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: Episode 10 "High Kicking Couture" Designing for The Rockettes!

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 10 "High Kicking Couture" Designing for The Rockettes!

Kick It Ladies!

Tim and Heidi High Kicking it with The Rockettes--Project Runway Season 10

This past week's Project Runway Season 10 Episode was all about The Rockettes. The Challenge was to design a costume for the Radio City Rockettes to be worn at a future performance. How Fab Is That??? I would have LOVEd this Challenge. It was sooooo "Season 2 Design a Costume for Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen"!!! If you know me, you may realize I love bedazzling, costumes, and ANYTHING that looks somewhat close to Figure Skating Costumes...and designing for The Rockettes fits that bill.

Candy Cane Kicks: Nick Verreos joining The Rockettes at FIDM Downtown LA Campus, promoting "The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular" in 2010

Two years ago, I had the privilege of hosting a fun Rockettes event at my Alma Mater--the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, when they came to town promoting their "Christmas Spectacular".

Nick Verreos and The Rockettes: I got the pleasure of meeting lots of the ladies and their fabulous costumes--designed by Erte and Vincente Minelli (yes, Liza's dad!).

Rockettes Costume Heaven: Nick Verreos with The Rockettes in some of their iconic costumes--FIDM

Notice The Beading, Kids: Nick Verreos describing the intricate sequin work on a Rockettes Costume--FIDM 

Now, back to the episode and the Challenge: To Design a Costume for the Rockettes...

The Special Guest Judge was actress Debra Messing, who of course we all know from "Will & Grace" as well as "Smash". Let's just say she might know a thing or two about bedazzled costumes. The Top Designs--according to the judges were:

Dmitry Sholokhov: Dmitry-- was a professional ballroom dancer for over a decade back in Belarus, where he is originally from. Therefore, WE KNOW he definitely knew MORE than a thing or two about sequins, dancing and costumes! His one shoulder/one sleeve asymmetrical design was very directional for the Rockettes. If the ladies wanted to go a little more "Fashion Forward" this could have been it. The midnight blue color was great and it was made extremely well.

  

Ballroom or Radio City?

But I felt it might have been a tad too sexy for the lovely Rockettes--especially in performances where 8 year old's might be present. It was more appropriate for a sexy Ballroom Dancing performance (very similar to the costume in the photo above) and maybe not the Rockettes. The judges also agreed, so the Winner was:

Christopher Palu: From the moment he described what he was going to do, and then soon after he began working on his costume and hot gluing them NY Skyline sequins on...I was like "There's Your Winner!". The judges tried really really hard to not make it obvious when talking to the top vote getters, that Christopher's was THE BEST, by far. I thought it was a GENIUS design idea and creation. It's sure to become an iconic "Rockettes" costume and part of their repertoire. Too bad little Christopher can't be paid for designing it! LOL!!!



The Bottom:

Elena Slivnyak: She created a royal blue completely sequined number that was part Cleopatra: the Las Vegas version/part HOOCHIE Cheerleader and part Baton Twirler (see above photos for reference!). I kind of liked the "In your Face" bedazzle of it all but it did lack any sort of expensive quality. And the center-front dip on the skirt hem was unfortunate focusing on an area of the woman's body you might not want to draw attention to.

Melissa Fleis: Melissa, one of my favorite designers from this season, created a sassy little number that gave an homage of sorts to the "Cigarette Girl". She did her 'stiffened" front torso panel thing (which she has done before) and used almost 20 pattern pieces to create a black and fuchsia costume. And she finished it off with a little hat. It was cute but the judges didn't like the unintentional "No. 1" in the front and ...it was WAAAY too short. Imagine the kids in the front row of a performance seeing THAT! Oh Dear.

Ven Budhu: But it was Ven--of I Hate Plus Size Girls/Love Origami Flower Pleating--fame, who went home for doing a boring uninspired costume that looked very "Mother of the Bride". The fabric was gorgeous, yes, but the silhouette and demure halter neck looked "Grandma".

Even this mother of the bride in the photo above has a more open neckline!! I think Ven played it too safe and he (worst of all) bored Nina. You do not want to bore Miss Garcia.

Ven Budhu's NY Fashion Week Finale Collection of Origami Flower Girls

And after his elimination Ven was one of the 8 designers to show at New York Fashion Week. And what did he do?! He went right back to his Origami Pleated detailing. I'm assuming he thought of it as an "in your face" to the judges, but to me it just proves that he is the ultimate "One Way Monkey"!



Anyhow, if you want to know how I REALLY FEEL...keep reading below for my MyLifetime.com BLOG Recap:

High Kicking Couture

We all know the First Rule of "Project
Runway": Never Bore Nina. And add to that rule that Krazee will always
outlast boring on "Project Runway." With that in mind, on last week’s HP
Print Challenge, Gunnar went home just for that — doing something that
was boring design-wise. And even though his bullying story was
admirable, passionate and endearing, his print was macabre and
un-exciting and the end result of his supposedly equestrian-inspired
design was more Chico’s than chic. A lot of you weren’t too happy about
this elimination. People wanted Ven to go mainly because they just don’t
like him (that Ven/Terri debacle will live on for eternity!) and yes,
partially, for doing that "origami flower" one more time. However, I
feel the judges were correct in their decision last week. Ven’s dress
was just a little more creative than Gunnar’s so ... it was Gunnar’s
time to go. But guess whose time is now?



High Kick Ball Change



The remaining designers wake up and are all told to meet at Radio
City Music Hall. Upon walking inside, Tim Gunn is on stage with a bevy
of bedazzled women: The Radio City Rockettes! Gee, I wonder what the
kids will be designing this week? As The Rockettes begin their iconic
high-kicking dance moves, the curtains part open, and they are joined by
none other than Miss Heidi Klum. After one or two Heidi High Kicks, she
announces (to no one’s surprise) that the challenge this week is to
design a new costume for The Rockettes. Linda Haberman, Director and
Choreographer for the Radio City Rockettes, joins Heidi and Tim in
explaining to the designers what is expected of them: it must be
versatile enough to wear all year long; spectacular up close as well as
far away — glamorous and elegant, contemporary and must have a modern
aesthetic. The winning costume will also be worn by The Rockettes at a
future performance. This reminds me so much of my "Design a Costume for
Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen" Challenge back in my season so I am
privately smiling. Good times.



My Time With The Rockettes

The Season 10 kids get some time after The Rockettes sashay off, to inspect various actual Rockettes costumes. Last December...



Click HERE to continue reading my Full BLOG Recap of this past week's "Rockettes Episode"