Project Runway Season 10 Recap: "Where's Joan Rivers When You Need Her?"

Project Runway Season 10 Recap: "Where's Joan Rivers When You Need Her?"

Where's Joan Rivers?

Oh Joan, I Wish You Were The Judge: Joan Rivers E! Fashion Police

This week's Project Runway Season 10 Challenge was to Create a Red Carpet Look to be worn at the Emmy Awards. The official name of the challenge was the LEXUS Team Challenge--hello, the show has to pay the bills!

Car Style: Mentor Tim Gunn tries to keep a straight face (no pun intended) as he announces the "LEXUS" involvement in this challenge

Somehow they created an addendum to the challenge that would somehow make it justifiable for LEXUS to be involved--yes, kids, the designers were "inspired" by the colors of these fab LEXUS GS automobiles...yeah, right. This season's designers were given their Red Carpet clients and no, it was't Sofia Vergara or Claire Danes.

Not so muchey as I like to say. Remember the mustard-mess of a dress Season 1's Wendy Pepper made for Nancy O'Dell (photo above). Yeah, bless O'Dell's heart--she smiled through it and was a good sport but you know she was like "NEVER AGAIN!".

Instead, it was former Project Runway contestants and/or winners--such as Laura Bennett from Season 3, Kenley I-threw-a-cat-at-my-boyfriend Collins from Season 5 (above), Irina (Season 6 Winner), Anya (Season 9 Winner) and several others. Let's just get to the Runway darlings, shall we:

Nina, Michael Heidi, and guest judge, actress Krysten Ritter were there and really--nothing against the lovely Miss Ritter--but I was hoping it was going to be Joan Rivers. She would have let these Season 10 contestants HAVE IT. Especially those who were all "I HATE designing 'Red Carpet'..." Yes, I am talking to you Alicia and Raul!

Anyhow, Miss Klum walked out in a strapless sequin LBD with a wink-and-a-smile secretly saying "THIS is a Red Carpet dress kids! Now, go home!" Speaking of Red Carpet dressing and the Emmys--here are the Best Dressed of 2011 as a refreshner:

2011 Emmy Awards Best Dressed

My favorite was the silver silk charmeuse gown that Dmitry and Melissa created for "Kelly Osborne 2.0" April Johnston (above). Somehow, this ended up in the "middle" and not as one of the top two. What gives? Maybe Heidi, Nina, Michael and Krysten were too tired and "over it" (some of those judging sessions go on 'till the wee hours darlings!)

Four Inches Too Short Wedding Dress: Bitchy McBitchy Gunnar and Kooan created this white gown for Irina and somehow this ended up in the Top Two.  You can read my Recap at the end of this post to really know what I think of this dress...

This was the Winner (above left photo)--a short navy blue silk gazar cocktail dress from Ven and Fabio--for "I Want ALL the Attention" Kenley Collins. It was very pretty and expensive looking but Emmys worthy? Go back to that collage of Emmys 2011 Best Dressed...

Is That Your Pageant Britney? Season 9 Winner Anya and Miss District of Columbia USA 2012 Monique LaShone Thompkins

The Bottom Two were cutie (I am renaming him "Drama Queen Christopher" after this episode) Christopher and Andrea BA MA MFA Katz and the design they created for Anya. I do LOVE a pageant gown and a slit--as long as it's not DANGEROUSLY close to her nether-regions--and this dress was. Poor Anya would have been SLAMMED by the "Fashion Police" --or at least moi on TV Guide's Emmys Fashion Wrap!

But the worst was the dowdy dirndl halter dress that pointy-haired Raul and dreadlock'ed Alicia created. Bad with a Capital "B". Poor Mila. This look really aged her and made her look like a Mother-of-the-Bride as opposed to a Red Carpet Diva.




If you want to know what I REALLY thought of this last episode? Read below:

"Where's Joan Rivers When You Need Her?"



 Team I-Don't-Want-To-Be-On-A-Team


We knew it was going to be a KRAZEE episode the minute Tim Gunn said
that this was a "Team Challenge." No One. I reiterate, NO ONE, likes the
Team Challenges on "Project Runway" (except the viewers). The challenge
this week? To create a red carpet look that is to be worn at the Emmys
in September. Lest you forget, our little ol' show is nominated this
year! This challenge was also dubbed the "LEXUS Team Challenge" because
the designers also had to incorporate the colors of the new LEXUS GS
cars (the automobile sponsor) into their red carpet creations. I almost
wished they had to make these looks out of actual LEXUS car parts! But
oh wait, I think that's already been done...



 

Red Carpet Sacrificial Lambs


Seven Teams of two were created — Christopher/Andrea, Sonjia/Nathan,
Elena/Buffi, Ven/Fabio, Gunnar/Kooan, Alicia/Raul and Dmitry/Melissa.
Now, who would these teams be designing Emmys red carpet creations for?
Heidi? Nina? Sofia Vergara?! Nope, darlings. Remember the debacle years
ago when Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll created La Klum a gown for the
Emmys and she ended up not wearing it? (Oops). And the mess Wendy Pepper
made for Nancy O'Dell to wear to the Grammy's as a result of a
challenge she won? Yeah, in other words, not such a good history of
these collaborations. So, instead, the show brought back seven past
Runway contestants and winners — Season 9 Winner Anya, Season 6 Winner
Irina, Laura Bennett, Kenley, Mila, April Johnston and Valerie Mayen
(who?) — to be the Red Carpet Sacrificial Lambs ... I mean clients.




 

Time Complainer, Hissy Fits, Ironing Assistants


Team Elena/Buffi got Laura Bennett as their red carpet client which
immediately scared me. If Laura and those two were the last people stuck
on an island, she still wouldn't choose them to make her a dress (But,
alas, she has no choice). Laura is elegant Manhattan chic, while Elena
is Lady Gaga futurama and Buffi is just tacky-licious. Strong-headed
Elena is delegating Buffi to steaming/pressing assistant status while
she's just running around stressed and panicked. She's also complaining
about the lack of time they are given to make an evening dress. Really
Elena? What part of "Project Runway" did you NOT understand? These kids,
they slay me.



Click HERE to continue reading...

And make sure to let me know YOUR "Two Cents"" on the site--I read ALL your comments!!! 

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Evening Gown Portraits--The Good! My Top 15...Gowns!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--Evening Gown Portraits--The Good! My Top 15...Gowns!

Evening Gown Fab:

 The Best Gown? Scroll down Pageant Lovers...

All Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

OK, Pageant Kids, it's "Miss Universe 2012" Evening Gown Portrait Time...and that means one thing: my "Nick Pageant Gown Reviews"! As you know, Miss Universe 2012 Finals are happening on December 19th at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and will be televised on NBC.

Eighty-nine of the most beautiful women in the UNIVERSE are in Las Vegas, spending the next two weeks getting ready for the Finals. Yesterday, the "Evening Gown Portraits" were published for all of us pageant lovers to see. Naturally, I have to have my "Nick Two Cents". There were some GOOD, lots of Pageant Betty's, Slit Queens, and Cha-Cha Goddesses, and yes, several that I can only categorize as Oh Dear's! Now, lots of these gowns were borrowed from the Sherri Hill "Gown Closet" the Miss Universe Organization and it's Wardrobe Costume Director had. Some of these ladies wore a gown that might--just might--be their actual gowns in the very important Preliminaries where judges pick the top Semi Finalists. But some, save their "Best Gown" for the Final Telecast--in other words these you see here might not even end up being their "actual" evening gown. So, with that being said, it's time for my "Nick V. Miss Universe Evening Gown Portrait" Recap.

First up, The Good--My Top 15 Favorites:

Miss Croatia Elizabeta Burg: Probably my favorite evening gown and evening gown portrait. This girl looks like a Victoria's Secret model who's worth many millions of dollars, has an A-List Hollywood boyfriend and only flies First Class. This gown is gorgeous and red carpet-worthy. The nude lining with emerald green sequin applique could have gone tacky-licious, but here, it works and looks luxe. The back is my favorite part...it reminds me of one of my NIKOLAKI evening gowns:

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Spring 2012 silk chiffon printed evening gown

Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler Peña: Love, love, love this gown. Another nude-lined gown. This time, it was a strapless, fit-and-flare dress with horizontal stripes that are heavy at the waist/midriff and the knee and translucent everywhere else. This is a WOW of a gown! If she has something better than this saved for the Finals, I can't even imagine what that one could be...because this one is FLAWLESS.

Miss France Marie Payet: Marie chose a strapless chiffon gown with oversized silver paillette details. I think this is a very nice gown. It could work at an awards show red carpet and be quite on-trend appropriate for getting the Miss Universe crown; there's no HOOCHIE up-to-the-you-know-where SLIT, it's elegant, classic yet expensive-looking. Her side-swept hair style says "Rita Hayworth"...the French version.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo: Oh, what a surprise: another nude-lined gown! I think it is sexy, does not scream "Pageant Betty" and (Thank God) is not HOOCHIE (no overt cleavage and too-high slit). It looks modern and very Marchesa-ish. Also, this gown reminds me of the gown I designed for Ali Landry in 1996---yes, that was SIXTEEN YEARS AGO:

 Miss USA 1996 Ali Landry in NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul Custom Evening Gown--Miss USA 1997 Pageant--this gown caused a "escandalo" back then when the Costume Designer of the pageant DID NOT feel it was appropriate for Ali to wear this. She didn't listen to him, needless to say.

Miss Venezuela Irene Esser: Irene Esser--who happens to be LAST YEAR'S Miss Venezuela--decided to wear a simple deep violet-colored strapless fit-and-flare crepe gown for this year's "Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Portrait". I think this is very beautiful and well-made. The silver sequined/be-jeweled detail is exquisite and the gown fits her perfectly. Not sure of the deep red lipstick...but I think because she looks very much like "Miss USA" Olivia Culpo, her pageant directors want to make her "different from her" in some way. In terms of her evening gown, I am guessing that if she makes it to the Semi-Finals on December 19th and the final NBC live telecast, she'll be "busting out" with something different. I'd bet some money on it!

Miss Ethiopia Helen Getachew: I think that Helen is so exotically beautiful! She needs to be in Paris or Milan modeling. Like TOMORROW! I liker this choice of a copper-colored jersey gown with crystal accents and back straps for her Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Portrait. Helen looks like a model and NOT like a beauty pageant contestant; chic and very editorial.

Miss Tanzania Winfrida Dominic: First of all, just look at that doll-like gorgeous face! And I love the short, cropped hairstyle which really highlights THAT face. Now, the gown is FABULOUS! I think she looks "Las Vegas HOT" in this gold oversized paillettes over nude lining dress. It's very impacting and gets my attention as an "armchair judge", and in a good way. By the way, this same gown style was worn by the beautiful Miss New York USA Johanna Sambucini at this year's Miss USA 2012 pageant:

And back then, I deemed it one of my FAVORITES of the Miss USA 2012 Evening Gowns.

Miss Australia Renae Ayris: I like this gown for it's subtle elegance and shimmering simplicity. It is cut well, there's no too-high slit, it's a good length and the blush color looks fantastic against her skin and hair color. A very nice choice darling!

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus: At first glance, I was like "Ooooh GURL!", but then, after studying this gown, it was giving me a very "Elie Saab Haute Couture" vibe. In other words, I liked it and that is why she is in my "Best" category. This is an impacting gown that I can see Gabriela wearing on the Live Telecast Finals when she gets chosen as one of the Top girls.

Miss Chile Ana Luisa König: The first thing that I like about this gown is it's color--that peach/coral color in this crepe-back satin gown is striking. I also like the subtle gold trim detail at the midriff. This is very "Grecian Goddess" Lite.

 Miss Mexico Karina Gonzalez: I love the color, I love the cut, the delicately cascading bugle beads. It's a very nice gown. Nothing Earth-shaking in terms of design but it looks great on her. My only critique: lose the necklace. These girls and their over accessorizing! Ayyy Dios Mio!

Miss Haiti Christela Jacques: This is a very elegant column gown and looks fabulous on Christela. The beading looks intricate and expensive, the v-neckline is appropriate and not too plunging to distract the judges' eyes, and the fit is perfect. The only negative is that brooch/pin at the center front waist; it isn't necessary.

Miss Israel Lina Makhuli: I think this is a simply gorgeous gown. It's very Monique Lhuillier-like. It's got both "red carpet" drama but can double as a beautiful wedding gown as well! The godets throughout the gown add sweep to an otherwise fitted shape and the delicate shoulder details gives a bit of pretty interest to the "three-quarter" shot. A very pretty gown indeed.

Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker: I think this is a very interesting gown and a good choice for Nathalie. The silver sequin detail and cut-outs is very on-trend and takes this gown to a higher level. It also looks very "Miss Venezuela" expensive--as if one of those designers had created it. If I had any critiques, they would be two: the copper/nude coloring in the cut-out's does not match her skin and I just wonder if it's supposed to. If not, then it should have been a deeper stronger contrast to her actual skin color. Also, her "big hair" is one hair spray away from looking like a cast member from "Real Housewives of Orange County". Other than that, as a gown alone, it's a very impacting one.



Finally...

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Avionne Mark: Avionne wore a gold and ivory strapless column gown with asymmetrically-radiating panel details. This gown gets my attention and ends up on my "Good" list because the cut is nice, the silhouette is great and it's both elegant and red carpet ready. Very smart of her to choose a gown that shows off those amazingly toned arms and shoulders of hers. I would just get rid of the big ol' hoop earrings. So not necessary darling; the gold and ivory shimmery gown is enough of a statement. Keep the accessories to a minimum.




***Next Up: The PAGEANT BETTY'S of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits!!

NEW LATEST PENT COAT BOYS FASHION 2016

NEW LATEST PENT COAT BOYS FASHION 2016

          

     NEW LATEST PENT COAT DESIGN FOR YOUNG BOYS AND WEBSITE LINK BOYS FASHION NEW.NEW SUMMER PENT COAT AND PARTY WEAR PENT COAT DESIGN 2016.THIS ARTICLE IS THE SECOND MOST FAMOUS POST ON MY BLOG.LATEST PENT COAT DESIGN 2016 FOR YOUNG BOYS.THIS COLLECTION OF STYLISH PENT COAT STYLE 2016 IS COMPRISED OF ONLY SOME NEW PENT COAT 2016,BUT EACH PENT COAT IS ADORNED WITH UNIQUE NEW LATEST STYLE.STYLING IS WHISPERING FROM EACH LOOK OF THESE AWESOME PENT COAT 2016,2017 TO GRAB YOUR ATTENTION.NEW LATEST FASHION BRAND IS A FAMOUS LABEL OF NEW FASHION FOR BOYS PENT COAT.THERE ARE VERY GOOD RENOWNED FOR THEIR EASTERN PENT COAT FORM WESTERN DRESS.ON THIS SUMMER SEASON PENT COT BOUGH A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION THAT IS FEATURED WITH SUMMER DRESS FOR YOUNG BOYS.SUMMER PENT COAT DESIGN 2016 FOR YOUNG MEN FASHIONABLE DESIGN AND LUXURIOUS LOOK.
           

     STYLISH PENT COAT FOR YOUNG MEN 2016,2017 PENT COAT MAY BE A BASIC ACCENT OF BOYS.HAVE A LOOK AT  THIS DASHING PENT COAT NEW FASHION OF BOYS TAKEN FROM INDIA,USA,UK,AND PAKISTANI BEST FASHION FOR NEW YOUNG BOYS AND NEW TREND.

3     MEN PENT COAT DESIGN 2016 PROVIDE DESIGN OF LATEST PAKISTANI STYLISH PENT COAT FOR MEN.

     PENT COAT COLLECTION CONTAIN SOFT FABRIC AND DECENT EMBROIDERY PENT COAT BY NEW BRANDS.

      IN THIS MENSWEAR SUMMER,EID AND WEDDING COLLECTION YOU CAN SEE MODERN STITCHING PENT COAT.

   BEST SUMMER AND EID COLLECTION SUITS TRENDS 2016 ARE IMPECCABLE SUITS,ELEGANT PROM TUXEDOS AND CLASSIC PENT COAT.OBSERVE THIS DASHING GASP COAT STYLE OF YOUNG MEN TAKEN FROM INDIAN USA AND UK BEST INTERNET SHOPPING STORE I TRUST THAT YOU WILL LIKE IT      

Figure Skating Costume Minute--NHK Trophy 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--NHK Trophy 2012--Costume Recap of the MEN!

Konnichiwa Japan!

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012 (Japan)

This past weekend was the NHK Trophy 2012, the final of six ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions. I have been happily covering each and every event here on my blog. For my Skate America 2012 click HERE; Skate Canada International 2012 click HERE; Cup of China 2012 click HERE; Rostelecom Cup 2012 (Russia) click HERE; and Trophee Eric Bompard 2012 (France), click HERE. Now, we're in Japan for the NHK Trophy 2012, organized by the Japanese Skating Federation, and it took place in Sendai Japan. First, let's get started with the MEN'S Costumes. Since it was the final event (prior to the finals) I've discussed most all of the costumes already, but somehow...there were some boys I had not talked about...But first, can we TWALK...about that awfully TACKY NHK Trophy 2012

"Kiss & Cry" section?? PLEASE!



What. Is. With . All. The. Flowers????

Spain's Javier Fernandez at the "NHK Trophy 2012" Kiss & Cry area

Is this a tacky wedding photo session at your local mall, or a "Kiss & Cry" area of an international sporting competition?? The flowers SLAYED me. Seriously, I thought I was at a Quinceañera! Now, speaking of Javier... 

Javier Fernanadez of Spain: I wrote about Javier's Free Skate (as well as his Short Program) Costume HERE. Essentially, I liked this costume that he wore to "The Mask of Zorro" music. I thought it was a nice non-Period costume interpretation. Modern. Sleek. Me gusta!

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan in his Short Program Costume---and the Daisuke Fans at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Sendai Japan

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan: I have also discussed Daisuke's costumes for both his Short Program and Free Skate in the ISU Grand Prix 2012-2013 Series HERE  . I LOVED his Short Program red and black ensemble, which he skated to "Roll 'n' Roll Medley", "The Stroll", "Rudy's Rock". 

For his Free Skate to "Pagliacci", his costume was PERFECT! I said that it "was a very thought-out look and costume. Kudos to this modern, yet
still Figure Skating theatrical-perfect Pagliacci costume". Amen. And may I add, that at this weekend's "NHK Trophy 2012", Daisuke looked especially cute. Loved the "toned-down" hair, all semi slicked-backed and clean. Hottie McHottie, The Japan Edition.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Little--and very skinny--Yuzuru received the HIGHEST Short Program Score at "NHK Trophy 2012" this past weekend for his skate. Oh, and yes, he won the Gold Medal in the end. I have also discussed his costumes HERE. I liked both costumes--to his Short Program to "Parisienne Walkways" as well as his Free Skate, which he skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". And yes, Yuzuru had his slew of fans at in his hometown of Sendai as well:

Now, I'd like to discuss some MALE Skaters I haven't talked about yet...Costume-wise:

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Short Program to "Yablochko" (Russian sailor dance) by Reinhold Gliere, Sergei wore a "Russian Sailor Uniform" of a black and white striped long sleeved shirt and black pants. It makes sense that he would. Unfortunately (or fortunately), he looks like an add for a Jean Paul Gaultier perfume.

For his Free Skate Costume to Music from Romeo and Juliet by Nino Rota, Sergei wore a black lace three-quarter sleeve shirt and  black pants. It had elements of "Romance" and yet was very old-school 1980's figure  skating costume at the same time. I'm a little bit "on the fence" with this one--it might be the black gloves that are throwing me off...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: Andrei skated his Short Program to "Broken Sorrow" performed by Nuttin but Stringz and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. I liked this black and gold high-necked jacket ensemble. It was very Alexander McQueen--in terms of its styling, shape and detail.

Kevin Reynolds of Canada: Kevin skated his Short Program to "Chambermaid Swing" by Parov Stelar. I liked the purple shirt and sequin-studded double-breasted lapel on his vest. I also appreciated the crystal square buttons. And yes, the pinstripe pants were a great contrast. Overall, it was appropriate for the music and for him.

For his Free Skate to "Concerto No. 4 in E minor for Piano and Orchestra" by Andre Mathieu, Kevin, went a little on the "Costume Kooky" side with the gray, black and white ombre dyed shirt, the black vest with the detailed clasps, sequined-trimmed pants, and those white gloves. Something about it  all screamed "Not Working". And his pressed flat-iron hairstyle from 2009 did not help.

Adam Rippon of USA: He skated his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma", an aria from the famous opera "Turandot" . He wore this tie-dyed purple and pink shirt with black pant "costume". This ensemble seemed liked a "throw-away" figure skating look for him. I thought it wasn't particularly original, inspiring, especially after seeing what some of the other boys--especially the Japanese ones--wore for their programs/skates. Indecently, it was a COSTUME CHANGE from what he wore earlier to the same skate and music:

I liked this black and white costume look (above photo, from "Cup of China 2012") he wore for his Short Program to Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" much better.

Pant Change: For his Free Skate to Music from The Incredibles soundtrack by
Michael Giacchino, at NHK Trophy 2012 Adam also changed his costume--well, his pants. At
the Cup of China 2012, he wore gray pants (above)...

And for this most recent Grand Prix,  he wore black ones. Good choice Adam. I likeyyy the pant change.

Ross Miner of USA: Ross skated his Short Program to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninoff featuring the costume above. It was a bit "Captain Kirk of Star Trek" but I liked the color blocking. Very 2012-2013 Fashion Trend for sure!

For his Free Skate to "Captain Blood" by Erich Korngold, he wore a Cabernet red top with a convertible collar, V-neck and sequins and yes, those ubiquitous male figure skater BLACK PANTS--and (Mon Dieu!) a belt! And it wasn't just any "Ross Dress For Less" belt (which, I am not a fan) but a big ol' gold buckled belt! I like everything...and if he had to wear a belt, a least it was interesting and added to the costume theme. Most of all, I am soooo jealous of his 22-inch waist! (I mean, really, look at him in that above pic!). Just in case you are wondering, both his costumes were designed by Chase Tyler, The Work Room Productions.

Top Three Men: (left to right) Silver medalist Daisuke Takahashi of Japan, Gold Medalist Yuzuru Hanyu
of Japan and Bronze Medalist Ross Miner of the United States, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy 2012, Sekisui Heim
Super Arena, Rifu, Japan. 

***Up Next: The Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance Costume Recaps and Highlights of NHK Trophy 2012 ! Stay Tuned!