Self-fundraising. Designers are in teams of 3, and are going to raise money to shop at Mood, selling T-shirts and whatever else they want on the streets of New York.
The teams:
Sonjia, Christopher, and Gunnar
Dmitry, Elena, and Alicia
Ven, Melissa, and Fabio
I have to say that at 7 minutes in, I was already out. I was not interested in what was going on. I love arts and crafts, so I was briefly excited at the paints and glitter, but I really did not want to see these personalities clashing and struggling as they attempted to get strangers to give them money. More importantly, I didn't want to hear them, so I put the show on mute, with the closed captioning on. I also flipped back to the US Open frequently and didn't care that much about getting back in a timely fashion. I also spent some time reading a book about Siamese cats who solve myseteries.
I'm not sure what exactly turned me off. I hate team challenges. I hate the blatant editing tricks that are so obvious they fall flat (Gunnar complaining about Christopher's voice). I hate artificial hoops that aren't related to the results. Yes, a designer has to be good with sales and gladhanding, but having them decorate--not design, but decorate--T-shirts and hawk them was another clunker. It might have been interesting to see designers giving fashion advice, as Tim suggested, but the whole sequence, even on mute, made me look away.
I did turn the fashion show on, however, and this is what we saw:
Dmitry, Alicia, and Elena:
Shawl with fringe, dress with cross strap and weird darts.
Grey and green jacket with rounded shoulders. Pants and top.
Sonjia, Christopher, and Gunnar:
Green jacket and two-tone skirt with scarf.
Long asymmetrical coat and two-fabric dress.
Melissa, Ven, and Fabio:
Pink top and grey skirt with white jacket.
Pink tunic, grey coat, brown pants.
(Please note: All of this was writtten before the judges spoke--It's a little eerie to hear some of my thoughts so closely repeated on TV...usually I'm not that close to the judges' views.)
Heidi wasted no time in declaring Sonjia, Christopher, and Gunnar's group the winners, and I have to agree. Their looks were interesting and structural, and stood out on the runway as thoughtful. I really do like the green jacket and the collar in the camel coat. I also love that they had the middle-sized budget.
For me, Melissa, Ven and Fabio fall in the middle. I like that they went with lighter colors--winter white and pink are really beautiful and uplifting on cold days when everything gets so dark. The first look was the most complete. The grey coat and brown pants of the second look were a misstep, though. There wasn't enough innovation there, and that look was kind of flat as a result. This group definitely didn't look like they had the most money--$800 worth, in fact.
Dmitry, Alicia, and Elena were a disappointment. Those outside darts looked balloony, and the rounded shoulders in the jacket were an Elena touch I've never been fond of. On a design side of things, there wasn't much there. On an execution side of things, there were clear flaws. I won't even get into the lack of teamwork.
If I'm in charge, Sonjia wins and Elena goes home. Alicia went home instead, and I guess I kind of expected that. She wasn't given much designing to do, and her easy aesthetic definitely compounded the problem.
Next week is the design-your-textile challenge, and I'm already looking forward to it because I see more interesting designs and colors than in the past.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
PR: Lord & Taylor
We see at Lord & Taylor mannequins with looks by previous designers, which will become a collection, with one of our new designer's looks. I like this. I like the shout out to past designers and the practice in commercial design is important.
The looks must be reproducible and will be sold for 200-300 dollars, and the fabric is coming from the production company, so no budget. But still a one-day challenge.
I appreciated seeing more of the sketches this week. I wish they'd do this every week. I like seeing a close-up during the show that I can remember and see how well the final look represents that initial vision. It gives you a good idea of who can edit, who is doing too much of the same thing, and who has poor time management.
We had an awful lot of meltdowns this week! On the other hand, dresses!
Fabio: The dress was too simple, though it was sleek. I'm not a fan of the v back and glaring zipper. I like the hang of the sheer on the skirt, but I wished for more. Respect for Fabio wearing a garland, though.
Melissa: This dress actually worked out pretty well. It's a little off-kilter for Lord & Taylor but I appreciate that. It's pretty, though still firm. The asymmetrical hem is too long or too short...I can't decide. (Michael Kors agrees with me on this.) I am kind of tired of that style of hem anyway. I also like that it's kind of coppery brown. While that doesn't look good on everyone, it's a color that I'd like to see more.
Gunnar loves that short and lace. I appreciate that there are some sleeves. The dress, though, didn't feel that special. It has the shape of any number of black, lacy cocktail dresses. (I wish to point out at this time that I wrote this comment before the judges' panel took place. That they said exactly what I said was a little creepy.)
Elena: The fabric is a little strange structurally. The shape is interesting, but the fabric seemed all wrong for the skirt. Or perhaps it wasn't cut in a way conducive to its inherent structure. In a different fabric, I think this dress would have worked better. The construction also didn't seem strong, with some crazy seams.
Christopher: You know I love ballet pink. I would wear this dress, though I might have liked some sort of belt at the waist, something satiny, maybe. Just something to give it some sheen. I'm glad the judges liked the dress. I actually think that they could get more than $300 for it at Lord & Taylor. It was right for him to get called out for overusing a technique, though.
Alicia: I'm not a fan. It is different, but it didn't look well crafted. It actually reminds me of a dance costume I had once. We were flappers, but our dresses were black with a little glitter, and a slashed skirt. They looked a bit like garbage bags because they were, indeed, baggy, too much so to see the fabric had some glitter, which it needed more of. Also, it had a high neck. As soon as I saw Alicia's look, I went back to that recital. She is not, however, Amish, Michael Kors.
Sonjie: Peplums. Oh, peplums. At the same time, it is a really simple dress, not one that has much to it. I thought Sonjia might land in the bottom because of that oversimplified look.
Ven: I might have liked this better if the top was a color. A real color, like a stunning green. I still like the pretty folding, and any number of women would love to wear this dress, but this technique is all he does, in much the same way. I don't see Ven stretching himself.
Dmitry: This is a pretty good dress, sleek with some seaming detail. The hem looks a little sketchy, though. Not his best work in construction.
The judges did four up and two down this week...and the fourth up was unexpected. I was really curious about what dress they would pick. I think I'm glad they picked Christopher's. It made the most sense for the challenge parameters: Pretty, marketable, makeable, expensive-looking, good for a window, good fit with the others...a logical choice.
Then we got a surprise. Gunnar is in, because "everyone met the bar of this challenge." So we have solved the problem of having had two people disappear and only one cut designer come back, which sets us up for...
Teams next week. Again.
The looks must be reproducible and will be sold for 200-300 dollars, and the fabric is coming from the production company, so no budget. But still a one-day challenge.
I appreciated seeing more of the sketches this week. I wish they'd do this every week. I like seeing a close-up during the show that I can remember and see how well the final look represents that initial vision. It gives you a good idea of who can edit, who is doing too much of the same thing, and who has poor time management.
We had an awful lot of meltdowns this week! On the other hand, dresses!
Fabio: The dress was too simple, though it was sleek. I'm not a fan of the v back and glaring zipper. I like the hang of the sheer on the skirt, but I wished for more. Respect for Fabio wearing a garland, though.
Melissa: This dress actually worked out pretty well. It's a little off-kilter for Lord & Taylor but I appreciate that. It's pretty, though still firm. The asymmetrical hem is too long or too short...I can't decide. (Michael Kors agrees with me on this.) I am kind of tired of that style of hem anyway. I also like that it's kind of coppery brown. While that doesn't look good on everyone, it's a color that I'd like to see more.
Gunnar loves that short and lace. I appreciate that there are some sleeves. The dress, though, didn't feel that special. It has the shape of any number of black, lacy cocktail dresses. (I wish to point out at this time that I wrote this comment before the judges' panel took place. That they said exactly what I said was a little creepy.)
Elena: The fabric is a little strange structurally. The shape is interesting, but the fabric seemed all wrong for the skirt. Or perhaps it wasn't cut in a way conducive to its inherent structure. In a different fabric, I think this dress would have worked better. The construction also didn't seem strong, with some crazy seams.
Christopher: You know I love ballet pink. I would wear this dress, though I might have liked some sort of belt at the waist, something satiny, maybe. Just something to give it some sheen. I'm glad the judges liked the dress. I actually think that they could get more than $300 for it at Lord & Taylor. It was right for him to get called out for overusing a technique, though.
Alicia: I'm not a fan. It is different, but it didn't look well crafted. It actually reminds me of a dance costume I had once. We were flappers, but our dresses were black with a little glitter, and a slashed skirt. They looked a bit like garbage bags because they were, indeed, baggy, too much so to see the fabric had some glitter, which it needed more of. Also, it had a high neck. As soon as I saw Alicia's look, I went back to that recital. She is not, however, Amish, Michael Kors.
Sonjie: Peplums. Oh, peplums. At the same time, it is a really simple dress, not one that has much to it. I thought Sonjia might land in the bottom because of that oversimplified look.
Ven: I might have liked this better if the top was a color. A real color, like a stunning green. I still like the pretty folding, and any number of women would love to wear this dress, but this technique is all he does, in much the same way. I don't see Ven stretching himself.
Dmitry: This is a pretty good dress, sleek with some seaming detail. The hem looks a little sketchy, though. Not his best work in construction.
The judges did four up and two down this week...and the fourth up was unexpected. I was really curious about what dress they would pick. I think I'm glad they picked Christopher's. It made the most sense for the challenge parameters: Pretty, marketable, makeable, expensive-looking, good for a window, good fit with the others...a logical choice.
Then we got a surprise. Gunnar is in, because "everyone met the bar of this challenge." So we have solved the problem of having had two people disappear and only one cut designer come back, which sets us up for...
Teams next week. Again.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
PR: Friend of a Friend
The Challenge:
Some "friends" are getting a fashion makeover for their friends. Hair cut and color, and an outfit for the madeover client.
Early notes: Ven got highlighted here, saying he was disappointed because this was nothing like designing for a model-- his client's proportions are all different. I'll let you fill in your choice of annoyed sound here. Really an immature attitude, and a disappointing, gaping hole in his skills and mindset. The regular woman challenge always reveals the closet hater, doesn't it?
Nathan's client seems a little confused on the meaning of sophisticated. Sonjia did a good job asking questions and listening to her client. Gunnar is actually into this challenge, which was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Not surprising is Dmitry's ballroom dancing career.
"How's her figure?" Tim? Really? I don't know about asking that question in quite that way. Good for Nathan, though, for his positive description.
The Clothes:
Nathan's black and blue dress was, I guess, okay for a music career in R & B, but it was too sexualized. I know that's what the client wanted, but I also noted he couldn't really stand up to his client to steer her. Also the sewing is a little questionable. The side panel? Not a good idea. I think his inexperience showed here. That being said, I don't think that the garment was as bad as the judges felt.
Elena's client looks very bouncy, which is a good sign. The skirt did look cute. The top was a good shape, but too short in the front ruffle at the waist. It was appropriate, though, and gave the client something wearable.
Melissa's dress was kind of safe. The detail with the asymmetrical bodice was nice, but there wasn't much else to it. It was, at least, reasonably adult without being over-sexy..
Gunnar's client was exuberant! I liked the skirt on her, but the bodice was not fitted quite right...it looked crooked. The sewing didn't look refined to me either, and both of those elements are on Gunnar. That being said, I like the work he put into the skirt, and of course I'm proud of his attitude this week.
Alicia's dress was too short, and the bodice was too small. I hate that cutaway thing that they work in sometimes at the waist. The client seemed happy, but I was a bit surprised Alicia was safe.
Christopher's dress is really pretty, if simple. I like the movement and I'm glad there is a jacket, though I would have liked a closer look at that, as he also wished for the judges.
Ven's opinion of his outfit is curious. He feels it's sophisticated, but there is a zipper unzipped halfway up her thigh. What the what? The look doesn't make any sense. The judges responded to that also.
Dmitry's dress is a great color. On the other hand, the midriff is too tight, and the dress is a touch short. The top is very cute, a good shape, but I'd love to have seen it pencil down two inches longer.
Fabio! I honestly like Fabio's dress the best this week. Who knew? It's cute and wearable, and his client is adorable in it. I love the design in the blocking. It was so clearly a winner! I would so totally wear this dress. Really glad he won. I've been so skeptical about him based on his portfolio, but this week he really impressed me.
Sonjia's dress is indeed a bit too short. It's interesting that the theme is kind of similar to Christopher's, but his is more sophisticated. And what is with this knot thing? Knot dresses have been around for a couple of years now, so I'm a little surprised to see them popping up all over.
So, Fabio won and Nathan was out. As I said, Nathan's inexperience was a problem here, but his attitude is a strong one. I wish he could have stayed in longer. He is positive and I hope that he keeps developing his fashion vision without losing his demeanor.
Ven, on the other hand...I will keep commenting on fashions objectively, but he is no favorite of mine.
Some "friends" are getting a fashion makeover for their friends. Hair cut and color, and an outfit for the madeover client.
Early notes: Ven got highlighted here, saying he was disappointed because this was nothing like designing for a model-- his client's proportions are all different. I'll let you fill in your choice of annoyed sound here. Really an immature attitude, and a disappointing, gaping hole in his skills and mindset. The regular woman challenge always reveals the closet hater, doesn't it?
Nathan's client seems a little confused on the meaning of sophisticated. Sonjia did a good job asking questions and listening to her client. Gunnar is actually into this challenge, which was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Not surprising is Dmitry's ballroom dancing career.
"How's her figure?" Tim? Really? I don't know about asking that question in quite that way. Good for Nathan, though, for his positive description.
The Clothes:
Nathan's black and blue dress was, I guess, okay for a music career in R & B, but it was too sexualized. I know that's what the client wanted, but I also noted he couldn't really stand up to his client to steer her. Also the sewing is a little questionable. The side panel? Not a good idea. I think his inexperience showed here. That being said, I don't think that the garment was as bad as the judges felt.
Elena's client looks very bouncy, which is a good sign. The skirt did look cute. The top was a good shape, but too short in the front ruffle at the waist. It was appropriate, though, and gave the client something wearable.
Melissa's dress was kind of safe. The detail with the asymmetrical bodice was nice, but there wasn't much else to it. It was, at least, reasonably adult without being over-sexy..
Gunnar's client was exuberant! I liked the skirt on her, but the bodice was not fitted quite right...it looked crooked. The sewing didn't look refined to me either, and both of those elements are on Gunnar. That being said, I like the work he put into the skirt, and of course I'm proud of his attitude this week.
Alicia's dress was too short, and the bodice was too small. I hate that cutaway thing that they work in sometimes at the waist. The client seemed happy, but I was a bit surprised Alicia was safe.
Christopher's dress is really pretty, if simple. I like the movement and I'm glad there is a jacket, though I would have liked a closer look at that, as he also wished for the judges.
Ven's opinion of his outfit is curious. He feels it's sophisticated, but there is a zipper unzipped halfway up her thigh. What the what? The look doesn't make any sense. The judges responded to that also.
Dmitry's dress is a great color. On the other hand, the midriff is too tight, and the dress is a touch short. The top is very cute, a good shape, but I'd love to have seen it pencil down two inches longer.
Fabio! I honestly like Fabio's dress the best this week. Who knew? It's cute and wearable, and his client is adorable in it. I love the design in the blocking. It was so clearly a winner! I would so totally wear this dress. Really glad he won. I've been so skeptical about him based on his portfolio, but this week he really impressed me.
Sonjia's dress is indeed a bit too short. It's interesting that the theme is kind of similar to Christopher's, but his is more sophisticated. And what is with this knot thing? Knot dresses have been around for a couple of years now, so I'm a little surprised to see them popping up all over.
So, Fabio won and Nathan was out. As I said, Nathan's inexperience was a problem here, but his attitude is a strong one. I wish he could have stayed in longer. He is positive and I hope that he keeps developing his fashion vision without losing his demeanor.
Ven, on the other hand...I will keep commenting on fashions objectively, but he is no favorite of mine.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
PR: Working Woman Fashion Capsule
Fashion capsule. Yup, that's a thing now. Actually, I kind of like the term. It sounds funny but conceptually it makes sense. It's a lot better than "module," which is all the rage in education now.
The Challenge: Team challenge to create a "fashion capsule" for fashionable, but editorial, working women. The teams must direct a photo shoot for their little collection.
Sonjia, Elena, Melissa, Dmitry, Alicia, and Raul will be making six outfits
Nathan, Ven, Christopher, Fabio, and Gunnar will make five outfits.
30 minutes to discuss and sketch (which is absurd) and one day for creation (also absurd).
The Runway:
Nathan: I'm not a big fan of that one-shoulder top for work. It makes me cold just looking at it. The draped front of the pant was kind of interesting. I actually can't decide how I feel about it. I always want to see something better with pants, something special. I don't think this quite hit the mark, but I like that it was different than the norm.
Christopher: Cute skirt; I like the pleated print. I'd buy that skirt. The jacket is plain, and didn't look as smooth as it ought.
Gunnar: Print-paneled skirt and white top with print shoulders? No. It isn't expressive, really, or vibrant. The top might have been all right without those shoulders; as is, it looks like a home experiment that didn't work out.
Fabio: The dress is kind of plain, but wearable. White and black looks clean. I think I spied some odd fit issues around the bust area.
Ven: Not a fan of the Ven look this week. The top is too poofy. The skirt is oddly clingy. As a combination, it didn't look sleek or fresh, as Ven's garments usually do.
Melissa: Great color and interesting front in the bright blue dress. The collar is too high for work. I did notice the puckering in the back, but on the whole this was my favorite look.
Elena/Alicia: The jacket looks fun. I'd wear that, with the smooth sleeve and a comfortable but sassy shape. The pants were kind of dull, but I keep coming back to the jacket and enjoying it.
Raul/Sonjia: I thought I would like Raul's blouse but I ended up not liking it so much. It looked a little misshapen. I do like the blue skirt; Sonjia's pride is justified in that.
Elena/Alicia: The floofy shouldered jacket is interesting. I actually liked it more than the judges, but maybe not for work. I do like a wide-legged pant, though it wasn't particularly special.
Dmitry: Black and navy colorblock....Maybe in just the skirt, but as a dress the look looked a little sexyish. It's just not quite work-friendly.
Raul/Sonjia: Like the skirt...it's interesting and I like it for day to night. It was pretty and not overly sexy. The top is kind of dull.
The Judging: The teams tied. I'm not sure that has happened before, but I'm surprised that it hasn't. I do always hate it when they publicly invite the "who should go" comments from the team. If you want to describe the team dynamic and what went on in the workroom, fine; that makes sense--you'll still get barbs and biases, but not the reductionist "weakest link" opinions.
It infuriates me that the judges loved that picture with Gunnar's dress so prevalent and she's "at work" but has a purse slung "fakely" over her arm? No way. That portion of the picture at least was awful. And at one point Kors says, "So Gunnar goes home? Ooh..." which demonstrated, I believe, a bias against sending him home based on past efforts, not what was in front of the judges.
To me, Team Six clearly had the better looks as a whole, and better pictures. The clothes certainly photographed better, and looked more suitable for Marie Claire. Melissa as winner makes sense, given the eye-catching nature of her dress, which did indeed look lovely in the pictures.
Raul and Gunnar are left on the runway. Really, either could go and I wouldn't feel bad. They are both kind of jerks. This time, Raul is out, leaving Gunnar with a chance to redeem himself. Good luck with that.
Next week, we're evidently going plus-size, and as usual guests' feelings will be hurt. Never a good time.
The Challenge: Team challenge to create a "fashion capsule" for fashionable, but editorial, working women. The teams must direct a photo shoot for their little collection.
Sonjia, Elena, Melissa, Dmitry, Alicia, and Raul will be making six outfits
Nathan, Ven, Christopher, Fabio, and Gunnar will make five outfits.
30 minutes to discuss and sketch (which is absurd) and one day for creation (also absurd).
The Runway:
Nathan: I'm not a big fan of that one-shoulder top for work. It makes me cold just looking at it. The draped front of the pant was kind of interesting. I actually can't decide how I feel about it. I always want to see something better with pants, something special. I don't think this quite hit the mark, but I like that it was different than the norm.
Christopher: Cute skirt; I like the pleated print. I'd buy that skirt. The jacket is plain, and didn't look as smooth as it ought.
Gunnar: Print-paneled skirt and white top with print shoulders? No. It isn't expressive, really, or vibrant. The top might have been all right without those shoulders; as is, it looks like a home experiment that didn't work out.
Fabio: The dress is kind of plain, but wearable. White and black looks clean. I think I spied some odd fit issues around the bust area.
Ven: Not a fan of the Ven look this week. The top is too poofy. The skirt is oddly clingy. As a combination, it didn't look sleek or fresh, as Ven's garments usually do.
Melissa: Great color and interesting front in the bright blue dress. The collar is too high for work. I did notice the puckering in the back, but on the whole this was my favorite look.
Elena/Alicia: The jacket looks fun. I'd wear that, with the smooth sleeve and a comfortable but sassy shape. The pants were kind of dull, but I keep coming back to the jacket and enjoying it.
Raul/Sonjia: I thought I would like Raul's blouse but I ended up not liking it so much. It looked a little misshapen. I do like the blue skirt; Sonjia's pride is justified in that.
Elena/Alicia: The floofy shouldered jacket is interesting. I actually liked it more than the judges, but maybe not for work. I do like a wide-legged pant, though it wasn't particularly special.
Dmitry: Black and navy colorblock....Maybe in just the skirt, but as a dress the look looked a little sexyish. It's just not quite work-friendly.
Raul/Sonjia: Like the skirt...it's interesting and I like it for day to night. It was pretty and not overly sexy. The top is kind of dull.
The Judging: The teams tied. I'm not sure that has happened before, but I'm surprised that it hasn't. I do always hate it when they publicly invite the "who should go" comments from the team. If you want to describe the team dynamic and what went on in the workroom, fine; that makes sense--you'll still get barbs and biases, but not the reductionist "weakest link" opinions.
It infuriates me that the judges loved that picture with Gunnar's dress so prevalent and she's "at work" but has a purse slung "fakely" over her arm? No way. That portion of the picture at least was awful. And at one point Kors says, "So Gunnar goes home? Ooh..." which demonstrated, I believe, a bias against sending him home based on past efforts, not what was in front of the judges.
To me, Team Six clearly had the better looks as a whole, and better pictures. The clothes certainly photographed better, and looked more suitable for Marie Claire. Melissa as winner makes sense, given the eye-catching nature of her dress, which did indeed look lovely in the pictures.
Raul and Gunnar are left on the runway. Really, either could go and I wouldn't feel bad. They are both kind of jerks. This time, Raul is out, leaving Gunnar with a chance to redeem himself. Good luck with that.
Next week, we're evidently going plus-size, and as usual guests' feelings will be hurt. Never a good time.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
PR: Day to Night
The challenge is a PR staple--create a day-to-night look for a woman-on-the-go. The look should be comfortable, versatile, and practical, and, for the judges, glamorous. Oh, yes, and it should be in the designer's own aesthetic.
The real challenge is with the people. Andrea is gone. There are a lot of harsh words for her from the remaining designers, and a lot of forgetting that they themselves have been in meltdown mode and walking away, albeit temporarily. And then, Kooan announces his departure. Nathan, et al, try to talk him down, but Tim escorts him out. And then, Raul comes back.
And then...there is some sewing.
I was disappointed this week--not in the garments themselves in design, because there were several remarkable garments. But most of the designers picked such safe, boring colors. I can only guess that there wasn't enough time at Mood to find both the desired fabric and an interesting color. With a grey or black jersey, you know what you have. Still...no sparkle? No color? I am the first to decry a design that is only interesting because of its color (as with the white dress made for Irina last week); yet, the blur of grey, black, and brown this week dulled my interest.
Sure, as I said, there were some engaging designs. Even so, the world really has a lot of black dresses with unique designs. It's a staple of the fashion industry. As a woman-on-the-go, I'm trying to keep color in my wardrobe and find professional clothes in nice colors, like my beloved boucle sweaters. I really wanted to see something new in that arena.
This brings me to this week's gripe: I really hate the rush at Mood. I always have. It's one of my least favorite things, watching designers scramble through that Shangri-La of fabric. I also think the tiny visits are one of the major reasons we so often get yucky runway results. I would go even further to say that it's a mockery of the important role fabric (and good fabric stores) play in the fashion industry. I would much rather the designers get a full hour in there. I don't necessarily need to see more as a viewer, but I would like to see more carefully considered and interesting decisions rather than see people just pull out black and grey, or prints of the two, all the time.
I do have to admit that a lot of the designers were heading for the greys and blacks even in Kors' studio as they sketched; however, some of the others' plans changed when they got there, as can be seen in their sketches.
The fashions:
Alicia: Her shirt was too short and the look, while she called it crisp, to me looked sloppy. She certainly did not have the worst design up there, but it was not a look that could win a challenge.
Buffi: Oh, Buffi. I will miss your accent and humor. When you saw the garment come out on the runway, you knew it was going to send her home. Not because it was pink over zebra print. But because it really did look like a pink sack over the dress. When you use such a color, you really need to make it count, and it just didn't here. A banging zebra dress with, say, a red jacket vest in a nice thick something or other would have been preferable. Something fierce! As it was, it was not.
Christopher: It's true; his jacket was pretty rad. It had some sleek flair to it. I also appreciated that his black fabric had some sheen to it, which makes it better for the evening portion. But, like Dmitry and Sonjie, it was a basic color. Black is suitable for night (and he did throw in a blue shoe), but amdist so many other basic colors, I was less excited. I also felt that the drape in the skirt was too long, though that is a minor complaint.
Dmitry's dress had one seam? What the what? I wish they'd brought that up on the runway, so I could try to figure it out better. In any case, I liked the weaving in Dmitry's garment, which gave it at least some interest. That being said, it was a grey jerseyish dress. I agreed with Kors that this dress in a color--not even a bright color necessarily--would have been better. A nice cranberry or emerald green. Or a deep, sapphire blue. Then I would have wanted that dress in my closet immediately!
Elena: I really am not a fan of the shapeless, or rounded shoulder thing that Elena seems to love. I don't really want to wear a jacket that doubles my size. It's her thing, but I can't like it.
Fabio: As I believe I may have mentioned, I hate it when designers make dresses that are too short. It's supposed to be practical and comfortable--if I'm constantly worried about giving an impromptu peep shoe, that isn't going to happen. How could I sit down? Fabio picked a print, which was in his favor, but I agreed with Kors (twice in one week!) that the look didn't have much of Fabio's personality in it. I also agreed with Heidi that a long jacket would have been better.
Gunnar had a tiny bit of color in there with the eggplanty shirt. The skirt was interesting, but it didn't say evening to me, and the two pieces didn't really fit together. Not that they came from different closets, but as if the wearer hadn't had her coffee and had her eyes half shut when she was pulling things out of the closet. Or, maybe she pulled something out of the laundry hamper.
Melissa: The combination of draped garments reminded me of Robin Hood, the way Robin Hood really would have dressed, with the leggings, the layers, and the hooded cloak. It didn't look very evening to me, though, and so it clearly wasn't going to be a winner.
Nathan: Well, he is the drape person. His commentary was correct, though, that this wasn't a wow look. The draped jacket vest thing was interesting, and I think gold was a good color for him to work with. But pairing it with another color might have taken it further. A nice forest green?
Raul: I wrote "the fabric of the top piece is interesting." That's it. Raul dodged a major bullet this week. I know he has better capabilities than this.
Sonjie: Drapey grey dress. The back of the look was actually quite interesting. It did remind me of some multi-way-to-wear dresses already out there, but there was some originality. The middle seemed a little pouchy to me, which wouldn't suit too many ladies. This and other dresses most likely would require some Spanx. I wasn't sorry she won, but mainly because I think all three top looks could have won.
Ven: Hey, guess what! Ven had pleats! No, I'm not accusing him of being a one-note, and I have nothing against pleats, but I hope he is ready to mix it up in future. The crossing zipper in Ven's look interested me, though I'm not sure how practical it is. I also wondered if his fabric would wrinkle. He also used brown; a lighter brown, true, but still brown.
Next week: A team challenge. You know. My favorite.
The real challenge is with the people. Andrea is gone. There are a lot of harsh words for her from the remaining designers, and a lot of forgetting that they themselves have been in meltdown mode and walking away, albeit temporarily. And then, Kooan announces his departure. Nathan, et al, try to talk him down, but Tim escorts him out. And then, Raul comes back.
And then...there is some sewing.
I was disappointed this week--not in the garments themselves in design, because there were several remarkable garments. But most of the designers picked such safe, boring colors. I can only guess that there wasn't enough time at Mood to find both the desired fabric and an interesting color. With a grey or black jersey, you know what you have. Still...no sparkle? No color? I am the first to decry a design that is only interesting because of its color (as with the white dress made for Irina last week); yet, the blur of grey, black, and brown this week dulled my interest.
Sure, as I said, there were some engaging designs. Even so, the world really has a lot of black dresses with unique designs. It's a staple of the fashion industry. As a woman-on-the-go, I'm trying to keep color in my wardrobe and find professional clothes in nice colors, like my beloved boucle sweaters. I really wanted to see something new in that arena.
This brings me to this week's gripe: I really hate the rush at Mood. I always have. It's one of my least favorite things, watching designers scramble through that Shangri-La of fabric. I also think the tiny visits are one of the major reasons we so often get yucky runway results. I would go even further to say that it's a mockery of the important role fabric (and good fabric stores) play in the fashion industry. I would much rather the designers get a full hour in there. I don't necessarily need to see more as a viewer, but I would like to see more carefully considered and interesting decisions rather than see people just pull out black and grey, or prints of the two, all the time.
I do have to admit that a lot of the designers were heading for the greys and blacks even in Kors' studio as they sketched; however, some of the others' plans changed when they got there, as can be seen in their sketches.
The fashions:
Alicia: Her shirt was too short and the look, while she called it crisp, to me looked sloppy. She certainly did not have the worst design up there, but it was not a look that could win a challenge.
Buffi: Oh, Buffi. I will miss your accent and humor. When you saw the garment come out on the runway, you knew it was going to send her home. Not because it was pink over zebra print. But because it really did look like a pink sack over the dress. When you use such a color, you really need to make it count, and it just didn't here. A banging zebra dress with, say, a red jacket vest in a nice thick something or other would have been preferable. Something fierce! As it was, it was not.
Christopher: It's true; his jacket was pretty rad. It had some sleek flair to it. I also appreciated that his black fabric had some sheen to it, which makes it better for the evening portion. But, like Dmitry and Sonjie, it was a basic color. Black is suitable for night (and he did throw in a blue shoe), but amdist so many other basic colors, I was less excited. I also felt that the drape in the skirt was too long, though that is a minor complaint.
Dmitry's dress had one seam? What the what? I wish they'd brought that up on the runway, so I could try to figure it out better. In any case, I liked the weaving in Dmitry's garment, which gave it at least some interest. That being said, it was a grey jerseyish dress. I agreed with Kors that this dress in a color--not even a bright color necessarily--would have been better. A nice cranberry or emerald green. Or a deep, sapphire blue. Then I would have wanted that dress in my closet immediately!
Elena: I really am not a fan of the shapeless, or rounded shoulder thing that Elena seems to love. I don't really want to wear a jacket that doubles my size. It's her thing, but I can't like it.
Fabio: As I believe I may have mentioned, I hate it when designers make dresses that are too short. It's supposed to be practical and comfortable--if I'm constantly worried about giving an impromptu peep shoe, that isn't going to happen. How could I sit down? Fabio picked a print, which was in his favor, but I agreed with Kors (twice in one week!) that the look didn't have much of Fabio's personality in it. I also agreed with Heidi that a long jacket would have been better.
Gunnar had a tiny bit of color in there with the eggplanty shirt. The skirt was interesting, but it didn't say evening to me, and the two pieces didn't really fit together. Not that they came from different closets, but as if the wearer hadn't had her coffee and had her eyes half shut when she was pulling things out of the closet. Or, maybe she pulled something out of the laundry hamper.
Melissa: The combination of draped garments reminded me of Robin Hood, the way Robin Hood really would have dressed, with the leggings, the layers, and the hooded cloak. It didn't look very evening to me, though, and so it clearly wasn't going to be a winner.
Nathan: Well, he is the drape person. His commentary was correct, though, that this wasn't a wow look. The draped jacket vest thing was interesting, and I think gold was a good color for him to work with. But pairing it with another color might have taken it further. A nice forest green?
Raul: I wrote "the fabric of the top piece is interesting." That's it. Raul dodged a major bullet this week. I know he has better capabilities than this.
Sonjie: Drapey grey dress. The back of the look was actually quite interesting. It did remind me of some multi-way-to-wear dresses already out there, but there was some originality. The middle seemed a little pouchy to me, which wouldn't suit too many ladies. This and other dresses most likely would require some Spanx. I wasn't sorry she won, but mainly because I think all three top looks could have won.
Ven: Hey, guess what! Ven had pleats! No, I'm not accusing him of being a one-note, and I have nothing against pleats, but I hope he is ready to mix it up in future. The crossing zipper in Ven's look interested me, though I'm not sure how practical it is. I also wondered if his fabric would wrinkle. He also used brown; a lighter brown, true, but still brown.
Next week: A team challenge. You know. My favorite.
Friday, August 03, 2012
PR: "Stupid Red Carpet"
The challenge: In teams of two, create a garment for a former PR designer to wear to the Emmys. Winner gets to go to the Emmys!
Lexus made a nebulous appearance in the episode, being the car driven to meet the former designers and the designers were meant to use the color of the car in their gown. If they'd given the designers interesting car colors, this might have gone better. Instead, they were very standard colors like black, white, and red. Thrill.
As always with a pair challenge, you can see some trainwrecks coming and others come from more subtle meltdowns. If you'd like to read an interesting backstage story, see Laura Bennett's blog, which is straightforward about what went on behind the scenes, versus the edited version of the story we saw.
Personalities aside, here are my unbiased feelings about the fashions. I'm going sort of in order of quality, with comments on suitability of dress for the client, and so on as appropriate.
The gowns:
Ven and Fabio for Kenley: Yes, Kenley directed a lot of this look, including the fabric and length suggestions. That being said, you can still see Ven's design in the look, and certainly the execution. His dress was one of my favorites because of the blend of Kenley's desires and Ven's (and to some extent Fabio's) mastery. I actually like to see a tea length gown on a red carpet now and then, and I think with some bigger jewelry (something rhinestony is certainly needed in the hair) it will be perfectly suitable.
Buffi and Elena for Laura: I thought this look was a little too "cute" for Laura, but I also thought it was lovely. I'm not sure the hair styling was the best choice, because it sort of enhanced the cutesy. That being said, the pleating ended up working very well, and the gown moved beautifully. One of my favorites. For me, that is...not for Laura.
Dmitry and Melissa for April: There were elements I liked about this dress and elements I did not. That sleeve--the cuffed 3/4 sleeve--really drove me nuts. The midriff of the front (was that knotted?) also gave me pause. They did a terrific job with the fabric, and that quicksilver look really did suit April and give her glamour. The back was lovely. I enjoyed looking at and thinking about this dress, despite its few flaws.
Nathan and Sonjia for Valerie: I actually have this square in the middle with Dmitry and Melissa. I love how happy Valerie looked in this, because it had some spunk to it but also the glamour needed. I liked that they chose to include a gold satin in the shoulders with the sequinned fabric; I did not like that they also included it as a V in the back. They missed an opportunity for a sleek fit back there. Yes, the V added a design element, but it ended up looking bunchy. Valerie, with a short torso, needs something to sleeken the silhouette, not bunch it up. I felt the same about the sleeves--great length, but they poofed out a little, and that wasn't quite right, either. All that said, I think Valerie looked banging in this dress from the front.
Christopher and Andrea for Anya: Sewing flaws (like the showing hooks--a problem I've had) notwithstanding, the back of this dress was pretty in design (not surprising, since it was associated with Andrea). The front...well, the bust was simply too blousy. The square neck with a fitted layer of chiffon over it would have been lovely. Perhaps even a gathered collar. The cowl was the wrong direction utterly.
Gunnar and Kooan for Irina: My shock matched that of the designers when this white number was pegged out as a high note. The hem was too short. The sewing was clearly poor even through the TV. Even without being privy to the workroom mismatch and conflict, one can objectively look at this dress and shake one's head. I really think it was the white that blinded the judges, and the accessories--and Irina. Take the accessories off the dress, and what do you have? A poorly sewn, too short, white dress with a train...nothing very special, in fact. The judging here was definitely one of those wth moments.
Raul and Alicia for Mila: This dress was a travesty. It was too simple, yet poorly constructed at the same time. The halter was peculiar in fit, and the bust was dumpy. I spied a lack of understanding of the purpose of foundation garments there. Mila seems to be in good shape, but at a televised show like the Emmys, a lady needs some sort of bust support or an extremely well fit bodice. This dress allowed neither. Obviously there were other flaws, but no one really mentioned that one. Problems in judging other garments notwithstanding, this was clearly the losing dress.
Lexus made a nebulous appearance in the episode, being the car driven to meet the former designers and the designers were meant to use the color of the car in their gown. If they'd given the designers interesting car colors, this might have gone better. Instead, they were very standard colors like black, white, and red. Thrill.
As always with a pair challenge, you can see some trainwrecks coming and others come from more subtle meltdowns. If you'd like to read an interesting backstage story, see Laura Bennett's blog, which is straightforward about what went on behind the scenes, versus the edited version of the story we saw.
Personalities aside, here are my unbiased feelings about the fashions. I'm going sort of in order of quality, with comments on suitability of dress for the client, and so on as appropriate.
The gowns:
Ven and Fabio for Kenley: Yes, Kenley directed a lot of this look, including the fabric and length suggestions. That being said, you can still see Ven's design in the look, and certainly the execution. His dress was one of my favorites because of the blend of Kenley's desires and Ven's (and to some extent Fabio's) mastery. I actually like to see a tea length gown on a red carpet now and then, and I think with some bigger jewelry (something rhinestony is certainly needed in the hair) it will be perfectly suitable.
Buffi and Elena for Laura: I thought this look was a little too "cute" for Laura, but I also thought it was lovely. I'm not sure the hair styling was the best choice, because it sort of enhanced the cutesy. That being said, the pleating ended up working very well, and the gown moved beautifully. One of my favorites. For me, that is...not for Laura.
Dmitry and Melissa for April: There were elements I liked about this dress and elements I did not. That sleeve--the cuffed 3/4 sleeve--really drove me nuts. The midriff of the front (was that knotted?) also gave me pause. They did a terrific job with the fabric, and that quicksilver look really did suit April and give her glamour. The back was lovely. I enjoyed looking at and thinking about this dress, despite its few flaws.
Nathan and Sonjia for Valerie: I actually have this square in the middle with Dmitry and Melissa. I love how happy Valerie looked in this, because it had some spunk to it but also the glamour needed. I liked that they chose to include a gold satin in the shoulders with the sequinned fabric; I did not like that they also included it as a V in the back. They missed an opportunity for a sleek fit back there. Yes, the V added a design element, but it ended up looking bunchy. Valerie, with a short torso, needs something to sleeken the silhouette, not bunch it up. I felt the same about the sleeves--great length, but they poofed out a little, and that wasn't quite right, either. All that said, I think Valerie looked banging in this dress from the front.
Christopher and Andrea for Anya: Sewing flaws (like the showing hooks--a problem I've had) notwithstanding, the back of this dress was pretty in design (not surprising, since it was associated with Andrea). The front...well, the bust was simply too blousy. The square neck with a fitted layer of chiffon over it would have been lovely. Perhaps even a gathered collar. The cowl was the wrong direction utterly.
Gunnar and Kooan for Irina: My shock matched that of the designers when this white number was pegged out as a high note. The hem was too short. The sewing was clearly poor even through the TV. Even without being privy to the workroom mismatch and conflict, one can objectively look at this dress and shake one's head. I really think it was the white that blinded the judges, and the accessories--and Irina. Take the accessories off the dress, and what do you have? A poorly sewn, too short, white dress with a train...nothing very special, in fact. The judging here was definitely one of those wth moments.
Raul and Alicia for Mila: This dress was a travesty. It was too simple, yet poorly constructed at the same time. The halter was peculiar in fit, and the bust was dumpy. I spied a lack of understanding of the purpose of foundation garments there. Mila seems to be in good shape, but at a televised show like the Emmys, a lady needs some sort of bust support or an extremely well fit bodice. This dress allowed neither. Obviously there were other flaws, but no one really mentioned that one. Problems in judging other garments notwithstanding, this was clearly the losing dress.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
2012 London Opening Ceremonies!
I always watch Olympic Opening Ceremonies with great interest. I admit to being a bit of a snob about them--I just don't know how anyone is going to beat the awesomeness that were the Athens ceremonies. I also love to watch what the athletes are wearing--what the powers-that-be of their countries decided to put them in every four years to represent their nation.
The London ceremonies had some bright moments. I am all for the pastoral country farms, complete with May pole and sheep. So much of England still has that classic, green, near-wild appeal. They still respect their farmers. I loved that tree-Tor, that later held the flags of all the countries.
I was less excited by the Industrial segment, though there were elements that stood out. I liked Kenneth Brannagh's sideburns and the shoutout to the suffragettes. The red poppies in the WWI tribute were perfect. I was a little sad, though, that there was so little color in this section. Sure, the idea of Industry is all black, white, and brown, but colors still existed! Even a dingy blue or green might have pullled in the pastoral from the opening section, to transition it instead of replacing it. I did like the idea of them piping in the smell of the ring forge (and I know I'm not alone in having first associated the ring with Tolkien instead of the Olympic rings!)
I almost spit tea everywhere when James Bond and QEII came skydiving in. That was a good punctuation point for the show.
in the next section, I know people were confused by the connection of the children's literature with the health care; I didn't have that confusion. I loved the kids in their jammies, first as a signing choir and then as hospital kids at GOSH. It's quite true that British children's literature is an indelible part of youth, and I'm so glad they treated it with pride. And then there were Mary Poppinses falling from the sky. You can't go wrong with that.
The digital love story was my least favorite section. There was too much in it. Too many songs and films and shows, and it was hard to pick out anything iconic because there was just too much. Sure, that is representative of our age, but it doesn't make the best ceremonial presence. It just felt too long. Remember the two lovers in the Athens games? They were sweet and their story stood out because they were given space. That didn't happen here. And some of the music/films weren't even British...most were, but again, we lost that chance to have iconic elements stand out because of attempts to be comprehensive.
Fortunately, we had Speedboat Beckham to laser through all of that.
There were some cool points later, too, like the doves riding bicycles and the honor guard of workers for the flag. I liked that they had young people carry the torch, and I loved the rising copper leaves for the cauldron. That's one of my favorite cauldrons ever. Good job, London!
The Parade of Nations seemed very full of suits this year, didn't it? That kind of disappoints me. I wish more countries would do a rendition of native dress--not costumey, but with a sort of national presence. I know they want to be respectful, and you could make the argument that the athletes blend together harmoniously, but I feel like that's more the Closing Ceremonies emotion. In the Opening Ceremonies, I want to know what that country is.
Some countries were beautifully attired. Bhutan had lovely traditional silks. The Cook Islands totally brought it, as did Fiji's flagbearer. Gambia looked wonderful in their green robes, as did Mali in white and Nigeria in green and white. India mixed it up with suits and saris. Uganda also looked lovely. It's interesting that so many countries who are wartorn or in poverty show so much pride in their national heritage in costume.
Meanwhile, there is Germany. Now, I'm not suggesting that they were lederhosen, but pink and blue track jackets, with hats that had a German flag-colored ribbon? Nothing about it made sense...and yet Time Magazine liked it? Their opinion was based on festive color, but personally, I think the above countries pulled it off better, and classier.
There is always a lot of fuss about what the USA wears. Sneakers and skirts made the women look a little touristy, which is perhaps sadly appropriate, but otherwise they definitely looked like Ralph Lauren dressed them. Which he did. The uniforms weren't very iconically American...actually, some of the stuff he did for Village Wear (which is pictured in the above Time link) is nattier. But we were definitely not the worst dressed, so I guess we can take that home.
The London ceremonies had some bright moments. I am all for the pastoral country farms, complete with May pole and sheep. So much of England still has that classic, green, near-wild appeal. They still respect their farmers. I loved that tree-Tor, that later held the flags of all the countries.
I was less excited by the Industrial segment, though there were elements that stood out. I liked Kenneth Brannagh's sideburns and the shoutout to the suffragettes. The red poppies in the WWI tribute were perfect. I was a little sad, though, that there was so little color in this section. Sure, the idea of Industry is all black, white, and brown, but colors still existed! Even a dingy blue or green might have pullled in the pastoral from the opening section, to transition it instead of replacing it. I did like the idea of them piping in the smell of the ring forge (and I know I'm not alone in having first associated the ring with Tolkien instead of the Olympic rings!)
I almost spit tea everywhere when James Bond and QEII came skydiving in. That was a good punctuation point for the show.
in the next section, I know people were confused by the connection of the children's literature with the health care; I didn't have that confusion. I loved the kids in their jammies, first as a signing choir and then as hospital kids at GOSH. It's quite true that British children's literature is an indelible part of youth, and I'm so glad they treated it with pride. And then there were Mary Poppinses falling from the sky. You can't go wrong with that.
The digital love story was my least favorite section. There was too much in it. Too many songs and films and shows, and it was hard to pick out anything iconic because there was just too much. Sure, that is representative of our age, but it doesn't make the best ceremonial presence. It just felt too long. Remember the two lovers in the Athens games? They were sweet and their story stood out because they were given space. That didn't happen here. And some of the music/films weren't even British...most were, but again, we lost that chance to have iconic elements stand out because of attempts to be comprehensive.
Fortunately, we had Speedboat Beckham to laser through all of that.
There were some cool points later, too, like the doves riding bicycles and the honor guard of workers for the flag. I liked that they had young people carry the torch, and I loved the rising copper leaves for the cauldron. That's one of my favorite cauldrons ever. Good job, London!
The Parade of Nations seemed very full of suits this year, didn't it? That kind of disappoints me. I wish more countries would do a rendition of native dress--not costumey, but with a sort of national presence. I know they want to be respectful, and you could make the argument that the athletes blend together harmoniously, but I feel like that's more the Closing Ceremonies emotion. In the Opening Ceremonies, I want to know what that country is.
Some countries were beautifully attired. Bhutan had lovely traditional silks. The Cook Islands totally brought it, as did Fiji's flagbearer. Gambia looked wonderful in their green robes, as did Mali in white and Nigeria in green and white. India mixed it up with suits and saris. Uganda also looked lovely. It's interesting that so many countries who are wartorn or in poverty show so much pride in their national heritage in costume.
Meanwhile, there is Germany. Now, I'm not suggesting that they were lederhosen, but pink and blue track jackets, with hats that had a German flag-colored ribbon? Nothing about it made sense...and yet Time Magazine liked it? Their opinion was based on festive color, but personally, I think the above countries pulled it off better, and classier.
There is always a lot of fuss about what the USA wears. Sneakers and skirts made the women look a little touristy, which is perhaps sadly appropriate, but otherwise they definitely looked like Ralph Lauren dressed them. Which he did. The uniforms weren't very iconically American...actually, some of the stuff he did for Village Wear (which is pictured in the above Time link) is nattier. But we were definitely not the worst dressed, so I guess we can take that home.
PR: Sweeties!
Hi, everyone! Been away for a bit, but have a few things in store here. First, a report on last week's PR, and also I'll be posting on the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.
I'd also like to invite you to check out goodnessgreenness.com, a blog by my friend Emily West Lowry, which I will be contributing to regularly!
Onward!
Andrea: I appreciated the Victorian imagery and styling Andrea brought to her garment—it was definitely committed. I think she escaped a lashing, though. The apron was stiff and formless while the back (although consistent with her Victorian ideal) was all fabric. Other designers, like Buffi, got busted for using so much non-candy material.
Buffi: On the subject of Buffi, I enjoy listening to her. I bet she is annoying to some people, but so far I enjoy her sense of humor. Her garment also seemed understated for her, and she put a lot into that weaving. Her look was not a winner, but I probably would have put Andrea in the bottom before her.
Christopher: His look was very dark. And that is all I wrote. I do remember it (it’s Saturday as I write this), but only an impression of thin stripes with black contrasting with pinkish something or other.
Dmitry: Dmitry’s look was also dark, but I remember his more fondly because it was more fun. The swinging fringe to the skirt was sassy. Did I enjoy that he used the unembellished, halterized T-shirt in the top? No. But I liked the wearability of his look…meaning, I’d wear it!
Elena: Her look had structure, but as soon as I saw the color she chose and the structure started to take shape, I knew she was in trouble. You can use that color in a soft look, but not, I think, in a bulky look that’s going to be even more bulky because it’s candy over a fabric infrastructure. She had a concept—she’s good at concepts. I think the execution will take more thought and time.
Fabio: I liked the color in Fabio’s piece. His garment looked nicely fitted. I ultimately didn’t find it memorable, though.
Gunnar: Yes, for the checkered print he made. The peplum, however, was completely unnecessary and too much. Also, I’m so unbelievably tired of his attitude already. I suspect he’s suffering from 24/7-camera-itis. I don’t like to make attitude comments too early in the game, but really. He epitomizes the concept of “disingenuous.”
Kooan: I think Kooan might have scared the judge this week; I think they decided it would be too much work to talk to him about his garment. This explosion was good evidence that he lacks an editing eye. His piece started well, but as others pointed out, he just kept tacking stuff on there, throwing things at it. There was no concept, and the chaos wasn’t engaging.
I'd also like to invite you to check out goodnessgreenness.com, a blog by my friend Emily West Lowry, which I will be contributing to regularly!
Onward!
The challenge:
Designers in a candy shop (unconventional materials challenge)
Excuse me—A sweets emporium.
I do like it when they do the unconventional materials
early. There are lots of results to see,
and people tank or swank by ability more than exhaustion. I also appreciate the workroom scenes,
because people are (usually) doing such different things.
A few bright early moments:
- Heidi’s “Braveheart chic” tartan dress
- Tim getting excited about candy legos
- My own idea for what I’d do—get some fun dip and a straw; dissolve the fun dip in water and then blow it on whatever garment I was working with. Add some color pops, like dye!
The fashion:
Alicia: Her candy
created an interesting effect that reminded me of both jungles and
dripping. Very rainforesty. I liked the sauciness of her garments, which
is something her work might sometimes lack.
It was not so rugged, but instead more playful.Andrea: I appreciated the Victorian imagery and styling Andrea brought to her garment—it was definitely committed. I think she escaped a lashing, though. The apron was stiff and formless while the back (although consistent with her Victorian ideal) was all fabric. Other designers, like Buffi, got busted for using so much non-candy material.
Buffi: On the subject of Buffi, I enjoy listening to her. I bet she is annoying to some people, but so far I enjoy her sense of humor. Her garment also seemed understated for her, and she put a lot into that weaving. Her look was not a winner, but I probably would have put Andrea in the bottom before her.
Christopher: His look was very dark. And that is all I wrote. I do remember it (it’s Saturday as I write this), but only an impression of thin stripes with black contrasting with pinkish something or other.
Dmitry: Dmitry’s look was also dark, but I remember his more fondly because it was more fun. The swinging fringe to the skirt was sassy. Did I enjoy that he used the unembellished, halterized T-shirt in the top? No. But I liked the wearability of his look…meaning, I’d wear it!
Elena: Her look had structure, but as soon as I saw the color she chose and the structure started to take shape, I knew she was in trouble. You can use that color in a soft look, but not, I think, in a bulky look that’s going to be even more bulky because it’s candy over a fabric infrastructure. She had a concept—she’s good at concepts. I think the execution will take more thought and time.
Fabio: I liked the color in Fabio’s piece. His garment looked nicely fitted. I ultimately didn’t find it memorable, though.
Gunnar: Yes, for the checkered print he made. The peplum, however, was completely unnecessary and too much. Also, I’m so unbelievably tired of his attitude already. I suspect he’s suffering from 24/7-camera-itis. I don’t like to make attitude comments too early in the game, but really. He epitomizes the concept of “disingenuous.”
Kooan: I think Kooan might have scared the judge this week; I think they decided it would be too much work to talk to him about his garment. This explosion was good evidence that he lacks an editing eye. His piece started well, but as others pointed out, he just kept tacking stuff on there, throwing things at it. There was no concept, and the chaos wasn’t engaging.
Lantie: Another
designer falls prey to the defeatist attitude.
She gave up. Her look didn’t have
enough candy, and she didn’t care. As
soon as that inertia locks down a designer, it’s best that she go.
Melissa: Candy bondage? I guess that kind of makes senses for Melissa. The skirt was a yes for me, but not the top, which didn’t really transcend the simple fact that it covered the model.
Nathan: Oh, the bulb skirt. Well, he went for it. I am glad for that. He has some good ideas. Sometimes I wonder if he might be too “young”—not necessarily in age but in his innovation and intuition. I’m hoping there is something there he just hasn’t shown yet.
Raul: I was kind of excited seeing Raul’s top on his mannequin. I liked the color and the shape. The skirt didn’t quite fit, though, which was disappointing. I have decided to watch Raul a bit more closely, though. I don’t always like his expression, but I do perceive something intriguing in his design.
Sonjia: I liked the pearl effect that Sonjia created, and I also liked the scarflike embellishment with the candy sharks. I mean, why not? On the whole, I thought there was too much going on with her outfit, though. It had nice color, but too many directions.
Ven: His look was very classy, no question. His palette was a little muted, to be sure, but the sculpture was thoughtful. When I saw it, I knew Heidi would like it, and I am sure it’s her vote that put Ven over the top here.
Melissa: Candy bondage? I guess that kind of makes senses for Melissa. The skirt was a yes for me, but not the top, which didn’t really transcend the simple fact that it covered the model.
Nathan: Oh, the bulb skirt. Well, he went for it. I am glad for that. He has some good ideas. Sometimes I wonder if he might be too “young”—not necessarily in age but in his innovation and intuition. I’m hoping there is something there he just hasn’t shown yet.
Raul: I was kind of excited seeing Raul’s top on his mannequin. I liked the color and the shape. The skirt didn’t quite fit, though, which was disappointing. I have decided to watch Raul a bit more closely, though. I don’t always like his expression, but I do perceive something intriguing in his design.
Sonjia: I liked the pearl effect that Sonjia created, and I also liked the scarflike embellishment with the candy sharks. I mean, why not? On the whole, I thought there was too much going on with her outfit, though. It had nice color, but too many directions.
Ven: His look was very classy, no question. His palette was a little muted, to be sure, but the sculpture was thoughtful. When I saw it, I knew Heidi would like it, and I am sure it’s her vote that put Ven over the top here.
These judges were feisty this week! I didn’t disagree with their final choices,
but I do think they’re shooting out the barbs pretty fast.
A final note—the candy lady said that one or two of the
looks were things she would put in the store’s window. Couldn’t that have been part of the prize for
the challenge? To have the garment
appear in the store window? That would
have been a sweet prize!
Sorry. I had to.
Friday, July 20, 2012
PR: Times Square
The Challenge: The designers had homework--make a garment/look that represents their aesthetic. The challenge itself is to make a companion piece, and both looks will be shown in Times Square.
Have you been to Times Square? I have. It's shiny. And loud. And tourists. And traffic. And, to be honest, a little stinky. Everyone's pretty excited about showing there, and that's great for the fans, but all the same, I'm not sure it's where I'd like to have my first PR showing. Still--it is festive, I have to give them that. I also respect that they gave all of the designers an experience, before any of them went home.
The People: If you watched the preview show you probably picked up on some vital statistics: 8 men, 8 women. 6 are from different countries. Each almost, at this point, seems to fit into a firmly delineated stereotype--the "Bitch, Please," the "Experienced Older Person," the "Kook," the "Avant Garde," and so on. I'm crossing my fingers that these lines blur rather than blacken over the season.
The Clothes:
Alicia--Alicia's asymmetrical pants were well produced. I appreciate the sense of ease in her garments, and I'm not opposed to the menswear/womenswear mixture. That being said, I wasn't excited by her work this week, as it seemed flat to my eye, although I did like the red.
Andrea--As anticipated, she put more visual interest in the backs of her looks. People dissed on her short dress, but I thought it was more youthful, though admittedly odd. Even so, the longer dress's back is really nice, with the folds so carefully placed.
Beatrice--The top she made (the one she struggled with sewing) looked much better in a still photo. That disappoints me. It doesn't hold up with a closer, live look. The grey dress she made was certainly wearable, and had some cute details (sheer bits in the shoulders, for example), but that wrap was not a good choice. The pieces didn't show well on a Times Square runway and didn't look well together.
Buffi--Her looks did really represent the portfolio she presented. That being said, that shiny hot pink with the trash bag black is never going to do well on the runway. It looks like garments you might pick up at Deb--remember Deb? As a matter of interest, Buffi had the second lowest combined scores from the voters on mylifetime's Rate the Runway.
Christopher--"The machine ate it." Oh, dear. Already with the self-made accidents? There were several this episode! Christopher's short dress was not a winner--too short, and the bust did not succeed; definitely not flattering. I can't question the fact that his long dress was beautiful; I'm not usually into animal prints, but he concealed it in the beatiful cut and pleating. It really was liquid on the runway.
Dmitry--He may be quiet, but he has pointed words in his personal interviews, no? I like Dmitry's pieces. He was my favorite this week; the textile for his short dress was kind of boring, but I liked the cut of both, and that sequinned vamp dress...I can't even say why I like it, I just am engaged by it; it's flattering and it has a throwback appeal without being aged.
Elena--Her looks are just not for me. She has skills, obviously, but I don't see much versatility there yet. Is she going to be able to evolve?
Fabio--I might have done Fabio a disservice, based on his portfolio. I didn't find his shirt very appealing, but the skirt was interesting. That black dress, though...sometimes organic goes too far in the blah direction, and I fear that might be a problem with Fabio.
Gunnar--Hey, remember when I said that he probably takes himself too seriously? Yeah. We can now remove the probably. I already can't stand him, and I didn't like either of the garments he created. I admit to a bias against halters, but even the color selection he made turned me off. Very few people can wear that color...or should. I'm sad, because I had hopes for him.
Kooan--My eyes! The first look I think does represent Kooan; the second one, though, reminded me of an oven mitt. Kooan received the lowest scores overall, which isn't that surprising, but I do agree with some of the preview people who believe he has something to say. It may not be something I want to hear, but it would be foolish to ignore. One of the other designers commented on the Japanese street fashion aspects, and she is absolutely right. That's a big market.
Lantie--I was turned off when I found out Lantie is using real snakeskin; I'm not down with that. the fabric of her lace dress was really pretty, but that chiffon dress looked like the results of a previous season's challenge...it wasn't bad, and it might have done well in early seasons, but I think the judges are wanting everyone to step it up. That particular dress got the lowest score of the week on Rate the Runway.
Melissa--I have mixed feelings on Melissa. She's really confusing for me. Her new dress had an interesting shape, which I like, and I did like that jacket, though I'm not really into leather. But I worry that she's going to get boring; not like Stella and her "leatha," but more that she won't be able to transcend, or reach into deeper parts of herself. I hope I'm wrong.
Nathan--The colors selected by Nathan had great Times Square appeal. The turquoise one was too much for me--too piecy. The pinkish one, though--I love that. It was fun and looked comfortable and elegant at the same time. I'm not a big Cameron Diaz fan, but I could see her in that dress.
Raul--I really liked the jacket and top he made, the tailored suit with edge. The lace dress, though...it was really a textile choice problem. I've been there; I get bulky yarns a lot even though they don't really make good clothes (great for blankets and scarves). This "lace" textile just had too much bulk and heft, so it couldn't do what he asked it to do. There were better ways to use it--a whole dress was not the best option.
Sonjia--I have to say, along with Kooan, hers were my least favorite this week. They were tacky looking, and those pants were awful. My impressions from her portfolio are alas confirmed.
Ven--In the preview show, I could see that Ven showed some stronger garments than are in his online portfolio. The pleating and other elements are really pretty immaculate. I found the pants too bulbous, but I liked his pleats and respected the fluidity of his work. Very curious about Ven. He was my second favorite this week, almost on skill alone.
Sound-off: I have to cry foul on Heidi's underwear ad, by which I mean PR's main poster. Seriously, it is basically a Victoria's Secret ad with scissors in it. Nothing about the image says Project Runway and it's decidedly bad form. I'd go so far as to call it disrespectful to their designers, who are a mixed bunch and have viewpoints far ranging from the typical male gaze on female sexuality. We could talk all day about the state of the fashion industry and their views of and influence on the female body. But in the context of an ad about fresh designers creating clothes for lots of people, this was a tasteless choice. According to the web, I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Have you been to Times Square? I have. It's shiny. And loud. And tourists. And traffic. And, to be honest, a little stinky. Everyone's pretty excited about showing there, and that's great for the fans, but all the same, I'm not sure it's where I'd like to have my first PR showing. Still--it is festive, I have to give them that. I also respect that they gave all of the designers an experience, before any of them went home.
The People: If you watched the preview show you probably picked up on some vital statistics: 8 men, 8 women. 6 are from different countries. Each almost, at this point, seems to fit into a firmly delineated stereotype--the "Bitch, Please," the "Experienced Older Person," the "Kook," the "Avant Garde," and so on. I'm crossing my fingers that these lines blur rather than blacken over the season.
The Clothes:
Alicia--Alicia's asymmetrical pants were well produced. I appreciate the sense of ease in her garments, and I'm not opposed to the menswear/womenswear mixture. That being said, I wasn't excited by her work this week, as it seemed flat to my eye, although I did like the red.
Andrea--As anticipated, she put more visual interest in the backs of her looks. People dissed on her short dress, but I thought it was more youthful, though admittedly odd. Even so, the longer dress's back is really nice, with the folds so carefully placed.
Beatrice--The top she made (the one she struggled with sewing) looked much better in a still photo. That disappoints me. It doesn't hold up with a closer, live look. The grey dress she made was certainly wearable, and had some cute details (sheer bits in the shoulders, for example), but that wrap was not a good choice. The pieces didn't show well on a Times Square runway and didn't look well together.
Buffi--Her looks did really represent the portfolio she presented. That being said, that shiny hot pink with the trash bag black is never going to do well on the runway. It looks like garments you might pick up at Deb--remember Deb? As a matter of interest, Buffi had the second lowest combined scores from the voters on mylifetime's Rate the Runway.
Christopher--"The machine ate it." Oh, dear. Already with the self-made accidents? There were several this episode! Christopher's short dress was not a winner--too short, and the bust did not succeed; definitely not flattering. I can't question the fact that his long dress was beautiful; I'm not usually into animal prints, but he concealed it in the beatiful cut and pleating. It really was liquid on the runway.
Dmitry--He may be quiet, but he has pointed words in his personal interviews, no? I like Dmitry's pieces. He was my favorite this week; the textile for his short dress was kind of boring, but I liked the cut of both, and that sequinned vamp dress...I can't even say why I like it, I just am engaged by it; it's flattering and it has a throwback appeal without being aged.
Elena--Her looks are just not for me. She has skills, obviously, but I don't see much versatility there yet. Is she going to be able to evolve?
Fabio--I might have done Fabio a disservice, based on his portfolio. I didn't find his shirt very appealing, but the skirt was interesting. That black dress, though...sometimes organic goes too far in the blah direction, and I fear that might be a problem with Fabio.
Gunnar--Hey, remember when I said that he probably takes himself too seriously? Yeah. We can now remove the probably. I already can't stand him, and I didn't like either of the garments he created. I admit to a bias against halters, but even the color selection he made turned me off. Very few people can wear that color...or should. I'm sad, because I had hopes for him.
Kooan--My eyes! The first look I think does represent Kooan; the second one, though, reminded me of an oven mitt. Kooan received the lowest scores overall, which isn't that surprising, but I do agree with some of the preview people who believe he has something to say. It may not be something I want to hear, but it would be foolish to ignore. One of the other designers commented on the Japanese street fashion aspects, and she is absolutely right. That's a big market.
Lantie--I was turned off when I found out Lantie is using real snakeskin; I'm not down with that. the fabric of her lace dress was really pretty, but that chiffon dress looked like the results of a previous season's challenge...it wasn't bad, and it might have done well in early seasons, but I think the judges are wanting everyone to step it up. That particular dress got the lowest score of the week on Rate the Runway.
Melissa--I have mixed feelings on Melissa. She's really confusing for me. Her new dress had an interesting shape, which I like, and I did like that jacket, though I'm not really into leather. But I worry that she's going to get boring; not like Stella and her "leatha," but more that she won't be able to transcend, or reach into deeper parts of herself. I hope I'm wrong.
Nathan--The colors selected by Nathan had great Times Square appeal. The turquoise one was too much for me--too piecy. The pinkish one, though--I love that. It was fun and looked comfortable and elegant at the same time. I'm not a big Cameron Diaz fan, but I could see her in that dress.
Raul--I really liked the jacket and top he made, the tailored suit with edge. The lace dress, though...it was really a textile choice problem. I've been there; I get bulky yarns a lot even though they don't really make good clothes (great for blankets and scarves). This "lace" textile just had too much bulk and heft, so it couldn't do what he asked it to do. There were better ways to use it--a whole dress was not the best option.
Sonjia--I have to say, along with Kooan, hers were my least favorite this week. They were tacky looking, and those pants were awful. My impressions from her portfolio are alas confirmed.
Ven--In the preview show, I could see that Ven showed some stronger garments than are in his online portfolio. The pleating and other elements are really pretty immaculate. I found the pants too bulbous, but I liked his pleats and respected the fluidity of his work. Very curious about Ven. He was my second favorite this week, almost on skill alone.
Sound-off: I have to cry foul on Heidi's underwear ad, by which I mean PR's main poster. Seriously, it is basically a Victoria's Secret ad with scissors in it. Nothing about the image says Project Runway and it's decidedly bad form. I'd go so far as to call it disrespectful to their designers, who are a mixed bunch and have viewpoints far ranging from the typical male gaze on female sexuality. We could talk all day about the state of the fashion industry and their views of and influence on the female body. But in the context of an ad about fresh designers creating clothes for lots of people, this was a tasteless choice. According to the web, I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
PR: Season 10 Preview
It's time! Tonight, Project Runway returns, with the usual panel of judges returning, and Tim Gunn.
The profiles and portfolios are up at mylifetime.com if you'd like to check them out.
To make things interesting, some friends and I are doing a sort of PR Derby: picking a designer from the first show based on the introductions of that person, the same way you might pick a horse from its appearance in the paddock or parade ring. The design portfolios serve as the race program. As the show moves forward, in subsequent episodes you might pick a designer for the week by how the show is edited. You also might pick a designer for the whole season, your "favorite to win."
Feeling daring? You could pick your horse from the design portfolios. Here are my observations:
Alicia seems to favor androgynous sportswear. There is a green shirt that I quite like in her portfolio; otherwise, it seems a bit like an American Eagle catalog. That's not a bad thing as far as marketability goes, but it leaves me without much impression.
Andrea has some very interesting shapes in her pieces. There is a purple sweater, back-tying, that I really quite like. I see a lot of emphasis on the backs of her clothes, which makes me curious. She also seems to makeover clothes, which should stand her in good stead for PR.
Beatrice shows a lot of leggings in her collection, which concerns me. Another intereresting issue is that her drawn pieces are way different from her completed pieces. That confuses me as to her aesthetic. Regardless, I can't get behind the leggings.
Buffi's portfolio turned me off as soon as I got to the drawings with the ladies' nipples showing through the shirts, and the truly hangerlike models she drew. Given the sort of blah nature of most of the drawn clothes, it's hard for me to feel engaged, despite the bright colors in her completed clothes.
Christopher has some cute pieces in his drawings, but components of the finished pieces concern me--the absurdly short lace skirt, for instance. That being said, the pictures also suggest he doesn't have quite the resources that some of the other designers have, so I am at least interested in seeing what he can produce on set.
Dmitry is a front runner for me at this point. While I usually set styling aside, I was intrigued by the capping feature he did with his model, to put the focus squarely on the clothes. The ruddy, draped dress is really perfection for me, and I wish I owned it. I don't like all of his pieces (looking at you, jumpsuit), but there is something about his aesthetic that I like.
Elena's pictures won't load for me. What I see of the thumbs kind of reminds me of Dune. Her dream client is Lady Gaga, so I guess that squares with that impression.
Fabio has the distinction of being my least favorite. He portfolio is full of diapers and sheets. I'm going to hope this was a flaw in selection, not a sign of his actual thematic influences. Asylum Chic is not for me.
Gunnar, I'm afraid, might take himself too seriously--or at least, his pictures have a melodramatic bent. The clothes are cute--the set with the tan coat and blue blouse with jabot (the binoculars shot) is really quite dreamy. The settings and more importantly lighting, though...too much, too dark. It's like there is too much Autotune. Gunnar is self-taught, according to his info, so some prods from the judges might help.
Kooan has some color, which is a point in his favor, and there is also some unisex modeling happening, which is intriguing. The aesthetic put forward, though, is not something I can love at this point. I am filing him under "Whole Lotta Look" until further notice.
Lantie's dresses show promise--mixtures of textiles and patterns, but not in ways that make my eyes cross. The one with the fishnet sleeves is a total winner. She lists Star Trek as a design influence, which makes me smile. She's not a favorite at this point, but I will pull for her for a while anyway. There is some good potential.
Melissa's accessories are more interesting to me than the clothes in her portfolio. She has a few different arm bands that I like, especially the one with the ID bracelet. The clothes seem kind of bleak.
Nathan's a draper. I quite like that first little dress, with the twists and the flower. I feel like he could do a lot with thin, stretchy jersey. In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that Nathan went to BGSU, where I work, so while my design favorites are going to be unaffected, I will likely also root for him because we share a school.
Raul's pieces seem to be all over the place. The men's pieces look like they belong together, but the women's decidedly do not. Evidently he is self taught, so that is likely why things are hit or miss. The menswear at least looks interesting; some of the womenswear not so much.
Sonjia seems to enjoy patterns and mixing them. The shapes of some of her gaments appeal, but I don't feel drawn to any of her work in the portfolio. She may surprise me, but right now it's a non-start for me.
Ven likes red. Even so, I really like the white dress he put in his portfolio, with the off-center seam. It's clean and svelte, and shows restraint without losing design--something PR often lacks. I'm interestsed to see what he can produce with PR's nutty time restrictions.
So, there it is. It's a little scary for me to pick favorites right now, since we haven't been introduced to the personalities. But there are clearly people who intrigue me and others that leave me shaking my head.
Tonight's the night! Ladies and Gentlemen, get our your racecards!
The profiles and portfolios are up at mylifetime.com if you'd like to check them out.
To make things interesting, some friends and I are doing a sort of PR Derby: picking a designer from the first show based on the introductions of that person, the same way you might pick a horse from its appearance in the paddock or parade ring. The design portfolios serve as the race program. As the show moves forward, in subsequent episodes you might pick a designer for the week by how the show is edited. You also might pick a designer for the whole season, your "favorite to win."
Feeling daring? You could pick your horse from the design portfolios. Here are my observations:
Alicia seems to favor androgynous sportswear. There is a green shirt that I quite like in her portfolio; otherwise, it seems a bit like an American Eagle catalog. That's not a bad thing as far as marketability goes, but it leaves me without much impression.
Andrea has some very interesting shapes in her pieces. There is a purple sweater, back-tying, that I really quite like. I see a lot of emphasis on the backs of her clothes, which makes me curious. She also seems to makeover clothes, which should stand her in good stead for PR.
Beatrice shows a lot of leggings in her collection, which concerns me. Another intereresting issue is that her drawn pieces are way different from her completed pieces. That confuses me as to her aesthetic. Regardless, I can't get behind the leggings.
Buffi's portfolio turned me off as soon as I got to the drawings with the ladies' nipples showing through the shirts, and the truly hangerlike models she drew. Given the sort of blah nature of most of the drawn clothes, it's hard for me to feel engaged, despite the bright colors in her completed clothes.
Christopher has some cute pieces in his drawings, but components of the finished pieces concern me--the absurdly short lace skirt, for instance. That being said, the pictures also suggest he doesn't have quite the resources that some of the other designers have, so I am at least interested in seeing what he can produce on set.
Dmitry is a front runner for me at this point. While I usually set styling aside, I was intrigued by the capping feature he did with his model, to put the focus squarely on the clothes. The ruddy, draped dress is really perfection for me, and I wish I owned it. I don't like all of his pieces (looking at you, jumpsuit), but there is something about his aesthetic that I like.
Elena's pictures won't load for me. What I see of the thumbs kind of reminds me of Dune. Her dream client is Lady Gaga, so I guess that squares with that impression.
Fabio has the distinction of being my least favorite. He portfolio is full of diapers and sheets. I'm going to hope this was a flaw in selection, not a sign of his actual thematic influences. Asylum Chic is not for me.
Gunnar, I'm afraid, might take himself too seriously--or at least, his pictures have a melodramatic bent. The clothes are cute--the set with the tan coat and blue blouse with jabot (the binoculars shot) is really quite dreamy. The settings and more importantly lighting, though...too much, too dark. It's like there is too much Autotune. Gunnar is self-taught, according to his info, so some prods from the judges might help.
Kooan has some color, which is a point in his favor, and there is also some unisex modeling happening, which is intriguing. The aesthetic put forward, though, is not something I can love at this point. I am filing him under "Whole Lotta Look" until further notice.
Lantie's dresses show promise--mixtures of textiles and patterns, but not in ways that make my eyes cross. The one with the fishnet sleeves is a total winner. She lists Star Trek as a design influence, which makes me smile. She's not a favorite at this point, but I will pull for her for a while anyway. There is some good potential.
Melissa's accessories are more interesting to me than the clothes in her portfolio. She has a few different arm bands that I like, especially the one with the ID bracelet. The clothes seem kind of bleak.
Nathan's a draper. I quite like that first little dress, with the twists and the flower. I feel like he could do a lot with thin, stretchy jersey. In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that Nathan went to BGSU, where I work, so while my design favorites are going to be unaffected, I will likely also root for him because we share a school.
Raul's pieces seem to be all over the place. The men's pieces look like they belong together, but the women's decidedly do not. Evidently he is self taught, so that is likely why things are hit or miss. The menswear at least looks interesting; some of the womenswear not so much.
Sonjia seems to enjoy patterns and mixing them. The shapes of some of her gaments appeal, but I don't feel drawn to any of her work in the portfolio. She may surprise me, but right now it's a non-start for me.
Ven likes red. Even so, I really like the white dress he put in his portfolio, with the off-center seam. It's clean and svelte, and shows restraint without losing design--something PR often lacks. I'm interestsed to see what he can produce with PR's nutty time restrictions.
So, there it is. It's a little scary for me to pick favorites right now, since we haven't been introduced to the personalities. But there are clearly people who intrigue me and others that leave me shaking my head.
Tonight's the night! Ladies and Gentlemen, get our your racecards!
Friday, April 20, 2012
PR: All-Star Finals
I know...behind, right? I am only just now getting a chance to look through the last shows.
My thoughts on the penultimate show results:
Austin--The color of Austin's piece is lovely. The fabric, though, is going to be incredibly wrinkly. For a full swing coat, you don't want something that is going to be crushed, do you? I like an interesting collar, but my eyes just kept going back to the fabric.
Michael--He always seems to pull out a kimono sleeve, low-back maxi. I'm bored with that. It's not at all interesting or new. His "new thing" was print. These judges were all over this look, but I was irritated that it was the same old/same old, and too long to boot.
Mondo--Mondo's look was fun, I suppose. It was a little too sacklike for me. You can tell it's a Mondo, which I appreciate, and it is interesting. You can tell it's an original.
Kenley--I liked the sleeve on Kenley's dress, and it's nice and simple. She's right that many women can wear the dress. The neckline was a little too modest, though. Not frumpy, but modest. I agreed with the judges about the missing keyhole. It needed something to lift it a bit.
I would have sent Michael home. I would rather see a full collection from Kenley than from Michael, and that kind of made my decision for me. However, I did not get my way.
My thoughts on the finals:
Five looks in four days? And then the sixth look? Why? What's the point? They will get frantic and overwhelmed no matter what. It's kind of like horror movies. I prefer suspense films to gore. This finale challenge is gore. Not enough subtlety to it. It's really too bad. I wish they'd used their all-stars in a more starlike way.
Below, my thoughts, with the rating from the mylifetime website (out of 5) reported in parentheses.
Austin--
Pink jodhpur jumpsuit and black spangled jacket. I do like the jacket a lot. I'd totally wear that. I like the fabric of the jumpsuit, but jiminy. Those pants are nuts. (2.17)
Black lace dress. Loved this, crazy side floof and all. I'd wear that at a party. (3.71)
Pink top and black skirt. The little tulle bunch idea was cute, and I thought the idea of the top was a good one, but the set didn't look well made, which is unusual for Austin. The skirt sort of looked cheap on the runway. (2.78)
Pink floral gown. This is pretty Austinish. I quite like the draping of the top, but the big floof in the middle over the mermaid was not a good idea. I would have loved to see the floof become longer and just be the skirt. Like, aid eighteen inches to that, keeping the angle, and cut the rest off. That would be awesome. (2.44)
Black shiny jumpsuit. No. Just no. Except for the jabot. (2.84)
Wedding dress. What can you say? The man is a wedding dress designer. It's too floofy for me, but I like the magnolia petaling and I like the slight hint of dark he gave it. (4.55)
Thoughts: I really love the lace dress and really hate the jumpsuit. They are at literal opposites of my spectrum of love vs. loathing. The story Austin concocted...well, I'm still thinking about it, but mainly in a wincing way.
Michael--
Snake print jumpsuit. If there is going to be a jumpsuit, it really needs to be fluid, and this one is. But still. It's a jumpsuit. (3)
Black and white zebra dress. No. No no no. Too much hoochie. (3.55).
Black and gray zebra dress. It's a decent dress, but I am really not into this aesthetic. I know people who are, and I do prefer this to the above, but it doesn't look interesting. (3.23)
Romper. Or is it shirt and shorts? I can't tell. This reminds me of things that starlets wear when they want attention but end up looking like they tried too hard to look like they didn't try. In fact, I often feel that's Michael's actual aesthetic. (3.44)
Zebra long pants and top. I actually kind of like this. I like the way it clings and moves at the same time. I thought it was a dress, but it's separates. (3.62)
White dress. Again, Michael puts together a perfectly valid drapey dress. This is usually the kind of thing I love. Why do I not love it? (3.5)
Thoughts: Not enough range here. It does have a resort feel, which is what he wanted, but it does not have any energy or excitement. Altogether too languid. Even the Serengetti has color sometimes. Like when the lions dig into the zebra. That's the adventure I wanted.
Mondo--
Polka dot blouse, skirt. Love the skirt, love the blouse, love the ink blot bag. This is like what happens when you take Mondo and make him into things I would wear. I would not wear my hair like a big poof with the pieces, and I may not wear them together, but I do like the pieces. (3.78)
Black and white dots dress. I wasn't into this. The rounded shoulder that stopped shy of the shoulder, and the scale of the neckline and buttons just were not working for me. (3.37)
Wavy blouse and leggings. Wasn't into this either. It went a little too far into the therapy theme, looking like an institution smock. (3.44)
Checkered pants, jacket, T-shirt. Okay. I'm not into the different covered sleeves, but I love the ink blot top, I love the pants, and the jacket is cute, in the front. Not so into the back. The outfit was kind of wacky in the right way. I was into it. (3.53)
Ink blot dress. Here, I was kind of into the red sleeve, because it wasn't too much. It was just one jarring element in an otherwise straightforward dress, and eye-catching for fun. I actually kind of want this dress, even though it's not the sort of thing I ever have call to wear. (4.32)
Colored dress. I heard Mondo say shock therapy right when I was looking at this dress online, and it made total sense. It did say shock therapy. The shiny dots! I love it. This is the type of thing I would wear even if I didn't really have call to do so, like if I were going to the theater and wanted to be eyecatching. I loved the styling, too, right down to the disco ball bag and shoes. Some of the judges felt this look didn't fit in, and I couldn't disagree more. (4.19)
Thoughts: Like a poet, Mondo worked his angst into his work. It didn't feel tortured (it could have gone a little more in that direction), but it did have a bit of a sting to it. It was fun without being ridiculous.
Final thoughts: I'm glad Mondo won. His collection was the strongest and had the most engaging concept. I haven't always been a Mondo fan, but it seemed obvious that he has tempered his ideas with maturity without losing his vivacity. I wish he didn't have meltdowns and self-esteem collapses quite so much, but I hope the opportunities headed his way will help him find ways to deal with those that improve on his work.
My thoughts on the penultimate show results:
Austin--The color of Austin's piece is lovely. The fabric, though, is going to be incredibly wrinkly. For a full swing coat, you don't want something that is going to be crushed, do you? I like an interesting collar, but my eyes just kept going back to the fabric.
Michael--He always seems to pull out a kimono sleeve, low-back maxi. I'm bored with that. It's not at all interesting or new. His "new thing" was print. These judges were all over this look, but I was irritated that it was the same old/same old, and too long to boot.
Mondo--Mondo's look was fun, I suppose. It was a little too sacklike for me. You can tell it's a Mondo, which I appreciate, and it is interesting. You can tell it's an original.
Kenley--I liked the sleeve on Kenley's dress, and it's nice and simple. She's right that many women can wear the dress. The neckline was a little too modest, though. Not frumpy, but modest. I agreed with the judges about the missing keyhole. It needed something to lift it a bit.
I would have sent Michael home. I would rather see a full collection from Kenley than from Michael, and that kind of made my decision for me. However, I did not get my way.
My thoughts on the finals:
Five looks in four days? And then the sixth look? Why? What's the point? They will get frantic and overwhelmed no matter what. It's kind of like horror movies. I prefer suspense films to gore. This finale challenge is gore. Not enough subtlety to it. It's really too bad. I wish they'd used their all-stars in a more starlike way.
Below, my thoughts, with the rating from the mylifetime website (out of 5) reported in parentheses.
Austin--
Pink jodhpur jumpsuit and black spangled jacket. I do like the jacket a lot. I'd totally wear that. I like the fabric of the jumpsuit, but jiminy. Those pants are nuts. (2.17)
Black lace dress. Loved this, crazy side floof and all. I'd wear that at a party. (3.71)
Pink top and black skirt. The little tulle bunch idea was cute, and I thought the idea of the top was a good one, but the set didn't look well made, which is unusual for Austin. The skirt sort of looked cheap on the runway. (2.78)
Pink floral gown. This is pretty Austinish. I quite like the draping of the top, but the big floof in the middle over the mermaid was not a good idea. I would have loved to see the floof become longer and just be the skirt. Like, aid eighteen inches to that, keeping the angle, and cut the rest off. That would be awesome. (2.44)
Black shiny jumpsuit. No. Just no. Except for the jabot. (2.84)
Wedding dress. What can you say? The man is a wedding dress designer. It's too floofy for me, but I like the magnolia petaling and I like the slight hint of dark he gave it. (4.55)
Thoughts: I really love the lace dress and really hate the jumpsuit. They are at literal opposites of my spectrum of love vs. loathing. The story Austin concocted...well, I'm still thinking about it, but mainly in a wincing way.
Michael--
Snake print jumpsuit. If there is going to be a jumpsuit, it really needs to be fluid, and this one is. But still. It's a jumpsuit. (3)
Black and white zebra dress. No. No no no. Too much hoochie. (3.55).
Black and gray zebra dress. It's a decent dress, but I am really not into this aesthetic. I know people who are, and I do prefer this to the above, but it doesn't look interesting. (3.23)
Romper. Or is it shirt and shorts? I can't tell. This reminds me of things that starlets wear when they want attention but end up looking like they tried too hard to look like they didn't try. In fact, I often feel that's Michael's actual aesthetic. (3.44)
Zebra long pants and top. I actually kind of like this. I like the way it clings and moves at the same time. I thought it was a dress, but it's separates. (3.62)
White dress. Again, Michael puts together a perfectly valid drapey dress. This is usually the kind of thing I love. Why do I not love it? (3.5)
Thoughts: Not enough range here. It does have a resort feel, which is what he wanted, but it does not have any energy or excitement. Altogether too languid. Even the Serengetti has color sometimes. Like when the lions dig into the zebra. That's the adventure I wanted.
Mondo--
Polka dot blouse, skirt. Love the skirt, love the blouse, love the ink blot bag. This is like what happens when you take Mondo and make him into things I would wear. I would not wear my hair like a big poof with the pieces, and I may not wear them together, but I do like the pieces. (3.78)
Black and white dots dress. I wasn't into this. The rounded shoulder that stopped shy of the shoulder, and the scale of the neckline and buttons just were not working for me. (3.37)
Wavy blouse and leggings. Wasn't into this either. It went a little too far into the therapy theme, looking like an institution smock. (3.44)
Checkered pants, jacket, T-shirt. Okay. I'm not into the different covered sleeves, but I love the ink blot top, I love the pants, and the jacket is cute, in the front. Not so into the back. The outfit was kind of wacky in the right way. I was into it. (3.53)
Ink blot dress. Here, I was kind of into the red sleeve, because it wasn't too much. It was just one jarring element in an otherwise straightforward dress, and eye-catching for fun. I actually kind of want this dress, even though it's not the sort of thing I ever have call to wear. (4.32)
Colored dress. I heard Mondo say shock therapy right when I was looking at this dress online, and it made total sense. It did say shock therapy. The shiny dots! I love it. This is the type of thing I would wear even if I didn't really have call to do so, like if I were going to the theater and wanted to be eyecatching. I loved the styling, too, right down to the disco ball bag and shoes. Some of the judges felt this look didn't fit in, and I couldn't disagree more. (4.19)
Thoughts: Like a poet, Mondo worked his angst into his work. It didn't feel tortured (it could have gone a little more in that direction), but it did have a bit of a sting to it. It was fun without being ridiculous.
Final thoughts: I'm glad Mondo won. His collection was the strongest and had the most engaging concept. I haven't always been a Mondo fan, but it seemed obvious that he has tempered his ideas with maturity without losing his vivacity. I wish he didn't have meltdowns and self-esteem collapses quite so much, but I hope the opportunities headed his way will help him find ways to deal with those that improve on his work.
Monday, April 09, 2012
Lazy-Busy Girl Tip #3
Picking Monday clothes for work can sometimes be a pain. You're in a rush, you don't really feel like going to the office anyway, and nothing looks right. Save yourself some time and effort by wearing your church clothes from the day before to work.When you get home from church (or Temple, or Mosque, or whatever) on Sunday (or Friday, or Saturday, or whenever), immediately strip off your clothes and lay them gently on a chair or put them on a hanger. You could even run them through a freshening cycle in the dryer, but I never do. I'm too lazy-busy! Then, for the work day, pull them right back on. You could mix it up a little with a different sweater or accessory, or a different pair of shoes.
This works best, of course, if you don't work with people who attend your church.
(What I wore to church for Easter is pictured, but with a different sweater and a belt added. The skirt and belt are from H & M, the cardi is from NY & Co, the gold shell is from parts nonremembered. Heels from Candie's and bracelet from Black Swamp Arts Fest.)
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Lazy-Busy Girl's Tip #1 and 2
#1 No time to take off that old, possibly scraggly polish? Brush an irridescent, quick-drying, translucent shade over top. You just invented a new nail polish color and/or effect!
#2 Wearing clothes that don't match your nail polish but don't have time to change or remove it? Select an accessory that matches both.
Pictured: Green sparkly nail polish under milky-pink shade, burgundy pants from Forever 21, and a gold bracelet with purple, turquoise, and opal stones, provenance unknown.
Testament: I had a student compliment my nail polish shade.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Rond, by Cloud
At right: Isabelline, Queen line. Ivory cotton, feathers and lace, smoke quartz pendant.
I am pleased to announce that I am now making and selling custom garters. My garters will soon be available with Emily West Lowry Designs; Emily designs magnificent feathered hair accessories, shoe clips, and jewelry, and creates custom bridal pieces, including birdcage veils.Rond has several lines of garters: Empress, Queen, Duchess, Marquise, and Dame. At present, each garter is a wholly unique creation, but I am also able to craft sets if desired. Some garters are for very special occasions, but some are suitable for everyday wear. Some garters are the now-traditional elastic, but some come in pairs and tie with long ribbons.
Below are some of my current pieces, with their names and lines.
At left top: The Childlike Empress, Queen line. White satin, with pearl strands and a pearl and gold button.
At left middle: Petticoat Government, Duchess line. Blue pinstripe suiting with lace and white ribbons.
At left bottom: Ariadne, Duchess line. White cotton, pleated ribbon, blue tie ribbons, and Grecian beads.
At right top: Pavlova, Duchess line. Pink dupioni silk, with pink satin ribbon ties.
At right middle: Moon Child, Queen line. White, sparkly cotton, rhinestone moon, dotted with tiny rhinestones.
At right bottom: Bride-Lace, Duchess line. Ivory cotton with satin ribbon band. Lace square, feather, and vintage button embellishment.
At left top: Lady Maud, Marquise line. Paisley cotton, beaded and feathered embellishment.
At left middle: Morning Train to Brighton, Queen line. Paisley cottom, feathered and shell bead embellishment.
At right: Ten-Hut!, Duchess line. Green cotton and Gold lining, decorative stitching, and beaded badge embellishment.
At left top: Rajni. Burdundy satin, rhinestone starburst.
At left middle: Mrs. Wallce, Marquise line. Tartan with red ribbon band, leaves and gem embellishment.
At left bottom: Parvati, Queen line. Raspberry brocade, spray of raspberry feathers, gold coin pendant.
At right top: The Merry Shepherdess, Duchess line. Tapestry toile with cotton lining, grosgrain ribbon ties.
At right middle: Assignations in Vauxhall Gardens, Marquise line. Tapestry toile with cotton lining, locket brooch embellishment.
At right bottom: Wren, Marquise line. Grey satin, feathers and rhinestone button embellishment.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
PR: All Those Lights...Is This Pennsylvania?
That's a joke for Steve Edgehouse. Because I know he waits with bated breath for my PR update!
I'm behind, so bear with me. I haven't actually seen this past week's episode yet, but here is my commentary on the week before.
Once upon a time, we used to go to the circus in Lansing. One of my favorite items for sale there was a "fiber optics" light up wand thingy. Maybe it's because my father has done research with Optical Methods of Engineering Analysis. Maybe it was because it was completely frivolous. Maybe simply because it lit up with colored lights in a new and bizarre way, like it was exotic technology.
Whatever the reason, that is immediately what I thought of when I saw what the designers were supposed to do. Make something avant garde with fiber optic light wand thingies. And here's what they did:
Austin--I didn't think that Austin's lighting technique was particularly spectacular, really. The lights were pretty much ready to go, right? That being said, I like that he incorporated shape into his piece. That arc of light was dramatic and the blue with the black was mysterious. The piece as a whole was also classy, which is, I think, what the challenge was meant to produce.
Jerrell--I can't even say that I am over Jerrell, because I rarely respond well to his garments. His model looked like a lampshade. He was onto something with the use of the fiber optic dealies, but the shape was kind of goofy. Wouldn't a sweet, oversized shrug made out of those fiber optic thingies have been rad? I kept thinking, let's flip that part around her waist and bring it up to her shoulders and ditch that collar.
Kenley--I think Kenley turned out something pretty great. I liked the latticed top and the plaid that she invented. Her girl made a complete and engaging picture and she used color well to make the outfit's component's pop. You could see that in a magazine editorial, couldn't you? For summer. I don't know if it was avant garde so much, though I still am never sure I know what that means, either!
Michael--There was something risky about the shoulders, which I respect. That being said...I didn't like the shoulder thing. Giant shoulders with lights inside. I was thinking about that, and wondering if it wouldn't have been nice to have a structured hood with lights inside, that she could have up and then dramatically shake off to reveal something new. The other thing I didn't enjoy about M's look was that he taped on stripes...which is basically what they do on their mannequins to make a garment. Thus, most of the outfit was not risky at all.
Mondo--Mondo's look had an interesting level of ...sophistication? It was more cerebral than any of the other works...cerebrally burlesque. Is that possible? That being said, it was also hard to love if you love things that are classy. From the neck down it reminds me of a trippy poem I wrote in the voice of a dancer at the Moulin Rouge. I can't justify this, except that this is what I mean by cerebrally burlesque. And the more I try to explain this, the more I can't. I have that reaction to Mondo a lot.
I'm behind, so bear with me. I haven't actually seen this past week's episode yet, but here is my commentary on the week before.
Once upon a time, we used to go to the circus in Lansing. One of my favorite items for sale there was a "fiber optics" light up wand thingy. Maybe it's because my father has done research with Optical Methods of Engineering Analysis. Maybe it was because it was completely frivolous. Maybe simply because it lit up with colored lights in a new and bizarre way, like it was exotic technology.
Whatever the reason, that is immediately what I thought of when I saw what the designers were supposed to do. Make something avant garde with fiber optic light wand thingies. And here's what they did:
Austin--I didn't think that Austin's lighting technique was particularly spectacular, really. The lights were pretty much ready to go, right? That being said, I like that he incorporated shape into his piece. That arc of light was dramatic and the blue with the black was mysterious. The piece as a whole was also classy, which is, I think, what the challenge was meant to produce.
Jerrell--I can't even say that I am over Jerrell, because I rarely respond well to his garments. His model looked like a lampshade. He was onto something with the use of the fiber optic dealies, but the shape was kind of goofy. Wouldn't a sweet, oversized shrug made out of those fiber optic thingies have been rad? I kept thinking, let's flip that part around her waist and bring it up to her shoulders and ditch that collar.
Kenley--I think Kenley turned out something pretty great. I liked the latticed top and the plaid that she invented. Her girl made a complete and engaging picture and she used color well to make the outfit's component's pop. You could see that in a magazine editorial, couldn't you? For summer. I don't know if it was avant garde so much, though I still am never sure I know what that means, either!
Michael--There was something risky about the shoulders, which I respect. That being said...I didn't like the shoulder thing. Giant shoulders with lights inside. I was thinking about that, and wondering if it wouldn't have been nice to have a structured hood with lights inside, that she could have up and then dramatically shake off to reveal something new. The other thing I didn't enjoy about M's look was that he taped on stripes...which is basically what they do on their mannequins to make a garment. Thus, most of the outfit was not risky at all.
Mondo--Mondo's look had an interesting level of ...sophistication? It was more cerebral than any of the other works...cerebrally burlesque. Is that possible? That being said, it was also hard to love if you love things that are classy. From the neck down it reminds me of a trippy poem I wrote in the voice of a dancer at the Moulin Rouge. I can't justify this, except that this is what I mean by cerebrally burlesque. And the more I try to explain this, the more I can't. I have that reaction to Mondo a lot.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PR: Where's Klaus?
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.
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.
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.
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