Okay kittens, we KNOW you have thoughts on this one.
Before we get down to the nitty et gritty, that was a sort of fun two hours, yes? Like checking in on a bunch of old friends again. Well, old friends and one or two people you deleted from your cell phone years ago.
Although it has to be said: we expected Santino to act like a jackass (and he didn't disappoint on that front), but we were pleasantly surprised by the relative low-key nature of Jeffrey. In fact, he was practically invisible. If anything, there was some unexpected bitchery coming from some unexpected quarters (but we'll get to that later).
As for the challenge, we were a little disappointed. It was so basic.
Sure, they added a twist - and it was a welcome one, sort of. Doing an unconventional materials challenge was practically a given, but Lorenzo in particular found the scenes of designers destroying a restaurant a little tiresome and a little ... how to put this? Undignified, maybe?
Of course, dignity wasn't exactly on the menu last night.
In fact, if we could pin point any one problem, it was that all of these people were too experienced in the pitfalls of reality television and a bit too aware of the camera. Mychael barely uttered 10 sentences the whole night and they were all monotone.
And Chris could barely keep himself awake. Santino would no doubt argue that he was the only entertaining person on the show, but dude, you only came off as a huge lamer. It was embarrassing to watch.Okay, we admit it. We hate to complain after such a long trek through the desert, but frankly, 3 1/2 hours was a little bit of overkill last night. We would have been happier if they'd aired this special on another night. It was fun seeing everyone again, but after the initial pleasure wore off, those 2 hours dragged.
Oh, and Nicole Kidman? LAME.
In case you can't see her behind all those graphics, that's Diane Von Furstenberg and she was a perfect choice for the guest judge. She's probably (although feel free to check) made the most guest judge appearances, so it makes sense that she would be on the All-Stars show. She gives the best damn critiques.But don't think we don't have huge problems with some of the judging decisions last night, many of which seemed totally arbitrary. We will, again, get to all of that in future posts.
So, congrats Danny V! We know a lot of you don't think he deserved the win. Truth be told, he would not have been our pick, but we think the judges had one overriding criterion even if it wasn't stated outright: they were looking for the designer who had shown the most growth since their last time on the show. On that front, Daniel excelled.
And we also want to point out how smoothly professional and comfortable he was throughout the process. Not that he was ever unprofessional back in S2, but there was a real "pro" attitude coming off him this time around. He was focused and clear about what he wanted to do and completely ignored what was going on around him.So let's get to the clothes.
We're not defending the judges here, but we do have to say, sportswear is as valid a choice for a runway show as say, gowns and cocktail dresses. We think the relative casualness of Daniel's collection threw off a lot of viewers who didn't understand the judges' reaction to it. It was actually a pretty savvy move on his part, because his collection instantly stood out.We hated the styling, though.
Do we love this look? Not particularly.
We like each piece separately for the most part, but we can't get all excited about seeing them paired up.
This look, on the other hand, we liked quite a bit.
Very sporty and stylish and modern. We especially like the little pleat that runs down the side of each leg. There were a lot of little touches like that. It's a subtle collection.
And with only two looks, he established a through line and sense of cohesiveness. He was very economical with this collection and we think that's another thing that the judges responded to. There was a laser focus and clarity to it. In fact, if you listen to the judging again, "clarity" was used to describe it again and again.
Okay, we can't really defend this one and this is where the judging went off the rails for us. The standard response to this seems to have been "suicide bomber," and that's true. She does look like she's getting ready to blow herself to kingdom come and take the rest of the models with her. But our first thought - and subsequently the only thing we see now when we look at it - is that she looks like she's wearing a giant version of one of those change dispensers the guys in the stadiums wear when they're selling hot dogs.
There were at least two other "restaurant challenge" dresses that looked like real clothes; high end clothes, even. That the judges couldn't bring themselves to point out that this is exactly what you're NOT supposed to do with an unconventional materials dress (i.e., fail to make it look like a real dress) instantly makes their decisions a little suspect.
Here it is, girls. Here's what won him the prize money. And to be fair, we really can't argue with that.
It's not just a pretty, stylish, trendy look; it's also unconventional and the judges eat that shit up like pudding.
He chose an interesting material to work with.
And then turned around and did interesting things with it that, if you have any familiarity with his prior work, perfectly summed up his style and aesthetic. It was Danny V. 2.0, from the cute little sleeves...
To the color-blocking and dramatic embellishments. Maybe we're too much the PR scholars, but we would have known this was a Danny V original without being told.
Again, we really think that's what the judges responded to. They ALWAYS had a hardon for Daniel. Like Christian Siriano, he embodies exactly what they think a rising young designer should be and if you remember the finale of S2, their disappointment in his Bryant Park collection was obvious and palpable. He let them down last time and they were just looking for the chance to give it to him again.
So it seems to us they unconsciously decided on a certain set of criteria to give him the win: they placed a ton of importance on the red carpet look because it was his strongest look, and they decided that growth and improvement were more important than producing 4 flawless looks (something that at least 2 other designers managed).To be fair (and clear), we love Daniel and we're happy for him. We're not at all suggesting that he didn't "deserve" this. As we said, it all goes down to what the criteria are for giving the win.
[Photo: David Russell/myLifetime.com - Video: myLifetime.com - Screencaps: Projectrungay.blogspot.com]
Post a Comment
8/21/09, 5:16 PM
Hi Chris March!!! *waves madly* Glad you're taking care of yourself. That first look you did was a fave of mine.
8/21/09, 5:23 PM
Hey, Chris,
Thanks for letting us know how you are. I totally thought you were robbed; I loved your collection! Take care of yourself and remember to keep us up to date on what you are doing!
8/21/09, 5:24 PM
I've always defended Santino/ kind of liked him but he was an ass last night. It seemed like he just went on the show to be an ass. And now he's being an ass to Tlo on Twitter.
8/21/09, 5:46 PM
I was rooting for Korto and really felt hre disappointment...her 'restaurant' dress was faboo!....I also loved Sweet P's little cutesy dress...adorable...
8/21/09, 5:49 PM
The judging for Daniel's collection cracked me up.
Heidi: Did you see those boobies?
Michael: BOY DID I!
Heidi: They were going jiggly jiggly boingy boin-
Nina: So about the clothes...
Thanks for checking in, Chris! Its good to know you're taking care of yourself. We want to see much more of you.
8/21/09, 6:02 PM
I HATED his red carpet look. It looked like something Heidi would wear and you guys would make fun of.
At least the judges finally got to put their hard-on for Daniel into something.
8/21/09, 6:03 PM
I was praying for Korto FTW in the final two, but plainly she needs to take a lesson from Chris March: Welcome the win you have, it is much, much more wondrous than the win you were competing for.
I mean, the judges were praising her as if she IS the next Michael Kors: she makes clothes that women want to wear! Plus the historic lady president of Liberia owns one of her dresses, women are gaga for her jewelry, and her bags are in stores. Why should winning Project Runway be more important than all that? Let it go, baby.
8/21/09, 6:11 PM
Gaaaasssssp. Chris. Here. Mixing with the minions. So happy to know he's getting the compliment and even more relieved to hear he is working on his health issues. Keep it up, Chris! We want to see MORE from you!!
8/21/09, 6:15 PM
Daniel's Collection:
I think it is great that he did sportswear and that the judges were evolved enough to appreciate it. Daniel did not lose me with sportswear, rather he lost me off the bat with pairing the clothes with high heeled sandals. I still have smoke coming out of my ears over that. He should have done a heeled bootie.
Look #1 - Excuse me why I laugh about Heidi's boob comment. Really the outfit is not bad, it is the aforementioned shoes and the rest of his stlyling that lost the look. I am not sure I like the shiny skirt paired with the stretchy shirt.
Look #2 - I like the pants. I can see where Daniel was going with the vest. I don't get the blouse. I wonder if he would have shuffled some of the pieces between the Looks 1 and 2 if he would have gotten a better result.
Look #3 - Oh my word, this thing is ten times worse in the still photo, and I did not think that was possible! When Heidi or Tim present an unusual material challenge, you just sit there and wait for the train wrecks a la Wendy's balloon bikini, Vincent's refrigerator box dress, or Jerry's serial killer debutante. This is one of those looks, and I haven't even gotten to the back of the dress!!!!!!!!
Look #4 - This really is a spectacular dress in both design and construction. It was the best look of the night and one of the best looks created for the show.
To be sure, Look #4 was a marvel, but the other stuff, especially #3 was sooo bad that it is a travesty that he won the $100K.
8/21/09, 6:16 PM
Chris -
Glad to know you're doing okay. You are the epitome of humility and grace, as well as the funny. Your collection was scrumptious!
8/21/09, 6:18 PM
Chris should have won. He showed the best collection. I was astounded by it, frankly.
Interesting that the judges were disappointed in Jeffrey's level of finishing. I could hear Laura's chortle al the way in St. Louis.
Itsjustme
8/21/09, 6:20 PM
So great to hear from you Chris and so glad you're well.
I just loved your collection and just hearing you laugh made us all smile.
8/21/09, 6:21 PM
Other than the red carpet dress which was nice but not a jaw dropping stunner, I have to say that it was messy and homely. Were the pants cute? Eh, ok, I'll give him that but cripe the shirts looked like what the 25 year olds at work wear when they raid the bargain bin at Cheap-mart. And the bra-less athletic top!!??? What a hot mess. I wore this crap when I was broke and had one too many cocktails back in the 80's. It was poor judgement on my immature brain's part and it was poor judging last night. Nina really believes that women want to be seen in this and pay a lot of money too? Come on, I don't believe that.
8/21/09, 6:23 PM
Lenora said...
I've always defended Santino/ kind of liked him but he was an ass last night. It seemed like he just went on the show to be an ass. And now he's being an ass to Tlo on Twitter.
He's also trashing Tim Gunn:
"Seriously-Tim Gunn Is Ready 4 Assisted-Living! Fuck U Old Man!"
8/21/09, 6:27 PM
Will someone posts the text of the tweets so that we don't give him the satisfaction of getting hits. Normally I want to "patronize" the blogger, tweeter or whatnot, but I suspect that he is attention seeking.
8/21/09, 6:34 PM
I am always relieved to read TLo's and reader comments to affirm I am not crazy!
I love the suggestion to include a poll in the TLo Lounge after each episode. I think there are Facebook apps for that.
My picks: Uli #1, Korto #2, Chris #3
8/21/09, 6:39 PM
David said:
He's also trashing Tim Gunn:
"Seriously-Tim Gunn Is Ready 4 Assisted-Living! Fuck U Old Man!"
I forgot about that; way to be an ass!
A said "Will someone posts the text of the tweets so that we don't give him the satisfaction of getting hits. Normally I want to "patronize" the blogger, tweeter or whatnot, but I suspect that he is attention seeking."
Sure, here they are:
@tomandlorenzo If I'm Lame, You're PARAPLEGIC! You2& the desperate lot that U show favoritism to-Can BURN- I had a blast & will do it again!
@tomandlorenzo PS- U Don't Get It & Never Will. Your Opinions Mean Nothing-Make sure you say "hello" in-person. CAN'T WAIT! Big Smooch!
8/21/09, 6:40 PM
a said...
Will someone posts the text of the tweets so that we don't give him the satisfaction of getting hits. Normally I want to "patronize" the blogger, tweeter or whatnot, but I suspect that he is attention seeking.
"@tomandlorenzo "Santino showed interview w/ Laura to Jeffrey:" I HATE ALTHOUGH WE'VE NEVER MET & SHE THINKS SHE KNOWS ME- BAD MOVE ON HER"
"@tomandlorenzo PS- U Don't Get It & Never Will. Your Opinions Mean Nothing-Make sure you say "hello" in-person. CAN'T WAIT! Big Smooch!"
"@tomandlorenzo If I'm Lame, You're PARAPLEGIC! You2& the desperate lot that U show favoritism to-Can BURN- I had a blast & will do it again!"
"Seriously-Tim Gunn Is Ready 4 Assisted-Living! Fuck U Old Man! http://bit.ly/7DGUs"
8/21/09, 6:49 PM
I was praying for Korto FTW in the final two. However, I think she needs to take a lesson from Chris March: Welcome the win you have; it is so much more wondrous than the win you were competing for.
I mean, she just got more national exposure, women are gaga for her jewelry, her handbags are in stores, and the judges were praising her as if she is ALREADY the next Michael Kors: "You make clothes women want to wear!"
Time to leave Project Runway behind, baby. The untelevised life is going to reward you far more.
8/21/09, 6:54 PM
I'm not going through all the comments to see if this has been said (sorry!), but I think the problem was that the red carpet dressed couldn't be judged separately from the rest of the collection. I think overall, Korto deserved the win based on her collection, but Daniel definitely deserved it based on his red carpet dress. And since the judges knew Nicole Kidman would actually have to wear the dress, and she wasn't there to defend herself, they gave the win to the designer with the better red carpet dress so Nic wouldn't have to show up to the premiere in something blah. If there had been a prize for the best red carpet dress apart from the grand prize, the outcome might have been different.
8/21/09, 6:57 PM
Chris --
How good of you to share that update on your health -- it's none of my business, and yet it's a relief to know. (The editing really provided no explanation!) How amazing that under those circumstances you were able to pull out such a beautiful collection!
-- CAAF
8/21/09, 7:00 PM
Daniel?
Ugh, ugh and ugh.
and the Zombie!Jock styling made them look even worse. Not bashing Daniel, he is a very talented and seemingly nice young man.
What can I say except to agree that I thought Chris had come the farthest and his collection was just wonderful.
The McCardell comment Mr. Kors made was on the money. Elegant sportswear with a nice twist.
8/21/09, 7:05 PM
Hey, it's Chris March - one of the most awesome people on the planet! Chris - so glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself. You were the reason I wanted to watch last night and it was great to see you make fabulous clothes. Wish I could have some! It is always a please to cheer for you.
As for the lame ALP, my guess is that he is unhappy that he didn't get the attention/coverage he was planning on last night and he is trying to stretch his 15 mins. Otherwise I am scared for him, this kind behavior is a great big warning sign. If it is authentic - Dude, GO TO A MEETING!
I think that the mention about his workmanship was a shoutout to Laura.
8/21/09, 7:07 PM
TLo said:
"We think the relative casualness of Daniel's collection threw off a lot of viewers who didn't understand the judges' reaction to it."
No, I think most of us UNDERSTAND casualness - I also think most of us KNOW ugly when we see it!
And I AM suggesting that Danny V. did not deserve to win.
8/21/09, 7:13 PM
Chris,
You keep taking care of yourself! You certainly got the short end of the stick in the editing department!
8/21/09, 7:21 PM
Chris, I just realized the phrase for "something" I blanked out while writing my earlier comment is:
je ne sais quoi
That's what your collection had above all the others'.
Best wishes to you, dear. We knew the schedule was tough because Tim told Mo Ryan he almost had a breakdown during filming!
8/21/09, 7:25 PM
Bravo has been running Uli's season of Project Runway all day and remember when Tim warned her, "Don't bore Nina!" As I stripped wallpaper I took note of Nina and Michael and Heidi talking about her doing the same thing (floaty patterned dresses) over and over again.
In my opinion Uli grew the most. Her designs were beautifully executed. She should have won.
8/21/09, 7:37 PM
Uli was robbed. Again!
It should have been Uli without question. She was outstanding. Uli and Korto had the best work.
Danny V`s clothes were dreadful. What the hell were those whack judges thinking? Yikes. Epic fail. He did NOT deserve to win.
8/21/09, 8:01 PM
Nicole Kidman never said SHE was going to wear the winning dress! She said something to the effect of "it will be worn on the red carpet." That's what made her video appearance so extra lame!
It could be worn on the red carpet by the cockapoo in a D-lister's purse!
8/21/09, 8:09 PM
I have to say while I loved Daniel in S2 personally, his looks were really hit and miss for me and sometimes I didn't get the praise that was heaped on them. I loved the red carpet dress last night tho and the sportswear look with the long pants. I didn't get the weird, bulky restaurant look at all and was confused when the judges wetted themselves over it.
Did you not love by the way Heidi's comment about boobs going everyplace making her dizzy?
I felt sorry for Korto. I think she maybe had a better collection overall as there were no weak spots. Also, loved Sweet P. And I'm sorry Uli didn't go further.
8/21/09, 8:28 PM
I was so shocked. Uli created a flawless and gorgeously imaginative collection and got eliminated. I wasn't even an Uli supporter, but she deserved to win hands-down. The choices the judges made were perplexing to me on an epic scale. No way for Daniel to win, and no way for Chris to have been there in the last group. His stuff was nice, but poorly, and dare I say, lazily constructed. Weirdness all around and hugely disappointing.
8/21/09, 8:52 PM
I can't help it! I really did like Daniel's dress, but the gussets reminded me too much of how Chloe did her darts. Before the show I was hoping Uli, but seeing the collections, I was trying to 'think method' Korto. I also really liked Chris' collection. I thought it so heartwarming to see his reaction to the judges' compliments. Sweet P's was to ethereal for me.
8/21/09, 9:03 PM
I appreciate that Daniel's red carpet dress was good, but honestly I thought Korto was the best collection overall.
While I hated the sleeping bear edit Chris got, I liked his collection as well and I'm glad he finally felt like they were looking at him as a designer and not just a costume designer.
8/21/09, 9:03 PM
Does anybody know where I can watch this online? I don't have lifetime in my cable package and it seems episode 1 and the models of the runway are all online somewhere but this is nowhere to be found.
8/21/09, 9:15 PM
Korto definitely deserved the win, but I wasn't surprised they didn't give it to her. Honestly, she deserved to win her season too but the judges are probably just racist. Okay, not really, Leanne's collection was good too. ANYWAY, Daniel's collection was completely meh-worthy. The ugliness of the restaurant dress canceled out the beauty of the red carpet dress, and the other two were just kind of boring. Chris' was good, but none of it was really wearable. Sweet P's first and last dresses were nice but the restaurant one was totally awful and the other was not flattering.
8/21/09, 9:18 PM
I really look forward to see what u all have to say each night after the show and this was no exception. I HATED Daniels collection and the sucide bomber dress was the worst. Santino's collection could be sold at hookers r us. I loved Korto's collection. It was stylish and elegant. I also cannot see Nicole Kidamn wearing Daniels red carpet look. Think it will make her look washed out. Time will tell I guess.
8/21/09, 9:32 PM
Sigh. I feel that Uli was robbed a second time. I liked all four of her looks and thought her restaurant outfit was second only to Korto's.
Of the four finalists, I thought Korto should have won. I actually liked what Daniel showed in Season 2 better than what he produced here.
8/21/09, 10:05 PM
Uli was robbed. She should have been in the top group at least!
Sweet P's collection? I've seen better on etsy. I kid I kid. (Ok, maybe I mean it a little)
Korto's collection was nice. Not enough time for her to "grow and evolve" as much as the others and so I wasn't particularly rooting for her to win.
Chris' collection was noice. Nothing more to add about that. Ditto for Daniel's. I did like Daniel's the most out of the top 4.
8/21/09, 10:11 PM
I thought Daniel's red carpet gown was gorgeous and wonderfully different.
I guess I fail to see how a completely unattractive innovation challenge garment could be given such a pass.
Korto's work was lovely and cohesive, as were Chris' and Uli's. Overall, I enjoyed more of the work than I thought I would (I did like Michael's red carpet dress, basic as it was) and even though Santino was obnoxious, it was still nice to have everyone back again.
8/21/09, 10:17 PM
This is the least opinionated I have ever read you two to be.
"We don't like the styling, we don't like the look, we can't get excited about it but we are happy he won."
"He would not have been our pick but we're not suggesting he shouldn't have won."
"He has shown so much growth but we recognized it as his immediately." (BTW, That dress was not unlike his work for NYLO except the material had changed and he added a bunch of extraneous buttons/studs. How many years ago was that?)
About the only point you made that I can agree with is that the judges made their decision "unconsciously." Maybe that's the explanation for this ridiculous farce.
8/21/09, 10:32 PM
Yeah, I don't love the scenes of destruction, either.
Maybe if they had more time to gather the materials, it would be less traumatic.
8/21/09, 10:40 PM
Someone else had posted something similar - but that fabric lloks like potato sack bags sprey painted gloss black.
8/21/09, 10:46 PM
When Uli was sent off the runway, I could have just turned the show off. My whole family thought Daniels collection was the worst. His collection looked like he went through the sale rack at Acadamy Sports for his looks. I was disappointed.
8/21/09, 11:11 PM
I too was puzzled by Daniel's win.
I was puzzled by the group of finalists, only one (Korto) would have been in my final 4.
It isn't that I think Daniels collection is unwearable or anything. It looks cheap to me. The fabric and especially the color story look so unsophisticated. The first look is just so tired mini bubbles have already been on the clearance rack at Target and the top just looks like typical yoga wear.
The second look, electric blue leggings? A lot of ladies use to wear those on Grand street in Brooklyn, back in the 90's.
The third look.. I really hope have thickness through the waist comes into style, but I doubt it because it = matronly.
The red carpet look is cute but not expensive looking or innovative in the slightest.
8/22/09, 12:13 AM
From my little TV, the pants looked like blue-spandex leggings.
I'm glad to see that they weren't... it makes the win a little more understandable. (as mistaking leggings for pants is an instant auf in my book)
I still think Uli was robbed... especially if growth was their main criteria. (even if it wasn't - I loved her stuff and judging by the response here, I don't think it was just my TV)
Also, come on. Korto's had a year to grow? (10 months?) Compared to Daniel's 4 years? There is no way that's a valid comparison.
8/22/09, 12:32 AM
Chris was robbed. That collection was so perfectly lovely--both intellectually and aesthetically satisfying. I was stunned by it. At least the judges had the good sense to put him in the top four, but dammit, he was robbed.
8/22/09, 1:16 AM
Of the four, Chris was miles ahead of the other three. Daniel, ugh, boobs bouncing in jersey and size 000 jeans. Chris's runway dress was "too wild" but that's exactly what the runway needs, all these starlets in their boring Vera Wang. Oh well; Chris is going to have a much more interesting life doing costumes than snoozeville fashion.
But I think Uli should have won. No color? Sure, if you're blind. Her work was subtle and glowing. It's funny how she gets "oh, you always do the same thing" and when she changes it in the slightest, it's "oh, it's missing that thing you always do".
8/22/09, 1:37 AM
Had a large group of women watching and NONE of us would ever wear Daniel's clothes. We were all shocked and some left and decided to
boycott the show. Whatever reason
Danny was picked (c'mon spandex with
a bubble skirt? 12 year olds do that
once in 7th grade and move on!!) it had to have something to do with a behind the scenes love fest cuz' his
designs were subpar. Poor Korto and
Chris.
8/22/09, 2:57 AM
Chris darling -- I wanted to give you a hug at the end of the All-Star show. Of *course* you deserved to be in the top four! Sweetie, you were top four on your original season too. Face it, you're awesome.
Was I the only one who found Korto's attitude obnoxious? She's really a sore loser. Personally, I don't think she was robbed in season 5, and I don't think she was robbed here. (I would've given the win to Chris or Sweet P, but I *loved* Danny V's red carpet dress.)
And yeah, Danny V's model should have been wearing a bra. I said it, and was subsequently thrilled that Heidi said it too. :-)
8/22/09, 2:58 AM
Like Christian Siriano, he embodies exactly what they think a rising young designer should be...
A waifish twink who can still be referred to as "precocious" even in adulthood? If that's the case, they're not looking for a designer, they're looking for a companion for that next "business trip".
Don't get me wrong, I love Daniel V, that wasn't a dig at him. He's earned his success, both on the show and on his own. And Christian is unstoppable. But the judges scored from their heartstrings (and in the Dutchess' case, loins) in giving it to Daniel. I just wish that the win was more decisive for him, and not so arguable. He's good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it, I'd take him on a "business trip" anytime, anywhere!
Meanwhile, Chris March is God. Korto, please start having what he's having. Whatever's in your Wheaties isn't working.
8/22/09, 4:37 AM
I think Daniel V. won for his personality and looks. Three out of four of his designs were hideously ugly. The fourth was ok but not enough to make up for the others.
Short, tight, and shiny ruled the day.
If the judges wanted to make up for a mistake they made in a past season, they should have given the win to Uli. She got ripped off much worse in her season than Daniel did in his.
I don't believe that it was said that Nicole Kidman would wear the winning design. (She would have certainly wanted some input if she was going to.) As I understood it, the dress will be worn on the red carpet for the premiere of "Nine." Someone on another site said they could picture Fergie wearing it (she's in the movie.)
It kind of nauseates me that the judges could use such an unfathomable, capricious criteria for judging when there was so much money at stake. It's like back in the day when those big money game shows were fixed (see "Quiz Show"). It seems that the judges may have had inappropriate connections to some of the competitors that could call their impartiality into question. (There has been a lot of this kind of talk on other websites, and a bit of it here.)
8/22/09, 7:38 AM
Can I just say I missed this so much??
I love you boys!
8/22/09, 8:01 AM
Pure bullshit. I like Daniel V as much as the next person, but no way in hell was his collection better than Korto's
And for all of you out there who thought Korto was such a "bitch" for being upset about the win, would you have had the same reaction had it been Uli or Sweet P? Would you have the same reaction if LAURA voiced disappointment? (and you know she would have)
Fuck outta here...
8/22/09, 9:40 AM
Re: Korto
Those interviews are done at something like 12midnight-2am so you could hardly blame someone for being less than cheerfull. Plus she has such a deadpan delivery it's hard to tell if she is joking and it is highly edited. I don't agree that she should have won season 5 , but I can't blame HER for thinking that.
The interview reaction to the finale is done immediately after. Of course she is going to be disappointed , even mad. Especially if the win (suddenly) is based on "growth".
Daniel as had 5 years to grow since his appearance on the show, making the transition from student to designer. Korto was already a full fledge designer when she appeared on the show,only a year ago.
8/22/09, 11:25 AM
When I saw Daniel's collection, especially that restaurant challenge dress, I was sure he was in the bottom. I couldn't believe that Uli was in the bottom - all of her looks were gorgeous! I'm still pissed Korto didn't win, if nothing else, then for the restaurant dress alone! I would wear that in a heartbeat.
8/22/09, 11:26 AM
I don't think Korto was a "bitch."
But I do think she acted ungraciously -- not just on the runway (poor Daniel looked for a moment as if he felt he should apologize to her) and in the interview afterward, but in a couple of the interviews done during filming when she kept digging at LeeAnne.
Would we say the same about Uli, Laura, Sweet Pea? Sure ... if they had ever acted like sore losers. But they never did. When Uli lost S3 to Jeffrey (which I still think she should have won) she was pretty amazing.
I think we all understand the disappointment and frustration of being strung out and angry in your interview after the runway (see Jillian). But it's also *reality tv* and a competition; suck it up for the camera, be a good sport, rave to your family and friends in private, and in time try to appreciate what the show has done to make your work known to a wide base of fans.
Korto's an amazing designer -- and deserves great success. I love her clothes and jewelry -- and I think it's great that she donated the necklace to the contest here even knowing she had lost. But the other people she was competing against were also very talented and deserving. As far as it seemed like she didn't recognize that anyone besides herself had a right to a win, she acted poorly.
-- CAAF
8/22/09, 11:35 AM
My response to Korto's attitude was not based on a single interview. It was her attitude the whole time. "I should have won my season. I was the most famous person on google in the whole world. I was robbed" and on and on and on - she is still saying it currently - see the interviews she did yesterday.
There is no getting around it, she wasn't nice.
And it like Korto in her season as was rooting for her, so I think I would have the same response to anyone who behaved like that, Laura, Chris - anyone who turned into a unrelenting bitch.
8/22/09, 11:36 AM
oh - CAAF said it much better than I did!
8/22/09, 12:08 PM
I was so unimpressed with Dan's collection. I think the win should have been either Korto or Chris. Maybe the judges' opinions on fashion are the reason the industry has lost so much money. No understanding of what the public likes.
8/22/09, 12:10 PM
I was surprised to see such frustration, resentment and bitterness on Korto's part.
She's clearly a fabulously talented designer. It doesn't seem to be enough for her that she's now accepted in that rarified group of individuals who receive positive exposure on national TV and get to show the world their beautiful designs. Publicity like that is priceless.
Yet she blew this opportunity. Yes, she showed exquisite clothing -- absolutely no question there. But this was supposed to be a "collection." Daniel V. happened to show the most unified collection there. He kept the rules of a "collection" most fully in mind and had both a unified style and color story. That he did it with simple garments must have galled Korto. But she should have kept her frustration to herself. Unfortunately, she showed poor sportsmanship and THAT is what the world will remember from her showing this time out. She just should have been thrilled that the world got to see yet even better work from her and kept the rest to herself.
Her day will come. Not necessarily by winning one of these challenges to make the easy money, but with great designs and good spirits.
8/22/09, 12:39 PM
I'm happy for Danny V., but man that was SUCH a strong showing from everyone. Even Jeffrey and Santino had one or two looks that seemed like winners.
I didn't hate Daniel's collection; I even saw what the judges liked about his restaurant dress. I definitely thought, however, that Chris's and Korto's were stronger.
8/22/09, 12:59 PM
I haven't had time to watch the show yet, but reading the outrage at Daniel's win I went to look at pictures of all the collections. I don't understand the love for Korto's collection- it was pretty basic. To me, it was a collection of fairly forgettable outfits. The winner in my opinion was Chris or even Sweet Pea (or Daniel, I wasn't outraged by his win like others).
8/22/09, 2:25 PM
Daniel's stuff reminded me of a bad 80's movie. Can't pull the title out of my head, but the plucky teenager girl fighting off the horrible grown-ups, butches off her hair and cuts up a wet suit for the final show down...all to a Sheena Easton song.
8/22/09, 2:56 PM
Daniel's last dress -- yes. The rest? Boo! So sloppy and not at all appealing. I HATED the pants outfit.
I could not believe they cut Uli in the first round. Her work was subtle but sophisticated and on a higher level than the rest. Boo!
8/22/09, 3:10 PM
Oy, really hated the way Daniel made up the models. What's with the black eye look? Is it now hip to look like you just got beat up??
8/22/09, 5:06 PM
I adore Korto, but her attitude was very unbecoming. Believe me, I can hold a grudge with the best of them, but at some point you just have to LET IT GO. She can look at it as she "lost" twice OR that she very nearly won not once but twice.
8/22/09, 6:46 PM
First, "thank you" Chris March for posting in response to the concern many were showing about your health. I'm glad to hear you are o.k. and under a doctor's care. I loved your collection. It had a certain drama that we would expect from you. (I also loved your collection over Rami's.)
One of the posters above mentioned: "Book written by Daniel V with an introduction by Tim Gunn and an interview with Diane von Furstenberg." Shouldn't there have been a disclaimer about this? It almost doesn't seem fair if Daniel has these inside connections.
I have to say I did not like his collection. The first look with the bubble skirt totally turned me off. I think what was unexpected is that Daniel is known for classic American sportswear and what he put forth was a little more youthful and edgy. It was a shrewd move on his part (always thinking!) but not enough to give him the win. I liked his redcarpet dress and agree that this was one reason why he won.
Also, the judges always loved Daniel and I think they wanted him to win more than he deserved to win. The growth criteria was lame, especially if the designers were not told that it was part of the judging.
Question: I do not really follow fashion but I love PR. Are famous designers restricted by what people expect of them? This seems to be why they eliminated Uli and it doesn't make sense to me. I loved her collection and thought she should have won.
Polly Glot
8/22/09, 8:37 PM
I loved Chris March's collection. The silhouette was astounding, and the scale (such as the large collar on one outfit) was just perfect for the large plaid of the fabric. That the lines of each garment respected the scale of the fabric's design was a delight to see.
The red carpet gown seemed to me to be just a tad overdone. I giggled when I saw that feather thingy sticking out on the left side - such a Chris touch, even though the dress could have done without it.
Chris, so glad to hear from you and to know that you are managing your health issues. Much love and best of luck to you.
8/22/09, 11:11 PM
Hey, Chris, thanks for chiming in! Loved this collection and you do belong with the in-crowd. We never doubted you!
8/23/09, 1:18 AM
I was rewatching the episode earlier today... is it just me, or was Daniel's restaurant dress much more than 25% "real" fabric?
I mean maybe if you determine 25% by weight and opposed to square feet, it works.
8/23/09, 2:12 AM
The color combos and sportswear styling I see in Daniel's work on this show reminds me a bit of Kors 09 spring RTW...
8/23/09, 3:19 AM
I can understand Korto being bitter and resentful. I felt the exact same way after that result and I wasn't competing. The judges seemed to be judging something other than what was seen on the runway.
8/23/09, 5:18 AM
I did not expect that Chris wouldn't win, Daniel would win, and Korto would whine with such unprofessionalism and self-pity.
8/23/09, 6:54 AM
I hated about half of Daniel's collection in Season 2, and maybe I'm crazy, but I totally thought he deserved the win here.
Sure the 3rd look was a throwaway, but the other three pieces were more intriguing and well-executed than the other collections.
I'm all about his win.
8/23/09, 10:09 AM
Boo indeed. I'm surprised Heidi didn't make the "It looks cheap, no?" comment re: Daniel's collection. I thought the fit on the red carpet dress was horrific as well. I was most surprised that Uli was in the bottom 4...if "growth" or "evolving" was one of their criteria, she showed quite a bit by not doing her predictable prints. I would have been fine with Uli, Korto or Chris winning, but they have such a hard-on for Dan...gah. Quel disappointment. Was very glad to see Jeffrey ditched immediately, however, as I hated that he managed to pull a win his season...undeserved then, undeserved now.
8/23/09, 10:12 AM
While I liked Danie's red carpet look, I would not have chosen him as a winner.
My top choices would have been Uli and Chris.
8/23/09, 11:13 AM
Anonymous
8/22/09 11:26 AM
I think we all understand the disappointment and frustration of being strung out and angry in your interview after the runway (see Jillian).
Okay, you just said that it was okay for Jillian to bitch about not winning, but that was just "frustration".
Korto did the same, and she's a "bitch" for it. She's not allowed to be frustrated too?
Wow, talk about your double standards.
8/23/09, 11:14 AM
I think Daniel deserve his win, I dunno where the hate comes from, I came here to celebrate, and find out that everyone is praising Korto (Who I particulary hate), But of course Uli should have been the runner up, not Korto.
I think they were worried about the dress for Nicole Kidman, and they weren't thinking in the whole collection.
8/23/09, 11:26 AM
MouseAnony said...
Daniel V. happened to show the most unified collection there. He kept the rules of a "collection" most fully in mind and had both a unified style and color story. That he did it with simple garments must have galled Korto. But she should have kept her frustration to herself. Unfortunately, she showed poor sportsmanship and THAT is what the world will remember from her showing this time out. She just should have been thrilled that the world got to see yet even better work from her and kept the rest to herself.
AKA grin like and idiot and be grateful she didn't have to use the rear entrance into Parson's. Good grief.
Korto didn't win. She was fed up about it. I'm pretty sure the other designers were too, but we only saw one exit interview from Santino.
Jillian was fed up when she lost her season and ranted guns blazing against Christian. But she was just "frustrated". Korto, on the other hand, was a "sore loser" and a "bitch".
Yeah, sure.
8/23/09, 11:56 AM
I would have picked:
1. Uli
2. Chris
3. Korto
4. Sweet P
The girls totally rocked; the boys (with the honourable exception of Chris who was totally awesome, despite dealing with food poisoning, flu and sleep problems) might as well not have bothered showing up.
8/23/09, 12:41 PM
The best evening look was Daniel's. The best innovative look was Sweet P.'s. You can't award a win to a collection that didn't produce one of the night's best looks and Daniel's didn't look "home sewn" so he had to be the winner. I thought Uli's was nice but not high end. She was trying to be Leanne and ended up looking more Emily (S5). her dresses were too basic with a lot of frilly stuff added. Korto gave us more almost great, but she did not improve. Jeffrey lost focus, Mychael was close but no cigar, and Santino has no vision. Chris's was strange but focused.
8/23/09, 1:09 PM
Was the suicide bomber dress the best thing to come down the runway? No, absolutely not. But I'm surprised at how much emphasis everyone has placed on the restaurant challenge pieces. That twist was just that - a twist. I truly believe that the only thing the designers needed to do with that challenge was to make something out of unconventional materials that would fit in with the rest of the collection. It didn't need to be showstopping, or even particularly wearable - it just needed to look like it belonged with the others. Daniel was savvy enough to realize that, and put his focus on the thing that really counted - the premiere dress. And, frankly, he knocked it out of the park. I can think of at least half a dozen celebs that would wear that dress and look fierce as hell doing it. Give me another 5 minutes, and I could come up with a couple dozen more.
And this is precisely where Korto went wrong. Yes, that restaurant dress was gorgeous. But it was so gorgeous that it completely overshadowed the rest of her collection. That "twist" dress was better looking than her actual premiere dress.
Short version: yes, Daniel's win was thoroughly deserved.
Also - *waves madly at Chris March* Tilda Swinton needs to wear that premiere gown - she would rock that hard!
8/23/09, 2:05 PM
Each of the four finalists did a fine job. Although I didn't like Daniel's collection much, the collection showed innovation, thus meeting the judges' criteria.
Chris and Sweet Pea showed their best efforts yet. Good for you. Korto's work was also quite pretty, but did she have to pull that spoiled child face and storm out after Daniel was announced winner. Most unbecoming for such a talented designer.
8/23/09, 4:31 PM
It may have been the editing, but I started to worry that Chris has sleep apnea.
8/24/09, 3:23 AM
Chris March: Genius with self-esteem issues.
Korto: Needs to be challenged in order to bring out genius-otherwise she reaches into her bag of tricks.
Uli: Lots of possiblity. Confusing.
Daniel V.: Ambitious, talented, professional, and adorable. Not genius.
8/24/09, 3:04 PM
I know everybody seems to be in love with Korto's collection, but there was a certain predictability to it. And even though Korto's unconventional materials dress was a stunner, it was her red carpet dress. You mean to tell me that with all that cash, she couldn't have made a dress with the regular fabric that she had? It just seemed to be a bit desperate... in fact, her collection reminded me of her entire season on PR... amazing skills, blowing everyone out of the park with her seat belt dress (even if it didn't win), but when it came down to seeing her final collection, it just seemed disappointing. In my book, she barely made the top 4, replacing Sweet P.
Chris had a fine collection. Sweet P was okay as a fourth (even if I would have had her fifth), but my biggest problem with the judging is that I would have seen Uli in the final two.
I have no problems with Daniel V getting the win. If I were at the controls, Daniel and Uli were my top two, and my only slight disappointment with the judging comes from the fact that I would have picked a different season's runner-up to again finish second.
And it once again showed that any single one dress can make the judges forget about everything else. But besides that, he told a complete story, had laser-like focus, and presented a polished runway show in just 4 looks. No other designer showed those skills, even if the restaurant dress was not a good idea (but I still did like the base material and the matte plastic "jacket" over top).
So, I will disagree with the vast majority and agree with the winner (even if Uli deserved a shot at convincing the judges through Q&A).
8/25/09, 3:02 PM
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much fro responding to our concerns. WE love you and wish you nothing but the best in life. I'm so glad to hear that you are taking your health seriously. I know exactly where you are coming from. Last year I was diagnosed with diabetes and sleep apnea, and I recognised the symptoms. I am so sorry you had such a rough time during the challenge but It definetely did not show in your work. It was amazing! Keep taking care of yourself and keep up the fabulous work that you do!
8/25/09, 7:01 PM
Daniel V's collection looked exactly like the designs he showed at the beginning of the show. He didn't deserve to win.
8/25/09, 8:16 PM
Michael Kors was so excited when talking about Daniel. I think he is so in love with him.
8/25/09, 11:19 PM
I've adored Dan V since I started watching the show (Middle of season 2). He created looks that were sleek, feminine, sexy, and different. I liked that he didn't always go for the obvious little dresses. Here though, I'm not loving it. I wish his collection was good enough to deserve the win, and I would have loved for him to win his season (or Kara, her collection was GORGEOUS) but I'm not feeling it here.
1: The top is cute. I'm not loving the shorts. Together, they make her look mismatched and thick waisted.
2: I want to like it more, and the back is cute, but I'm not seeing anything innovative. I can find this at many department/exercise clothing stores. It's just boring with a side of overworked that makes it look bland and sloppy.
3: The silhouette isn't bad but it doesn't look like real clothes. Note that s2 had the alternative materials challenge that called for the least innovation. Supermarket, car parts, recycling, candy-these push you out of your comfort zone. Flowers can make any boring dress look pretty and exhuberant
4: Gorgeous. I love it, but he didn't deserve the win for this one look
8/26/09, 12:42 AM
Were these judges on crack???? Out of all the collections, me and my hubby were saying, "as long as Daniel doesn't win, we'll be okay with it." And geebus, look what happens! Uli and Jeffrey's were definitely the best, and even Chris had something cool to show. Basically, Daniel's was the only one who had NOTHING that I wanted to wear. WTF??!?!
8/27/09, 12:41 AM
Why is Nicole Kidman "Lame"?
Regardless of her box office appeal, she is still a style icon.
Explain yourselves.
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