We will of course have all of our pictures up later and our eyewitness, you-are-there account of the surreality of it all, but first we wanted to give our initial impressions of the collections.
When Heidi pierced our eardrums by starting off the show, she didn't announce who would be showing, she just said "Let's start the show" and sat down like the little tease she is. Since no one really knew what the deal was going to be what with the 5 remaining designers and all, you could feel everyone lean forward in their seats to see who was going to come out.
[Photos: WireImage/Ambrel]
UPDATE: We've updated the slide shows with better quality pictures and put them all in runway order.
UPDATE: Watch videos with commentary by Newsday fashion writer Anne Bratskeir!
176 comments:
You are the best! I love you with a love rare and true. Thanks for the front row viewpoint.
Me2
Thank you for the teaser, boys!
Can't wait for the full commentary...sounds like you had waaaay too much fun.
OMG thank you for racing home and posting this for us. You are the BEST. Will go scrutinize your slide shows and then be back.
XOXOXOXO
Having decoys is just plain unfair to everyone involved. Bravo should have not skipped one or two episodes and they could have had three or four finalists with NO decoys. Why did the producers find that so hard to do? Look at a freaking calendar, guys!!!
I have a sinking feeling that the better showing designers may have been the decoys.
It's all about Sister Christian. None of the others came close.
fantastic!!!! i read your comments but didn't want to look at the pics (although I couldn't help but glance).
the wait until the finale airs is gonna be looooooong.....
now i can't wait to see your pics with all the fabulosity at the Bryant Park tent....
thanks again, we know you were there and thinking about sharing all these with your loyal followers :-)
We'll be adding more pictures to the slides as soon as they are available.
XO
T&L
Dear hearts,
Thanks so much for the heroic effort today. I'll go back and look at the slide shows again, but I wanted to read you first.
This afternoon at work: no billable hours! I don't care!
All the best,
(and loveyaandmeanit)
NDC
I found this at the NYT article about today's show:
"For Victoria Beckham, there was a clear winner at the ''Project Runway'' show. But she wasn't telling who.
Beckham is a guest judge for the two-part finale, which airs Feb. 27 and March 5.
''That one person really made me smile,'' Beckham said. ''Everything I saw, I would wear myself.''
should it be our princess Christian she is talking about???
I think all the designers did a great job, but I'm sorry to say my least favorite was chris's.
I just don't like goth, and it definitely exuded a goth vibe.
I prefer color, so christian's was disappointing. But what he did do was executed well. I hated the big bird outfit.
Jillian's, Rami's, and Sweet P's all had some strong looks and some weaker ones. Sweet P's first 3 looks were all stunners. After that it was downhill.
Christian's had drama from first outfit til last.
TLo:
Thank you for posting your initial reactions and the slides! We sitting at home pushing our refresh buttons all day really appreciate your efforts. Too bad we couldn't all be there with you --
Oh you two are the balls!!! I can't wait to hear all the dish and see your personal pictures! I also can't wait to see who made it to the top 3.
Mmmmmwah!
I think it's adorable that Chris kind of matched his show with the shirt and tie, and I have to say, his collection was the one that appealed to me the most. But I'm the kid who goes to Hot Topic for the crazy accessories so I'm very biased towards that look! Oh, next Wednesday can't come soon enough...
You the best! TY, TLo!
So hard to separate emotions from collections at this point, and pick winners and losers. Sweet P did have some interesting pieces, but I didn't love the pointy hips and schlumpy silhouettes as the collection went on. Chris's harkened Sweeney Todd, and I wonder if that's already too dated a pop-culture reference (just as Kara Saun's aviatrix look was), but there were many gorgeous pieces in his collection and I liked its consistency. Jillian had some very interesting details but something felt thematically inconsistent there. Rami's had a few dazzlers (nice of Gwyneth to model dress #3, and I did love #4 on what looks like Amanda), but yeah, too many snoozers. And Christian's -- OK, we get it! The cascading ruffle idea in the avant-garde challenge was your idea, Princess! I dunno. Probably when I see it moving, I'll love it. Right now, it feels very "beat you over the head until you admit how fierce I am."
First off, please note my pea green face. Thank you so much for sharing, you fortunate bitches! :-)
Wow, Princess Puffysleeves lived up to his name. I only wish there were fewer skinny pants and more dresses/skirts. The jackets were fierce! Maybe he could have tried another color other than black?
Agreed that Rami gave us pretty much what we expected. More draping and left boob hate. He could also take a lesson from PRC's Biddell w/r/t his basketweaving.
Sweet P floored me with those first two or three looks, but agree it became weaker as it progressed. She may have done well to have saved one of those first looks for her 12th piece.
Sissy Bear had some hits and misses, but I overall enjoyed the gothiness (it's a word now, bitches!) of it.
Surprisingly, I really liked Jillian's. I think that if it's not a decoy, it's a strong contender for the win.
Preview alludes to "something that's never happened before" on next week's show. Maybe all 5 are legit collections and there are NO decoys. It could happen. :-)
Is Chris's first model Bianca from America's Next Top Model? Looks a lot like her.
How cool! Thanks for the updates and slideshows!
Umm, is it me or are there some ANTM girls in there? I swear I saw Bianca...
Otherwise, your assessments are spot on. Personally I want Christian or Jillian to win, Sweet P and Chris to place 3 and 4, and Rami to drape a big billowy sail to fly himself home to Snoozeville.
Sweet P did a great job, but her color story? Feh.
I loved Chris' collection; the styling of the model wearing deep blue shawl collar dress reminded me of Renee Zellweger in Chicago.
Jillian - WTF? Loose the hats!
Rami - You're gonna put Nina in a coma.
B O R I N G !
Chicken - so you watched some old Xaviar Cugat movies and channeled ruffled shirts? Not feerce...
Went back to check out the models since I'm an ANTM addict. I think that IS Bitchskanka and I believe the second model is Danielle (now Dani) who won Cycle 6.
Good, I'm not the only one who thought that was Bianca. If so, good for her!
I love the the collections. I have to say this is going to be a tough deliberation for the judges. Can't wait!
Okay, I just did a quick Google search, and apparently that is Bianca, and Jaslene and Danielle Evans (also from America's Next Model) are also modeling. Weird.
Whoa, spiffy pictures. Can't wait for commentary.
God, Sweet P started off so brilliantly. I wish she'd been able to keep it up. I also wish Princess had done fewer jacket/pants combos and more dresses. He's good at jackets, but not as good as he thinks he is, while he could do something with his dresses.
I'm looking forward to hearing the dish. Forget about the designers: Who recognized YOU?
As for the collections: That Chris outfit with the human hair, reminded me of that outfit trimmed in monkey fur, from Singin' In The Rain. Maybe it was a nod to Musical Mondays.
Posh has to be on the Christian bandwagon. I can just picture her in his clothes, especially that Cafe au Lait dress. But, during S2, they claimed that they didn't give it to Daniel because of his age. I wonder if that will be a factor tis time around.
Rami's is always for a certain type of woman: (One who wants to dress like the curtain of a Vaudeville Theatre.) I can appreciate his craftsmanship though, & that one dress was a real wow. But mostly that look has to much of a matronly/ Beverly Hills/Palm Beach aesthetic.
I really liked Jillian's the best. But it's not as high impact as Christian's. It's just classic sportswear with a twist.
I guess it will depend on what they are looking for. I'd say it is between Jillian & Christian (but Rami would have to be in the mix, mostly because they've been peeing their panties over him all season). All 3 had wow pieces. But, as whole collections though, it seems like it is Christian & Jillian.
--GothamTomato
Also:
Congratulations to Chris to *finally* doing something new for the "gothic" look. Hopefully this will catch on- I'm so sick of black pleather and corsets.
Seriously, he could have a niche market with this. It's probably a bigger market than drag queens (but probably not as fun), so hey, great for everyone.
Is that the fabulous Camilla in Jillian's lineup?
Christian's collection is just ridic. Original, no. But it's still just the best looking, most dramatic thing up there!
It is most definitely between Chris, Sweet Pea and Rami.
Jillian and Christian will be quickly eliminated, for diametrically opposite reasons: Too Puffy / Too Plain. To Frou Frou / Too Frumpy.
Sissybear for the Win!!! Sweetie a Well Deserved Second!!
To watch or not to watch, that is the question. At least it is for me as I sooo need to see things in sequence to fully enjoy. I'd prefer the dish on the tent crowd.
I guess I'll have to catch up with everyone later. Enjoy, and save some bitchy, bitchy for me!
Woooo ooooo -- That's a lotta look!
Oh man, thank you for these!
Love love LOVE Christian's pieces! I do agree that a lot of pieces had that expected "poofy up top, skintight down below" silhouette, but I think it's better that he pull together an iconic look for his line than to spread out too much and end up looking unfocused. (Or maybe I misread your post and totally missed the point!)
I don't agree on Jillian's hats though :c and I thought her collection was a little... spazzy? Chris's work looked fantabulous, of course. Sweet P... tried as usual, I can imagine herself second- and third-guessing herself further and further into the creation of her collection. I did like those plaids though.
Rami I can't even talk about. BLARGH! I want him auf'd!
PS - TLo, thanks so much for all you do for us!
Are the pix in collection-order?
I also saw an interview that Tim Gunn did with Posh after the show (in the NY Post online)where she said the same thing mommyca wrote. There was one favorite for her and she'd wear every single piece in their collection. Given her penchant for tight pants, I'm guessing Christian.
All the collections were well done overall. I loved some pieces more than others, but all the designers should be very proud of themselves!
desertwind said...
PS - TLo, thanks so much for all you do for us!
Are the pix in collection-order?
Sort of. We were trying to upload them as quickly as possible, and you do not get them in order from the image sites. We're going to go back and see if we remember the order and also add more pictures.
XO
T&L
Thank you, thank you, thank you sweet babies...
This is my Valentine's present from you to me.
BTW, will you two be my Valentine's? ;-)
I'am looking at these from a bunch of perspectives.
What is editorial? What has a fresh point of view? Which one is versatile and commercially viable, construction and then and more importantly which piecees I would wear.
Adn you will be shocked, or maybe not so shocked, out of the whole bunch the dress I would buy TOMORROW is that first blue one of Sissy's with the silkscreen of the girl.
I ADMIRE PPS's from here to eternity, it's beautiful.
And I really liked Jillian's.
Rami's, I could not find anything that made me go "gimme, gimme, gimme" and Sweet P's I liked her pants, suprisingly.
Love you two,
Milla
I made this comment on the other, much more boring blog where you can't say anything mean. But here goes:
I think the fabric from Posh's dress came from the same bolt at Spandex House that Ricky selected for his award auf'ing bathing suit for the WWE chick. Just sayin'.
I know EXACTLY what Posh likes to wear and, believe it or not, there is one collection where I can SEE her in EVERY outfit!!
It's not Christian. It's Sweet Pea!
You guys rule the universe! Oh and you have linkage too ;-)
I agree with whomever said that Heidi looked too casual in her jeans. She also looked teeny. I think that is the thinnest I've ever seen her.
Laura Bennett looked stunningly fabulous.
I liked Jilly's knit dress a lot. Her collection looked much like things that she would wear, until the second half when it lost all cohesion and got a little funky. I bet each piece was immaculately made.
I was disappointed with Chris' collection, although I bear the right to recant that when I can really look at it in pictures that show details. Chris' collection didn't have the joy that I thought it would have, given the nuttiness of the creator.
Sweet P was a wonderful surprise. I thought her collection was romantic and unexpected. I loved that she lived the moment at Bryant Park and took it to heart. I think she'll always be one of my favorite people from PR.
Rami's collection was serious and matronly. A total yawner for me. Immaculately made, I'm sure.
Christian is my princess of the hour. He lived up totally to his asthetic. I would call the collection exhuberant if it wasn't all in black. I think his youth prevents him from considering anythihg practical and the result is faboo. I loved it and I agree with TLo that Nina and Victoria did too. Absolutely ferosh.
What a great way to waste a Friday. :-)
I can't frickin believe it. Rami did a gold toga. *rollingeyes*
I say either Christian or Jillian for the win. I preferred Jillian's, but ya never know on the judges.
Thanks to TLo for all this fabulous coverage!
I love Chris and Rami's collections the best, but all of them have some impressive pieces. Were Kit, Jack, Stephen, and Kevin there in the crowd?? I'd love to have seen all of them do a line, too!
OMG. The PR bitches love the ANTM Bitches. Did you see Bianca from the latest ANTM cycle in Chris' Show?
Interesting article on MSNBC about the show today. Has some words from Ricky on how it was to see himself crying every week.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23072882/
Looks like everyone work their asses off.
Thanks for the sneak peek at everything! I can't wait to see more on TV (how sad is that?) and hear more in depth commentary.
Though I've always loved Chris as a person, he's been really hit or miss as a designer for me... which is why I'm shocked that I LOVED so many things in his collection, some of them I would buy tomorrow if I could. That red dress with the black detailing (beading?) is so simple but gorgeous and I love the images on the clothes!
Christian's is the one I had the highest hopes for, but it was a very big 'eh, okay' for me overall. So many jackets and skinny pants, it seemed so repetitive by the end! It was certainly the most 'high fashion' of all of them though. I wouldn't be surprised if he won.
Though I seem to be in the minority, I thought Jillian's collection was horrific. I'm usually kind of neutral on her clothes, but so many things in her show were just not attractive at all. Rami's was just terribly boring, awful color choices. Sweet Pea started well as you've said, but lost me by the end.
I think Christian's the winner, but my own heart's with Chris on this one!
Sorry to stray off topic here, but....
NAME CHANGE!
After oh so many months of posting under the banner of "SNF IN VA", I have signed up for my very own blogger identity, primarily as a result of the fatigue-inducing airborne primates that have lately descended on this blog. Again.
Being a life long fan of the works of H.H. Munro, a.k.a. Saki, the moniker wasn't much of a stretch.
So glad you two were there. Thank you for slaving away on this blog today!
I've done that train ride from NYC to Philly a few times (have to go to NY on business now and again, and my oldest kid lives in Philly now) and can picture you there, madly uploading pictures and composing your posts.
Oh my gosh! I was gonna kick myself for clicking the spoiler, but I couldn't help it! I'm at least hanging on to what's left of my resolve and not looking at any of the outfits (yet), but I gotta know: are some of these fabulous designers decoys? Can't wait till Wednesday! Thank you thank you thank you T & L!
~Zippylittlerat~
I knew they would let all 5 go through fashion week when the teaser toild us it's a PR first and Rami said "Waht???" I absolutely love that idea!!! It's so cool!
It's between Christian and Jillian for me. Both collections were well-executed, but Christian took it to the next level.
Wow. Unbelievably fabulous!
I am so happy for you boys! And you obviously have been BUSY!
I like these collections better than the previous seasons, (with the exception of Laura Bennett, of course!) Very very good.
AWESOME collections! I love Jillian's!!
Heidi is working that camel toe in those fugly jeans. Yikes!
Human hair? Yeeech. That's just gross.
Slam dunk by Christian. He pulled out all the stops and delivered the only exciting & memorable collection. Here's our winner!
Jillian. Zzzzzzzzz... Snooze fest. Like watching wallpaper dry.
Chris. Tacky gothic. His taste level isn't there.
Rami is Rami. I think he'll be the most successful in the long run. He's masterful with that drapery. Some beautiful gowns. His dresses will be in high demand in Oscar season.
Sweet Pea: LOVED the first few pieces and I only wish she carried the momentum to the entire collection and this collection would have easily won it in my eyes. The colors and the materials grew increasingly less sophisticated and the collection fizzled at the end. Still, good work, girl! You're my darling of this season.
Chris: I was so very disappointed with this collection. Where's the whimsy? If you are going to style the models like drag queens, give them something outrageous to wear. The color palette was just too matronly and dated.
Jillian: I can see where the excitement is for her clothes and I loved her style during the show, but I'm not so sure about this collection, but it's a big contender for the win. It's not as dramatic as some of the other collections, but it's definitely the most versatile and has the most range. Maybe it's the riding suits? And her first dress: her boobs have snake eyes!
Rami: I actually liked his collection the most out of all the others even though it rode on his strengths of wrapping and draping, which bored me during the show. The colors and the elements were more cohesive and made for a good story, though I definitely think it could use a few standout pieces and a touch more originality.
Christian: For all of the praise that he's getting, I do believe he deserves it. He constructed the hell out of his collection and it's very dramatic. Unfortunately I must commit two levels of blasphemy. One, his collection is the Laura of this season - he definitely has a strong style and he knows exactly how to accomplish it, but it also makes for a narrow collection. Ruffles, puffy sleeves, and fitted bottoms in all of the clothes. Two, highly derivative too, but not in a good way, and especially not coming from someone who is so young and talented. He should not win, based off of this collection.
And that's the snark of the day. Thanks for the great preview! I'm so excited for the rest of the season, knowing that the collections redeem what was before a snoozefest.
Was anyone else miserably disappointed with Christian's overall collection? I really thought he was the most talented all season, but (while the dresses in his collection were beautiful), I was just put to sleep by the -- how many was it -- 12 almost identical black jacket and pants outfits! Not only were they identical to each other, they were identical to four or five things he did in the challenges. I'm crestfallen.
So Rami has a narrow view but Christian should win after sending an entire collection of puff sleeved jackets down the runway. Wow.
I love the drama created by all of them except for Rami's. Rami is just so boring, overdone and commercial, compared to the other four.
On a side note, I was so happy to see Bianca, Jaslene and Danielle from ANTM. Jaslene is one of my favorite contestants ever, so it was a nice surprise to see her coupled with Jillian, my second favorite designer (after Christian).
Thank you!
Thank you!
GASP. You forgot one of Christian's looks, and probably tying for my favorite out of the collection (the other being what I've nicknamed "chocolate shavings" because it's so yummy).
http://bp2.blogger.com/_N2GwfFRCkGA/R6yhTtXypwI/AAAAAAAABT0/tereP5sQuyc/s1600-h/Christian1.jpg
Chris March FTW!!
I thought Christian tried way too hard in his designs. Beside from his skinny pants and puffy sleeves with frills (so expected!) he threw everything but the kitchen sink at his other designs. Colors, feathers, frills, one girl with the shorter brown and cream looked like a big bird coming down the runway. I really thought he might do something interesting, but I just was shocked by his lack of taste and over-the-top designs. And please, will someone enlighten me how black puffy jackets and skinny pants are a collection with brown and cream over the top dresses with feathers and ruffles? I just don't get it.
I thought Jillian would be great, but she confused and bored me. Weird. Something happened to her designing for this show, or maybe she really never did have a POV.
Rami, on the other hand, has such a strong POV that he can't do anything else. I did like his black/grey dress, but hardly anything else.
Chris - when I read Jezebel's blogging, I was worried, but the first dress I saw was his red and black one, and I was like - WOW!!! Way dramatic and gorgeous. And the more I look at his collection, the more it seems as if it IS a collection. The clothes had a POV and they flowed. I really loved some of them.
And Sweet Pea - oh dear. She was clearly out of her element. I didn't like any of her clothes, but I still think she is a wonderful human being!!
For me the previous seasons' highlights were Jay, Laura and Kara Saun's final collections.
Looking at the 5 collections from today, it seems as if one or two of this season's designers have reached that level (I'm withholding my final judgement until I see the garments in motion).
Sweet P and Chris sent the two most surprising colllections down the runway. If the photos were posted blindly, I would have never guessed them to be the designers responsible.
Jillian, Rami and Xian each had a point of view more consistent with the work they produced during the season.
(After the TrannyCapades, these all seem so tame...where's the botox, silocone, steriods and body glitter?)
Kimberwyn said: "So Rami has a narrow view but Christian should win after sending an entire collection of puff sleeved jackets down the runway. Wow."
Thank you! If Rami isn't a decoy and the judges rip him apart for being repetitive, while praising the repetitve AND derivative Christian, I will lose my mind. Christian's entire collection, though technically proficient and very dramatic, was a McQueen retread.
"Sweet P was a wonderful surprise. I thought her collection was romantic and unexpected. I loved that she lived the moment at Bryant Park and took it to heart. I think she'll always be one of my favorite people from PR."
DITTO. She's an absolute Peach.
"Though I seem to be in the minority, I thought Jillian's collection was horrific. I'm usually kind of neutral on her clothes, but so many things in her show were just not attractive at all."
You are NOT in the minority.
Serious fugitude.
Thank you, Tom and Lorenzo, for the fabulous slide shows and interesting commentary. I look forward to more!
Bianca from American's Next Top Model was one of Sissy Bear's models! Finally, a reality show crossover!
I was wondering when that would finally happen. HOO-RAH!
"Was anyone else miserably disappointed with Christian's overall collection?"
Oh GOD Yes!! YES YES YES YESSSSSSSS!
All those ruffles hurt my Eyes!! Whaaaaa!
My airbourne simian friends and I love Sweet Pea!
We LOVE the Pea!!
Given the insane amount of time I spend reading here, I haven't posted in forever. Just wanted to say THANKS for getting the pics and your impressions up so quick. And as for "Was anyone else miserably disappointed with Christian's overall collection?"... miserably disappointed may be a an overstatement, but it didn't live up to expectations, for sure.
Darlings....Thank you so so much for the preview. I'm so jealous that you were there and I wasn't. Loved loved loved Jillian's collection. Rami's gowns were gorgeous. Sweet P's first 2 were wonderful but not going to carry the race Chris was a disappointment and Christian is going to be a wonderful designer for drag queens, but will probably win.
oh my!
this was good theres a few pieces of sweet p's collection that were a big big WOW!
about chris... well i kinda feel it very 90's with a twist not so sure i like his collection...
jillian i like some pieces but well some of them are kinda creepy in a way
rami... boring! he did all that during the show... nothing surprising nothing new just the same thing!
christian's i liked a lot but again it was expected he did a very good job
but it kinda fell flat im not sure i liked this season lol it was ok but too quiet nothing like jay's or jeff's nothing like daniel v or clohe kara saun, uli
theres some real good pieces and some real cool things but being 5 you would think there would be more pressure and lots more creative things.... it didnt make it for me i dont know i liked it but i dont think it was enough hehe
cheers!
Thanks guys so much! It's so exciting to live this through you. S4 has been one goofy ride this season. You have to give it up for Christian. He's so young, and so talented, and so confident...that he simply exudes brilliance. He has stumbled so little in this competition. His collection is cohesive and couture. Aside from Rami's draping, he is really the only one who shows a very identifiable point of view and it comes across in his collection. Rami's is actually my least favorite. Clever in some aspects, but limited and boring. Sweet P. We love her and some of the pieces, but it can't be called a collection and after all of this, I still can't figure out her point of view. I really think that Chris' collection is great. Very dramatic and high fashion. If Helena Bonham Carter was the guest judge, he would definitely be the winner. I can't wait for the final episodes. Thanks again TLo.
Now I know why Tim said this was the strongest group of designers yet for PR.
VB is quoted as saying she'd wear everything from one of the collections and there's spec it's Christian... but! She's not really known for wearing English designers and his look is just so English.
Could see her in the tight pants, though, couldn't you?
I'm guessing she means Rami.
Do you realize we won't find out for a month? Gah.
Thanks guys...from a long time lurker.
and Jesus, how does Posh keep her breasts up like that?
Scary.....
Hmmmm. I went off to listen to Barack Obama speak this morning and there's so much to come back to! This is closer to the Season 2 finale for me when I didn't see a clear winner.
I agree that Rami's was boring. A few beautiful dresses (I liked the one Amanda wore a lot), but nothing to jump and down for. Sweet P's was a lot of different looks, but not very cohesive to use Ninaspeak. Jillian's is closer to what I'd actually wear, but I've had it drummed into me over the seasons that whether it matches my personal style isn't the only or best way to judge - are you listening, Posh? I really liked some of Chris's, but some of it creeped me out, I hate to say. Christian's looks beautiful in a very busy, ruffly way. I'll let the fashionistas say what it's derivative of, but to me it seemed very 'My Fair Lady' Ascot Gavotte if the ladies were allowed to wear pants. And also "I made the avant garde look, I made the avant garde look!'
So I don't know who I'd choose. It will be interesting to see the collections in motion.
Fun! Christian, Chris, and Sweet-P's collections were my favorites. I especially liked Chris's Goth flapper colleciton. Christian's jackets were smashing. Beautiful work, Sweet-P!
Those jeans make Heidi look bow-legged.
There were things from every collection that I would wear in a minute!
You are right about Sweet P's starting out great and kinda falling off at the end.
Sissybear's was very pretty...I liked the use of red & black...it did have a nice cohesiveness to it...
Jillians didn't really stand out too much for me..nice but not spectacular...
Rami...is well, Rami...Classic...draped...I did like the brown evening gown with the basketweave top...very pretty..
And Princess Puffysleeves definately lived up to his nickname.
That one beige shirt with the puffy's, the one before the brown & beige dress, looked like a bird was attacking her!!
But his was the one that stood out the most in my eyes...
I can see Posh liking his the most...it seemed very Poshy...
I'm trying to digest the love expressed by so many people here for Christian's collection, as well as the assumptions that he'll win. I think it's hideous. Ruffle overload in the extreme. In past years the judges have really not liked it when a collection was too derivative of another designer (remember Kara Saun & Gucci?) so I wouldn't count on them drooling over Christian's collection. Of course, they might, since consistency's not their strong suit.
I'm also not a big fan of Rami's collection, although there were a few beautiful dresses. Stunned by the first three from Sweet P, but it went downhill from there, so I guess that leaves Jillian and Chris for my favorites.
Well Jeezus Christ...
even now I have an imposter.
I need to fix that...help!
Give it up for Princess Chicken Sleeves....LOL
IMHO he won it hands down.
It was wonderful to see you boys, but MORE wonderful to see your fans squealing over you!!
I'm with you- I got totally choked up over Sweet P and Chris. The people sitting around me were freaking out over Chris's collection....
All I can say is this.....it was a surreal and spactacular experience. And why the hell was Heidi wearing jeans and a sparkly T?? Maybe she shoulda saved the Laura Bennett red number for the finale??
And when she screeched "this was our best finale ever", while standing smack in front of all the former contestants who were there(who looked at each other in horror), I thought that had better end up on the cutting room floor or Heidi is going to get some MAJAH hate mail.
thank you darlings for the sneak peek...all of the collections were good -- it's going to be a tough decision. i can't wait!
does rami even know how to make a pattern? everything draped... sweet p really stepped up to the plate on this one -- i agree that the first several pieces were the best, then it kind of fizzled. jillian had some of the most wearable pieces; a few formal pieces, then more sportswear than the others. loved some of chris' pieces, but didn't like the fringe (human hair?????yuk!)
christian had a really "wow" collection, although i started to get tired of the ruffles. as a seamstress i can appreciate the execution of some of those pieces -- incredible; but they weren't all that attractive. i don't know if i can see posh in some of those ruffles up to her neck -- she usually wears very revealing necklines with her girls pushed up for maximum effect. guess we'll just have to wait until the finale...
OK, I finally remembered what Posh's dress reminded me of. This:
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj170/gothamtomato/Gates-1thum.jpg
(I tried to pull a 'Bill', and post a link, but I don't think it worked. Sigh.)
--GothamTomato
LOVED the goth inspired clothes by Chris, but hands down Christian should win.
Thank you for the slide show. That was really fantastic. It's also a lot of information to digest so I'll wait to comment on the looks when the show is in moving 2 dimensions. How I envy everyone that got to see that 3rd elusive dimension that is beyond my grasp. Envy, what an ugly word, when I actually only mean that I wish I could have been there. I know these designs were much more appealing in person than they ever could be displayed by flat pixels on a screen.
Truly happy for you guys and am glad you have shared these slide shows. :le sigh
Here's a delicious tid-bit (now hopelessly buried deep within the comments) but still......
Meryl Streep was drawn to the show because of Chris March's work and involvement - I have this on authority. & Rock on, Chris; your decision to incorporate hair as a detail shows you're not afraid of controversy.
Yes, Christian's is derivative.
But he went for it, and bravo! Maybe because he hasn't been in the industry for a long, long time, he's still go that free spirit. It was editorial, not something you'd necessarily pick up at the store. But then, no one said it had to be, did they?
And I liked a lot of pieces in Sweet P's collection. Good job! It looks very current.
the best are jillian and christian.
rami's is pretty good too
omg i HATED chris' collection.
the necklaces make it look SO cheap, and the clothes aren't much better.
jillian's was verrrry good.
rami's was too one note.
i liked about 3 pieces in sweet p's collection.
CHRISTIAN is and will always be my favorite.
it was DRAMATIC and INTERESTING and very high fashion.
BTW the backs of Chris's gowns were absolutely beautiful. He had a single crystal broach on the back of each dress and the detail was terrific.
Sweet P's stuff was not really fitted well on a few of the models.There were also tons of bouncing boobies all over the place.
Jillians work was meticulous.
I was sitting right across from the judges. Heidi and Posh stayed motionless and expressionless.
Nina actually applauded in the middle of Chris's collection. She was beaming the whole time. Kors and Nina both looked a little annoyed during Rami's collection. It was obvious that they were NOT impressed. And during Christian's they were kind of smirking like "I KNEW this would be fierce...."
suzanne- from the pictures,
chris' collection looks very cheap to me. did the garments look much different= on the actual runway?
TLo - just a big thank you for all your work! You deserved to be at that show.
As for Rami "Celebrating Women" - apperently listening to their requests is not on his "ways to celebrate" list.
Posh was wearing a very drapy dress - could she have meant Rami?
Still love Jillian's coats.
And just love Chris and Christian and Sweet P...so great to see all their work.
Thanks again.
Thanks for suffering through the shows for us. :) Thanks for getting the videos to share with us!
Loved Chris' and Jillian's best. Sweet P's were ok, but the mauve & gold combo was nasty. Rami's was Rami's...that's all.
Christian's was nice but didn't have any life to it. Very refined but tame. I would expect more but yet it's very him.
Can't wait to see the real shows!!!
TO GOTHAM - That was hysterical!!!
Anon @ 9:44
No they really didn't look cheap ...really the backs were just as dramatic as the fronts. That jacket with the hair on the edges of the sleeves has hair along the back of it too below the shoulders (picture a western fringe made of hair)
wtf? i agree with anonymous..
chris's stuff was UGLY.
it was cheap. hated the velvet.
are you people insane or did it really look THAT different in person?
I think I'm looking forward more to reading about TLo's adventures then the commentary about the fashion!
Puffy sleeves, puffy sleeves, PUFFY SLEEVES!
And yet...I love most of it. And I love my lil' pocket gay.
Well...I'm not a fashion expert but so far no final collection from any PR season wowed me like Jay's from PR Season 1. Too bad he's not been able to move forward (at least that's what I've read). His collection was both wearable (for most people) yet very fashion forward. I expected SO much more from Christian. Waaaaay too much black and too many skinny pants.
I have lived this dream right along with you boys from Day One--for you to get to Bryant Park and report back to us/have the full on experience. I know I'm a complete sap but I have tears in my eyes right now thinking of the tingling you must have felt sitting in that tent and your road to Fabulosity that got you there. I could go on and on about your Cinderfellas story (and would if i wasn't wearing out my welcome in bandwith) but I'll comment on the collections.
Christian HAS to win in my opinion. I loved his and SP's the most. Amazing..both of them! I just can't wait to hear more of your personal experiences and behind the scenes dramas (hopefully) which to me is as much or more fun than the entire show/Bryant Park/any of it.
You guys are my heroes and inspiration..gush gush freaking GUSH!!!!! I love you BOTH!!!
Well if Mrs. Beckham isn't wearing a restyled prison jumpsuit, perhaps she's become a Buddhist nun?
Despite the similarities, I don't think Christo designed her frock, Gotham Tomato (although Posh DOES look like a lot like a pole with breasts...)
I think they all had high and low points. Some more than others.
Sweet P: like many other posters I liked the first two pieces. I also liked the two plaid pieces, the rest, not so much .The evening gown with cape that she showed in the middle was just bad. And the hats dear god...
Jillian: Loved the hats, and the jackets, especially the signature redingcoat. Hated the little gold strapless cocktail dress.
Chris: I loved all of them. But the silhouettes aren't that new.
Rami: The workmanship is just in a separate class from the other designers. My favorite was the black blouse with fuchia skirt that Sam wore.
Christain: He worked very hard on this collection (maybe harder than any of them), you can tell.My favorite was the black jacket with puff sleeves. But there were at least 5 black jackets with full sleeves shown with tight fitting black pants...and a white full sleeved blouse with tight black pants..and a burgandy full sleeved jacket with tight black pants.. Too similar.. Also the wide brimmed hat with the cocktail dress=wrong.
I don't know who will win, but I think Christian and Sweet P are the decoys.
One of my favorite looks of them all, in reviewing the slide shows, is Jillian's last dress..wow. I don't think her entire collection is strong enough for the win, but that last look was truly amazing...interested to hear what you boys thought of it in person. As well as every. other. tiny. detail. about. everything. Is that too much to ask? ;)
"Stubenville said...
Well if Mrs. Beckham isn't wearing a restyled prison jumpsuit, perhaps she's become a Buddhist nun?"
The Poshai Lama?
Thank you TLO for always thinking of us!!! You guys - and your commentary - rock more for me than the actual show.
Or maybe Crossing Guard Spice?
Here's what I think:
RAMI: His collection was beautiful but showed no range beyond what he usually creates. Laura created a similar collection last year and got dinged by the judges for her narrow vision. Rami will NOT win PR based on that.
SWEET P: Her collection had some very nice pieces in it, but I didn't really see a theme or cohesiveness to it. It was a bit scattered. The trip to the final runway show was her reward.
JILLIAN: Her collection was cute in a sporty way, but didn't really show a lot of elegance. I didn't love all the hats, though. I did LOVE the charcoal gray jacket with the red lining; that was spectacular! I think Jillian has a good shot at winning, but a better shot a runner-up.
CHRISTIAN: Ever heard of COLOR, Princess Puffy-Sleeves? The black was dramatic, but it got pretty old after the first five outfits! And what was with Scarecrow Woman? That poor model looked like she was covered in corn shucks! Hand me a weed whacker! Unfortunately, this is just the type of collection Mrs. Soccer Mom Beckham would go for, so Christian could conceivably win PR this season.
CHRIS: I LOVED his collection. It had imagination, theatricality, elegance, color, and drama. I also loved the rich fabrics and the interesting textures he used in creating his designs. The human hair trim was inspired! After being unjustly booted off PR and then to come back after Jack left with such strong showings in challenge after challenge, I am thrilled he not only made it to the final runway show, but that he could also win the whole shebang! GO CHRIS!!!
so much black!
PPS did not surprize... puffy sleeves EVERYWHERE..Chris's collection was different than I expected.. the rest of them.. same ol' same ol'. I suspect Posh liked Christan's after all, he designs for a size minus zero!
In all likelihood, it will be Christian, Jillian, and Rami in the final three and Christian or Jillian (I like Christian more, but I love Jillian's collection) will be up for the winner...
Here's my ranking of the collections.
1. Jillian (barely)
2. Christian (barely)
3. Chris
4. Sweet P
5. Rami
Honestly though, I can say that CHRIS WILL NOT WIN PROJECT RUNWAY.
The producers aren't stupid enough to let a formerly eliminated contestant win the whole sha-bang. That would have Jack Mackenroth throwing a television out of an NYC window. Major no-no. MG didn't win PRC as well. The eliminated just shouldn't win.
I like Jillian's best, I think she could win if they play it safe. I really like Chris's. He's just so talented, but I don't think he could win. Christian's is quite amazing. I don't know as though I completely like it - I hate feathers, and I don't particularly like leather. All dark, bland shades - I enjoy colour. [Like, I loved Uli's patterns.] But I think he's incredibly talented. A lot of me thinks he should/will win. But he needs to venture beyond the puffy sleeves and skinny jeans. You do it great, we get it, reach ahead.
I enjoyed like half of Rami's and half of Sweet P's. Some of Rami's evening wear is breathtaking. And some of Sweet P's stuff I would really want to wear, and I think only Jillian has something else I would actually wear and not feel ridiculous in.
Yay for all of them. Chris and Sweet P were my favourites on the show. I just love happiness and positive energy. :)
there were quite a few antm girls in the show from what i can tell. i tried not to look too hard at the designs, so that i can still surprise myself lol
Crossing Guard Spice
Ha! Excellent. I was thinking County Jail Spice.
Also loved Katiecoo's poshai lama. (And her bobble head doll. I"m waiting for the TLO bobble heads).
Salon has a nice little news video. I got teary watching it! Didn't think I had any emotional investment in this season... But, there ya go.
http://www.salon.com/ent/video_dog/
"Fashion Week: "Project Runway" designers strut their stuff"
(You may have to watch commercial to get day-pass.)
Sewing Siren,
That photo you have up is gorgeous. I really like seeing your creations. I wish you had a blog.
I don't get the love for Chris's collection. It looks tailor-made for 40 year olds who want a mature, upscale Hot Topic.
My favourite was Christian's. Rami and Jillian both had hits and misses and are tied for second (I loved his hits more than I liked hers, and hated his misses more than I disliked hers, so I just lumped them together). Chris comes in third for me. Sweet P's was *so* bad I'm simply ignoring it.
I have to add that I think the craftsmanship shown in Christian's and Rami's pieces is truly outstanding.
I'm wagering that Sweet P/Rami are the decoys.
My personal favorite collection is Chris's (I immedaitily thought back to Iman v. Marie Genvieve over "goth does not = trashy!" and realized, hey, this is what Iman means.) but since the judges are Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, the winner will be Jillian.
I LIVE!!!! THANK SO MUCH!!!! MBFASHIONWEEK HAD NO PHOTOS...SO I KNEW WHERE TO COME!!! THANKS GUYS!!
Brett made a good point; many of us (myself included)have been guilty of just reacting to the designers' collections; there are also politics involved.
Sweet P - a fine showing, but not in the top three. Her age works against her, too.
Chris - a great collection, but his age and background work against him. And being brought back is the kiss of death.
Jillian - her collection was well made and quirky enough to be thought of as high design. She is also attractive, polite and well spoken. She's the kind of personality the judges would like to reward.
Rami - everyone thought he was the golden boy, but his runway collection was in dull colors and looked matronly. While he is attractive and likable, his collection looked too old despite the exceptional craftsmanship.
Christian - his collection WAS fierce, but I found it to be overly frilly. Who knows how the judges will react? His ego-centric personality and his youth will work heavily against him.
So if all the collections were equally good, the winner would probably be Jillian. So I guess it all comes down to Tim's infamous quote It's a matter of taste.
Hi Kittens,
We just finished adding more pictures to the slides and putting them in the right runway order. Enjoy!
XO
T&L
Meh, this season is boring. My ranking:
1. Rami
2. Christian
3. Sweet Pea
4. Jillian
5. Chris
Is there video yet?
cute cute cute.
I locked in on the winner over at the contest is that cheating?
lol.
Fabulous! LOVE Christian's! Sooo over the top!
Jillian FTW!!!!!
Thank you so much boys for these slides. : )
sewing siren said:
RE: Christian's collection...
"My favorite was the black jacket with puff sleeves."
Oh my freakin' prophet-on-a-POGO !
hahahahahaha~~
(that cracked my shit up)
thanks siren :)
Sal
Simply from an editorial standpoint, Christian's was the best - but as far as what I would go out and buy tomorrow, in almost its entirety (save one or two pieces), Jillian. Wow. Amazing. There is something to be said for a collection that actually does look like it could be in Bloomingdales or Nordstrom tomorrow.
Chris is a sweet guy, but I was blinded by the utter and complete fug. Never in a million years would I ever put any of that shit on my body. Ever. And it was so dated. So, so dated.
Sweet Pea was good at first, then it went downhill - she's a sweet girl and has some interesting ideas, I don't think she's in the Bryant Park league though.
Rami is very one-note -- and while I can see that being successful if he has his own small private label, it makes for a boring show.
Christian and Jillian were the clear standouts to me -- if anyone else wins, yeah, no -- one of those two is going to be the winner.
Thanks so much for the pictures!
Thanks, TLo, for the extra slides and putting them in order. It made some of the collections and your comments on them easier to follow and understand. Now that I've looked at everything again, in order and in bigger slides, I'd give it to Jillian. I wasn't a big fan of hers to this point, but it did seem young and fresh and versatile.
Chris and Christian would be in a virtual dead heat for second. I loved Chris's longer, simpler gowns, but some others remain scary. Christian is just the prince of puff and that's all that can be said. Sweet P would be fourth, and Rami would be last. I liked Rami's even less on closer inspection. Sweet P's collection still doesn't hang together.
Thanks, boys! Best show ever!!
OMG, I hope you guys had a great time! I'm going to have to wait to read all about it because I want the final collections to be a complete surprise!
SPOILER I won't post here but on MSNBC, there is an article about the runway show finale and some interesting information about the next elimination challenge
Not sure how I feel about it.
It is great seeing everything in the original order! You boys did a yeoman's job. Thanks!
Some random thoughts:
SweetP: This did not look like a cohesive collection. Bt it did look like the way SweetP has worked throughout the season; not having a point of view, and always grasping for something beyond her reach. It looked like she was thinking about what the other designers would be doing, and she was trying to do what they would be doing, but she doesn't do it as well. Those couple of suity pieces in the beggining were surprisingly good. And the bolero outfit stood out well. But as a whole, this collection looked downmarket. And those shiney teal and gold & black dresses were seriously hideous & ill fitting. Her taste level is just not there (and what the hell was with those ankle socks?? They ruined what might have been an OK outfit). Overall, it looked like a student show.
Chris: Not what I expected from Chris. It was definitely dramatic, but not always in a good way. I thought that first dress out was the most high impact (& gorgeous). I wish he'd done more with screen printing. I think he was really onto something there. I don't know what the theme he was going for was, but it seemed to be 1920's Goth. Not to my taste.
Jillian: Great classic sportswear, with a twist. Great separates. Gorgeous coats. This is THE collection geared to the working woman. (I could have done without the Xena Warrior Princess dress though - it actually reminded me a little, of the getup she was wearing in her loopy audition video). This collection wasn't as dramatic as Christian's. But I could see this collection going into any number of high end stores and doing amazingly well. She definitely has it all: Good tastse, design skills, construction skills, and a sense of what women who earn their own money will buy. And the maturity to run her own company.
Rami Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful: Beautifully made work, but some of the models looked like they were wearing their mother's clothes. His work definitely has a narrow aesthetic. It is the Ladies Who Lunch Crowd from Beverly Hills/Palm Beach/Park Avenue. (and as a side note; It always cracks me up to see emaciated models shlepping giant handbags down a runway). But there were a couple of red carpet standouts there - and the one weave dress: I'll bet that one will be going to the Oscars. The stylists will be wrestling over that one (but the headpieces should stay home on the couch with the popcorn). As for his 'women should be celebrated' speech; maybe he felt the need to say that because he does come from such a mysogynistic culture; he's obviously rejected it, but maybe feels the need to appologize for it.
Christian: Avant Garde from the l'enfant terrible. Some very beautiful pieces; standout pieces. This was definitely the most dramatic collection, though not neccessarily the most original collection - but he really put on a show. Lots of WOW! In the end though, I think his collection may have suffered from the color story. Too much black (and this is from a New Yorker who dresses in black). But that Cafe au Lait dress was pure candy confection and pure Posh, and very reminiscent of a dress we've already seen her in -that orange number from (I think it was) Elle. So I'm guessing that Christian is the designer she loves. One thing to think about though; even though this was the most editorial collection, black is the most difficult color to photograph well. So that photographer is going to have his work cut out for him!
I would say it is between Christian & Jillian. Christian's seemed more geared towards attention to himself, while Jillian's seemed more geared towards the wearaable/commercial: To the working woman. It's just a matter of what those judges are going for. Either one would be a great choice.
---GothamTomato
Thank you yet again, TLo, for the show ordering of photos. I was surprised by how much of a difference that made. I like Jillian's collection better now: It feels more cohesive. I feel the seething undercurrent of anger in Chris's now which is interesting. I can clearly feel the point at which Sweet P ran out of ideas in hers (I would be very surprised if she's not a decoy, and simply ran out of motivation about two-thirds of the way through). I noticed how much I HATE the hair styling on Rami's models and the boringness of his collection. And I noticed and applaud Christian for his use of so many women of color. I'm still reserving my judgment on a winner until I see video, hear the music, see the clothes moving.
They all did a wonderful job! I believe Jillian is going to win. I admit, I love her collection. Someone said in an earlier comment that Posh would wear Christian's designs because of the tight pants, but my guess is she's talking about the show-every-curve Jillian collection.
Christian needs to win. That $100,000 will come in handy to pay the lawyers when Ricky sues him for defamation.
Surprisingly, Sweet P's collection was the most wearable as it traversed that fine line between enough and too much. I also believe it would be Posh's favorite..youthful and with that slightly off center hipness that was part of the British Invasion of designers in the '60s. Rami was a total snooze, technically stunning yes, but with no fire in the belly excitement to ignite the fashion world. Chris M's collection was elegant yet darkly spirited, very decadant in a subtle sly way. Jillian had several fabulous pieces, but it did not look cohesive and it was overdesigned~too many details on each piece! Christian's collection looked very couture, updated 1950s Paris salon (even the skinny cigarette pants). It was the most editorial and thought in some respects he picked up the Laura Bennett gauntlet, and slapped Michael and Nina in the face with it, trying to wake them up to Real Glamour. :-)
Meryl Streep was there? MERYL FREAKING STREEP! How did you forget mention this???? From what I read in today's papers, Michael and Nina were fighting to see who could get to her first for a photo and Nina kept yelling "I want a picture with the Devil!"
Dish, Boys!
Okay, now some of the collections make more sense.
Christian's was amazing, but dang, the boy sent 7 pairs of skinny black pants down the runway! He'll probably win, but this was McQueen lite and in the end I wasn't impressed by the designs as much as I was by his sewing skills. PPS, add skirts to your repertoire!
I was really surprised (in a good way) by Chris's collection, and thought that he put together a very cohesive collection with some to-die-for looks.
Jillian's definitely had the most range. Beautifully executed, distinct point of view...She's a very strong contender.
Rami's collection looked like Ivana and Ivanka would buy every single piece. Nuff said.
The one woven bodice gown was definitely Oscar worthy, though.
Sweet P...well, not cohesive, color choices dubious at best, did not look well made at all, and the styling was off. She just is not in the same league as the rest...
I guess I'm in the minority in that I didn't care for Sweet P's color choices. Nice silhouettes, but the colors seemed really off.
I think Rami's is predictable, as is Christian's. But, that may be what sells in the end, and if that's the criterion for "America's next great designer" then they have a chance - something I'm sure Michael Kors will point out to Nina.
Chris always looks like he's 15 years late - in his own clothes, and the ones he creates. A lovely person, but maybe a costumer rather than a designer.
Jillian made beautiful clothes - reminds me so much of Ralph Lauren's aesthetic, of course. Not sure about the hats, but then I am a Floridian...
Not really a fan of the idea that they showed 5 designers. I long for the days of only 3 after all the structural changes.
What if a decoy's collection turns out to be better than a winner? Could that be the twist this year?
Thanks Suzanne for your observations as well..keep em coming! Did you see Meryl Streep? Boys? Loving all the dish...:)
Not really a fan of the idea that they showed 5 designers. I long for the days of only 3 after all the structural changes.
They have NEVER shown only had three designers at Bryant Park. In seasons 1 and 2, they had four at BP and showed three on TV. In season 3, they had four at BP and all four were eligible for the win. This year, they've got 5 on the runway, and three are eligible for the win.
Apparently, though, in the past, the decoy designers didn't always have all of the advantages that the eligible designers had, so they may have had last choice for model selection, etc. I wonder whether that's why Sweet P had some issues with fit.
I have no taste when it comes to fashion. I liked Chris' the best, but mostly because it was the most dramatic and fun. I liked them all except Rami's: his bored me. I never have a clue about what the judges will like until they start talking.
The LA Times just posted these pics of the Marchesa showing. Look familiar?
The more I look at Sweet P's collection, the more I understand it. I've come around and I like those plaid numbers. The weak piece in that collection is the zip up number that was to serve as a bridge.
I also agree with Boothe Moore from the LA Times in this:
"AT some point during Fashion Week, I realized that if I saw one more conservative pencil skirt, wallpaper floral coat or frazzled beehive hairdo, my head was going to explode. So many designers were stuck in the past, reviving old styles and old brands, too nervous to experiment during this time of economic uncertainty, that it was almost aggressively boring."
brett said...
Honestly though, I can say that CHRIS WILL NOT WIN PROJECT RUNWAY.
The producers aren't stupid enough to let a formerly eliminated contestant win the whole sha-bang. That would have Jack Mackenroth throwing a television out of an NYC window. Major no-no. MG didn't win PRC as well. The eliminated just shouldn't win.
Well... the thing is, she didn't *deserve* to win PRC anyway so the point's kinda moot :-)
Sweet P: started off nicely, then quickly went to 'm'eh'. I think she knows her customers very well and people sitting in that audience and on the judging panel are not her customers. Maybe part of this is because she' seems such a SoCal city designer; more laid-back, more youthy-regardless-of-age, more summer/spring (a winter coat? What's the point?). I say her route to success would be to stay in some SoCal stores (or Urban Outfitters-like chains), have a presence on the 'net and do what she and her customers like.
Rami: I didn't even bother looking at the slideshow for him before coming here 'cause I just knew what kind of stuff he'd do and the comments seem to back up my contention that his stuff gets old quickly and his colour pallet's on the dull side. He's just never, ever wowed me.
Chris: Ah, a designer who admits there's something called 'weather' by including coats and warm clothes!
It would have been nice to see a bit less of the heavy velvets, a bit more of other jewel-tone colours but I could easily see taking *a lot* of his pieces and pairing them up with either a black skirt or pants, jeans or a white blouse.
Those basic pieces are really a litmus test for the collections, as far as I'm concerned. If you can't take a piece from a collection, bring it out of it's pretty styling package and put it on a more workable wardrobe staple, the piece fails for me.
And that first dress with the Mona Lisa was stunning.
I really liked some of the pieces and I bet a customer who'd love Malan's pieces for workwear would love some of Chris' pieces for weekend/after work down time wear.
Jillian: Some of the pieces were very nice, some of the pieces... not so much. Ten minutes later and I can honestly say I don't remember any of her collection pieces but it left me with the impression that is was highly retailable.
Christian: I didn't see one new thing in that show that we haven't seen him do in every single challenge. The colour pallet was dim, too many pants of the same skinny style and it was over-the-top but not innovative. *He* suffered what Lucian suffered in PRC - striving too hard to emulate someone else and doing it a bit too much on the cheapish side.
I think he should have wowed the judges by opening up his scope of design. Instead, he wowed 'em by building up ruffles.
To me, he's (spectacularly) one-note as Rami.
Predictions: um. I'd be shocked if Sweet P wasn't a decoy. She just isn't in the same league as the others (not a worse league... just a different one).
Rami - I get the distinct impression that the judges were getting tired of the draping in the last few challenges. If he does it again in the last challenge and he doesn't do it stupendously well, I can actually see the judge!love end before he gets into the final three and he becomes another decoy.
Chris - when he kowtows to the judges' plea for less theatrical drama, he becomes a decent blandish designer (and he really did deserve his auffing).
When they leave him the freak alone, I like that slight theatricality. I haven't seen it completely overwhelm to the point of becoming costumey.
I'd say his usual style is on par with Kit's design for that Bitten challenge when she simply paired up her great boat-collared (or whatever you call it) sweater with the leggings and the French beret. All she was missing was a baguette to carry to get that obvious French theme going. And I really liked it.
Don't know if his stamina's up to the final challenge so no clue if he makes it into the final three.
Christian - if he didn't make it into the top three, it would have been because the judges tell him that his puffiness and ruffles are already old and he hasn't broadened his scope. Which means the collection he showed was basically an 'up yours, Kors!' reaction.
The collection seemed stuck on three or four overpowering ideas and retreading them ad nauseam. If he was in the top three, maybe he would have been more involved and actually produced something out of his very comfy, very small comfort box for the win?
Whatever. The final three don't make me anticipate as much as last year with Laura & Jeffrey & Uli (I thought Mychael would have stiffed and he did) since they were so dissimilar.
And, of course, Season One - Jay's still the best collection I've seen and the drama of Kara Saun and Wendy Pepper was delicious.
This finale I'm looking forward to because the designers were fun-ish to watch and the backbiting and drama held back - except for Christian who can somehow get away with it because he's the talent equivalent of a long-haired yapping chihuahua that is in fashion at the moment (but might be out the next).
:::snicker, snicker:::
http://defamer.com/354459/project-runway-finalist-christian-stuns-fashion-world-by-removing-glasses-and-revealing-himself-to-have-been-posh-spice-all-along
Interesting how a couple of the designers (Rami, Jillian) used their signature model in outfits midway through the collection, instead of in a finale gown.
I believe that happened in PRC too. But I haven't seen it happen in PR here before.
-- CAAF
Kanani said...
Sewing Siren,
That photo you have up is gorgeous. I really like seeing your creations. I wish you had a blog.
Thank you very much Kanani, I do so enjoy reading and commenting on this blog, but I haven't the talent to start one of my own.
sally said...
Oh my freakin' prophet-on-a-POGO !
hahahahahaha~~
(that cracked my shit up)
thanks siren :)
Sal
You are more than welcome Sally. I'm delighted that you enjoyed my little funny.
Fabulous collections! I think they all did a great job. My favorite is Christian's.
The longer I look at Jillian's the more impressed I am by her sophisticated story. It's not horsey-set, really -- I think it's agressively military history horse-soldier. (perhaps that explains the seemingly out-of-place little gold numbah? There's a photo of Nina smiling broadly as that walked by.) The collection is closer to couture, but you can see its translation to RTW.
The Joan of Arc breastplate short-sleeved jacket thing is stunning.
PS -- I hope we'll see more close detail pix of all the collections.
PPS -- Did no one do any of the new trend wide-leg high-waist trousers?
If Princess doesn't win I will gouge my eyeballs out.
I can't even believe he was on the same budget as the others. Every single look was incredible. The others all had some hits and some misses, but I behoove you to find a single flawed look in Christian's collection.
Also: Jaslene Gonzalez (America's Next Top Model) in Jillian's show, and Amanda (Kayne's muse) in Rami's! Reality models. Am surprised Bravo didn't make some deal for the Make Me a Supermodel folk to join in.
Your welcome Katiecoo but I am trying hard not to flap my gums too much as t'aint my job!! LOL!!
I did see 2 people get up and give their seats to Meryl Streep's 2 daughters in the front row, though.
I just have to say that they weren't kidding that these are the strongest designers in PR history. Sweet P.'s collection was the weakest, yet it was still better than any former runway show outside of maybe Jay's, Jeffrey's, and Uli's. The others could have been a clear choice for a win in any previous season, especially Jillian and Christian. I just have to say kudos, and while they may be boring on the show, the designers make up for it with their designs.
I'm guessing Christian is the winner, though I honestly can't say which I prefer
Unfortunately I think PP is going to win. Yes, he's talented, but I'm soooo tired of the damn puffy sleeves. It was sooo 1980s.
I absolutely HATED Jillian's. There's no cohession between the first & second halves. Alot of the outfits looked basically the same.
Chris' was okay, more cohession, but alot of it has been done before. Loved Dani(elle) and the short red dress.
Rami's was boring, but there were some pretty dresses.
Sweet P's color was whoa! But I think hers was the most wearable for everyday.
My guess is Sweet P & either Chris or Rami are the decoys. Chris crying in the previews could be the judges telling them that even though he's auf'd, he'll still be showing at BP.
I'm calling my bookie and putting my house down on Chris March for the win. Then I will call Chris to design a wardrobe for me to wander my homeless arse about the streets in! It will be worth it, and I will be fiercest.
i don't need to watch the show anymore. christian wins!
I can't help it...I love love love Jillian's collection.
Sweet P's was incohesive, Rami's was dull and a little Zac Posen (which isn't a bad thing, it's just...he's not Zac Posen), Sissybear's was so bloody heavy, and Christian's screamed McQueen.
Christian's is the most remarkable. Though most of the models appear to have stuffed a ruffed grouse down their blouses or are afflicted with high couture neck braces from the trip through a fabric shredder. Witches will adore his color palette.
Jillian and Christian's were by far the best collections. Sweet P and Chris produced work that was above and beyond what they've done so far and Rami was... boring. I don't like him to begin with and then he picked on Sweet P and his shirts are bothersome.
I'm calling Jillian as the runner up and Princess for the win.
And deservingly so.
Sewing Siren,
Just post your creations. Really, I love them. I'm really sorry you didn't get on PR... now THAT must be worth a story or two!
I'm really up in the air as to who's going to win.
Myy hopes for all of them is that they all get great jobs in the industry and enjoy long careers.
God, that gold mini dress with the black sheer sleeves in Jillian's collection is HEINOUS! Christian's was certainly dramatic, but I think I liked Chris' the best.
Thanks for the slide show guys!
I have to say I love Rami's the best. It looks like a real full collection to me. It's beautiful, wearable and has a wide range. I read he also designed those pretty handbags and headpieces? Is that true??
Some of the other collections just didn't seem realistic or wearable to me.
I was at most of the shows, but not this one. I had a few friends there however.
I want to see the video, but I would pick Rami, Christian and Jillian as the 3 finalists.
Jillian and Christian certainly have skill and talent, but may need some more time to develope. I would pick Rami for the win.
Rami's collection is wearable, sophisticated, cohesive and yes ... sellable.
The black and white polka dot dress is a complete hit.
Did Rami's model look like she didn't want him to kiss her? I'll do it!
Oh, and his collection? I'd wear all of it!
There are several pics in the slideshow of Christian's collection that appear that the 2 models (one walking toward us and one walking away) is a mirror image of the back of the same outfit. It's crazy.
They're just soooo similar.
Love the inside scoopage, TLo. Thanks!
My two cents...
Christian's collection is far and away my favorite. I think it would be a little unfair to write his work off as too McQueen. It's quite possible that Christian was drawn to Europe to study because work such as McQueen's spoke to his artistic sensibilities. I don't think his collection is derivative, but rather I would say McQueen, and perhaps other European designers like Westwood and Gaultier were influences that helped shape his aesthetic. There's a difference. I see in Christian's work the larger than life McQueen silhouettes fused with a little of the punk rock vibe of Westwood (those skinny pants are so rock and roll) splashed with a smidge of the S&M undertones and gender bending of Gaultier. Look at Christian's parade of women in black...yeah, it's repetitive, but I think it might have been a very intentional choice for a visceral effect, something beyond "I like black, and puffy sleeves!" I think the women of the black parade look strong, masculine and feminine all at once. Dare I say...fierce. And then the lighter creamy colored softer pieces just pop after all that black and really stay with you. And the piece that seems to be constructed of rows and rows of vertical ruffles...I just love how he took the concept from his avant garde challenge and literally turned it on it's ear. Sideways. Brilliant.
Rami's my second fave...Draping the female form with fabric is nothing new and groundbreaking, obviously. But I really thought Rami's red carpet gowns were beautifully and meticulously crafted. And then he created a great twist on the LBD in that graphic print grey and black strapless number. His pants just don't do it for me, though, and the overall impact of the line in motion can not compare with the show Christian put on that runway.
Jillian...great work, you can see the Ralph Lauren influence with the equestrian undertones, but it's also got a little frill with the skirts that is so Jillian. I don't think it entirely hangs together as a collection, though, the gold Xena-ish piece especially seems out of place with both the equestrian looking coats and the frilly skirts. And the eye boob illusion is out in full force again on her last piece.
Chris...did he see that lovely little flick Sweeney Todd one too many times? I mean, I can't imagine anyone but Mrs. Lovett wanting a garment that looks like it was trimmed with her, um, bake shop's extra parts, if you know what I mean. Hairy thought. Most of the velet pieces are just too heavy and musty looking. I am in love with the blue face dress, though.
Sweet P...she lost me at those weird hip wings. A lot of her collection looks like something the Munchkins wore in technicolor Oz. Just no.
I have watched PR from season one and I have to say that immaturity and bitchiness aside, Christian is the youngest, most talented contestant to last beyond early episodes. Also, I am a hetero female who thinks Christian puts the F in FABULOUS and the P in personality. He walks his walk, talks his talk, and like it or not he is Christian with no pretense or apologies. I thought from episode two that he has a great chance to win. Lets face it, any success in this field is based 75% on ego and in Christian's case this is not a problem. He is a pure talent and I ADORE him!
Look, I don't want to spur a bunch of personal attacks for saying what I'm about to say, so to all you "anonymous" folks: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION.
This season has only been ho-hum for me, and it just seems that Bravo is doing all it can to make it even more unexciting.
Having the Fashion Week show while the series is still airing just deflated that little bubble of anticipation I was beginning to feel about the remaining episodes. I know FW has occured before the finalists were chosen in past seasons, but there wasn't as much press/media attention on PR then and I could cover my ears and say "lalalalala" and easily avoid knowing too much.
TLo, kittens, I absolutely adore you, and read your commentary because...I simply MUST. (Yes, you're that addictive.) But I avoided looking at any of the collection shots. I'm glad you posted them, and am ASTOUNDED at the energy you expended to get these posts up with all else that's going on in your lives.
But the timing of FW, and the accompanying media explosion just makes me feel...sort of let down, as though it's all over just as it was getting (sort of) good. Why bother reading the rest of a not-so-engrossing book if you know the end?
I hope they consider the timing of the series more in future seasons. I LIKED the anticipatory buildup: the reunion show, the constant speculation, Tim visiting the designers, etc.
(Maybe watching all those BBC "period piece dramas" has ruined me forever!)
- Ignatz
Newsday found Chris's collection "spooky."
But I'm wondering ...have they ever looked at what's going on with youth culture? From Emo to Goth, darkness rules. Go to any group of kids with dark hair, tatoos, tight jeans and they'd love these pieces.
So I didn't find it spooky, I just found it very current --down to the wigs used as trim on the jackets.
i HATED Chris' collection.
it was awful, imo. i go to an arts school with tons of emo kids, trust, they would not like the collection. he used much too much velvet.
CHRISTIAN FTW.
<3 love him
i'm a little worried though because he DID repeat the same silhouette more than once, however, the rest of his collection was remarkable. he really deserves the win.
Well, I did find Sweet P's collection the most appealing. Yeah, it got a little weaker towards the end, but only relative to the very strong beginning.
Rami's clothes are always beautiful and graceful, but as has been pointed out enough times already, a little limited in scope.
The others were all okay. I think Jillian makes fabulous coats and has mastered the art of the flirty dress. I liked some of Chris' pieces, others seemed unfocused.
Christian, even though I hate skinny leg pants that make skinny legged models look emaciated, sure does understand the impact of a great hat. I also liked the gradation from black to white. White models in all black pieces, through a few black and white pieces and ending with black models in all white. It's one of the rare times that I've been aware of the conscious placement of the model as well as the clothes.
Will he win it all? Probably, but in truth, I'd be happy for any one of them.
I just wanted to comment on something I read in Jack's interview about the show appealing mostly to gay men, women, and some straight boyfriends of women who say they watch the show to please their girlfriends....Well he may be right about that I can't really say...BUT I can say this as a straight man who is married with children...Project runway has become one of my favorite shows to watch...And this season was the best ever. I really like Laura Bennet from a previous season as well....But the talent level this season was phenomenal!! The top 4 were all soooo incredibly creative and innovative....and impeccable craftsmen and craftswomen!! In the end I thought Christian and Jillian were the strongest with Chris Marsh coming in right behind them....Rami is also very talented...I really loved the candy paper dress he made! I love Christian's humility on the final and his aknowledgement of the talent of his competitors...They all seemed to have tremendous respect for one another and I sensed a great deal of camaraderie between them that was very special....I hope that they will all remain good friends now? Great show and awesome finale!!....This from a straight guy too Jack!
I love your site...it adds so much to my enjoyment of the show. Regarding Christian's collection, my initial reaction was that I'd see a lot of this before...on an artist formerly known as Prince. I do think he's got a lot of raw talent though.
I have to say I agree with you 99% of the time but you guys really missed the point about Rami's collection. If any collection was expected would have been Princess with the puff puff pleat puff horrible collection. I loved Rami's collection and thought it was really beautiful. Jillian's was also just as beautiful.. I would have been happy if either of them won.. but of course Princess was the networks favorite from the get go.. It was so obvious!
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