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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!!!

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012 Finals, The Winner, Evening Gowns and the Contestant who SHOVED (VIDEO!)

And The New Miss World Is...

The Prettiest Woman in the World: Miss World 2012, Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia

This past weekend--on Saturday April 18th--the finals of the 62nd annual Miss World pageant took place. They were held in Ordos Inner Mongolia China. 116 contestants from all over the world competed and the final winner was crowned: Miss China P.R. Yu Wenxia (or Wen Xia Yu), who hails from Liaoning. She's 23 years old, stands 1.78 m tall (approximately 5' 10") and according to her bio, is an aspiring music teacher.

Incidentally, Yu Wenxia (above) also won the Miss World Talent Award--beating out the favorite Miss Philippines Queenierich Rehman who did beatboxing(!) as her talent. The new Miss World will now spend her year working for charitable causes, fulfilling her duties traveling around the Globe racking up her frequent flyer miles, and yes, looking GORGEOUS.

Crowning Moment: Miss World 2011 Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos, crowns the new Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China, while First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), look on, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Arena Ordos Inner Mongolia China

As always, there's been a great Web-o-sphere debate, discussing whether or not she had a "home field" advantage and if she was the "best" or prettiest one of the bunch . Early favorites were Miss Mexico, Miss India and Miss South Sudan--who eventually took the Miss World Top Model 2012 consolation prize (more on that, further in this post).

Miss World 2012 stage with contestants in evening gowns, Dongsheng Ordos Stadium Area, Ordos Inner Mongolia China

A lot of pageant followers (Missosologists as they are called), say that it was "fixed"--the pageant was in China, and the Ordos Inner Mongolia China organizers spent A TON (billions of dollars at some estimates) to have the international pageant in their city--so the rumor is that basically this was a "gift" to the country, the government and the Ordos city organizers. Next year, the Miss World will take place in Bali Indonesia by the way. And we still do not know where this year's Miss Universe will be.

Miss World 2012 Opening Number--tribute to Inner Mongolian culture

The Production: Speaking of Miss Universe, the Miss World pageant--in terms of the two-hour final telecast on Saturday which was televised in the US on E! Entertainment at 8 a.m.(!) on Saturday--was a little boring for me. It lacked the excitement, "spark" and nail-biting "I-Can't-Wait-To-See-Who-Will-Win" finale. They really need some updating in terms of production and well, getting into the 21st Century in terms of putting on a show like this. The Miss Universe Org. has them beat on this one.

Confetti Queen: Miss World, Yu Wenxia of China (Center) waves as First Runner Up, Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) and Second Runner
Up, Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (R), pose perfectly

Now, back to the Winner: I think Yu Wenxia, Miss China P.R. was beautiful and deserved to win. She immediately caught my attention after she modeled in the 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show for the Top Model Competition last week.

The future Miss World 2012, Yu Wenxia in 1436 Erdos by Graeme Black Fashion Show, Top Model Miss World 2012 Competition

She looked breathtakingly gorgeous in a halter color-blocked maxi dress with her side-slicked hair style and clean model makeup. I remember thinking to myself "there's your winner!"

My "Surprise" Omissions, Continental Queens of Beauties, and the Evening Gowns:

Left to right: Miss Ukraine Karina Zhyronkina and Miss Equatorial Guinea Jennifer Riveiro Ilende

Some surprise omissions from the Top 15 Semifinalists
for me were Miss Ukraine, Miss Equatorial Guinea, Miss Colombia and Miss
Venezuela. Ukraine and Equatorial Guinea (above) had two of the most BEAUTIFUL faces among the 116 contestants and...

Left to right: Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay and Miss Venezuela Gabriella Ferrari

Colombia and Venezuela were "Pageant Perfect" according to many pageant followers and some even thought Miss Colombia was a strong favorite to actually win. I loved Colombia's royal purple-colored strapless fitted-to-mermaid shaped satin gown with crystal underbust detail designed by Sergio Perez (top left). It fit her PERFECTLY and looked expensive and very well made.

I also liked Venezuela's ivory with gold gown. It featured a completely sequined torso that then "exploded" into a feathered mermaid bottom. It was designed by Miss Venezuela Pageant Designer King, Gionni Straccia. As always, Venezuela ALWAYS brings on the Pageant Gown COUTURE when it comes to their international beauty ambassadors.

Continental Queens--(Left to right) AFRICA: Miss South Sudan Atong Demach; EUROPE: Miss Wales Sophie Moulds; Miss World 2012; CARIBBEAN: Miss Jamaica Deanna Robbins; AMERICAS: Miss Brazil Mariana Notarangelo

The Good Gowns:

Ivian Sarcos Miss World 2011 from Venezuela wore a UBER fitted (she could barely walk, bless her heart!) mermaid sequined lace applique embroidered ivory gown designed by Venezuelan designer Hugo Espina. She looked SUPERHUMAN and taller than anyone within 100 feet of her! Incredible. Gown Score: 9.9

Miss China P.R.: The eventual Miss World wore a Cobalt Blue beaded fit-and-flare gown with a satin bow at the waist and shoulder covering detail. It was a very "Pageant Safe" gown--there was no HOOCHIE slit (thank goodness!) , no crazy "She Looks Like Big Bird from Sesame Street" silhouette, nor did she choose a gown that looked too costume-y. Score: 8.9

India and Mexico: Semifinalists Miss India Vanya Mishra and Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen wore two of the most outstanding evening gowns in Saturday night's pageant.

Miss India's was a gold with black concoction that was fitted at the torso then merged with a blush-colored flowy long skirt. Score: 8.9

Miss Mexico's gown was Sofia Vergara Va-Va Boom WOW! She really looked perfect from head to toe and almost competed with last year's Miss World (in that mermaid-shaped white gown) in the "Who Stands Out More On Stage" top prize. I think it's a tie! Score for Miss Mexico's Gown: 10

Wales and Australia

Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (L) was the First Runner Up (and yes, in case nude photos of Miss China P.R. are discovered...she will be the new Miss World). Sophie wore a baby blue gown that was (again) fitted at the torso and past the hips and then exploded into a multi-tiered ruffled bottom half. There was a cute bow at the center front bust topping it all off. It was sweet, appropriate but lacked drama and the "Wow" factor shown by Mexico's gown, for example. It was fives steps from being too "Prom". Score: 8.4

Miss Australia Jennifer Kahawaty's (R) gown was great! Loved the deep purple color, it looked great against her olive skin, dark hair and exotic looks...

The gown was created by Melbourne Australia fashion house Belluccio. They're known for outfitting top pageant girls Down Under and are famous for their applique-filled, Swarovski-encrusted gowns. Jennifer's had intricate embroidery woven into the bust and high-hips, gathered cinched waist and gathered chiffon full skirt with a "hidden" slit. Score: 9.5

Miss South Sudan Atong Demach won the Top Model Award and was a favorite to win. Unfortunately, at the Finals on Saturday Night, she wore a not-so-high fashion canary yellow taffeta high-low gown that looked too "1986 Pageant Betty". It looked like a dress one finds in any Prom/Pageant boutique from here to Poughkeepsie:

I would have preferred to have seen her a FIERCE gown that had references to a Givenchy/McQueen runway knockoff. Something like what Miss Naomi Campbell wore at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. A boy can only wish...

Speaking of Not The Best of Gowns...

Miss Hungary and Miss Netherlands: Miss Hungary Tamara Cserhati's (L) gown--so sweet and perfect for my 14 year old niece. And Miss Netherlands Nathalie den Dekker's (R) gown-- a complete WASTE of white tulle; a Tutu NOT!

Miss Portugal and Miss Thailand: Mother of the Bride (Miss Portugal Melanie Vicente--L) meet the Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca (Miss Thailand Vanessa Herrmann--R)

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Helene-Valerie Djouka (far left): the National Parade of Nations called and they want their costume back; Miss Finland Sabrina Sarkka (in pink) is Barbie on a Budget; and Miss Guadeloupe Brigitte Golabkan (in blue) is just a Can-Can Hot Mess. What do these girls think? Where are their Gay Best Friends? Do they not read Vogue? Or see the Awards Red Carpet shows or watch me on the after-the-awards red carpet shows? It frustrates me to no end...

And before I forget--The PUSHY Beauty Queen:

Bi*** MOVE!!!! Miss Malawi shoves Miss New Zealand out of the way

There was a "Mini Pageant ESCANDALO" in the beginning of Saturday's Miss World Finals (it wouldn't be a beauty pageant without a little bit of a scandal)--As the 116 contestants from all over the world were being introduced--one by one--a pesky and PUSHY Miss Malawi Susan Mtegha (above right) SHOVED poor Miss New Zealand Collette Lochore out of the way so she could get her "2 seconds of camera-time fame" (it seems Miss New Zealand was on the wrong mark or was taking a second too long holding her pose). In case you missed it, someone captured it on YouTube for our enjoyment (and discomfort):

Miss New Zealand Gets Pushed by Miss Malawi at Miss World 2012 Finals--Watch the Video Below: