Project Runway Recaps: Avant Garde Avant NOT!!--My Recap of the "Avant-garde" Challenge/Episode

Project Runway Recaps: Avant Garde Avant NOT!!--My Recap of the "Avant-garde" Challenge/Episode

A Lesson in Avant-Garde:



Let's get this out of the way...



THIS IS AVANT-GARDE:

Gareth Pugh

Comme des Garcons

John Galliano for Dior Haute Couture

Alexander McQueen

 Viktor & Rolf

 THIS is NOT:

Avant-garde design by Dmitry Sholokov from last night's "Project Runway" Season 10 L'Oreal Paris Makeup "Avant-garde" Challenge--his design won--and was generously praised by the judges. It was made impeccably, yes. But was it avant-garde?

 Five remaining designers on Season 10 Project Runway, traveled to...

 Oheka Castle in Huntington N.Y. known as the second largest private home in the USA--owned by financier Otto Kahn

The five remaining designers traveled to the expansive Oheka Castle in Long Island to get their challenge. At first when Heidi said that they were going 'far, far away", I got excited at the prospect of them getting on a plane and going to Florence, Milan or Paris...but not so mucheey...For the past four years, I've had the pleasure of going to Florence Italy to do Fashion Lectures and presentations of my NIKOLAKI Collection so if the producers ever want to have a challenge in Florence Italy...Call me!



Let's get back to last night's so-called avant-garde designs inspired by L'Oreal Paris "Electric Fantasie" Makeup Line:

 Judges Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, Heidi Klum and Zoe Saldana

Fabio Costa: I thought of all the five creations, Fabio's "Enchanted Queen" design was the most avant-garde with his upside-down coat and sheer palazzos and top, but Miss Heidi was NOT a fan.

Christopher Palu: For his "Enchanted Queen", Christopher did an all black satin, sequin and feathered gown that was very elegant but certainly NOT avant-garde...

It was a cross between a "Black Swan"-inspired dress and "Madame X" from artist John Singer Sargent-I wish he would have done something more like the photo below--for his "Enchanted Queen":

Model Adriana Karembeu in Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 1997--Now THAT'S an Enchanted Queen---and avant-garde!!!

Melissa Fleis: Her "Artsy Muse" creation was kind of fierce in a 90's sort of way--the popped collar leather vest and top, the arm cuffs, the neo-punk hair...the print on the skirt--as well as its shape is grand. Overall, a good showing from Melissa and I would say "Avant-garde Lite".



And then, there was poor Sonjia:

Green moiré is never good--unless it's a Nolan Miller 1988 "Dynasty" suit worn by Joan Collins. Not only did she chose that fabric but then she also added nude illusion--that didn't even match her olive-skinned model. It was SOOOO Bad Figure Skating Costume. It kind of reminded me of this:

Russian Ice Dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin and their offensive "Aboriginal"-inspired costumes from 2010

Well--enough of all that, let's get to my real Recap for last night's Project Runway Episode and what I really thought of all this--Here's my Recap:

Safe Garde

This tenth season of "Project Runway" can
pretty much be defined by one word: safe. Most of the designers have
"played it safe" when it comes to their designs and creations. They've
been harmless in terms of their "characters" as well; there's been some
bitching and hate-talking during their confessionals but the season is
so safe that we don't even have a "villain" making the Final Four —
which for almost every season, has seemed to be de rigueur. It could
also be argued that a couple of the contestants played it so safe, they
just got up and left the show altogether because they just didn't want
to "Go For It!" So, it comes as no surprise that for this last
Avant-Garde Challenge, the designers played it safe. And in my feeling,
it was a let down. Let's recap...



Tim, Is That Your New Home?



Five designers left and this is the challenge that decides who gets
to go to NY Fashion Week. If you REALLY follow the show and its
designers, we know now that the last eight designers actually showed at
Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week last month when in "TV Time" there were
still eight on the show (five were "decoys" and the other 3, actual
finalists). But let's just stick to the "script" shall we? Sexy "Spartan
Supermodel" Heidi walks in to tell the designers that she is sending
them "far, far away" where Tim and a guest will be waiting. I'm
thinking, "Yeaay! They get to board a plane and fly to Florence, Italy!"
Nope. Not so much. After crossing a bridge and driving for over an
hour, they arrive at Oheka Castle, a historic mansion in the Gold Coast
of Long Island. This estate was the home of financier and philanthropist
Otto Kahn and in fact, the second largest private home in the entire
US. Waiting for the designers is Tim Gunn (who looks perfectly at home
outside this castle, I might add) and Billy B. Consulting Makeup Artist
for L'Oreal Paris.



Electric Avant-Garde

Billy is there to introduce the new L'Oreal Paris makeup line called
"Electric Fantasie" based on four "muses/color themes": Enchanting
Queen, Seductive Temptress, Wise Mystic and Artsy Muse. Tim announces
that this is the "L'Oreal Makeup Challenge" and the designers will have
to create an avant-garde Look inspired by this new L'Oreal Paris makeup
line. Tim then takes out the dreaded "Button Bag" and...



Click HERE to continue reading my Recap on MyLifetime.com  

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--My Epsiode 9 Recap: "If I See Another Flower I'll SCREAM!"

Project Runway Recaps--My Epsiode 9 Recap: "If I See Another Flower I'll SCREAM!"

Boob Jobs for Mommies, Genitalia Prints, Maxi Pads...and Ven Flower Power!



Let's Recap the Bullet Points of Last Night's Episode...



Maxi Pad Dresses:

Mommy Boob Jobs:

Male and Female Genitalia:

And...Ven Flower Auto Pilot:

Last night's 9th episode of Season 10 Project Runway was like attending a Women's Gynecological Seminar and a Flower Show...all at once! There were Maxi-pads, women's genitalia references, as well as mentions of boob jobs. And then there were those "Ven flowers" and Miss Heidi Klum's "If you do that again, I will SCREAM!" warning. The challenge for the episode was to create a print using the HP/Intel Touchsmart desktop and technology and design a runway look all while being inspired by their "cultural heritage". In a touching moment, the designers' loved ones--mommies, a sister, a best friend and a partner--were brought in to help them with their print designs. There's lots to highlight before I go into my Recap:




First, Gunnar...oh little Gunnar...

Season 10 contestant/designer Gunnar Deatherage was reunited with his GORGEOUS mommy--whom I actually met back at the Chicago Castings when I was there to film some fun behind-the-scenes segments for LookTV and YouTube. I remember her waiting outside the "Judge's Anti-chamber" all nervous as her son was in there. Anyhow, in the beginning of the episode, Gunnar said that he wanted to win the show so he could  

A) Buy himself a new pair of boots, and 

B) Buy his mommy a boob job.

If you want to know what my response was to that...you're going to have to keep reading at the end of this blog...



Now, let's get to the Runway:

It was nice to see Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung Chee and Season 8 Designer and Season 1 All Stars Winner Mondo Guerra as the Guest Judges for last night's episode. I was a guest judge back in the 6th Season of Project Runway and I was very honored, but I do remember how the designers who were standing in front of us as we were judging, were rolling their eyes and sort of thinking "Who are YOU to judge me?" and I saw THE SAME thing in last night's episode. It was nice to see that it wasn't just me. Oh, and I thought both Anya and Mondo did a fantastic job by the way (and OMG! I LOVE Anya's ring! So fab!).



My Fave Design Was:

Melissa Fleis: Melissa was inspired by blood lines and a family tree which helped her create a red and white print which was very Resort and chic. The sheath dress was perfect! It fit perfectly, the length was just right, the print was great...I thought she should have won, being that IT WAS A PRINT CHALLENGE! Hello! I do understand that perhaps this dress was something one could see at a better department store right now. But, so what? Great job Melissa.



I also loved...

Fabio Costa: his design was very modern, very Tilda Swinton...the styling was SPOT ON. Fabio has a very European/NYC design sensibility and you can tell that design-wise, he is YEARS beyond someone like little Gunnar, (bless his heart). He just hid his print unfortunately with the black organza (same thing Christopher did) and only used it as a "secondary fabric". Oh and about that print: he said it was based on male and female genitalia. It's like "abstract Adam and Eve", I guess. Oh Fabio, you naaaastyyyyy! But, that's OK with me. I also liked...

Sonjia Williams: LOVED those pants. Perfectly mitered at the crotch and center back (the prints match, darlings), tailored and a fun print. Oh and that black cowl-back top: super. But the actual winner was...

Dmitry Sholokhov: The judges loved his jacket and were very effusive over its design and construction. But I was with Mondo on this one: It's NOT A JACKET Challenge. It's a PRINT Challenge. And to be honest, the top underneath--in the print--was not so revolutionary. Also, when you see the look above, it screams 2002, doesn't it? At least to me. But Congrats Dmitry for your first win. Finally!



Ven, Dear Flower Power-and-Maxi-Pad Ven...

Ven Budhu: I liked his one-shoulder dress. It was muy elegante and very Uptown Doyenne. But yes, that darn pleated rose thing! AGAIN. After seeing his NY Fashion Week Collection last Friday at Lincoln Center (he was one of the eight Season 10 Designers who showed and it was ALL about his pleated rose!), now I'm beginning to think he's just stubborn and wants to keep giving an "F You" to the judges. Who knows...

 Season 10 designer Ven Budhu, a Maxi-Pad Dress and Tim Gunn

This was his second dress after Tim Gunn called his fan-pleated detail on the first dress (above on form) something that reminded him of a Maxi pad. Oh Lordy. 



Now the Lowest Vote Getter...

Gunnar Deatherage: Gunnar designed a print--with hands outstretched trying to grab a bird--based on the bullying he has endured throughout his childhood and high school years. The minute the episode focused so much on all of this, I knew he was GONE. He said his design was "Equestrian" but the judges were not so complimentary when it came to his design.



PS: This is Chic Equestrian...

Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco for Gucci--unfortunately his design was closer to...

An ad for Chico's. Enough said.

Here's my Recap for this week's Project Runway Episode:

If It's Another Flower I Will Scream!

It's the halfway mark of Season 10 of
"Project Runway." We began with 16 designers and now, we're down to 8.
Last week's Team Challenge was "The Boris and Natasha Show"
as I called it in my last blog recap. It was all about Dmitry and Elena
and their bickering and hate-talking which dominated the entire
episode. The fashions were mostly a yawn except for Sonjia's winning
Armani Prive-esque jacket and Christopher's asymmetrical camel coat, so
of course, the episode concentrated on the bitchy drama. What should the
next challenge bring? Well, let's find out...



Pay Your Bills. .. Before Getting Mommie a Boob Job

As the episode begins, there's a little confessional scene from
Gunnar saying that he wishes he'll win so he can buy himself a pair of
boots and his mom, a boob job. OK huney, that's cute for TV and will
guarantee you get some camera time (Gunnar, you just made the producers
and editors have an editorial orgasm!), but it's not so cute in real
life. Here's some advice: those two things might not be your top
priorities when someone hands you a $100,000. Maybe paying your college
loans, bills, setting up a design studio ... those might be your
priorities. Oh these kids, they slay me ... AGAIN!



Addicted to Heidi

Heidi in a very mini, strapless black dress (a la Robert Palmer Girl)
—l; walks in, warning the remaining designers that they all need to
step it up and "wow" her. Umm, HELLO! Amen Sister. This is not the first
time she's said this to this group. I wonder why? I’ve been saying
throughout this season that the fashions have been rather unmemorable.
It looks as if the theme is "Make it Safe". But when it comes to
"characters," Season 10 has it in spades. Which is better? Well, talk
amongst yourselves on that one because I would rather discuss this
week's challenge and fashions.



HP Haute

Tim Gunn is in the Parsons Workroom with Season 8 Finalist and All
Stars Season 1 Winner Mondo Guerra. They are there to introduce the HP
Print Challenge (Yeayyy, one of my favorites!): Create a textile design
and a modern runway look inspired by your cultural heritage...



To read the rest...CLICK HERE--and as always, PLEASE leave me YOUR "Two Cents" and comments!!!