CONCRETE RUNWAY

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 5

So the challenge this week had the designers in Central Park. While there, they had to find someone in the part and use them as a muse, making an outfit inspired by them. But wait, there’s more. The designers had to convince (and usually pay) these people to give them their clothes. This resulted in a hot guy getting shirtless and subsequently flirting with Kara and an even hotter guy named Diego (who was already shirtless) give Anthony his jean short and Austin his number. So after that nonsense fiasco, what money they didn’t throw in the air and let the people of Central Park con them out of was used to buy fabric. The rule was, they had to use at least 50% of the clothes they took from other people. Yada yada, Kara bummed money off of the others, Kenley basically made Kara’s pants (which is kinda unfair), and I’m constantly distracted by Rami’s great ass. The episode’s main “drama” was that Anthony had all of these clothes, and no design to present. Also, he realized Kenley is annoying…..what’s new?!

Winner: Mondo Guerra

It was down to Mondo and Austin which was a hard choice. I agree with the judges though for the simple fact, the detail and craftsmanship that Mondo put into making the jacket was amazing! Finally, the Mondo I love is rearing his head.

Loser: Anthony Williams

His was actually one of my favorite designs this episode but it wasn’t the design that got him eliminated, it was the fact he didn’t use half of his fabrics and his garment didn’t look inspired by his muse. Sad to see him go.

Favorites:
Aside from Mondo and Anthony, I also loved-

Austin Scarlett. The runner up. Love this. The left shoulder, I agree with the judges, is a little overworked but I still love this outfit. His is the most inspired by his muse.

Rami Kashou. Loved this look. Judges loved this look. Some of them hated the top’s fabric choice though and they hated the hat. I love the addition of the hat. It’s a cute hat and it added a needed pop of color to the outfit.

Michael Costello. This was actually in the bottom 3 (along with Jerell’s absolutely atrocious hodge podge acid trip tribal African safari disaster) but I like this outfit. On the technical side, the top is ill fitting and the masquerade that these are shorts, not a bathing suit is ridiculous. On the design side, the challenge called for something wearable….which this isn’t. But I like the direction he was going in. It reminds me of an outfit Michael Kors showed last spring. Side note, who else is getting really fed up with Michael’s lack of confidence?

Well, I don’t know if the show will be entertaining since Anthony (the only person giving this show life) is axed. Only time will tell and I’ll keep you updated.

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 4

This week each all-star chose a gelato flavor and they had to design a tasteful dress based on that flavor. The twist? They had to do it in 6 hours. Diane Von Furstenberg was the guest judge, along with Miranda Kerr (who would wear the winners dress).

Winner: Michael Costello

I like the dress but I thought it was just OK, nothing new or innovative. I felt like I’ve seen this dress before. Not a huge fan of the color as well. I’m also not a huge fan of a front slit.

Loser: April Johnston

This one saddened me because April has always been one of my favorites and I felt she was unfairly sent home seeing as her dress wasn’t as bad as some of the others. This is actually one of my favorites. I agree the bodice isn’t constructed the best and the back was too short but otherwise, it’s a good dress.

Favorites: Aside from April’s, here’s some more of my favorite looks.

Anthony Williams. I never saw his season but from what he’s done thus far, I really like his stuff. The judges didn’t like the top half of the dress or the back but I liked this dress. I agree that the first ruffle does make it look messy but otherwise, I like the design.

Austin Scarlett. The dress is pretty, safe, expected, but still on the better half of the dresses.

Jerell Scott. I love this look! She looks like a gorgeous Rodarte/ Ke$ha warrior. Even Diane liked this look. This is the first time EVER I’ve liked something he’s done.

Rami Kashou. Initially I thought it looked messy and thrown together but when you really look at it, the placement of the fabrics are very deliberate and chic and very Rodarte.

Mondo Guerra. I liked the look and the unexpected use of fabrics but I agree with Anthony when he said “Mondo’s making a caftan. It’s cute but I made one in college!” I keep expecting the amazing things he did on his season and keep coming back disappointed.

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 3

This weeks challenge was to design a cocktail look for one of fashions most influential people. If you’re like me, your mind was racing. Victoria Beckham? Daphne Guinness? Anna Dello Russo? Lady Gaga? No. Miss Piggy. Throughout the episode, everyone (especially Austin) acted like they were making a dress for Anna Wintour, perish the thought. It’s a fucking felt pig! They all ran around finding fabrics that complemented Piggy’s pink hue and Michael even asked her out. I found it a bit cliche that many people chose to put her in pink though. The winning dress was to be worn by Piggy in The Muppet Movie.

Winner: Michael Costello

I really love this dress! I hate the headpiece though. It looks like a reject model for a planetarium located across the street from the Bath Haus of Gaga. I love the pattern of the dress and the looped detail on the front.

Loser: Gordana Gehlhausen

I didn’t see her season but this season, she did not impress me one bit. This dress is really cute BUT as the judges said, it’s not something Miss Piggy would wear. I like the sheer flowiness of it (HATE the color) and the underarm chain detail.

Favorites: Aside from Michael’s, I liked

Anthony Williams. I really really really liked this dress and I was surprised it wasn’t in the Top 3 but I guess at this point, feathers have become fashion clique. (I’m one to talk as my latest collection has feathers in it) I loved the juxtaposition of feathers and sheer stripes.

April Johnson. See, another feather dress that made it by as safe. I like this dress but I think there’s something a little bit off about the cut.

Jerell Scott and Kara Janx. Didn’t love these. Didn’t hate these. I thought they were OK but I included them because they were still on the higher scored dresses for me.

Project Runway All-Stars Episode 2

   The challenge for this episode was a Night at the Opera, guest judged by the designers of Badgley Mischka. Nothing super interesting happened. Kara was a panicking mess, Austin was in his classic couture chiffon element, April is doing edgy, and Sweet P and Gordana made ugly dresses. The usual.

Winner: Austin Scarlett

I liked Austin’s dress. I like the gold sheath and the black tulle but I don’t know if it was the best look. For me, it looked a bit dated, like an original Balenciaga dress worn by Marlene Dietrich.

Loser: Sweet P

I agree this was the worst dress. It looked more like a tacky picnic summer dress or a vintage bathing suit with a floral print sarong. Did not like this one bit!

Favorites: Aside, from Austin’s, I also liked-

Anthony Williams. I feel like he should have won. His design was clean, sophisticated, and sexy. They said his styling was off, but I really like the way he styled it.

Michael Costello. I REALLY loved this dress! it mixed my 3 favorite things- black, feathers, and draping. The back is exquisite as well.

I also enjoyed Mondo’s (it was just a little been there seen that on Grace Kelly), Rami’s (hated the bottom though), and Mila’s (wasn’t the right dress for the opera)

Stay Tuned for Episode 3…..