boring, and I think his designs became "safe" more than "boring" as he tried to give the judges what they wanted. Hated when he was booted--in my opinion "Everyday Woman" remains the most unfair challenge to date. Still get annoyed thinking about it a year later!
Robert Best is definitely one of the most talented designers from S3. I love most of his designs and he was fun to watch, not those boring, self-important, self-entitled ones from S4.
"KatieM said...
I love most of his designs and he was fun to watch..."
I agree, he and Kayne got along great, also Laura and Michael, Keith and Alison, I mean, seriously, what happened this season?
Anyway, fabulous illustrations, darlings! Thank you for another shot in the vein of fabulosity, poodles.
Loveyameanit.
I love Robert so much as a designer, and he was in my top 3 from last season, but the irony of him saying people are boring on PR4 and he was the "boring" one from PR3 is amazing.
"Lanj said...
I love Robert so much as a designer, and he was in my top 3 from last season, but the irony of him saying people are boring on PR4 and he was the "boring" one from PR3 is amazing."
I disagree. He was not boring at all, his designs maybe, but not him. He was entertaining as hell, especially when he was chatting with Kayne.
Robert, darling, you're the best!
Thank you for this interview, guys. I really enjoyed it.
Love love Laura The Fabulously Glamorous.
Robert Best is hot hot HOT and I love him. But the fact is: that Laura Bennett cartoon doesn't resemble Laura Bennett even one tiny bit. Not one iota. The cartoon looks like a high school girl and has none of Laura's sophistication or dry wit or intelligence.
Robert os a honey and super talented, too. The coat got "barbie-sized" and sold on trench setter (too bad she wasn't a redhead).. His 2007 BFMC was a triumph!
I love this woman. I want to be her BFF! Le Best is very doable, no?
"Do you watch Season 4? If so, what do you think of the designers? Rooting for anyone?
I am watching season 4. I'm pretty bored. Not really rooting for anyone, maybe Sweet P cuz I love her name, and Rami was such an asshole to her and she came out looking like the better person so that was fun, otherwise it is what it is."
ROFL. LOVE HIM. I read somewhere (I forget where) one of the models saying that Rami really was kind of an asshole.
What sunglasses are Laura wearing in the photo?
Robert, if you wanna get laid more, just lemme know.
Wasn't he dating a porn star?
His name is Jan Fischer. Here's a picture of them. So Marc Jacobs of him, I love it!
Laura,
I love your fashion tips. Keep ‘em coming! 8-). I love bags too! Bags can be such a glamorous fashion statement.
" Sewing Siren said...
Robert is very talented as a designer and illustrator and
Laura gives sage advice, as always.
When are the downloadable paper dolls coming out?"
Yes, my daughter would love them :)
Sewing Siren said...
When are the downloadable paper dolls coming out?
Janet said...
Yes, my daughter would love them :)
Hi darlings,
They will be offered on Laura and Robert's website, caseclothed.com, which they are still building.
There will be the free paperdoll and other stuff.
XO
T&L
"His name is Jan Fischer."
Ew, and he looks like a dirty little twink.
Thank goodness for rubbers.
As a pregnant woman, I really enjoyed this last strip. Good advice LB!
If you have any dressing tips for people who are pregnant and whose gag reflexes work overtime upon entering a maternity shop, they would be well appreciated.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Robert's sketches. They do a wonderful job merging comics with fashion sketches. And, something about them gives the comic strip that little Sean Connery-style smirk--the one that winked at the audience, where he let us know he never took the script seriously.
P.s. (Qualification on my request to LB for advice for pregnant women):
I am down to a few pairs of pants (all with elastic waistbands--the idea of wearing maternity pants makes me want to cry). I gave up wearing heels a few weeks ago, when I started realizing that my center of gravity had changed positions. Tops don't seem to be much of a problem. I now buy size medium tops (I used to be a size 2 to 4). I still would like to avoid purchasing too many new clothes, especially since I hope that the extra weight will disappear within a reasonable time, and would like to avoid having a closet stocked with useless (hideous) maternity clothes. (This sort of thing would probably be better posted on the comics' website, wouldn't it? Copy/paste time!
Fergus,
You should be wearing rubbers whether someone looks like a dirty little twink or a shiny angel...
I say good for Jan.
A
OHMYGOD Thank you so much for the RB update, guys. I love him!
"Anonymous said...
His name is Jan Fischer. Here's a picture of them."
He's HOT!!
Honestly--my issue with the comic is that Laura isn't that fabulous. I hate that red lipstick she insists on wearing--I know, I know, it's some sort of I am mama but still fabulous kind of statement, but the red doesn't compliment her face. I saw her once--once--without it on the show and I thought she looked 100 times better. The illustrated Laura looks about 20 years younger and wears clothes better. Robert's drawings rock, though!
"Susan said...
Honestly--my issue with the comic is that Laura isn't that fabulous. I hate that red lipstick she insists on wearing--I know, I know, it's some sort of I am mama but still fabulous kind of statement, but the red doesn't compliment her face. I saw her once--once--without it on the show and I thought she looked 100 times better. The illustrated Laura looks about 20 years younger and wears clothes better. Robert's drawings rock, though!"
Laura isn't fabulous, she's beyond fabulous, but that's something that surbubia moms will never grasp.
The illustrations are gorgeous and it's always nice to come here and see a post about Laura. Go, darling, teach (or make them jealous) those poor creatures that there's a life beyond the Kmart cash register line.
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