Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: The Finale--Another Controversial Ending!

And the Winner Is...

Caftan Queen: Anya Ayong-Chee, Winner of Project Runway Season 9

Alrighty kids, last night was the Project Runway Season 9 Finale and yes, it was a DOOZY! The show--and season--ended with another controversial ending and winner (we had barely gotten over the whole Gretchen thang!). There has been much criticism about not only the winner, but the show itself--none more biting than by my Fab friends Tom & Lorenzo and their Recap HERE.

Heidi and Nick: Heidi Klum and Nick Verreos , Project Runway Season 9 Finale Fashion Show

Although they do make some very valid points and there's no denying that the show is different than it was "back in my day" (Season 2 Rocks!!). I come from a place where I am an "Alumni"--a Graduate perhaps--therefore, I have a soft spot for the show. I want to see it succeed and have the show--and its designers do well. Sometimes, I turn a "blind eye" to its "bad parts" and hope for the best but I think that everyone can agree that the level of the talent was "lower" than usual and the DRAMA was rather "heightened" maybe, as a result.

Top Four: Viktor Lina, Anmya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley, Kimberly Goldson

I've been getting comments on my BLOG at myLifetime.com saying that I am "toe'ing the party line" in terms of Lifetime and the show. I think it's important to state that Lifetime or any of the producers of the show have NEVER tried to edit me or say "Umm, do you really wanna say that?" and I thank them for that and allowing me to voice my humble opinion. You--the fans, the readers, can make arguments for both Josh or Viktor winning, however, I still feel that out of the four collections shown that day at Lincoln Center, Anya's was the best.

Print Queen: Anya Ayoung-Chee and her models, backstage at the Project Runway Season 9 Finale Fashion Show

Oh, and BTW: this is just my opinion, and to add: I tend to go for the "Anya" aesthetic": I like prints and easy-breezy Resort-y gowns. That's what I like. You may not. That is the great thing about fashion, it is subjective and we can all have our OWN opinions. I attended the Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Project Runway Show and I was there to witness it all. Let me just also add that the collections look different on TV than they do in person. When you see the collections live, you get the 3D experience, a sense of flow and a power from (some) of the pieces. On television it often can seem slicker with it's fancy camera angles and close-up shots.

And the First Runner Up Is: Anya Ayoung-Chee and Joshua McKinley, Project Runway Season 9 Finale Episode

From the live show, I thought Joshua's was "questionable" (I would have bet he was a "decoy" and not a Finalist!), Viktor's was good and I loved his prints (but I was apprehensive about the no-lining dresses), but I did remember thinking Anya's Resort Luxe-looking collection was one of the most cohesive. But, I also felt, she's not the Winner, not with all those similar-looking printed caftans! But then if not her...who was??? Well, yes, it was Miss Anya Ayoung-Chee. How was her collection the "Best"??? Let me Review them all:

Kimberly Goldson:

Kimberly Goldson Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

I liked Kimberly's collection but I remember sitting there at Lincoln Center thinking "Those black wedge heels for EVERY LOOK, don't look so good!" and at the same time, loving that black sequined gown and not loving that "Bootie-Bump" skirt. It was very Baby Phat-meets-Rachel Roy. Which I love. But is that the next Top American Designer? I didn't think so. These looks are already out there--versions of them--in stores. It doesn't take fashion to well, "another level" per se. A counterpoint that many commentators are making to me is that neither does Anya's; which is a valid point. I guess the difference to me is that Anya's looked Luxe, while Kimberly's looked more suited for the Contemporary Department of a Store.

Joshua McKinley:

Joshua McKinley Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Joshua--such a controversial "Love-him or Hate-Him" character this Season. He almost got the Project Runway crown. Why? Because the judges just LUVED his designs. And he edited. He learned from their critiques. And yes, it made for GREAT TV to have the "Villain" be up against Miss Anya. I liked his collection BUT...it suffered from being TWO different women. One, loves plastic-accented jersey gathered tunic gowns...and the other, neon green 80's bicycle shorts! No one argues that maybe he should have won (boy, would that have been a WEB uproar!!!). But what people are all angst-ridden about is...

Viktor Luna:

Viktor Luna Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Now, this is where the controversy kicks in--everyone and their puppy thought Viktor should have won. His collection was good; but not all-together cohesive good. At least for me. His prints were AMAZING. But then, he went into an S&M Bondage, sheer chiffon, Frida Giannini-for-Gucci Fall 2011 girl. The reason he didn't win--as opposed to Anya--was the same as for Joshua--he also suffered from what I call the "Two-Headed Woman" syndrome. This was also a collection that did not benefit from the LIVE viewing. In person the collection was not very impacting. It was much more subtle and almost delicate (even with its bondage elements). I think if he was able to have made a 35 look collection it could have been amazing, but with only 10 looks to make an impact, it left the audience wanting more.

Anya Ayoung-Chee:

Anya Ayoung-Chee Project Runway Season 9 Finale Collection, NY Fashion Week Spring 2012

Miss Anya...How could she have won? I just don't get it? She only learned how to sew months ago...She never finished her dresses with an opening/closure!...

Her collection was the most cohesive. She had ONE GIRL in mind and she stayed true to that vision. You may not like that ONE girl or think it was too narrow in its scope, but to my eyes it was the most cohesive and complete collection that day.

Congratulations to all four of the finalists and take it from me, its not always winning that makes you a success!!

To Read My myLifetime.com Recap of the Finale Episode, scroll down kids...

"From Beauty Queen to Fashion Queen"

"Project Runway" Rewind: Back in September, I flew to the East Coast for two things: to host a "Fashion's Night Out" event in West Virginia (technically "The South" but still East Coast–adjacent) and then to attend the Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week "Project Runway" show. It was two days before the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and traffic in Manhattan was at a standstill. I barely made it. I watched NINE — yes, NINE — shows (five "decoys" and the four finalists). There was a whole lot of mess (little Bryce, I am talking to you!), but there were some shining moments. I SWORE Laura Kathleen was one of the finalists. Hers was one of the strongest collections. I was wrong. And I thought Joshua's was all over the place and too "kooky" ('80s neon-green "bicycle shorts"?). I would have bet one of my Hermès ties that he was a "decoy" (wrong again!). But one thing stuck out: Those glorious dresses from Anya. I thought, wow, if she made it THIS far, and with barely knowing how to sew … Atta-Gurl!

A Gift of $500 … to Anya!
Let's see how it really turned out. As of last week, the Top Four finalists showed the judges three looks that were supposed to be representative of their collections. Anya suffered. Her pieces looked like she had made them in three hours. Under any other circumstances, she would have been OUT. But the judges decided to keep her. "She has come this far …" they argued. Going into the final two days before the Finale Show, she was the underdog. Out of the blue, Monsieur Gunn walks into the workroom and provides them all with a "gift." The conspiracy theorist in me felt it was intended for Anya, as a "GURL, you better 'Make It Work' and redo your damn collection!" She did.

The Susan Lucci Award Goes To …
How are the rest of the finalists doing? Viktor inexplicably buys some see-through, stretch cheetah print that has nothing to do with his collection, to add some new looks. As they showed him going through his rack, editing out some of his custom prints, I thought, "Oh dear, he's heading down the wrong path!" Kimberly is making more of those not-so-flattering "booty bump" skirts (NO!), and Miss Joshua is doing his best Soap Opera Digest Award Performance of how he has "NOTHING … to come home to … not even a job!" ...

Click HERE for the rest of my Recap---

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 13--One Day You're IN, and the Next, You're IN!

Top Three...NOT!

The Top Four: Viktor Luna, Anya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley, Kimberly Goldson

Last night was the "Almost at NY Fashion Week" penultimate episode of Season 9 Project Runway, or as some people called it, Part One of the Finale. The Top Four Designers, Anya, Joshua, Kimberly and Viktor get $9,000 and 5 weeks to complete a ten-look collection and are told that upon their return, they will be narrowed down to THREE. They go home. Mentor Gunn goes for his visits. Seeing Tim in a full-on suit and tie (looking like a bank manager) while in gorgeous Trinidad and Tobago, was quite hilarious. Not hilarious was the fact that Miss Anya had NOTHING done--after three weeks of being home. I guess when THIS:

Is home...then all you would want to be doing is THIS:

Have cocktails by the pool

Back in NYC, after their return, Tim Gunn announces that for their Final Challenge--and for the judges to decide who will go on to actually show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week, they will have to present three looks that are "representative" of the collections they would be showing. Let's see:

Viktor Luna: Viktor's was the strongest. He had gone on a trip to Guadalajara, taken photos there which then he had made into prints. The silhouettes and styling was sleek and contemporary. Loved that white leather and beaded motorcycle jacket. It was very Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga. I did not like the leather zip-up "car wash" over-skirt. I also liked the sheer high-low gown underneath. But for some reason, visually, the no-lining, oh-are-those-your-panties look, seemed unfinished and a little "Hoochie". But here's the deal: EVERYONE is doing it--

Exhibit A: Frida Giannini of Gucci Fall/Winter 2011--but I just think it's different when shown in a multi-million dollar venue like the Gucci Runways, with the lighting and that fierce late 70's make up and styling. It works here. Don't know if it works with Viktor in a Parson's Project Runway catwalk raised podium setting.

Joshua McKinley: I liked some of the pieces he showed to the judges and had some questions about a couple of others (just like the judges). That neoprene jacket was very Narciso Rodriguez "Scuba Chic": Loved. However, the pink pants fit weird; too wide and should have been skinnier and tighter on the model. Also, the length was too short, just about an inch and a half. Trust me kids, in fashion, an inch and a half matters. The dress was OK, but yeah, what was up with that tab? And I thought the black sheer jersey with plasticized neck was FAB.

NOT FAB...was that he paired it with black stretch leggings straight from a Pat Benatar video. And what was the keyhole back openings? Odd. I did like the neckline and silhouette--very reminiscent of a recent Michael Kors Collection:

Michael Kors Fall 2011

Kimberly Goldson: The ladies didn't fare as well as the boys, beginning with Kimberly. I liked the black glittery gown. That look is TOO HOT for words. If you're a woman with a boyfriend, don't EVER stand next to a woman who looks like HER! EVER.

I mean, seriously, look at that SEXY BACK!

But..."NO Sexy Back": that bubblegum pink skirt above. I get what Kimberly was going for. Lots of designers have recently "embraced" the hip-widening skirt look (Manish Arora's recent debut collection for Paco Rabanne, for example) . However, this doesn't mean A.) It works, and B.) women will actually wear it and/or want to buy it. If an actress wore this on the red carpet: Huuuneeeyyy! I do not want to be there the next day to see the "Fashion Police" Claws!

Anya Ayoung-Chee: Finally, there was the worst. In my myLifetime.com Recap (which incidentally begins right below!), I said that it looked as if she made the pieces in a 48-hour challenge. Actually, they look as if she made them in 3 hours!

They also seemed like clothing you could find at the Nassau Bahamas "Straw Market". All they were missing was a big Straw hat, a towel, and the "Make-Sure-You-Get-Back-to-the Princess Cruises ship back-in-time" notice card! The judges spent what seemed like HOURS trying to re-style her looks (as well as the other finalists, PS: Aren't they FINALISTS???) and saying what a mess they all were. And then, she was IN! Well, I have a couple things to say about all that:


"One Day You're IN, and The Next Day...You're IN!"

This episode is definitely going to get the fans riled up! I can already see the comments here. I don't know if the producers planned it this way, as it's always good to have people talking (or so they say), but they certainly aren't playing it safe this season. We're down to the Top Four, and Heidi states adamantly that they still have one more Final Challenge to narrow down the designers to the Top Three, and ultimately, who will show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This is repeated over and over again throughout the episode. But then, right at the end, it's changed to "Psych! Just Kidding! Y'all are IN!" What happened?

$900 Per Look
Let's rewind a little bit: As the episode begins, Heidi greets our Top Four and gives them $9,000 and five weeks to create a 10-look collection. That's a very short time, but honey, I've done TWENTY-plus-piece collections in the same amount of time so, no sympathy here. Also, if my calculator works correctly, this means they each get to spend $900 per look – for fabric and accessories. No money can be spent on any pattern or sewing (hired help). At $900 a look, they better be AMAZING! Finally, before saying "Until next time," Heidi adds, "Only THREE will get to go on ... to NY Fashion Week." Not "MAYBE three of you" (as she has done in the past). No, "THREE."

Here's Your MetroCard ... Now Go!
The designers go home. For New Yorkers Joshua and Viktor, this means "Congrats! Here's a one-way MetroCard! Now get to cuttin' and sewin'!" Kimberly goes to Maryland, and Anya heads to Trinidad and Tobago. Three weeks later, it's time for the "Tim Visits"...

CLICK HERE top read the rest of my Rant...ooops, I mean RECAP on myLifetime.com! And make sure to tell me what you thought too! I read them all!!! With a piña colada pretending I'm in a hammock somewhere in Trinidad and Tobago!!!

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 12--The Almost-Halloween Edition!!

Time for my Recap!!!

Last week, I wrote--about Anya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley and Viktor Luna--three of this season's Project Runway designers--and how their whole "interaction" and "She Can't Sew But We Can!" drama was like a Project Runway version of Cinderella and her Evil Stepsisters. I dubbed Anya, Cind-Anya-rella:

And Joshua and Viktor...the "Construction Stepsisters":

I know! I LOVE that image of the Cartoon version of the "Cinderella" Stepsisters. Genius. I think that Joshua is the one on the right and Viktor, the black-haired one on the left! As we head toward these final challenges of the season--when it really is getting down to the VERY HIGH STRESS wire--both Joshua and Viktor have been on the "It's NOT FAIR that Anya keeps winning" bandwagon. There has been much kvetching about how she "can't sew" and sometimes even forgets to put a zipper in her dress(!). Hence the name, the "Construction Stepsisters"!

Di Suvero Posing: Project Runway Designers at Governors Island, NYC

But enough of the fairytale--let's get to this week's episode: The designers had to take a ferry to Governors Island in NYC. The Challenge was to create 3 Looks inspired by the island, the art/sculptures and/or the landscape/architecture, on the island.

I was struck by WHAT THEY WORE to this trip. And why did they all look as if they were on their way to a tacky gay nightclub in Atlantic City (see above)? Moving on...

The Fashion:

Anya Ayoung-Chee: Yes, Cind-Anya-rella--"won"--well, she was the first one picked by the judges to move on to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The judges LOVED her mini-collection of three "intellectually" sophisticated looks. To me, they actually looked very "Bert Keeter" (one of her fellow contestants and her "assistant" on this challenge).

Take a look at one of Anya's looks from last night (left) and one of Bert's from when he showed at the Project Runway Finale at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Show. In case you are not that much of a Project Runway fan and don't know: NINE of the contestants got to show at NY Fashion Week. Look it up...anyway, I don't doubt that these were Anya's designs but when they were turned over to Bert to "assist" with the patternmaking and construction, they suddenly looked liked something he would design. Kudos to her for realizing they made a great team and utilizing his talent.

And now, the "Construction Stepsisters":

Viktor Luna: I loved his mini-collection. Very polished. And yes, very sellable. However, in terms of a "Runway Fashion Scale": About a 6/10. But, well done. Especially that leather cascade front jacket look in the middle. If this was the "Banana Republic Challenge": A WINNER!!!!!

Joshua McKinley: Above were his 3 Mini-Collection looks--(Oh Dear!)

Mean Girls Cheerleader: One of the looks made the model look really THICK (poor thang) and it was very "Mean Girls", which is very apropos. I think individually, the pieces are great and contemporary but together...not so mucheeeyyyy.

And then there was this above. He used a silver Lurex fabric and tried to create a draped gown. It ended up looking very "Statue of Liberty"/Toga Halloween costume.

Kimberly Goldson: I liked the colors--very NOW! But those HIP-enhancing skirts? I appreciate the askew-cowl-and-pleated draping. LOVE. I just don't know if she should continue placing these drapes right in the area a woman DOES NOT--under any circumstances--want any extra "stuff". It's also funny how in the above photo she almost fits into the mini collection! She should incorporated the pants she is wearing in one of the models outfits!

Laura Kathleen: It was the self-professed "St. Louis Princess", designer/contestant Laura Kathleen who unfortunately, got the boot this week. She was OBSESSED with this circle fabric she found at Mood (because she was inspired by circle shapes on Governors Island) and she decided (against Monsieur Gunn's objections) to go CIRCLE KRAZEE. But it wasn't the circle looks that did her "OUT". It was:


This hastily put-together dress (the one on the right, in case you are confused), which made the judges go "Uh, no". Let's start with the iridescent organza-like fabrication. Then , the bad side-breast fit. And well, it also looked like a bad "Toga Girl" costume for Halloween. PS: What. Is. Up. With. All. The. Halloween. Costume. References? Very timely. And I have to say, I kinda like the tacky dress on the left better...The tacki-licious black shoes and even TACKIER bra-strap tan line, is what REALLY makes it!!!

OK, enough for now--Here's my Recap of this week's Project Runway Episode:


Cind-Anya-rella and Her Two Construction Stepsister

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: “Cind-Anya-rella and her Construction Stepsisters.” Starring “Cind-Anya-rella” – the former beauty queen who just learned how to sew; her two “Construction Stepsisters,” Viktor and Joshua; and finally, the two supporting “Design Damsels,” Kimberly and Laura. How will this movie end? Stay tuned …

Boxers and Pumps
As the episode begins we are told that it is the final challenge, the outcome of which decides who will show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The five remaining designers head out for a ferry trip to Governors Island. Kimberly is wearing her highest pumps, while Anya is sporting a pair of fur Uggs (?) and Joshua, bless his little heart, is wearing printed boxer shorts and combat boots! In those getups, did they think they were going to a gay club in Atlantic City? Anyhow, Tim Gunn is there, along with Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island, and John Stern, president of the Storm King Art Center.

What, No Standard Hotel Rooftop Pool Bar at Governors Island?
Gunn announces the final challenge: to create three looks that show a “range” (meaning a dress, pants outfit, a skirt ensemble, etc.) inspired by the island, its landscape, architecture and/or the fabulous Mark di Suvero sculptures on the island. They have two days and a $500 budget (Lordy!). After 30 minutes exploring the island, Joshua realizes that there is no Standard Hotel with a Rooftop Pool, so he ends up going to a church for his inspiration. Kimberly decides to be motivated by one of the di Suvero sculptures, entitled “New Beginning.” Anya is drawn to the positive/negative spaces of the artwork. Laura is inspired by circles. And Viktor likes the juxtaposition of the NYC metropolis vs. the island’s scenery...

To read the rest...CLICK HERE!!

Project Runway Season 9 Recaps: Episode 11--Bird Inspiration

Ornithology Couture, Project Seamstress and Dreams of a Miss Universe National Costume Parade of BIRDS...

Project Birds: Now THIS is what I would LOVE to have seen--Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 Anastagia Pierre in her National Costume (Top), and Miss Bolivia Universe 2011 Olivia Pinheiro (Bottom)

On this week's Project Runway Season 9, the Challenge was to create a "High Fashion Runway Look" inspired by Birds. A cockatoo, An Amazonian parrot, and a raven. An owl was there but alas, it wasn't picked (it might have been fun to see the KRAZEE mess one of these contestants would have done with an Owl as a Muse!). Part of me secretly wishes some of the designers went all out "Miss Universe National Costume Parade of Nations" .

Polly Want a Gunn Cracker: Mentor Tim Gunn eying a cockatoo, Project Runway Season 9 "This is for the Birds" Episode

Project Runway Birds: Owl, Parrot and a Raven

Many designers have been inspired by birds of course, most notably, of course, the late Alexander McQueen comes to mind, especially his Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. Three dresses from that collection stand out as examples of "Bird High Fashion":

These are stunning creations that would of course definitely be in the "High Fashion Runway" category of the Challenge, but somehow, because of their overt homage to the birds (the exuberant feathers!), if one of our little 'ol Project Runway designers made one of these, they might have ended up in the bottom for being too "literal". PUHLEEEASE! But, moving on...

Cin-Anya-rella

Besides the Bird Challenge, the Project Runway vs. Project Seamstress Dilemma crept up once again in this episode. A LOT has been made of the fact that Miss Anya--or as I call her "Cin-Anya-rella". She :
A) Just learned how to sew (according to her only 4 months prior top arriving in NYC for the Season 9 shooting);
B) Has little construction knowledge and sometimes "forgets" to put an opening so an actual REAL PERSON can get into the garment;
C) That she just "whips" up creations like no one's business and "makes it work", and
D) The judges just keep letting her through and often times giving her the Win, even though it's been half-glued, half put together "on a string".

Most of the comments on my myLifetime.com BLOG have been, in fact, about how a lot of fans are "miffed" at this. And naturally, so were Joshua and Viktor, the "Sewing/Construction Stepsisters":

The "Sewing/Construction Stepsisters": Joshua McKinley and Viktor Luna

Now, let me get this off my chest: I side with the "Joshua and Viktor Stepsisters" on this but with a small "BUT". I am of the "school" that as a Fashion Designer, you MUST learn EVERYTHING and learn it WELL. And that includes sketching, pattern making, draping, as well as sewing. These fundamentals are essential, especially if you are just starting out and are a "struggling" designer who cannot afford a pattern maker, draper and/or a seamstress. When I was first starting out in this industry, I made most my stuff. I had to. I had no choice.

But...then , after I began my NIKOLAKI company in 2001, I hired seamstresses to sew my creations for me (they did a much better job!). But because I had that knowledge of construction, I could tell them--with confidence--of what TO DO and HOW to do it. In fact to this day, I sew a lot of my collection muslin's/toiles, only because I want to. But what does this have to do with knowing how to sew perfectly on Project Runway? Little. I sadly learned first hand, in my season--how sewing had little to do with the outcome. And it frustrated me, as it is NOW frustrating Joshua and Viktor. Anyway, if you want to read MY FULL THOUGHTS on this matter--click HERE, or keep reading below...

For now, let's just cut to the "Bird Fashions":

The Top:

Joshua McKinley: As I began this posting, I said I kinda wished I would have seen some "Miss Universe National Costume" Bird-inspired Gowns or looks because most of the designs left me wanting just a little more. I am sure that by now, these kids are creatively drained. And it's showing! But still, the judges had to pick their faves. Joshua McKinley's was good. LOVED the color, the one-shoulder drape. Very "Sophisticated 70's"!! Oh wait, WRONG Challenge. Ooooops, well, it still worked for this challenge, although would you really consider this high fashion?

Kimberly Goldson: She made this gown in THREE hours. Some of the wonky sewing shows this. But it's PROJECT RUNWAY not Project Seamstress! So, she's one of the top. I liked the gown. And I even liked the pearl trim so Boo Hoo Mr. Michael Kors!

The Winner was Anya Ayoung-Chee. It was edgy, directional, High Fashion and not so literal. More importantly: It WASN'T yet ANOTHER Anya MAXI DRESS! Yes, she forgot to add a zipper in her dress but she "made it work" on the runway. Jushua and Viktor were not happy. I think if I was standing there--and knowing that she had forgotten to even put a closure/opening...yeah, I would have been pissed too! But, again--I've gone through six years of "letting it go", so I know now that unfortunately, the judges DON'T CARE.

The Bottom:

Laura Kathleen: Pants were too tight and the jacket: too predictable. But can we talk about HOW STUNNING her model is???!!! Blessed thing couldn't walk on the runway though for some reason--the shoes must have been too small or too big (or maybe it was the too-tight pants!?).

Viktor Luna: One of the "Stepsisters" ended up in the bottom, because the judges deemed it too literal. the shredded raw-edged organza "feathers" were a bit much but I did like the painstakingly hand-shredding he was doing while in the workroom on this gown. I just wished he might have left it at that---oh and lined THE ENTIRE gown!

The Worst was Bert Keeter: Plain and simple, it was BORING. The Bustier was cut to perfection, though. But in a challenge that was supposed to be HIGH FASHION and inspired by GLORIOUS Birds, this just looked like a very nice dress at a Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show, in 1998.

And now, my Recap from the myLifetime.com BLOG:

Project "I Don't Care How She Gets Into It"

Anthony Ryan and his Hippy Dippy Navajo-print Girls are gone. Sigh. I fantasize that they're probably enrolling in a Women's Studies Program in New Mexico — with their mohawk'ed "Best Gay." For now, six designers are left. Now what? Here's a sampling: Birds, birds, and more birds, plus a head-to-head challenge with A LOT of twists and a $20,000 prize! There are glue-gun meltdowns and the infamous Project Seamstress or Project "Make It Work" Dilemma. It's enough to drive a boy to ... write a recap.

$20,000, Sweetie Darling
We begin with our fourth Advertorial Challenge (but who's counting!). This one is different. For starters, it's L'Oréal. Second, there are birds waiting for the designers back at Parsons as their next challenge is announced: they must create a high-fashion runway look inspired by a cockatoo, a parrot, a raven and (if you look closely …) an owl! The six designers are split into teams of two and given their Bird Inspiration. Anya and Laura get the raven, Joshua and Bert get "Sweetie" (how ironic) the parrot, and Viktor and Kimberly get the cockatoo. The owl gets left behind, unfortunately. Finally, what makes this challenge really different? The prize (besides the Marie Claire/L'Oréal advertorial): a $20,000 check. Shut. The. Front. Door.

Head to Runway Head
Twist No. 1: Instead of competing against the other teams, they are competing HEAD TO HEAD — against each other. As original as this "Head to Head" component was, I was a bit questionable of the idea: What if both members of a team were equally FABULOUS? What then? Moving on …

Twist No. 2: After the designers have been working for a full day, Tim walks in to announce that they are to create a SECOND look as well, and they are given $300! "Project Runway" has definitely upped the budget! I remember having $30 to make a flower dress!

Click HERE to read the rest... And don't forget to leave your Comments--I read them all!!!!