Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Did Anyone "Wow" Me, Finale Runway Show DISH from the Bleachers, Side Boobs and Wonky Center Backs...Oh, and The Winner Is...

NY Fashion Week Stars: (left to right) Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Jennifer Hudson and Nina Garcia--the judges for the Finale Episode of Season 10 Project Runway

Last night was the Finale Episode of Lifetime Network's Project Runway Season 10. This is the episode when the four top designers get to show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week. Because of when the season was filmed (they shot the season over this past Summer),the collections they showed were for Spring/Summer 2013. The actual runway show occurred in early September, and I was there.

NIKOLAKI Duo: Nick Verreos and David Paul--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I happened to be in NYC with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul for meetings in my NYC showroom with various big department stores for a new line of mine, NV by Nick Verreos, so it was nice that I could also attend this Project Runway Finale fashion show at Lincoln Center.

So, the big question is Did Any of The Designers "WOW us"?. All season long, Tim, Nina, Heidi, Michael...and ME (on my Lifetime.com Blog) PLEADED that someone...anyone "Wow Us". And nothing (except for Christopher Palu's FABULOUS "Rockettes" creation). So, then it was down to the final four, and even Miss Heidi (in last week's episode) suggested for them to "Wow" her (and the rest of the judges) with their Finale NY Fashion Week 10-look collections. So...did they? Well, out of 4 designers one did bring the Wow!

The Best Seatmates: Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll, Nick Verreos and Season 2 Winner Chloe Dao--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I sat next to Jay McCarroll and Chloe Dao, Project Runway Season 1 and Season 2 Winners, respectively. And let me tell you, we had a BLAST. Not just because we like each other (a lot!) but because of the running commentary we had going through the runway show. Lifetime Network really missed an opportunity to have us mic'd and be doing a LIVE video feed that would later be on their website--"The Chloe, Jay, and Nick Show". If only you heard what we were saying (very quietly and discreetly but still...). Now, before I get to my RECAP of the episode and my "Two Cents" on the Finale Collections, I wanted to reiterate that sitting there in the Lincoln Center bleachers and then watching it on TV, edited and on HD, is a whole different thang. With that said...



Christopher Palu:

Christopher was the cutest--and funniest this season--when it came to his queeny/bitchy commentary. And he also won four challenges so I called him the Season 10 "Golden Boy". When it came time for his Finale Collection, it was a bit of a potpourri. I was a little disappointed. It was too much black and too much leather--for a Spring/Summer Collection (yes, there's always some black in every season's collection, but especially this coming Spring/Summer 2013, it's ALL ABOUT COLOR!).

I Liked: If I had to pick an item I really liked from his collection, it would be this cropped leather jacket. This was chic, young and fresh albeit very Fall.

Not So Mucheey: This was his first "exit"/look and judge Michael Kors really liked it. I liked the top but it was the skirt that was a bit off-putting. It was mainly the "OH HUNEY" thigh showing in that slit. It made an impact as she began the show, and well, at least in my row, it wasn't a good impact.

The Gown: I liked Christopher's "finale" gown. It was very him; the raw edge bias-cut ombré organza panels...this gown had his "signature". But then when the model turned around, the Fashion Instructor-For-The-Last-9-Years set in, and...

Wonky Back: I noticed all thee "ooopsies". The back silver/gray panels should have matched. Period. Unforgivable. And then, the "lifting up" of the center back and the finishing of the invisible zipper was sloppy. This is something I saw from many of my fashion school students when making bustiers and strapless dresses/gowns. The center back should have been "tru'ed"/shaved off, so it would not "lift up" like you see in the photo. It also shows that the zipper was sewn incorrectly--it was stretched out. Call me a "Sewing Negative Ninny" but sorry. this is a sign of someone who needs a little more time in, as Tim Gunn says "the Fashion Incubator". That back should not look like that in the NY Fashion Week "stage". Never.



Melissa Fleis:

Melissa was one of the designers in the LA Castings that we let through to the "next round" when I judged. I loved her Chic Goth Girl aesthetic and designs, especially since she looked like the complete opposite with her nice bubbly personality and blond hair (usually those girls look like Rooney Mara!).

I Liked: The new "blood orange" leather asymmetrical dress she made. The draping, pleating, high cowl-neck...so FAB! Paired with the hair and those booties: Go Girl!

I also liked the look above. Thank goodness she took out those Johnny Depp "Pirates of the Caribbean" turn-up oversized cuffs. This model looked sleek and in control.

Not So Mucheey: This blue and black leather "swimsuit" was a big "Oh No She Didn't"--as an attendee, sitting there LIVE in the Finale runway show. Why? Well, as she walked, you could see her underwear. It was a bit disconcerting, to say the least as well as HOOCHIE. I was surprised to see that from Melissa. But on TV, this looked so SUPER Fab! So, there you go...what matters? TV or sitting there in the audience watching it?

Uh Oh: THE White Tank Dress. It took the model--what felt like TEN MINUTES--to make it to the end of the runway and back--as I sat there in my seat and watched this. She could not walk in that dress. Not because of her heels, but because of the lack of sweep in the hem. She need a slit. ASAP. And then, I noticed the side-boob. Again, the Fashion School Instructor in me screamed "Add 3 inches to the side seam and fill in the side, PLEASE!". 

More Side Boobage: And yeah, the white dress wasn't the only garment with a peek-a-boo breast sighting. This LBD above also needed my "Nick V. Pattern Making 101" help. Notice the double-stick tape. Major No No. 



Fabio Costa:

Fabio--Freegan, Dumpster Diving, UBER skirt-wearing bearded hipster...I LOVE his own sense of style. He reminds me of Malcolm McLaren's "Buffalo Gals" from the early 80's. Or a really hip Amish from Brazil! His collection WOWED. Not in a "OMG That's some COUTURE fabulousness!" but more of "That's a breath of fresh air" wow. The pastel colors, the askew draping...the directional styling. It was modern, fresh and "The Next Thing".



I Liked All These:

Layered Buffalo Gal 2013: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Charmeuse Chic: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 1930's Dinner Party: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

When I walked out of the show, back in September, Jay, Chloe and I all said "It's Fabio!" in terms of whose was the the "Winning" collection. But as seen from last night's episode, we were WRONG. Shows you how much we know.



The Winner: Dmitry Sholokhov

It was Belarus-born former professional ballroom dancer Dmitry, who took home the prize.  He was in my Top Two for sure. I liked a lot of his looks because they were elegant, very NY fashion editorial but, I felt there was a bit of a disjointed quality to the ten-look collection as a whole...



I Liked:

Houndstooth Cocktail: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Jacket and Cowl-pant Love: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 One Shoulder Sleek: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

But then, he brought out a "fringed" and sequined gown:

Ballroom Dancer Fashion Week: I am sure his intentions were right--finishing his collection with a impact of a supposed "red carpet"-looking gown. But it's just the effect it had when shown with the rest of his looks. It was like "WHU..WHU...WHUUUT???" The silhouette is actually quite nice, perfect for the next Miss Universe. But, it just did not go with the rest of his polished looks. It was a very expensive-looking version of an actual Ballroom Dancing Dress...

Ballroom Dress Muses

I just did not think he needed it. In the end, it did not matter. He won the Grand Prize! And now, Dmitry Sholokhov goes down in Wikipedia and IMDB history. Good luck Dmitry!

Віншуем і жадаем поспеху (according to "Google Translate" this means "Congrats and Good Luck" so I hope it means that! LOL!)

OK, so A) What did you think? And B) Here's my Final Recap of this season's Project Runway...Enjoy and PLEASE, don't forget to let me know what you REALLY thought after my Recap on the MyLifetime.com BLOG site

Waiting for the WOW

Le FINALE. Yes, kids, last night was the
Finale of “Project Runway.” Four designers showed on the biggest fashion
stage—Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. All season long, the judges,
Tim (and I) have made a plea for the designers to “WOW US.” So did they
succeed on the most important stage? Well, before I answer that, I
have lots of other things to say, so if you will indulge me...



Middle-of-the-Road Four

When we last left our four designers—Christopher, Dmitry, Fabio and
Melissa—they had gone home (or to somebody else’s home) to create their
collections. Five weeks passed, and they returned to NYC and showed
three looks to Heidi, Michael and Nina. It was hinted that one designer
may be eliminated, but our esteemed judges could not make up their
minds, and so all four designers stayed to show at NY Fashion Week.



No Wigs Allowed

As we begin this Finale episode, there are quick recaps of what the
judges told each of the designers that their collections needed. Fabio’s
garments lacked sophistication and required polish; Dmitry’s needed to
look younger; Christopher’s leather items were praised, but the judges
wanted more “wow”; and Melissa’s clothes were deemed “limited.” In
addition, we can’t forget all the questionable styling issues from last
week, including those wigs (Fabio, Melissa), HOOCHIE leather shorts
(Melissa, Christopher) and Dmitry’s dowdy girls. They now had two days
to somehow correct their styling mishaps and improve on what they
already had.



Producer Nick

If I had produced what would be next in the episode, I would have begun
with Tim walking into the workroom and announcing to the four designers
that he recruited a Hollywood A-List stylist to come in and guide these
kids through the 101’s of Runway Show Styling, followed by a shopping
excursion to Lord & Taylor with an unlimited budget for accessories.
A second scenario would have involved Tim dragging out some of the
auf’ed cast members (like they’ve done in the past—with their
downtrodden attitudes) to help the finalists in their last 48 hours.



Mood Shopping Gift Card

In reality, Tim eventually does walk in—not to introduce a stylist or say that Kooky Kooan
will be everyone’s intern for the next two days, but, among other
things, to give the designers an extra $300 to shop at Mood. This is a
not-so-subtle way of telling the designers that their collections need
help. At Mood, Fabio looks for more luxe fabrics to add sophistication...



 To read the rest, CLICK HERE !!!

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale Episode Blog Photo Recap + Finale Thoughts and Who Should Have Really Won!

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale Episode Blog Photo Recap + Finale Thoughts and Who Should Have Really Won!

Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale--My top looks from each of the four finalists--Season 14 Finale Episode "Project Runway"

Last Thursday was the Season Finale of Lifetime's Season 14 "Project Runway". Unfortunately I'm a little late with my BLOG PHOTO RECAP here because I have been out of the country, in Europe, for work..and a little bit of play. But, now I'm back and well, better a week late than never: Here are my thoughts on the final episode of the season, the final collections and WHO really should have won --according to the final collections shown by non-finalists (HINT: Swapnil Shinde).

To be very honest, I was a bit disappointed with the final collection designs--especially when compared to previous seasons. This was NOT a stellar season--and I said so in my Lifetime "Project Runway" Recap HERE (and at the end of this blog). I'll have much more to say if you keep reading so...here we go, one last BLOG RECAP for this season's "Project Runway":

Tim Talk: The episode began with Tim Gunn talking to the final four designers about the critiques they received from the judges during their 3-look preview runway session. Tim thought that the session went OK and proceeded to sum up to the designers what they needed to do to make their final collections better (in the two days they had!). Tim has recently been saying a lot of not-so-nice things about this season's designers and their design talent. So, now looking back, I would LOVE to know what he really wanted to say to these final four.

Nick Verreos judging at "Project Runway" Season 10 L.A. Castings--with Mondo Guerra and Abby Gardner (No Tim Gunn)

He also said that his lack of involvement with the castings might have been a problem, saying that this was "the first time he wasn't at the castings". I might have to call Tim Gunn on that one because I've been part of the auditions/castings for many, many seasons (to be precise: Seasons 3 through 13) and for SEVERAL years Tim was NOT at the castings. So on the Tim "Truth Meter", I call "Pants of Fire". 

During the Workroom Check-in's...

Designer Candice Cuoco realized she should take out this overblown "Scarlett O'Hara"-looking gown from her ten-look collection. This was supposed to be her "Finale Wow". And...

Instead it looked like an old Bob Mackie costume for Carol Burnett. 

Neckpiece Not: Candice also took out this neck/shoulder contraption that was somehow going to be part of a look she designed. But thank goodness she came to her senses (via the judges and Tim Gunn's advice) and put this thing back in the closet (or garment bag).

Glitter Gal: Kelly asked for glitter and Tim brought her 20 pounds of the stuff, so she could glue and bedazzle the heck out of the shoes, lips, headphones...for her final collection. Up to the final day of work before showing at NY Fashion Week, it seemed pretty obvious which designers were on the right track (Ashley and Kelly) and who was not (Edmond and Candice).

NY Fashion Week is Here:

September 11th: The Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale show at NY Fashion Week occurred on September 11th and therefore--as you can see on Edmond Newton above--Newton wore an American flag scarf in honor of the day. The judges also wore variations on the red, white and blue theme:

Americana Finale: (L to R) Judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and guest judge Carrie Underwood--Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale Show at NY Fashion Week

Here are my "Nick Two Cents" on the final collections, beginning with Edmond Newton: 

Edmond's collection was a mish-mash of not cohesive designs, somehow being tied together with the black and white colors (didn't work). He had sleek column sheaths, big pouffy hi-lo tent dresses and "Big Bird" ruffle cray-cray gowns that looked like they went through a not so stylish "fashion tornado". He was the first OUT when it came to the judging.

The Good:

Simple Good: The first look out, this black halter column gown. Simple, sleek, elegant, clean. Stick to that my dear Edmond. Seriously. It's not innovative and certainly not the work of the next WUNDERKIND of Fashion but it was the best look from his collection.



The Not-So-Good:

Toga Newton: This draped toga-like gown was loved by Heidi (Oh Heidi, you're funny!). There was no reason AT ALL for this to be in his collection and it just came out of nowhere (along with many of his other looks) and it also reminded me of the design created by the first designer of this season to be Auf'ed--New Zealand-born Duncan Chambers-Watson (R).

Bebe 2013: These two were Las Vegas-club dresses from 2 years ago. Why would Edmond waste his design time--and money--on making garments that can be purchased in a mall RIGHT NOW (or two years ago!) is beyond me. These are great when he does the "Edward Newton for Macy's line" but not for NY Fashion Week.

Ruffle Cray-Cray: I don't even know where to begin with these two. Obviously, Edward thought these were going to be "The Stars". In the end, they were probably his worst looks. The one on the left looked like she was trailing toilet paper and the one on the right was cascade ruffle overkill.



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Candice Cuoco: Candice said she was inspired by the recent Met Exhibition "China: Through The Looking Glass". This could have gone well but she ended up getting TOO caught up in the exhibition and making way too costume-y creations. She was forced to take out all those extra "bells and whistles" and in the end, what was left was rather lackluster and certainly not material for "America's Next Top Fashion Designer".



The Good:

I loved the first look out, which in fact she created in her last two days in the workroom. This cherry blossom printed dress was chic, elegant, sexy. The funny thing is that her obvious "thing" is leather but this dress had none of it. And it was her BEST look. Second Runner-up was the strapless red leather gown. It fit nicely and looked great. It was too short in the front, however. Beyond these two, I wasn't a fan of most of the rest of her looks. They were very Elvira-Meets-North Beach Leather circa 1994.



The Not-So-Good:

The first one (far left) fit awkwardly (what is with the gaping sides?), the middle one looked Halloween-Witchy (she's missing a big pointy black hat) and the far right one was too Rapper hanger-on at the MTV Awards. Also, if you're going to make a leather bustier for NY Fashion Week, make one that is NOT straight out of a Patternmaking 101 Bustier book. Drape the leather huney! Do something different/new.



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Kelly Dempsey: I wanted to like Kelly's collection so bad. Mainly because I really liked KELLY; she was so wonderfully self-deprecating, so funny, so honest and I loved her own quirky late 80's/early 90's style. I think that Kelly's collection would have looked better within the setting of a "done-up" runway: the runway should have been a mock deli, the models should have been chomping gum and carrying big ol' boom boxes and well, you get the picture. Otherwise, it kind of looked like costumes for "Mamma Mia: The Musical" with a little of "Priscilla Queen of the Desert".



The Good:

Disco Good: Kelly's best look was the one on the left: wood printed Lycra knit with mesh dress, with matching fanny pack. Second Runner-up was this emerald beaded and knit dress. But after that, it was "Mamma Mia" zone...



The Not-So-Good:

Donna Summer Here We Come and Jerry Hall at Studio 54. The one on the left was too costume-y and the one on the right, looked cheap and the top fit oddly. They just didn't look expensive or refined.

Cameltoe Alert and Space Odyssey New Wave. I was not a fan of these two looks. I can't imagine a single girl--no matter how fun and quirky she is--wearing these...unless it was to The Burning Man Festival.

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Ashley Nell Tipton: Ashley created a plus size collection, the first one in "Project Runway" history. I applaud her for doing it. I just wish it was made better. I also thought the fit was off on several of her designs. I did like her flower headpieces. I'm sure lots of "Project Runway" fans want those. She better get to Michael's ASAP and start glueing!



The Good:

Lace Fab: Plum colored lace crop top and mermaid-shaped skirt. This was Ashley's best look, hands down. She made a variation on those Elie Saab/Zuhair Murad gowns but for a Fab plus size gal. And it worked! To me, this was the only true "Wow" of her winning finale collection.



The Not-So Good:

Frida Kahlo Flower Child and Romper Not: The one on the left was her finale look and it was a mess. She looked as if she should have been on a float--at NY Gay Pride or Rio's Carnival. And I almost wanted to strangle her when I heard she GLUED those flowers. Ayyy Dios Mio! Cheap, cheap, cheap. And the one on the right, while I liked the romper idea, it fit really badly; too tight and too much gaping. The crotch was too long and the top needed the sides to be taken out (notice the gaping). I also had issues with her poor construction...

Broken Zipper...

Hem coming off (photos above)--Did she just use "stitch witchery" tape as opposed to actually SEWING the hem??

In the end, none of that mattered. Ashley's collection was deemed the most "cohesive" and therefore she took the crown as the winner of Season 14 "Project Runway". Now, like I said: get to making them flower headpieces! 

Finally, I want to take a moment to discuss a collection from one of the designers who was eliminated before the Final Four--Designer Swapnil Shinde. Even though he wasn't a Finalist, he still got to show at NY Fashion Week (six total designers from the season showed, two being decoys). Well kiddies, after seeing all the final collections, I have to say that Swapnil's was BY FAR, the BEST of all of them. It was cohesive, chic, elegant, new, romantic, of-the-moment and made impeccably. it also fit well. He interjected his Indian heritage but not in a costume-y, heavy-handed way. I don't know what it says about the actual four finalists that Swapnil's was better but I guess, you can easily take a hunch. Such a shame that he was eliminated and didn't make it but in the end, he got the last laugh by showing a much better collection than even the actual winner.



The Collection That Should've WON--Swapnil Shinde--A HUGE Thank You to Blogging Project Runway for these photos!

Wow. Give him the unofficial Winner of Season 14 "Project Runway" title. Now, if you think that I'm the only one who feels this way, take a look at this photo of the judges' reaction when his collection came down the runway (remember, they knew he wasn't even a finalist)...

"Oh Dear God! His collection is better than the actual Top Four! What do we do now??!!"--Carrie Underwood, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum trying (badly) to keep a poker face--NY Fashion Week Season 14 "Project Runway" Finale Show

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Carpenter via Blogging Project Runway Facebook

Well, kiddies, here's my final Season 14 "Project Runway" Recap from the myLifetime.com Blog:

Season 14, Episode 14: Now
You Can Cry!

After thirteen episodes,
we’ve now arrived at the Season 14 Finale of “Project Runway." During this
season, we witnessed lots of crying, one too many smoke breaks, a trip to Los
Angeles, Tim donning an apron to make tortillas plus much, much more. It was
now time to see if the finalists rose to the challenge of showing an
outstanding NY Fashion Week collection and more importantly, which one did it
the best, or as it turned out, most cohesively. Time for one final recap.

The episode begins
with the designers feeling bruised, battered and bewildered by the blunt
critiques the judges gave them—except for Ashley. Even with just a three-look
runway preview, it was pretty obvious whose collection was looking the best.
The only issues Ashley had were fit and construction. Similarly, Kelly’s 
critique wasn’t too negative. They just said, "Amp it up!”

Edmond and Candice
suffered the most debilitating critique blows. Edmond somehow needed to bring
the sexy back (slash a slit or two, perhaps?), and Candice was told to tone it
down and rein back the bells and whistles…and the witchy hat. The designers had
two days to remedy what was deemed not-so-good. From the outside, it looked as
if they had a lot of work to do with no assistance from eliminated designers
this season...

Click HERE to keep reading my RECAP on the
mylifetime.com "Project Runway" Blog!