I have to admit that, while I have vague memories of what the various chambers at the United Nations look like, I have much stronger memories of the hot guide we had when we went there on our senior trip. He was from Denmark, and at least part of his name was Klaus. I completely faked a picture of a chamber to get a picture of Klaus. He was young, and had brown hair and tan skin, and when he came to retrieve my group, I just remember being silenced by his dreaminess. Not a single girl in my group was unaffected. There was a lot of not-so-subtle giggling, I'm afraid. And did I mention his accent? Yes. Pure blooded awesome.
10 minutes later...
Wait...what are the designers doing? I saw them pick flags, but I was too busy remembering Klaus to pay attention to the challenge. Something about flag-related garments?
Austin (Seychelles)--This is kind of typical Austin in shape. Draped chiffon, fluid, pastel, with a V neckline of sorts. I wasn't a fan of the back. It looked unfinished back there, or hurried. Just not quite intentional enough.
Jerrell (India)--A large expanse of green chiffon. That really was all I saw (which is funny, because the judge just said the same thing). I really wasn't into this look. Even when I saw the dress itself, it was strange...short and shiny. I mean it's INDIA. Get excited. Do something phenomenal and new, and don't just drape a big piece of fabric over the whole thing.
Kenley (Chile)--Very, very short and ruffly. Thus, Very Kenley. The heart fabric was kind of strange. The red and white stripe was a little too small, I think, which made it look pink. That was a questionnable move. I'm not sure if I got Chile out of this dress.
Michael (Greece)--The man loves a low back, no? I love a nice drapey white fabric with a columnar look, but it was a little expected to have a goddessy dress. That's why they're called Grecian dresses. I wonder if a more updated Mediterranean girl look would have been more suitable.
Mila (Papua New Guinea)--It definitely looks very Mila. I also love how she knocks Kenley for doing the same thing over and over when, really, she does, too. I didn't especially care for the skirt choice. That left side was SO very long.
Mondo (Jamaica)--All black was definitely a danger. Then she turns and you get the boom of the green and yellow chevron. Mizrahi didn't like that, but I did. I like a color pop back there, and I think if you didn't know this was a flag-inspired challenge, you might be engaged by it. The shape of the dress really was kind of Jamaica. It said Jamaica. How? I can't figure that out.
My winner would be Mondo. Out would be Jerrell. The judges did not fully agree with me.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PR: The Theatre, The Theatre
What an absolutely fantastic challenge. The designers were asked to create a costume of separates for a character in Godspell, a Broadway show known for quirky, even crazy costumes of bits and pieces. Yes. The character is the "rich woman," the hoarder of wealth. Yes again. This costume will be worn in the show, and the designer will get a bio in the program. Yesssssss.
There was so much room for creativity here, and finally the designers get to do what so many of them want to do anyway: Design a costume! Were I an All Star, I would have eaten this challenge up.
The results--please note that I did these during the runway, not during the judging. I felt the same way a lot of the judges did, I noticed!
Austin--I actually kind of liked the shiny jumper Austin produced for a Godspell costume. That was very similar to my idea of the stage-assembly of the costume, and the movement needed. The hat also worked. The leggings and shrug weren't quite right, though. Too dark, and it made it feel like there wasn't enough to the costume. Some color in the leggings would have put this over the top. This for me was the second highest look.
Jerrell--The skirt was not remotely showy enough. So flat looking! The sleeves of the jacket and the peekaboo front of it were interesting, but also too closed up overall. There wasn't enough whimsy there. It was almost more secretarial than rich woman.
Kara--The costume did indeed look "Rich Bitch" but that was not enough for this challenge. That's not a stage costume. People would actually wear that, together, which is not Godspell to me. The musical's characters are kind of motley. That's the point. Kara's look didn't give me that feeling.
Kenley--I liked Kenley's skirt, but not for a costume. She didn't look dynamic enough at all really. I feel like it was too "pretty." The shape of the coat was right, but there wasn't enough volume and the colors were too pastel.
Michael--Michael's hairpiece had the right whimsy. The blouse and skirt didn't look costumey enough. The judges had it exactly right--it didn't have enough eccentricity.
Mila--I didn't really get Mila's outfit. The skirt and jacket were kind of hookerish, which was not the right direction. Or rich daddy's girl after a night of partying. There wasn't a sense of eccentricity here, either.
Mondo--Mondo was the clear winner here. The character of the rich woman in a quirky costume plays right to his design strengths. The mixed patterns, the glimmer in the fabrics, and the styling worked flawlessly. The jacket was a little bit too perfect in shape, not quite motley enough, but other than that I really liked his look. It had the whimsy needed for this musical.
This is an interesting cut, because the bottom looks weren't terribly bad, they just didn't fit the challenge. That being said, the execution of Kara's skirt was kind of alarming, as was Mila's skirt's appearance. Those were my bottom two, and I felt either could go.
There was so much room for creativity here, and finally the designers get to do what so many of them want to do anyway: Design a costume! Were I an All Star, I would have eaten this challenge up.
The results--please note that I did these during the runway, not during the judging. I felt the same way a lot of the judges did, I noticed!
Austin--I actually kind of liked the shiny jumper Austin produced for a Godspell costume. That was very similar to my idea of the stage-assembly of the costume, and the movement needed. The hat also worked. The leggings and shrug weren't quite right, though. Too dark, and it made it feel like there wasn't enough to the costume. Some color in the leggings would have put this over the top. This for me was the second highest look.
Jerrell--The skirt was not remotely showy enough. So flat looking! The sleeves of the jacket and the peekaboo front of it were interesting, but also too closed up overall. There wasn't enough whimsy there. It was almost more secretarial than rich woman.
Kara--The costume did indeed look "Rich Bitch" but that was not enough for this challenge. That's not a stage costume. People would actually wear that, together, which is not Godspell to me. The musical's characters are kind of motley. That's the point. Kara's look didn't give me that feeling.
Kenley--I liked Kenley's skirt, but not for a costume. She didn't look dynamic enough at all really. I feel like it was too "pretty." The shape of the coat was right, but there wasn't enough volume and the colors were too pastel.
Michael--Michael's hairpiece had the right whimsy. The blouse and skirt didn't look costumey enough. The judges had it exactly right--it didn't have enough eccentricity.
Mila--I didn't really get Mila's outfit. The skirt and jacket were kind of hookerish, which was not the right direction. Or rich daddy's girl after a night of partying. There wasn't a sense of eccentricity here, either.
Mondo--Mondo was the clear winner here. The character of the rich woman in a quirky costume plays right to his design strengths. The mixed patterns, the glimmer in the fabrics, and the styling worked flawlessly. The jacket was a little bit too perfect in shape, not quite motley enough, but other than that I really liked his look. It had the whimsy needed for this musical.
This is an interesting cut, because the bottom looks weren't terribly bad, they just didn't fit the challenge. That being said, the execution of Kara's skirt was kind of alarming, as was Mila's skirt's appearance. Those were my bottom two, and I felt either could go.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
PR: Seasonals
I'm behind, I know...I haven't even watched episode seven yet. Here are my thoughts on episode 6's looks:
The designers went head to head for the sixth episode, with pairs designing for a particular season. On the whole, I wasn't that impressed with the results.
Austin--The pastel cardi, the floral blouse, the high-waisted, high-water khakis--it was just Too. Much. The blouse, seen up close, is actually pretty. The pants, on the other hand, made the model look huge in the hips and thighs. Adding the floral print to the cardi, thus making a twinset, was not a wise choice. Some bling might have been better.
Kara--It's true that her look didn't have much "design" in it, but it also had an easy freshness. I quite liked the silver cardi. I also have an affection for wide-legged white pants, brought about by one of Ellen Brody's outfits in Jaws.
Jerrell vs. Michael
Jerrell--His coat was the more stylish of the two. The garments beneath were kind of ho-hum. I'm afraid Jay McCarroll's runway collection from back in the day has spoiled me for wintry knitwear.
Michael--I liked the black sleek sleeve and fuzzy armwarmer look Michael had. On the whole, I think we had too much of the one textile.
Kenley--Blue and white polkadotted sunsuit, as we used to call them. For a grown-up. I couldn't really get behind that, I'm afraid.
Mondo--Leopard spotted drape top and black and white shorts with a high waist and yellow belt. I'm sorry to say I also could not get behind this look. Summer gave the designers a problem, which surprised me. Summer should be a breeze!
Mila--Mila's look kind of interested me. I have mixed feelings about the cape, but it is a clean look, and I liked it with the red and the jean. The look was sleek and young, but also decent. It was a very nice fall choice. In fact, Mila's outfit was my favorite for the week.
Rami--A blue drapey jacket...with some kind of shoulder pad. Chartreuse...blouse? And gray pant. And a red handbag. And russet and purply shoes. I mean...how? In a way, I could see what Rami was getting at, but also...not. The result was baffling.
The designers went head to head for the sixth episode, with pairs designing for a particular season. On the whole, I wasn't that impressed with the results.
Austin--The pastel cardi, the floral blouse, the high-waisted, high-water khakis--it was just Too. Much. The blouse, seen up close, is actually pretty. The pants, on the other hand, made the model look huge in the hips and thighs. Adding the floral print to the cardi, thus making a twinset, was not a wise choice. Some bling might have been better.
Kara--It's true that her look didn't have much "design" in it, but it also had an easy freshness. I quite liked the silver cardi. I also have an affection for wide-legged white pants, brought about by one of Ellen Brody's outfits in Jaws.
Jerrell vs. Michael
Jerrell--His coat was the more stylish of the two. The garments beneath were kind of ho-hum. I'm afraid Jay McCarroll's runway collection from back in the day has spoiled me for wintry knitwear.
Michael--I liked the black sleek sleeve and fuzzy armwarmer look Michael had. On the whole, I think we had too much of the one textile.
Kenley--Blue and white polkadotted sunsuit, as we used to call them. For a grown-up. I couldn't really get behind that, I'm afraid.
Mondo--Leopard spotted drape top and black and white shorts with a high waist and yellow belt. I'm sorry to say I also could not get behind this look. Summer gave the designers a problem, which surprised me. Summer should be a breeze!
Mila--Mila's look kind of interested me. I have mixed feelings about the cape, but it is a clean look, and I liked it with the red and the jean. The look was sleek and young, but also decent. It was a very nice fall choice. In fact, Mila's outfit was my favorite for the week.
Rami--A blue drapey jacket...with some kind of shoulder pad. Chartreuse...blouse? And gray pant. And a red handbag. And russet and purply shoes. I mean...how? In a way, I could see what Rami was getting at, but also...not. The result was baffling.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
PR: "Ladies, That's How You Get a Man."
"Find a muse to inspire a fashion-forward look," in the park.
By the way...you have to use their clothes. You have $150 to bribe them.
A two-day challenge.
Meanwhile, I liveblog.
How did the designers do on the street?
Anthony's first choice was hilarious. Her top is wild. That seemed a big risk, but in a way it wasn't, because he picked someone who looked intrigued by being a fashion muse. He spotted the open personality.
Kenley's choice looked a little vague and flat. Several were, in fact...boring stripes, black and white, nothing really special.
Austin's choice of muse was perfect for him--I was worried, because his lank and personality inspires skepticism in some people...but then again, he is the most famous of this bunch.
Mondo's choice was lucky. That woman's dress looked kind of tailor-made for his interests.
Kara definitely picked up an admirer while she was begging. I think that's the route I would have gone. Look for an attractive man in an interesting color and turn on the flirt. I admit that I also might have tried to get his pants.
Props to designers giving some dollars to Kara, too.
A little side thought--I kind of hate the term "fashion-forward." I get what it is meant to mean, but given the recycling of fashions and trends over time, and the difference styling makes, I don't think it really means what it is meant. Or that it can mean what it's meant.
Another side-thought--I like the All-Stars because there is so much less drama. It's all personal battles within designers rather than cat fights between them...at least at this point. They consult with each other. They diss each other's individual looks sometimes in the interviews, intelligently, but they don't have open animosity toward each other. That's a nice change. I fear, though, that it might just be early. How long before it snaps? (Directly following this thought was pantsgate between Michael and Mila about Kenley and Kara's pants. Get over it, kids. Kenley is being Kenley.)
Hold up...Sean Avery in the house as judge? Hockey star? Who interned at Vogue? I think my brain just exploded. Is this possible?
Michael--Oh, the hotpants. I actually like the top. It's that pink again, which I like. I'm not into the panties as outerwear. I mean, why? Bad, bad idea.
Austin--Leather skirt with striping, jacket with hardware. I like the striping in the skirt, but it is a little too stiff. There is a little too much hardware on the jacket. That being said, it's nice to see Austin do something edgy, and you could see the relationship with his muse.
Kara--I actually like her top I think, the patterns. Wish I could've gotten a better look.
Mila--Definitely something Mila would wear. It looks kind of slouchy to me, though. Actually, I think she literally did make something like that outfit in her season.
Jerell--What the what? So crazy. I have no idea what this outfit was about. There was nothing pretty or engaging here. Please. This man has shown very little taste in his garments as an all-star. It's time to end that ride.
Rami--I like the drape of the top. The shorts...well, I don't know what it is, but I never feel that into shorts that the designers make. Why? They're not all too short or badly made. I just feel meh about them all the time.
Kenley--She produced something a little edgier than usual, which I like to see from her. Wasn't a big fan of the red check pockets or whatever they were, but I liked the shape of the dress.
Anthony--Red palazzos and a black halter...and a bag with that print from his first muse. It's true it didn't quite meet the challenge, of course. I wish he'd done something with all those T-shirts. Like the first season's cotton challenge!
Mondo--I like the little jacket, actually. Not a big fan of the bottoms--shorts, I guess they are. The jacket, though, was original looking and well pieced. Good use of denim. The judges complained that a woman couldn't go anywhere with that outfit, but I disagree. There are numerous applications for that jacket.
Spoiler alert.
Though I didn't approve of the whole outfit, I approve of Mondo for the win. That jacket was really something else, and I am appreciating his more tempered use of pattern and color without losing his flair.
I'm sorry to see Anthony go. His light-heartedness was a lift in the workroom this season.
Crud. Looks like next week is going to be all fighty. I hate head-to-head challenges on PR. Well, so much for the good feeling.
By the way...you have to use their clothes. You have $150 to bribe them.
A two-day challenge.
Meanwhile, I liveblog.
How did the designers do on the street?
Anthony's first choice was hilarious. Her top is wild. That seemed a big risk, but in a way it wasn't, because he picked someone who looked intrigued by being a fashion muse. He spotted the open personality.
Kenley's choice looked a little vague and flat. Several were, in fact...boring stripes, black and white, nothing really special.
Austin's choice of muse was perfect for him--I was worried, because his lank and personality inspires skepticism in some people...but then again, he is the most famous of this bunch.
Mondo's choice was lucky. That woman's dress looked kind of tailor-made for his interests.
Kara definitely picked up an admirer while she was begging. I think that's the route I would have gone. Look for an attractive man in an interesting color and turn on the flirt. I admit that I also might have tried to get his pants.
Props to designers giving some dollars to Kara, too.
A little side thought--I kind of hate the term "fashion-forward." I get what it is meant to mean, but given the recycling of fashions and trends over time, and the difference styling makes, I don't think it really means what it is meant. Or that it can mean what it's meant.
Another side-thought--I like the All-Stars because there is so much less drama. It's all personal battles within designers rather than cat fights between them...at least at this point. They consult with each other. They diss each other's individual looks sometimes in the interviews, intelligently, but they don't have open animosity toward each other. That's a nice change. I fear, though, that it might just be early. How long before it snaps? (Directly following this thought was pantsgate between Michael and Mila about Kenley and Kara's pants. Get over it, kids. Kenley is being Kenley.)
Hold up...Sean Avery in the house as judge? Hockey star? Who interned at Vogue? I think my brain just exploded. Is this possible?
Michael--Oh, the hotpants. I actually like the top. It's that pink again, which I like. I'm not into the panties as outerwear. I mean, why? Bad, bad idea.
Austin--Leather skirt with striping, jacket with hardware. I like the striping in the skirt, but it is a little too stiff. There is a little too much hardware on the jacket. That being said, it's nice to see Austin do something edgy, and you could see the relationship with his muse.
Kara--I actually like her top I think, the patterns. Wish I could've gotten a better look.
Mila--Definitely something Mila would wear. It looks kind of slouchy to me, though. Actually, I think she literally did make something like that outfit in her season.
Jerell--What the what? So crazy. I have no idea what this outfit was about. There was nothing pretty or engaging here. Please. This man has shown very little taste in his garments as an all-star. It's time to end that ride.
Rami--I like the drape of the top. The shorts...well, I don't know what it is, but I never feel that into shorts that the designers make. Why? They're not all too short or badly made. I just feel meh about them all the time.
Kenley--She produced something a little edgier than usual, which I like to see from her. Wasn't a big fan of the red check pockets or whatever they were, but I liked the shape of the dress.
Anthony--Red palazzos and a black halter...and a bag with that print from his first muse. It's true it didn't quite meet the challenge, of course. I wish he'd done something with all those T-shirts. Like the first season's cotton challenge!
Mondo--I like the little jacket, actually. Not a big fan of the bottoms--shorts, I guess they are. The jacket, though, was original looking and well pieced. Good use of denim. The judges complained that a woman couldn't go anywhere with that outfit, but I disagree. There are numerous applications for that jacket.
Spoiler alert.
Though I didn't approve of the whole outfit, I approve of Mondo for the win. That jacket was really something else, and I am appreciating his more tempered use of pattern and color without losing his flair.
I'm sorry to see Anthony go. His light-heartedness was a lift in the workroom this season.
Crud. Looks like next week is going to be all fighty. I hate head-to-head challenges on PR. Well, so much for the good feeling.
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