Project Runway Finale:The Good and The Bad

This season of Project Runway, as I've said before, was seriously lacking in talent. There were a few good ones in there, and luckily the final three were just right. I already gave short reviews of the final collections during fashion week, but I'll expound after seeing them again last night.
First of all, Kenley's wasn't what it should have been. If you're going to make the 50's your signature, you've really got to go for it. I didn't think she pulled it off. While the judges cried Balenciaga, my complaint about the painted dresses is just that they were ugly. Sure, she went for an interesting technique, but her paintings just looked random and ruined what could have been some successes. As for Korto, I think I gave way too harsh a review during fashion week. There were a few really stunning pieces, particularly the one with the voluminous sleeves. I could see her being extremely successful, because she fits the bill for the pack of ubiquitous designers tearing it up in sales. She makes clothes that women would want to wear, and that takes serious skill, so I commend her. Now, Leanne's was really just sensational. I was very proud of my favorite for doing so well. It was all so perfect and floaty, sort of what Erin Fetherston tried and failed to do this season. Now to discuss the results! To avoid spoilers, click
Ahh. We're in the safe spoiler zone now! So basically it went like this: first, Kenley was booted off. I hate her personality, obviously, but her designs were solid. The final collection failed to encompass her ability. Next was Korto. She was a true talent, and if anyone was gonna take it from Leanne, I would be okay-ish with her. Now, obviously, Leanne won. I hate to say I told you so (I LOVE to say I told you so) but, Leanne was one of my picks for the win after the first episode. Along with Wesley. He was prematurely voted off, but I was good with Leanne, right? Now, with an unclear future for the show, I was happy to see Tim Gunn guest judging. Heaven forbid this was the last season ever, it was a fitting tribute to the man that makes the show so iconic. No show has been able to showcase design as well as Project Runway, so needless to say I hope the legal drama is worked out soon.
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Today in Fashion Week:September 12th

Today marks the end of New York Fashion week. The standouts for me have been Obedient Sons & Daughters, Karen Walker, Marc Jacobs, and Marchesa. But as we say goodbye to the city that never sleeps, we still have a few more shows to examine. Let's get to it. Shall we?

Project Runway

My beloved Leanne is finally getting her day(s) on Project Runway and with her Bryant Park offering she'll definitely win. She's the only one that really matters. But I will say, I've hated Jerell all along but his collection was better than I'd expect. Sort of a sequined embroidered pirate funfest. Kenley was good, but if she really doesn't follow collections she must have a cosmic connection with Nicholas Ghesuire and Alexander McQueen. Other than those looks she didn't really show anything with substance, but she has a specific niche that I think she could appease. Joe was trying for classic American, but ended up with "letha" and unflattering pants. Suede's collection was beyond words in the worst way possible. Korto was very disappointing, because it was the worst thing it could be:bland. Overall, the talent factor is simply not there this season, besides Leanne (I luhv yew gurl) so I have high hopes for its move to Lifetime. Maybe a little change will be good.
To see the rest, including Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Christian Siriano, click

Christian Siriano

This post is a little Project Runway-licious (there you go Blayne, sorry the whole..."design"thing didn't work out for you. Ask Sunset Tan if they're interested in making their show even more annoying.) I loved Christian's work on the show, so I was expecting a little more from him if he wanted to make an impression. But, putting it in perspective, it was a pretty good debut. Next time, however, I hope he'll rely on his own innovation rather than established trends.

Ralph Lauren

Every season Ralph Lauren manages to be unassuming yet elegant. He knows his customer like no one else, providing not just a brand but a lifestyle. He's created an unconventional luxury line that is coveted and accessible at the same time, and he is extremely respectable for that reason. His customers will surely be smitten come next spring when they can have their Annie Hall moment with his tan suits.

Donna Karan

I made a mental list of other designers' work I noticed trickling down, but I've decided I don't want to keep tabs on that anymore. So, that being said, Donna Karan is another designer whose appeal I can appreciate but do not personally see. DKNY was one of my favorites this season, so it's certainly not a matter of Karan herself, but the aesthetic she chooses to relay in her main line.

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka was light as a feather this season, with frilly floor length gowns and plenty of high society-ready looks.

Chado Ralph Rucci

Chado Ralph Rucci was another one that did structured this season with mini skirt-suits. Jewel tones were definitely a trend for New York.

Zac Posen

I've heard a lot of gripes about this, but I actually really like it. He went for an alternative meaning to the 80's comeback with chongalicious results. If anyone can pull it off, it's the models!
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DKNY S/S '09

DKNY, among other things, has had the distinction of being the first PETA-infested show of the season. But not even overzealous and clueless (has fur EVER been shown on a DKNY runway?) protesters couldn't dampen the mood of the 20th anniversary celebrations. And I, a full supporter of Katie Holmes jeans, am loving the collection. She has an amazing ability to make fashion accessible and give it universal appeal.To see the full thing yourself, click right here please because I simply do not have the energy to put up 67 looks.

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Gold Medal Fashion

Oddly enough, The Olympics and fashion seem to go together perfectly. Perhaps it's their international appeal that sparks an interest, but I can't seem to open a magazine without something pertaining to The Olympics in it.
Ports 1961
It's been announced that all of the female NBC anchors covering The Olympics will be wearing custom Ports 1961 designs. To see them and more Olympic fashion, click

Lucy Liu in Harper's Bazaar










Ali Stephens in New York Times Magazine





Project Runway Tries (And for the most part fails) to design for the US team













Vogue's Shape Issue: Athletes and Models














pictures from minxbeads.blogspot.com,harpersbazaar.com,thefashionspot.com,bravotv.com,style.com
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Yet Another Project Runway Post

So, of course course everyone and their Nana Lohan is talking about Project Runway today, but I have to chime in. While I was watching last night there were some things that I truly couldn't keep my mouth shut about. And as a healthy exercise of emotional release, I'm gonna blog it (as the kids are saying) and hope that you care!


Look-A-Likes



File these under "You were thinking it."

Stop It Blayne, aka That's Enough out of you Blayne

He looks like Kenneth from 30 rock with a meth problem. Get rid of THIS a.s.a.p.
Side note to Blayne:Stop trying to make "Holla at ya boy" happen. It's not going to happen.

My Favorite Look

by Leanne

The Judges' Favorite Look

by Kelli

Truly Awful

by Jerry

by Blayne (Kill It)

by Suede

My Picks

Wesley
Why:Because he worked at Marc Jacobs, obviously, plus his strong personal style shows through the clothes he wears himself.

Leanne
Why:Because the pictures they showed from her portfolio showed a lot of talent. Plus her dress was my favorite.

Doll Face

The stuff of nightmares. What do we think? Botox? Eva Longoria's placenta cream?

Bye Bye Jerry! You deserved it!

All pictures (except for Blayne) from bravotv.com. Blayne from westseattleblog.com

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