Persuade more people to watch Season Five (5) of Bravo's Hit TV Reality Show "Project Runway with Heidi Klum!"

This week’s challenge for the four remaining contestants was to travel back home, and with a budget of $8,000 create 10 looks including one wedding gown that reflects the fashion designer’s style and reflective of their own collection.

It was also a chance for Tim Gunn to visit each and everyone of the designers in their hometown and see what inspiration each of them used for their collections. He has to be the most friendliest host I ever seen and he shows so much compassion for his work as a mentor for the designers, he’s amazing!

In Little Rock, Arizona, Korto used nature with ethnic beading that was very sophisticated, her wedding dress was non-traditional and the rest of her collection used traditional snakeskin materials, (and more beadwork.) Her beautiful little girl ‘Aleese’ stole the show and for the entertainment portion of the visit, Korto played African drum music with her brother for Tim and the rest of her family.

Next up was a trip to Portland, Oregon. Tim visited Leanne who lives with her boyfriend Nathan, and both Leanne and Tim went for a bike ride on a bicycle-built-for-two. They arrived at a waterfront near Bora Park where Leanne mentioned that when she came back home, she sketched all day to inspire her “unique wave pattern” design which flips and flips and will be used in all her designs. She knew at age 12 when she was designed her own ballet costumes that she would work in a creative field. Tim also suggested that the wedding dress may appear “too white” and should be dyed a “tea color” to achieve cohesiveness with the rest of her collection. So Leanne took his advice and will dye her wedding dress. I bet she was glad she listened to Tim’s advice.

Next, Tim visited Jerell in Los Angeles, CA. and mentioned that Jerell’s wedding dress may be using too many elements and that he wanted to make the wedding gown, “believable” and give it more stability. It appeared that he ignored that advice.

Jerell talked about his father, whom he loves so much and become very emotional. All the remaining designers are not afraid to show such emotion for their work, you can really tell from this that they show true passion and this is so refreshing to see…His father was at work that day and never had a chance to meet Tim. Jerell’s father drive a tractor trailer truck so his family would never see him for weeks, all so he could provide the best possible provisions for his family.

Finally, the last designer on his trip was Kenley, who lives in Brooklyn, NY and mentioned that her grandmother passed away two months ago. Which would make it during the competition and she never mentioned it on the previous shows, why didn’t she?

Her color palette was “Alice in Wonderland” and she actually “painted on the fabrics” which created this gorgeous design effect. Kenley uses ropes work which at first Tim had a concern as “ropes? strangulation? maybe death?..do you want to give that impression of death for the wedding gown?” Nevertheless, once he saw the wedding gown he told Kenley that it was a “spectacular” wedding dress and Kenley was beaming with enthusiasm and praise. The wedding dress was like a “fantasy come true” with it’s feathery design and bubble look.

Now, the designers arrive six days before Bryant Park and all seems to be forgiven, Kenley wants to stop the fighting among all the designers and that was a great gesture on her part. She has me as her biggest fan now and I think it will be up to her and Leanne for the winner overall.

However….One more final challenge, the designers have to create a “bridesmaid’s dress” in just one and a half days to accompany their already made wedding gown, which was a shock to most of the designers but they all figured they came this far one more challenge would be it. So off to Mood’s with a small budget to choose material for their final creation, a bridesmaids dress.

Kenley’s Blue Bridesmaids dress was a gorgeous blue and looked super on model Shannone.

Korto used a unique beadwork design which was fabulous on her model Polina.

Leanne used a green leaf design with her wave pattern on model Tia which was stunning for the bridesmaids dress.

Jerell made this darkish green bridesmaids dress for his model Alex.

...and now the judging begins and the biggest shock I heard was that Heidi Klum told Korto, “I would not wear that bridal gown!” Which was like for me, “how would she even want to show that on Bryant Park with her collection now? “Too many elements…too much detailing…the wedding dress was “too much overworking” and the bridesmaids dress was “too much under worked” for Michael Korrs’ taste. (again, Tim Gun, didn’t he try to explain that fact to her in Arizona?)

Nevertheless, both Nina and Michael both loved Leanne’s (and Kenley’s design,) sheik, beautifully crafted, interesting fabric designs, loved the inspiration of waves for Leanne using her engineering and architectural design skills;

...and for Kenley, Michael Korrs told her, “I knew one her model turned the corner it’s was a Kenley design!” Crazy good! Beautifully done! and all the judges at the end was saying what a collection she will display on Bryant Park they can’t wait to see it.

The final judging sent Jerell home, his wedding gown was a “bit messy” he went hog wild with jewels and too many garnishments (didn’t Tim warn him of this at his visit?) The gray color fabric he chooses looked dirty for Nina’s taste.

For more information and a look at the final designer’s complete collection use this link

The final episode is next week which should be really good as all the past designers who were eliminated talk about their most memorable moments on the past season, who was the fan’s favorite and the final run way shows. Plus, the winner is picked live next week…

Tim Gunn and Revlon Make-up Artist Collier Strong

Our “fearless four” remaining designers were told by the always fashionable Heidi Klum (I don’t think I have ever seen her in the same outfit twice, have you?) that only “three of you will be presenting at Bryant Park.” So, off the designers go with Tim Gunn to a road trip which leads them to the beautiful NY Botanical Garden and they meet up with L’Oreal artist Collier Strong who gives them all their next assignment. “Take pictures of the beautiful botanical gardens flowers and design an evening gown using the beautiful flowers and scenery as your inspiration”(that expresses the theme of “nature.”)

So for one hour the four designers take hundreds of pictures of lavender flowers, roses, yellow and beautiful pattern of leaves. As a floral designer myself, I was in heaven with the scenery and some day I have to visit the NY Botanical Gardens, I just have to see this place.

The designers returned back to Parson’s studio, they have 30 minutes to choose one photo to use as their design, a budget of $250 and the remainder of the day and the next to design and create a evening gown.

One of the unusual things that happened is Kenley left her “tool” at Mod Fabric shop and no one would let her use theirs. The three designers separated themselves from Kenley and I never have seen this kind of attitude before in all the years of watching Project Runway. Sure, some of the designers in the past have had problems with each other but I never seen this kind of “catty” unflattering, unprofessional spirit on the show. It was very distracting and uncalled for.

Jerell’s inspiration was a group of purple and maroon roses and created this gorgeous copper colored bustier evening gown, that had a low flowered bust line and the gown split like an angle which had a red colored piece.

I just loved how he made the gown very form fitting to model Nicole and her hair and make-up were superb and amazing and won this challenge with the entire package.

Leanne designed this lovely and very feminine lavender evening gown with an interesting ruffled swaged piece that roped around and down behind the back of the dress. The evening gown was sleeveless, with a layered look that draped right down to the floor. It looked smashing on model Tia who had her hair up in a beautiful up do.

Kenley mad this beautiful pinkish purple sleeveless evening gown and what made it unusual was a series of purple and blue colored pedals. Model Topaico wore a beautiful high up-do and she was gorgeous walking down the runway in front of the judges.

Korto used an orange flower for her inspiration and made this very beautiful and glamorous sleeveless and low cut bust line evening gown. The gown had beautiful swirls of orange and red patterns. It look spectacular on Model Katrina.

Judges (and fans of the designers) Michael Korrs, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn (their designer guru)

Guest Judge Georgina Chapon, co-founder and designer for Marchesa also present. Georgina’s Marchesa evening gown designs are unmatched amazingly gorgeous to look at and I highly recommend her web site and her slideshow.

Tonight, what made the entire show was the caring and showing of emotional tears from all four designers. You could see it all in their faces, they all wanted to go to Bryant Park. The judges tore apart their lovely creations with remarks as, “unfinished” “messy” “piece was hacking”“went too far.” Nevertheless, Michael Korrs said something profound which I never realized in every season I have watched the show. He said, “We are your biggest fans, we want you to succeed…if we didn’t;t think you were any good you would not be standing here…”

Why do they have to ask the question of the designers,”If you were picked as the winner which two designers would you take with you to Bryant Park?” I hate that question being asked and tonight each designer shunned Kenley and Kenley shunned Korto.

So, now all four designers get to go home a create a collection on their own and return back where they will be judged and Heidi warned them again, “only three will compete at Bryant Park.” I believe they did this for two reasons, they could not decide on a designer to be let go and all four judges were curious what each designer would create as a collection and bring it back. That was cool!

Something to consider: Is this just drama as it was last year when all four judges presented their entire collections and yes, one did go home and was out of the competition by selecting one of their best outfits to be judged by the panel of judges. He still presented on Bryant Park during Fashion Week. the drama and more photographs are available on Project Runway Season Five

Well, last night’s episode of Project Runway was a first. Okay LL Cool J. was on the show as guest judge and launching his new album and clothing line. The challenge was to make a design for another designer in the group. So Tim Gunn picks out who will be designing for who and what form of music the theme of each design will be.

The challenge:

So each designer has a hour consultation with their fellow designer and client and go shopping with a budget of $150 and a day and 1/2 for design work and make-up at the Tresses Fashion and Make-up Studio.

I was disappointed at how Jerrell and Korto? are giving bad information to Kenley and Suede when they make their designs telling them when asked if the design is good or not, when it isn’t. There is much at stake in these final episodes with five designers and Suede for the third time on the chopping block, this time with Kenley was given the “old heave ho” by Heidi Klum.

I was also concerned for Heidi Klum this week because I heard that she was injured while presenting the Emmy Awards. I know that last night’s show was taped ahead of time but the live finale is coming up shortly. My best wishes for Heidi’s safe recovery.

Here’s how it went down: Jerell makes a fashion design for Kenley and the theme is “Pop Music.”

Jerell’s design should have won, the judges loved it, it was “sexy”, pop rock, Nina loved Kenley’s hair, mini shorts and see thru silky top. LL cool J. Loved it too! I see him in the finals and his collection would be amazing to see.

Kenley makes a design for Leanne and the music theme is “Hip Hop.”

Kenley first comment when Leanne hits the runway floor is, “Leanne isn’t “hip hop” blaming someone else for her lack of expertise, did she even try and coach Leanne before hand? All the other designers made compliments about their own work. Kenley had all sots of problems including the “unflattering pants” that didn’t fit Leanne. She even complained to Nina which I believe gave her the edge over Suede in the final cut, because Nina made a comment, “she was confused” and I think the designers may want to see what she can create at Bryant Park. I am sorry for Kenley fans but she acts more like a “cry baby” then a fashion designer, I love how she designs women’s dresses and she could specialize in them but I don’t see her making the next cut for Bryant Park unless the judges allow four designers for the finale like they did two seasons ago, I believe that’s what they are going to do like last year, have four designers show their collections and the judges vote on the last two for the third spot on the Runway Show at Bryant Park.

Plus, disrespecting Tim Gunn and telling the fans that “he doesn’t know what “Hip Hop” is, I think cost her allot, it was rude and I never seen another designer on all the seasons of Project Runway, (sure they have made awesome impersonations of him and he loved the joke) and sure some have stated that they didn’t want to use his advice but to be so rude right to his face, it was sad to see.

Leanne make a fashion statement for Korto and the theme is “country music.”

Sorry Leanne, this was not “country music” I would have dressed Korto in a traditional plaid country skirt, not a long dress, tall cowboy hat, I would have picked up some six guns and a gun holster at the fabric store or asked Tim if he could find some for the design. Maybe the purple color top I would have left because I loved the colors but I am disappointed at how “out-of-touch” some of these fashion designers are with traditional or non-traditional designs. Why didn’t she get it? I love her past work but another flop like this and Leanne would have been gone, and I want her to make Bryant Park because I can’t wait to see what she can do with a complete collection of fashions.

Korto makes a winning design for Suede and the theme is “Punk Rock.”

Korto nails the challenge as LL Cool J. commented and sealed her victory. She seemed to be the only one who really made an effort in her design for Suede. She bleached the pants, chains attached to the shirt, bleached the boots, eye shadow, punk rock hair, “he looked like Marilyn Mason” as Nina Garcia stated. She went over the top and the design were better than Jerell’s I have to admit.

Suede’s design for Jerell was “too safe” no transformation as Heidi Klum stated, it needed more accessories, more uumph! The vest, pants? Aerosmith?

Where was the guitar, or the tall hat? Or the fur vest, or something else? Three times on the final pair cost him the exit door. It’s was disappointing because Suede was unique, when he started in the beginning I was hoping he would make it all the way; however making the final five is not an easy feat for any runway designer, so I give him all the credit in the world. He seemed to stall in the last three episodes and I predict you will see Suede in the future, I believe maybe something is bothering him now and in a couple of years he will soar like an eagle. Who knows what the future holds for Suede? Tonight was a great show and waht a concept, making a design for another designer, I just wished it was a different theme and maybe the result would have been totally different.

I am so disappointed that joe left.
he was from the next city over. it would’ve been nice to have a hometown hero of sorts.

plus, his design wasn’t even that bad! now, I have no problem with suede (except him talking in third person all the time) but his design was ridiculous.

jerrell had betta dominate now.

One of the more confusing episodes of Project Runway I have ever seen…

Review of Wednesday’s show in progress…

Anyone who knows anything about professional baseball and the Boston Red Sox knows about the “hot streak” second baseman Dustin Pedroia is having, leading both the American and National League is hits.

Anyone who knows anything about the fashion industry knows about the famous legendary designer Diane Von Fustenberg and her incredible fashion runway shows. Pictured below with Tim Gunn in the canter and guest judge Fern Mallis, from IMG.

So our gallant crew of eager designers had an opportunity of a lifetime, create an outfit, based on Diane’s sketchbook design, for her Fall Collection and the look sold exclusively to all American Express card holders worldwide. She told the designers it should be something, “Marlene Dietrich from the 1930-40’s the look should resemble a woman traveling like a spy from Berlin-Shanghai-and back to NY.

The nine remaining designers had 15 minutes to “visit” the exclusive sample room of Diane’s and take any material they wanted to create the look of a young fashion designer’s lifetime. They had 10 hours left on the first day to work and create a “layered look” to please her on the runway showing the next day.

Kenley decided to just forget about the layered look entirely and make one amazing and gorgeous multi-colored reddish print with a black collar and black trim on the bottom of the dress. One of guest judges mentioned that Kenley could have hit a “home run” if she had included two more pieces for a “layered look,” that both Heidi and Diane were looking for. But Diane gave her credit for her skill and craftsmanship of the garnet.

Joe decided to make a hooded shawl, red pinkish top but the judges commented on it’s poor design, much too Shanghai and he was lucky to stay this week. Stella went too “Transylvanian” in her cape design as Michael Korrs commented and was sent home.

Jerell made this funky jacket, top and mini skirt design which had model look lovely with her air force hat.

Korto came through this week with a gorgeous black and white swirled print, Diane commented on the choice of a yellow dress and Katrina’s little jacket which was both, “beautiful and captivating” as the judges mentioned during the questions after the runway show.

I mentioned hot streaks, so now Leanne fresh from last week’s win, she has immunity, she doesn’t just want to slide into the competition, no way. She goes for it and creates the ultimate show stopper which the judges raved about. A slinky relaxed, long black gown with ruffles in the back, exquisitely made, very sheik and I loved the cute very feminine short taupe jacket which resembled a British Raincoat worn by the detectives at Scotland Yard.

Two wins in a row, can she go for the magic three, no other designer has ever done that before. I hope she keeps the hot streak alive!

The remaining fashion designs not shown here can be found on the Project Runway Web Site

I apologize for the lateness in reporting my reviews so I will start with episode seven and work back from there.

This week the remaining ten designers had a very unusual innovative challenge; make an outfit out of recycled automobile parts from the Saturn Hybrid vehicles.

The designers found themselves on the roof of a building, a group of new hybrids were on the pad, the designers had four (4) minutes to take what they want, place it in a metal shopping cart and wheel the parts away.

I saw seat belts, carburetors, mat covers, dashboard and headlight parts, air filters, designers were breaking things to make them fit right.

Two obstacles came up during this episode. Kenley’s model dropped out of the competition so her original design for her runway model had to be altered. Nevertheless, she did it and made a amazing car filter dress which looked sensational on her model Germane.

The other problem I saw was that the pressure (and criticisms) of Keith’s designs just got to him and as Michael Korrs told him, “everyone will make a judgment on no matter what you make, so you just take it and move on (or something to that effect). Problem being he was rude, crude and make the other designers nervous with his “chip on my shoulder attitude.” His unfinished garment cost him from being on next week’s show and given the traditional “Auf Weidersehen” from Heidi.

Also, asking his model Alyssa not to sit down (which she did) causing him to get really upset and rework his skirt didn’t help. Why didn’t he make the outfit so she could sit down in the first place?

Anyway, did you see what Korto did for her model’s outfit on Katrina? She took seat belts and weave them into a incredible wearable, and gorgeous silver and light brown checkerboard coat. It looked so good Guest Judge Stylist Rachel Zoe, wanted to buy the garment off of Katrina’s back, LOL.

For me the show stopper, and just as I expected, the winning outfit came from Leanne. A black and “feathered white” bustier re cocktail dress made from recycled car seats. She rolled them up and sewed them on in such a way that looked gorgeous on model Karalyn, I even loved the feathered look of her hairstyle that just made the look. I am amazed at how the hair styles make such a dramatic difference in the model’s looks on the runway, awesome!

Other sensational outfits were from Jerell, who made a resin molded futuristic styled dress that would have made the top three except of the amazing work of the other designers.

and Terri’s model Xareira looked “super hot” in her cries cross black top and gorgeous leather “biker” pants. Xareira is such a beautiful and gorgeous model! <3 <3 <3

Overall, the judges were impressed on the craftmanship and workmanship of the garmets the designers made. I have not heard that kind of discussion before usually it’s more like, “I am dissapointed this week.” or “they need to stop slacking or playing it safe.”

As far as for the final three or four for fashion week, I see Leanne, Korto, Suede, Terri and possibly Jerell however, any of the designers could falter or come up with some exceptional work. I was really impressed with Korto’s coat and Leane’s cocktail dress this week.

The remaining designs can be found on Bravo TV’s Project Runway web site

Episode XI

I promise to update the last two episodes I took notes but haven’t written about them. I still need to see the one with Brooke Shields before I can review it…sorry!

Episode V

TBD