In the latest issue of Elle Magazine (sorry darlings, the article's not online), La Fabulista offers her thoughts on the success of Project Runway and reveals some of her favorite looks and designers from seasons past. Here are some snippets you can all
"Looking back on season one, I am amazed at how the show - from the contestants who have participated to the roster of designers who are currently competing - has evolved and impacted the fashion industry and the way it has inspired young talent."
"Getting to know the contestants from day one, seeing how they evolve and muster the perseverance to make it to New York Fashion Week to realize their dreams, is the most rewarding thing about being involved in the show."
"Some of my favorites didn't actually win."
Austin Scarlett and his cornhusk dress:
"His personal style and features remind me of a young Yves Saint Laurent."
"Austin really stood out among the other designers because he had such a clear design aesthetic."
Mychael Knight and his coffee filter dress:
"Michael had a better understanding of the challenges presented than anyone else."
"No matter how outrageous the challenge, like designing a dress out of supermarket finds, he approached each one with a sense of practicality and was able to articulate his vision eloquently."
Daniel Vosovic and his "garden party" dress (are we sensing a theme here?):
"When I first met Daniel Vosovic in season two, he had the presence of a designer."
"He was handsome, talented and bright beyond his 24 years - the total package."
"He had a clean style that developed throughout the competition."
Laura Bennett and her garbage dress (clearly, Nina hates fabric):
"Laura Bennett never ceased to impress me. Like Austin, Laura had a very distinct point of view and, in a way, was her own muse."
"Always chic, sophisticated, and collected in the most stressful situations."
"Laura was consistently able to create a signature look."
Santino Rice and his Nicky Hilton dress:
*chirping crickets*
We looked and we looked and we could find not one word about Santino anywhere in the article. The dress appears under her favorites, but she didn't say anything about him. She still fears for her life, poor thing.
She also offered this little observation:
"As Project Runway has evolved, so have its contestants. What started out as a platform for budding talents to gain recognition has evolved into a show that attracts established designers who already run successful businesses, have worked for legendary designers, or have done costumes for television and movies. The new contestants are testaments to the very awareness that Project Runway has provoked."
She talks about that like it's a good thing.
[Photos: Bravotv.com]
82 comments:
The new contestants might be "testaments to the very awareness that Project Runway has provoked," but you're right -- it's one of the reasons why the show isn't as exciting as it once was.
That being said -- as a viewer, I love the non-fabric challenges as well. Not knowing squat about actual construction, I tune in to see people forced to be really creative, which is what those off-the-wall challenges are really about. And to me, the supermarket challenge and the garbage challenge were really fun (as opposed to the Hershey challenge, which is cross-market advertising at it's most obvious and obnoxious.)
She isn't alone in fearing Santino. I don't even know him and he still scares the shit out of me.
There is no doubt in my mind that Christian is her favorite designer this year.
I think it is hard for her to see past the phyisical appearance of the designer.
"She still fears for her life, poor thing" had me laughing for a good 5 minutes
OFF TOPIC
When are you bitches going to get to jillians and chris' dresses?
Those were my favs but they zoomed by at mach 12 on the runway!!
stop making me check this goddamn blog every hour and blog my favs,ho's.
In case that didn't come across as witty sarcasm in print, it was.
but please show the good screencaps of those dresses...like...now
I agree, it was better with talented unknowns. Even back then, the established designers--Kara Saun, Jeffrey, Chloe, etc. were less fun as contestants. Young lions dying to prove themselves is what this show should be about.
Blech
Her and Heidi
I have no use for either one of them
I feel like she couldn't care less about any of those designers or their careers.
"She talks about that like it's a good thing."
Amen, Sisters.
Is it possible for a critic to be called "one note"? If so, I think we have the charter member of that club. Nina's fashion myopia is really getting tiresome. She just seems so disconnected from what truly is fresh and exciting. Screw the "on trend" talk! By the time something has become "on trend," that means it's old and over out in the real world (cf: baby doll silhouettes). Seasons 1 (both in the US and Canada) were so exciting because you had fresh new talent that was interested in presenting truly new ideas.
No love for Nina here.
OK, so if it isn't Nina who's voting for these looks that win, then who is? Why wasn't Austin in the finals? Why didn't Laura or Michael win?
And despite what she says about the way the show has evolved, I still think seasons 1 & 2, were head & shoulders above season 3. (The jury is still out on Season 4).
--GothamTomato
I totally agree with Agnes Gooch. I have repeatedly beat my head against the wall at Nina's definitions of "boring" and how "boring" is somehow a cardinal sin. Boring is better than ugly, which is an apt description of a lot of the stuff Nina likes!
Okay, well first of all, this is not a stupid blog. It is responsible for literally thousands of wasted office hours per day during the PR season. Good work boys!
I like Nina. I do. But she seems to sink deeper and deeper into some kind of a delusionary haze each season. It seems like she's getting too cozy in her little spot next to the Duchess and guest judge. Admittedly, this is a good gig for her, her career, and her magazine. It's easy to see why she wants to snuggle in and stay a while.
I do agree with most of her choices, particularly the fabulous Laura B. Dead on sista.
Nina's a gorgeous lady, too.
(Chris! Chris! Chris! Chris! Let's see the dress! Chris ! Chris! Chris!)
I think the show could benefit from some fresh judging in Season 5 (if there is a season 5).
The only thing consistant about the judging is how inconsistant it it. She and the Duchess, both, seem completely arbitrary.
And Michael Kors has an ass like a fortune cookie: You never know what nonsensically pithy phrase he's going to pull out of it. (Though no winning numbers yet).
--GothamTomato
bitchesdye said...
I agree, it was better with talented unknowns. Even back then, the established designers--Kara Saun, Jeffrey, Chloe, etc. were less fun as contestants. Young lions dying to prove themselves is what this show should be about.
1:09 PM
I agree, even though I am a big fan of Kara Saun and Chloe Dao. Their success on PR was less of a surprise given their previous experience in the business.
Watching the designers who are just out of school who haven't yet had that opportunity is simply more fun for me as a viewer.
I'm also wondering this season if the fact that Jillian has worked for Ralph Lauren, and Christian's stint in London gives them a bit of an edge with the judges, in that are Nina/MK/Heidi actually going to eliminate designers who have those credentials/connections?
I like Christian, and think he's very talented, but I really thought that he was gone after that horror of a prom dress-that was just ghastly. In his case, were Nina/MK/Heidi really going to dump someone who went to the London school of fashion and worked with Alexander McQueen? I'm not being cynical, but honestly asking.
It's OK, Princess Puffysleeves, I really do like you!
As an editor, she's probably seen everything a billion times and is left a bit desensitized and bored - so of course she likes corn husks, filters and foliage. For her they're genuinely original.
P.S.- This blog isn't stupid, and it doesn't make your butt look big either. You're good enough; you're smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like you (even if we are only mean, snarky bitches).
--GothamTomato
May I take this opportunity to say that it's time for a limited edition Nina bobble-head...let's think of all the phrases that could pop out:
It's not aesthetically pleasing.....
May I take this opportunity to say that it's time for a limited edition Nina bobble-head...let's think of all the phrases that could pop out:
It's not aesthetically pleasing.....
Nina rubs me the wrong way. I agree with Suzanne (earlier post who said she doesn't give a crap about the designers or their careers.) So who cares what she thinks? Especially after the seriously whacked judgement she's shown this season.
And can someone please tell her to cut her hair. Or invest in some strong hold gel. One of these days she's going to fly away on the wings of her flyaways.
The chirping crickets had me laughing so hard I'm still wiping tears from my eyes!
Hahahahahahaha! Snort!
Marina said...
Nina rubs me the wrong way. I agree with Suzanne (earlier post who said she doesn't give a crap about the designers or their careers.) So who cares what she thinks? Especially after the seriously whacked judgement she's shown this season.
And can someone please tell her to cut her hair. Or invest in some strong hold gel. One of these days she's going to fly away on the wings of her flyaways.
1:44 PM
THANK YOU!!! I never could understand all the ga ga over her hair, its so thin, long and looks flat most of the time. As someone that has the same texture but with a lot more hair than Nina, I say with confidence....quit hiding behind the drapes dear! Go get it cut and styled to show off your best features....mainly your eyes. Nina has gorgeous eyes and cheek bones but you would never know since she hides them.
And another thing....does anyone else think Nina is the "real" devil wears Prada? I do. LMAO.
Oh and I'll toss these gems into the bobble head sayings----
"Its just looks old to me"
"Its boring"
Whoops forgot to add
QUIT MAKING US WAIT! WHERE IS CHRIS'S DRESS???
Love ya guys! Kiss noise.
"testaments to the very awareness that Project Runway has provoked."
I'm trying to understand that. It depends, I guess, on what kind of awareness we are talking about. If the awareness is of fashion generally, then, those new contestants were surely already aware of that. If the awareness is of the creative process, well then, they knew that too, didn't they? If it's that talent blooms over time, then wouldn't the experience working for an established designer be better? But, if it's the awareness that fame follows, however briefly, a stint on the show,and that some invitation to "Dancing with the Reality Stars" may eventually be forthcoming, well then, you have it!
In other words, I thought it was more fun watching talent be discovered than watching established talent become more established through quirky challenges.
i'm sure the show is still attracting the fabulous freaks out there. if you want talented professionals, you're going to get a more focused, low-key group of individuals. the drama is in ruffling their preened feathers with these wacky challenges.
It's funny. She picked dresses (except for the Santino/Nicky Hilton dress) that everyone already loves. Nothing earth-shattering there. It's like she went to the blogs and found the 4 dresses that the fans all consistently applaud and said, "I like those, too!"
*chirping crickets*
HA!! I (heart) you guys.
All those dresses in the article have a similar sillouette.
And every time i see alexandra in that dress I think "she's not zaftig!!!!"
There seems to be violent agreement on ninagarciaeditorofellemagazine, so I will only add my name to the long list of those who find her opinions to be boring, and lacking in taste.
Bobblehead quotations:
"It's fresh, It's young!" (usually about something that astute bloggers on this site find within moments online.)
"It's seriously lacking in taste."
bitchesdye said...
All those dresses in the article have a similar sillouette.
And every time i see alexandra in that dress I think "she's not zaftig!!!!"
Re: Alexandra and the coffee filter dress-I thought she looked amazing in that dress! Zaftig-NO WAY.
Well, since you've opened up the can of Nina worms...
It is my belief that somewhere in a windowless room at Elle, there sits an underpaid and overworked assistant crying while working vehemently with a bedazzler in one hand and NinaGarcia’s upcoming Project Runway wardrobe selection in the other.
No wonder VictorYa won the prom dress episode. Nina probably has the exact dress in the labyrinth that is her closet. Bitch wears more rhinestones on her shirts than Liberace. It also explains the shitty runway lighting this season. Bravo was afraid to blind us all from the reflection off Nina.
Does it mean that I'm a total Project Runway geek if I point out that Michael's dress wasn't from supermarket finds but from the coffee filters in the apartments? Supermarkets happened in season 1. The first challenge of season 3 involved all the designers ripping their apartment to shreds (literally) to get materials for the clothing.
I'm also anxious for your post about Chris' and Jillian's dresses, but you boys have been posting lots this week, and I appreciate that.
TheNeighborsWillHear said:
Does it mean that I'm a total Project Runway geek
Honey! You say that like it's a bad thing!
I too think Nina is influenced by what the designer looks like and if to her they seem fashion forward. But I also agree that if she's judging based on what's "on trend" then by definition it's not fashion forward, it's just imitating what's already out there.
She and the duchess seem like they're trying so hard to show that they're not old fogeys, they pick designs that seem "right now" without regard to whether the design has any true merit. Which is the problem with fashion anyway. When you ask Nina or Tim (or read their books), they tell you to go for classic looks rather than trendy. But the judges treat classic as if it were smallpox on the runway. What a conundrum
From Nina's comment about Michael:
"No matter how outrageous the challenge, like designing a dress out of supermarket finds, he approached each one with a sense of practicality and was able to articulate his vision eloquently."
Wasn't Supermarket Sweeps Season 1? I seem to remember Michael's season was Shred Your Apartment.
Sorry, I was too late in posting -- but correct nonetheless.
In fairness to Nina, I do recall her absolutely gushing over Daniel's garden dress. (I remmeber since I felt it was overpraised).
It's funny, if Nina's really did love Michael's coffee filter dress, then the others, except for Heidi must not been very enamored with it compared with the other outfits. Heidi made it clear early on that was 1 of her faves of season 3.
But regardless of the memroy lapse on the challenge, Nina did nail Michael's (and Laura's & Austin's) strengths dead on.
Frank
I actually like Nina and usually agree (give or take) with her more than the other judges. The concept of having the 4 judges worked in theory. You have the one that "wears" the clothes (Heidi), one that makes the clothes (Dutchess), one who "markets/edits" (Nina) and one who is in it for the challenge (Guest).
In that role, Nina does do a good job of remaining editorially. She is actually more on point when she reminds herself of it out loud. "to me, in an editorial way, it just doesn't work", which is perfect feedback.
"frank said: But regardless of the memroy lapse on the challenge, Nina did nail Michael's (and Laura's & Austin's) strengths dead on."
True. I'm just wondering who's making the decisions if she wanted different designers than who won (whether it be for a challenge or a season). And since the season winners get featured in Elle, I'd have figured that she had more say in it.
Whether you're a judge or a viewer, you are judging based on your own taste. However there are some judging decisions that are seriously wonky, (ie; when the wrong person has been auf'd), and I'm just wondering where those decisions come from. I think a lot of people do.
--GothamTomato
I tend to zone out during the judge's comments on the show. I'd rather wait until the next morning (and following days) to see/read the concensus here.
I wish they would keep all the designers around, don't eliminate each week but keep a running total until the end. Some of my favorite designers have made one tiny error and BAM they're gone, while others are on the bottom week after week but never kicked off.
And I've always wondered "who really has the final say?"
psychomom, I like your idea!
All last season, I kept thinking of Malan and what the show would have been like if he hadn't left so early.
I have always thought that they should have a parallel universe PR: When they get eliminated, they go to that other workroom (& other apartments) & keep doing the challenges, but that footage is not shown (except maybe in some after-season special, where were get to see clips, and what they created for those challenges that happened after they were eliminated).
Would be interesting to see.
--GothamTomato
Laura and Camilla look fabulous in that picture. It's still one of my favorites dresses/design.
As to the Bobble Head for Nina how about " I really am confused"
I don't understand why people hate Nina so much. I think she's an excellent judge, and as a fashion editor, she represents a very important segment of the fashion industry. Designers rely on the fashion editors' opinion every show, every season. A fashion editor can make or break a designer.
Could someone at Elle magazine please hand Nina a thesaurus? There's got to be another word for "evolve."
I think Nina is FIERCE. LOVE HER. Maybe it's a gay thing, I don't know...
By the way, I love her choices, except Santino's dress.
I will add that the one (and only) thing that I liked better about Top Design (for those of us that stuck it through) was that the judges would openly, sometimes aggressively, disagree with each other.
Margaret and Kelley would get into some good ones and that would give me a better view of the thought process behind their individual decisions. I'd like to see more of that here.
GothamTomato said...
I have always thought that they should have a parallel universe PR: When they get eliminated, they go to that other workroom (& other apartments) & keep doing the challenges, but that footage is not shown (except maybe in some after-season special, where were get to see clips, and what they created for those challenges that happened after they were eliminated).
Would be interesting to see.
--GothamTomato
Katherine Gerdes actually did do that....she continued on at home with the assigned challenges after she was eliminated.
How's this for the bobblehead:
"It doesn't look EXPENSIVE".
OK, so nobody's said it yet? I'm shocked, but OK, looks like it's up to me:
Re: Nina Bobblehead -
Girl IS her own bobblehead!
*ba-dum-dum CHINNNG!*
Thank you! I'll be here all night. Enjoy the buffet.
HA! I love the idea of the bobblehead:
"I'm confused"
"There is something to be desired in the execution.
Nina-ism: "It's not very appropriate."
but you boys have been posting lots this week, and I appreciate that.
What, this isn't the standard? Oh nooooo!
Given the way this show is going (it's my first season), I don't know how I can survive watching without this analysis (euphemism for bitchery).
One thing about Nina herself is that she's always nicely turned out. And at least she doesn't use Heidi's phrase: "The boobs weren't in the right place" or "The boobs were going everywhere." (something like that).
Santino made for great reality TV viewing. I also loved that he did some truly outrageous things --the chicken in flames ice skating costume.
The good thing about THIS blog is that it replaces what's missing both in some of the creations and also the judging.
Spoiler: For the next challenge the designers must give pedicures and manicures to Nina, Michael and Heidi wearing outfits that pushes acrylics to a new level.
I like Nina and agree with her picks. All of these designers have a strong point of view and all of them, except possibly Santino, have the full package.
Even though I am a Nina fan, I did find her comments on the appropriateness of the prom gowns hilarious. There is no possible explanation except her recent motherhood for her obsession with modesty for young women. After all, she's had girls the same age wearing all manner of garments on the pages of her magazine for years.
She is one sexy, sexy mamacita.
When she gets mad, and yells at designers...
... it makes me blush.
There is much love in my heart for Nina Chica.
Wendy said...
Could someone at Elle magazine please hand Nina a thesaurus? There's got to be another word for "evolve."
While we're at it could she look up synonyms for "modern"?
And what is with the obsession with youth, youth, youth? Chica makes it sound like the target market for Elle is 12 year olds!
Magda from AbFab said...
"If the models get any younger, Pats, they'll be chucking fetuses down the catwalk."
"She still fears for her life, poor thing."
ROFL. You guys are the best!
sewing siren said: I think it is hard for her to see past the physical appearance of the designer.
..think you hit the nail on the head. :)
At the same time...physical appearance is her purported area of expertise as Fashion Editor of Elle.
I could wax poetic on the number of times I thought she was 'spot-on'...she's in a world where she is exposed to what actually gets funded.
It's almost like the era of Painting Salons. If your 'spiel' and flora-bunda didn't meet the established rules, you could not show.
Is it screwed up? b'yeah. Should Project Runway return to unknown talent and perhaps have a talk with Nina about how the show has re-evaluated it's aesthetic and that be-jeweling is punishable by death? Hell to the Yes.
...sorry for that last bit, I'm still angry.
I think someone should take Nina to the Prom...and make her wear Ya's dress. >:)
I must say that I am enjoying PRG more than the show-- thanks TLo!!
I love the analysis and commentary.
Yes-- Santino is scary, although in that pic he looks like it is the early 80's-- he still has his disco pants but with his new Members Only leather jacket!
OK, so Nina and Heidi (2 out of 4 votes) have both publicly said that Michael's coffee filter dress & Austin's corn husk dress were two of their favorites from past seasons. Neither dress won the challenge and Michael's dress didn't even make it into the top group. Something is not computing here.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Gotham et al: A "parallel universe" PR is a GREAT idea!
How about: they remain and complete each of the remaining challenges, which are then judged for one "wildcat" spot at Fashion Week?
So often I agree completely with La Gooch! I did like Nina for the first two seasons. Now I grit my teeth and wait for her to reward the trendy over the beautiful.
"nso said...
OK, so Nina and Heidi (2 out of 4 votes) have both publicly said that Michael's coffee filter dress & Austin's corn husk dress were two of their favorites from past seasons. Neither dress won the challenge and Michael's dress didn't even make it into the top group. Something is not computing here."
Austin did win the challenge; my favorite was Nora's. The dress that she made with beach chairs and placemats.
NSO said "OK, so Nina and Heidi (2 out of 4 votes) have both publicly said that Michael's coffee filter dress & Austin's corn husk dress were two of their favorites from past seasons. Neither dress won the challenge and Michael's dress didn't even make it into the top group. Something is not computing here."
Actually Austin's dress did win that first challenge. I think people have given it the status of what PR is all about
Frank
"Sally said...
sewing siren said: I think it is hard for her to see past the physical appearance of the designer."
Based on what you say that? I don't think that's true at all. I think people just look for reasons to hate her, and quite frankly, I don't understand why.
someone said....And another thing....does anyone else think Nina is the "real" devil wears Prada? I do. LMAO.
NO! She isn't. That was obviously based on Anna Wintour since the author of the book worked for her. Everyone knows that or should know that.
ladyjane, that has to be the stupidest comment ever. It made no sense.
She picked all of my favorite memorable dresses too, except I don't think I'd put the Nicky Hilton dress on that list. I love the non-fabric challenges, I think it really shows the creativity of the contestants. That's what got me hooked on the show in the first place. Not just anyone can do it, you have to be skilled and creative. I enjoy watching the contestants that aren't as skilled or accomplished as some designers (Rami, for example). I guess I like rooting for the underdog, or like watching people who are hungrier for success and learning as they go. It's more satisfying when someone makes it to Bryant Park that would never be able to without the show.
I wonder how Nina felt about these dresses when she first saw them. I LOVED the coffee filter dress, but I recall it going right off the stage with the "safe" crowd. If she liked it so much, why wasn't it a contender for the win? Maybe Nina is easily influenced by the opinions of others.
Tundrbabe - you are so right. Santino's dress doesn't fit the caliber of the other pieces.
I am still laughing at the T&L comments about crickets chriping and Nina being afraid for her life.
Who do you suppose she thought should win?
I love Santino. I think he's sweet and adorable.
Apparently my aunt knew her when they were both in France around college. My aunt says her real name is Ninoshka (PRICELESS - what a fugly name, no wonder she goes by Nina) and she'd always spend SO MUCH MONEY on clothes. No thrift whatsoever.
It was funny when my aunt was like, "Oh, she looks and talks exactly like Ninoshka Garcia from Barranquilla." Granted, they weren't good friends, but my aunt says it's definitely her.
(Also, I love Santino.)
So much "evolving"? About the only thing that hasn't evolved is Nina.
Le sigh.
(I go away for a day and you brought forth such great stuff! Thanks, TLo!)
"*chirping crickets*"
ROFL. You bitches kill me. Fabulous post! Viva La Nina!!
anonymous 9:55 am quoted:
"Sally said... in agreement with what...
sewing siren said: I think it is hard for her to see past the physical appearance of the designer."
9:55 sez: Based on what you say that? I don't think that's true at all. I think people just look for reasons to hate her, and quite frankly, I don't understand why.
First...Hi....next, it's generally polite if you're going to call-someone-out that you leave a name to reply to, or an initial, something. :)
I'll try to be brief, as this forum is not about me, but I feel in order to answer you with proper context it's important for me to note some back-story. I worked for Neiman Marcus for almost 8 years...from the flagship store in Dallas, doing graphic design for advertising and catalogs, including the somewhat famous Christmas Catalog.
Basically, I worked in fashion publishing, just as Nina does. The Devil wears Prada and Ugly Betty contain some seemingly over-the-top characters, but in fact....I worked with people JUST LIKE that. The industry is exceedingly image conscious, not just of the individual...i.e. Nina, but of everyone you associate with. You are judged by your peers and those you endorse. It's insanely wrong, imho, but that IS the way it is.
If you had read my previous comments with a closer eye, you'd have seen that I don't hate Nina, in fact, I defend her all the time. My comments were based on my insider knowledge of what her professional world is like...and I stand by it. She IS influenced by the physicality of the designers, it's her job to pick what is marketable. This doesn't always play out well (or fairly) in real life or reality show judging.
No hater-of-Nina ...Sally
Sally said...
My comments were based on my insider knowledge of what her [Nina's]professional world is like...and I stand by it. She IS influenced by the physicality of the designers, it's her job to pick what is marketable.
Sally, thanks for a view from the inside. Just think of how brilliant Gianfranco Ferré was, and it seems tragic that people like Nina would deny someone a chance solely because of his/her appearance. How shallow and tragic.
Sorry Nina, but making a dress out of supermarket finds wasn't even a challenge in Season 3.
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