Double 0 Fashion
Updated 2008-09-04 09:20:33
Previously: The designers were challenged to recycle materials from Saturn cars to create a look. Jerell called Terri two-faced and limited, thus losing his place on Jeff's "Must Live" list. Also, I wonder if Terri knows how much Jerell hates her. I'm guessing she doesn't since we haven't heard a peep about it. That would make him... how do you say? Oh, yes -- Two-Faced. That would make him two-faced. What a beautiful round circle. Those are so rarely found in nature. So, Keith was totally dejected from being in the bottom two in the last challenge and immaturely sabotaged himself by trying to make something boring. Boring alone would have probably worked with some of the crap that was up there, but it was also done very poorly. It was boring in the front and just a train wreck in the back. So, he got the boot and cried about it so expressively that it was intoxicating. I swear to God I'll try to not write that anymore. Leanne got her first win, narrowly squeaking past Korto. I was so obsessed with Keith's crying in the last recap that I really overlooked how far Leanne has progressed. She has been turning in some consistently interesting designs in the past several challenges. She always seemed pretty smart and stylish, so it doesn't feel right to call her the dark horse (I'm quaking in my Vans that Blayne might be the actual dark horse -- I know, I don't want it either), but she has certainly come into her own of late.
It's morning at the Atlas Building. These people really don't like to wake up. It looks like Kenley cuts her own bangs. That's not a qualitative judgment. Seriously, she's holding scissors and fooling with her bangs. Korto says that she hopes the new challenge won't be involving innovation and instead will be using real fabrics. Stella, who is rocking some hardcore abs in a bikini top, doesn't know how to make coffee. Lead a New Yorker to a deli, she gets coffee that morning; teach a New Yorker to make coffee, and she drinks forever. From the other room, Terri says to her, "It's not that difficult." Nothing two-faced about that, unless she's full of instructions about how to make coffee behind Stella's back. Maybe she wasn't saying it for Stella to hear, but it didn't sound like she was trying to be secretive about her feelings. I'm thinking too hard about this. Stella decides to make the coffee strong. Stella interviews that she was in the bottom three (actually, the bottom two) during the last challenge and she "almost shit [her] pants." She really wants to show at Bryant Park. Terri samples Stella's coffee and says that it's "kick." Let's use that word like that. I'm sorry, I don't mean to overdo it with my appreciation of Terri, but doesn't she seem like one of the only people here this season who is talented and authentically entertaining? You've got your sound bite machines -- Rayon, Blayne, and Jerell. They all have varying degrees of talent, but they are SO busy working on being "personalities" that I can't even appreciate their work a lot of the time. I'd put Korto in the group with Terri too. But, she can't really compete with some of the shit that comes out of Terri's mouth.
In the boys' apartment, Blayne is sitting near the window and says that he thinks he is getting a little bit of a tan from the light streaming in. Help. Rayon interviews that he's upset about Keith leaving because they were roommates. Now, he has to move in with the remaining 3 guys and it feels like the first day all over again. He continues in his interview that, though there are only 4 guys remaining, he's proud to be one of the last 4 standing. He punctuates that little thought with that stupid head swagger he does when he feels that he's said something particularly bite worthy. You certainly have your fingers on the pulse there, you ass. And can we talk about the jacket that he is wearing? Did he have to beat up Zsa Zsa Gabor to get a hold of that thing? Wrong, wrong, wrong. Seriously, I can't even make out what the material is. It's fringe, it's fur, it's suede, it's leather. I don't know. I do know it's totally ugly. His unkind roommates let him leave the apartment in that monstrosity and they're on their way to Parson's.
Heidi enters the runway looking like one hot mama in super tight jeans and a metallic top. That lady is gorgeous. It really can't be said enough. It's time to eliminate a model. Leanne is given her choice of staying with Karalyn or picking a new girl. She stays with Karalyn, which means that design-destroying Alyssa leaves. I wish they'd had a tiny moment where she explained her side of the whole thing where she sat in Keith's design after he told her not to. I wasn't sure if we should think Keith was just being a baby or if the cards were really stacked against him. In any event, Alyssa is out of here. Don't ever sit again!
Heidi says that a special guest will give the details for the next challenge. This is very exciting. From behind the scrim, we see a looming figure. Out comes... Tim Gunn. Thanks, Project Runway , another reason to not really trust anything you tell me. He says, "It's just little ole me." He tells the designers that they will be designing for a "fashion legend." Leanne interviews that maybe the legend is an older celebrity. She's just glad that they are not designing for Tim Gunn. That would be kind of amazing. He's taking them to meet the legend now.
It looks like they are walking through the Meatpacking District. Blayne says that he has heard that "Mary-Kate" lives there. Terri confirms that she does and that "Mary-Kate" told him that she wants to see him. OK, you know this is Mary-Kate Olsen they're talking about. It seems perfect that Blayne would love her. He interviews that he wants every challenge to involve Mary-Kate Olsen. It can Blayne, if only in your little tan heart. He then says, with what I find to be a shocking lack of irony, that he wants to marry Mary-Kate. Seriously, I'm not entirely sure he is kidding, which explains A LOT. He adds that "who doesn't?" want to marry Mary-Kate, except for Tim Gunn. See what I mean with the sound bite machine bullshit? If you really think about it, that doesn't even make sense. It just has the rhythm of something that in some context (one in which the words were completely different and someone not stupid was saying them) might seem clever. Nothing he says has any real heart. Stella interviews that there are some major-league designers with boutiques in the Meatpacking District. And, that's where they are going.
They enter her boutique and Tim says that they are in the "offices" of a fashion legend. Then, Diane Von Furstenberg walks down this really tall staircase. They play this airy Studio 54-in-heaven music that I've never heard before. Damn, Diane. You got them to make you some new music. All of the designers seem very impressed. Kenley interviews that this is the biggest opportunity she has ever had in her life -- so she starts crying. Maybe a few challenges ago I would have felt a little pang for Kenley being overwhelmed. I'm just not feeling it right now. Diane greets all of the designers and seems genuinely lovely. One of the effects of being rich as shit.
She says that the designers will be designing a look for her fall collection inspired by the movie A Foreign Affair . First of all, holy shit. Diane Von Furstenberg is not bluefly.com. This is a serious prize. But, also, Diane Von Furstenberg must have some sort of hard-core contract with the producers. Is she really going to just let one of them feature in her collection? What if she doesn't like any of their work? Cross your fingers. For which outcome, I'm not sure. Wouldn't it be amazing if Project Runway like destroyed her company or something? Not that I want that to happen to her, but it would be kind of funny if she were all in rags on a park bench (that would require her billionaire husband losing everything too, but dream with me) muttering about those damn Project Runway designers. Diane says that to her, the star of A Foreign Affair , Marlene Dietrich, is the most glamorous woman in the world. Her character is a singer/performer or a spy and has to escape Berlin at the end of the 1930's. She leaves for New York, by way of Shanghai. That's a lot of influences from one movie. But, enough about Marlene Dietrich. Jean Arthur is in the movie and she was insanely talented. There are a few samples from Diane's upcoming collection behind her and you do see some Shanghai, some lounge singer, etc.
Tim says that no designer in history has understood prints and colors like Diane, so the designers are going to have access to her fabrics in her sample room. Wow, that's pretty cool. One more thing -- Diane says that, because of her "long-standing" relationship with American Express, they will be producing the winning design and it will be available exclusively to American Express cardholders. So, I guess it's not really part of her collection. Not as much of a risk for her as I thought. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the winning design will go to the CFDA . Joe says that the trinity of Diane Von Furstenberg, American Express, and CFDA is what Project Runway is all about. I don't think he's aware of just how correct that statement is. The skill in providing that much product placement in small a space is indeed the heart of this show. Diane, who will be the guest judge, says that she will see the designers on the runway.
They go to Diane's sample room first, where they have 15 minutes to choose fabric. Jerell says that the "DVF" sample room was amazing, because all of the fabrics were so luxe. Kenley, who is still crying in her interview, says that she was immediately drawn to a specific print (which looks from here an awful lot like the print she and Keith used when they were working together . She bawls that she would be happy to win this challenge and nothing else. Yeah, yeah. Studies show that people are always pretty upset when they get the boot, so remember that. Stella starts whining about not being able to reach the fabric she wants. Tim looks so completely annoyed with her. He tells her that if she can't get to something she wants, she should move on. She persists with the whining though and finally Kenley just reaches up and pulls down the fabric she was trying to get. OK, Kenley, you may still have a little non-grating life in you yet. Rayon interviews that Diane would not have been happy to see all of her fabrics getting strewn about. Well, luckily, Diane Von Furstenberg has probably never stepped inside of that room, so they're safe. She designs her collections from an iPhone at an underwater bar in St. Tropez.
Terri says that she wants to be different, so she pulls some black mohair, for a jacket. Also, she finds a firework print and some herringbone for slacks. With time up, they head back to the workroom. Leanne says that she is relieved that she has immunity, but she is going to push the boundaries. She wants to win with immunity. Tim enters the workroom and says that each of them will have a look book. They have all day to work.
Joe interviews that he notices from the look book that a lot of Diane's looks are layered. This would be a good chance to create several separates. Kenley notices that a lot of other people have the same thought as Joe. She appears to be the only person just making a dress and not three pieces. Jerell tells her that he's making a skirt, a top, and a jacket and Kenley says that's crazy. In her interview, still crying, she says that she wants to make one very polished design, as opposed to three "horribly crafted" pieces. Not a bad strategy, plus some of the looks behind Diane at her boutique weren't all layering. These folks have some options.
Rayon tells us that Rayon is creating a design inspired by Berlin and camouflage, masculine fabrics. Rayon continues that Rayon is working on Rayon's look and hopes that Diane adores it. Because Rayon is a 9-year old girl, he tags "adores" with his fingers in the shape of a heart. The mannequins are like, "Thank God we don't have arms, or a bitch would be in Rikers right now. Murder one, baby. Screw that, somebody give me some arms."
Blayne says that he's toning down his color choices for this challenge. He's using black instead of his usual neon. He says that he's a risk taker and he likes to show versatility. Hmm, seems like he's mostly done things that were a little risky. He might actually show a little versatility now if he tries to create something a little more refined. Then, he says he wants to show more than "a pair of the same pants." OK, he's talking about Terri. Why are people bagging on Terri? I don't really get it. And, she's done far more than "a pair of the same pants." All I have to say to Jerell is "amazing kimono vs. weird dowdy drag dress." So, yeah, she's making pants. But, it makes sense! Dietrich is all androgyny. Terri says that's where she's working from. While she's in the sewing room with Korto, Joe and Blayne are making fun of her in the other room. They don't like her fireworks print. Joe interviews that Terri is a one-trick pony with the blazer/pant look. I'm going to save for later why I really, really disagree -- because I'm starting to annoy myself.
With 8 hours remaining, Leanne, Terri, and Stella are having lunch. Leanne asks Terri what she's making and she says pants, shirt, vest, and coat. Leanne then asks Stella if she has decided what to do and she just says that she has. But, she won't tell them what she's doing. Weird. Can't they just look over at her worktable? Anyway, she interviews that she didn't tell Leanne because it's none of her business and she doesn't trust Terri. I seriously don't know what's happening here. Later, Leanne and Terri are talking about how it's the point in the competition where people are starting to feel the heat. Korto is there too and says that she doesn't care -- she's making a vest -- try to make one that's better. That's a good attitude. Leanne adds that everyone is becoming closed off and very "every man for himself."
With 6 hours remaining, Jerell reminds us of the inspiration in A Foreign Affair . He's making a coat, turtleneck, and a-line skirt. Korto, at her sewing machine, says that a legend will be critiquing them the next day. Also, the prize for this challenge is better than immunity. They hope that they don't get blasted by her on the runway. Korto is going to make an evening dress suitable for women of different sizes. When I think of Diane Von Furstenberg and other fancy Meatpacking District designers, my mind immediately is drawn to how inclusive they are. Korto is really on the right track.
Stella says that Diane needs to see how her aesthetic mixes with the DVF aesthetic. Yeah, that's exactly what she needs to see. So, Stella is making a cape, vest, and pants. Jerell takes a look at Joe's work and Joe presents it with the humming of a vaguely offensive Asian tune. Is Joe really a fashion designer? I guess it takes all kinds. Next, we see an interview with him where he says that he's creating an "Oriental-inspired" top. Excellent. He thinks he's going to make it to Bryant Park.
Leanne tells Korto that she picked a fabric that has stretch (which she doesn't like) but it was the color she wanted. She's making a short trench coat, with a long silk gown. Now, for an odd interlude -- she says that she's not much of a femme fatale. In fact, she has never left the country, so she has never had any foreign affairs. Then, we see Leanne running around the workroom like a spy. Weird. She says that she would love to be a spy and her name would be "Secret Agent Leanimal" and she would "hunt everybody down." So odd. Rayon interviews that Rayon would love to be a spy, but he's afraid that his blue hair would blow his cover. So, um, I'm assuming he's unaware of the temporary and changeable qualities of hair dye? That's a shame. The world must seem like such a limiting place to him.
It's Kenley time. Jerell tells her that he likes her dress. She asks if it looks bulky and she is assured that it isn't. Terri mentions that she didn't use much fabric and she replies, "No, I didn't make three pieces." But Terri meant it as a good thing, she says. Terri is not winning these folks over. Kenley says that she only had a little bit of fabric to work with, but she made it work because she is "obsessed" with the print she is using. Terri interviews that the DVF collection is all about layering, but Kenley likes dresses. She won't be surprised if she gets called out on the runway, but that's Kenley. I think that was pretty respectful, right? So, wouldn't this be the place where she talked shit about everyone if she was two-faced? I mean, I guess there's a chance that one face is for the cameras and the other is for off, but that seems like a lot of trouble. I don't know. It just seems like most of these people really don't like her.
Tim checks in. He talks to Rayon, who says that he was inspired by Berlin. Tim says he's not getting it. He's worried about the fit of Rayon's vest to the dress and he thinks there might be too much fullness in the waist of the dress. He interviews with fingers crossed that he is working it out because, "Rayon is going to Bryant Park." Tim loves the color of Leanne's look. He thinks the trench is too long. She agrees. Tim thinks that Joe is being ambitious, but wonders if he can finish in time. Tim loves the volume at the top of Korto's design, but thinks that her little splashes of yellow in the look appear to be bra straps. Stella (who mistakenly thinks the inspiration for the challenge is Paris instead of Berlin) presents her look to Tim. He reminds her that her different pieces need to be cohesive. She says that she thinks the judges were clueless. She adds that the "stylist with the oversized muumuu dress and the waistband" was no better. Tim apologizes to Rachel Zoë, but that's pretty freaking awesome.
Tim's exchange with Kenley is a little perplexing. He likes her dress. But, it's simple. It could work in her favor. Or, it could not. She's must feel like a wreck now. Later, she feels good about her input from Tim. She and Stella are eating together and talking about the importance of the challenge. Stella says that it's huge and Kenley adds, "for me." Yes, just you. I think she's being a bit of a drama queen about her love of Diane Von Furstenberg. We get it, you like her. Everybody else wants to win this too. I will say though that I acted almost the same way when I met Martha Stewart last week. I did. Anyway, she cries a little more in her interview. She says that she's only worked for herself, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart in the past. This is huge for her.
The designers are rushing and none of them feel like they have enough time. They don't want to rush for Diane Von Furstenberg. Stella says that she likes her look, but is worried about the vest. It's a little heavy. But, time for sleep.
The next day, all of the designers wake up. I'm tired of seeing Jerell in his miniscule underpants. He interviews that he hopes the fashion gods will be on his side. Joe asks if the "Chantilly Laces" are ready to head to Parson's. Jerell says, "The things I have to do to cope with the ridicule." Ha, Banter! At Parson's, they start working. Tim enters an hour before the show is to begin. He tells the designers that he thinks they could blow the stilettos off of Diane's "staggering" legs.
Terri says that she hasn't made a blouse for her model to wear. She's screwed. Kenley points out several times that her dress is finished, while others are rushing to finish. Blayne says that he thinks Rayon is going to be in trouble. Korto herself says that she's nervous. She wants to win!
Tim returns 10 minutes before the show to rush them. Joe thinks his look is very polished. So polished, in fact, he worries that it might get lost in some of the "crap" that will be walking down the runway. Leanne says that she's not sure where Joe's confidence is coming from, as (to her) his look resembles a "cheap costume." She's surprised that Joe's still in the competition. Well, I agree with that part, but these guys have A LOT to say about the other one's work, don't they? Somebody needs to make a damn dress and stop looking at their neighbor. Kenley says that she is worried about Stella, because her vest is too bulky.
On the runway, Heidi greets everyone. She introduces Michael, Fern Mallis, Senior Vice-President of IMG Fashion (who I hear from very reliable sources is one helluva nice lady) -- but wait. Where the hell is Nina? I need some sort of explanation. Is she on her book tour? Recovering from plastic surgery? I need to know. Korto interviews that Fern is responsible for the shows at Bryant Park. Heidi introduces Diane as well. And, the show begins.
Joe's look is first. It's a black skirt, pink waistband, and apricot Asian-inspired top. There's also a hooded shawl that is shimmering black on the outside and pink on the inside. It's far too literal. We get it -- shawl = spy. But, it doesn't look great. The top is a little chunky looking and seems altogether a little cheap. Especially when you consider how much those fabrics probably cost. The skirt is a wrap with a scallop shape to it. There's something about it that also seems a bit cheap. I do like the waistband though and I'm not being facetious. It's nice. Joe says that he's taking a risk, but he's being true to the theme. Also, he thinks it represents him as a designer. Which is true. Which may not necessarily be a great thing.
Leanne's look is next. It's a floor-length violet gown. It is gorgeous. It has a low draped neckline with two jewel broaches at the shoulders. It is completely fitted along the skirt of the dress and there is a vertical ruffle that starts at the middle back of the dress and continues to the floor. The fit and the movement of the ruffle -- beautiful. Taking Tim's advice, she shortened the trench into a kind of shrug. It looks great. She thinks that Karalyn plays the part of the seductress very well.
Here's Terri's design. It's a long black mohair coat over fitted herringbone slacks. The blouse with the firework print is peeking out from below the coat. It's nice. The coat fits the espionage component of the inspiration motif. The pants are nice -- I don't care what those bitches are saying. Terri gives props to Xaviera for working it on the runway.
Here's Jerell's look. I'm...not sure. It's a black quilted jacket that is belted at the waist. Underneath the jacket is a shimmering copper turtleneck. Below that, it's a short black skirt. She's also wearing this little military-inspired cap. I don't know. Nothing looks poorly made and I guess it fits the motif, but it looks a little like somebody digging through their mom's closet and just throwing shit together. Jerell, for his part, says that that he needs to use his two hands to give himself a pat on the back. Yawn. He loves it.
Here's Korto's design. It's a floor length dress in a white and black swirled pattern. She tops it with a small black jacket with balloon sleeves. There are little swaths of yellow peaking out of several parts of the dress. It's really pretty. It does indeed seem like it could fit a wide variety of body types. Korto is happy with it and thinks that it looks like something she would make. Congratulations? She thinks she's going to do very well today.
Here's Blayne's design and, whaddya know, he is not taking a risk at all. In fact, I believe we've seen these short pants before. At least, Brooke Shields saw them and hated them. Anyway, it's a black coat over short black polka dotted pants with flared legs that are capped at the knees. There is a colorful blouse(?) showing from below the coat. The coat is pretty nice. It has a lot of interesting detail. I think the pants are pretty dumb though and I can't really tell if the color below the coat is a scarf or a blouse. He thinks that Diane was giving him the "googly eye" when they met, because she "loves the tan." Dear Lord. He thinks he has got it in the bag.
Rayon's design is next. It's a flowing floor-length dress in a sort of camouflage-inspired print. He also created a short herringbone vest that fits exactly over the top of the dress. It's pretty cute. Not my bag, but it's well-made and I understand the motif from within the look. Rayon is a little worried that Diane is going to be tough on him.
And, now we have Stella. It's, um, not bad really. It's matching tweed pants and a vest, with a black leather cape. The vest is reversible, with the black leather being on the opposite side as the tweed. I don't know if it's really Diane Von Furstenberg, but it's not horrible. The only thing is the leather on the opposite side of the vest makes it bulky.
Here's Kenley's dress. It's a lovely floral print in a sleeveless, high-collar, Shanghai style. The high neck is made with black lace, which is also used at the waist and the hem of the dress. It's simple, but it fits beautifully and is really lovely.
Afterwards, Terri, Jerell, and Blayne are called forward. They have made it to the next round. Blayne lives another day. The models for the remaining designers return. Korto goes first. She says she thought of freedom when she was thinking of the spy motif, but she tried to add Shanghai elements to her design as well. Diane loves the yellow. She thinks it's very pretty. Fern finds the print captivating. Heidi loves the little jacket and the others agree. Joe says that he was inspired by Shanghai. Diane doesn't like the open back of the shirt. Heidi points out that the back of the dress entirely is not well-made. Kenley says that she was trying to be chic and elegant. Heidi points out that the look book was heavy on layering and maybe Kenley took the easy way out. Kenley stands up to that and says that she felt like Diane needed a dress, nay, THE dress. Diane says, "Well, I'm glad you figured it out." This gets a big laugh from everyone and Kenley looks a little nervous. Heidi continues, pounding poor Kenley. She says that the dress doesn't look difficult to her. Then, Diane says she likes the dress. It's simple and she was true to herself. Fern loves it. So does Michael. Heidi hates her. Stella describes her look. Diane likes the mix of tweed and leather, but the cape is not a 40s cape. No, Michael says it's a magician's cape. Then, he tells her that the tailoring is "not happening." The crotch of the pants apparently has room for someone's junk. Heidi loves this. Big laugh from her. Leanne explains that her look is supposed to be relaxed -- the perfect disguise. Diane loves the mix of dress with a man's jacket. Heidi thinks the pieces are beautiful. Fern thinks that the ruffles in the back of the dress are a surprise. They add softness. Michael says that there is a lot of good design in her look. Rayon explains the camouflage. Diane moves past the print. She doesn't care. She cares that there's too much fabric at the waist of the dress giving the skinny model a big-hipped appearance. They all hate the slit in the back. Fern thinks that the herringbone is a bad match with the camouflage. Michael says it's one of those "got dressed in the dark" looks and Rayon says that he doesn't think it looks that bad.
The judges talk. Diane liked Kenley's dress and her fight for it. Michael thinks the Asian influence was handled beautifully. Fern says that, with one more piece, it would have been a homerun. She loved Leanne's dress. Michael thought she mixed the influences well. Diane thought there was very good design in Leanne's look. Heidi liked Korto's dress. She thought it was very interesting. Diane liked it as well. Michael thought Rayon's dress was boring and the vest didn't work. Diane thought the skirt was bad and made the model look bad. Fern says that "Shanghai Joe" was a bit much. Diane said the front and back were two completely different things. Michael thinks he didn't think about the look from all angles. Heidi says that when you do a suit, like Stella did, it has to be sharp. Diane again liked the idea but not the execution. Fern says, "Stella was not stellar."
The designers return. Korto is in. Diane says that the winner is...Leanne! Repeat! She leaves the runway and interviews that she is thrilled. Kenley is in. Rayon is in. It's Joe and Stella. Joe is told that his look was confusing and the back was a disaster. Stella made three pieces -- none of them well. Stella...is out. She kind of rolls her eyes. Joe leaves the runway. She says that she thinks her ego was too big to be there. She has learned and grown and she thanks them. Well, that's very nice. I like that. She leaves the runway with a big smile on her face. Backstage, Kenley is bawling. Stella interviews that she was herself. Tim comes in and she says she's terrific. She tells him that she loves him and he says he loves her too. Then, she leaves. Tim says, "Well, that was an ebullient departure!" Stella finishes with saying she is a rock star and that's who she designs for. If you like her stuff, drop by. If you don't, keep walking.
Jeff Long HATES the Meatpacking District. You can commiserate at jeff.long75@gmail.com
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