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Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 12 (Finale)

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After 11 weeks of outlandish outfits from pseudo-All Stars, countless monotone introductions from robo-Angela, spot-on critiques from Georgina, general unbearableness from Isaac, and workroom gems from Joanna, we finally came to the end of the proverbial runway with last night’s Project Runway All-Stars finale. I enjoyed this season in the beginning, but in recent weeks, my enthusiasm has dwindled considerably. I had a hard time rooting for any of these folks (I kept thinking about who I would have cast instead), and the absence of Nina/Michael/Tim/Frau Klum grew increasingly glaring as the weeks dragged on. And, as I said back in Episode 1, this season seemed tailor-made (heh! fashion puns!) for Mondo to win, so it was a predictable and anticlimactic finale. Now that it’s all over, I can wholeheartedly say: Bring on Season 10.

But before we get to that, here’s what I thought of last night’s three collections.

Austin

I agreed with Tommy Hilfiger, who pointed out that half of Austin’s collection was quite rock and roll (with the leather, bright fabrics, etc.), while the other half was composed of frilly, puffy gowns. It was a jarring combination and – while I’m certain Mondo was always preordained to win this thing – I’d guess it hurt any chance Austin had of taking home the top prize.

(All photos via Lifetime)

  • Look 1: The crazy pants and black glitter jacket were a little too avant-garde for me (and dare I say a little too Jetsons-inspired?). Both the pink fabric and the jacket looked oddly wrinkled and sloppy. And what girl wants to look like she has HUGE hips??
  • Look 2: I liked the black dress with the lace top, minus the one weird hip protrusion. This was a dress I could picture real people wearing, though it was a shade boring.
  • Look 3: Overall, I liked the combination of the pink v-neck blouse with the black leather skirt. In a way, this was my favorite piece of Austin’s, primarily because it was something I could envision wearing in my everyday life, perhaps to work (of course, that means it was not exactly high fashion). The little pads/ruffles on the shoulders were a fun touch, but the top looked wrinkly, like he was rushing to finish this piece.

  • Look 4: I found the fabric on Austin’s big statement dress quite off-putting and tacky. Also, the dress was just a HUGE blob of material. It looked cumbersome and heavy to me; I usually expect Austin to be whimsical and light with his gowns.
  • Look 5: I’ll admit that I kind of liked the black leather jumpsuit, though it was probably too Catwoman-esque. Also, this piece didn’t seem to fit tonally with the rest of Austin’s collection. It stuck out, but not in a good way.
  • Look 6: I was not a fan of Austin’s BIG white wedding dress. On the top, it was very Madonna, circa Like a Virgin, with the black gloves and white ruffles. I agreed with Tommy Hilfiger again – this didn’t belong in the collection. And, for once, I disagreed with Georgina – I could NOT see a million women wanting to get married in this.

Mondo

I liked this collection a lot, and I too would have given Mondo the win (despite his outlandish, annoying behavior last week). What I loved about this was that Mondo stayed true to himself. All the quirky details he included were just so him (and so delightful).

  • Look 1: Mondo’s first look out the gate was strong, and I particularly loved the blouse – so fun! I was less a fan of the skirt. Does it look like it’s made of duct tape to anyone else?
  • Look 2: I adored this simple polka dot dress. What got me here were the exaggerated, whimsical details – the big pockets, the collar, and the gigantic buttons. They made the piece quirky and interesting.
  • Look 3: The silver tunic top and weird black leggings were Mondo’s big misstep. The top was just hanging there; it wasn’t anything special. And black leggings with weird pieces cut out of them? Gross.

  • Look 4: This was another favorite of mine. At first, I was ambivalent about the little peek of red, but ultimately I decided I appreciated it as yet another quirky Mondo-detail. The pants were tailored insanely well. So beautiful. This piece looked intricate and complicated, and I like that.
  • Look 5: I thought the peek of red worked even better with this dress. The print was also quite interesting here. Did one of the judges say Mondo created this print himself? If so, wow. That makes this even more impressive.
  • Look 6: I liked the long, flowy dress Mondo ended with, but it didn’t mesh that well with his other looks. The fabric was slightly crazy (and maybe borderline disco), but I loved how beautifully the dress flowed. I also loved the little peek of white lining. Very cool.

Michael

I enjoyed Michael’s collection, mostly because I personally think the flowy, funky, resort-wear stuff is fun (that’s why I always loved Season 3′s Uli. Remember her?). That said, there wasn’t anything particularly innovative about this. It was supremely wearable (particularly if you are weekend-ing in Miami Beach or something. Not that I’ve ever done that), but it didn’t seem like a show-stopping, finale-worthy collection.

  • Look 1: I loved the tan/gold jumpsuit Michael opened his show with – fun, perfect beach wear. The accessorizing bothered me though; he overdid it with the necklaces and they detracted from the overall appeal of the garment.
  • Look 2: Michael’s zebra print dress just looked like a normal dress to me – not particularly interesting. Also, this was maybe a little too tight/trashy.
  • Look 3: The shape and fabric choice here were cool, though I didn’t care for the slight puff at the hips. Why do these designers always do stuff like that? It’s not flattering! In any case, this dress was too simple. It was nice, but I wasn’t blown away.

  • Look 4: I loved Michael’s short jumpsuit – it was perhaps my favorite look of his. The fabric choice was excellent, it moved well, and it screamed summertime to me.
  • Look 5: I liked Michael’s long zebra-print jumpsuit, but the odd thing was, for being zebra-print, it wasn’t that interesting. You would think such a loud pattern would make for a more powerful look, but something about this fell flat for me.
  • Look 6: I enjoyed Michael’s signature Grecian draping, though it’s not exactly stretching himself. I also found it odd that this was the one non-printed look. And I HATED the black vest he put over the dress. When the model was actually wearing the vest, this look did not work for me.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • Does Angela’s over-pronunciation of “embroidery” bother anyone else? It’s in the intro they play every single week and it drives me insane. Also, when she was introducing the designers’ runway collections, she sounded like she was putting on a Madonna-faux-British accent. I mean, who knew I could miss Heidi Klum so much?
  • I loved Joanna lint-brushing Mondo. He, however, didn’t love it so much: “It’s a little uncomfortable. It’s like your aunt rolling you down.” Come on, Mondo. That was precious.
  • Nina Garcia was in the house! Man, I miss her. And then they showed a Tim Gunn season 10 promo! I don’t know if it was smart for the producers to repeatedly remind us how much we were missing these guys.
  • When Michael said “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry” after the runway show, it seemed so fake to me, almost like he was willing himself to squeeze out a tear. Odd.
  • On the runway for their final critiques, was Austin wearing a hot pink mesh scarf? If so…fabulous. He’s just the best.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “Does Liza Minelli know you went through her wardrobe?” (Mondo, on Austin’s outfit. Priceless.)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10, and Episode 11.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 11

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(Image via MyLifetime.com)

On last night’s Project Runway, the final three designers learned that their last challenge would be to put five looks together in four days. I was extremely confused by this – at this point in the competition, the designers are typically sent home, getting several months to work on their collections before showing at New York Fashion Week. But with this turn of events, it doesn’t look like the designers will get to show at Fashion Week – nor will they have the time and the budget to create truly “wow” looks. I suppose a lackluster final challenge is roughly on par with this lackluster season, but I was seriously bummed by this turn of events.

Also in typical Project Runway fashion, there was a “surprise” last-minute addition to the challenge, which of course was not a “surprise” at all because the producers insist upon doing it every season. Robo-Joanna informed the designers they would have to create a sixth look out of old scraps from past challenges. The use of old materials seemed like a crazy requirement – the judges always complain when final collections aren’t “cohesive,” so why force the designers to work with fabrics that potentially don’t fit with the collections they had already conceptualized and begun developing? Yet another head-scratching element of Project Runway All-Stars.

Since the final runway show won’t be until next week, I can offer no fashion commentary and critique here (which is a shame, really, because that’s pretty much the reason I started recapping the show). In any case, here are a few more scattered observations:

  • Austin’s mustache is gone! Hurray! All is right with the world again.
  • When the designers went to the Marie Claire office for their consultations/pep talk session, Joanna’s yellow dress was fabulous.
  • Is it just me, or does Mondo complain every single week that he’s “not feeling it” and “not inspired”? It almost seems like part of his process at this point – complain about how horribly he’s doing, and then ultimately create the winning look. This week, however, he took it to new extremes – he wasted his entire first day “lounging around the workroom” (in his own words). He came off like a huge jerk this episode, and I’m finding myself rooting against him.
  • How much do the models really matter? The designers always make a big deal out of selecting them, and this episode’s model casting was no exception (leading to a mini-catfight between Austin and Mondo). In a sense I understand it, but I also know that in all my years of watching Project Runway, I can’t remember ever noticing a model. It’s a fashion competition, and I’m always focused on the clothes.
  • I loved having Anthony back, as Austin’s temporary “helper” this episode. He’s solid as a designer, but more importantly, he’s a comedic-quote-generating-machine. What a gem.
  • Michael described his collection’s aesthetic as an “African safari.” Does anyone remember (the far-superior) Michael Knight from Season 3? He also described his final collection in similar terms and the judges hated it. I’m just sayin’…

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “He went from Errol Flynn to Kermit the Frog” (Mondo on Austin, post-mustache shaving)
  • “I love Austin and I hope he does well. But I think Austin’s collection most definitely requires the hands of Anthony L. Williams.” (Anthony on Austin. Welcome back, Anthony. I missed your utter fabulosity. Also, this line was not particularly bitchy; mostly I just wanted to quote Anthony.)

What did you think of the final challenge? Are you rooting for any of the designers, or are you simply ready for “All-Stars” to be over?

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 10

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Last night’s challenge on Project Runway wasn’t the most riveting or creatively stimulating, but I appreciated that the challenge brought a dose of the realities of fashion to the workroom. The designers had to work within a tight budget and create a garment with a specific price point for designer Nanette Lepore to sell. The designers sketched their looks and then worked with a “coster,” who appraised their designs and gave them a (tiny!) fabric budget. Though I love all the whimsical and over-the-top designs that contestants have created over the years on PR, it was nice to see them thinking about what folks would actually buy for a change.

This episode was the final round before Fashion Week, and the designers rose to the occasion and brought their A-games (as they should for the penultimate challenge). Though I divided them into a top two and bottom two, overall, I liked all four looks this week.

My Top Two:

  • Mondo: Yeah, this was just a simple shift, but I adored the combo of patterns (Mondo has a great eye!), and I loved the little line of ruffle detailing near the bottom of the dres. Now that was a cool touch. Though this look was, as robo-Joanna said, boxy, I forgive that because I loved the patterns so much.
  • Kenley: I also adored the peacock pattern Kenley used, and the dress she created does look quite flattering on her model. The challenge was to design something “women across the country” could buy, and I think Kenley did just that. Was this look a stretch for her? Nope, not even close. But it was a nice dress. Begrudgingly, however, I must agree with Isaac, who offered this assessment:  “It’s a good dress, except I kept waiting for it to change into something more inspired on the runway.” Yep.

My Bottom Two:

  • Austin: Austin’s coat was somewhat of a bulky blob, and I think I would’ve sent him home over Kenley. The coat did, however, have a fun flounce at the bottom and certainly moved well. When the model was just standing there, I didn’t like the look, but when she was walking, it was quite lovely.
  • Michael: I LOVED the pattern Michael chose, but I didn’t think there was enough design to this dress. It was just a long, straight piece of fabric, with a little gathering in the middle. I liked it, but I didn’t think it was anything revolutionary. Also, I didn’t notice this until the judges pointed it out, but the dress was too long.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • Is Kenley really this awful in real life? I can never decide if the editors are just playing up her awfulness or if…she’s just plain awful. Because, seriously, how can someone lack all self-awareness about how she comes off on camera?
  • Quote from Michael: “I’m making a kaftan. But this is more like a gay-dress-kaftan.” Ummm, what?
  • Poor Mondo and his utter inability to sketch made me laugh: “When I’m given time to sketch, I usually just draw hearts and stars, like an 8-year-old.”
  • Nanette Lepore was kind of scary, and apparently doesn’t believe in smiling. Austin called her “direct, no nonsense, to the point,” which I think is code for “cold-hearted and evil.” In all seriousness, though, she made valid points during her critiques. I just would have been semi-terrified of her if I were a designer.
  • Joanna’s obsession with women being able to wear a bra rears its head again! Though I find it amusing to hear her go on about this, she’s actually spot-on. I like when designers make things that “real” people can wear, as opposed to just models. Which segues into my next point quite nicely…
  • Austin said, “It’s just really hard to wear Michael’s clothes unless you’re a model.” I would argue that’s true for mostof the designers. Nonetheless, that was an astute observation.
  • In general, I loved, loved, loved the fabrics the designers used this week. Three cheers, Nanette Lepore, for having all that gorgeousness in your fabric room.
  • About his own dress, Mondo said, “You see those pit bull dogs that are so ugly, but they’re so ugly that they’re cute. That’s what my dress is.” I agreed with that – there was something odd about his dress, but it was so wrong, it was right.
  • What’s up with Austin’s mustache? Does he, like, pencil it in at times? I swear that in his interviews, it’s really light – almost to the point where I find myself thinking he got rid of it. Then, in the workroom, it looks dark and I’m reminded of how creepy it looks. Has anyone else noticed this?
  • I loved that Nanette pointed out Kenley wouldn’t take advice and listen to criticism. Thank goodness a judge (albeit a guest judge) finally called her on that nonsense.
  • I know the show has to include it because L’Oreal gives them cash money, but seriously, I could do without the weekly “let’s tell the hairstylist what kind of hair and makeup we want” session. It’s tedious and doesn’t add much to the proceedings.
  • Did I hear Michael give the instruction, “like the male Snooki” to his hairstylist? If so, I must ask – why, God, why?!?
  • During the show, there was a short ad where Heidi encouraged people to apply for season 10 of the show. Frau Klum!! I have missed you so. Thank goodness for the return of the “real” Project Runway next season. I’m about done with this all-stars nonsense.

Bitchy Line of the Night:

  • “Michael’s dress was just very…inappropriate. Also, I feel like I have seen that dress sort of on 14th street, in a bargain basement shop.” (Austin on Michael’s look)

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 8

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On this week’s Project Runway, the designers and robo-Joanna took a little field trip to the United Nations, where Joanna tasked the alleged all-stars with creating a look based on world flags. Did anyone else find this challenge odd? I mean, I’m fairly certain these designers cannot identify most world countries on a map. And, more to the point, it seemed like a fairly lame source of inspiration.

Anyway, all that aside, here’s what I thought of this week’s designs.

My Top Three:

  • Mondo: I liked this dress a lot, and I thought his challenge win was quite well-deserved. I loved how stark black the dress was from the front, and I thought the green and yellow chevron stripe in the back was a fun surprise. Isaac, however, didn’t like the pop of color. To that, I say, pipe down Isaac (I’m finding him increasingly grating).
  • Kenley: How fun! I adore the contrasting fabrics (what an unexpected combination) and the ruffle. I thought this was somewhat less 50s-ish than her typical looks, so it was a nice change of pace for her.
  • Mila: This was very simple, but I actually liked it. I loved how bold and striking it was. Yes, the mismatched lengths were odd, and yes the yellow strip down the front was strange. And, yes, I did think that if you just cut the bottom off altogether, it would have been better. Still, I thought this was original and more fashion-y (technical term) compared to the others, and I definitely didn’t think it was worthy of being sent home (that honor should have gone to Jerell!). Also, Isaac said he got “Communism” from this dress, and then clarified to say he just meant “Russian.” Uhhhh, those are two different things, buddy, if you want to get technical about it.

My Bottom Three:

  • Austin: I liked this dress, though it was pretty basic. My main problem with it was that it simply wasn’t anything special – it didn’t go above and beyond. I also thought the fabrics looked cheap, and the presentation was sloppy. Unlike the judges, however, I did like the color combo. Any proud Wolverine loves a good maize and blue color palette when she sees one!
  • Jerell: This was downright tacky. I might have liked the dress on its own, but with the fabric explosion atop it, the look just did not work. Georgina said the piece needed editing, and I definitely agree with that.
  • Michael: Ugh, I HATE the gigantic big blue bow on the sleeve. I also thought the back of the dress looked too baggy, like someone could easily sneak a peek down the back of it (scandalous!). This dress looked so promising in the work room,but it didn’t really pan out.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • The episode opened with Austin and Kenley talking about there being a “lack of inspiration” with Kara out of the competition. Um, what? Maybe season two Kara, but not this season’s Kara, who bumbled her way through every single challenge.
  • When Joanna walked into the workroom, she said, “This is the most talented room in the history of Project Runway.” Again, I say – um, what? Most of these people are clowns. Give me Season 3 or 4 any day!
  • One remark Joanna made that I loved: “Let me ask you a question designers hate….How do you wear a bra with this?” I always wonder about this – sometimes the designs on this show are so impractical!
  • Mila complained about Kenley always doing the same 1950s silhouette (which is a valid criticism), but maybe someone who always does black and white color blocking shouldn’t whine about repetitive design.
  • On the runway, Joanna delivered the usual spiel, but added a little twist: “One day you’re in and the next you’re out. That’s never been more true than on All-Stars.” What? How so? The eliminations here work the same as any other season. Joanna brings the pretty, but not so much the words.
  • This week’s guest judge was Catherine Malandrino. I love her! She was on one of the early seasons (season 3?) and all I remember is finding it hilarious to hear her say “hideous” in her thick French accent (eeeee-deee-ousss).

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “I’ve never seen a polka dot flag before, but I guess the State of Kenley Collins has polka dot flags.” (Michael, on Kenley’s fabric choice)
  • “Is this India? I have to say it looks a little bit like a national costume…It looks like one of those dolls you might buy at the tourist office when you’re leaving Delhi.” (Joanna to Jerell)
  • “All she needs now is a crown and she could possibly win Miss World 2011.” (Mondo on Michael’s dress)
  • “I love Jerell, but I really think the outfit…it was one of the most vulgar, tasteless, hideous things I’ve ever seen in my life.” (Austin on Jerell’s dress. Ouch.)
  • “I think that bow would look better on a Christmas present.” (What??? Robo-Joanna comes alive with a rare dash of wit!)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episdoe 6, and Episode 7.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 6

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For this week’s challenge, robot-Angela announced that the designers would have to create a “weekend getaway look” inspired by one of the four seasons. The designers were pitted against each other, meaning there would be one winner and one loser from each season. I enjoy when reality shows do side-by-side competition like this – not only does it ensure additional drama amongst the designers, but it’s also easier to assess the designers’ looks when compared right next to each other.

However, tonight, this formula produced the most upsetting result of the season, as Jerell won (whaaat?) and Rami got sent home (WHAAAAAAT?). Clearly, my prediction of a Mondo/Rami finale showdown was a bit misguided. Seriously, though, I’m bitter about this – and I think it’s a good argument for why the judges should consider a designer’s entire body of work over the season when they make an elimination (which they always say they don’t). Rami created some amazing garments this season; it’s a shame he’s gone so early.

Rather than going with my usual Top Three/Bottom Three this week, I thought I’d follow the lead of the show and compare the designers side-by-side. Here’s what I thought:

Kara vs. Austin:

  • My Winner: Kara. I like the flowy-ness of the outfit, and she did some nice color blocking – love the brightness of the top paired with neutral white and grey. Yes, it’s terribly simple and not very innovative, but especially compared to Austin’s look, this one wins.
  • My Loser: Austin. This is way too matronly – I agreed with Isaac when he said the model looked like a “bore” and with Angela when she said the model was “like a small town girl going to church.” I didn’t, however, agree with Isaac when he praised the pants (even going as far as calling them the best thing in the show!). I mean, really? These are definitely LL Bean pants; they are unflattering and frumpy.
  • Judge’s Verdict: Kara wins, though the judges said it was a close call.

Kenley vs. Mondo:

  • My Winner: Kenley. This is cute, but – as with Kenley every week – not quite out of her comfort zone. Still, I always find Kenley’s outfits so fun that I’m willing to give her a pass (though, I sense, the judges won’t be so willing for much longer). This was, admittedly, a simple look – I liked the collar, but that was really the only unique detail. Well, that and the orange shoes, but she didn’t design those.
  • My Loser: Mondo. Initially, I had Mondo penciled in as my winner – I loved the combination of patterns and the bright yellow belt was the perfect touch. However, upon further inspection, the cut of the top was SO unflattering – the way it’s too short in the front and long in the back. I also hate the way he had his model’s hair styled!
  • Judge’s Verdict: Kenley. Who would have ever thought, when the pairings were chosen, that she’d beat Mondo??

Rami vs. Mila:

  • My Winner: Rami. I actually liked this a lot when it came down the runway, but looking at the photo now…it’s kind of insane. I loved the bright blue fabric and the peek of green, but in the photograph they clash. Also, when they opened the sweater on the runway and you got a full view of the green top, it was scary. Very scary. Georgina even remarked, “the top underneath, I wish I had never seen that.” Yep. This wasn’t Rami’s strongest look (by far), but I thought Mila’s look was more dreadful.
  • My Loser: Mila. Atrocious. That’s all I have to say. The “cape” was like a giant canvas bag on her model. I mean, doesn’t it kind of look like Mila stuck her model in one of those gigantic sumo wrestler suits?
  • Judge’s Verdict: Mila wins. I’m still in disbelief that Rami got sent home.

Jerell vs. Michael:

  • My Winner: Jerell. Much as it pains me to admit, I liked Jerell’s coat a lot, and I thought he chose his fabrics well. However, there were so many layers that it did appear too hobo-ish.
  • My Loser: Michael. I like the silhouette, but I found the fabric quite off-putting. Also, it just looks so heavy. I get that it’s winter, but I feel like it would freezing out and you’d still be walking around sweating in this number.
  • Judge’s Verdict: Jerell. The right choice, but I wish someone would take him down a peg.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • I love how sassy Rami is in the credits. He, like, pops his hip or something. It’s great. I notice every week.
  • I’m not quite sure what to make of the Jerell/Michael “feud.” Jerell thought Michael was copying him, and the editing certainly suggested Michael did. However, I don’t think the finished products looked very similar – sure, they were two grey coats, but it’s a winter look. What else were they going to make?
  • Mondo says, “Today is my mother’s 60th birthday” and Joanna says, “you’re not there!” Thank you, captain obvious. Also, is that really helpful??
  • Best exchange of the night:
    • Mondo: “It feels just like dinner at my family’s house.”
    • Michael: “Spaghetti?”
    • Mondo: “No, awkward.”
  • Kara said she was going for a “sexy chic,” and I think she says that every week, because she always emphasizes the word “chic” in her Aussie accent and I always notice it.
  • This week’s guest judge was Cynthia Rowley. Love her – she’s knowledgeable and doesn’t pull any punches.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “I feel like Kenley is doing the same thing over and over again, and she has this very arrogant attitude, like, it’s just me, it’s just me. This is a competition, at least try something new.” (Mondo on Kenley)
  • “Rami’s look to me is really hard to look at. I feel like the colors are not right together. There’s too much volume.” (Mila on Rami’s outfit)
  • “It’s like the oldest chick from the golden girls.” (Jerell on Austin’s garment)
  • “How many girls are wearing polka dots like that? Maybe Minnie Mouse.” (Jerell on Kenley’s dress)
  • “It’s almost so dorky it’s cool.” (Cynthia on Austin’s look)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, and Episode 5.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 5

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This week’s episode of Project Runway began with an intriguing challenge. The designers met robot-Angela in Central Park and were told they’d have to obtain at least 50% of the materials for their garments by taking the clothes off people’s backs. I loved this challenge because 1) It stretched the designers’ creativity and 2) It featured the designers in all kinds of awkward situations asking random people for their clothing. Also of note – though I am not particuarly stylish and doubt I would be approached for something like this, I totally would say yes if I were. Don’t people recognize these designers at all? I mean, like, if Mondo walked up to me, I’d say, “you’re Mondo! Take whatever you want!”

(I may have been watching this show for too many years/too obsessively).

Anyway, though I thought the premise of the challenge was excellent, I didn’t love many of the finished products. In fact, there were some real atrocities and crimes against fashion in this bunch. Here are my picks for best and worst:

My Top Three:

  • Rami: I love this whole look, from the cool ruffle top (or was it a scarf?) to the fun shorts to the nice hat and general accessorizing. There were so many great details, and the whole ensemble looked intricate and well-made. It seemed like perfect street style to me. And a general note – I think Rami has been on fire this season. I’m thinking it will all come down to a Rami/Mondo battle, no?
  • Anthony: I loved this look (although I don’t think the photo does it justice – the outfit was very flow-y and beautiful on the runway). I love the pants (so voluminous!) and the cut of the top. The jumpsuit was a bit over-the-top, but still refined and cool. I was disappointed Anthony was so harshly penalized for not using the requisite 50% of material acquired from the street. I mean, I could understand him being scolded and ending up in the bottom, but not getting kicked out. This was too good!
  • Kenley: I thought this dress was odd, but interesting. I particularly liked the combination of horizontal and vertical stripes – that was a neat idea.

My Bottom Three:

  • Jerell: OH MY GOD. There are no words; this is f-ing insane. I mean, it’s just a crazy hodge-podge bathing suit. Jerell said, “I think it stands out on the runway.” Ummm, obviously. And I don’t mean that as a compliment.
  • Michael: What the heck is this? Another bathing suit-like number? He tried to play these off as “short shorts,” but I’m not buying it. I also really disliked the fabric he used. And, once Isaac pointed out that the top was saggy, I couldn’t help but fixate on that.
  • Austin: I was not a fan of this look, and the judges put it in the top (what?). I just didn’t like all the different ugly black fabrics sewn together, although he did clearly draw the inspiration from his “muse” in Central Park, which I guess was the challenge. Ultimately, it didn’t look Austin-y to me; it didn’t match his aesthetic at all. I know it’s good for designers to have variety but this just seemed off. (Random note: this really reminded me of Jeffrey from Season 3. Anyone else?)

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • I’m super sad Anthony went home tonight, if not for his fashion talent but for his overall hilariousness. Example: when he walked up to a completely ripped stranger and asked him to take off his pants…and the guy did. So hilarious.
  • Jerell made a point of emphasizing that he was using 100% of the materials for his dress from what he gathered in the Park. While I applaud him for that, the garment was atrocious…so did the tactic really pay off?
  • Initially Michael was using some sort of crocheted, netted fabric – it was super gross. Joanna rightly called it a “doily.” For generally good designers, some of these people display questionable taste at times…
  • At one point, Anthony said, “I’m not good at putting scraps together to come up with beauty.” Uhhhh, isn’t that basically what fashion is??? I should’ve known at that point he was doomed.
  • Sometimes when Joanna delivers a particularly intense stare, she really reminds me of Tilda Swinton. I’m surprised this didn’t occur to me before, because it now seems glaringly obvious.
  • Sometimes I feel bad for Michael, and sometimes I want to slap him and yell, “Come on!” I mean, he spends an awful lot of time feeling sorry for himself and being on the edge of tears. On the other hand, he does seems like a genuinely good guy.
  • I thought it was odd Anthony struggled so much, as I thought he made one of the greatest finds in Central Park – I loved the bright, bold fabric he got from the girl. One other designer called it tacky polyester, but to my eye it looked quite fun – and he barely used it!
  • There was a big “controversy” over the fact that Kenley sewed Kara’s pants for her. I did not find this as outrageous as Michael and Mila did. I mean, come crunch time, these guys help each other out (I actually enjoy seeing the moments of camaraderie among the designers). Also, after Michael and Mila complained about it, the editors snuck in a montage of Kenley acting like a total bitch. I mean, she is grating at times, but I thought that was unfair.
  • I finally pinpointed what bothers me about Angela Lindvall (the host) -  she seems to have some sort of voice affectation going on. Sometimes she over-pronounces or draws out a word and her accent is borderline Madonna-pretending-to-be-British. She had amazing hair tonight, though. So, you know, props for that.
  • Sean Avery was tonight’s guest judge!!! Sorry for the excessive exclamation points, but he was on the Red Wings way back in the day when he was just a punk kid (as opposed to being a punk man-child now), so I do have a soft spot for him.
  • Joanna told Mondo, “you haven’t won one yet,” so naturally I knew he would win tonight. Years of reality TV has made me a master at decoding reality TV editing. Wouldn’t my parents be proud!

Bitchy Lines of the Night (there were so many to choose from!):

  • “All of the sudden, I’ve noticed Mila has gained a personality. Me having a personality is just me being Anthony L. Williams.” (Anthony on Mila’s attempts to get clothes from randos in the park)
  • “Jerell. Not exactly sure what’s going on with that. Somebody look like they’re comin’ to America.” (Anthony on Jerell’s dress. It’s funnier when heard in his over-the-top drawl.)
  • “Jerell’s design is one of the most tasteless things I’ve ever seen in my life.” (Austin on Jerell’s garment)
  • “Initially what I wrote down was ‘Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani at Burning Man on acid.’” (Sean Avery on Jerell’s outfit. Yep, that pretty much sums it up.)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, and Episode 4

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 4

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On this week’s Project Runway All-Stars, the designers had to derive inspiration for their designs from…a flavor of gelato. Um, what? This has to be one of the lamest inspiration points for a challenge ever. My favorite challenges are the ones where the designers have to create something super dramatic (e.g. the avant-garde challenges) or have to be ridiculously creative (the unconventional materials challenges). Creating a dress based on ice cream is not even on the same level as those.

Also of note this week (to me, at least), is that the judges and I basically agreed on nothing (except Mondo). I’m almost certain they got it wrong, of course.

My Top Three:

  • Mondo: The color combination here is insanely awesome. I love the belt and the overall ease of the garment – absolutely perfect for a high-end, beach-y, resort vacation.
  • Kenley: The colors here were fun, and I agreed with Kenley herself when she called the dress “cute and flirty.” Of all the designers, I think Kenley has the most distinct aesthetic (I always know a dress is hers), and I do think there’s something to be said for that.
  • Rami: I love the top, with all the different greens interwoven. I thought this was quite interesting, and I was bummed the judges didn’t think so too. My one hesitation was the inner set of straps – I thought they looked a bit awkward. But otherwise, I loved this look.

My Bottom Three:

  • Michael: UGH. This looks like a silk robe that a 1920s mistress would wear to greet her rich lover at the hotel where they’re having an affair. I may have gone too far with that analogy, but whatever. I honestly cannot believe he won with this – I just did not like it.
  • Mila: This was kinda shapeless and “meh.” The dress seems to just be hanging there, and I didn’t like the fabrics she choose – they looked strange to me, and the white was too see-through. Why did the judges put this in the top??
  • Jerell: This look was insane, and not in a good way. I thought the styling was too over-the-top/crazy gypsy girl and all the horizontal straps in the front were so unattractive.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • Tonight’s guest judge (in addition to Miranda Kerr, who made no impression whatsoever) was Diane von Furstenberg, who I adore. One of the most stylish women on the planet, period.
  • Six hours for a challenge? Gross. We didn’t even get a trip to Mood! (There was a fake mini-Mood set up in their sewing room – not at all the same thing). Although, I thought the dresses ended up looked surprisingly decent for being thrown together so quickly – much better than I expected they would.
  • Kara was frantic per usual, saying, “We have six hours, and I’m just dying.” Okay, six hours is a short amount of time, but when is Kara ever NOT frazzled? If they had three days, she’d be freaking out just the same.
  • I wish Austin’s mustache would go away.
  • Joanna’s critiques seemed more pointed (and by pointed, I mean harsh) this week: she called Rami out for creating a wrap skirt (aka sucking up to DVF) and asked April, “How can you have a fashion moment if you’re staying with what you’re comfortable with?” Tell it like it is, sister.
  • Angela Lindvall is basically a robot, much in the Padma Lakshmi tradition of hosts who are crazy beautiful but dull and monotone when they speak.
  • As with last week’s episode, there was a weird amount of focus on the Neiman Marcus Accessory Wall. Did Neiman Marcus make it a condition of their sponsorship this season that PR had to focus so much on that damn wall every single week?!?
  • Another trend I mentioned last week that continued – with April leaving, we’re down four women, and haven’t lost a guy yet. YIKES. Is it really just Kara, Kenley, and Mila left? Where are all the talented ladies??? Jillian and Ulee, I miss thee so.

Bitchy Lines of the Night (I couldn’t pick just one this week):

  • “I do not like what Mila is designing. It looks like a color-block Christmas ornament disaster.” (Anthony, on Mila’s dress. Agreed!)
  • “I feel like Rami’s look is of questionable taste. It looks really garish, like a lime explosion.” (Mila, on Rami’s dress)
  • “She looks like a pregnant cupcake.” (Jerell, on Kara’s dress. He was right…)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, and Episode 3