Thursday, January 31, 2008 by
Author
We still have dresses from last week to rip, darlings! Let's get to it.
Awwww, how can we rip on this little ragamuffin?
Watch and learn.
We half-love it. Or rather, we love half of it. Okay two-thirds of it.
Even though it does look a little annoying to wear, we do love that collar.
It would probably drive us a little crazy after a while, sure. Then again, we don't have to wear it.
We also really like the tight high-waisted skirt and the rows of buttons adorning it.
Beautifully fitted and executed.
From the hips up, it's a very chic, stylish look. So much so, that it almost doesn't look like denim at all.
It's what happens below the hips that almost ruins it. We probably wouldn't have loved a fully pleated skirt, but it would have been better than this weird jockstrap outline he went with.
That's the thing with Rami; he doesn't know when to edit. It seems like every outfit he makes has every trick in his book thrown at it. We're pretty sure the only reason it isn't a draped toga is because you can't drape denim effectively.
Oh, and speaking of outlines...
Yes, it looked great and it was a fine choice to make. Very appropriate for the challenge. But please, Tim. Enough with the hyperbole. "The fact that it is a zipper, it's fabulous...it has the potential for blowing everybody away!" As we said, a fine choice to make, but he didn't invent the idea of using zippers as seam piping (and neither did Jeffrey for that matter).
We're starting to think that Rami could staple some swatches of muslin together and those bitches would fall all over themselves praising it. Yes, he's one hot fucker and yes, he's a pretty great designer, but praising him to the high heavens for every little thing he does isn't going to make him sleep with you, people. Once again, Nina looked like she needed to be hosed down.
"Come here and give Mommy a big sloppy kiss!"
[Photo: Barbara Nitke/Bravotv.com - Screencaps: Project RunGay]
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169 comments:
Thank you for noting the dumb jock strap outline.
LOL, you guys kill me. I didn't even notice the "jock strap" outline of the zipper, but now when I look at it, it's all I see! I agree his dress was very well made. I never even noticed the little red Levi tab he put at the collar.
I still don't get what he said about having an edge b/c he's not American. I've been to Israel for extended periods on two different occasions, and most people I knew coveted all that was American in fashion. Especially Levi's.
yeah, that lady wenis outline on the skirt had me confused. and barfing.
"We're pretty sure the only reason it isn't a draped toga is because you can't drape denim effectively."
ROFL. So true...! I kind of like it, didn't love it.
will somebody please please take those hideous shoes away from Rami.
Ha! TLO goes well with my morning coffee, the perfect accompaniment to caffeine.
I loved everything but the skirt as well. You've said it all.
I I've decided to spend the Runway hiatus by going on a cruise.
Good morning bitches, great interview btw
I thought it was beautifully constructed, the man can do more than just drape. I didn't think I would when they showed Tim's visit but I honestly loved it.
Good dissection of a good runway outfit, guys.
I was a little chapped by the notion that carrying a non-US passport makes any denim design he does more sophisticated (I exaggerate, I know). I felt like there was a hint of contempt in his voice-over segment.
" BG said...
Good dissection of a good runway outfit, guys.
I was a little chapped by the notion that carrying a non-US passport makes any denim design he does more sophisticated (I exaggerate, I know). I felt like there was a hint of contempt in his voice-over segment."
I agree, it was a very obnoxious of him.
Spot on as usual, TLo! I liked looking at this on the runway and actually could imagine wearing the collar - it's very cute! - but doubt the collar would keep its shape after any length of time. I suppose that's not the point, though.
The skirt? ugh. Also, with denim, how do you propose fixing that ugly mess after you've been sitting on your favorite barstool for an hour, sipping your favorite champagne? This comment goes to all who put pleats in their denim designs this week.
And I'm not so much a fashion follower as many others here, but even I was aghast at Tim's compliments on the zipper trim. Inserting something into a seam must be as old as the hills. And zippers when you're working with denim, inspired? not so much. But it worked well with the challenge.
Except 501s don't have zippers.
Oh, I'm really of more than a few minds about this dress.
I love coming to Project RunGay and reading this stuff and these knowledgeable posters!
Barf. I must be the only one, but I really hated the zipper collar. And the overall shape of it, and the weird front that totally ruined a potentially cute pleated skirt. I thought it was awful -- and I totally think Rami is coasting on hunkiness. I don't think he's a good designer.
The Nina - Mommy line is hysterical!
I'm with you all the way on this one. Love the top, hate the bottom. Without those damn pleats, it might've won.
This is such a cute little dress. It't the only one that doesn't look like it was made from scraps of old garments. I do think it would be a lot cuter and more iconic if it were a couple of inches longer.
Rami's second favorite design element is pleating apparently, also he couldn't resist adding that little drape at the collar. But I like it when the designers force their style on the challenge, rather than just meeting the challenge guidelines and putting nothing of themselves into it.
PS Zipper teeth as trim are very uncomfortable-cold and scratchy. I had a dress with that trim back in the 80's . I wish I could remember the designers name.. Dan or Dann something (maybe out of Florida), it was kind of a bondage inspired thing.
At first glance, I liked the dress, until I started really looking at it. I couldn't find the words to describe that thing between the pleats, which I hate, but yep, jockstrap fills the bill nicely, and while I do like looking at the collar, that's probably the very thing that would prevent me from buying a dress like that. I also agree with the other posters about the comment Rami made about being more cutting edge because he's NOT American. What the hell is that about? I was actually offended when I heard him say that.
Nina was so happy he used something other than jersey, like he had a choice. I didn't care for the glued on buttons.
Fantastic. You guys summed up my feelings very well. The 'jock strap' outline was the first thing I noticed when it walked down the runway, so much so that I didn't notice that the collar part of it is really is very nice. (It probably wouldn't bother me to wear it, but I love me some crazy collars.)
The silhouette was very nice and elongating in the torso, though. In a lot of ways this was kind of the polar opposite of Christian's outfit.
And yes, seriously, enough with the zipper fetish, Tim.
Hahahahahahaha! Snort!
You nailed this one. My first reaction when I saw this dress was, "What's with the skirt?" My second reaction was that her hair would catch on the collar whenever she moved, and she'd be half bald by the end of an evening.
Hated the neckline. Hated, hated, HATED. I thought it was hideous, unflattering, and, as you guys pointed out, not terribly wearable.
I thought the rest of the dress was good aside from that and the weird skirt outline. I find that I feel that way about a lot of Rami's garments. I love 2/3 of the garment and think the other 1/3 is atrocious. Lack of editing indeed.
Sewingsiren took the words out of my mouth! Those zipper teeth would be murder on your neck. And he actually DID try to drape denim on that collar.
I did like the skirt, tho. The tailoring was way better than Ricky's. It fits her perfectly.
And that arrogance is not mitigated by any degree of hotness.
Sam made this dress look better than it really is, once you get past her flaming red hair and her cute walk. I liked about as much of it as you guys did. I think the semi-nautical buttons at the waist are the highlight for me ... are they inspired by Rami's navy perhaps?
I was wondering how to describe that interesting seam pattern without saying "penis," but "jock strap outline" does the trick. That skirt is quite the gladiator outfit.
Rami's work appeals to my brain, because it's usually interesting, but it doesn't inspire that "Must. Have." feeling.
Thank GOD we have Rami to teach us tacky unsophisticated Americans how to dress. Robert Best is right. What an ASSHOLE!
"Watch and learn" literally inspired a spit take.
This morning's post just cost me lunch. I was sure you were going to call the weird crotch flap a "codpiece." My partner was correct in guessin "jockstrap."
You Can't Drape Denim is going to be the title of my unauthorized biography of Rami.
I know it's not his fault (I think) but the fact that a few teeth of the zipper were missing bothered me.
I don't think that Rami is correct in saying that he has an edge because he's not American.
However, I can't blame him if he grew up abroad and got a lot of mixed messages about American fashion sense. I don't live in the USA, but I've seen enough US produced shows that don't show the average American as fashionable---Ambush Makeover, How Do I Look---even Tim Gunn has a fashion show making over people.
That said, he should know better by now if he's based in the US and has American clients who he must've realized have sharp fashion sense.
On the dress: I think the man is in love with folds. If it's not draped, it's pleated.
And while I like how the zippers look, I have this nagging feeling that if one were to wear anything on top, say a jacket, the zippers would snag. And how does one lean or sit on the teeth of zipper?
~Mahar
The only things I liked about this dress were the high waist and the buttons. The collar looked hideously awful to wear, and the zipper outline was not well thought out.
But the worst was the short pleating. When the model turned around, I thought she was going to flash butt.
Is it just me, or does he look like a cute little Olga Korbut (remember her?) in that childhood picture?
The skirt is origami-hideous. Not a big fan of this dress.
Today's humor came not from T&L but from Another Laura who wrote:
Except 501s don't have zippers
Thanks!
But seriously, did Rami understand that was an iconic LEVI and not a denim challenge? I am sorry but that tennis dress looks so unpractical, from the zippers that would look like crap after a few washings to the uncomfortable collar (would we have to iron it perfectly each time). How could Levi produce this and make it consistent with their vision? Rami does have a point of view and damn it he is going to stick to it. Which I don't mind,but it doesn't make for fun television. By the way, one of my friend has bought some of Rami's dresses and LOVES them.
Enjoy your day.
Jock strap, that's a nice way to put it. When i saw the dress i thought, 'Why did he give her a penis??'
Adorable child turns serial drapist. Film at 11.
It's certainly interesting and well-executed. But he is, indeed, coasting on his bulges.
"Come here and give Mommy a big sloppy kiss!"
LOL. Hilarious!
You know what? I don't even pay attention to the judges anymore. The judging is often rather arbitrary and varies from day to day.
Oh, please, everybody. Let go of the being-foreign-gives-me-an-advantage comment. Every contestant on every season of PR makes over the top, self-aggrandizing remarks that have no basis in reality. Someone off camera is poking them in the ass with a yardstick, saying, "Come on, say something controversial." For all we know, the interviewer asked him how being foreign is an advantage. It's just part of the show--nothing to get your draped or pleated jock strap in a twist over.
Does anyone else think Rami's designs are "more edgy" as he said in the voice over? Um, don't think so. Is a denim jockstrap/cheerleader skirt edgy? (at least you get your football player and pompom girl in one stop shopping). :shrug:
"Andrea said...
Oh, please, everybody. Let go of the being-foreign-gives-me-an-advantage comment. Every contestant on every season of PR makes over the top, self-aggrandizing remarks that have no basis in reality. Someone off camera is poking them in the ass with a yardstick, saying, "Come on, say something controversial." For all we know, the interviewer asked him how being foreign is an advantage. It's just part of the show--nothing to get your draped or pleated jock strap in a twist over."
It's not the poking, it's what comes out of your mouth when you do get poked.
My grandmother used to say that it doesn't matter what the question is, it's how you answer it that matters.
"We're starting to think that Rami could staple some swatches of muslin together and those bitches would fall all over themselves praising it."
Starting to think? Am I the only one who's thought that from Day One?
Rami suffers from golden boy syndrome. He's this season's Daniel V & Michael. Which means, yes, his designs can be fabulous, but I've had enough of the judges creaming themselves over him and he needs to go.
I actually kinda liked his dress this week, too. But enough already. It looked quite similar to his candy dress, just like his prom dress was clearly a rip-off of his dress for the first challenge.
@wannabe "serial drapist" is excellent!!
I love you guys. I think you should come live with me. I'll let you have your own floor and feed you and clothe you and meet your every possible need so all you have to do is spend the entire day being witty.
Rami's dress was not drapey! Huzzah!
The first thing that went through my mind about this dress was the fact that Angry Little Peanut used the zipper-as-trim in PR3.
Does this mean that we can refer to Rami as Angry Little Cashew?
i was lukewarm on the dress --
"Adorable child turns serial drapist. Film at 11." LOL...
hated the collar -- it looks to me like she got dressed in a hurry and put the buttons in the wrong hole so it's skewed...loved the high waist and the button detail. i kind of liked the pleats, only the front panel should have been wider so the pleats don't start until almost at the side seam -- i think that would alleviate the jock strap look...
tres entertaining as usual!!!
"Does this mean that we can refer to Rami as Angry Little Cashew?"
ROFL.
How about Snobbish Little Cashew?
It took TLo to point out the "wenis" factor...and those zippers would shred any coat over the dress...
Understanding that perhaps it was the way it was edited, but asking
Jillian "isn't this fun?" when she was quite obviously having a meltdown was just cruel.
Why did he take a reasonably sophisticated outfit and slap on that twee ruffled little girlie-girl crap.
Rami, I don't think geography alone gives you an advantage...hell, look at Jay's creativity quotient and the small town America where he grew up.
maybe someone else already said it - but how do the judges love every little thing he does? They've ripped him to shreds the last two challenges. He had his game on this week, they liked it, there you go.
Yes, he's one hot fucker and yes, he's a pretty great designer, but praising him to the high heavens for every little thing he does isn't going to make him sleep with you, people.
Does that statement imply that you know would would make him sleep with us? That would be useful information. You could just email me if you don't want to tell everyone. Thanks.
lol! i love the nina caption!
i have to agree again on rami's dress. it was perfect until the jockstrap. and that's a shame, because for me this was the best of the bunch. from the top down, it was interesting, stylish, unique and superbly tailored. but then it ended with that weird pelvic thing. it just screams, "here's my crotch!"
i wish he had just done shorts instead.
i was bothered by the fact (mentioned before) that Rami seemed to get credit for having used a fabric other than his usual on a challenge where they were only offered denim. The fact that it was even mentioned in the (edited) comments from the judges threw me off.
Is it just me or does Rami pleat when the material doesn't drape? Levi's, Hershey's... I appreciate his interest in lines, depth -- but it comes across as professional stagnation instead of professional growth.
Compare Rami's repetitiveness to Jay's use of color blocking, quilting, frayed materials in season 1. Jay also used the same design elements repeatedly, but each time he used them a little differently, playing with length, size, number, silhouette, and so on, as if he were always testing out a new combination to see what would happen, without losing sight of the fact he was designing something to be worn, not just viewed immobile. His designs were exciting: rarely predictable but unquestionably "Jay."
With Rami's clothes, however, I don't see such a spirit of experimentation. Instead the draping and pleating seem safe. The one time his pleating departed from being a substitute for draping was in the Hershey's dress, when he used contrasting materials between the pleats. I wish he'd show more such variation. Maybe even a whole look that with neither draping nor pleating!
I really don't understand the "fabulousness" of using non-functioning zippers as piping---I didn't get it with Jeffrey either. I'd understand if the challenge was to repurpose a sleeping bag into an iconic outfit.
Now zippers that acted as trim AND could be zipped up to create another look WOULD be fabulous, something Issey Miyake might take on (or has already created for all I know). I could see our girl, Diana from S2 doing something like that.
I liked the top of this outfit. Practical for wash-and-wear material? Probably not, but the original effect was interesting and flattering IMO.
I'm never quite sure exactly what to make of Rami Don't-Hate-Me-Because-I'm-Beautiful Kashou. I was half-expecting to see him try to drape denim. I'm glad he didn't (though it would have been seriously funny if he had). But, to me that drapey stuff is matronly.
In some ways Rami's work reminds me of Louis Vuitton: I personally think LV bags are ugly, but they have beautiful craftsmanship (the real ones, not the fakes). I can appreciate the craftsmanship, even though I think the bags are ugly. Rami has a strong vision that I can appreciate even when I don't neccessarily like a particular piece.
I'm ambivilent about this dress. It is very flattering, but it's too much (& I'm not crazy about the zipper detailing). It looks like the kind of dress I would definately have worn 20 years ago. But 20 years ago, I also wore a big perm.
But, Rami definately deserves to be in the final.
--GothamTomato
If he put snaps inside the jock strap part, she could fashion a "Onesie" out of it. Or a skort.
Love the top, and the fit, although the high waist is not flattering on most.
I really like this dress, except the "jock strap"; if the zipper went around instead of down would be much better.
HA! Your Nina captions are always the best!
I can't believe people are getting their panties in a bunch over Rami's remark about having an advantage because he's not American. (Well, actually I can, given some of the other trivial things people get bunched about).
I'm sure what he meant was; He comes from a different culture, and that means he was imprinted by a different set of cultural iconography, so he is looking at it in a different way. (Whether that difference is an advantage or not is a matter of aesthetics though).
I didn't hear anything offensive there. It's really reaching, in a Fox News kind of way, to make something offensive out of it.
And the reality is, even though people around the word may covet the products from American companies, and watch American TV (which shows them the worst of us), that doesn't mean they don't have a different cultural point of view. Too many Americans don't get that.
--GothamTomato
The jock strap outline combined with the schoolgirl kilt. I feel so...sexually confused. Make it stop!
guys, he is NOT that hot! you need to surf a little more porn and a little less style.com
Yep, zippers as piping is nothing new. I read about it in a sewing magazine ages ago and see it on some 'Wearable Art' (ugh) projects.
Love the jockstrap reference, I was trying to figure out what bothered me about the skirt, and that was it! Lady wenis indeed! Now give Mommy a big sloppy kiss!!!
My friends, you owe me countless monitors from all the coffee spitting! LOL!
ballardelle said...
Is it just me or does Rami pleat when the material doesn't drape?
I do believe that form follows function. Most people wouldn't drape something heavy and stiff like denim, but that material can pleat crisply and work well in constructed pieces.
Anyway, most of the designers tend to default to their safety zone/personal aesthetic when the challenge allows. Christian makes feers ruffley jackets/topd, Rami drapes or pleats, Rickey and Sweet P make little dresses. Chris and Jillian are the wild cards to me---they have their style, but not necessarily a recognizable default position.
HA! I said on this blog days ago that all I could see on Rami's skirt was a huge denim diaper.
I think it's an ok outfit and I'm fine with being in the Top3.
As for him being a foreigner, I'm one also. Many times, me, my american and european friends argue, because SOME ( non generalizing) of the americans act insane at the thought of something being "better" elsewhere. Some of those discussions ended up very heated.
His comments make total sense to me. Experience from a different culture can give you a different perspective on something or sometimes work against you too.
I fail to find ANYTHING offensive in what he said. *scratches head*
wannabe said...
Adorable child turns serial drapist. Film at 11. Hahahah!
And that runway picture of Rami - rather Alan Cumming, no?
"bkln-dude-hot said...
guys, he is NOT that hot! you need to surf a little more porn and a little less style.com"
Yes, because porn is the only definition of hot.
God, that's sad.
"Once again, Nina looked like she needed to be hosed down."
I would pay money to see her hosed down (or at least sprayed with a seltzer bottle). If this were another time, and there were still real variety shows on the air (like Carol Burnett), you just KNOW that that is exactly what they would do to her. In fact, I can picture it:
Carol as Nina;
Harvey Korman as Rami;
guest stars; Jim Neighbors as the Duchess;
Eva Gabor as Heidi;
Professor Irwin Corey as Tim (& you know I love me some Tim).
--GothamTomato
Bitchesdye said...
"And that arrogance is not mitigated by any degree of hotness."
I'm with you 100%. I just can't stand anything about the toga maker, I think because of his seething arrogance. That is so unnattractive that I am finding it hard to like him on any level. I keep telling myself that I need to be more fair, that it could be editing, bla bla, but yeckts, I'm just not into it.
(And he wouldn't like me either, so we're even).
"Lelê said...
Experience from a different culture can give you a different perspective on something or sometimes work against you too."
A different perspective, yes, but not a BETTER perspective, and that is what he implied; that because he wasn't American, he was edgier, fashion forward blah blah blah. That isn't necessarily true. Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Carolina Herrera aren't American and they're not edgier either. Or look at Jay for example, as previously mentioned here, someone from a small town in Pennsylvania who sent one of the most original collections I have ever seen at Bryant Park.
God, I love your captions for Nina!
This dress seemed great in a first glance, impressionistic sort way as she came out from behind the screen, but as I saw more of it I liked it less. I guess I'm alone on this one, but I hate that HMS Pinafore, nautical double row of buttons look on anything, including this dress. The high waist made it an even bigger crime in my fashion rule book. The jock strap skirt I didn't mind at all. It was a little short, but cute and kicky.
As Tim says, it's a matter of taste. But, of course, he says it in another language which I'm too lazy to do because I don't want to check the spelling.
"GothamTomato said...
I'm sure what he meant was; He comes from a different culture, and that means he was imprinted by a different set of cultural iconography, so he is looking at it in a different way. (Whether that difference is an advantage or not is a matter of aesthetics though)."
I won't speak for anyone else, but that's pretty much what I had in mind when I say that geography isn't necessarily an advantage...
Certainly it gives him a different point of view. Advantage or edge? Not guaranteed.
Is his comment offensive? No, of course not. I don't happen to think that his rationale is accurate.
I am really on the fence with Rami. At first I liked his work and thought he was hot. The more it gets into the show, the less attractive he becomes to me. A person's personality can make them look better or worse and his makes him look worse.
This dress was hideous all over. I didn't like anything about it and his pompous attitude about the whole thing made it look even worse. I don't think Rami is all he thinks he is. He is one note, even though he does that one note very well.
My pick for top 4 would be Chris, Christian, Rami and Sweet P. I know not everyone would agree, but that would make me happy.
Ugh. Didn't like this one at all. But I think we all have to accept the fact that Rami "I'm from the fashion kingdom of Jerusalem" is going to be in the final 3 or 4. I just hope one of the others produces some completely mind blowing collection to block his win.
Gotham Tomato, too funny!
If I may, a few alternatives/additions:
Carol as Nina;
Lyle Waggoner as Tim;
Harvey Korman as Rami;
Tim Conway as Jay McCarroll
Vicki Lawrence as Sweet P
guest stars;
Jim Nabors as the Duchess;
Eva Gabor as Heidi;
Professor Irwin Corey as Christian
Nanette Fabray as Laura Bennett
"GothamTomato said...
I'm sure what he meant was; He comes from a different culture, and that means he was imprinted by a different set of cultural iconography, so he is looking at it in a different way. (Whether that difference is an advantage or not is a matter of aesthetics though)."
Then what he said and what he meant (assuming you're right) are two different things. Here's what he said:
"...because I'm not from the United States my take is a little bit different, it's a little more fashion-foward, more edgy."
gothamtomato said...
I'm sure what he meant was; He comes from a different culture, and that means he was imprinted by a different set of cultural iconography, so he is looking at it in a different way. (Whether that difference is an advantage or not is a matter of aesthetics though).
You put it better than he did, from what I recall.
What he said was not wildly insensitive - I was struck by it, however. One might sound less negative saying that talent and perspective (read: culture and backround, if you are so inclined) might result in a different/better/whatever look.
People aren't in control of where they are born or how they were raised - so either elevating yourself because of it (or diminishing others because of it, though not the issue here) makes me roll my eyes.
Kanani said:
I I've decided to spend the Runway hiatus by going on a cruise.
I clicked the link, and now I will have to check into your blog periodically. Come on, now! I'm supposed to be threading my loom!
Have a nice trip!
Rosie's Girl
Oy, this is starting to remind me "freedom fries." Please, somebody, crank up the blender.
"Andrea said...
Oy, this is starting to remind me "freedom fries." Please, somebody, crank up the blender."
No, we're discussing something that happened on the show. I'm sorry if we can't all jump on the Rami-can-do-no-wrong bandwagon.
"come and give Mommy a big sloppy kiss!" ROTFLMAO!!
thanks for pointing out the jock strap outline-I knew there was something not quite right about that.
And, yes, What is it about the zipper gimmick that Tim and the judges love so much? can we retire it,please? As a design element, it is NOT all that and a bag of chips. Women are not clamoring for closetfuls full of garments trimmed with zippers. Some women might want Rami in their closet, but sans zippers.....
That is one adorable kiddie pic, though.
"I think because of his seething arrogance. That is so unnattractive that I am finding it hard to like him on any level."
What some people see as arrogance, I see as unfailing confidence. He has confidence in his talent, abilities and vision and there's nothing wrong with that. It's exactly what one needs to thrive in the industry. His confidence makes him MORE attractive to me. Also, I see arrogance as raising oneself up while putting others down, something Rami doesn't do.
In fashion, when someone says they have a forward, non-American perspective, they're not slamming American style. That's just the jargon that's used. Oftentimes anything non-American is automatically considered "forward" because the American perspective skews to the commerical, the mass-producible, the tame.
Rami's not the only one to have said this-- Christian made a similar comment in the first episode when he said that his style was more European and thus more edgy.
"Andrea said...
Gotham Tomato, too funny!
If I may, a few alternatives/additions:
Carol as Nina;
Lyle Waggoner as Tim;
Harvey Korman as Rami;
Tim Conway as Jay McCarroll
Vicki Lawrence as Sweet P
guest stars;
Jim Nabors as the Duchess;
Eva Gabor as Heidi;
Professor Irwin Corey as Christian
Nanette Fabray as Laura Bennett
....................
I was just going to go back in and erase my first post, to repost it, changing it to Tim Conway playing Tim Gunn.
If SweetP must be included, I think she should be played by Rose Marie.
(I didn't think about casting Jay & Laura because they're previous seasons, but would cast them as: Shirley MacLain as Laura, and Jonathan Winters as Jay).
--GothamTomato
snf in va said:
Does this mean that we can refer to Rami as Angry Little Cashew?
Hmmmm...how about Bulgy Little Cashew?
dishes:
"Today's humor came not from T&L but from Another Laura who wrote:
Except 501s don't have zippers
Thanks!"
awwwwww, you're welcome!
What he said was not wildly insensitive - I was struck by it, however.
Same here. It didn't offend me, but it did surprise me a little.
I thought the dress was adorable. Obviously, I am phallic symbol challenged. :-)
"anon said....Also, I see arrogance as raising oneself up while putting others down, something Rami doesn't do"
Unless you are Sweet P!!
I was highly offended by Rami's remarks about America. If it is so bad here, maybe he should go back to the west bank, where things are oh so cosmopolitan and life is carefree.
"...because I'm not from the United States my take is a little bit different, it's a little more fashion-foward, more edgy."
How exciting!
Funny, I hadn't noticed the "jockstrap" detail until you mentioned it. The pleated skirt is kinda ugly but I liked the rest of the dress. The zipper detail is a little overrated.
Rami does come across pretty smug but I think he has the chops to win this.
If Chris March had made these dress it'd probably get more praise in the comments section. Just sayin'.
bill, thank you!
I've been doing that "who does Rami remind me of" for some time now. Yes, he does bear a resemblance to the wonderful Alan Cumming! Loved him in Plunkett & Macleane!
wannabe-"serial drapist" LMAO!
Re Rami's dress, we have looked at several other denim offerings already, and I find I am over the fabric (except when used for jeans, jean jackets and the like). So don't know whether my "meh" is for Rami's work, or a case of overload on boring. With the exception of Sweet P's garment in this challenge, I was pretty underwhelmed.
Re Rami's "I am not from around here" comment, there is a certain cache associated with style that developed elsewhere. - . I know when Burda patterns first became available in the US, I loved them because they were unique and different from anything that had been available. In some ways the US has not shed its provincial sensitivity, as though we all still associated with cows (and cow punchers) and have to ride the buckboard into town to get to the general store. Or worse yet, as though this country consisted solely of strip malls and Burger Doodles (Oh wait - that could almost be true!)
Anyway, wherever I have traveled in Europe and Asia, I have seen looks that originated in the US. The reverse is also true. I don't think Rami's work is particularly edgy - just influenced by different cultural experiences than the other designers.
You want edgy? Free Chris from his Nina-scolding induced trance. I would pay extra to see that!
Rosie's girl, is THE Rosie's girl Kelli?
Jock strap? That screamed landing strip to me....all it lacked was lights.
hoyt clagwell said...
I was highly offended by Rami's remarks about America. If it is so bad here, maybe he should go back to the west bank, where things are oh so cosmopolitan and life is carefree.
FFS. That was a pathetic remark.
The buttons on the front remind me of my favorite pair of Chemin de Fer jeans from the 80s. God, I loved those pants.
Loved the waist. Actually liked the collar. Hated the jock strap outline. Just because that's what Rami might want to envision in the dress doesn't mean it's flattering on a woman.
Re his little boy pic: Rami looks better with hair. Just a straight girl's opinion.
"leelee said...FFS. That was a pathetic remark.
Actually, you are wrong for saying that, everyone has a right to their opinion. Your opinion is based on your dislike of someone else's remark. State your own opinions about the show or the contestants, but don't degrade the other posters because you don't like what they have to say. That is just wrong.
OK, here's the Revised Casting List for the episode titled, 'Nina Gets Hosed':
Nina: Carol Burnett
Rami: Harvey Korman
The Duchess: Truman Capote
Heidi's Right Breast: Ava Gabor
Heidi's Left Breast: ZsaZsa Gabor
Tim: Tim Conway
Jillian: Bernadette Peters
Chris: Paul Lynde
Christian: Tracy Ullman (think Francesca)
SweetP: Rose Marie
Ricky: Margaret O'Brien
--GothamTomato
There's a point of view in some art forms that the best thing to do is to isolate yourself and free yourself from the influences of other artists, and in that way you can unlock a style that's really "yours."
Maybe what Rami meant by his comment is that since he grew up outside the traditional Fashion Capital influences, his style is less influenced by what's come before. By definition, that's going to be fashion-forward, no? It doesn't necessarily mean "better" but "edgy" doesn't necessarily mean better either.
So to people comparing him to Jay: in that sense it's quite similar. Just as much of Jay's ability to think outside the box came from his growing up in isolationsville, supposedly, Rami could think he get shis innovation from a similar place -- just from across the ocean instead of across the bush.
That said, his comment was definitely a "wuhduhfuh?" moment that's easy to have a kneejerk response to.
Hi, Anon 1:52. Just to clarify, I'm not at all on the Rami can-do-no-wrong bandwagon; I honestly don't have a strong opinion about him one way or the other.
I just think there's some over-reaction to a pretty innocuous remark. I've watched every season of PR, and throughout the series contestants have given all sorts of grandiose, crazy reasons for their own superiority and importance (it really seems like they're urged to so); to my ears, Rami's remark was just one more. What has bothered me is when some of them have said borderline cruel things about their fellow contestants (but, then, they're probably urged to do that, too).
"Ricky: Margaret O'Brien"
!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and another thing to consider: most of the time, the "white board" comments that these contestants make are in direct response to interview questions. When you listen to them that way it's easy to imagine the sorts of leading questions they're asked: "Whose work do you think looks like crap?" "What do you think sets your style apart?" or even "Why do you think your style is edgier than the other contestants'?"
When you think about things that way, it feels less like "Rami is being an arrogant jerk" and more "Rami is the kind of guy who will articulately say what he feels in interviews." It's entirely possible that all the designers were asked the same question, and their answers were just too long, or too boring, or just didn't fit the narrative the producers wanted for them.
(Note: I am not trying to be the 'Rami apologist squad.' These are just some things I'm thinking about.)
I think Sam really made this outfit work. But what is with the shoes this season? I keep seeing the same shoes being used over and over. The black shoes that Rami used in the Hershey's challenge have been used at least three times since then. I don't remember this happening in other seasons.
Now zippers that acted as trim AND could be zipped up to create another look WOULD be fabulous, something Issey Miyake might take on (or has already created for all I know). I could see our girl, Diana from S2 doing something like that.
The designers from Project Catwalk had to create a new look for the Mackintosh brand in their last episode. Very similar "brief" (as they put it in the UK) but totally different results.
Anyway, the winning effort had a coat whose skirt zipped off to become a short jacket, plus the dress underneath it. It was a darling instance of the zipper being used as trim and functionally too, as a way to create an entirely new look.
I think Rami can say what he likes about his personal design aesthetic. I just think its funny that he produces some of the least "edgy" garments in the competition (they maybe beautifully made but they are not edgy no matter what your geocultural locale might be)
I have been waiting. And waiting. And waiting....during all these posts on this episode, and...
I thought, for sure, with the screen cap of Nina, that SOMEBODY would mention:
WHAT THE **** IS NINA WEARING???
Is that not a home-sewn fugly monstrosity, or am I once again showing my total lack of taste?
Talk to me, people!!
- Ignatz
I thought Rami had been in L.A. for awhile.
Long enough to realize he's no more edgier than anyone else. Long enough to have whatever edge you had either made dull by Bev Hills or sharpened by Echo Park.
Here is Rami's site
It's not very edgy. But they are nicely made.
Gotham Tomato,
I would have cast Nathan Lane for the part of Chris March, but Paul Lynde works too...
Rosie's girl...
I adore what you just wrote! So true. I remember when Burda came to the US as well. And Burger Doodles! Ha!
and whomever penned "Serial Drapist," the best!
Gotham --brilliant bit of casting
Lilith --"FlashButt" should be a fashion phrase!
Again, the posters here prove themselves to be the most fun group around.
Yes, indeedy, Nina's outfit is super fugly
GothamTomato said...
OK, here's the Revised Casting List for the episode titled, 'Nina Gets Hosed':
Heidi's Right Breast: Ava Gabor
Heidi's Left Breast: ZsaZsa Gabor
LMAO!
What to add after all of the discussions around geographic perspectives and the relative merits of trim and other frippery? Not much, but here’s my two cents:
I liked the look; though agree that it is more “Look” and less wearable. I didn’t see the “wenis” effect that everyone commented on but instead thought the shaping took advantage of her cute round hips and actually allowed he pleats to appear to have some movement when they most likely didn’t. I was concerned about the Cracker Jack buttons on the skirt at first, but the fact that he used the dark denim took away from the nautical feel of the buttons.
I would watch gothamtomato’s show!
anonymous said...
Rosie's girl, is THE Rosie's girl Kelli?
Well, I don't know about THE Rosie's girl, but THIS RG's mom was named Rose.
Now I am wondering who Kelli is....
Cheers,
Rosie's Girl
(Known as Cyndi to all and sundry)
Well, I liked it EXCEPT for the zipper outlining. When I was in college I experimented with using zippers as a funky sort of piping (this was the 80's and piping was in a lot of styles). I had them in all sorts of seams, swirling and twirling around and boy did it look sharp. But THAT bloody well ended the first time I wore one of my creations. Those nasty, little teeth catch and pull hair, snag on things, and scrape your arms. Cool looking? Yes. Functional? No.
While I love his pleats, has anyone noticed every time he doesn't drape he always seems to pleat?
- Donna
Ooops, guess I should have read comments before I made mine. Looks like Sewing Siren already brought up the zipper trim topic. Sorry for repetition.
- Donna
Bill Said
"And that runway picture of Rami - rather Alan Cumming, no?"
Bill, THANK YOU - it's taken me 6 weeks to figure out who Rami reminded me of - I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking he looked like an Eqyptian Alan Cumming.
That dress looks like something a tacky sorority girl would wear, but let's face it: Denim SHOULD NOT be used in dresses. This challenge was almost impossible.
Only Sweet P, miraculously, found a way to make a somewhat decent dress out of denim. But that same dress would look a lot better made in some other materials.
GothamTomato, love the casting ideas! I can go to the dentist feeling better, now.
Paul Lynde would have been genius, I loved him....
And a Gabor for each Teutonic Boob - brilliant.
Hated that sleeve treatment on Nina's outfit, ignatz, I'm feeling you.
May I propose alternate casting for Tim? Although the appearance is different, the demeanor of Sebastian Cabot playing 'Mr. French' in Family Affair circa 1966 is spot on...
"Now I am wondering who Kelli is...."
Rosie O'Donell's girlfriend is named Kelli.
Rami's comment didn't bother me but I do laugh every time he refers to his body of work as "edgy" and "fashion-forward," because it couldn't be farther from the truth; Madeleine Vionnet and Madame Gres mastered draping long before he was born.
Most of those designers on the show should crack a fashion book or two before they call themselves "edgy," "fashion-forward" or "kind of a big deal."
I suddenly realized that Rami bears an uncanny resemblence to my ex-boyfriend. I guess the shaved head threw me off, because I didn't see it at all until I saw that baby pic of him at the top of the post (which I missed during the episode; when was it shown?).
I think I am going into project runway withdrawal. My mind knows there should have been a new episode last night. So my body is now craving fashion and drama. I guess the only thing to do is go to the mall or the gay bar.....
In the immortal words of Nelson Muntz...ha ha.
Actually, you are wrong for saying that, everyone has a right to their opinion.
Except, it seems, the person you are chastising....
I also did not hear Rami say he was better, just different. (He probably feels that being "edgy" is better, but he didn't say so.) But it turns out, in this challenge, it was a disadvantage, because the guest judge was looking for someone who captured the spirit of the Levis brand. (BTW, this? Is why I can't do marketing. I can't be so much in love with stuff, let alone a particular kind of stuff, that I can go on and on in very specific detail about the particular wonders of that stuff.)
"Stubenville said...
May I propose alternate casting for Tim? Although the appearance is different, the demeanor of Sebastian Cabot playing 'Mr. French' in Family Affair circa 1966 is spot on..."
Good choice. He should be played by a British actor, to go with his regal demeanor.
--GothamTomato
Chelseawh, use the whole comment if you are going to quote someone, especially if the rest of that comment explains the first sentence. Talk about taking something out of context..
"Actually, you are wrong for saying that, everyone has a right to their opinion. Your opinion is based on your dislike of someone else's remark. State your own opinions about the show or the contestants, but don't degrade the other posters because you don't like what they have to say. That is just wrong."
See isn't that much better.
Snide comments and irrelevant fantasy shows aside, I did like parts of this dress also. I agree with you guys that the top third was great, that bottom was hideous. When is a ruffle ever a good idea.
Rami needs to add more creativity to his repetoire. He is not as edgy as he thinks he is.
rami is pretty gorgeous.
he was christian's roomate;)
haaha christian said in an interview that rami lotioned his body every morning and he's sure plenty of people would love to see that!
luckyyy bitch
omg lol i just realized that the title of this blog was "Pulling on Rami's Zipper" lol love it!
The thing that bugged me is the antiquity of the design. When Rami is not draping a toga, he seems to still dip back in time. I keep expecting the model to turn to the camera and exclaim: "This is Sparta!"
Yeah, all the European influence does nothing for Rami, except take his clothing back in time. He is fashion reverse.
I still believe that Rami will be in the top 3, along with Christian and Chris March. Jillian, Ricky and Sweet P need to be auf'd soon. If there is indeed a top 4, then maybe it will be Sweet P. Even though I don't think she should be in the top 4, it would be such a coup for her to be and it would piss a lot of people off.
"Nibs said...
When Rami is not draping a toga, he seems to still dip back in time. I keep expecting the model to turn to the camera and exclaim: "This is Sparta!""
ROFLMAO.
And THAT, kittens, is one of the reasons why I love this blog.
OMG, Gotham Tomato --
Nina: Carol Burnett
Rami: Harvey Korman
The Duchess: Truman Capote
Heidi's Right Breast: Ava Gabor
Heidi's Left Breast: ZsaZsa Gabor
Tim: Tim Conway
Jillian: Bernadette Peters
Chris: Paul Lynde
Christian: Tracy Ullman (think Francesca)
SweetP: Rose Marie
Ricky: Margaret O'Brien
I started cracking up when i read your first casting list and it just gets better & better... my kids are looking at me right now as i am laughing uncontrollably -- "hey, i think this time mom's really lost it...."
tracey ullman as christian?????
truman capote as the duchess???? brilliant!!!! ROFL!!!
The more the show's gone on, the more Rami's reminded me of Right Said Fred, what with his bald head, buff arms, and those tight 90s shirts he frequently wears.
And he's too sexy for his pants. And for any kind of criticism, apparently.
Right Said Fred, or Rami's Predecessor
Am I the only one who noticed Rami's obvious rip-off of Jeffery Sobelia's zipper piping technique? I mean, come on, it's a total copy of Jeff's Olympus Fashion Week runway show! Ahhhhhhh! Is there no such thing as a new idea anymore?
Gotham you're a genius. I would totally watch your show.
All it needs is TLo making snarky commentary, in the style of the muppets Statler & Waldorf. Alex! could design the puppets, and Tom & Lorenzo could do the voices themselves.
ok, I just looked at Rami's web site at the "red carpet" clothes. All I can say is "ew". I think there were 2 in there that I liked. I guess I'm not fashion-forward.
he used those shoes again!
great post as always :)
How cute it would've been as a pencil skirt with kicky little pleats in the back.
Or as a sort of "Crackerjack" pant.
Not "iconic" but a new silhouette.
Why did nobody but Christian make a new pair of jeans?
Cowards.
You guys. He's edgy because he's PALESTINIAN! Don't tell me that's not the edgiest nationality to be.
In defense of Rami, I think he was totally set up in that line:
"...because I'm not from the United States my take is a little bit different, it's a little more fashion-foward, more edgy."
Listen very closely and intently... that line is spliced together. "from the United States" feels like it was dropped in there as it does not sound like it flows with the rest of the line.
Rami isn't Israeli. He is from the West Bank, so I presume he is Palestinian, with a fashion sense influenced by Moslem women, which in that area tend to wear elegant and romantic clothing. More of an eastern influence. I think it is a wonderful thing for him to bring to the table. Too bad Ricky is not bringing some of the beauty of Latina style to this competition.
He's a Palestinian Christian, not an Israeli or a Muslim.
The outfit looked like a majorette uniform.
PR4 The Movie:
Nina: Carol Channing
Michael Kors: Will Ferrell
Rami: Bob Paris
Heidi's Right Breast: Harvey Fierstein
Heidi's Left Breast: Isaac Hayes
Tim: Santino Rice
Jillian: Kristin Wiig
Chris: Lea Delaria
Christian: Martin Short
SweetP: Amy Poehler
Ricky: Nathan Lane
Hi all...late again, enjoyed the previous posts -- some good giggles in there :)
I am not as miffed about Rami's comments as others appear to be. Pretension and braggery are staples of the fashion industry. However, I do find it odd that he envisions himself as edgy. That's a bit deluded.
I found this particular garment to be a mess of mixes.
The upper bodice and collar are wonky. Notice: the left arm-hole is fitted, with something approaching an epaulet. The right arm/shoulder looks as if the fabric were simply tucked under...funky, and not in a good way.
The collar, as TLo pointed out, would be agitating to actually wear, yet it does catch the eye. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the lower 2/3 of the garment.
The midsection had possibilities, but is (for me) totally blown by the pleats and the crotch-anomaly.
I really think he had no idea where to go on this challenge, so he just went everywhere.
Interesting note for the next challenge: have not seen a lot in the way of women's pants from Rami in the past. Wonder how he will fare doing spandex? Surely they know of the camel-toe in Palestine. ;)
Just checked out Rami's site, specifically the 2008 Spring Collection. The model appears to have the tail of a beaver draped over her head. Silly Rami, always draping!
www.ramikashou.uber.com
Does the fact that Rami has finised a 2008 spring collection possibly mean that he was eliminated at some point? How could he have faound time to do a collection amoungst all the PR stuff?
You know Hephaestion, your comment about how Rami might be influenced from childhood got me to thinking. I googled your term "muslim women fashion" to see what came up. It's super interesting. Is this the kind of thing that Rami grew up with?
http://www.jelbab.com/
I was absent the day we did geography in school so I am really bad at figuring who lives where in the world, and what their fashion preferences might be. Anybody know if this clothing reference would match the styles of clothing worn where Rami is from?
.. I agree with you .. I do think they were two sentences edited together as one sentence to make Rami sound a certain way. Regardless what y'all think. The dude is very fucking talented and clearly VERY successful.. Nothing seems to phase him and hsi confidence level is quite high... that being said.. these are things you need to have in order to last in this industry. This is why people like Kathy Griffin is wearing his dress on the cover of the Advocate this month .. The man can deliver and sustain whether you liked his outfit or not.
anonymous 9:57
"...The man can deliver and sustain "
(sorry, so bad of me...but that caught my eye...the puerile one ;)
Palestinian women wear all manner of dress depending on what religion they are and what level of religion they adhere to. I believe he is wears that hurkin' cross most of the time so I'll assume he's a christian.
Let's just call him The Big Falafel.
Hey lima bean, in reference to your comments about Rami's influences, I checked out his website and I have to say, "I think I get why he believes he's edgy."
His newer collection sports skirts wayh-up-to-there and often bare the shoulders. (in part or entirely)
Pure speculation on my behalf, but for a man raised in the East...that's a monumental leap into 'flesh-baring' design. He probably DOES think that's an edgy representation of his vision. His Vision being the key words.
Remember the Avant-garde challenge? "You haven't seen corsets from me."
The context of Avant & Iconic ...appear to be focused through the 'Rami-Lens'.
I've said it before --he gets Lost in Translation and I fear for the upcoming spandex, biker-pant, plunge-bra, lace & leather abomination of a challenge might do him in. :(
I don't know if anyone has said this but I love when Tim was saying he liked the zipper. Rami goes, "You like that?" I laugh evey time I hear it! Sounds so sexual! We need a sound clip please!
omg, I hate children, but If i saw Rami when he was that young, I'd have the entire set!
"Awwww, how can we rip on this little ragamuffin?
Watch and learn."
Peeing in my pants.
Rami lost his appeal (to me) during the team chalenge with Sweet P! The xipper thing is so season 3. This saeson is not who wins for me, but which order who is "aufed"
wow guys i love reading your blogs every week im in mexico i dont get bravo as i just moved and still need to get the cable tv and shit
anyways i enjoy reading this a lot and so jay's blog its pretty interesting how pr has changed a lot each and every season its kinda sad that creativity has lots of limits with i dont know if the producers or the contestants i was reading you guys i think two weeks ago or something that you said its the people from this season that dont have that much personality i think its part that and part we need an amazing challenge that would leave everyone with their mouth open and saying how in the hell did he/she/it do that! like they said something very important in season two about doing something memmorable... well i think theres a lack of that in this season i havnt seen that many memmorable things anyways i dont want to bore you with all this shit i love your blog and i find you guys amazing!
cheers from mexico!
What is with all the big asymetrical collars? Jillian is doing it and now Rami. I wore those...the year was 1983. That one that Rami designed was glued down I am sure. It would have stood at attention and poked you right in the face, if it had not been glued or pinned down.
I did love the tight waist and the little buttons. The tiny little pleated skirt was too Paris Hilton.
test--just figuring out my (longlost) blogger account)
"...christian said in an interview that rami lotioned his body every morning and he's sure plenty of people would love to see that!.." -anonymous
Ok, when I read that first, it read, to me as if Rami was lotioning *Christian's* body every morning. I'm not sure how many people would love to see that. :snort!: There's also gotta be some Silence of the Lambs reference here "it puts the lotion on it's skin". Ewww...sorry.
Anonymous said...
Yeah, all the European influence does nothing for Rami, except take his clothing back in time. He is fashion reverse.
5:26 PM
Glad to see it's not just me. Check out the fashions in this pic to see what I mean: http://tinyurl.com/yt92oa
Jakeone, I actually don't think Rami was putting Sweet P down during their team challenge. If you've noticed, Sweet P pretty much freaks out during every challenge and has more than once changed her design mid-way through. Rami, knowing this, went a little overboard in his micro-managing of her, sure. But I don't think he every put her down as saying she isn't talented or she can't sew or whatever. He was the team leader, the design rested on his shoulders, he wanted to make sure she stayed on the ball and got things done. I'd be nervous if she was my teammate too, as much as I like Sweet P.
This was one of the best designs and should on won. Interesting, unique and very current.
Christian's and Rami's were the the two best by far.
Hi guys and girls - reality check:
That segment was definitely edited together from 2 or more different interviews/days. To me the audio blip is very apparent. Also, besides the obvious of Rami wearing 2 different shirts - take note when it is only audio of the person speaking and not visual. The audio was spliced together to create a phrase that could be considered controversial by some - and on the splice the visual will be on something else besides the person speaking. Unfortunately, this is the producers job.
Also, take note on Ricky's winning design the "It's stunning." It was audio only, and the visual was Ricky's dress not on Tim with Ricky.
This is very obvious to people in the biz, but perhaps not so much to others.
Jen in philly:
"The more the show's gone on, the more Rami's reminded me of Right Said Fred, what with his bald head, buff arms, and those tight 90s shirts he frequently wears."
ack! That's IT! And now I have that tune stuck in my head for the rest of the day!!!! LOL!!!
Oh these pics!
Rami was adorable as a boy and totally hunky now. Wheww...
Ohh .. and yes the 2 piece denim look is very pretty also :)
Lima Bean,
I don't think Rami got his influence from the kind of Moslem atire you saw in that gelbab.com web site. Try this site:
http://progressiveislam.org/node?page=2
The Middle East is full of some of the most elegant and gorgeous women imaginable. While they are very diverse, if you go to any Iranian or Lebanese or Afghan or Egyptian restaurant or party in the US, you tend to see the women dressed in elegant clothes with a distinct Parisian feel, but influenced by Islam, even if they are Christian or other religions.
Keep the Rami screencaps coming, boys!
Oh please - Rami's lives in Los Angeles and has for years. LOL!
"Pulling on Rami's Zipper" LOL! You guys are too funny! I'd pull on Rami's zipper any day!
I loved his denim look. Very different for denim. Go Rami!
I don't like Rami. I think he's full of himself and not a nice person. Plus, the minute I saw those outer zippers, I thought: "He's ripping Jeffrey Sebelia's Bryant Collection off!" And no, I don't imagine Jeff invented them either, but Rami is a designer on PR 4 and Jeff Sebelia won PR 3 with, among other things, outer zippers. Enough said.
I truly believe the only reason he didn't drape the entire thing is because you can't drape denim. I know he's going to make the final 3 and it's making me sick, because I'm bound to hate his collection and wish I was seeing someone else's (probably Chris).
I predict Christian, Jillian and Rami for Bryant Park.
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