Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Oh Baby!

Episode 11 Project Runway Muse: a "Real Care Baby" doll

Last night's Lifetime Network Project Runway Season 10 episode had CRYING fake babies, Diva Moms, and a nice self-contained ad for Heidi's new fabulous--and oh-so-cute line for children called "Truly Scrumptious"--available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. Oh and yeah, and an ending I didn't like...



First, The Babies and Baby Couture:

 Heidi Klum and her "Truly Scrumptious" line of children's clothing for Babies "R" Us

The Challenge was--not surprisingly to anyone with half a brain--to design a look for a toddler. In fact, it was to design a look for Heidi's new line; there would be TWO winning looks (a boy and a girl look) and each would be put into production and sold at Babies "R" Us.

Designers Meet Mommies and Babies---Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

The designers met their clients--and their mommies. They later found out about a "Twist" (it's Project Runway after all) that, in addition to creating looks for the babies, they also had to make looks for the moms.

 No Mommy Zone: Season 10 designers and their fake babies

As part of some annoying edition to the episode, someone decided that the six remaining designers should also get one of those "Real Care Babies"--that you see on "Dr. Phil" or "16 and Pregnant" that cries and cries and cries--when it needs to be fed, diaper changed or taken care of. The designers spent A LOT of wasted time caring for these babies and not so much time working on their designs. It was, needless to say, annoying (maybe that was the point).

 Boris and Natasha Have Babies

But, my favorite snapshot of all that needless crying baby doll mess, was this pic of Boris and Natasha (i.e. Season 10 contestants/designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak), holding their fake babies. They seriously look like a mom and dad who've been "through it"!

 Designer Christopher Palu and his Diva Mom Client, Nanci--Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

There was a "Diva Mom" of course who made for good TV. Nanci--designer Christopher Palu's mom client--was a DIVA from the get-go, especially when she took one look at Heidi's very cute line of children's clothing, turned her nose up and remarked "Baby Dior has Tulle..." Now, I know "Baby Dior" not because I've bought it but because it's known in the industry as the "Caviar" of Children's Clothing. And yes, I looked up what a red tulle little girl's dress from "Baby Dior" would go for...

 Baby Dior red tulle baby dress

And I came up with (wait for it!), $3680 for this red tulle dress above at Bergdorf Goodman (naturally). What Millionaire's Wife is buying this? I want to meet her and I want her as a CLIENT to buy my NIKOLAKI gowns. Period.

Let's Get to The Runway:

Guest judge actress and new mom, Hilary Duff (above), was on hand to see who was IN and who was OUT this week...



The Runway:

Dmitry Sholokhov: one of my top faves was the look Dmitry designed--a very cute red hooded onsesie jumper that was very "FASHION" and had hints of a Superhero Halloween Costume--or at least, one of a CRAYOLA crayon one:

Crayola and Superman Baby Costumes

Truly Scrumptious Boy and Girl: The Winning Boy and Girl Looks from Episode 11--Project Runway Season 10

Heidi Klum with the Boy and Girl Winning Looks for her "Truly Scrumptious" Childrenswear line at Babies "R" Us

Sonjia Williams designed the winning BOY look which was so cute: a gray jacket and pants with contrast lapel, pockets and waistband. Her baby model, Jude, SOLD IT!!! 50% of her win was because of HIM! Seriously. The GIRL winning look was the one by Christopher Palu (yet again!)--Miss Heidi kind of guided him back in the Parsons Workroom when she suggested he do a skirt out of that white fabric with sewn-on applique....so I am sure lots of you might say "Well, Heidi TOLD him what to do!!". I agree, she kinda did.



The Bottom:

Season 10 Contestants/Designers Elena Slivnyak and Melissa Fleis were the bottom vote-getters. Elena's was TOO MUCHEEY. Michael Kors thought it was very "Sample Sale" (she's right). And Melissa's white too-short/too-tight dress with bland black jacket was...THE WORST. In my eyes. However. Melissa stayed and Elena was OUT.

Season 10 designers Melissa Fleis (top photo)and Elena Slivnyak (bottom)--Project Runway Season 10

Was this a case of the judges looking at the overall designs from the entire season and thinking "Let's keep Melissa" or was Elena's really the worst? I think the former and not the latter...Oh well, viewers rejoice--or take comfort in knowing that...we'll most likely see Elena on Project Runway All Stars Season 3. I am sure of it.



If you want to know how I REALLY FEEL, continue reading...

Rock-a-Bye-Runway



Last night's "Project Runway" was one of those episodes that left me
saying "Wh-Wh-What?", mainly because a designer stayed, even though in
my eyes they did the worst job. In addition, I think it was one of the
first times a designer was NOT eliminated for doing Safe and Boring. The
episode left me quite dumbfounded, trying to justify in my mind the
outcome. All I could think is that the judges looked at the designers'
overall work as opposed to the actual design for THIS challenge at hand.
And they always say they do not do that — but it's obvious they do.
There's more that irked me — and yes, things that I LOVED — so, allow me
to give my "Nick Two Cents" for this week.



Oh Baby!



There are only six designers left on this season and therefore they
are feeling the pressure as they get closer to the grand prize. This
week, they all go to a Babies"R"Us store, where Heidi and Tim are
waiting. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to guess what this challenge
will be. Heidi has a new line of affordable baby clothing, "Truly
Scrumptious", that sells exclusively at Babies"R"Us. The challenge this
week is to create a look for this line that will then, be manufactured
and sold at "Babies 'R' Us". Heidi tells the designers that there will
be 2 winning looks — one boy and one girl — and they only have one day
to do it.





Why Do I Care What The Mommies Like to Wear?

The designers' tepid yet pretending-to-be-excited reactions are
priceless. Before they can run out and say "I'm Outta Here!", the
dreaded velvet bag comes out and each designer is "assigned" their baby
models and respective moms. Each designer confers with the moms as to
what their needs and style ideas are for their toddlers. The mom's are
also describing their own styles, which makes me wonder, "Why do I care
what YOU like to wear..." unless (cue the dramatic music in my brain)
there might be a TWIST later and they have to design for the mommies too
(not my first time at the "'Project Runway' Rodeo"). The only thing
that's memorable from this consultation is when Nanci (Christopher's
baby momma) says "Dior uses a lot of tulle" in talking about the
children's clothes. In case y'all are not aware, a "Baby Dior" tulle
dress — for a BABY — goes for $3,680. I instantly think "Oh no, this
one's a DIVA!" Later we find out, she was.





Faux Babies...Why?

The designers head back to Parsons where Ms. Klum left them dossiers,
fabric, notions and trims from her "Truly Scrumptious" collection so
their creations can coordinate with the rest of her line. There are also
toddler body forms and a "special surprise": Lifelike Crying Baby
Dolls. Yeah, the kind those "16 and Pregnant" girls use. They cry, cry
and cry; when they need to be fed, rocked or diaper changed. Is this
really necessary, I wonder? The explanation — from Poppa Tim — was that
they are there so the designers know "what goes into creating baby
clothes." I don't even think he believed what he said...



Click HERE to continue reading my "Rock-a-Bye-Runway" Blog on mylifetime.com

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 8 of Season 10 Project Runway--"The Boris and Natasha Show"--My RECAP!

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 8 of Season 10 Project Runway--"The Boris and Natasha Show"--My RECAP!

Boris, Natasha and Bullwinkle and...Oh No, Another Team Challenge!!



To Start, What Does Boris and Natasha:

Bullwinkle:

And 90's Ripped T-shirts:

Have to do with Project Runway? Keep reading kids...

 

Last Thursday's Project Runway episode dealt with a Team Challenge in which they had to design two looks--in teams of three--for Fall 2012. As expected, there was lots of DRAMA, I-have-no-time excuses, and direct-to-camera, nasty one-liners...and for the most part some rather unexciting fashion.

 Headmaster of Arts and Crafts: Tim Gunn and the Season 10 remaining designers

To begin with, in order to get their "Mood Money" for this week's challenge, the remaining designers--after the teams were announced--had to make and merchandise t-shirts created from of all the art and craft supplies that awaited them at the Parsons workroom.

There was so much puffy paint, hot glue and glitter that it looked like a 70% off sale at Michaels Arts and Crafts...or like a Kindergarden classroom. One team made cute t-shirts with fashion croquis, others went for the predictable and tacky ripped 90's t-shirt look.

Meatpacking $2 Hookers: Team Gunnar/Sonjia/Christopher hawking their merchandise

They also created some necklaces, bracelets and whatever other "Whickety-wack" they could come up with to then sell to unsuspecting NY fashionistas, hipsters and tourists that happen to be walking by. Team Christopher/Gunnar/Sonjia were GREAT "$2 Hookers" and also made up signs to advertise what they were doing...They get ATTAGURL points.



Now to the DRAMA:

Boris and Natasha of Season 10: Designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak who were on one of the teams, got on each other's nerves. Dmitry is a former professional ballroom dancer from Belarus and Elena, well, she's just a Ukrainian-born Diva. Throughout the episode they were both very "Boris and Natasha" from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" cartoons. Elena said nasty things and Dmitry verbally threw it back at her. Elena made fun of his accent and Dmitry called her designs "coffin-like". It just went on and on.

Alicia Bullwinkle: Designer Alicia Hardesty--their team partner--poor thing was caught in the middle (or on sidelines) of their "Boris and Natasha Show" during this challenge. She was their "Bullwinkle".  As a result of their negative un-team-like working relationship, their designs on the runway suffered.

The Runway: 

Guest Judge fashion designer Ana Sui (far left) with Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum

Fall Dressing: Team Gunnar/Christopher/Sonjia got along swimmingly and created the best looks of the night--Gunnar's dresses (above) were very Fall/Winter, directional and sleek. I especially LOVED the leather and wool felt fabric blocking.

 

The looks also included two other standouts: Sonjia Williams' jacket and Christopher Palu's camel coat seen above. Both were Paris Fashion Week fabulous. The winner--and rightly so--was Sonjia with that perfectly tailored jacket. I was SWOONING over the roll of  Sonjia's jacket sleeve cap: AMAZING! The styling, fit and look of the jacket was very...

 Armani Prive Haute Couture

Team Monotony: Team Melissa/Fabio/Ven were one of the two teams with the lowest scores. Their looks were very bland and uninspiring to the judges. I kind of agreed but at the same time, they were like something one would see from a FAB Danish, Finnish or Swedish fashion designer...

Hello Stockholm: The looks were very "Scandinavian" in terms of their clean lines and pseudo modern styling. Melissa Fleis' cropped jacket was well received by the judges but the rest was not-so-mucheey, including Ven Budhu's dowdy dirndl skirt.

 

Team Boris and Natasha: Team Alicia/Dmitry/Elena were also one of the lowest scored teams. The judges said that because they argued and didn't work well as a team, it showed on the runway with their designs. I thought Dmitry's (Boris) asymmetrical neckline dress was so "Robert Palmer Girl--2012"and Elena's (Miss Natasha) coat was a wonky mess. The front lifted up and it wasn't up to par with the work that I remember seeing from her back at the LA Castings. (I D.I.E.D. over her AMAZING coats!).

But it was Alicia "Bullwinkle" who went home because the judges thought her top and pants were a "yawn". It's a perfect example of one of the Project Runway credos: Go BOLD or Go Home. In my Recap (starting below), I wrote that her denim "cool girl" jumpsuit was much "fresher" than those stovepipe pants and jersey top...

Speaking of my Recap...here it is:

The Boris and Natasha Show

Last week, there were NINE designers, and
this week ... there are STILL Nine Designers. If you have been keeping
score, NO ONE was out in last week's DRAMA-filled "Lord & Taylor
Challenge" episode. The designers were asked to create a dress for the
iconic department store and the winner was Christopher, who made a
blush/nude and black gown which won praise from all the judges. On the
bottom — vote wise — were Alicia and Gunnar, yet Miss Heidi K. said that
because there were no real "train-wrecks" and, according to her, they
all did a good job, EVERYONE stayed. We all realize it was because of
the two designers who quit early in the season, but let’s just all play
along, shall we?!

Auf This and Auf That

In the beginning of the episode, the winner, Christopher, was riding
high on his winning horse and declared that someone should have gone
home. Gunnar was his target, and we all know, it wasn’t because of his
design, but mainly because he is Christopher’s Gay Arch Nemesis! I also
agree that someone should have been eliminated but I felt that it should
have been Alicia. I feel that the sooner the show can rid itself of the
not-so-talented designers, the quicker the TRUE designers can really
make this a competition. I know it sounds mean and heartless but I'd
rather see a bunch of FAB competing against other FAB. But I digress...

Team Kumbaya: NOT

Now, with this good news that NO ONE was out, one would hope that
there would be a communal Kumbaya atmosphere prevailing through the
walls of Parsons and less melodramatic fits of negativity. Well, kids,
not so fast ... After getting their "Hellooo!" from Heidi, they're off
to meet Tim. He's in the Parsons Workroom, which has turned into
Michael's Arts & Crafts depot with a bunch of glitter, glue, and
paint. Gunn tells the designers that as of now, they have NO BUDGET to
shop at Mood so ... they must create merchandise to sell on the streets
of Manhattan to raise the money for their as-yet-to-be-mentioned
challenge. That's the first bad news, here comes the second: this will
be a Team Challenge and they will have to sell in teams of 3. The teams
are named: Team 1 is Christopher, Sonjia and Gunnar; Team 2 is Dmitry,
Elena and Alicia and Team 3 is Ven, Melissa and Fabio.

Arts & Crafts Parsons

The designers get to work on their Art Doodle projects, making
t-shirts, necklaces, etc. Team 1's stuff is looking cute — croquis,
fashion illustrations and well-sketched faces on T-shirts. On the other
end, however, Team 2's creations are looking like something a First
Grader made after drinking too much "Honey Boo Boo Go Go Juice." Soon,
time's up and they take their merchandise — and go try and sell their
"whickety wack" to the unsuspecting hipster Meatpacking/Chelsea/East
Village public. After much haggling and pleading to people that "You
Really Need A 90s, shredded, Puffy-Painted T-shirt,” the teams return to
Parsons to let Tim know how much money they made: Team 1 made $648;
Team 2 $500; and Team 3, a whopping $800.48. So now, the teams have
their Mood shopping money, but what about the actual challenge? Mr.
Gunn??

Next on Ukrainian and Belarus TV ... The Elena and Dmitry Show

Tim finally announces that each team must create 2 cohesive looks for Fall. They go to Mood...



Click HERE to read the rest of my MyLifetime.com RECAP for this past week's episode--and don't forget to let me know what YOU thought!!!! PLEASE! I LOVE reading YOUR "Two Cents"!

Project Runway Recaps: "Project Breakdown"--Here's MY RECAP of this week's episode!

Project Runway Recaps: "Project Breakdown"--Here's MY RECAP of this week's episode!

Psychiatrist Tim, Breakdown Parsons, Little Black Dress Central and Much More...



What does This:

 "I'm SOOOOO Stressed Out!"

This: 

Too Many Little Black Dresses

And This:

 A High Fashion Funeral (fashion designer's Yves Saint Laurent's)

Have In Common? Read on kiddies...

Fifth Avenue Icon--Lord & Taylor

On this week's episode of Project Runway, the challenge was to design and create a dress for the first ever Project Runway Collection for Lord & Taylor, the exclusive retail partner of the show this season. JS Collections/JS Group was the manufacturer who would be assigned to help create the dress when it went to production--as well as provide the fabric for this challenge. The dress would be sold exclusively at the Fifth Avenue Flagship of the iconic department store and on their LordandTaylor.com website.

 Project Runway for Lord &Taylor Collection--Screen cap courtesy of tomandlorenzo.com (Thank you boys!)

The winning dress would join the nine other designs from Project Runway alumn (one designer chosen per season), including yours truly. In the episode, I got my first peak at my design (the cobalt blue halter-style dress in the top row, far right), as well all the others so it was--sorry for sounding like a ten year old kid--kinda "neat" (I have a feeling kids don't even say that word any more LOL!).



Here's my dress--with my original fashion illustration next to it:

Nick Verreos Dress "Project Runway for Lord & Taylor Collection"

A Bunch Of Stressed Out Designers: The nine remaining Project Runway Season 10 designers at Lord & Taylor NYC

The nine remaining Season 10 designers were very excited but soon after they began working, it was BREAKDOWN CENTRAL at Parsons with Tim Gunn as the head attending Psychiatrist trying to deal with all the crying, meltdowns and DRAMA...

Drama Queen: designer/contestant Elena Slivnyak (one of my favorites at the LA Castings which I judged) broke down, going on and on about how she's not used to "designing like this" (with price, fabric and silhouette restrictions) and lots more. My Darling Elena, here's a NEWSFLASH: This is what we designers do ALL the time. Until you have all the money in the world being thrown at you or are owned by a billion-dollar conglomerate a la LVMH, Gucci Group, etc. then and only then can you be "I Want to Do What I ONLY want to do!" (and even then, you STILL have restrictions). Oh these kids, they slay me...

 Breakdown Sonjia--Screencap courtesy of tomandlorenzo.com

Sonjia Williams also broke down, crying as she is unable to put her model into her dress, not finishing the hem, etc. What. Is. Going. On. With. These. Designers? Are the Project Runway producers not allowing these kids to take their daily Prozac pills? Are they being denied their Starbucks Vanilla Skinny Lattes? Now, granted I was stressed back in my season but it NEVER EVER got to the point of a meltdown. I don't think the work, challenges, or time restrictions are getting any more difficult than back in my season. So, what's going on?



The Runway, Designs, The Funeral Show...

Black Dress Chic: Celebs at the Alexander McQueen funeral

For some reason (even though there seemed to be other colors in the fabrics that the JS Collections/JS Group provided them), most of the nine designers chose BLACK or a close cousin of. I thought I was watching the YSL or McQueen funeral procession of red carpet guests. Well, I WISH. Those outfits were actually MORE fabulous--but then again, not really sellable at your local department store--and for only $200.



Take a Look at the BLACK Dress Parade:

Ven "I Hate Women Who Are Not Size 4" Budhu: a respectable sheath dress with his "Rose" pleating detail.

Fabio Costa: asymmetrical, exposed metal zipper dress...in BLACK. This was a nice effort. He thought of the customer; it was wearable for many sizes. I think that is why he was one of the "higher scores" in the bunch. I also liked the hard-and-soft aspect by adding the exposed metal zipper at center back. It immediately makes it ideal for the Contemporary Market.

Elena Slyvnyak: Elena's was also one of the "Top" ones--which made her break down AGAIN (she wasn't expecting)--I liked this pleated skirt dress with a harness-detail back and front. I actually wished there was a little peek-a-boo in the front as well (not as much as the back obviously). But yes, it was nice--at least it was a different shape. Very good Elena!

Le Bottom: The lowest scores went to these two BLACK dresses above--On the left is Alicia Hardesty's which was a (according to her) Chanel "homage" of sorts (careful saying that because Chanel's lawyers will sue you!). On the right was Gunnar Deatherage's dress made from a matte paillette lace and was short and BLACK. Miss Nina thought it was boring. DON'T. BORE. Nina.



The Non-Black:

Dmitry Sholokhov: Oh Happy Day--It's NOT Black! Yeayyyy, Dmitry created a very tight fitting gunmetal sheath dress with pin-tuck detail and semi-fishtail hem. It was one of the best--in my eyes--it was very sexy, and I could see Miss Heidi Klum's eyes watering with joy as the model--and dress--sauntered by.

Melissa Fleis: The judges LOVED Melissa's very high neck asymmetrical bronze-colored dress. It was different and NOT black but I did feel that it was a little too tight, there was odd side-boob-age going on, and well, too "fashion-y" for the mass market and a department store. I could see this in the window of a very directional Paris France boutique.  I LOVE this model by the way: gorgeous! And the askew braiding in the hair was FAB! A+ on the hair.

Christopher Palu: the one gown in the bunch--in nude/blush and black was from Christopher Palu--and he WON the Challenge. The gown was VERY proper, elegant, demure. He did his 'raw edge chiffon-and-charmeuse" thang and well, it did the WINNING trick.

Christopher: can't wait to see you--and meet you for the first time--next week at the official unveiling of the "Project Runway Collection for Lord & Taylor" during the Lord & Taylor Fashion's Night Out NYC event on September 6th! Congrats and sell LOTS!



So...here's my Recap of this week's "Meltdown/Too Much Black" Episode--Enjoy!!

Project Breakdown

Months ago, I received a phone call from
the producers of "Project Runway." They said that for the 10th
Anniversary season of the show they wanted to do a special "Project
Runway" Capsule Collection featuring one designer from each season.
Those dresses would then be sold at Lord & Taylor, the exclusive
retail sponsor for "Project Runway." I was asked to be the Season 2
designer. Jay McCarroll, Uli Herzner, Chris March, Korto Momolu, Gordana
Gehlhausen, Seth Aaron Anderson, Mondo Guerra and Bert Keeter were all
the illustrious designers to represent their seasons.



No More Ven ... Drama



One question remained, however: who would be the Season 10 Designer
to be featured in this exclusive "Project Runway" for Lord & Taylor
Capsule Collection? And that's where last night's episode began. As the
episode starts, there is — surprisingly — no mention or residue left
over from last week's "Ven Storm." Obviously, it is hard for the
producers to know just how strongly the audience will react to something
and thus edit accordingly. But it was strange for me, and I’m assuming
for many viewers also, to just move on and not remember that Ven had
basically dropped a bomb on Season 10! But as they say, the show — or
season — must go on!



Fifth Avenue Dressing



For this week's challenge, the designers are told to meet Tim at the
Fifth Avenue Flagship of Lord & Taylor. He is there, along with
Bonnie Brooks, president of Lord & Taylor and nine fabulous
mannequins in the dresses that we — the "Project Runway" alum —
designed. The designers are told that this is the Lord & Taylor
Challenge: to design a dress for the store. Bonnie then describes the
Lord & Taylor woman as being sophisticated, stylish, having good
taste and loves fashion, of course. My kind of woman! The winning design
would go into production, and sell for about $200-$300 at their
flagship and LordandTaylor.com
site and be prominently featured in one of their windows. All the
designs would be manufactured by JS Collection/JS Group, a company that
specializes in cocktail and "After Five."



I Have My Chiffonie Membership Card

My design (in the top row of mannequins) was a "Grecian
Goddess"-inspired halter cocktail dress that had draping in front and
back and was in cobalt blue..



Click HERE to READ the rest of my RECAP!!!