Although we do love the unintentional comedy of her little "USA," as if just writing it will somehow transform Charlotte York here into Mary Lou Retton.
We're sorry, but this, like so many other entries, was just laughable. The entire episode last night was a lesson in how "I'm going to stick to my own style" is almost always a huge mistake in this competition.
Taken on its own, it's not horrible.
Wait. Let's amend that.
THIS is horrible.
We suppose she thought that, since she was making a little Sunday brunch outfit, she needed some sort of costume-y fabric to take it to another level, but that shit is fugly and tacky.
On the other hand, the little cardigan is cute.
The little shiny around the collar was a nice touch and it - and the whole outfit - is well fitted and executed for the most part.
And the proportions are nice. We don't lovelovelove the high-waisted skirt, but it's in style and we don't really mind it.
All in all, a cute little outfit for a girly-girl.
Except Jen, honey? SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE AN ATHLETE MARCHING IN AN OLYMPIC PARADE. Hello? Alice? Arwen? Are you in there?
As Nina said, she has a very girly style and there's nothing wrong with that, although personally her aesthetic really isn't to our tastes. She's not "Holly Golightly at a Dali exhibit" and there's nothing remotely "surreal" about her work. To us, it looks more in the Kate Spade vein than anything else. Again, nothing wrong with that. Except, y'know, when you wind up making little twinsets for a bunch of girls that could beat the shit out of you.
"Except, y'know, when you wind up making little twinsets for a bunch of girls that could beat the shit out of you."
Heehee...and yes, total Charlotte York (or whatever her last name is now).
WTF does this have anything to do whatsoever with athletes or USA vibe or anything??? Can you see some of these beefy runners in this...bwahahaha! (is track even in this Olympics?).
But it was cute and I actually did like the skirt.
I am just speechless that she thought this was good enough for an OLYMPIC event. I mean....WTF???!!!
I am completely confused by these designers. It's season FIVE! I'm assuming they have watched at least ONE ep from ONE of the FOUR other seasons!!! LISTEN to the challenge!! DON'T bore Nina!! DON'T make the Duchess have to use Mother In Law comments about your dress!!! I GET IT - WHY don't they???!!
Poor Jennifer just didn't have a clue how to deal with this show. Had she never seen PR before? Does she not know it isn't always about fashion? It certainly isn't about a single person's style/aesthetic. It is whatever the Duchess & Neeenagarceeeeea says it is that day. Listen to the Gunn and shake it up/try something new & daring.
And here is a link for the Ralph Lauren Olympic stuff
Yeah... she's kinda clueless. Her clothes are consistently more "dolly" than "Dali," and that garment spoke nothing of athleticism.
I have to say, however, that Daniel's dress was just AWFUL. The girl looked like a walking blue rectangle. As far as I'm concerned, Daniel's was just as much off the challenge mark as Alice, and his was way way fuglier.
I tried to picture the US Womens Swim Team in that outfit and burst out laughing because they would look like a chorus line of Harvard undergrads in drag for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
That girl is ridiculous. How on earth in anything she makes representitive of surealist?
Could you imagine the decathalon or weight lifting participants walking through the opening ceremony wearing that? ooooooh maybe thats where the surealist part comes in?
I'm not revisiting the whole surreal thing, but this was just as inappropriate as Daniel's 'republic of cocktail-land'. There are no words. WTF? These kids just don't want to stretch themselves, design-wise, yet they all want the gold medal of fashion week.
Oh boy, I know she missed the train before she even approached the station on this one, but I still swear Jerrell's was worse (and I wanted that T-shirt, dammit).
The disconnects go on and on. I think the theme for this season is designers who are convinced that they have an aesthetic, but are nowhere near what they've convinced themselves of.
This is my main beef with Jennifer's loss (even though I rooted for her to go home for t-shirt purposes): Both her and Daniel's dresses were ridiculously inappropriate for the challenge, both in style and color palette - but at least Jennifer's is pretty!!! And did seem at least a tad current with the high waist. Daniel's was completely retro and completely fugly. There was not redeeming thing about his look and he has been the biggest disappointment so far this season (as he looked promising at first). He needs to go home, everything he designs is dated and doesn't look good on his model. I would laugh as hard as Kenley if I heard him defend himself with "My taste is impeccable!!!" Ugh.
All I kept thinking was, "How would Jackie-Joyner Kersee look in your outfit." And then I laughed - a lot.
This is the single most clueless set of designers they have had on this show. I'm beginning to think that they aren't intereste din winning, they just want to show off a few signature outfits before they get auf'd.
Was Jennifer/Alice the most boring PRW contestant of all time? Of course, I can't remember the boring ones from previous seasons because they were, you know, zzzzzzz. But this one was a real snoozer.
I know people are sick of hearing "Jennifer's stuff isn't surreal," but the reason people keep bringing it up is because bitch keeps beating that dead horse! We've gotten that reference every episode so far and only vaguely saw it in her shitty clock outfit. She can defend herself all she wants ("I worship Elsa Schiaparelli," "The judges don't get my surrealism") but in the end she's just talking the talk and not walking the walk - like 90% of them this season.
Sister Zip, sorry, you weren't first, and your Ralph L link didn't show the opening game clothes. A previous poster included this, which I believe are the actual US opening togs.
And, of course, for all of the PR designers outfits, just picture several hundred US athletes all decked out in them. I mean really, really hysterical images come to mind. C'mon. Close your eyes. Think of a hundered Jerrell costumes/outfits. Or Jennifer's. Or Daniel's. Really, really funny.
Girl is bizarrely clueless. w-t-f??? "I was inspired by this little tracksuit"... yeah, like they wore in Chariots of Fire. OK- wtf did your outfit have to do with the little tracksuit? It makes me feel crazy! I get it now. It's MY reaction to HER utter disconnect with reality that makes her a "surrealist" designer!
A note for some confused by the long links (as comments have come up before): Blogger isn't cutting them off short. Highlight the link and scroll over to the right, past where it appears to end. It's there, just hidden. ;)
Now think... which of the designers actually made something that you could imagine all the American women athletes wearing? Not Jennifer's, or Jerell's, or Daniel's, or Kenley's, or Korto's (yeah, everyone will be in linen and leather, ha).
Maybe Terri's would be OK with a different top. Probably Joe's would look fine. That's about it. They just did not get it. You are not designing a one of a kind garment, you are designing a UNIFORM. Fugly as the Lauren outfits are, they are uniforms. That means I think only Joe really met the requirement, falling short (or should I say, skort) in a few areas as it did.
I don't see how someone described by Tim as intelligent and positive is all that boring. Maybe because the producers "told" you to think that way: cough *matronly* cough
Let us see the person on the show that you catch glimpses of in the background while Suede talks about himself and Blayne runs around trying to find a catch phrase. Jennifer seemed to help her fellow designers and always had a smile. They seemed to be sad she left...yeah, boring.
The dress needed red to go with the blue and white. She took her inspiration from a garment and pictures hanging in a room they took them in to FIND INSPIRATION! That being said, the challenge was for the opening ceremony garment and she did not find that harmony between the two. It was certainly not a winner, but if you are going to bring up the fact they are looking to the future and bring them to a room full of inspiration from the past, that's what you are going to get. Kelli, Kenley, Daniel, Jerell, Jennifer, Suede...all had retro inspired cocktail dresses. Consistency would be nice in the judging. I'm sad to see her go. Good luck Jennifer!
anonymous 1:28, sorry, but all the qualities you describe as possessed by Jennifer, nice, unassuming, positive... those are all boring. Great in a neighbor or a coworker, BORING on reality TV. Yes, this is TV, not real life, and Jennifer was the trifecta of awful: boring, clueless, and delusional. It was a good auf'ing this time. I could not miss her because I could not remember who she was.
It was an adorable outfit - for an 11 year old girl, not an Olympic athlete. I agree with an earlier TLo post that these guys are more like the Season 1 designers. The difference is that Season 5 designers had the benefit of watching 4 other seasons so they have no excuse for being as apparently clueless as they are. I'm tired of hearing them all whine about how "This is not what I do" and "I only work with leather." If you can't handle the challenges, then go home. You knew what you were getting into when you signed on, so shut up already. Sorry for the rant, but this bunch is really starting to irritate me.
I can't bring myself to object to Jennifer leaving--this didn't even come close to the brief--but this was indeed a cute dress on its own terms. Daniel's was a mess: an unflattering fabric, an unmemorable style, haphazard execution, and not one iota better suited to the challenge than Jennifer's. An odd choice by the judges, but his days are numbered anyway.
Poor sweet Jennifer. The writing has been on the wall since you described your design style but then never designed what you described. But at least your outfit was cute and not ridiculous like Jerell's!
Bill's comment is priceless. Yes, the women would look like men in drag. Jennifer's was far and away the furthest from reality. Daniel could have gone too, but he got lucky that this little mouse pulled out yet another of her Simplicity patterns. I think she's certifiable. Surrealism. My ass is surrealism, miss.
Well, anonymous, insofar as I don't actually know Jennifer personally, any speculation about her personality is just that.
But my criticism of her clothes being matronly? Comes straight from the clothes. Thats not to say that they aren't well made, feminine, or even pretty, but they are something I would wear to my sister's Junior League banquet...not to a dinner party, the olympics, or out in New York.
Jennifer's clothes were Holly Golightly without the je ne sais quoi. They just didn't have a whole lot of ....personality.
If Jennifer wants to bring the surreal to her designs, perhaps she should start doing drugs. This outfit was WAY off the mark, although it was a cute Charlotte York-Goldenblatt walking the show dog outfit. But it's a ludicrous choice for an Olympic athlete.
Bomber, I can also not see the Nike, just a blobby bunch of gold sequins. Maybe that's the surrealistic part ( I just did literally scratch my head).
I think she deserved the auf' but I didn't like how one of the judges equated her designs with "modesty issues" or some crap like that. It was unnecessary and a little bit cruel.
Jennifer's outfit was cute, but no way right for the Olympics opening ceremony! USA always shows up to rock the runway track! With this, the other countries would giggle....
Actually, our women athletes would probably refuse to wear the ensemble. Even the gymnasts and water synch teams.
Jennifer seems like SUCH a sweet woman, and I really do feel that, if I knew her in person, I'd adore her.
I'm just not sure the fashion world is right for her, given her sweetness. I mean, can anyone who watched the show even imagine Jennifer deploying the strategic bitchiness required in such a cutthroat milieu? Not a chance. Maybe she could do costume design, or stick to small-scale fashion for a private boutique or a select clientele.
She's just too quiet and nice, I think, to make it in global, or even American, fashion. I hope she chooses a path which will allow her to use her talents, but not rip her soul to shreds.
I do have to say... what was she THINKING?? These are for OLYMPIANS, not for the ladies who brunch. The look should be sporty, and dare I say a touch masculine. I think would be quite unfair to say most female athletes would be a bit of a tom boy and would never be seen in a dress or skirt... but I'm inclined to have that opinion.
But seriously? I don't really know many women who don't run a mile in under 3 minutes or is a swimming champion that would wear such a cutesy, girly, outfit.
I couldn't agree more with your comments about Jen. But I must say my favorite part of the night was Michael Kors' reaction to Daniel's dress-aster. And I quote: "I don't know *where* she's from...the Republic of Cocktail-land??" and "If her sport is *drinking*, then it's a good dress."
As ridiculous as Jennifer's outfit was, it did not come close to matching the inappropriateness of Jerell's. He wants to put Olympians in Laura Ingalls Wilder's hat? Really?
sisterzip & brooklyn bomber - her's your html link tutorial. Read the section The Anchor Tag and the Href Attribute. It's a simple piece of code. Good luck!
I can't go off on Jennifer the way most of you have. The outfit...is an entirely different story. What could she have been thinking? There was no Americana, sophistication or anything remotely athletic about her whole outfit. If anything was American, then it was because the outfit appeared in the Spring 2005 "American Girls" doll/apparel catalog.
Jennifer should never have been selected for PR5. Clearly, she was out of her league and the whole Salvador Dali/Holly Golightly deal was some sort of joke orchestrated by the producers.
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
Her outfit might have been surreal if it'd had a javelin sticking out the back of it!
It is a pretty little outfit but it just doesn't look like something an Olympic athlete would wear. Maybe something one of the hostesses at the Olympic venue would wear.
I know it wasn't the criteria, but I can't separate the fact that the men have to wear something that compliments the women during the ceremonies. In this case all I can picture are navy tanks with gold sequined trim and gold and white striped Hammer pants!
I know that was only a joke at her expense but there are plenty to go around after last night. I mean, Keith and his bloomers?
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
I thought it was cute, and while definitely not appropriate for an athlete, it was definitely not the most heinous and inappropriate look on the runway last night.
The judges aufed Jennifer even though her outfit was better looking than Daniel's and light years more attractive than Jerell's because it was her second week in the bottom three for missing the brief of the challenge.
They figured she would never show them anything but her girly designs and they actually do try to chose someone every year that has something new to say. Daniel's skating on thin ice and the next time he lands in the bottom, he's toast.
It seems like someone around Jennifer said something about something being surrealist around her one time and she said "Aha! That's what I'll call myself" without having any notion what it actually meant. The outfit this week was kind of cute and as Nina said "girly" but also wildly inappropiate for the challenge.
For some reason, Jennifer was the one I was rooting for most from the announcement of finalists. And while her dresses/outfits have failed to wow, I still have a hard time being done with her on this show, especially after Jerrell's insanely craptastic "outfit with hat" and Daniel's cocktail dress. I would have liked her to hang on for another challenge or two to see what she pulled out. She may be quiet and slightly boring, but at least her designs don't make me gasp in utter horror. (I'm looking at you Jerrell and Daniel)
And, of course, for all of the PR designers outfits, just picture several hundred US athletes all decked out in them. I mean really, really hysterical images come to mind. C'mon. Close your eyes. Think of a hundered Jerrell costumes/outfits. Or Jennifer's. Or Daniel's. Really, really funny.
I have to say that I am simply entranced at the vision of the U.S. Olympic team sashaying into the opening ceremonies all wearing Jerrell's design.....
as for Jennifer, she seemed very sweet and earnest, but also totally clueless about what it takes to make it on PR.
I couldn't even finish watching her exit interviews...she says "Um" every other word! Jennifer just didn't seem confident enough to last in this type of competition.
She's a better-than-average home sewer and probably could make an excellent living as a seamstress. However, she lacks what it takes to be a top-end, cutting edge (or heck, even mainstream) designer for adults.
Besides, there's already been a "Surrealist" designer. Is she even familiar with Schiaparelli's work?
Jerrell's outfit was massively worse, IMO, but I think the judges wanted to get rid of Jennifer more. And rightly so. She seems like an absolute sweetie, but she seemed absolutely clueless about what this show is about and how to compete and/or push herself.
very cute outfit -- with the emphasis on CUTE....i just have to laugh thinking of athletes wearing it -- (can you imagine a female shot-putter or discus-thrower in it????!!!)
i agree that the skirt fabric was way off. with a different fabric that outfit would be perfect for sorority rush parties at a very conservative/traditional college.
From Missy Schwartz's EW.com recap of this episode: "I'm convinced that someone told her when she was 12 that surrealism was a synonym for demure, and she never bothered to look it up for herself."
I nearly choked at the end of the show when she referred to herself, yet again, as a "surrealist." WTF?! It made me think of that quote from The Princess Bride: "I do not think you know what that word means."
I have to say that I am simply entranced at the vision of the U.S. Olympic team sashaying into the opening ceremonies all wearing Jerrell's design.....
I think Jerell was really astonished that the judges got him and his designs enough to give him another chance. This was just a rap on the knuckles as a notice to take the crazy down a notch. I'm so curious to see what he does next week.
His model really worked it, didn't she? She had just the right playful and arch attitude in that outfit.
I think Jerell was really astonished that the judges got him and his designs enough to give him another chance. This was just a rap on the knuckles as a notice to take the crazy down a notch. I'm so curious to see what he does next week.
His model really worked it, didn't she? She had just the right playful and arch attitude in that outfit.
She did work the hell out of that outfit. As crazy as it was, she did everything she could to sell it to the judges.
Had she maybe tried a whole red, white, blue, and gold medals theme, maybe that gold stripe skirt would have flown. But she didn't and it didn't and now she's gone. Thank God.
"And yet the horrific exposed naval spandex gladiator capri pants live on."
You're right, Sis. . . I couldn't believe that wasn't at least in the bottom 3. But it was spandexy, which made it vaguely sporty. I'm thinking that's why she didn't get the boot.
PhantomMinuet said... Red or blue stripes would have saved that dress and saved Jennifer, and then Daniel could have been auf'd, as he so richly deserved.
Well I agree with you that Daniel, the poster boy for Xanax, is ripe for an 'auf. But I don't think a red, white and blue palette would have saved Jennifer this week. Heck, Jennifer even bored Heidi and we KNOW how easily Mrs. Seal can be distracted by shiny objects...
My problem with Jennifer's designs is that she always seemed to be channeling her inner frump. Even with this dress, there's the rounded collar, the coveredupness, and the fuller skirt. She doesn't need to head to Skanktown, which has enough residents already, but taking the Matron Line sure isn't working for her.
I also agree that Jennifer's view of her work and the actual work itself show a complete disconnect. I wonder what she sees when she looks at the clothes?
I actually liked Stella's tonight which shocked the hell out of me. Except fot the exposed navel, it did have a warrior attitude.
What shocked me even more was that Blayne made me laugh out loud last night and he listened to Tim, changed his outfit and produced something pretty good in the end.
You do realize that Blayne has been successful in his quest to coin the newest catch phrase, don't you? That was unforgettable.
I think that most of us would agree that Stella's design left a lot to be desired, but her respect for the athletes and her reverence for America was refreshing. I like her more and more.
If Douglas Sirk made a movie about "lady athletes" in 1957, then the star (Kim Novak?) would have worn this outfit. But only in the scene in which she has tea at the Ritz Carlton with the man who tells her "little lady, you'll never be an Olympian. You're just too darn pretty. Now help me out of these trousers...."
What kind of shot was the "Bland Ambition" title for that video? At least they have changed it to a challenge specific "No for the Gold."
I don't know whether to commend Bravo for finally coming to their senses, or to be shocked at the blatant personal knock for someone they personally chose out of thousands.
The problem with this an most of the outfits is the designers just didn't take into account the different body types that would be wearing these. Anyway, had she made the dress in a different color --red, white & blue, perhaps she might've been saved.
It STILL wouldn't have had anything to do with athleticism (indeed, this outfit looks more apropos to one of the girls who presents the medals) but she'd of paved the way for that tragic purple number and Daniel to be on his way to stewardess alley.
Brilliant said: Looks like Stella may have designed the Brazilian gymnastic team's uniforms.
----Wow...you got that right!! I guess there are Brazilian Bikers, too!!! I like the Brazilian uniform, very (overused word according to the Duchess) chic!!! Thanks for the link! ----StkrShock
I am so glad this bitch is gone. I don't see anything she has done as surreal it's all just boring! a good seamstress? she might be but a good designer? no fuckin way
The Brazilian gymnast's uniforms have the Stella stamp of approval; sleek, sexy, studs, spandex and leathuh.
Bill & Daxx: That old Patty O'Furniture joke was part of my personal schtick for years. It's a classic! What a shame that it perfectly fits a PR designer's losing look.
To all that say that this top 3 were the only outfits appropriate to the challenge...I don't recall which designer did it but there was a White short set with a scarf/ascot in red and blue that to me has a vibe like the outfits I saw on one of the poster's links.
"As Nina said, she has a very girly style and there's nothing wrong with that, although personally her aesthetic really isn't to our tastes."
Did anyone else notice how kind Nina was to her? Have you ever seen her be that gentle with someone who was in the bottom two? Is is because she was afraid Jennifer would shatter into pieces?
Is this the beginning of a kinder, gentler Nina? Or was it "Be Nice to Children Day?"
I would totally wear any of those pieces in that outfit (although not together--way too cutsey), especially that cardigan, but I agree that she was in way over her head on this show. She just seemed to miss the point completely.
Oh, dear. Jennifer needs to realize that one of the harbingers of surrealism is the element of surprise - which was completely missing from her work during each episode. Maybe she uses a melted clock to tell time?
Am I the only one who sees 'twins separated at birth' sameness between Angela K and Jennifer? Angela with her rosettes and fondness for Holly Hobbie styling, completely delusional in her belief that she was 'cutting edge'? Jubilee Jumbles indeed, tom in kc! I swear, that's all I could think of when I watched Jennifer. The two of them even had the same Audrey Hepburn Holly Go Lightly fetish. I'm starting to believe that each season contestants are literally being typecast, based on the break out fan favorites from previous seasons.
Personally I thought the outfit was adorable; I can see myself in it, no problem. However, since I am pretty much the exact opposite of an Olympic athlete (unless picking up the remote, hailing a cab or waving at the cute bartender for a refill have recently been declared Olympic sports), that ain't saying much for Jennifer's design. Shame that the girl finally made something that I like, and it was so completely wrong for the challenged that it got her aufed. Sorry, Jen. Call me!
Oh, SHE embroidered that "USA"? I thought there for a sec she engaged some 4H student looking to try out her new little chain stitch she learned in the meeting the night before.
Girlfriend seems like such a sadsack. I'm sorry to report that, because I'm 90% sure that's how I'd come off in a reality TV show interview situation and she's probably less sadsack and more quiet and polite, but still. And I HATED whenever she said her byline about Dali and Holly because while it's a cute soundbite and I saw some Holly, I did not see some Dali. And she kept saying the word 'surreal' -- there was NOTHING "surreal" about any of her work.
I think the problem with Jennifer is not that she's girly, but girlish, and this is a competition about designing clothes for women.
If I saw Jennifer's dress at Macy's in a size 3T around Easter or Christmas, I might consider committing bodily harm to get it for my two year old to wear with tights and Mary Janes, but for a grown-up, no.
I also kind of like Stella's. Not so much for the parade, but I could totally see one of the track and field women totally rock that look. Think Flo Joesque.
But for the designers, this group seems to be more than the rest of them about being on TV and getting their undiluted vision out there, than winning challenges.
I think they are hoping that they're 'outrageous' personalities will keep them on the show, through the 'producer contribution' clause.
So, sit back boys and girls, I think we will have Stella, Blayne and Suede for awhile.
Her design is completely off topic and laughable in the context of the Olympics but would look great in the kids department of any fashion store - my 10 year old neighbour loved it. Personally I think the skirt was quite cute and a well marketable piece in a collection for kids or young women.
I liked the way she advertised herself as Holly Golightly on a Dali exhibit and had high expections, too bad she didn't live up to it. I haven't seen the "surrealism" in any of her designs and only a touch of Holly Golightly and after 5 challenges of more or less boring outfits I'm glad to see her go home.
As sweet as she seems, her exit interview nearly put me to sleep. I think the producers had a definite hand in this auf'ing. There's not potential for drama with Jennifer, but there certainly is with Jerell and Daniel.
I'm just so grateful that we never have to hear about "Holly Golightly going to a Salvador Dali party." Both are writhing in their grave. Let them have some peace, Jen.
I think we all missed the true point, which Jen was too shy or annoyed to point out. This IS surrealism to the nth degree. What could be more surreal than a cardigan twin set and pleated skirt from 1953 at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics? All the other athletes are in modern warm-up suits, then Team U.S.A. looking like they're going to the Russian Tea Room. In 1953! Dali himself couldn't have beat that.
If she had made the skirt red and white striped with a blue top and a white sweater with red and blue sequined stars she would have been safe. Still completely wrong for the challenge but that Wallis Simpson hat or the shiny K-mart Blue 'cocktail' dress would easily have beaten her out for the auf. In fact I think she may have been in the safe group if the colors had been correct. I think she sees her clothes as 'surreal' because she walks into The Dress Barn or the local department store and walks pass the 'Women's Department' and in comparison her designs are more 'playful and edgier' than what she sees. I think she needs to get out more and really see what is Fashion Forward. And just for the record--last weekend I went to our local County Fair and saw the 4-H sewing projects. Their workmanship is waay better than Jennifer's.
Surrealism, if I remember my art history, expresses the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and the juxtaposition of incongruous objects.
Olympics challenge... Hmmmm...reminds of an entry from Holly Golightly's (or was it my) long-lost diary:
"Dear Diary: Last night I dreamed I was 12 years old and ready to perform in my piano recital. I was dressed in the sweetest little dress with gold and white stripes that Mommy made me and the cutest little navy shrug with gold shiny things on it. But as I walked on to the stage, the craziest thing happened -- I found myself walking instead on this enormous track with a sea of jocks in identical red, white, and blue skorts all around me. I definitely stood out in the crowd...I thought in a good way, but others were saying "like a sore thumb" and they wanted to trample me to death. It was all so surreal and more than a little scary."
Oh, my dear Holly... I was so proud of you (or was it me?) in that beautiful little outfit Mommy(I?)made for you (me?) Wear it again in your dreams tonight and this time we (I?)will grab a cigarette holder from the Blue Fly accessory wall to show how sophisticated you(I?we?) are.
Surrealism, if I remember my art history, expresses the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and the juxtaposition of incongruous objects.
Olympics challenge... Hmmmm...reminds of an entry from Holly Golightly's (or was it my) long-lost diary:
"Dear Diary: Last night I dreamed I was 12 years old and ready to perform in my piano recital. I was dressed in the sweetest little dress with gold and white stripes that Mommy made me and the cutest little navy shrug with gold shiny things on it. But as I walked on to the stage, the craziest thing happened -- I found myself walking instead on this enormous track with a sea of jocks in identical red, white, and blue skorts all around me. I definitely stood out in the crowd...I thought in a good way, but others were saying "like a sore thumb" and they wanted to trample me to death. It was all so surreal and more than a little scary."
Oh, my dear Holly... I was so proud of you (or was it me?) in that beautiful little outfit Mommy(I?)made for you (me?) Wear it again in your dreams tonight and this time we (I?)will grab a cigarette holder from the Blue Fly accessory wall to show how sophisticated you(I?we?) are.
140 comments:
"Except, y'know, when you wind up making little twinsets for a bunch of girls that could beat the shit out of you."
Heehee...and yes, total Charlotte York (or whatever her last name is now).
WTF does this have anything to do whatsoever with athletes or USA vibe or anything??? Can you see some of these beefy runners in this...bwahahaha! (is track even in this Olympics?).
But it was cute and I actually did like the skirt.
Now that's what the French headmistress at a certain British boarding school/art camp named "Jubilee Jumbles" should be wearing.
But for the parade of atheletes, no so much...
I am just speechless that she thought this was good enough for an OLYMPIC event. I mean....WTF???!!!
I am completely confused by these designers. It's season FIVE! I'm assuming they have watched at least ONE ep from ONE of the FOUR other seasons!!! LISTEN to the challenge!! DON'T bore Nina!! DON'T make the Duchess have to use Mother In Law comments about your dress!!! I GET IT - WHY don't they???!!
Can't believe I'm first!
Poor Jennifer just didn't have a clue how to deal with this show. Had she never seen PR before? Does she not know it isn't always about fashion? It certainly isn't about a single person's style/aesthetic. It is whatever the Duchess & Neeenagarceeeeea says it is that day. Listen to the Gunn and shake it up/try something new & daring.
And here is a link for the Ralph Lauren Olympic stuff
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/5928525.html
SisterZip
What in the name of Hell was surrealistic about this outfit? Someone tell me please.
I don't see the Olympic rings on the collar either.
/features/5928525.html
This is the end of the link from my previous post. It got cut off...
SisterZip
Yeah... she's kinda clueless. Her clothes are consistently more "dolly" than "Dali," and that garment spoke nothing of athleticism.
I have to say, however, that Daniel's dress was just AWFUL. The girl looked like a walking blue rectangle. As far as I'm concerned, Daniel's was just as much off the challenge mark as Alice, and his was way way fuglier.
I tried to picture the US Womens Swim Team in that outfit and burst out laughing because they would look like a chorus line of Harvard undergrads in drag for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
That girl is ridiculous. How on earth in anything she makes representitive of surealist?
Could you imagine the decathalon or weight lifting participants walking through the opening ceremony wearing that? ooooooh maybe thats where the surealist part comes in?
Tom in KC, you're right about Jubilee Jumbles!
I'm not revisiting the whole surreal thing, but this was just as inappropriate as Daniel's 'republic of cocktail-land'. There are no words. WTF? These kids just don't want to stretch themselves, design-wise, yet they all want the gold medal of fashion week.
Oh boy, I know she missed the train before she even approached the station on this one, but I still swear Jerrell's was worse (and I wanted that T-shirt, dammit).
Keith is doing "fine art".
Emily was "underground".
Jennifer is "surreal".
Leanne is a "fashion assassin".
And how many are "cutting edge"?
The disconnects go on and on. I think the theme for this season is designers who are convinced that they have an aesthetic, but are nowhere near what they've convinced themselves of.
I was sorry to see Jennifer go but yes, this was just craptastic, especially after last week's offering.
(Of course, Daniel OWES her but that's a different post entirely.)
This is my main beef with Jennifer's loss (even though I rooted for her to go home for t-shirt purposes): Both her and Daniel's dresses were ridiculously inappropriate for the challenge, both in style and color palette - but at least Jennifer's is pretty!!! And did seem at least a tad current with the high waist. Daniel's was completely retro and completely fugly. There was not redeeming thing about his look and he has been the biggest disappointment so far this season (as he looked promising at first). He needs to go home, everything he designs is dated and doesn't look good on his model. I would laugh as hard as Kenley if I heard him defend himself with "My taste is impeccable!!!" Ugh.
All I kept thinking was, "How would Jackie-Joyner Kersee look in your outfit." And then I laughed - a lot.
This is the single most clueless set of designers they have had on this show. I'm beginning to think that they aren't intereste din winning, they just want to show off a few signature outfits before they get auf'd.
So, I couldn't even make it through the whole interview. Girl is the mayor, city council, and entire population of Dullsville.
But did anyone else notice how she said she would miss all the girls but Korto and Kenley. Methinks we've found the house bitches.
And I love them!
Nina nailed it: she can't go outside her own esthetic. But that's true for several of them this go-round.
Her sketch reminds me of these:
http://www.mygrannysatticantiques.com/html/
joan_walsh_anglund_prints.html
SS said, "I don't see the Olympic rings on the collar either."
No, I think it was supposed to be the Nike symbol (as in Athena Nike, the goddess, not the sweatshop-loving athletic-wear brand).
Was Jennifer/Alice the most boring PRW contestant of all time? Of course, I can't remember the boring ones from previous seasons because they were, you know, zzzzzzz. But this one was a real snoozer.
I know people are sick of hearing "Jennifer's stuff isn't surreal," but the reason people keep bringing it up is because bitch keeps beating that dead horse! We've gotten that reference every episode so far and only vaguely saw it in her shitty clock outfit. She can defend herself all she wants ("I worship Elsa Schiaparelli," "The judges don't get my surrealism") but in the end she's just talking the talk and not walking the walk - like 90% of them this season.
Sister Zip,
sorry, you weren't first, and your Ralph L link didn't show the opening game clothes. A previous poster included this, which I believe are the actual US opening togs.
http://thepreppyprincess.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/polo.jpg
And, of course, for all of the PR designers outfits, just picture several hundred US athletes all decked out in them. I mean really, really hysterical images come to mind. C'mon. Close your eyes. Think of a hundered Jerrell costumes/outfits. Or Jennifer's. Or Daniel's. Really, really funny.
Girl is bizarrely clueless.
w-t-f???
"I was inspired by this little tracksuit"... yeah, like they wore in Chariots of Fire. OK- wtf did your outfit have to do with the little tracksuit?
It makes me feel crazy!
I get it now. It's MY reaction to HER utter disconnect with reality that makes her a "surrealist" designer!
I loved Jennifer's outfit. Although inappropriate for the Olympics, it was adorable! Sorry to see her go.
Laura
A note for some confused by the long links (as comments have come up before): Blogger isn't cutting them off short. Highlight the link and scroll over to the right, past where it appears to end. It's there, just hidden. ;)
To me the outfit really looks like a gold-striped patio chair cushion with a navy awning over it.
The Republic of Fugly, please!
Where was Jennifer's model from? Bosnia & Herzegovina? (Their flag is blue, yellow and white.)
Could she have done anything LESS appropriate? Her work looked like Simplicity patterns and Home Ec assignments. Thank G*d she's 'auf.
Now think... which of the designers actually made something that you could imagine all the American women athletes wearing? Not Jennifer's, or Jerell's, or Daniel's, or Kenley's, or Korto's (yeah, everyone will be in linen and leather, ha).
Maybe Terri's would be OK with a different top. Probably Joe's would look fine. That's about it. They just did not get it. You are not designing a one of a kind garment, you are designing a UNIFORM. Fugly as the Lauren outfits are, they are uniforms. That means I think only Joe really met the requirement, falling short (or should I say, skort) in a few areas as it did.
I don't see how someone described by Tim as intelligent and positive is all that boring. Maybe because the producers "told" you to think that way: cough *matronly* cough
Let us see the person on the show that you catch glimpses of in the background while Suede talks about himself and Blayne runs around trying to find a catch phrase. Jennifer seemed to help her fellow designers and always had a smile. They seemed to be sad she left...yeah, boring.
The dress needed red to go with the blue and white. She took her inspiration from a garment and pictures hanging in a room they took them in to FIND INSPIRATION! That being said, the challenge was for the opening ceremony garment and she did not find that harmony between the two. It was certainly not a winner, but if you are going to bring up the fact they are looking to the future and bring them to a room full of inspiration from the past, that's what you are going to get. Kelli, Kenley, Daniel, Jerell, Jennifer, Suede...all had retro inspired cocktail dresses. Consistency would be nice in the judging. I'm sad to see her go. Good luck Jennifer!
I just keep hearing in my head...
"One of these things is not like the other, one of these things does not belong"
...everytime I see Jennifer's outfit with the rest of the bunch.
Re links:
It helps if you just cut the link before you post it, like this:
http://www.mygrannysatticantiques.com/html/
joan_walsh_anglund_prints.html
then the readers have to copy&paste, but at least they work that way. Or maybe Bill can give us all a tutorial in the way he does his links.
anonymous 1:28, sorry, but all the qualities you describe as possessed by Jennifer, nice, unassuming, positive... those are all boring. Great in a neighbor or a coworker, BORING on reality TV. Yes, this is TV, not real life, and Jennifer was the trifecta of awful: boring, clueless, and delusional. It was a good auf'ing this time. I could not miss her because I could not remember who she was.
It was an adorable outfit - for an 11 year old girl, not an Olympic athlete.
I agree with an earlier TLo post that these guys are more like the Season 1 designers. The difference is that Season 5 designers had the benefit of watching 4 other seasons so they have no excuse for being as apparently clueless as they are. I'm tired of hearing them all whine about how "This is not what I do" and "I only work with leather." If you can't handle the challenges, then go home. You knew what you were getting into when you signed on, so shut up already.
Sorry for the rant, but this bunch is really starting to irritate me.
I can't bring myself to object to Jennifer leaving--this didn't even come close to the brief--but this was indeed a cute dress on its own terms. Daniel's was a mess: an unflattering fabric, an unmemorable style, haphazard execution, and not one iota better suited to the challenge than Jennifer's. An odd choice by the judges, but his days are numbered anyway.
Poor sweet Jennifer. The writing has been on the wall since you described your design style but then never designed what you described. But at least your outfit was cute and not ridiculous like Jerell's!
Bill, When I first read your comment, I thought it said, "with a navy yawning over it". Hee Hee!!
Bill's comment is priceless. Yes, the women would look like men in drag. Jennifer's was far and away the furthest from reality. Daniel could have gone too, but he got lucky that this little mouse pulled out yet another of her Simplicity patterns. I think she's certifiable. Surrealism. My ass is surrealism, miss.
Well, anonymous, insofar as I don't actually know Jennifer personally, any speculation about her personality is just that.
But my criticism of her clothes being matronly? Comes straight from the clothes. Thats not to say that they aren't well made, feminine, or even pretty, but they are something I would wear to my sister's Junior League banquet...not to a dinner party, the olympics, or out in New York.
Jennifer's clothes were Holly Golightly without the je ne sais quoi. They just didn't have a whole lot of ....personality.
If Jennifer wants to bring the surreal to her designs, perhaps she should start doing drugs. This outfit was WAY off the mark, although it was a cute Charlotte York-Goldenblatt walking the show dog outfit. But it's a ludicrous choice for an Olympic athlete.
Bomber, I can also not see the Nike, just a blobby bunch of gold sequins. Maybe that's the surrealistic part ( I just did literally scratch my head).
I think she deserved the auf' but I didn't like how one of the judges equated her designs with "modesty issues" or some crap like that. It was unnecessary and a little bit cruel.
Jennifer's outfit was cute, but no way right for the Olympics opening ceremony! USA always shows up to rock the runway track! With this, the other countries would giggle....
Actually, our women athletes would probably refuse to wear the ensemble. Even the gymnasts and water synch teams.
what's surreal is her view of herself.
Jennifer seems like SUCH a sweet woman, and I really do feel that, if I knew her in person, I'd adore her.
I'm just not sure the fashion world is right for her, given her sweetness. I mean, can anyone who watched the show even imagine Jennifer deploying the strategic bitchiness required in such a cutthroat milieu? Not a chance. Maybe she could do costume design, or stick to small-scale fashion for a private boutique or a select clientele.
She's just too quiet and nice, I think, to make it in global, or even American, fashion. I hope she chooses a path which will allow her to use her talents, but not rip her soul to shreds.
SS: "Bomber, I can also not see the Nike, just a blobby bunch of gold sequins. "
I can't argue with that. But then there are always details we don't see. Maybe up close you can see it. Whatever it is, it looked like too much.
I do have to say... what was she THINKING?? These are for OLYMPIANS, not for the ladies who brunch. The look should be sporty, and dare I say a touch masculine. I think would be quite unfair to say most female athletes would be a bit of a tom boy and would never be seen in a dress or skirt... but I'm inclined to have that opinion.
But seriously? I don't really know many women who don't run a mile in under 3 minutes or is a swimming champion that would wear such a cutesy, girly, outfit.
Dan~
I couldn't agree more with your comments about Jen. But I must say my favorite part of the night was Michael Kors' reaction to Daniel's dress-aster. And I quote:
"I don't know *where* she's from...the Republic of Cocktail-land??"
and
"If her sport is *drinking*, then it's a good dress."
Actually, this entire episode was surreal.
This outfit would have worked well, if the athletes in the Olympics represented country clubs, rather than actual countries.
--GothamTomato
As ridiculous as Jennifer's outfit was, it did not come close to matching the inappropriateness of Jerell's. He wants to put Olympians in Laura Ingalls Wilder's hat? Really?
sisterzip & brooklyn bomber - her's your html link tutorial. Read the section The Anchor Tag and the Href Attribute. It's a simple piece of code. Good luck!
I can't go off on Jennifer the way most of you have. The outfit...is an entirely different story. What could she have been thinking? There was no Americana, sophistication or anything remotely athletic about her whole outfit. If anything was American, then it was because the outfit appeared in the Spring 2005 "American Girls" doll/apparel catalog.
Jennifer should never have been selected for PR5. Clearly, she was out of her league and the whole Salvador Dali/Holly Golightly deal was some sort of joke orchestrated by the producers.
- edina -
Not a Little House hat....more of a Mammy Yokum hat!
SisterZip
Thanks, bill. I keep messing it up and this will definately help!
SisterZip
this is really bugging me now. how in the hell do these designers know NOTHING about the olympics?
dont even get me started about the beatles!
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
My daughter is 23 and she loves the Beatles. She said she wished that they were around (at their age in the 60s) today...they would be totally in.
How isolated, selfabsorbed, stupid (pick your adjective) can you be not to know Sgt. Pepper?
SisterZip
Her outfit might have been surreal if it'd had a javelin sticking out the back of it!
It is a pretty little outfit but it just doesn't look like something an Olympic athlete would wear. Maybe something one of the hostesses at the Olympic venue would wear.
I know it wasn't the criteria, but I can't separate the fact that the men have to wear something that compliments the women during the ceremonies. In this case all I can picture are navy tanks with gold sequined trim and gold and white striped Hammer pants!
I know that was only a joke at her expense but there are plenty to go around after last night. I mean, Keith and his bloomers?
BrianB
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
Sister Zip's link lead to this description of Lauren's opening ceremony outfits: "signature, classic elegance — a navy blazer, a white shirt (with a red-and-blue striped tie for men and an ascot for women), white slacks, a white driving hat and canvas shoes."
Terri's was the most appropriate, and she was totally robbed!
RE: Jennifer, her design would be perfect for a tea party circa 1950. But true confessions, I do like the skirt!
And just to make her more irritating, she ends every other sentence with a question mark (?). UGH, I had to turn her off!
I thought it was cute, and while definitely not appropriate for an athlete, it was definitely not the most heinous and inappropriate look on the runway last night.
The judges aufed Jennifer even though her outfit was better looking than Daniel's and light years more attractive than Jerell's because it was her second week in the bottom three for missing the brief of the challenge.
They figured she would never show them anything but her girly designs and they actually do try to chose someone every year that has something new to say. Daniel's skating on thin ice and the next time he lands in the bottom, he's toast.
It seems like someone around Jennifer said something about something being surrealist around her one time and she said "Aha! That's what I'll call myself" without having any notion what it actually meant.
The outfit this week was kind of cute and as Nina said "girly" but also wildly inappropiate for the challenge.
For some reason, Jennifer was the one I was rooting for most from the announcement of finalists. And while her dresses/outfits have failed to wow, I still have a hard time being done with her on this show, especially after Jerrell's insanely craptastic "outfit with hat" and Daniel's cocktail dress. I would have liked her to hang on for another challenge or two to see what she pulled out. She may be quiet and slightly boring, but at least her designs don't make me gasp in utter horror. (I'm looking at you Jerrell and Daniel)
hey!
Bravo changed the title!
I guess they figured "Bland Ambition" was too harsh?
anonymous said:
And, of course, for all of the PR designers outfits, just picture several hundred US athletes all decked out in them. I mean really, really hysterical images come to mind. C'mon. Close your eyes. Think of a hundered Jerrell costumes/outfits. Or Jennifer's. Or Daniel's. Really, really funny.
I have to say that I am simply entranced at the vision of the U.S. Olympic team sashaying into the opening ceremonies all wearing Jerrell's design.....
as for Jennifer, she seemed very sweet and earnest, but also totally clueless about what it takes to make it on PR.
I couldn't even finish watching her exit interviews...she says "Um" every other word! Jennifer just didn't seem confident enough to last in this type of competition.
And yet the horrific exposed naval spandex gladiator capri pants live on.
Bleah. When I saw the fabric, I thought "Isn't it kind of presumptuous to put an athlete in gold?" No, her style is very run of the mil, not surreal.
Can't wait to see you work over Daniel!
Thank god and greyhound she's gone. Holly GoBye-Bye!
She's a better-than-average home sewer and probably could make an excellent living as a seamstress. However, she lacks what it takes to be a top-end, cutting edge (or heck, even mainstream) designer for adults.
Besides, there's already been a "Surrealist" designer. Is she even familiar with Schiaparelli's work?
Jerrell's outfit was massively worse, IMO, but I think the judges wanted to get rid of Jennifer more. And rightly so. She seems like an absolute sweetie, but she seemed absolutely clueless about what this show is about and how to compete and/or push herself.
very cute outfit -- with the emphasis on CUTE....i just have to laugh thinking of athletes wearing it -- (can you imagine a female shot-putter or discus-thrower in it????!!!)
i agree that the skirt fabric was way off. with a different fabric that outfit would be perfect for sorority rush parties at a very conservative/traditional college.
From Missy Schwartz's EW.com recap of this episode: "I'm convinced that someone told her when she was 12 that surrealism was a synonym for demure, and she never bothered to look it up for herself."
I nearly choked at the end of the show when she referred to herself, yet again, as a "surrealist." WTF?! It made me think of that quote from The Princess Bride: "I do not think you know what that word means."
I have to say that I am simply entranced at the vision of the U.S. Olympic team sashaying into the opening ceremonies all wearing Jerrell's design.....
I think Jerell was really astonished that the judges got him and his designs enough to give him another chance. This was just a rap on the knuckles as a notice to take the crazy down a notch. I'm so curious to see what he does next week.
His model really worked it, didn't she? She had just the right playful and arch attitude in that outfit.
anonymous said:
I think Jerell was really astonished that the judges got him and his designs enough to give him another chance. This was just a rap on the knuckles as a notice to take the crazy down a notch. I'm so curious to see what he does next week.
His model really worked it, didn't she? She had just the right playful and arch attitude in that outfit.
She did work the hell out of that outfit. As crazy as it was, she did everything she could to sell it to the judges.
Hi sister mary martha! Haven't seen you 'round these parts before. Your profile just about killed me. So glad that you're here! Can I get you a drink?
She stayed to long at the fair.
Had she maybe tried a whole red, white, blue, and gold medals theme, maybe that gold stripe skirt would have flown. But she didn't and it didn't and now she's gone. Thank God.
Red or blue stripes would have saved that dress and saved Jennifer, and then Daniel could have been auf'd, as he so richly deserved.
Sister Mary Martha, hello there!
"And yet the horrific exposed naval spandex gladiator capri pants live on."
You're right, Sis. . . I couldn't believe that wasn't at least in the bottom 3. But it was spandexy, which made it vaguely sporty. I'm thinking that's why she didn't get the boot.
PhantomMinuet said...
Red or blue stripes would have saved that dress and saved Jennifer, and then Daniel could have been auf'd, as he so richly deserved.
Well I agree with you that Daniel, the poster boy for Xanax, is ripe for an 'auf. But I don't think a red, white and blue palette would have saved Jennifer this week. Heck, Jennifer even bored Heidi and we KNOW how easily Mrs. Seal can be distracted by shiny objects...
Just sayin.
Sister Mary Martha - say, did I have you for fifth grade geography class at St. Isaac Jogue? If so you really DESERVE a drink!
My problem with Jennifer's designs is that she always seemed to be channeling her inner frump. Even with this dress, there's the rounded collar, the coveredupness, and the fuller skirt. She doesn't need to head to Skanktown, which has enough residents already, but taking the Matron Line sure isn't working for her.
I also agree that Jennifer's view of her work and the actual work itself show a complete disconnect. I wonder what she sees when she looks at the clothes?
I actually liked Stella's tonight which shocked the hell out of me. Except fot the exposed navel, it did have a warrior attitude.
What shocked me even more was that Blayne made me laugh out loud last night and he listened to Tim, changed his outfit and produced something pretty good in the end.
You do realize that Blayne has been successful in his quest to coin the newest catch phrase, don't you? That was unforgettable.
When a designer has NO PERSONAL STYLE it's pretty clear that "running on empty" will rule the day. She was totally clueless. Poor thing.
And God bless ya, Tim, you're always game to look under piles of shit for that pony.
Yawn...She missed for the USA, but maybe she could have designed for the Irish women, if all of their names were Patty O'Furniture.
I think that most of us would agree that Stella's design left a lot to be desired, but her respect for the athletes and her reverence for America was refreshing. I like her more and more.
If Douglas Sirk made a movie about "lady athletes" in 1957, then the star (Kim Novak?) would have worn this outfit. But only in the scene in which she has tea at the Ritz Carlton with the man who tells her "little lady, you'll never be an Olympian. You're just too darn pretty. Now help me out of these trousers...."
Oh Daxx, that corny Patty O'Furniture joke was my favorite for years. Perfect application of it in this case.
Okay, I'm trying it:
Bill, how'd I do?
What kind of shot was the "Bland Ambition" title for that video? At least they have changed it to a challenge specific "No for the Gold."
I don't know whether to commend Bravo for finally coming to their senses, or to be shocked at the blatant personal knock for someone they personally chose out of thousands.
"we KNOW how easily Mrs. Seal can be distracted by shiny objects..."
Great comment, stubenville! SO TRUE.
Oh, well. That's shot my PR pool picks all to hell.
It would be cute at a Chariots of Fire theme party, wouldn't it?
-- desertwind
The problem with this an most of the outfits is the designers just didn't take into account the different body types that would be wearing these.
Anyway, had she made the dress in a different color --red, white & blue, perhaps she might've been saved.
It STILL wouldn't have had anything to do with athleticism (indeed, this outfit looks more apropos to one of the girls who presents the medals) but she'd of paved the way for that tragic purple number and Daniel to be on his way to stewardess alley.
To be fair, it would be surreal watching the US Olympic team marching along in Jennifer's outfit...especially if the men wore them too!
Looks like Stella may have designed the Brazilian gymnastic team's uniforms.
Brilliant said:
Looks like Stella may have designed the Brazilian gymnastic team's uniforms.
----Wow...you got that right!! I guess there are Brazilian Bikers, too!!! I like the Brazilian uniform, very (overused word according to the Duchess) chic!!!
Thanks for the link!
----StkrShock
If "surreal" means preppy and matronly, then yes, Jennifer's stuff is surreal.
I am so glad this bitch is gone. I don't see anything she has done as surreal it's all just boring! a good seamstress? she might be but a good designer? no fuckin way
Bravo, Brooklyn Bomber!! You learnt real good. And what a sweet link/plug. Muah!
Why didn't someone design a gold lamé jumpsuit? Oh wait. Lamé is hot. Not Paris Hilton "hot," but Auntie Mame "Lamé is hotter than a crotch" hot.
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsac306.html
The Brazilian gymnast's uniforms have the Stella stamp of approval; sleek, sexy, studs, spandex and leathuh.
Bill & Daxx: That old Patty O'Furniture joke was part of my personal schtick for years. It's a classic! What a shame that it perfectly fits a PR designer's losing look.
- edina -
To all that say that this top 3 were the only outfits appropriate to the challenge...I don't recall which designer did it but there was a White short set with a scarf/ascot in red and blue that to me has a vibe like the outfits I saw on one of the poster's links.
Princess Bride quote: ABSOLUTELY! That came into my head as soon as the word "surrealism" came out of Alice in Blunderland's mouth AGAIN.
And I'm sorry, Terri was robbed once again. Terri FTW!
Surreal???? How about Librarian!
"As Nina said, she has a very girly style and there's nothing wrong with that, although personally her aesthetic really isn't to our tastes."
Did anyone else notice how kind Nina was to her? Have you ever seen her be that gentle with someone who was in the bottom two? Is is because she was afraid Jennifer would shatter into pieces?
Is this the beginning of a kinder, gentler Nina? Or was it "Be Nice to Children Day?"
The Princess Bride quote is:
"You keep on using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
I would totally wear any of those pieces in that outfit (although not together--way too cutsey), especially that cardigan, but I agree that she was in way over her head on this show. She just seemed to miss the point completely.
Awesome, we won't be confused anymore. There's only Leanne left now.
I couldn't believe Jennifer used gold and blue, you really need to be wearing red, white and blue.
I would have loved Jennifer's oufit in another context, and probably would purchase it in a store. It was just wrong for the challenge.
Oh geesh.
That little hand embroidered USA is pathetic.
Oh, dear. Jennifer needs to realize that one of the harbingers of surrealism is the element of surprise - which was completely missing from her work during each episode. Maybe she uses a melted clock to tell time?
Hmmm. Did anyone else get a Single White Female creepiness form Jennifer?
When Tim sent her off to the workroom I would not have been surprised to see her destroy the others' work stations!
Am I the only one who sees 'twins separated at birth' sameness between Angela K and Jennifer? Angela with her rosettes and fondness for Holly Hobbie styling, completely delusional in her belief that she was 'cutting edge'? Jubilee Jumbles indeed, tom in kc! I swear, that's all I could think of when I watched Jennifer. The two of them even had the same Audrey Hepburn Holly Go Lightly fetish. I'm starting to believe that each season contestants are literally being typecast, based on the break out fan favorites from previous seasons.
Personally I thought the outfit was adorable; I can see myself in it, no problem. However, since I am pretty much the exact opposite of an Olympic athlete (unless picking up the remote, hailing a cab or waving at the cute bartender for a refill have recently been declared Olympic sports), that ain't saying much for Jennifer's design. Shame that the girl finally made something that I like, and it was so completely wrong for the challenged that it got her aufed. Sorry, Jen. Call me!
Oy. I meant challenge, of course. Challenge. I am clearly the challenged one.
Boys, I don't know if you are too big time for this, but if you get a second, take a look
Where did she embroider the "USA"?
Oh, SHE embroidered that "USA"? I thought there for a sec she engaged some 4H student looking to try out her new little chain stitch she learned in the meeting the night before.
Meow!
Girlfriend seems like such a sadsack. I'm sorry to report that, because I'm 90% sure that's how I'd come off in a reality TV show interview situation and she's probably less sadsack and more quiet and polite, but still. And I HATED whenever she said her byline about Dali and Holly because while it's a cute soundbite and I saw some Holly, I did not see some Dali. And she kept saying the word 'surreal' -- there was NOTHING "surreal" about any of her work.
I think the problem with Jennifer is not that she's girly, but girlish, and this is a competition about designing clothes for women.
If I saw Jennifer's dress at Macy's in a size 3T around Easter or Christmas, I might consider committing bodily harm to get it for my two year old to wear with tights and Mary Janes, but for a grown-up, no.
I also kind of like Stella's. Not so much for the parade, but I could totally see one of the track and field women totally rock that look.
Think Flo Joesque.
But for the designers, this group seems to be more than the rest of them about being on TV and getting their undiluted vision out there, than winning challenges.
I think they are hoping that they're 'outrageous' personalities will keep them on the show, through the 'producer contribution' clause.
So, sit back boys and girls, I think we will have Stella, Blayne and Suede for awhile.
Why all the hate on Jennifer? No she wasn't good TV but she had a different aesthetic than what we are used to and was passionate...
I thought the outfit was cute, definitely deserved the bottom, but not auf.
Daniel's was freaking atrocious.
Why all the hate on Jennifer? No she wasn't good TV but she had a different aesthetic than what we are used to and was passionate...
I thought the outfit was cute, definitely deserved the bottom, but not auf.
Daniel's was freaking atrocious.
Her design is completely off topic and laughable in the context of the Olympics but would look great in the kids department of any fashion store - my 10 year old neighbour loved it. Personally I think the skirt was quite cute and a well marketable piece in a collection for kids or young women.
I liked the way she advertised herself as Holly Golightly on a Dali exhibit and had high expections, too bad she didn't live up to it. I haven't seen the "surrealism" in any of her designs and only a touch of Holly Golightly and after 5 challenges of more or less boring outfits I'm glad to see her go home.
Thanks for the close-ups TLO.But I STILL cannot tell what the gold sequins are supposed to be.
As sweet as she seems, her exit interview nearly put me to sleep. I think the producers had a definite hand in this auf'ing. There's not potential for drama with Jennifer, but there certainly is with Jerell and Daniel.
It would be good if every US athlete is a figure skater or a gymnist. But what about the soccer players and the short-putters?
It's still pretty, just not appropriate. I was sure the other guy would be kicked off.
I'm just so grateful that we never have to hear about "Holly Golightly going to a Salvador Dali party." Both are writhing in their grave. Let them have some peace, Jen.
I think we all missed the true point, which Jen was too shy or annoyed to point out. This IS surrealism to the nth degree.
What could be more surreal than a cardigan twin set and pleated skirt from 1953 at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics? All the other athletes are in modern warm-up suits, then Team U.S.A. looking like they're going to the Russian Tea Room. In 1953!
Dali himself couldn't have beat that.
If she had made the skirt red and white striped with a blue top and a white sweater with red and blue sequined stars she would have been safe. Still completely wrong for the challenge but that Wallis Simpson hat or the shiny K-mart Blue 'cocktail' dress would easily have beaten her out for the auf. In fact I think she may have been in the safe group if the colors had been correct.
I think she sees her clothes as 'surreal' because she walks into The Dress Barn or the local department store and walks pass the 'Women's Department' and in comparison her designs are more 'playful and edgier' than what she sees. I think she needs to get out more and really see what is Fashion Forward.
And just for the record--last weekend I went to our local County Fair and saw the 4-H sewing projects. Their workmanship is waay better than Jennifer's.
This is what I think goes on in Jennifer's head:
Surrealism, if I remember my art history, expresses the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and the juxtaposition of incongruous objects.
Olympics challenge...
Hmmmm...reminds of an entry from
Holly Golightly's (or was it my) long-lost diary:
"Dear Diary: Last night I dreamed I was 12 years old and ready to perform in my piano recital. I was dressed in the sweetest little dress with gold and white stripes that Mommy made me and the cutest little navy shrug with gold shiny things on it. But as I walked on to the stage, the craziest thing happened -- I found myself walking instead on this enormous track with a sea of jocks in identical red, white, and blue skorts all around me. I definitely stood out in the crowd...I thought in a good way, but others were saying "like a sore thumb" and they wanted to trample me to death. It was all so surreal and more than a little scary."
Oh, my dear Holly... I was so proud of you (or was it me?)
in that beautiful little outfit Mommy(I?)made for you (me?) Wear it again in your dreams tonight and this time we (I?)will grab a cigarette holder from the Blue Fly accessory wall to show how sophisticated you(I?we?) are.
I'm so confused....must take my meds now.
This is what I think goes on in Jennifer's head:
Surrealism, if I remember my art history, expresses the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and the juxtaposition of incongruous objects.
Olympics challenge...
Hmmmm...reminds of an entry from
Holly Golightly's (or was it my) long-lost diary:
"Dear Diary: Last night I dreamed I was 12 years old and ready to perform in my piano recital. I was dressed in the sweetest little dress with gold and white stripes that Mommy made me and the cutest little navy shrug with gold shiny things on it. But as I walked on to the stage, the craziest thing happened -- I found myself walking instead on this enormous track with a sea of jocks in identical red, white, and blue skorts all around me. I definitely stood out in the crowd...I thought in a good way, but others were saying "like a sore thumb" and they wanted to trample me to death. It was all so surreal and more than a little scary."
Oh, my dear Holly... I was so proud of you (or was it me?)
in that beautiful little outfit Mommy(I?)made for you (me?) Wear it again in your dreams tonight and this time we (I?)will grab a cigarette holder from the Blue Fly accessory wall to show how sophisticated you(I?we?) are.
I'm so confused....must take my meds now.
I just don't get it! How is that dress remotely tied to the Olympics? Besides the stripes? I mean seriously!
That being said I'd totally wear the skirt.
Well, it was surreal in the sense that it was weird.
Well, we all have to take it all back.
Just watched the Olympic opening ceremonies. Did you see what some of those countries where wearing???
Anyone of the outfits created for this challange would have fit in!
I loooved the ethnic stuff, hated the jeans/sloppy just got off the beach look.
Oh well.
It was missing the requisit string of pearls.
Three words: red, white, blue.
would it have killed her to work in the US colors? Y'know, having red jewelry motif on the collar would have helped.
Had it been red, white, and blue, she would have easily safed out in the middle.
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